cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Errors in reduction methods

A mathematical basis is given for comparing the relative merits of various techniques used to reduce the order of large linear and nonlinear dynamics problems during their numerical integration. In such techniques as Guyan-Irons, path derivatives, selected eigenvectors, Ritz vectors, etc., the nth order initial value problem of /y(dot) = f(y) for t greater than 0, y(0) given/ is typically reduced to the mth order (m is much less than n) problem of /z(dot) = g(z) for t greater than 0, z(0) given/ by the transformation y = Pz where P changes from technique to technique. This paper gives an explicit approximate expression for the reduction error e-i in terms of P and the Jacobian of f. It is shown that: (a) reduction techniques are more accurate when the time rate of change of the response y is relatively small; (b) the change in response between two successive stations contributes to the errors at future stations after the change in response is transformed by a filtering matrix H, defined in terms of P; (c) the error committed at a station propagates to future stations by a mixing and scaling matrix G, defined in terms of P, Jacobian and of f, and time increment h. The paper discusses the conditions under which the reduction errors may be minimized and gives guidelines for selecting the reduction basis vector, i.e., the columns of P.
OXYGEN TRANSFER FROM ORGANOELEMENT OXIDES TO CARBON MONOXIDE CATALYZED BY TRANSITION METAL CARBONYLS

Solutions of Rh(PR3)2(CO)Cl (R = Me, Ph) are found to catalyze the rapid transfer of oxygen from amine oxides or organoselenium oxides to carbon monoxide; however, the rhodium complexes undergo no reaction with the oxides in the absence of added CO. Kinetic studies indicate that the catalytically active species is the CO-substituted complex Rh(PR3)(CO)2Cl, although it is not present in any observable concentration under the conditions of the reaction. Ir(PPh3)2(CO)2Cl also acts as an efficient catalyst precursor for the same oxygen transfer reactions, although like the rhodium complex it undergoes little or no direct reaction with the oxides. The catalytically active species is again found to be the product of substitution of a ligand (in this case, chloride) by CO: [Ir(PPh3)2(CO)3]+ in either ion-paired or unpaired states. Among substrates with weak E−O bonds (E = N, Se), reactivity correlates with substrate basicity in accord with a transition state having the character of a nucleophilic attack (at car...
Sulfhydryl groups and the differentiation of murine erythroleukemia cells.

Abstract The importance of cysteine and sulfhydryl groups has been demonstrated in relation to the differentiation and respiration of Friend erythroleukemia cells (FLC). The respiratory rate of undifferentiated FLC was higher basally (5.06 ± 0.16 vs. 3.10 ± 0.09 nmoles 02/min/10 6 cells) and was further 70% stimulated by addition of cysteine, whereas DMSO-induced differentiated cells were insensitive. A sulfhydryl blocking agent (PCMS) was capable of maintaining the differentiated state of FLC cultured in the absence of DMSO and this effect appeared to be reversible upon removal of the PCMS.
Activity metabolism of the toad (Bufo americanus): Ecological consequences of ontogenetic change

Following metamorphosis, juvenile toads form dense, heliothermic aggregations on the margins of the ponds from which they emerge. After a period of growth and development, during which body mass increases ten-fold, the juveniles disperse from the pond and assume the solitary, nocturnal habits that characterize adult toads. The dispersal of the toads coincides with the culmination of ontogenetic changes in activity metabolism. Unlike adults, juvenile toads exhaust rapidly when exercised and exhibit a low aerobic component of total metabolic scope. Values of aerobic scope for sustained activity ranged from 0.5 ml O2/(g·h) for the smallest juveniles to 1.0 ml O2/(g·h) for adults. The capacity of juveniles for oxygen consumption increases rapidly with growth, reaching the level of mature animals immediately prior to dispersal. In contrast to aerobic metabolism, anaerobic scope was independent of body size. Whole body lactate content after a 1 min bout of vigorous activity was elevated above the resting level by 0.14 mg lactate/g for both juvenile and adult animals. The elevated body temperatures that are achieved by basking juvenile toads probably hasten their physiological development and increase their capacity for aerobic metabolism.
Altered affective modulation of the startle reflex in alcoholics with antisocial personality disorder.

Background: Individual differences in neural circuitry that regulate emotional reactivity may be associated with alcoholism and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), a common comorbid condition. The emotion-modulated startle reflex was used to investigate emotional reactivity among alcohol-dependent (AD) men with and without ASPD. Methods: Sixty-two men were tested: (1) AD (n= 24), (2) AD-ASPD (n= 17), and (3) non-AD, non-ASPD controls (n= 21). Participants completed self-report instruments and clinical interviews and had eye-blink electromyograms measured in response to acoustic startle probes while viewing color photographs rated as affectively pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant. Results: Startle blink magnitudes were larger during unpleasant as compared with pleasant slides for control and AD groups, resulting in significant linear trend effects (p 0.6). Subjective valence and arousal ratings of the photographs were similar across groups. Conclusions: Adult male alcoholics with ASPD have abnormal emotional responsiveness to both pleasant and unpleasant stimuli relative to alcoholics without ASPD and to controls.
Semantic and associative priming in the cerebral hemispheres: Some words do, some words don't … sometimes, some places

