cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of viviparity: variation between two sceloporine lizards in the ability to extend egg retention

The evolutionary transition between oviparity and viviparity in squamate reptiles presumably occurs via a gradual increase in the duration of egg retention, the production of thinner eggshells, and increases in the vascularity of maternal and embryonic tissues. The ‘ease’ of this transition may differ among taxa. For example, in the genus Sceloporus, the scalaris species group contains both oviparous and viviparous species, and female Sceloporus scalaris can extend egg retention facultatively in response to the absence of a suitable site for oviposition without impairing embryonic development. In contrast, the undulatus species group contains only oviparous species, and, while female Sceloporus virgatus can extend egg retention, doing so retards embryonic development. I tested several hypotheses that would explain the greater ability of 5. scalaris than S. virgatus to extend egg retention. In this study, female S. scalaris retained eggs for 19 d without affecting the mortality of embryos, total developmental time, or dry mass of hatchlings. In contrast, when female S. virgatus retained eggs for 18 d, embryos had very high mortality and eggs took significantly longer to hatch than control (non-retained) eggs, although the dry mass of hatchlings was not affected. The ability of S. scalaris females to retain eggs with little negative effect on embryonic development was associated with relatively large chorioallantois, relatively thin eggshells, and relatively small clutch masses. These observations suggest that phylogenetic differences in the ability to extend egg retention may facilitate or constrain the evolution of viviparity in some lineages.
Interaction Between Poly-N-vinyl-5-methyl-2-oxazolidinone and Certain Pharmaceuticals in Aqueous Solution

The interaction between certain pharmaceuticals and poly- N -vinyl-5-methyl-2-oxazolidinone is reported. Compounds studied include aromatic hydroxyl compounds, aromatic amino compounds, p -hydroxybenzoic acid esters, barbiturates, plant growth hormones, and sulfonamides. A dialysis method is used to study the complexing reaction. Data indicate that, in general, p -substituted compounds exhibit a degree of binding greater than their m -isomers. The o -substituted compounds appear to interact less than the p - or m -substituted compounds with poly- N -vinyl-5-methyl-2-oxazolidinone. 5,5-Substitution of barbituric acid greatly reduces its ability to associate with the polymer. Data are reported to show the value K , the ratio of the total drug concentration in solution to the concentration of the unbound drug as a function of the polymer concentration.
Antepartum bed rest for pregnancy complications: efficacy and safety for preventing preterm birth

Preterm birth is the major maternal-child health issue across developed nations and the leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Of all deaths of infants <1 year of age in the United States in 2005, 68.6% occurred in infants born prior to term. Although the preterm birth rate in European countries is 5-7%, the U.S. preterm birth rate is 12.7%, representing an increase of 9% since 2000. Antepartum bed rest/activity restriction (ABR/AR) has been a mainstay of treatment to prevent preterm birth for the past 30 years prescribed for nearly 1 million women in the United States annually, despite a lack of evidence for its effectiveness. In fact, there is increasing evidence that ABR causes several adverse physiologic and psychological side effects among women and their infants. Unfortunately, these findings have had little impact on clinical practice. This integrative review of literature provides a comprehensive analysis of the evidence for the practice of prescribing ABR and its physiologic, behavioral, and experiential side effects. It also presents a model to guide continuing research about the effects of maternal bed rest as well as evidence supporting the use of home care with bed rest, a different, safe, and feasible model of prenatal care for treating women with pregnancy complications used particularly in other countries. Finally, suggestions to improve the health of high-risk pregnant and postpartum women and their infants are provided.
Education for Older Adults with Early-Stage Dementia: Health Promotion for the Mind, Body, and Spirit

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 13-week adult education class for older adults with early-stage dementia titled Health Promotion for the Mind, Body, and Spirit. The mixed method research design (N = 14) used a quasiexperimental one-group pretest/posttest and the qualitative methods of focus group and phone interview with caregivers. Pre and posttest measures included the Mini-Mental State Exam, Geriatric Depression Scale–Short Form, and the General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale. There were significant changes in general perceived self-efficacy scores and a reported increase in “growth through confidence” from the participants and caregivers. Age range of the participants was 67 to 89 years of age (M = 78.8, SD = 5.9) The course was theoretically driven by the Corbin and Strauss Trajectory Model for Chronic Illness Management (Corbin & Strauss, 1991). The study highlights the inclusion of an adult education course for people with early stage dementia as part of the Osher Life Long...
Active compression: a framework for video conferencing at very low bit rates

Videoconferencing is an application of video compression that is rapidly expanding in terms of market acceptance and importance. A number of recent papers discuss methods for very low bit rate videoconferencing between 10 - 20 kbps. In addition, telephone lines with state-of-the- art data modems are capable of transmitting data between 20 - 28 kbps. Since videoconferencing requires the transmission and reception of audio and video, the video component is likely to be restricted to about 20 kbps when using telephone lines. While these recent papers indicate acceptable quality for sequences such as `Miss America' for these very low bit rates, they also indicate higher data rates required for other sequences, that are characterized by excessive movement and/or details. In this paper, we are introducing a framework in which sequences that fall in this category are processed so that they match better the characteristics of the coder. However, this cannot be accomplished without reducing the amount of information in the sequence. The key is to make this in such a way as to produce the least subjectively perceptible distortion. Our experiments have shown that the subjective quality of the resulting sequence after active coding and decoding is better than that of the one resulting from standard coding and decoding.
Quinine dimorphism among ‘non-tasters’ of 6-n-propylthiouracil

