cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The association between parity and birthweight in a longitudinal consecutive pregnancy cohort.

Maternal parity is a well-recognized predictor of infant birthweight, with the lowest birthweights observed among infants born to nulliparous women.1–6 However, few epidemiological studies have addressed the biological reason behind such association. Some differences observed in birthweight by parity may be partially due to selection bias in prior cross-sectional studies, as some nulliparous women do not go on to have other children,1 however, birthweight differences across parity have also been shown in prior sibling analyses.1–6 One prior study reported a birthweight difference of 118 g between first and second born infants; however, when limited only to sibling pairs the difference was even greater at 138 g.7 Another sibling study reported that the first birth was the lightest, but also that the correlation between sibling pairs was less for the first two births than subsequent sibling pairs.2 Lower birthweights among first born infants may be a direct consequence of physiological conditions associated with nulliparity.8 It has been hypothesized that the first pregnancy primes the body and with each subsequent pregnancy the body is more efficient.9, 10 Many other maternal and environmental factors are known to affect birthweight and many such factors also vary across a woman’s reproductive lifespan. Maternal prepregnancy weight or weight gain during pregnancy,11, 12 medical conditions or pregnancy complications, which increase in risk with maternal age such as diabetes or hypertension,13 changes in other behavioral factors such as smoking, and paternity have all been reported to change with increasing parity.1, 14, 15 Most prior studies on parity and birthweight have been limited in the number and type of potential covariates that have been included in their analysis.7 Thus, it is unclear how much of the association between increasing parity and birthweight is due to within woman changes in risk factors between pregnancies. Given the importance of birthweight in predicting long-term health outcomes,16 it is important to better understand this association. In the present study, we utilized a longitudinal cohort of women with consecutive pregnancies to comprehensively examine the relation between maternal parity and birthweight among siblings while including a wide range of potentially confounding variables. We hypothesized that differences in birthweight by parity would be attenuated after accounting for time-varying maternal and pregnancy characteristics within mothers.
Action starring narratives and events: Structure and inference in visual narrative comprehension

Studies of discourse have long placed focus on the inference generated by information that is not overtly expressed, and theories of visual narrative comprehension similarly focused on the inference generated between juxtaposed panels. Within the visual language of comics, star-shaped "flashes" commonly signify impacts, but can be enlarged to the size of a whole panel that can omit all other representational information. These "action star" panels depict a narrative culmination (a "Peak"), but have content which readers must infer, thereby posing a challenge to theories of inference generation in visual narratives that focus only on the semantic changes between juxtaposed images. This paper shows that action stars demand more inference than depicted events, and that they are more coherent in narrative sequences than scrambled sequences (Experiment 1). In addition, action stars play a felicitous narrative role in the sequence (Experiment 2). Together, these results suggest that visual narratives use conventionalized depictions that demand the generation of inferences while retaining narrative coherence of a visual sequence.
Pensamento crítico e acurácia dos diagnósticos de enfermagem. Parte I: risco de diagnósticos de baixa acurácia e novas visões do pensamento crítico

A diversidade e complexidade na interpretacao dos dados dos pacientes contribuem para o risco de menor acuracia dos diagnosticos de enfermagem. Embora os achados em pesquisa confirmem esse risco pela enorme variacao na acuracia, diagnosticos precisos sao essenciais para direcionar as intervencoes de enfermagem para o alcance de resultados positivos na saude. E provavel que o desenvolvimento de habilidades de pensamento critico melhore a acuracia dos diagnosticos feitos pelas enfermeiras. Novas visoes do pensamento critico servem de base para o pensamento critico em enfermagem. Sete habilidades cognitivas e dez formas de pensar sao identificadas como dimensoes do pensamento critico no uso do processo diagnostico.
Platelet enhancement of tumor cell adhesion to subendothelial matrix: role of platelet cytoskeleton and platelet membrane.

Platelet involvement during tumor cell adhesion to subendothelial matrix was examined in vitro. Platelets were subjected to thrombin stimulation and mechanical lysis and examined for their effects on tumor cell adhesion. These treatments altered the platelet ultrastructure and cytoskeletal integrity. Untreated washed rat platelets (WRP) exhibited extensive adhesion to and spreading on substrates and substantially enhanced tumor cell adhesion to the same substrates (i.e., 250% greater than tumor cells without platelets). Thrombin prestimulation of platelets limited platelet adhesion and spreading and platelet facilitation of tumor cell adhesion. Complete mechanical lysis disrupted both the platelet membrane and the cytoskeleton and eliminated the ability of platelets to adhere or to enhance tumor cell adhesion. Partially lysed platelets resembled membrane ghosts and facilitated tumor cell adhesion by a mechanism independent of spreading and cytoskeletal rearrangement. Fractionation studies indicated that platelet cytoskeletal components played a role in the adhesion process. Pretreatment of WRP with cytochalasin A or B dose dependently inhibited microfilament-mediated platelet spreading and platelet-enhanced tumor cell adhesion. Colchicine and vinblastine induced microtubule depolymerization, but they had no observable effect on platelet spreading or platelet-enhanced tumor cell adhesion. It was concluded that platelet-enhanced tumor cell adhesion to subendothelial matrix depends on an intact platelet cytoskeleton and on a platelet membrane component(s) and is mediated by surface contact between platelets and tumor cells. Furthermore, platelet-mediated tumor cell adhesion to subendothelial matrix may involve two mechanisms: one dependent on, and one independent of, platelet spreading and cytoskeletal rearrangement.
Berry-phase description of topological crystalline insulators