This study investigated spreading activation for words presented to the left and right hemispheres using an automatic semantic priming paradigm. Three types of semantic relations were used: similar-only (Deer-Pony), associated-only (Bee-Honey), and similar + associated (Doctor-Nurse). Priming of lexical decisions was symmetrical over visual fields for all semantic relations when prime words were centrally presented. However, when primes and targets were lateralized to the same visual field, similar-only priming was greater in the LVF than in the RVF, no priming was obtained for associated-only words, and priming was equivalent over visual fields for similar + associated words. Similar results were found using a naming task. These findings suggest that it is important to lateralize both prime and target information to assess hemisphere-specific spreading activation processes. Further, while spreading activation occurs in either hemisphere for the most highly related words (those related by category membership and association), our findings suggest that automatic access to semantic category relatedness occurs primarily in the right cerebral hemisphere. These results imply a unique role for the right hemisphere in the processing of word meanings. We relate our results to our previous proposal (Burgess & Simpson, 1988a; Chiarello, 1988c) that there is rapid selection of one meaning and suppression of other candidates in the left hemisphere, while activation spreads more diffusely in the right hemisphere. We also outline a new proposal that activation spreads in a different manner for associated words than for words related by semantic similarity.
Alternatives to Schooling: Some Reflections.

Since we cannot change the schools, the least we can do is change society. In reading the articles which appeared in the January issue of this journal such was the message I received. Particularly was this message given off by the articles by Heiny, Gregory, Cunningham, Harvey, and Lenke.1 Many share the obvious frustrations of Heiny et al. concerning the contemporary modes of educational organization. It is tempting to throw up one's hands and accept the fact that schools are hopeless and seek alternatives to schooling. Charles Silberman, in a reasoned and well documented fashion, discovered what Lenke is apparently surprised and angry about, i.e., that teachers as well as students are victimized by schools.2 Willard Waller discovered the same thing in 1932.3 Indeed, each generation seems to discover that institutions have a way of enslaving both the ruler and the ruled and that men are seldom free and autonomous after all. For each generation, this discovery comes as a startling surprise and is articulated as a new and unique phenomenon.
The Study and Publication of Maps as Documents in Historical Scholarship

(1991). The Study and Publication of Maps as Documents in Historical Scholarship. Historical Methods: A Journal of Quantitative and Interdisciplinary History: Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 110-115.
Performance of a time-variant filter in the presence of dominant 1/ƒ; noise☆

Abstract The performance of a gated integrator filter has been compared to that of a typical pseudo-Gaussian filter for the case of a high resolution Si(Li) detector-opto feedback FET system. It has been found that the theoretically predicted better filtering of the former for series and 1/ƒ noise is borne out in practice and that the effect can be as significant as a 15 eV reduction out of 90 eV (fwhm) at long time constants.
Metabolism of aromatic amino acids in collagen diseases: urinary excretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid and the interference of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate.

Abstract Urinary 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid was low in 19 children with rheumatic fever and other collagen diseases as compared to 16 controls; its immediate precursors, the meta-catecholamines, were low too, though in a less pronounced way. The excretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid was plotted against that of meta-catecholamines; the results suggest decreased monoamine oxidase activity in the patients. Evidence is also presented that 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate cannot be transformed spontaneously to 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelate. This latter seems to be produced exclusively by the enzymic transformation of meta-catecholamines in vivo .
Unimolecular rectifiers: Present status

Abstract Many experimental issues presented here must be resolved before we can really understand unimolecular rectification. Nevertheless, at the University of Alabama six unimolecular rectifiers have been studied (Fig. 1, 1 – 6 ). Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) or Langmuir–Schaefer (LS) monolayer films of these molecules show asymmetric electrical conductivity between Au and Al electrodes. When the films are very compact (LS of 4 , LB of 5 ), and if there is finite intramolecular charge transfer (ICT, or intervalence transfer, IVT), then the electrical behavior persists for many cycles of measurement.
A flexible nudged elastic band program for optimization of minimum energy pathways using ab initio electronic structure methods.

A driver program for carrying out nudged elastic band optimizations of minimum energy reaction pathways is described. This approach allows for the determination of minimum energy pathways using only energies and gradient information. The driver code has been interfaced with the GAUSSIAN 98 program. Applications to two isomerization reactions and to a cluster model for H(2) desorption from the Si(100)-2 x 1 surface are presented.
Apolipoprotein E and Alzheimer's Disease A Rapidly Expanding Field with Medical and Epidemiological Consequences