Geschmacksblinde gegenuber 6-n-Propylthiouracil zerfallen in zwei Gruppen (Dimorphismus): eine mit niedrigen und eine mit hohen Geschmacksschwellenwerten gegenuber Chinin. Jene der ersten Gruppe haben niedrige Schwellenwerte auch gegenuber den andere Geschmacksqualitaten — sauer, salzig und suss — und gehoren zur α-Geschmacksgruppe. Vertreter der zweiten Gruppe, das heisst 6-n-Propylthiouracil-Geschmacksblinde mit hohen Geschmacksschwellenwerten gegenuberChinin gehoren zu der β-Geschmacksgruppe. Patienten mit paroxysmal vaskularem Kopfschmerz (Migrane mit familiarer Komponente), jedoch ohne elektronencephalographische Anomalie, gehoren ausschliesslich zu der β-Geschmacksgruppe. Die Eltern von mongoloiden Kindern weisen hohe Geschmacksschwellenwerte gegenuber Chinin auf, wobei die Vater zur β-Geschmacksgruppe gehoren.
Detection of external refractive index change with high sensitivity using long-period gratings in photonic crystal fiber

Abstract We report that the proposed long-period gratings (LPGs), which were fabricated in an endlessly single-mode photonic crystal fiber (ESM-PCF) via point-by-point residual stress relaxation utilizing focused CO 2 laser irradiation, exhibit a high sensitivity to variations in the external refractive index, with an identified shifting of attenuation band as large as 4.4 pm for 1 × 10 −5 change in the surrounding refractive index over the range from 1.42 to 1.45. Contrary to LPGs inscribed in conventional all-solid optical fiber under similar condition, the mode-coupling resonance band of the ESM-PCF-LPG moves towards longer wavelength with increasing refractive index in the surrounding medium of the fiber cladding. The resonance wavelength has a low-temperature coefficient of 2.2 pm/°C over 30–200 °C.
High prevalence of Dapsone-induced oxidant hemolysis in North American SCT recipients without glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency

Dapsone (4-4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone) is commonly used for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients. Oxidant hemolysis is a known complication of dapsone, but its frequency in adult patients who have undergone a SCT for hematological malignancies is not well established. We studied the presence of oxidant hemolysis, by combining examination of RBC morphology and laboratory data, in 30 patients who underwent a SCT and received dapsone for PCP prophylaxis, and compared this group with 26 patients who underwent a SCT and received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for PCP prophylaxis. All patients had normal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) enzymatic activity. In SCT patients, dapsone compared with TMP-SMX for PCP prophylaxis was associated with a high incidence of oxidant hemolysis (87 vs 0%, P<0.001), and the morphological evaluation of oxidant hemolysis correlated well with laboratory evidence of hemolysis. Dapsone-induced oxidant hemolysis in SCT patients is 20-fold higher than the reported rate in the population of HIV-infected patients, and thus much higher than the prevalence of G6PDH variants in the general population. In our patients, it manifested clinically as a lower Hb that was not significant enough to result in increased packed RBC transfusions.
Temporal, Spectral, and Polarization Dependence of the Nonlinear Optical Response of Carbon Disulfide

Carbon disulfide is the most popular material for applications of nonlinear optical (NLO) liquids, and is frequently used as a reference standard for NLO measurements. Although it has been the subject of many investigations, determination of the third-order optical nonlinearity of CS2 has been incomplete. This is in part because of several strong mechanisms for nonlinear refraction (NLR), leading to a complex pulse width dependence. We expand upon the recently developed beam deflection technique, which we apply, along with degenerate four-wave mixing and Z-scan, to quantitatively characterize (in detail) the NLO response of CS2, over a broad temporal range, spanning 6 orders of magnitude (∼32 fs to 17 ns). The third-order response function, consisting of both nearly instantaneous bound-electronic and noninstantaneous nuclear contributions, along with the polarization and wavelength dependence from 390 to 1550 nm, is extracted from these measurements. This paper provides a self-consistent, quantitative picture of the third-order NLO response of liquid CS2, establishing it as an accurate reference material over this broad temporal and spectral range. These results allow prediction of the outcome of any NLR experiment on CS2.
A source handbook for Digital Equipment Corporation LSI-11-compatible products

Digital Equipment Corporation’s LSI-11-compatible products are listed according to general type. Prices, delivery dates, and descriptive data are included. Sources and costs of general-purpose systems that will run RT-11 are also provided.
Effect of surface composition on electronic structure, stability, and electrocatalytic properties of Pt-transition metal alloys: Pt-skin versus Pt-skeleton surfaces.