We study a class of translational-invariant insulators with discrete rotational symmetry. These insulators have no spin-orbit coupling, and in some cases have no time-reversal symmetry either; i.e., the relevant symmetries are purely crystalline. Nevertheless, topological phases exist which are distinguished by their robust surface modes. Like many well-known topological phases, their band topology is unveiled by the crystalline analog of Berry phases, i.e., parallel transport across certain noncontractible loops in the Brillouin zone. We also identify certain topological phases without any robust surface modes; they are uniquely distinguished by parallel transport along bent loops, whose shapes are determined by the symmetry group. Our findings have experimental implications in cold-atom systems, where the crystalline Berry phase has been directly measured.
Increased Nisin in Cheddar-Type Cheese Prepared with pH Control of the Bulk Starter Culture System

Abstract Five strains of Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis and one transconjugant strain of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris , previously shown to be nisin producers, were evaluated for nisin production during growth in pH-controlled media. Four strains showed increased nisin production in pH-controlled 10% reconstituted skim milk. The transconjugant, L. lactis ssp. cremoris JS102, produced a sixfold increase in nisin, L. lactis ssp. lactis NCDO 1402 and CNRZ 148 showed threefold increases, and nisin increased by fourfold in L. lactis ssp. lactis CNRZ 150. Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis NCDO 1404 and ATCC 11454 did not show a discernible increase. All strains had three- to fivefold increases of colony-forming units per milliter when grown in pH-controlled media. Five vats of Cheddar cheese were manufactured using a pH-controlled bulk starter system consisting of strains JS102 and NCDO 1404. Approximately 20% more nisin was found in cheese prepared with a pH-controlled bulk starter than in cheese prepared without a pH-controlled bulk starter. The increase in nisin in the cheese could be attributed to higher cell numbers in the pH-controlled bulk starter culture and to carry-over from the inoculum.
Message from the DCCS program chair

Welcome to DCCS 2012 in Boston! All of us depend upon computers in our everyday lives. But, as the complexity of computer-based systems and networks grows, it is ever more challenging to provide resilience to malicious attacks, accidental faults, design errors, and unexpected operating conditions. Beyond that, such systems are increasingly trusted to provide safety, confidentiality, and near-continuous operation. The challenges to providing computing that is truly dependable in all respects are significant, but meeting them is essential to corporations, individuals, governments, and our global economy.
An Analysis of Transfer Coefficients Calculated Directly from Epicardial and Body Surface Potential Measurements in the Intact Dog

This study dealt with the question of how to estimate body surface potentials from epicardial potential distributions in intact dogs; in particular, the study considered the feasibility of obtaining transfer coefficients directly from sequences of epicardial and body surface measurements of ventricular excitation and repolarization potential distributions, rather than from measurements of the geometry of the volume conductor. The transfer coefficients were calculated from the measured potentials via the mathematical method of using a Bayes estimator. The merit of this approach was that it offered the possibility of accurately representing the characteristics of the volume conductor without directly measuring either the volume conductor's geometry or its inhomogeneities. The experimental protocol made use of measurements from two dogs. Data from the first dog were used to obtain two sets of transfer coefficients, one by the Bayes method as applied to measured sequences of epicardial and body surface potentials, and the other by a method based on the geometric position of each epicardial and body surface electrode. These two sets of transfer coefficients were found to be similar in pattern and value size. Additionally, results of forward simulations in the first dog, based on the measured epicardial potentials and each set of transfer coefficients, were compared to the measured body potentials. The results showed that the simulated potentials were closer to the measured potentials when the transfer coefficients obtained from the potentials were used, rather than when the geometric coefficients were used.
31P nuclear magnetic resonance of the RNA in tobacco mosaic virus

Solid state 31P n.m.r. data concerning the structure of the RNA in TMV are presented in light of the prior diffraction and model building results on this system (Stubbs et al., 1977; Stubbs & Stauffacher, 1981). The 31P chemical shift anisotropy powder pattern of a stationary, unoriented solution of TMV shows the RNA to be immobilized by the coat protein-RNA interactions, since the principal values (sigma 11 = 83, sigma 22 = 25, sigma 33 = -108 p.p.m. relative to external 85% H3PO4) are essentially the same as those of a static phosphodiester group. There are three peaks in the isotropic 31P n.m.r. spectrum obtained with magic angle sample spinning, indicating three distinct phosphate environments. There are three peaks in the 31P n.m.r. spectrum from an oriented TMV solution, indicating three distinct phosphate orientations.
Seed Yield and Seed Quality Response of Pensacola and Improved Bahiagrasses to Fertilization