The Alzheimer's Association and the National Institute on Aging sponsored a meeting of experts in Alzheimer's disease (AD), geneticists, social scientists, and ethicists in Chicago in October 1995 to discuss the use of apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping in Alzheimer's disease. A short scientific report was published in the scientific journal Lancet with recommendations from the group. Several areas were discussed, including: (1) the scientific basis for recommendations on the application and uses of APOE genotyping, (2) clarifying the clinical and epidemiological research that needs to done, (3) genetic counseling issues, (4) ethical and legal issues, and (5) potential uses of APOE genotyping for treatment care planning. This contribution was a general introduction to begin the meeting. The genetic association of APOE genotypes with the age of onset distribution and risk of Alzheimer's disease was reviewed. An analysis of the current applications for three distinctly different applications of APOE genotyping was presented with the following conclusions: (1) predictive testing for cognitively intact persons was not recommended; (2) APOE genotyping is a promising adjunct for use in the differential diagnosis of patients with dementia; and (3) APOE genotyping may have a use in selecting therapies; however, further prospective studies are necessary. There is no universal "APOE test for AD." A strong emphasis was made to avoid use of the term in making recommendations regarding APOE genotyping without specific reference to the type of application involved. The predictive testing of asymptomatic persons versus APOE genotyping as a diagnostic adjunct for symptomatic patients has been seriously confused in both the lay and clinical press. The former application is not recommended, but diagnostic usefulness early in clinical evaluations for dementia has been confirmed.
The effect of spatial noise of LCD displays on the detection capabilities of the human observer

This paper presents results of physical as well as psychophysical evaluations of an LCD with respect to its spatial noise. Spatial noise is quantified using a high-resolution CCD camera and a method is developed to compensate for it. This compensation method is based on a spatial noise map, derived from the CCD camera images, and on the application of an error diffusion algorithm. This method of noise compensation reduces the spatial noise by about a factor of 2. Psychophysical evaluation is performed in order to explore the dependence of human contrast sensitivity on display spatial noise. This evaluation uses the two-alternative forced choice (2-AFC) method. Aperiodic Gaussian-shaped objects, which simulate lung nodules, serve as stimuli. The detectability index, d', calculated indicates that spatial noise compensation leads to a lower contrast threshold.
Social Science Lessons from Diarrhea Research and Their Application to ARI

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is one of the chief causes of morbidity and mortality in the Third World. Community-based ARI programs have recently been called for by international health agencies. At this initial stage of program development, it is prudent to consider a series of lessons learned by anthropologists during over a decade of research on diarrheal disease. Following a brief description of the nature and magnitude of ARI as an international health problem, 15 lessons are highlighted. Existing data on ARI recognition, management, and evaluation are presented as a means of suggesting why these lessons are relevant for the planning of ARI-related interventions and education programs. The relevance of these lessons extend beyond ARI.
Comparison of Telomerase Levels before and after Differentiation of Two Cell Lines of Human Neuroblastoma

Abstract Background. Telomerase is the enzyme that is responsible for maintaining telomere length in human germ cells, tumor cells, and immortalized cells. Its specific role in the immortilization process is unknown. This study was performed to determined whether the level of telomerase activity in human neuroblastoma cell lines correlated with their level of differentiation. We proposed that as neuroblastoma cells differentiated into more mature or benign cells, the levels of telomerase expression would decrease. Materials and Methods. Two human neuroblastoma cells lines, SK-N-AS and SK-N-DZ, were differentiated using retinoic acid. These cells were assayed for telomerase activity by the telomere repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) before, during, and after treatment with retinoic acid for 8 days. Untreated cells were used for control and were compared to the retinoic acid-treated cells. Differentiation of the cell lines was confirmed by assaying expression of ret mRNA using the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and gel electrophoresis of the radiolabeled products. Results. No statistical difference in telomerase activity was noted between control and treated groups. Conclusions. While telomerase activity has been shown by others to correlate with tumor aggressiveness in human neuroblastoma cells, the mechanism that is involved appears to be separate from cellular differentiation.
DEVELOPMENT OF FLORIDA SMOOTHNESS SPECIFICATIONS FOR FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS

Initial pavement smoothness has been shown to improve overall pavement performance. This combined with the need to provide a comfortable ride for the driving public underscores the importance of achieving high initial pavement smoothness. The Florida Department of Transportation has developed smoothness specifications for asphalt pavements. These smoothness specifications will be used on high-speed facilities and will be based on measurements obtained with laser road profilers. The ultimate goal is to include incentive and disincentive specifications aimed at rewarding the contractor for a high-quality ride and simultaneously providing a financial deterrent to providing a poor-quality ride.
Lactone-Directed Intramolecular Diels−Alder Cyclization: Synthesis of trans-Dihydroconfertifolin

Trienes 1 and 3 were obtained in five steps from ethyl 4-acetoxy-3-oxobutanoate and 6-iodo-3-methyl-1,3-hexadiene. Intramolecular Diels-Alder cyclization of 1 and 3 gave tricyclic lactones 2 and 4 as the major products, respectively. The key intermediate 4 was converted in two steps to trans-dihydroconfertifolin (5).
Characterization of elasto-plastic behavior of actual SAC solder joints for drop test modeling