The surface properties of PtM (M = Co, Ni, Fe) polycrystalline alloys are studied by utilizing Auger electron spectroscopy, low energy ion scattering spectroscopy, and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. For each alloy initial surface characterization was done in an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) system, and depending on preparation procedure it was possible to form surfaces with two different compositions. Due to surface segregation thermodynamics, annealed alloy surfaces form the outermost Pt-skin surface layer, which consists only platinum atoms, while the sputtered surfaces have the bulk ratio of alloying components. The measured valence band density of state spectra clearly shows the differences in electronic structures between Pt-skin and sputtered surfaces. Well-defined surfaces were hereafter transferred out from UHV and exposed to the acidic (electro)chemical environment. The electrochemical and post-electrochemical UHV surface characterizations revealed that Pt-skin surfaces are stable during and af...
Further Characterization of HeLa DNA Polymerase

DNA polymerase ∊ (pol ∊) from HeLa cells was purified to near homogeneity, utilizing Mono S fast protein liquid chromatography for complete separation from pol α. The purified pol ∊ preparation showed two polypeptides of >200 and 55 kDa and a small amount of active 122-kDa proteolysis product on denaturing polyacrylamide gels. Pol ∊ (as well as pols α and δ) is optimally active in 100-150 mM potassium glutamate and 15 mM MgCl2. Replication factors RF-A and RF-C, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and Escherichia coli single-stranded DNA binding protein showed no significant effect on this preparation's pol ∊ activity, processivity, or substrate specificity. The size of the pol ∊ transcript for the catalytic subunit (>200 kDa) was investigated in both normal human fibroblasts and HeLa cells. A 7.7-kilobase transcript was detected which was 5-16-fold more prevalent in proliferating than in quiescent HeLa cells. No significant difference in the level of pol ∊ transcript in HeLa cells or fibroblasts was seen after ultraviolet irradiation. Mouse polyclonal antiserum was produced to a 144-amino acid fragment of pol ∊ fused to staphylococcal protein A. This non-neutralizing polyclonal antiserum specifically recognized the catalytic subunit of pol ∊ by immunoblotting, but not that of pol α, β, or δ. In addition, mouse polyclonal antiserum raised against column-purified pol ∊ was able to recognize and to neutralize pol ∊, and a mouse monoclonal antibody was raised which was able to recognize specifically the catalytic subunit of pol ∊.
Orthogonal polynomials and a Dirichlet problem related to the Hilbert transform

Abstract An operator closely related to the Hilbert transform on the circle is shown to be unitarily equivalent to a shift realized on a basis of Pollaczek polynomials, a family of orthogonal polynomials with weight supported by all of the real line. There is an associated Dirichlet problem for the disk, where one wants to find harmonic functions with specified boundary values on the upper half circle and with specified constant (possibly complex) direction of the derivative on the real diameter. The Poisson kernel is found and is used to obtain continuous and L p function existence and boundedness results. The Dirichlet problem is a limiting case of boundary value problems for certain special functions coming from the Heisenberg groups.
An integrated approach to an analysis of symptom management in patients with cancer.

Purpose/objectives To provide a definition, describe uses, and identify essential attributes of symptom management by emphasizing the philosophical base for the concept. Data sources 51 references (i.e., books and articles) published from 1980-2003 and located through the Ovid database. Data synthesis Symptoms are subjective and personal phenomena, incorporating the dimensions of symptom occurrence, symptom distress, and symptom experience. Symptom management has been conceptualized and described as self-activity. Symptom status is the direct outcome of symptom management, with symptom distress, quality of life, and performance as major indicators. Conclusions The essential attributes of symptom management in patients with cancer are subjectivity, experientiality, intentionality, multidimensionality, dynamic process, and positive and negative outcomes. Implications for nursing Findings can help oncology nurses and other healthcare professionals to better understand the process of managing a symptom and the influential factors that affect positive outcomes. The information from this analysis can be used to design educational and interventional programs for symptom management. Future research is needed to establish interventions that relieve and decrease the distress from or prevent the occurrence of symptoms.
Mapping Synaptic Pathology within Cerebral Cortical Circuits in Subjects with Schizophrenia

Converging lines of evidence indicate that schizophrenia is characterized by impairments of synaptic machinery within cerebral cortical circuits. Efforts to localize these alterations in brain tissue from subjects with schizophrenia have frequently been limited to the quantification of structures that are non-selectively identified (e.g., dendritic spines labeled in Golgi preparations, axon boutons labeled with synaptophysin), or to quantification of proteins using methods unable to resolve relevant cellular compartments. Multiple label fluorescence confocal microscopy represents a means to circumvent many of these limitations, by concurrently extracting information regarding the number, morphology, and relative protein content of synaptic structures. An important adaptation required for studies of human disease is coupling this approach to stereologic methods for systematic random sampling of relevant brain regions. In this review article we consider the application of multiple label fluorescence confocal microscopy to the mapping of synaptic alterations in subjects with schizophrenia and describe the application of a novel, readily automated, iterative intensity/morphological segmentation algorithm for the extraction of information regarding synaptic structure number, size, and relative protein level from tissue sections obtained using unbiased stereological principles of sampling. In this context, we provide examples of the examination of pre- and post-synaptic structures within excitatory and inhibitory circuits of the cerebral cortex.
A pre-post topic assessment tool for uncovering misconceptions and assessing their repair and conceptual change