Availability of improved bahiagrass cultivars, such as 'Tifton 9', has increased the potential value of seed produced from bahiagrass. Seed yield response of improved entries to fertilizer inputs is unknown and the relationship of fertility to bahiagrass seed quality is poorly defined. Our objectives were to measure seed yield and seed quality response of three bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge var. saurae Parodi) entries, varying in forage yield, to fertilizer inputs. Bahiagrass was established in 1991 on Clarendon loamy sand (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Plinthaquic Paleudults) near Tifton, GA. Forage production had been evaluated from 1992 to 1994. In 1995 and 1996, seed was harvested from 'Pensacola', Tifton 9 (T9), and RRPS Cycle 18 (T18) in July. Eight fertilizer treatments, identical to the 3-yr forage yield study, included rates of 56, 112, 224, and 448 kg N ha -1 ; 25 and 49 kg P ha -1 ; and 47, 93, 139, 186, and 279 kg K ha -1 . Seed yield was lower (P 1995). Moderate levels of N enhanced seed yield. Fertilizer treatment had no important effect on seed emergence or dormancy. Seed production and cumulative emergence of the three entries were similar.
Silica aerogel supported catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

Abstract Cobalt catalysts supported on silica aerogel have been prepared using sol–gel chemistry followed by drying under supercritical ethanol conditions. Three different loadings of cobalt were synthesized: 2, 6, and 10% by weight. Transmission electron micrographs indicate that the metallic cobalt exists as discrete particles 50–70 nm in diameter for the 2 and 6% loadings. The 10% catalyst shows long needles of cobalt. BET and BJH measurements indicate that the catalysts retain the silica aerogel properties of high surface area (∼800 m 2 /g), large pore volume (∼5 cm 3 /g), and an average pore diameter in the mesoporous regime (∼25 nm). The catalysts were evaluated for Fischer–Tropsch activity in a laboratory-scale packed bed reactor. All three catalysts were active with the 10% Co catalyst achieving more than 20% CO conversion which corresponds to a rate of 1.53 g CO per g-cat per hour. The catalysts were selective for the C 10+ hydrocarbons with more than 50% of the carbon contained within this fraction. A significant portion of the C 9 –C 15 hydrocarbon product was observed as 1-olefins which reflects the enhanced mass transport within the very porous aerogel support.
Concussion in the Young Athlete

The American youth-sports movement has changed dramatically in the past 30 years. Whereas adolescent sport was once confined mainly to boys playing on school-sponsored teams such as football, basketball, and track, the sports world for children and adolescents today is markedly different. As of 2006, there were ∼30 million children and adolescents under the age of 18 involved in athletics in the United States. Because of the tremendous success of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, there are nearly equal numbers of males and females currently participating on school-sponsored sports teams. In addition to the evolution of participant demographics, a number of other changes have occurred also, … Address correspondence to Jordan D. Metzl, MD, Sports Medicine Institute for Young Athletes, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th St, New York, NY 10021. E-mail: metzlj{at}hss.edu
RESPIRATORY CHAIN-LINKED LACTIC OXIDASE OF BAKERS' YEAST.

VARIOUS forms of lactic dehydrogenase (not iso-enzymes) are reported in yeast1. Apart from one specific for D(−) lactate in the soluble constituents of the yeast cell, Morton observed that there exists in the particulate fraction of anaerobic yeast a lactic dehydrogenase which is a flavoprotein (free from haeem) specific for D(−) lactate whereas the enzyme in the particles of aerobic yeast, the haemo-flavoprotein, is specific for L(+) lactate2. The D (−) lactic dehydrogenase has been purified and studied by Nygaard3 and Gregolin and Singer4. The physiological significance, however, of lactic dehydrogenase or lactic cytochrome c reductase has not been found. Gregolin and Singer4 could not find oxygen consumption in particles of aerobic yeast with D(−) lactate as substrate unless external cytochrome c had been added, and hence concluded that the enzyme is not directly linked to the cytochrome system of yeast, at least in the respiratory particle preparation. This note, however, reports a lactic oxidase in a preparation of mitochondrial particles from aerobic bakers' yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) oxidizing D(−) lactate.
Exploratory Analysis of Aggregate Power Metrics in Data Centers

In recent years, climate change, depletion of conventional energy sources and rising energy costs have led to an increased focus on sustainability. Within the Information Technology (IT) sector, data centers are significant energy consumers. The first steps towards reducing power consumption in data centers are to monitor it and to determine the heavy hitters. Unfortunately, fine-grain power information is often not readily available within data center environments. In this paper, we conduct an exploratory analysis of aggregate power data in a data center. We collect data from the power infrastructure of a data center in Palo Alto, CA, as well as from a data center in Bangalore, India. We examine the data in increasing detail, and reveal the opportunities and challenges for disaggregating data center power consumption data.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Mechanical complications from insertion of subclavian venous feeding catheters: Comparison of de novo percutaneous venipuncture to change of catheter over guidewire

