cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does the presence of ultrasound really affect computed tomographic scan use? A prospective randomized trial of ultrasound in trauma.

Objective: There is a paucity of evidence demonstrating that emergency department (ED) ultrasound changes clinical practice in trauma patients. We hypothesized that the presence of ultrasound would affect clinical decision making as evidenced through abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scan use in blunt multiple trauma patients. Methods: This study used a prospective randomized format in an urban county ED with Level II trauma center status (ED census, 72,000 patients per year). Participants were patients with multiple blunt injuries meeting trauma center triage criteria. Patients were randomized to receive either abdominal ultrasound or no ultrasound (control) during initial ED resuscitation. The primary outcome variable was use of abdominal CT scan in patients with and without ultrasound. Results: Two hundred eight patients were enrolled. The mean age was 40 ± 18 years, and 62% were men. Mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crash, 56%; automobile versus pedestrian, 18%; motorcycle crash, 16%; falls, 10%; and other, 10%. One hundred four ultrasound and 104 control patients were analyzed. There were no apparent differences between ultrasound and control groups in demographics, injury type, or Injury Severity Score. Fifty-four of 104 (52%) of the control group received abdominal CT scans versus 37 of 104 (36%) abdominal CT scans for the ultrasound group; mean difference in proportions was 15.9 (p < 0.01; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-29.1). Conclusion: In this trial, the routine use of abdominal ultrasound in the evaluation of patients with multiple blunt injuries resulted in significantly fewer abdominal CT scans being obtained. A larger trial is needed to more clearly define the clinical and financial impact of ultrasound in the management of blunt abdominal trauma.
Approximate analysis of the drag cup A-C tachometer

Temperature coefficient, output voltage, and speed linearity error of output voltage are indicated in terms of relative changes in tachometer cup impedances when the output winding is essentially unloaded. By replacing the drag cup of a precision drag-cup a-c tachometer with one having a higher resistivity and a lower temperature coefficient of resistance, the following improved characteristics were observed: 1. The output voltage temperature coefficient was reduced to ?0.06%/1 C (degree centigrade) 1/4 its former value. 2. Up to synchronous speed, the output voltage speed linearity error was reduced to ±0.05% of its synchronous speed output, 1/12 its former error. And 3 output volts per 1,000 rpm was reduced to 0.8 volt, 2/7 its former value. A simplified basic tachometer performance equation is derived, and curves are presented to show the required change in drag cup parameters to realize a specified performance. Frequency compensation is achieved by an R-L-C network in the tachometer excitation circuit.
Fiber architecture of the extensors of the hindlimb in semiterrestrial and arboreal guenons

Fiber architecture of the extensor musculature of the knee and ankle is examined in two African gueon species--the semiterrestrial Cercopithecus aethiops, and the arboreal C. ascanius. Using histologic and microscopic techniques to measure lengths of sarcomeres, the original lengths of muscle fasciculi and angles of pinnation in quadriceps femoris and triceps surae are reconstructed from direct measurements on cadavers. Calculations of reduced physiological cross-sectional area, mass/predicted effective tetanic tension, maximum excursion, and tendon length/fasciculus+tendon lengths are correlated to preferred locomotor modalities in the wild. For both species, greater morphological differences occur among the bellies of quadriceps femoris--rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, v. lateralis, and v. medialis--than among the bellies of triceps surae--gastrocnemius lateralis, g. medialis, plantaris, and soleus. With regard to quadriceps femoris, few differences occur between species. Interspecific differences in the triceps surae indicate (1) redirection of muscle force to accommodate arboreality in which the substrate is less than body width; (2) muscles more suited for velocity in the semiterrestrial vervets; and (3) muscles used more isotonically in vervets and more isometrically in red-tailed monkeys. The inherent flexibility of muscles may be preadaptive to a primary species shift in locomotor modality until the bony morphology is able to adapt through natural selection.
Utilization and Outcomes of Inpatient Surgical Care at Critical Access Hospitals in the United States

Importance There is a growing interest in the quality and cost of care provided at Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), a predominant source of care for many rural populations in the United States. Objective To evaluate utilization, outcomes, and costs of inpatient surgery performed at CAHs. Design, Setting, and Patients A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing inpatient surgery from 2005 through 2009 at CAHs or non-CAHs was performed using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and American Hospital Association. Exposure The CAH status of the admitting hospital. Main Outcomes and Measures In-hospital mortality, prolonged length of stay, and total hospital costs. Results Among the 1283 CAHs and 3612 non-CAHs reporting to the American Hospital Association, 34.8% and 36.4%, respectively, had at least 1 year of data in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. General surgical, gynecologic, and orthopedic procedures composed 95.8% of inpatient cases at CAHs vs 77.3% at non-CAHs ( P P > .05 for all), with the exception that Medicare beneficiaries undergoing hip fracture repair in CAHs had a higher risk of in-hospital death (adjusted odds ratio = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.01-1.87). However, despite shorter hospital stays ( P ≤ .001 for 4 procedures), costs at CAHs were 9.9% to 30.1% higher ( P Conclusions and Relevance In-hospital mortality for common low-risk procedures is indistinguishable between CAHs and non-CAHs. Although our findings suggest the potential for cost savings, changes in payment policy for CAHs could diminish access to essential surgical care for rural populations.
Sub-meter GPS orbit determination and high precision user positioning - A demonstration