Misconceptions act as barriers to conceptual change, but uncovering and repairing them requires considerable effort. Thus, the research question is, "How effective is a simple pre-post topic assessment tool in uncovering misconceptions and assessing their repair and student conceptual change?" A multimodal pre-and-post topic assessment tool was created to identify misconceptions and assess their repair and student conceptual change. Pre-post assessments were created for six course topics for an introductory materials class. Assessments were composed of four to six describe-and-sketch questions given before and after a topic. Data showed incoming students are familiar with written descriptions (possibly memorized) of covalent, ionic, and metallic bonding, but not van der Waals bonding. Conceptual understanding was much less when models were sketched, indicating conceptual knowledge that was shallower than written descriptions indicated. Gains were always less for sketched than written models, indicative of greater difficulty of conceptual change and building detailed bonding mental models. Visuals, misconceptions, conceptual change and learning are presented in full detail in the paper body.
Observation of quantum state collapse and revival due to the single-photon Kerr effect

To create and manipulate non-classical states of light for quantum information protocols, a strong, nonlinear interaction at the single-photon level is required. One approach to the generation of suitable interactions is to couple photons to atoms, as in the strong coupling regime of cavity quantum electrodynamic systems1, 2. In these systems, however, the quantum state of the light is only indirectly controlled by manipulating the atoms3. A direct photon-photon interaction occurs in so-called Kerr media, which typically induce only weak nonlinearity at the cost of significant loss. So far, it has not been possible to reach the single-photon Kerr regime, in which the interaction strength between individual photons exceeds the loss rate. Here, using a three-dimensional circuit quantum electrodynamic architecture4, we engineer an artificial Kerr medium that enters this regime and allows the observation of new quantum effects. We realize a gedanken experiment5 in which the collapse and revival of a coherent state can be observed. This time evolution is a consequence of the quantization of the light field in the cavity and the nonlinear interaction between individual photons. During the evolution, non-classical superpositions of coherent states (that is, multi-component 'Schrodinger cat' states) are formed. We visualize this evolution by measuring the Husimi Q function and confirm the non-classical properties of these transient states by cavity state tomography. The ability to create and manipulate superpositions of coherent states in such a high-quality-factor photon mode opens perspectives for combining the physics of continuous variables6 with superconducting circuits. The single-photon Kerr effect could be used in quantum non-demolition measurement of photons7, single-photon generation8, autonomous quantum feedback schemes9 and quantum logic operations10.
Bronchial carcinoid in adolescents

Bronchial carcinoid is an uncommon entity in youth. To better understand the essentials of its diagnosis and management, we present two cases occurring in adolescent patients and a review of the literature. We emphasize the clinical and pathophysiologic aspects that facilitate its diagnosis. Increased awareness may lead to earlier diagnosis, preservation of lung tissue, and function, as well as improved prognosis.
Approximate max-integral-flow/min-multicut theorems

We establish several approximate max-integral-flow / min-multicut theorems. While in general this ratio can be very large, we prove strong approximation ratios in the case where the min-multicut is a constant fraction e of the total capacity of the graph. This setting is motivated by several combinatorial and algorithmic applications. Prior to this work, a general max-integral-flow / min-multicut bound was known only for the special case where the graph is a tree. We prove that, for arbitrary graphs, the max-integral-flow / min-multicut ratio is O(e-1 log k), where k is the number of commodites; for graphs excluding a fixed subgraph as a minor (for instance, planar graphs), O(1 / e); and, for dense graphs, O(1√e). Our proofs are constructive in the sense that we give efficient algorithms which compute either an integral flow achieving the claimed approximation ratios, or a witness that the precondition is violated.
Comparative effects of carvedilol and losartan alone and in combination for preventing left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction in rats.