Abstract This paper focuses on the characterization of the elasto-plastic properties of actual Sn–1.0 wt.%Ag–0.5 wt.%Cu (SAC105), Sn–3.0 wt.%Ag–0.5 wt.%Cu (SAC305) and Sn–4.0 wt.%Ag–0.5 wt.%Cu (SAC405) solder joints for drop test modeling. Several actual ChipArray® BGA (CABGA) packages were cross-sectioned, polished and used as the test vehicles. The drop tests were performed with various impact amplitudes using a specially designed mini drop table along with a conventional drop table to generate plastic deformations in the solder joints. The plastic deformations in the solder joints were measured after each drop using microscope imaging in conjunction with the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The coefficients of the Ramberg–Osgood elasto-plastic model for the solder alloys were extracted from the experimental results using a finite element method (FEM) modeling-based iteration process. An application and validation of the developed model were carried out using pendulum tests.
Impact of the use of an endorectal balloon on rectal dosimetry during stereotactic body radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer.

Abstract Purpose Endorectal balloons may be of benefit during stereotactic body radiation therapy of the prostate to limit intrafraction prostatic motion and potentially minimize rectal toxicity. We evaluated the effect of the endorectal balloon (ERB) on rectal dosimetry, specifically the absolute volume of rectum receiving high dose. Methods and materials Eleven patients with localized prostate cancer underwent stereotactic body radiation therapy planning with computed tomography simulation with and without a RadiaDyne ERB inflated with 60 mL of water. Prescription dose was 3625 cGy in 5 fractions of 725 cGy. The V3600 (volume receiving 3600 cGy), V3440 (volume receiving 3440 cGy), and volume receiving 50% of the prescription dose were calculated for both the rectum and rectal wall. Repeat plans were generated using smaller planning target volume margins (reduced to 1 mm from 3 mm posteriorly) and after virtually replacing the water-filled ERB with air equivalent density. Comparisons were made using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results The rectal V3600 and V3440 were significantly lower without ERB than with water-filled ERB using standard 3-mm posterior margin ( P = .003 for both V3600/V3440), water-filled ERB using reduced 1-mm posterior margin ( P = .016 and .003), or air-filled ERB ( P = .003 and .004). Regarding the rectal wall, V3600 and V3440 were also significantly lower without ERB than with any ERB, except when using the water-filled ERB with reduced posterior margin ( P = .328). The volumes of rectum and rectal wall receiving lower dose (volume receiving 50% of the prescription dose) were not significantly greater without the ERB. Conclusion We found an increase in the volume of rectum and rectal wall receiving high dose radiation utilizing an ERB. Consideration in using an ERB should account for potential increased rectal dose and subsequent toxicity.
Clinical Emergency Medicine Casebook

Part I. HEENT (Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat) Part II. Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Part III. Pulmonology Part IV. Gastroenterology Part V. Genitourinary and Gynecology Part VI. Neurology and Neurosurgery Part VII. Trauma Part VIII. Orthopedics Part IX. Hand Part X. Pediatrics Part XI. Infectious Disease Part XII. Toxicology and Environmental Part XIII. Miscellaneous.
Electrical applications for novel carbon nanotube morphologies: Does function follow shape?

Nanoscience promises a future of novel devices and technologies that harness the atomic or molecular structure of matter. An intriguing manifestation of this paradigm is in the electrical properties of nonlinear carbon nanotube (CNT) morphologies, such as nanocoils/helices and branched forms, which exploit novel functionality at the nanoscale. For example, in a Y-CNT, the junction region can possess a charge due to the necessary presence of topological defects and catalyst particles. The resultant induced charge and asymmetry is analogous to “gating” that could be harnessed for electrical modulation and switching. Helical morphologies, in addition to use as electrical inductors, could be pertinent for a new type of electronic architecture wherein a coil could correspond to a sequence of junctions with alternating metallic and semiconducting character. While these alternative device concepts represent a revolutionary departure from the conventional architectures, the exact underlying mechanism of self-gated switching behavior is yet to be clearly understood.
Review of stoma site and midline incisional hernias after stoma reversal.

Abstract Background The incidence of incisional hernias after stoma reversal is not well reported. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature reporting data on incisional hernias after stoma reversal. We evaluated both the incidence of stoma site and midline incisional hernias. Methods A systematic review identified studies published between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2012, reporting the incidence of incisional hernia after stoma reversal at either the stoma site or at the midline incision (in cases requiring laparotomy). Pediatric studies were excluded. Assessment of risk of bias, detection method, and essential study-specific characteristics (follow-up duration, stoma type, age, body mass index, and so forth) was done. Results Sixteen studies were included in the analysis; 1613 patients had 1613 stomas formed. Fifteen studies assessed stoma site hernias and five studies assessed midline incisional hernias. The median (range) incidence of stoma site incisional hernias was 8.3% (range 0%–33.9%) and for midline incisional hernias was 44.1% (range 8.7%–58.1%). When evaluating only studies with a low risk of bias, the incidence for stoma site incisional hernias is closer to one in three and for midline incisional hernias is closer to one in two. Conclusion Stoma site and midline incisional hernias are significant clinical complications of stoma reversals. The quality of studies available is poor and heterogeneous. Future prospective randomized controlled trials or observational studies with standardized follow-up and outcome definitions/measurements are needed.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Anaerobic, Nitrate-Dependent, Fe(II)-Oxidizing Bacterium Pseudogulbenkiania ferrooxidans Strain 2002