Since a percutaneous catheter insertion into the subclavian vein can be tedious, time consuming, and risky, we have compared the morbidity of 137 de novo subclavian catheter insertions to that of 93 reinsertions over guidewire. Mechanical complications were significantly higher (p less than 0.03) in those with catheter insertions (8.8%) than in those with the guidewire insertions (2.2%). These included pneumothorax (4), arterial puncture (4), catheter-size bleed (3), and hemothorax (1) in the catheter insertion group and local bleeding (1) and hydrothorax (1) in the guidewire insertion group. The difference in complications between methods is probably inherent in the techniques. Operator experience was not a factor: 55% of the physicians in each group had previously done less than 26 subclavian venous catheterizations. Preliminary analysis indicates that the infection rate, as determined by semiquantitative, cultures, is the same in each group. When considering the equal potential for infection, we conclude that change over a guidewire is an acceptable alternative to contralateral de novo percutaneous subclavian venipuncture for feeding catheter insertion. In view of fewer mechanical complications and greater ease of insertion, change of subclavian feeding catheters by guidewire is probably the method of choice.
Differential tissue expression of immunoreactive dehydropeptidase I, a peptidyl leukotriene metabolizing enzyme

Abstract We previously reported that intracarotid infusion of leukotriene C 4 (LTC 4 ) causes a selective increase in vascular permeability within brain tumor capillaries in expermental rat brain tumor. Normal brain capillaries are rich in γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP), an enzyme which converts LTC 4 to leukotriene D 4 (LTD 4 ), and acts as an ‘enzymatic barrier' to the vasoactive effects of LTC 4 . Metabolism of LTD 4 in brain capillaries is, however, not known. In this study, rat renal dipeptidase (dehydropeptidase-I, microsomal dipeptidase; EC 3.4.13.11), which converts LTD 4 to leukotriene E 4 (LTE 4 ) in kidney, was purified from rat kidney and the distribution of immunoreactive dipeptidase in multiple rat organs was determind. Immunocytochemical multi-organ analysis in the rat, which included brain, lung, heart, liver, spleen, small intestine, and testis, was performed. The antigen corresponding to renal dipeptidase was recognized in lung, liver, and testis. There was no antigen in the brain, heart, spleen, and small intestine. In order to confirm the absence of dipeptidase activity in brain capillaries, the metabolism of LTD 4 by isolated brain capillaries were examined by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. When LTD 4 was incubated with the isolated rat brain capillary, no measurable conversion of [ 3 H] LTD 4 to LTE 4 and leukotriene F 4 (LTF 4 ) by brain capillaries was observed with 30 min of incubation. These findings suggest that although γ-GTP acts as an enzymatic barrier and inactivates LTC 4 , brain capillaries do not have metabolic activity against LTD 4 .
Recent Trends in the Demography of Heroin Addiction among Youthful Offenders

Trends in demographic characteristics associated with heroin addiction in successive cohorts of a young offender population over the 5-year period 1968–1972 were examined within the framework of two contradictory views of the social competence of the addict provided by the literature. In general, heroin addicts during this period were found to be older, better educated, and more intelligent than nonaddicts. In addition, the racial composition of both the addict and nonaddict samples became increasingly non-White in composition and better educated; nonaddicts became increasingly older; and no significant trends with respect to intelligance took place. These findings support the view of the addict as being relatively more socially competent than his non- addict offender peer. Implications of these findings for a model of addiction and rehabilitation are discussed.
Modeling Genetic Architecture: A Multilinear Theory of Gene Interaction

The map from genotype to phenotype is an exceedingly complex function of central importance in biology. In this work we derive and analyze a mathematically tractable model of the genotype-phenotype map that allows for any order of gene interaction. By assuming that the alterations of the effect of a gene substitution due to changes in the genetic background can be described as a linear transformation, we show that the genotype-phenotype map is a sum of linear and multilinear terms of operationally defined "reference" effects at each locus. The "multilinear" model is used to study the effect of epistasis on quantitative genetic variation, on the response to selection, and on genetic canalization. It is shown how the model can be used to estimate the strength of "functional" epistasis from a variety of genetic experiments.
Constraining earthquake source inversions with GPS data; 1, Resolution-based removal of artifacts

[1] We present a resolution analysis of an inversion of GPS data from the 2004 Mw 6.0 Parkfield earthquake. This earthquake was recorded at thirteen 1-Hz GPS receivers, which provides for a truly coseismic data set that can be used to infer the static slip field. We find that the resolution of our inverted slip model is poor at depth and near the edges of the modeled fault plane that are far from GPS receivers. The spatial heterogeneity of the model resolution in the static field inversion leads to artifacts in poorly resolved areas of the fault plane. These artifacts look qualitatively similar to asperities commonly seen in the final slip models of earthquake source inversions, but in this inversion they are caused by a surplus of free parameters. The location of the artifacts depends on the station geometry and the assumed velocity structure. We demonstrate that a nonuniform gridding of model parameters on the fault can remove these artifacts from the inversion. We generate a nonuniform grid with a grid spacing that matches the local resolution length on the fault and show that it outperforms uniform grids, which either generate spurious structure in poorly resolved regions or lose recoverable information in well-resolved areas of the fault. In a synthetic test, the nonuniform grid correctly averages slip in poorly resolved areas of the fault while recovering small-scale structure near the surface. Finally, we present an inversion of the Parkfield GPS data set on the nonuniform grid and analyze the errors in the final model.
Using socioscientific issues in primary classrooms