It has been verified that losartan has beneficial effects on ventricular remodeling (VRM) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but the effects of carvedilol alone or in combination with losartan on this condition have not been defined. The present study used rats to compare the effects of carvedilol and losartan alone and in combination for preventing VRM after AMI. After ligation of the left coronary artery, 100 surviving female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: (1) AMI control (n=25), (2) carvedilol (Car, 1 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) (n=25), (3) losartan (Los, 3 mg x kg(-1) x day (-1)) (n=25), and (4) Car (1 mg x kg (-1). day(-1)) + Los (3 mg x kg(-1) x day (-1)) (n=25). A sham-operated group (n=17) was also randomly selected. Drugs were administered by gastric gavage for 4 weeks. After hemodynamic studies, the hearts were fixed and analyzed pathologically. Exclusive of the rats that had died or had an infarct size 55%, complete data were obtained for 65 rats, comprising AMI control (n=13), Car (n=12), Los (n=13), combination (n=14), and sham (n=13) groups. There were no significant differences in the size of infarct among the 4 AMI groups (45.8 approximately 46.7%, all p>0.05). Compared with the sham group, left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), volume (LVV), weight (LVW) and septal thickness (STh) were all significantly increased (all p<0.001), whereas +/-dp/dt was significantly decreased (both p<0.001) in the AMI group. In comparison with the AMI group, LVEDP, LVV, LVW and STh were all significantly decreased (LVEDP: 12.7+/-2.3, 9.7+/-2.8, and 8.6+/-3.5 mmHg vs 20.6+/-2.7 mmHg, all p<0.001; LVV: 0.74+/-0.07, 0.76+/-0.07, and 0.70+/-0.09 ml vs 0.86+/-0.05 ml, all p<0.05; LVW: 668.4+/-52.0, 702.6+/-45.4, and 683.9+/-67.7 mg vs 787.3+/-76.7 mg, p<0.05 approximately 0.001; STh: 1.57+/-0.05, 1.48+/-0.07, and 1.46+/-0.07 mm vs 1.71+/-0.04 mm, all p<0.05), whereas +/-dp/dt was significantly increased (all p<0.05) in the Car, Los, and combination groups, with LVEDP decreasing more in both Los and the combination groups than in the Car group alone (p<0.05) and STh decreasing more in the combination group than in the Car group alone (p<0.05). Carvedilol and losartan alone and in combination all prevent VRM after AMI in rats, with almost equivalent effect.
Kupffer Cell Aggregation and Perivenular Distribution in Steatohepatitis

Cytokine release from inflammatory cells, endotoxin, lipid peroxidation, and generation of reactive oxygen species are among the factors currently thought to be important in the pathogenesis of alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (SH). To more fully evaluate the role of mononuclear inflammatory cells in SH, 11 needle liver biopsies showing SH were selected for immunohistochemical staining to analyze the type and distribution of mononuclear inflammatory cells, including T and B lymphocytes and Kupffer cells (using immunostains for CD3, CD4, CD8; CD20; and CD68, respectively). An additional seven biopsies showing normal or fatty liver were also selected for CD68 immunostaining. Immunohistochemistry showed mild to moderate (1+ to 2+) numbers of T cells, with equal representation of CD4 and CD8 cells. T cells were found in portal tracts and in regions of SH. B cells were only rarely present. CD68 staining of simple fatty liver and normal liver showed elongated, spindle-shaped Kupffer cells diffusely distributed along the sinusoids throughout the lobules. In contrast, in cases of SH, there was prominent enlargement and aggregation of Kupffer cells in perivenular regions. Scattered large vacuoles of fat that had appeared to be within hepatocytes on routine stain were found actually to be within Kupffer cells. These results support the concept that hepatic Kupffer cells are a major immune effector cell in the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis. A potential direct Kupffer cell role in hepatic lipid processing is also postulated.
CO chemisorption properrties of ultrathin Pd films on Ta(110)

Abstract We have investigated the CO chemisorption properties of Pd monolayers and ultrathin films of various thicknesses on Ta(110) using TPD, HREELS and LEED. Using Arrhenius plots constructed from CO TPD data, we were able to determine the CO desorption activation energies, E d , on these films. On the pseudomorphic ( θ Pd = 0.65) and the fcc(111) ( θ Pd = 1.0) Pd monolayers, CO desorbs with nearly the same activation energies, E d ∼ 15 kcal/mol, indicating no significant effects of the changes in the Pd monolayer structure on the CO chemisorption properties. These values are in contrast to E d = 35.5 kcal/mol measured on the bulk Pd(111) surface and indicate strong alteration in the chemisorption properties of monolayers of Pd on Ta(110). Our CO TPD results also show that the CO chemisorption properties of the Pd(111) surface are practically recovered at θ Pd = 2.0 if the Pd film is not annealed after deposition at 125 K. For Pd films annealed to 550 K the CO desorption energy increases with the size of the Pd clusters which form on top of the Pd monolayer. HREELS, used to probe the CO adsorption site on these Pd films, shows that CO adsorbs predominantly in atop sites on the pseudomorphic and the fcc(111) Pd monolayers. In addition, a small amount of bridge-bonded CO is detected when the fcc(111) monolayer is exposed to saturation doses of CO. This type of CO corresponds to CO molecules adsorbed on small Pd clusters formed by CO adsorption. This is consistent with our LEED observations which indicate that the fcc(111) structure is reconstructed to the pseudomorphic structure upon exposure to CO.
Temperature elevations in orthopaedic cutting operations

Temperature measurements were made in bovine cortical bone using two cutting burst at 20,000 and 100,000 rpm and two reciprocating saw blades at 20,000 strokes per minute. A combination of feed rates and depths of cuts were investigated for the cutting burs. Cortical temperatures decreased as a result of increases in feed rate, but increased as the depth of cut increased. Temperature increase due to an increase in rotational speed was dependent upon the particular bur. The cutting forces were observed to increase with feed rate and depth of cut, but to decrease with increased rotational speed. The effect of saw design and irrigation had a significant effect on the cortical temperature. Without irrigation, the bone temperature exceeded temperatures reported to produce thermal necrosis. Clinical tests during total joint replacement indicated saw temperatures exceeding 200 degrees C when irrigation was not used.
Estimating the Natural Illumination Conditions from a Single Outdoor Image