Pseudogulbenkiania ferrooxidans strain 2002 was isolated as a lithoautotrophic, Fe(II)-oxidizing, nitrate-reducing bacterium. Phylogenetically, it is in a clade within the family Neisseriaceae in the order Nessieriales of the class Betaproteobacteria. It is anticipated that comparative genomic analysis of this strain with other nitrate-dependent, Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria will aid in the elucidation of the genetics and biochemistry underlying this critically important geochemical metabolism.
Sledding injuries a practice-based study is it time to raise awareness?

Background The purpose of this review is to describe our practice-based incidence of sledding injuries in children.
Tidal deformation of a viscoelastic body

Summary. The tidal deformation of a homogeneous viscoelastic sphere due to the gravitational attraction of an external body is calculated. The sphere is modelled as an incompressible Kelvin-Voigt solid. An equation for the displacement field is obtained assuming that strains are small and inertia is negligible. This equation has a series solution in terms of Legendre polynomials. The resulting expression for the displacement field reduces to that for an elastic solid and a viscous fluid in the appropriate limits of the material constants. The first term in the viscoelastic solution is used to calculate the moments induced by tidal deformation assuming a circular orbit. In the absence of obliquity and precession, these moments reduced to a torque about the spin axis. This torque is compared to that predicted by a phase lag analysis. These two approaches are formally equivalent if the tidal dissipation function Q-' depends in a specific way on the difference of the spin and orbital angular velocities.
Characterization of the humoral response induced by a peptide corresponding to variable domain IV of the major outer membrane protein of Chlamydia trachomatis serovar E.

Abstract A 30-amino-acid peptide corresponding to variable domain IV (VD IV) of the major outer membrane protein of Chlamydia trachomatis serovar E was conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and used to immunize mice. The resulting antisera (anti-KLH-VD IV sera) recognized all 15 serovars of C. trachomatis when assayed by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Probing of overlapping hexameric peptides representing VD IV with mouse anti-KLH-VD IV sera revealed that two main regions of the peptide were recognized by the antisera, the N terminus of the peptide, which contains B-complex-specific epitopes, and the middle region of the peptide, which contains a species-conserved domain. When used in an in vitro neutralization assay, these antisera were able to neutralize mainly serovars in the B complex. These data provide evidence that a linear peptide corresponding to VD IV can induce in vitro protection from C. trachomatis infectivity that is subspecies specific.
Preliminary Report on the 29 July 2008 Mw 5.4 Chino Hills, Eastern Los Angeles Basin, California, Earthquake Sequence

The 29 July 2008 Mw 5.4 Chino Hills earthquake was the largest event to occur within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan region since the Mw 6.7 1994 Northridge earthquake. The earthquake was widely felt in a metropolitan region with a population of more than 10 million people and was recorded by hundreds of broadband and strong-motion instruments. In this report we present preliminary analysis of the event and discuss its significance within the seismotectonic framework of the northern Los Angeles basin as revealed by previous moderate earthquakes.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of (-)-carbocyclic 7-deazaoxetanocin G

Abstract The enantioselective snthesis of (-)-(1 R ,2 S ,3 S )-2-amino-7-[2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-cyclobutyl]pyrrolo[2,3- d ]pyrimidin-4(3 H )-one ( 5 ) as the 7-deaza analogue of carbocyclic oxetanocin G is described in 13 steps from trans -3,3-diethoxy-1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)cyclobutane ( 8 in an overall yield of 6%. Included in this route is the use of Pseudomonas cepacia lipase for enzymatic resolution.
Chimpanzee fauna isotopes provide new interpretations of fossil ape and hominin ecologies

Carbon and oxygen stable isotopes within modern and fossil tooth enamel record the aspects of an animal's diet and habitat use. This investigation reports the first isotopic analyses of enamel from a large chimpanzee community and associated fauna, thus providing a means of comparing fossil ape and early hominin palaeoecologies with those of a modern ape. Within Kibale National Park forest, oxygen isotopes differentiate primate niches, allowing for the first isotopic reconstructions of degree of frugivory versus folivory as well as use of arboreal versus terrestrial resources. In a comparison of modern and fossil community isotopic profiles, results indicate that Sivapithecus, a Miocene ape from Pakistan, fed in the forest canopy, as do chimpanzees, but inhabited a forest with less continuous canopy or fed more on leaves. Ardipithecus, an early hominin from Ethiopia, fed both arboreally and terrestrially in a more open habitat than inhabited by chimpanzees.
Operating Experience with High Power Beam Absorbers in the SLAC Beam Switchyard