High-accuracy orbit solutions have been obtained for GPS satellites, and submeter orbit accuracy is demonstrated for two well-tracked satellites. Orbit accuracy was tested based upon orbit repeatability from independent data sets, orbit prediction, ground baseline determination, and formal errors. Baselines of up to 2000 km in North America found with the GPS orbits show a daily repeatability of 0.3-1.5 parts in 10 to the 8th, and are found to agree well with VLBI solutions at the level of 0.3-3 parts in 10 to the 8th. Baselines were also determined between Florida and sites in the Caribbean region over 1000 km away, with a daily repeatability of 1-4 parts in 10 to the 8th.
Do the Depictions of Sexual Attire and Sexual Behavior in Music Videos Differ Based on Video Network and Character Gender

Abstract This study examined the sexual messages depicted in music videos aired on MTV, MTV2, BET, and GAC from August 2, 2004 to August 15, 2004. One-hour segments of music videos were taped daily for two weeks. Depictions of sexual attire and sexual behavior were analyzed via a four-page coding sheet (interrater-reliability = .93). Results indicated that there were 39,559 depictions of female sexual attire (M = 278.58 per video, SD = 626.93) and 3,032 depictions of male sexual attire (M = 21.35 per video, SD = 55.14). There were 7,291 depictions of sexual behavior for females (M = 51.35 per video, SD = 135.07) compared to 2,511 sexual behaviors for males (M =17.68 per video, SD = 40.35). Female sexual attire and sexual behavior were displayed more frequently than male sexual attire and sexual behavior. Sexual attire and sexual behavior were displayed significantly more frequently on BET than on MTV, MTV2, or GAC. Music videos on BET scored an average of 758.88 sexual depictions per video, followed by MT...
Assessment of storm-induced coastal morphologic changes and damage using repeat lidar remote sensing surveys

As demonstrated, multi-temporal LIDAR surveys provide effective and powerful means to acquire land cover change information for assessing natural hazard damage in a rapid and timely fashion. In contrast to grid cells in the field-based representation, objects are much better information carriers. The object oriented method is efficient for processing repeat LiDAR data, extracting scientific information and knowledge, and providing reliable assessment of hazard damages to support emergency response planning, rescue and recovery activities.
A mechanism of action for small heat shock proteins

Molecular dynamics simulations of a fitted multimeric structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis α-crystallin (Mtb Acr) identify solvent exclusion from the β(4)-β(8) hydrophobic groove as a critical factor driving subunit assembly. Dehydration is also implicated as a determinant factor governing the chaperone activity of the dimer upon its dissociation from the oligomer. Two exposed hydrogen bonds, responsible for stabilizing the β(8)-β(9) fold are identified as key mechanistic elements in this process. Based on the overproduction of the chemokine CXCL16, observed after macrophage exposure to Mtb Acr, the proteases ADAM10 and ADAM17 are mooted as possible targets of this chaperone activity.
The biochemistry of Hydrogenomonas. V. Factors affecting autotrophic fixation of carbon dioxide.

Abstract The autotrophic fixation of CO 2 by Hydrogenomonas facilis is enhanced by a nitrogen supply and is inhibited by iodoacetate, p -chloromercuribenzoate, 2,4-dinitrophenol, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, α,α′-dipyridyl, and thioglycolic acid at concentrations having little or no effect on the energy-yielding oxidation of hydrogen. The CO 2 -fixing capacity (as measured by C 14 incorporation) is retained after storage for several days, but may be masked in manometric experiments by endogenous CO 2 evolution.
Proposed ABET Computer Science Criteria and the CS2013 Curriculum (Abstract Only)

The ACM/IEEE CS2013 Curriculum provides a somewhat rigid identification of topics to be covered by a model computer science curriculum. It was developed with significant input from industry, educators and other stakeholders and represents best practices in terms of Computer Science education. ABET is the accreditation body accrediting computer science programs in the US, and it also accredits a number of international programs. ABET's goal is to allow programs to identify their own outcomes and measure their success in delivering programs that achieve this, while also ensuring that all students receive a solid core education including key areas of the discipline without being excessively prescriptive. Both documents address excellence in computer science education. Changes to the Computer Science program criteria are being recommended which will more closely align the two documents in terms of identifying key areas to be covered by programs. This session provides participants with the opportunity to hear about the proposed changes and the rationale behind them and to offer feedback and input into the process.
WebDAV: what it is, what it does, why you need it