Given a single outdoor image, we present a method for estimating the likely illumination conditions of the scene. In particular, we compute the probability distribution over the sun position and visibility. The method relies on a combination of weak cues that can be extracted from different portions of the image: the sky, the vertical surfaces, the ground, and the convex objects in the image. While no single cue can reliably estimate illumination by itself, each one can reinforce the others to yield a more robust estimate. This is combined with a data-driven prior computed over a dataset of 6 million photos. We present quantitative results on a webcam dataset with annotated sun positions, as well as quantitative and qualitative results on consumer-grade photographs downloaded from Internet. Based on the estimated illumination, we show how to realistically insert synthetic 3-D objects into the scene, and how to transfer appearance across images while keeping the illumination consistent.
Corporate Diversification and Credit Constraints: Real Effects across the Business Cycle

We study whether differences in access to credit cause focused firms to perform differently from diversified firms in the product market. Prior work has identified binding credit constraints for bank-dependent firms during recessions. We assess whether corporate diversification alleviates these constraints. We find that during recessions sales growth rates drop more for bank-dependent focused firms than for rival segments of bank-dependent diversified firms. We also find that during recessions inventory growth rates drop more for bank-dependent focused firms than for bank-dependent diversified firms even after we control for contemporaneous sales growth. Consistent with a credit constraint explanation, we find no difference in the sensitivities to recessions of bank-independent focused and bank-independent diversified firms. (JEL G30, G31, G32) Copyright 2006, Oxford University Press.
Design for acquisition: principles of knowledge-system design to facilitate knowledge acquisition

The problem of knowledge acquisition is viewed in terms of the incongruity between the representational formalisms provided by an implementation (e.g. production rules) and the formulation of problem-solving knowledge by experts. The thesis of this paper is that knowledge systems can be designed to facilitate knowledge acquisition by reducing representation mismatch. Principles of design for acquisition are presented and applied in the design of an architecture for a medical expert system called MUM. It is shown how the design of MUM makes it possible to acquire two kinds of knowledge that are traditionally difficult to acquire from experts: knowledge about evidential combination and knowledge about control. Practical implications for building knowledge-acquisition tools are discussed.
Resident bacteria, nitric oxide emission and particle size modulate the effect of Brassica napus seed meal on disease incited by Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium spp

Amendment of orchard soil with low-glucosinolate Brassica napus (rape) seed meal (RSM) suppresses infection of apple roots by Rhizoctonia solani but increases incidence of Pythium spp. infection. Following incorporation of Brassica sp. seed meals, soils were monitored for changes in populations of selected saprophytic and plant pathogenic microorganisms. When conducted in pasteurized soil, which possessed high numbers of Bacillus spp. and lower than detectable numbers of Streptomyces spp., RSM amendment did not provide control of R. solani. Populations of streptomycetes in RSM-amended soil increased to stable levels >20-fold higher than in non-amended soil. Disease suppressiveness was restored to pasteurized RSM-amended soil by adding any of several Streptomyces strains. Maximal rates of nitrification in orchard soil, determined by nitric oxide emission, were observed within two weeks following RSM amendment and inhibition of nitrification via application of nitrapyrin abolished the capacity of RSM to suppress R. solani infection of apple roots when seedlings were planted one day after soil amendment. Apple seedling mortality and Pythium spp. root infection were highest for seedlings planted immediately following incorporation of B. napus cv. Athena RSM, particularly when meal was added in a flake rather than powder form. Lower infection frequencies were observed for seedlings planted four weeks after RSM incorporation, even for soil in which densities of culturable Pythium spp. had not declined. Our results demonstrate that suppression of Rhizoctonia root rot in response to RSM amendment requires the activity of the resident soil microbiota and that initial disease control is associated with the generation of nitric oxide through the process of nitrification.
Fate of a bacteriophage in Aedes aegypti, Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Diptera: Culicidae), and Periplaneta americana (Orthoptera: Blattidae).

Abstract The viability of a bacteriophage of Escherichia coli was unaffected by injection into the hemocoel of the mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles quadrimaculatus , but was reduced by injection into the cockroach, Periplaneta americana . Treatment of the cockroach with India ink, known to be phagocytized in the cockroach hemocoel, did not block the reduction of phage viability. Phage viability was unaffected by incubation with gut homogenates of A. aegypti but was possibly affected by homogenates of P. americana .
Boost phase tracking with an unscented filter

Boost phase missile tracking is formulated as a nonlinear parameter estimation problem, initialized with an unscented transformation, and updated with a scaled unscented Kalman filter.
A new microporous carbon material synthesized via thermolysis of a porous aromatic framework embedded with an extra carbon source for low-pressure CO2 uptake.