In four years of operation at progressively increasing levels of average power new observations on the performance of slits, collimators, and beam dumps of various designs have been accumulated. The inherent longevity of high power beam absorbers based on low-Z or graded-Z design philosophy has been successfully demonstrated. Early operating experience at low power levels in the SLAC beam switchyard has been described previously. The performance of multiple protective interlock circuitry is described and system response patterns are given. Two types of beam line failures are discussed: The air burst resulting from the melting of soft-metal vacuum seals and stainless steel transport pipes at modest power densities; and the water burst resulting from the failure of heat transfer surfaces at high power densities. Problems of beam line restoration in a radiation environment are briefly discussed. Downtime to date attending beam-induced failure of the vacuum envelope has been of the order of 350 hours, averages less than 10 hours per event, and accounts for some 15% of the unscheduled downtime from all sources combined.
MRI in Diagnosis of a Giant Prostatic Utricle

A prostatic utricle cyst is an epithelial lined diverticulum arising from the prostatic urethra and usually asymptomatic when small. When enlarged, it may be symptomatic and is typically accompanied by hypospadias. We present a case of a markedly enlarged prostatic utricle in a neonate without hypospadias, demonstrated on voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), ultrasound, and 1.5 Tesla MRI.
Epigenetic modifications: basic mechanisms and role in cardiovascular disease (2013 Grover Conference series)

Epigenetics refers to heritable traits that are not a consequence of DNA sequence. Three classes of epigenetic regulation exist: DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA action. In the cardiovascular system, epigenetic regulation affects development, differentiation, and disease propensity or expression. Defining the determinants of epigenetic regulation offers opportunities for novel strategies for disease prevention and treatment.
On the polyhedrality of cross and quadrilateral closures

Split cuts form a well-known class of valid inequalities for mixed-integer programming problems. Cook et al. (Math Program 47:155---174, 1990) showed that the split closure of a rational polyhedron P is again a polyhedron. In this paper, we extend this result from a single rational polyhedron to the union of a finite number of rational polyhedra. We then use this result to prove that cross cuts yield closures that are rational polyhedra. Cross cuts are a generalization of split cuts introduced by Dash et al. (Math Program 135:221---254, 2012). Finally, we show that the quadrilateral closure of the two-row continuous group relaxation is a polyhedron, answering an open question in Basu et al. (Math Program 126:281---314, 2011).
Synthesis and Application of Bifunctional Porous Polymers Bearing Chloride and Sulfonic Acid as Cellulase-Mimetic Solid Acids for Cellulose Hydrolysis

A two-step strategy was demonstrated to synthesize porous polymeric solid acids with bifunctionality (chloride and sulfonic acid) to mimic cellulase for hydrolyzing cellulose. The solid acids were synthesized from aromatic monomers bearing chloride through Friedel-Crafts polymerization and then sulfonated with fuming sulfuric acid to introduce sulfonic acid. The chloride and sulfonic acid were expected to function as the cellulose-binding group (CBG) and the cellulose-hydrolytic group (CHG), respectively. It was found that the synthesized cellulase-mimetic solid acids were more effective in hydrolyzing microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel) than non-cellulase-mimetic solid acid (Amberlyst 15) and sulfuric acid at the same acid loading. Ball-milled Avicel could be hydrolyzed by up to 84.9 % by the cellulase-mimetic solid acids. The performance of the solid acids was supposedly attributed to the synergetic roles of the CBG and the CHG and the porous structure of the synthesized solid acids.
Possibilities of Keeping Laying-Hens to Obtain Antibodies

Within the field of biological-medical research, laying-hens are being kept increasingly for experimental purposes, but they have a different status to most other laboratory animals in counting as farmyard-animals. There are no defined regulations as regards hens for the laboratory but there are basic regulations for the protection of animals as well as national and European regulations, guidelines and recommendations for hen-keeping for experiments:
Reading There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra:

Here is an intellectually dense reading of Chinua Achebe’s personal history of Biafra, which deconstructs and illuminates the book. Deconstructive components expose elements of Achebe’s narrative that fly beyond the intellectual grasp of his hasty castigators, many of whom vented without having read the book. In the related vein, the illuminative components expose the obligation and burden that Achebe discharged in the book as a Biafran. It is therefore a book whose narrative retraces the responsibility of Achebe’s faith vis-a-vis a historical challenge, which he fulfilled with determination by writing it.
Comparison of relative effectiveness of video with serial visual presentation for target reconnaissance from UASs

Reconnaissance from an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is often done using video presentation. An alternate method is Serial Visual Presentation (SVP). In SVP, a static image remains in view until replaced by a new image at a rate equivalent to the live video. Mardell et al. have shown, in a forested environment, that a higher fraction of targets (people lost in the forest), are found with SVP than with video presentation. Here Mardell’s experiment is repeated for military targets in forested terrain at a fixed altitude. We too find a higher fraction of targets are found using SVP rather than video presentation. Typically it takes five seconds to cover a video field of view and at 30 frames per second. This implies that, for scenes where the target is not moving, 150 video images have nearly identical information (from a reconnaissance point of view) as a single SVP image. This is highly significant since transmission bandwidth is a limiting factor for most UASs. Finding targets in video or in SVP is an arduous task. For that reason we also compare aided target detection performance (Aided SVP) and unaided target detection performance on SVP images.
The Effects of Sedentism on the Processing of Hunted Carcasses in the Southwest: A Comparison of Two Pueblo IV Sites in Central New Mexico