Legacy network file services such as NFS, SMB/CIFS, and AFP changed the way we worked. File services running on cross-platform networks allowed us to save our files on remote systems and changed the way we exchanged files with each other. Web technology changed our lives and the way we work again. In the fall of 2002, due to the demand for a web integrated network file service with powerful content management capabilities, we are offering WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning) service in our instructional computer laboratories at Ringling School of Art and Design. WebDAV is a set of extensions to HTTP (the protocol that drives the web), which allows users to collaborate with each other to edit and manage files on web servers across the network.WebDAV allows our institution to host a shared file space for each course. Students in a course can access the shared space for collaboration with the instructor and other students in the same course. Access to the WebDAV share is seamless by incorporating LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) into the system to maintain single sign-on.In our implementation, we have integrated the Apache web server, Apache extensions for WebDAV and the LDAP based meta-directory model for user authentication information. Furthermore, we have implemented a Perl script, which runs every hour to monitor WebDAV storage usage and triggers alarms for any disk quota breach.In this technical report, we will share our framework, tips and tricks we learned from our deployment of WebDAV with our colleagues. We will explain how legacy network file services can be strengthened by providing WebDAV service on both the Windows and Unix platforms. Furthermore, we will discuss the issues we had to address and the lessons we learned during and after the deployment process.
PGE2 increases the tetrodotoxin-resistant Nav1.9 sodium current in mouse DRG neurons via G-proteins

Inflammation caused by tissue damage results in pain, reflecting an increase in excitability of the primary afferent neurons innervating the area. There is some evidence to suggest that altered function of voltage-gated sodium channels is responsible for the hyperexcitability produced by inflammatory agents, possibly acting through G-proteins, but the role of different channel subtypes has not been fully explored. The tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) sodium channel Na(v)1.9 is expressed selectively in C- and A-fibre nociceptive-type units and is upregulated by G-protein activation. In this study, we examined the effects of the inflammatory agent prostaglandin-E(2) (PGE(2)) on Na(v)1.9 current in both Na(v)1.8-null and wild-type (WT) mice and explored the role of specific G-proteins in modulation. PGE(2) caused a twofold increase in Na(v)1.9 current (p<0.05) in both systems. Steady-state activation was shifted in a hyperpolarizing direction by 6-8 mV and availability of channels by 12 mV. No differences in the activation and inactivation kinetics could be detected. The increase in current was blocked by pertussis toxin (PTX) but not cholera toxin (CTX), showing involvement of G(i/o) but not G(s) subunits. Our data indicate that Na(v)1.9 current can be increased during inflammation via a G-protein dependent mechanism and suggest that this could contribute to the regulation of electrogenesis in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons.
Type IIA Procollagen Containing the Cysteine-rich Amino Propeptide Is Deposited in the Extracellular Matrix of Prechondrogenic Tissue and Binds to TGF-β1 and BMP-2

Type II procollagen is expressed as two splice forms. One form, type IIB, is synthesized by chondrocytes and is the major extracellular matrix component of cartilage. The other form, type IIA, contains an additional 69 amino acid cysteine-rich domain in the NH2-propeptide and is synthesized by chondrogenic mesenchyme and perichondrium. We have hypothesized that the additional protein domain of type IIA procollagen plays a role in chondrogenesis. The present study was designed to determine the localization of the type IIA NH2-propeptide and its function during chondrogenesis. Immunofluorescence histochemistry using antibodies to three domains of the type IIA procollagen molecule was used to localize the NH2-propeptide, fibrillar domain, and COOH-propeptides of the type IIA procollagen molecule during chondrogenesis in a developing human long bone (stage XXI). Before chondrogenesis, type IIA procollagen was synthesized by chondroprogenitor cells and deposited in the extracellular matrix. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed type IIA procollagen fibrils labeled with antibodies to NH2-propeptide at ∼70 nm interval suggesting that the NH2-propeptide remains attached to the collagen molecule in the extracellular matrix. As differentiation proceeds, the cells switch synthesis from type IIA to IIB procollagen, and the newly synthesized type IIB collagen displaces the type IIA procollagen into the interterritorial matrix. To initiate studies on the function of type IIA procollagen, binding was tested between recombinant NH2-propeptide and various growth factors known to be involved in chondrogenesis. A solid phase binding assay showed no reaction with bFGF or IGF-1, however, binding was observed with TGF-β1 and BMP-2, both known to induce endochondral bone formation. BMP-2, but not IGF-1, coimmunoprecipitated with type IIA NH2-propeptide. Recombinant type IIA NH2-propeptide and type IIA procollagen from media coimmunoprecipitated with BMP-2 while recombinant type IIB NH2-propeptide and all other forms of type II procollagens and mature collagen did not react with BMP-2. Taken together, these results suggest that the NH2-propeptide of type IIA procollagen could function in the extracellular matrix distribution of bone morphogenetic proteins in chondrogenic tissue.
Optical fabrication apprenticeships: an academic/industrial partnership

An overview of successful optical apprenticeship programs in the Rochester area where both academia and industry have created partnerships to develop and deliver industrial training material together.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Bilingual recognition memory: stronger performance but weaker levels-of-processing effects in the less fluent language.