Pre-introducing an extra carbon source into the porous aromatic framework of PAF-1 followed by thermolysis affords a new microporous carbon material, which demonstrates a CO2 uptake capacity of 93 cm3 g−1 (equivalent to 4.1 mmol g−1 or 18.2 wt%) at 295 K and 1 bar.
The effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on epidermal growth factor binding and protein kinase activity in the RTH-149 rainbow trout hepatoma cell line

Abstract The time- and dose-dependent effects of TCDD on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-r) and protein kinase activities were studied in the RTH-149 rainbow trout hepatoma cell line. A single exposure to 150 pM TCDD in isooctane caused a reduction in epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding to RTH-149 plasma membranes. Reduction was first observed at 6 h and continued throughout the experimental period (96 h). EGF binding was also reduced in a dose-dependent manner with an EC 50 of 27.5 pM. The reduction in binding of EGF was accompanied by an increase in EGF receptor phosphorylation. The decrease in binding of EGF to cell membranes and the increase in EGF receptor phosphorylation were also correlated with greater activities of membrane bound protein kinase C and protein tyrosine kinase. The TCDD-induced reduction in EGF binding was also statistically correlated with an increase in cell number and [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation, both of which were statistically correlated with an increase in EGF-r phosphorylation and protein kinase activity. The results suggest that TCDD-induced alteration of EGF-mediated effects has some toxicological significance in the regulation of normal growth and differentiation of RTH-149 cells.
Biomechanics of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a condition whereby the terminal aorta permanently dilates to dangerous proportions, risking rupture. The biomechanics of AAA has been studied with great interest since aneurysm rupture is a mechanical failure of the degenerated aortic wall and is a significant cause of death in developed countries. In this review article, the importance of considering the biomechanics of AAA is discussed, and then the history and the state-of-the-art of this field is reviewed--including investigations into the biomechanical behavior of AAA tissues, modeling AAA wall stress and factors which influence it, and the potential clinical utility of these estimates in predicting AAA rupture.
Host plant selection by Battus philenor butterflies: Evidence for individual differences in foraging behaviour

Abstract A previous study reported that individual females of the pipevine swallowtail butterfly, Battus philenor , exhibit different search modes when searching for host plants on which to oviposit. However, an alternative explanation for the results of that study exists: apparent differences in searching behaviour may simply represent differences in the composition of the vegetation over which females fly. The results from the present study rule out this alternative explanation and indicate that apparent differences in search mode reflect underlying differences among females in response to leaf shape.
Neutralization of the Phagocytosis-Enhancing Acitivity of Interferon Preparations by Anti-Interferon Serum

A wide variety of distinctive mouse interferon (IF)-containing preparations consistently exhibited the phagocytosis-enhancing activity reported previously. The enhancing as well as the antiviral activity of IF preparations were neutralized by a highly specific anti-IF serum.
Is a calorie a calorie

The aim of this review was to evaluate data regarding potential thermodynamic mechanisms for increased rates of weight loss in subjects consuming diets high in protein and/or low in carbohydrate. Studies that compared weight loss and energy expenditure in adults consuming diets high in protein and/or low in carbohydrate with those in adults consuming diets low in fat were reviewed. In addition, studies that measured the metabolizable energy of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates were reviewed. Diets high in protein and/or low in carbohydrate produced an approximately equal to 2.5-kg greater weight loss after 12 wk of treatment. Neither macronutrient-specific differences in the availability of dietary energy nor changes in energy expenditure could explain these differences in weight loss. Thermodynamics dictate that a calorie is a calorie regardless of the macronutrient composition of the diet. Further research on differences in the composition of weight loss and on the influence of satiety on compliance with energy-restricted diets is needed to explain the observed increase in weight loss with diets high in protein and/or low in carbohydrate.
A Steady-State Kinetic Model Can Be Used to Describe the Growth of Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs) on Gold

The kinetics of formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold generated by the adsorption of 2,2-dipentadecylpropane-1,3-dithiol (d-C17, [CH3(CH2)14]2C[CH2SH]2), 2-pentadecylpropane-1,3-dit...
A Very Simple Model for Declining Mean Fitness

We describe a large-population one-locus, two-allele model that, for certain values of viability and fertility selection parameters, displays a substantial monotonic decline in population mean fitness, concurrent with complete replacement of the allele associated with higher fitness by the allele associated with lower fitness.
Scientific Dialogue and Critical Hermeneutics