In this article, we provide three examples of the use of socioscientific issues (SSI) in a 5th-grade classroom. Taken from Earth science (beach sand replacement), life science (the Canadian seal hunt), and physical science (speed limits), the examples show how teachers can embed scientific content in controversial social issues that engage younger students in constructive sociomoral discourse. Each example includes a preliminary learning activity as well as a description of the SSI scenario and its results. The potential of SSI to inspire preservice elementary science methods students to teach more science and create their own modules is also discussed.
Pharmacogénétique et pharmacogénomique des cancers

Sequencing the human genome brings new tools for the individualisation of cancer chemotherapy, firstly thanks to the identification of polymorphisms of genes involved in anticancer drug metabolism or activity (Pharmacogenetics), and secondly thanks to the determination of tumour gene expression profiles and their relationship to chemosensitivity and chemoresistance (Pharmacogenomics). A few functional polymorphisms have been known for a long time (thiopurine methyltransferase, glutathion S-transferases), but several new ones have been identified recently, at the level of the genes encoding drug targets (thymidylate synthase), at the level of DNA repair enzymes (XPD) or at the level of transport proteins (MDR1). On the other hand, the research of correlations between gene expression profiles and chemosensitivity has been performed on the in vitro models of the National Cancer Institute and may allow crucial improvements in the identification of patients who would best take advantage of a specific chemotherapy. Clinical trials, first on a retrospective basis, then on a prospective one, are implemented to validate this approach.
Ode to B‐Flat: Questing with Quintessential Colleagues

A brief summary of the trajectory of the lab. It includes where the work of the lab has been, where it is now, and, perhaps, where we are going in the next decade.
Computational delineation of tyrosyl-substrate recognition and catalytic landscapes by the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase domain

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), which catalyzes protein phosphorylation reactions by transferring the γ-phosphoryl group from an ATP molecule to the hydroxyl group of tyrosine residues in protein substrates. EGFR is an important drug target in the treatment of cancers and a better understanding of the receptor function is critical to discern cancer mechanisms. We employ a suite of molecular simulation methods to explore the mechanism of substrate recognition and to delineate the catalytic landscape of the phosphoryl transfer reaction. Based on our results, we propose that a highly conserved region corresponding to Val852-Pro853-Ile854-Lys855-Trp856 in the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) is essential for substrate binding. We also provide a possible explanation for the established experimental observation that protein tyrosine kinases (including EGFR) select substrates with a glutamic acid at the P − 1 position and a large hydrophobic amino acid at the P + 1 position. Furthermore, our mixed quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations show that the EGFR protein kinase favors the dissociative mechanism, although an alternative channel through the formation of an associative transition state is also possible. Our simulations establish some key molecular rules in the operation for substrate-recognition and for phosphoryl transfer in the EGFR TKD.
Organophosphate inhibition of an arylesterase from Lumbricus terrestris and reversal by pralidoxime

Abstract Several enzymes of xenobiotic metabolism have been identified in soil annelids. Their roles in the physiology and ecotoxicology of the organism are diverse and may parallel those found in mammalian species. Among these are the arylesterases. An arylesterase assayed by hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylacetate was identified in Lumbricus terrestris. This arylesterase appears to be a serine esterase, since it is sensitive to inhibition by metrifonate. This mechanism of inhibition is similar to that of cholinesterase, since pralidoxime can reverse the inhibition of arylesterase by metrifonate. The presence of this esterase in soil annelids may provide insight into the processing of environmental chemicals by soil annelids as well as in vitro commercial applications of esterases based upon their mechanism of catalysis and inhibition.
Prominent Schools or Other Active Specialties? A Fresh Look at Some Trends in Psychology

Past studies investigating trends in psychology have reported some conflicting and surprising results. This article critiques and reevaluates these reports, with a particular focus on those related...
Evaluation of a whole blood glutaraldehyde coagulation test for the detection of failure of passive transfer in calves.

The accuracy of a commercially available whole blood glutaraldehyde clot test in the detection of failure of passive transfer (serum immunoglobulin [Ig]G1 < 1,000 mg/dL) in neonatal calves was evaluated. Serum samples were obtained from 242 calves ranging in age from 1 to 8 days, and comparisons were made with serum lgG1 concentrations determined by radial immunodiffusion. Both the sensitivity and specificity of the currently marketed whole blood glutaraldehyde clot test are inadequate for routine diagnostic use. Concerns regarding test sensitivity are the most problematic. Sensitivity varied from 0.41 to 0.00, depending on the choice of test endpoint. Specificity varied from 0.85 to 1.00, depending on the choice of test endpoint. Regression analysis demonstrated that the relationship between serum lgG1 concentration and the glutaraldehyde clot results, although significant (P< .10), was of negligible biological relevance (r2= .034). J Vet Intern Med 1996; 10:82–84. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
An analysis of the loaded abrasive column type of wear tester