The effects of bilingual proficiency on recognition memory were examined in an experiment with Spanish–English bilinguals. Participants learned lists of words in English and Spanish under shallow- and deep-encoding conditions. Overall, hit rates were higher, discrimination greater, and response times shorter in the nondominant language, consistent with effects previously observed for lower frequency words. Levels-of-processing effects in hit rates, discrimination, and response time were stronger in the dominant language. Specifically, with shallow encoding, the advantage for the nondominant language was larger than with deep encoding. The results support the idea that memory performance in the nondominant language is impacted by both the greater demand for cognitive resources and the lower familiarity of the words.
Properties of microtubules assembled from mammalian tubulin synthesized in Escherichia coli.

When isolated from tissues, the αβ-dimeric protein tubulin consists of multiple isoforms which originate from the expression and subsequent posttranslational modification of multiple polypeptide sequences. Microtubules studied in vitro consist of mixtures of these isoforms. It is therefore not known whether dimers composed of single sequences of α- and β-tubulin can polymerize to form microtubules, or whether posttranslational modifications may be necessary for microtubule assembly. To initiate investigation of these questions, rabbit reticulocyte lysate, which contains the cytoplasmic chaperonin CCT and its cofactors, was employed to prepare substantial quantities (tens of micrograms) of active tubulin by in vitro folding of mouse α- and β-tubulins recombinantly synthesized in E. coli. This recombinant tubulin is composed of only a single α-chain and a single β-chain. When analyzed after folding by isoelectric focusing, each chain yielded only one band, indicating that neither was detectably posttranslat...
Gender (in)equity in the academy: Subtle mechanisms and the production of inequality

Abstract Researchers have shifted in recent years from explanations that posit overt discrimination as the causal mechanism producing gender inequity, to more subtle forms of favoritism and/or barriers to advancement. Working in the latter tradition, we focus on how subtle sex biases help to produce inequality anew in the academy, through nonconscious beliefs and attitudes that operate through workplace interactions, and through the use of subjective policies and procedures institutionalized in the academic workplace. We examine these issues with qualitative and quantitative data from an Arts & Sciences (A&S) unit of a public research university. We use descriptive, quantitative data to assess the extent to which unequal gender outcomes persist in aggregate, and qualitative interview and survey data to gain insight into how specific mechanisms of inequity produce and maintain those outcomes.
A control theory based framework for dynamic adaptable systems

The increasingly complex environments in which systems need to execute has lead to the need for tools and techniques to systematically design dynamically adaptable systems. A new framework for the design of these adaptive systems is proposed here. The framework, named SMART (State Model Adaptive Run Time), is based on the mathematics of control theory and system identification techniques. This foundation allows the system to accurately predict constraint violations in the environment, such as a memory overflow, and avert them by selecting components that better utilize a particular resource. The result is a more robust system. An example of the application of SMART is presented to show the need and applicability of the framework. Experimental results demonstrate the framework has an 86% accuracy in predicting and averting memory constraint violations. These results indicate the SMART Framework is feasible and has the potential to be a useful design solution for dynamic adaptable systems. Improvements to the framework are proposed as future work.
Effect of neonatal jaundice and phototherapy on the frequency of first-year outpatient visits.

Approximately 60% of newborns develop jaundice in the first few days after birth.1 Although in most cases jaundice is harmless, the need to monitor bilirubin levels with repeated visits and blood draws and occasionally to readmit infants to the hospital for phototherapy may cause parental anxiety and adversely affect the parent–infant relationship.2,3 Mothers, including those with previous experience with neonatal jaundice, may feel at fault for having caused the jaundice, worry when total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels increase, and have difficulty bonding with their infants.4 Green and Solnit5 first coined the term “vulnerable child syndrome” in 1964 to refer to a pattern of parental overprotection and excessive medical concerns that followed children's recovery from life-threatening illness. Subsequent work has found that children may be perceived as vulnerable after less serious illnesses or events, even as minor as a febrile illness that led to a negative lumbar puncture,6 sickle cell trait,6,7 or a false-positive result on newborn screening.8–10 Indeed, Shonkoff,11 commenting on Green and Solnit's classic article 34 years later, wrote, “The most important contribution of this report is the extent to which it underscores the critical importance of what physicians say (and don't say) to parents. . . . Anything that a pediatrician conveys to a mother or father, whether it is thought through clearly or not, can have enormous impact on them and their children. Moreover, the effect may not only be immediate, but it often can be long-lasting.” Previous studies have raised concern that neonatal jaundice may be a cause of the vulnerable child syndrome. Kemper et al2,3 found that mothers of infants with jaundice (TSB ≥12 mg/dL) were less likely than mothers of control infants to leave their infants with another person and more likely to bring them for well-child, sick, and emergency department (ED) visits. Such disproportionate use of health care resources by children who are perceived as vulnerable has been reported by others as well6,12–15 and is 1 of the hallmarks of the vulnerable child syndrome.16 The studies of Kemper et al2,3 included only 85 infants who had jaundice and were born in 1987 and 1988. Our access to an integrated health care delivery system has allowed us to analyze data for a larger and more recent cohort of infants who were born in a setting in which considerable variation in the use of phototherapy has been documented.17 Although this study based on electronically available data cannot assess parental perceptions of vulnerability directly, our very large sample size allows us to quantify precisely and objectively 1 important manifestation of perceived vulnerability: increased use of outpatient services for sick- and well-child care. Thus, the main goal of this study was to determine, by using a more recent cohort, whether either neonatal hyperbilirubinemia or its treatment with inpatient phototherapy is associated with an increase in subsequent outpatient visit rates.
Evaluation of a picture archiving and communication system with combined voice and data traffic