Four themes seem to have structured Cultural Anthropology in year two: the effort to reconstruct a unified anthropology in the border terrain between biological and cultural anthropology; critiques of ethnographic writing as a means for controlling partial or distorting perspectives; concern with the prisonhouse of language and its means of self-transcendence in terms of healing performance, epistemological critical awareness, and archiving of historical and moral experience; and a budding reflection upon modem American society.
The Longitudinal Course of Thought Disorder in Geriatric Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: This study longitudinally assessed previously validated dimensions of thought disorder—verbal underproductivity and disconnection—in geriatric schizophrenia and replicated previous cross-sectional differences in communication disorders. METHOD: Two hundred twenty patients with chronic schizophrenia were assessed with the Thought, Language, and Communication Scale over a mean follow-up period of 2.3 years. RESULTS: Patients had increases in verbal underproductivity but stable scores on disconnection over the follow-up period. Worsening in verbal underproductivity was associated with concurrent worsening in Mini-Mental State Examination scores and older age at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Verbal underproductivity worsens with aging and is associated with cognitive worsening, although disconnected speech is relatively stable. Some geriatric patients with schizophrenia may lose the skills necessary to report symptoms, leading to the impression that their clinical status is improving.
Reservoir-parameter identification using minimum relative entropy-based Bayesian inversion of seismic AVA and marine CSEM data

A stochastic joint-inversion approach for estimating reservoir-fluid saturations and porosity is proposed. The approach couples seismic amplitude variation with angle (AVA) and marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) forward models into a Bayesian framework, which allows for integration of complementary information. To obtain minimally subjective prior probabilities required for the Bayesian approach, the principle of minimum relative entropy (MRE) is employed. Instead of single-value estimates provided by deterministic methods, the approach gives a probability distribution for any unknown parameter of interest, such as reservoir-fluid saturations or porosity at various locations. The distribution means, modes, and confidence intervals can be calculated, providing a more complete understanding of the uncertainty in the parameter estimates. The approach is demonstrated using synthetic and field data sets. Results show that joint inversion using seismic and EM data gives better estimates of reservoir parameters than estimates from either geophysical data set used in isolation. Moreover, a more informative prior leads to much narrower predictive intervals of the target parameters, with mean values of the posterior distributions closer to logged values.
Applications of computational fluid dynamics to the aerodynamics of army projectiles

The ability to predict the complete set of aerodynamic performance parameters for projectile configurations is the goal of the computational aerodynamicists at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. To achieve this goal, predictive capabilities that use Navier-Stokes computational techniques have been developed and applied to an extensive number of projectile configurations. A summary of code validation efforts and applications for both spin-stabilized and fin-stabilized projectile configurations are described. Significant progress in the predictive capability for projectile aerodynamics has been achieved through the availability of substantial supercomputer resources and modern computational techniques. Current and future research areas of interest are described and provide an indication of computer resources and code enhancements needed to continue the progress in projectile computational aerodynamics. 44 refs.
How School Environments Contribute to Violent Behavior in Youth

Schools are not perceived as safe havens. Students, school administrators, teachers, and parents recognize the school environment as a place where victimization occurs-often. This perception elicits fear and the devastating consequences of withdrawal, defending, and the stress/trauma response in students and school staff. Schools must understand the association between victimization and violent behaviors relating to the perceived stress/trauma response. Schools must also understand that reactive and punitive responses do not eliminate the common forms of victimization that erode the school's milieu and function. Schools must maintain self-examination regarding their contribution to their violent environments and engage in active efforts of reorganization and definition of purpose.
Stable isotope and minor element proxies for Eocene climate of Seymour Island, Antarctica

[1] Abundant and well-preserved marine macrofossils on Seymour Island, Antarctica, provide a valuable resource to establish paleoenvironmental conditions at high southern latitudes during the warm Paleogene. Stable isotope, minor element, and 8 7 Sr/ 8 6 Sr compositions have been measured for the aragonite bivalve Cucullaea from the Eocene La Meseta Formation. The 8 7 Sr/ 8 6 Sr stratigraphy suggests an early to late Eocene age for the La Meseta Formation. Sea surface temperature estimates based on δ 1 8 O values range from 14.5° to 15.5°C in the early and middle Eocene to 10.5°C in the late Eocene. High-resolution sampling along growth structures provides estimates of seasonality in temperature, which decrease considerably up section. To address the relative contribution of temperature and ice volume or salinity to the δ 1 8 O record, Sr/Ca was measured and evaluated as a potential independent paleothermometer for Cucullaea.
Circadian Wheel-Running Activity of Rats Under Schedules of Limited Daily Access to Salt

Schedules of limited daily access to food result in 'anticipatory' activity preceding each daily feeding. It is well-established that such food-anticipatory activity depends on a food-entrainable circadian timing mechanism. In the present study, we sought to extend the generality of these results by maintaining rats in running wheels under schedules which provided access to salt solutions or to salty food for 2 hr each day. The animals were subjected to dietary, pharmacological and surgical treatments that promote salt appetite. However, we found no evidence for daily salt-anticipatory wheel running activity in any condition.
Adjunctive Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Therapy for Diabetic Foot Infections

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of diabetic foot infections in non-neutropenic patients.DATA SOURCESClinical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1965–April 2004). Key search terms included G-CSF, infection, and diabetes. In addition, relevant references from primary and secondary article bibliographies were extracted.DATA SYNTHESISThree clinical trials evaluating G-CSF for diabetic foot infections were identified. These data demonstrated positive effects of G-CSF on improvement of foot infections and risk of amputations.CONCLUSIONSControlled trials are necessary to validate the role of adjunctive G-CSF at reducing amputations in patients with diabetic foot infections.