Analyse d'une machine d'essai d'usure utilisant une colonne remplie d'abrasif sous une charge
NUTRIENT CHARACTERIZATION OF COLOR MODIFIED AND UNALTERED FLAKED TURKEY THIGH MEAT

Flaked, skinless and boneless turkey thighs were successively washed in 0.03M sodium phosphate buffers at pH 5.8, 7.4 and 8.0. Proximate, mineraland riboflavin composition, as well as protein efficiency ratio (PER) and apparent digestibility (AD) using the rat bioassay technique were determined for three replications. The color modified tissue (CMT) had a higher (P=0.0429) moisture content and less crude protein and ash (P = 0.0527 and 0.0047, respectively) than flaked thigh (THI). Percentage of iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and manganese decreased (P=0.0187) after color modification. Calcium, zinc and copper concentrations did not change (P=0.1184) and sodium increased (P = 0.0058). Riboflavin was reduced by 30%. The PER of CMT was lower (P = 0.0318) than THI, but higher (P=0.0001) than either casein or egg albumen diets. AD of CMT was 90.7% which is comparable to other meat products. Although color modification was quite visible, it did not have a deterious effect on protein quality.
Is It Bile or Bilirubin

From time to time there appear articles which make a plea for greater specificity in speaking and writing. 1,2 This is as it should be, since precision in the communication of knowledge is important to the progress of science. In line with this thesis, we shall point out reasons for abandoning the inappropriate use of "bile in the urine," a term long entrenched in medical tradition. Exactly how or when this phrase became common jargon is not certain. As early as 400 B.C. Hippocrates described jaundice and mentioned dark urine. 3 In the 13th Century John Actuarius wrote that discolored urine resulted from admixture with bile, or, more rarely, with blood. 4 Richard Bright, in an excellent treatise on jaundice published in 1836, referred to the urine of his patients as being "highly tinged with bile" or "loaded with bile." 5 In 1845 Scherer isolated a crude preparation of biliverdin
Effects of manganese salts on the AIDS-related pathogen, Cryptosporidium parvum in vitro and in vivo.

The authors examined the effects of manganese salts on the interaction of the AIDS-related pathogen,Cryptosporidium parvum, with human ileoadenocarcinoma (HCT-8) cells in vitro. Manganese (Mn) inhibited binding ofC. parvum sporozoite membrane antigens to intact, fixed HCT-8 cells in a dose-dependent fashion, whereas Ca++, Mg++, and Zn++ salts had no effect. Manganese was also found to affect sporozoite penetration of live HCT-8 cells, which resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of parasite development. However, the levels of Mn++ needed in the live cell assays was approx 10-fold greater than in the fixed-cell assays. This inhibition of parasite development was not reversible when Ca++ or Mg++ were used as competitors. Oral supplementation of suckling mice infected withC. parvum with MnSO4 resulted in significant reductions and, in some cases, elimination of intestinally derived oocysts.
Preparation and properties of p-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde.

Abstract A simple method for the preparation of the naturally occurring aldehydes, p-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde, is presented. The aldehydes were prepared from synephrine and metanephrine, respectively, by treating the latter compounds with hot acid. The aldehydes were isolated and stored as their stable, crystalline, bisulfite addition products from which they could be conveniently obtained in a highly purified state. Identification of the aldehydes was made by functional group analysis, preparation of suitable derivatives, and by oxidation of the aldehydes to the corresponding acids by xanthine oxidase. Paper chromatography of the aldehydes and other identifying properties are presented.
Quantification of the effects of an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist on reflex properties in spinal cord injury using a system identification technique

Despite numerous investigations, the impact of tizanidine, an anti-spastic medication, on changes in reflex and muscle mechanical properties in spasticity remains unclear. This study was designed to help us understand the mechanisms of action of tizanidine on spasticity in spinal cord injured subjects with incomplete injury, by quantifying the effects of a single dose of tizanidine on ankle muscle intrinsic and reflex components. A series of perturbations was applied to the spastic ankle joint of twenty-one spinal cord injured subjects, and the resulting torques were recorded. A parallel-cascade system identification method was used to separate intrinsic and reflex torques, and to identify the contribution of these components to dynamic ankle stiffness at different ankle positions, while subjects remained relaxed. Following administration of a single oral dose of Tizanidine, stretch evoked joint torque at the ankle decreased significantly (p < 0.001) The peak-torque was reduced between 15% and 60% among the spinal cord injured subjects, and the average reduction was 25%. Using systems identification techniques, we found that this reduced torque could be attributed largely to a reduced reflex response, without measurable change in the muscle contribution. Reflex stiffness decreased significantly across a range of joint angles (p < 0.001) after using tizanidine. In contrast, there were no significant changes in intrinsic muscle stiffness after the administration of tizanidine. Our findings demonstrate that tizanidine acts to reduce reflex mechanical responses substantially, without inducing comparable changes in intrinsic muscle properties in individuals with spinal cord injury. Thus, the pre-post difference in joint mechanical properties can be attributed to reflex changes alone. From a practical standpoint, use of a single "test" dose of Tizanidine may help clinicians decide whether the drug can helpful in controlling symptoms in particular subjects.
Alluvial lithofacies recognition in a humid-tropical setting