The importance of providing voice communication between picture archiving and communication system (PACS) users has been realized by many researchers. In particular, voice communication can aid in the diagnosis of a patient by geographically separated radiologists and physicians. The voice dialogue can also be stored for later review. This work reports the results of a study to investigate the feasibility of introducing packetized voice to a particular PACS network. It is based on a multiplexed passive star local area network with wavelength-division multiplexing to provide separate logical channels for transfer of control and image data. It consists of an image network (INET) for image transfer at a rate of 140 Mbps, and a control network (CNET) operating at 10 Mbps, for controlling the flow of image transfers. The CNET employs the CSMA/CD protocol for bus arbitration. Previous simulation studies have shown that the CNET remains extremely underutilized even under conditions that overload the INET. This suggests that the CNET could be used to carry packetized voice as well as the control data currently carried. Use of the CNET for this purpose must be considered carefully, however, since the CSMA/CD protocol suffers long packet delays at heavy loads. At an early design phase, detailed modeling can be used to determine whether this will occur at various loads for this PACS. Stochastic activity networks provide the modeling framework necessary to carry out a detailed evaluation of this type. In this research, we represent the modified PACS network and the hypothesized voice, control, and image workload as stochastic activity networks. We verify that the network can support packetized voice in CNET while providing a reasonable service to control traffic.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Abrupt shift in δ 18 O values at Medicine Lake volcano (California, USA)

Oxygen-isotope analyses of lavas from Medicine Lake volcano (MLV), in the southern Cascade Range, indicate a significant change in δ18O in Holocene time. In the Pleistocene, basaltic lavas with <52% SiO2 averaged +5.9‰, intermediate lavas averaged +5.7‰, and silicic lavas (≥63.0% SiO2) averaged +5.6‰. No analyzed Pleistocene rhyolites or dacites have values greater than +6.3‰. In post-glacial time, basalts were similar at +5.7‰ to those erupted in the Pleistocene, but intermediate lavas average +6.8‰ and silicic lavas +7.4‰ with some values as high as +8.5‰. The results indicate a change in the magmatic system supplying the volcano. During the Pleistocene, silicic lavas resulted either from melting of low-18O crust or from fractionation combined with assimilation of very-low-18O crustal material such as hydrothermally altered rocks similar to those found in drill holes under the center of the volcano. By contrast, Holocene silicic lavas were produced by assimilation and/or wholesale melting of high-18O crustal material such as that represented by inclusions of granite in lavas on the upper flanks of MLV. This sudden shift in assimilant indicates a fundamental change in the magmatic system. Magmas are apparently ponding in the crust at a very different level than in Pleistocene time.
On the measurement of polymerization rates by means of infrared absorption spectra

Measurements have been made of the rate of thermal polymerization of styrene by observation of the infrared absorption spectrum of polymerizing samples in infrared absorption cells at 100°C. No effect of cell thickness on polymerization rate was noted, and the rate obtained agrees well with previously published values. An infrared method for determination of residual styrene monomer in polystyrene is described, and its possible application to rate studies on systems at high per cent conversion is noted.
Chest wall mass in a 50-year-old woman.

A 50-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with a 9month history of a lump on her left anterior chest wall in the region of the 2nd and 3rd costochondral junction. She reported the mass changed in size and at times felt soft and fluctuant. It intermittently swelled, causing her local discomfort followed by periods of spontaneous regression, which would be accompanied by inflammation localized to the surrounding chest wall. Physical examination revealed a firm mass along the left superior chest wall measuring approximately 6 9 3 cm. It was fixed in position and slightly tender to palpation. She was afebrile. No other joint complaints were reported. She had a history of ovarian cancer diagnosed at age 24 years; the workup for metastatic disease to the bones and solid organs was negative at that time. Her ovarian cancer was treated with whole-abdomen radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy. She had no symptoms or signs of metastatic disease in the interim. Plain radiographs of the chest were noncontributory. CT and MRI of the chest wall were performed (Figs. 1, 2). Based on the history, physical examination, and imaging studies, what is the differential diagnosis?
TAXONOMIC UTILITY OF SEQUENTIAL WEAR PATTERNS IN SOME FOSSIL CAMELIDS: COMPARISON OF THREE MIOCENE TAXA