ABSTRACTFaunal remains from the sites of Gran Quivira (LA 120) and Pueblo Colorado (LA 476) in central New Mexico provide important data concerning the significance of hunted resources to sedentary, agricultural communities. Faunal data from both sites suggest that continuous occupation depleted the large game resources of the local area. This paper examines the effect of this overhunting of the local environment on the processing of artiodactyl carcasses. The results of the analysis indicate that, through time, the skeletal remains of antelope (Antilocapra americana) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were processed more intensively for marrow and grease at Pueblo Colorado than at Gran Quivira. It is suggested that this may have been due to Gran Quivira's better access to bison meat via exchange with Plains groups.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Population Analysis on Survival.

Purpose Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy. However, factors associated with disease presentation and outcomes remain uncertain, especially in light of recent changes in workup, such as sentinel lymph node biopsy. Therefore, this study used the SEER database to examine factors that could affect stage at presentation and treatment. Methods We identified 4,543 patients and evaluated associations between sex, race, age, primary disease site, disease presentation, and treatment. We also used univariate and multivariate analyses to examine the effect of these factors on disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). We specifically conducted subgroup analyses on a more modern cohort of patients with MCC treated between 2006 and 2012. Results Male sex, older age, larger tumor size, and primary tumors of the scalp, neck, or trunk were associated with a higher burden of nodal disease. Multivariate predictors of worse DSS/OS in both the recent and overall cohort included age older than 75 years, number of lymph nodes involved, tumors greater than 5 cm, metastatic disease, or lack of radiation therapy. The number of involved nodes was the best predictor of DSS/OS. Associations with radiation therapy were most pronounced in patients with nodal disease and those not undergoing surgery. Conclusions Sex, age, tumor size, and primary site of disease correlated with burden of nodal disease in MCC. Associations between disease presentation and treatment strategies such as radiation and DSS and OS have remained relatively constant in the modern era from 2006 to 2012 compared with findings from prior studies.
A sterile animal model for neuroinflammation

MRI-guided pulsed focused ultrasound combined with systemic infusion of contrast agent microbubbles induces local neuroinflammation in the rat.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Venous Thromboembolism After Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Background. This study examines the incidence and risk of postoperative symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) after orthopaedic foot/ankle surgery. Materials. Patients that received foot/ankle s...
Evidence of Altered Mitochondrial Protein Expression After Chronic Ethanol Consumption in the Aged Estrogen-Deficient Female Rat Heart.

Background Estrogen loss has been implicated to increase the risk of alcoholic cardiomyopathy in post-menopausal women. The purpose of this study was to identify novel mitochondrial protein targets for the treatment of alcoholic cardiomyopathy in aged women using a state-of-the-art proteomics approach. We hypothesized that chronic ethanol (EtOH) ingestion exacerbates maladaptive mitochondrial protein expression in the aged female heart Methods Adult (3 mo) and aged (18 mo) F344 ovary-intact or ovariectomized (OVX) rats were randomly assigned an EtOH or control Lieber-DeCarli ‘all liquid’ diet for 20 wks. Proteomic analyses were conducted in mitochondria isolated from left ventricles using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) 8plex labeling and mass spectrometry (n=3-5/group). Results After EtOH, significant differences (false discovery rate < 5%) were observed in electron transport chain components (NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] flavoprotein 2) as well as proteins involved in lipid metabolism (2,4 dienoyl-CoA reductase) and cellular defense (catalase), suggesting a possible link to congestive heart failure. Directional changes in protein levels were confirmed by Western blotting. Additionally, EtOH significantly reduced state 3 mitochondrial respiration in all groups, yet only reduced respiratory control index (RCI) in the aged OVX rat heart (p<0.05). Conclusions Collectively, the data reveal that EtOH-induced changes in the mitochondrial proteome exacerbate cardiac dysfunction in aged and estrogen-deficient hearts, but not in adult. In conclusion, iTRAQ is a powerful tool for investigating new mitochondrial targets of alcoholic cardiomyopathy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Gendered entanglements: Dakotas and Scandinavians at Spirit Lake, 1900–1930

In this article the author explores the interconnections between the social and the material—as people move to a space on the land, coexisting with one another. By focusing in on one specific place...
Participation in a Diabetes Self-Management Class Among Adults With Diabetes, New Jersey 2013–2015

Identifying patient groups with low participation in diabetes self-management education can inform efforts to improve its use. Data from the 2013-2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to assess variation in participation in a diabetes self-management class in New Jersey. Nonparticipation varied significantly by race/ethnicity (P < .001), education (P < .001), health care coverage (P = .04), county (P < .001), years since diagnosis (P < .001), and whether a diabetes provider visit occurred in the past year (P = .002). Attention is warranted in identifying participation barriers among patients who live in certain counties, have less education, are without health care coverage, have been diagnosed with diabetes more recently, visit a provider less often, or belong to certain racial/ethnic minority groups.
Systemic depletion of lymphocytes following focal radiation to the brain in a murine model