Abstract Cobble gravel deposits in the Antigua Formation accumulated on a large alluvial fan or braid-plain west of the Cordillera Occidental in southwest Colombia. This formation was probably deposited during the Pleistocene in a very wet tropical climate (> 500 cm/yr rainfall). Fining-upwards sequences of clast-supported, imbricated boulders and cobbles dominate with maximum clast sizes between 30 and 300 cm. The sand matrix in the Antigua gravels and the minor (⩽ 10%) sand facies are weathered to clay at depths of up to 20 m. The sand facies contains abundant drift logs and leaf mats. Except for the absence of debris flows and the very coarse nature of the gravel, the Antigua gravels have lithofacies similar to the glacial outwash braid-plain in the proximal area of the Scott type model. Gravels and sands of the younger Panambi Formation were deposited by a braided stream that was smaller, confined by valley walls, and flowing at a lower gradient than the river that deposited the Antigua gravels. We recognize no sedimentologic characteristics of these deposits as diagnostic of a humid-tropical environment except for textural and compositional changes in matrix sediments caused by deep and rapid chemical weathering.
Creep and substructure in 5 vol.% SiC–2124 Al composite

Abstract The effect of stress and temperature on the creep behavior of powder metallurgy (PM) 5 vol.% silicon carbide particulate reinforced 2124 aluminum (SiCp–2124 Al composite) was studied over seven orders of magnitude of strain rates. Also, the data of the composite were compared with those of the unreinforced matrix alloy, PM 2124 Al, whose creep behavior was earlier investigated under similar experimental conditions. The results show that the origin of the anomalous stress dependence of the creep rate in the composite and the unreinforced matrix alloy is the presence of a threshold stress, τo, which depends strongly on temperature. A substructural examination of crept samples suggests that the most probable source of τo in PM 5 vol.% SiCp–2124 Al, like that in PM 2124, is related to the interaction between moving dislocations and dispersion particles which form as a result of processing both materials by powder metallurgy. Additionally, an analysis of the data of PM 5 vol.% SiCp–2124 Al reveals that the true creep behavior of the composite represents a modified form of the creep behavior of Al-based solid solution alloys in which deformation is driven not by the applied stress but rather by an effective stress, τe (τe=τ−τo). The true creep behavior of the composite is identical with that reported for the unreinforced matrix alloy, a finding which, when combined with substructural data, indicates that the deformation of the matrix controls the creep behavior of the composite.
Effective property estimates for composites containing multiple nanoheterogeneities: Part I Nanospheres, nanoplatelets, and voids:

Effective Continuum Micromechanics Analysis Code (EC-MAC) was developed to predict effective properties of composites containing multiple distinct nanoheterogeneities (fibers, spheres, platelets, voids, etc.) each with an arbitrary number of coating layers based upon either the modified Mori–Tanaka method or the self-consistent method. The influence of solid and hollow nanoreinforcement geometries and distinct elastic properties was addressed for solid silica nanosphere/epoxy, hollow glass nanosphere/polyester, and α-zirconium phosphate nanoplatelet/epoxy composites, along with the influence of spherical voids. The notion of “effective volume fraction” was introduced to denote the fraction of nanoreinforcements that contribute to overall composite properties through their good dispersion. The predicted nanocomposite effective elastic moduli obtained using the Effective Continuum Micromechanics Analysis Code matched well with experimental results from the literature.
Is Nebulized Lidocaine Adequate Topical Anesthesia for Diagnostic Transnasal Tracheoscopy

Objectives To evaluate if nebulized 4% lidocaine alone provides adequate laryngopharyngeal anesthesia for office-based diagnostic transnasal tracheoscopy (TNT). Methods A retrospective chart review (January 2011 to June 2014) and a prospective case series (July 2014 to December 2014) of patients who underwent diagnostic TNT were performed at a university voice and swallowing center. TNT cases were categorized by method of topical laryngopharyngeal anesthesia: nebulized 4% lidocaine and 4% lidocaine drip (phase I) and nebulized 4% lidocaine only (phase II). Results TNT was performed a total of 59 times on 38 patients. Eleven (69%) of 16 phase I TNT procedures involved significant patient discomfort and severe cough following the lidocaine drip. Forty-two (98%) of 43 phase II TNT procedures were completed comfortably; 1 case required additional anesthesia by lidocaine drip. Retrospectively, 100% (n=8) of patients who underwent both phase I and phase II TNTs were noted to prefer anesthesia with nebulizer alone. In a prospective case series of 14 phase II TNT cases, 6 (86%) of 7 patients who previously underwent phase I TNT reported preference for anesthesia with nebulizer alone. Conclusions Nebulized lidocaine appears to provide sufficient laryngopharyngeal anesthesia for diagnostic TNT. It is preferred by patients over laryngeal drip.
The Development of a Variable Time Delay