Abstract Although camelids, in general, are characterized by uncomplicated, conservative occlusal wear patterns in the cheek teeth, attention to details can sometimes reveal important differences among taxa. In this paper, sequential wear stages in the posterior deciduous premolars and molars are described and compared between the brachydont Miocene camelids Miolabis princetonianus and “Oxydactylus” sp., cf. “O”. longirostris and the hypsodont Miocene camelid Michenia sp. It is found that there are differences between the brachydont camelids on the one hand, and the hypsodont camelid on the other, in the overall occlusal wear patterns, the order in which the molar lophs and lophids become linked, and the relative age (wear stage) at which these connections are established. In the lower teeth, Michenia sp. shows early formation of lophids and reduction of fossettids in the DP4, M1, and M2 compared to M. princetonianus and “O.” sp., cf. “O”. longirostris. Also, the protoconid-hypoconid lophid is the last to...
DETECTING SINUSOIDS IN NON‐GAUSSIAN NOISE

. Spectral analysis is a well-established procedure for detecting harmonic signals in a noisy environment. Much research has been done on methods that use second-order statistics (i.e. the autocovariance function and power spectrum) such as Whittle's test, Bartlett's test, Hannan's test and the Priestley P(Λ) test. When the noise is non-Gaussian, statistics of order greater than two can provide more information to detect the periodicities in noisy data. We direct our main attention to the third (fourth) order cumulant and bispectral (trispectral) methods. New test statistics are derived and are shown to be more powerful than other methods based on second-order statistics under a mixed spectrum condition. The asymptotic power functions of the new test statistics and other tests are studied. Some Monte Carlo simulations are used to evaluate the performance of the new methods with moderate sample sizes.
Effect of Corn Endosperm Containing Different Levels of Amylose on Angoumois Grain Moth Biology. 2. Physical and Chemical Properties of Experimental Corn

Five strains of corn used to rear Silotroga cerealella (Olivier) moths were analyzed for several physical and chemical characteristics. Kernel hardness had a significant effect on the weight of the male moths. The small size and weight of kernels from the popcorn strain appeared to reduce the size of female moths. The amylose and fat content of the corn kernels was negatively correlated with moth weight.
Similarities between the stimulus properties of phenylpropanolamine and amphetamine.

Rats at 80% body weight were trained to discriminate 1.0 mg/kg d-amphetamine versus saline in a two-lever, discrete trial drug discrimination task to obtain food pellets. After reliable discriminative control of lever choice was established, various doses of d,l-phenylpropanolamine (PPA, i.e., d,l-norephedrine) were substituted for the amphetamine training dose in non-reinforced test trials. Test doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg PPA resulted in over 90% responses on the amphetamine-appropriate lever. Lower doses (1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg) resulted in predominantly saline-appropriate responses. The generalization seen after the 20 mg/kg dose of phenylpropanolamine was blocked by pretreatment with 0.5 mg/kg haloperidol, suggesting that the generalization from amphetamine to PPA was mediated by a dopaminergic mechanism.
ROBOTICS: The New Automation Tool

Industrial robots have seen limited use by industries for over a decade but until the auto industry introduced robotics for spot welding applications in the late 60s the robot was not considered seriously. Now they are readily accepted throughout industry. The reasons for their current popularity are the rapidly increasing costs of labor and the seemingly declining productivity of todays workers. In addition, robots today are credited for additional product and quality improvements not seriously considered in the past. Benefits similar to those that have long been attributes associated with hard automation. This paper looks at robotics from a users viewpoint and addresses some of the benefits and concerns attributable to their use. To this end, this paper will describe several applications that are currently used in production with results relative to production gains, side benefits and operator acceptance.
Reacquisition and stimulus specificity

As a test of the modified aftereffects hypothesis and, more particularly, the stimulus specificity assumption, a three-phase instrumental reward learning (runway) experiment was conducted with albino rats. The stimulus specificity position was supported by the finding of a “reversed” PRE in the second phase (extinction) but was not supported by the results of the third phase (reacquisition).
Analysis of Motion Resisted by Friction. II. Velocity-Dependent Friction∗

ABSTRACT An exact method for analysis of the motion of a practical frictional oscillator with velocity-dependent friction is presented. Exact solutions are presented for the cases of free and harmonic forced vibration. It is shown that the oscillator studied exhibits a behavior that, under certain conditions, is significantly different from that of the constant Coulomb oscillator. Under free vibration, the oscillator studied exhibits longer duration of motion and less permanent displacement, whereas under forced vibration it exhibits a much smaller number of stops per cycle and different frequency content. Some of these conclusions appear to be in agreement with experimental results.
Carbonate reservoir interaction with supercritical carbon dioxide

It is well known that with continued production from wet gas reservoirs, the reservoir pressure eventually falls below the dew point pressure leading to condensation and loss of gas productivity in the reservoir. The concept of simultaneously injecting CO2 in a gas reservoir for long term storage while at the same time accelerating production of the gas reservoir is intriguing and promising. CO2 may also interact with carbonate matrix by changing porosity and permeability of the host rock; this is true for reservoirs that are found in the Gulf Region. Core floods experiments with carbon dioxide aging were conducted in a core sample analogue to carbonate at reservoir conditions. CO2 interaction in carbonate formation was evaluated by XRF and SEM analysis; furthermore mineral trapping was also investigated by AFM. The results of the laboratory study showed that the CO2 would dissolve some of the rock at high pressure aging. Dissolved carbonate was found also to be precipitated along the core after decreasing the pressure of the system. The results of this study are directly applicable for evaluating CO2 Huff-n-Puff, a process that can potentially raise the reservoir pressure back above the original dew point. Results of this experiment help answer some critical questions related to introducing CO2 in wet gas reservoirs and its interaction with carbonate reservoirs.
Constitutive and trophoblast-specific expression of a class of bovine interferon genes.