ABSTRACTSevere radiation-related lymphopenia is common and associated with decreased survival in patients with several solid tumors. As the mechanisms underlying systemic lymphopenia are poorly understood, we developed an animal model to study the effects of brain radiation on lymphocytes and cytokines. C57 BL/6 and BALB/c mice received focal brain irradiation (4 Gy x 10 fractions or 2 Gy x 30 fractions). Weekly total lymphocyte counts (TLC), lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in blood and lymph nodes were measured. Non-irradiated lymph nodes were collected and examined before, during, and after radiation. We found that systemic TLC decreased rapidly irrespective of mouse strain or radiation schedule. 4 Gy x 10 resulted in a 42% and 75% & 70% and 49% TLC reduction in C57 BL/6 and BALB/c mice respectively. 2 Gy x 30 caused a 70% / 49% decrease in TLC in C57 BL/6 and BALB/c. Similar trends were seen for total T cells, CD4+, regulatory T and CD8+ cells. Changes in lymph node architecture and cellular compositi...
Additional evidence for the Mesozoic diversification of conifers: Pollen cone of Chimaerostrobus minutus gen. et sp. nov. (Coniferales), from the Lower Jurassic of Antarctica

Abstract Paleontological data indicates that the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic was a critical time interval for the phylogenetic and morphological diversification of conifers, especially modern families. In this study a new genus and species, Chimaerostrobus minutus , is characterized based on an anatomically preserved pollen cone from the Lower Jurassic of Antarctica. The cone was prepared using the cellulose acetate peel technique and studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The pollen cone of Chimaerostrobus is subspheroidal with tightly imbricate microsporophylls. Microsporophylls contain a single vascular bundle and abundant transfusion tissue. There are 22 pollen sacs per microsporophyll that are both abaxially and adaxially attached to the stalk and distal laminar head. In situ pollen grains are oblate, 15–20 μm in equatorial diameter, and asaccate. Chimaerostrobus has a combination of characters indicative of Araucariaceae and extinct conifers such as voltzialeans and Kobalostrobus ; however, due to its unique character mosaic it cannot be assigned to an established group. This new species sheds light on the complexity of pollen cone evolution and the diversity of conifers that were evolving during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic.
Rebalancing Strategies for Long-Term Investors

Leading pension plans employ asset and liability management systems for optimizing their strategic decisions. The multi-stage models link asset allocation decisions with payments to beneficiaries, changes to plan policies and related issues, in order to maximize the plan’s surplus within a given risk tolerance. Temporal aspects complicate the problem but give rise to special opportunities for dynamic investment strategies. Within these models, the portfolio must be re-revised in the face of transaction and market impact costs. The re-balancing problem is posed as a generalized network with side conditions. We develop a specialized algorithm for solving the resulting problem. A real-world pension example illustrates the concepts.
A unified cognitive architecture for physical agents

In this paper we describe ICARUS, a cognitive architecture for physical agents that integrates ideas from a number of traditions, but that has been especially influenced by results from cognitive psychology. We review ICARUS' commitments to memories and representations, then present its basic processes for performance and learning. We illustrate the architecture's behavior on a task from in-city driving that requires interaction among its various components. In addition, we discuss ICARUS' consistency with qualitative findings about the nature of human cognition. In closing, we consider the framework's relation to other cognitive architectures that have been proposed in the literature.
Growth hormone, insulin and glucose concentrations in bovine fetal and maternal plasmas at several stages of gestation.

For cows on d 137 (n = 6), 180 (n = 8), 226 (n = 9) and 250 (n = 5) of gestation (Exp. 1), concentrations of insulin and glucose were two- to three-fold less (P less than .01) in fetal venous plasma than in uterine arterial plasma. Concentrations of growth hormone, conversely, were 10- to 20-fold greater (P less than .01) in fetal venous than in uterine arterial plasma. Concentrations of insulin and glucose in maternal and fetal plasmas and concentrations of growth hormone in maternal plasma did not vary with stage of gestation. Concentrations of growth hormone in fetal venous plasma, however, were greater on d 226 and 250 than on d 137 and 180. For cows (n = 6) on d 198 of gestation (Exp. 2), concentrations of insulin and glucose in maternal and fetal plasmas and of growth hormone in maternal plasma remained relatively constant in samples collected every 30 min for 3 h. In contrast, growth hormone concentrations in fetal venous plasma were highly variable and appeared to be episodic, with pulses of 10 to 60 ng/ml in amplitude. No significant correlations were found among concentrations of insulin, glucose and growth hormone in fetal venous plasma. When samples were collected every 15 min for 4 h from cows (n = 5) on d 198 of gestation (Exp. 3), episodes of growth hormone in fetal venous plasma were irregular in amplitude and frequency.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)