This paper describes the design, construction, and performance of a magnetic-recording drum time-delay system. The device, which has been developed for use in such acoustic studies as noise localization, reverberation analysis and others amenable to correlation techniques, utilizes conventional proportional recording. Two channels yield a relative time delay between their outputs which may be varied from minus 15 milliseconds to plus 190 milliseconds with an accuracy of ±0.2 per cent using the instrument dial. Principal attention in the paper will be paid to the following: (1) Obtaining a uniform layer of magnetic material by spraying with a dispersion of iron oxide; (2) analyzing the effect of spacing between the magnetic material and the head upon the processes of recording and reproducing; (3) developing a mechanical driving system as free from flutter as possible.
Genetic susceptibility to papilloma progression in SENCAR mice

Previous results showed that in an inbred line (SSIN) derived from outbred SENCAR mice there is a dissociation between susceptibility to papilloma development and the malignant conversion of these into squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). To extend this conclusion, we designed an interstrain breeding experiment using the two-step carcinogenesis protocol in order to study the susceptibility to tumor progression of F1 offspring. The strains used were SSIN, BALB/c, both known for their resistance to papilloma progression, and SENCAR. Both the SSIN X SENCAR and SENCAR X SSIN F1s showed a promotion sensitivity similar to that of the SSIN mice. This behavior was also seen in the SSIN X (SSIN X SENCAR) and SSIN X (SENCAR X SSIN) backcrossed animals, suggesting that susceptibility to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate promotion under these protocol conditions is inherited as a dominant trait. The BALB/c X SENCAR F1s showed an average response that was intermediate between the two parental strains/stocks. Regarding the progression, all F1s showed a cumulative number of SCCs similar to the SENCAR progenitor. We also investigated the previously described switch of keratin 1 to 13 as a marker of premalignant progression, which is significatively delayed in SSIN mice compared with SENCAR mice. The SSIN X SENCAR F1s expressed this switch in a way similar to the SENCAR mice. These findings suggest that susceptibility to tumor progression is inherited as a dominant autosomal trait. The putative gene(s) that confers susceptibility is present in the SENCAR stock and was probably lost in the selection and inbreeding of the SSIN mice.
Assessment of synthetic glucocorticoids in asthmatic sputum.

Nonadherence with anti-inflammatory treatment is a frequent cause of continued symptoms in asthmatic patients. Clinical assessments including patient-reported medication administration may provide ...
Effects of camera alignment errors on stereoscopic depth estimates

We present in this paper a new analysis of relative sensitivity/importance of camera calibration/alignment parameters on the performance of stereoscopic depth reconstruction. This quantitative analysis provides formulae which relate different parameter errors to the 3-D reconstruction measurements. The results of this analysis provide specifications of acceptable tolerances in individual calibration parameters for given 3-D measurement error tolerances. This information is useful in designing practical stereoscopic vision systems.
Sonogashira cross-couplings of ynamides. Syntheses of urethane- and sulfonamide-terminated conjugated phenylacetylenic systems.

The first successful Sonogashira coupling of ynamides with aryl and vinyl iodides is described here. This study resolves the problem of the competing pathway involving homocoupling of ynamides and provides a practical entry to novel urethane- or sulfonamide-terminated conjugated acetylenic systems. An interesting tandem hydrohalogenation and Sonogashira coupling was also observed to give an en-ynamide.
ILL and iPad: reflections on the fast and furious

Purpose – The aim of this article is to describe the burgeoning business of interlibrary loan and the nature of information awareness. It also aims to review Apple's iPad tablet computer.Design/methodology/approach – The article is designed to provoke thought regarding Apple's entry into the e‐reader market.Findings – The findings suggest that the iPad is not the killer device that will displace laptops.Originality/value – The article should provide basic information about the features and limitations of the iPad, and how the product could grow into a more useful device in the future.
Observations of banding in first-year Arctic sea ice

[1] Horizontal banding features, alternating dark and bright horizontal bands apparent in ice cores and stratigraphic cross sections have long been observed in first-year sea ice and are frequently associated with bands of high and low brine or gas porosity. Observations on the land-fast ice near Barrow, Alaska, in recent years have revealed particularly striking banding patterns and prompted a study of their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The banding patterns are quantified from photographs of full-depth sections of the ice, and examples are presented from the Chukchi Sea and Elson Lagoon. Statistics on band spacing are presented, and the growth records for three seasons are employed to estimate their time of formation. These data provide insight into the periodicity of the underlying phenomena. Micrographs are used to examine the microstructural variations associated with various banding features and to quantify the geometry of the constituent brine inclusions associated with high- and low-porosity bands. The micrography revealed that the area fraction of brine inclusions varied by a factor of nearly 3 through the more pronounced high- and low-porosity bands. Vertical micrographs obtained shortly after the materials' removal from the ice sheet showed that significantly larger inclusions form abruptly at the start of the high-porosity bands and frequently terminate abruptly at the end of the band. Crystallographic observations indicated that the high-porosity bands supported the nucleation and growth of crystals having substantially different orientations from the very well aligned columnar structure that characterized the bulk of the sheet.