Abstract The early conceptus in sheep and cattle secretes a low molecular weight protein called ovine and bovine trophoblast protein 1 (TP-1) that is critical for establishment of pregnancy. TP-1 is a type I interferon (IFN) and is most related to IFN-omega. Here we have determined if TP-1 genes are regulated similarly to other type I IFNs. Single day 18 bovine conceptuses secrete approximately 10(5) units of IFN antiviral activity per hour in culture, amounts approximately 300 times higher than those produced by Sendai virus-induced leukocytes. Although conceptuses express mRNA for IFN-alpha, IFN-omega, and TP-1, TP-1 constitutes greater than 99% of the IFN produced. In contrast, leukocytes produced predominantly IFN-alpha, although TP-1 mRNA is inducible by Sendai virus to very low levels. TP-1 mRNA is detectable by Northern analysis in conceptuses from early pregnancy but is absent in late gestation placenta and several adult tissues. Transfected bovine TP-1 genes are expressed in human choriocarcinoma (JAR) cells in the absence of any specific stimulus, whereas these cells do not secrete antiviral activity constitutively or after transfection with a bovine IFN-omega gene. The transfected TP-1 gene is not expressed in nontrophoblast cells (mouse L929 and hamster Chinese hamster ovary), however. The 5' promoter region of the TP-1 gene is sufficient to direct trophoblast-specific expression onto a human growth hormone reporter gene in JAR cells. Deletion of the promoter from -450 to -126 results in a 4- to 5-fold decrease in expression. Together these data demonstrate that the genes for TP-1 are inducible by virus but are expressed preferentially in trophoblast cells and are functionally distinct from IFN-omega genes.
Film Condensation of R-22 and R-410A on Horizontal Enhanced Tubes

This study experimentally investigates the film condensation of R-22 and R-410A on two horizontal enhanced tubes. The test tubes include a GEWA-C and a GEWA-TWX. Data was measured at three different saturation temperatures (35°C, 40°C and 45°C) in accordance with the range of practical condensation conditions in the air-conditioning and refrigeration applications. Average heat transfer coefficients were determined by overall heat transfer coefficients based on energy balance. The comparisons of heat transfer coefficients between R-22 and R-410A for both test tubes were presented.Copyright © 1997 by ASME
Tax Subsidies and Household Saving: Evidence from Canada

Targeted tax-based saving incentives can be a powerful tool for promoting household and national saving. This study examines the effect of the cancellation of the Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP), a Canadian tax-subsidized saving program, on household saving. The cancellation provides exogenous variation in eligibility for the subsidy that is uncorrelated with householdspecific heterogeneity in saving behavior. The empirical analysis suggests that the subsidy had a substantial impact on saving: each dollar contributed to the program represented 56-93 and 20-57 cents of new household and national saving, respectively.
Condensation reaction between 2,2-diphenylthio-2,3-dideoxyribose and silylated pyrimidine bases

Abstract The condensation reaction between 2,2-diphenylthio-2,3-dideoxyribose and silylated pyrimidine bases was examined. In the presence of TMSOTf as a catalyst, this reaction proceeded to give the nucleosides in the ratio of α: β = 2:8. Each β-anomer was converted to protected 2′,3′-dideoxynucleosides.
Remanufacturing: The Emergence of an Urban Industry

Demanufacturing is the disassembly and recycling of obsolete consumer products such as TV sets, personal computers, refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners. The basic argument of this...
Quasi-resonance enhancement of laser-induced-fluorescence diagnosis of endometriosis

Endometriosis, a common disease in women in the reproductive age group, is defined pathologically by the presence of endometrial tissue (inner lining of the uterus) outside the uterus. The displaced tissue is histologically identical to endometrium. In addition to being a highly prevalent disease, this disease is associated with many distressing and debilitating symptoms. Motivated by the need to improve diagnosis by endoscopic imaging instrumentation, we have previously used several drugs to cause selective laser-induced fluorescence of active surgically induced endometriosis in the rabbit model in vivo using ultraviolet-wavelength (351.1 and 363.8 nm) excitation from an argon-ion laser. In the present study we have investigated methods of enhancing differentiation between normal and abnormal tissue by using other excitation wavelengths. In addition to an enhanced capability for detecting abnormal tissue, there are several other advantages associated with using visible-wavelength excitation, such as deeper penetration into the tissue, as well as increased equipment performance, reliability, versatility, and availability. The disadvantage is that because only wavelengths longer than the excitation wavelength can be used for detection, some of the spectral information is lost. Because human endomeiriosis samples were somewhat limited in quantity, as well as specimen size, we used normal ovarian tissue for the laser-induced-fluorescence differentiation-enhancement studies. Positive enhancement of the laser-induced- fluorescence differentiation was found in human ovarian tissue in vitro utilizing 514.5-nm excitation from an argonion laser. Additionally, preliminary verification of this concept was accomplished in active surgically induced endometriosis in the rabbit model in vivo with visible argon-ion laser excitation of two tetracycline-based drugs. Future experiments with other drug treatments and excitation/detection parameters are planned.
Traumatic injury of cultured astrocytes alters inositol (1,4,5)–trisphosphate-mediated signaling

Our previous studies using an in vitro model of traumatic injury have shown that stretch injury of astrocytes causes a rapid elevation in intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i), which returns to near normal by 15 min postinjury. We have also shown that after injury astrocyte intracellular calcium stores are no longer able to release Ca2+ in response to signal transduction events mediated by the second messenger inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate (IP3, Rzigalinski et al., 1998). Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that in vitro injury perturbs astrocyte IP3 levels. Astrocytes grown on Silastic membranes were labeled with [3H]-myo-inositol and stretch-injured. Cells and media were acid-extracted and inositol phosphates isolated using anion-exchange columns. After injury, inositol polyphosphate (IPx) levels increased up to 10-fold over uninjured controls. Significant injury-induced increases were seen at 5, 15, and 30 min and at 24 and 48 h postinjury. Injury-induced increases in IPx were equivalent to the maximal glutamate and trans-(1S,3R)-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid-stimulated IPx production, however injury-induced increases in IPx were sustained through 24 and 48 h postinjury. Injury-induced increases in IPx were attenuated by pretreatment with the phospholipase C inhibitors neomycin (100 microM) or U73122 (1.0 microM). Since we have previously shown that astrocyte [Ca2+]i returns to near basal levels by 15 min postinjury, the current results suggest that IP3-mediated signaling is uncoupled from its target, the intracellular Ca2+ store. Uncoupling of IP3-mediated signaling may contribute to the pathological alterations seen after traumatic brain injury.
Peptiduria in polyostotic fibrous dysplasia

Abstract Peptiduria has been observed in two children, a male with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia and a female with the McCune-Albright syndrome. Urine from both patients contained relatively large amounts of a unique array of nine unusual ninhydrin-positive compounds which may be distinctive for their clinical condition. A combination of paper chromatography, preparative thin-layer chromatography, and pH gradient elution with volatile buffers in successive chromatography from anion and cation-exchange resins was used for fractionating the urinary components. Compounds characterized (and their excretion range in milligrams per gram of urinary creatinine) were Gly-Pro (52–440), α-Glu-Hyp (120–536), α-Asp-Gly (11–26), β-Asp-Gly (20–96), Glc-Gal-Hyl (32–73), and Gal-Hyl (50–109). The diketopiperazine of α-Glu-Hyp was demonstrated as an artifact of processing. The relationship of these dipeptides and galactosides are discussed as known structural subunits of the collagen molecule.
Why is Low Blood Cholesterol Associated with Risk of Nonatherosclerotic Disease Death

There is strong and congruent evidence that serum cholesterol and its lipoprotein components play a critical role in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) through a causal role in atherogenesis. Recent evidence shows that reduction of serum total cholesterol (TC), particularly the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol fraction, reduces the incidence of CHD (1-14), by arresting or reversing the progression of atherosclerois (15-17). Methodologically and historically, two studies were weighted particularly heavily in development of US TC-lowering policies. The Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trial found a 19% reduction in CHD incidence, by reducing TC with a combination of diet plus cholestyramine, compared with TC lowering with diet alone (5). The Helsinki study of TC lowering, which used gemfibrizol compared with placebo, found a 34% reduction in CHD incidence (6). For many years, however, there has been some evidence that total mortality is elevated at low TC levels (18-21) and that all-cause mortality risk may be increased by cholesterol lowering (1-7). This article reviews evidence concerning these relations and discusses whether the observations can be attributed to confounding or are causal.
Accountability in Family Discourse: Socialization into Norms and Standards and Negotiation of Responsibility in Italian Dinner Conversations.

This article explores morality as situated activity and approaches the discursive practice of accountability in Italian family dinner conversations as an avenue for understanding the construction of moral behaviour in everyday interpersonal interaction. The article focuses in particular on vicarious accounts, namely accounts, or explanations, provided by parents for a child’s misbehaviour. It examines the multiple socializing functions that vicarious accounts accomplish and the different dimensions of responsibility that they mobilize. While scaffolding children’s participation in episodes of accountability, vicarious accounts set up constraints on children’s autonomy of action, neutralizing more subversive and blameworthy interpretations of their problematic conduct. In this sense, vicarious accounts are qualified concessions and are face-saving acts both for the child whose action was signalled as improper and for the parent who initially requested the account.