cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of t‐tests for differences in sexual dimorphism between populations

A t-test that can be used for evaluating the significance of differences in metric sexual dimorphism between populations is derived directly from mathematical considerations of the differences between distributions. It is compared with the t-test derived by Relethford and Hodges (1985), which was based upon linear regression with sex as a dummy variable. Both are determined to be mathematically equivalent, though the one derived here is more similar in form to traditional t-tests of differences and therefore may be simpler to employ. Both tests require only summary statistics for comparisons between populations and comparisons between generations within populations.
Management of Information in Radiation Oncology: An Integrated System for Scheduling, Treatment, Billing, and Verification.

An effective information system is an essential prerequisite to delivering quality patient care at competitive costs. From scheduling and billing to complex treatment machine control and verification, the quality of the information system strongly affects the efficiency and accuracy with which patient care is delivered. The standard paper-based information system used in many clinics suffers from inefficiencies and incompleteness in scheduling and billing, no centralized database and the inability to generate routine reports and communicate with other information systems. Many of these problems are resolved by the introduction of an electronic information system. The implementation, gains, and limitations of two electronic information systems are discussed. While limitations such as the lack of complete seamless integration of all information still exist, major improvements have been made in efficiency, accuracy, data integrity, and reporting and billing completeness.
Photoexcitations in trans-(CH)x: a Fourier-transform infrared study

Photoinduced absorption spectra of trans-${(\mathrm{CH})}_{x}$ and -${(\mathrm{CD})}_{x}$ between 15 and 8000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ are presented. The data demonstrate that the photoexcitations result in charged solitons which are pinned. The isotope shifts observed in trans-${(\mathrm{CD})}_{x}$ provide new information about the internal modes of the excitation. Saturation of the signal at low levels is discussed in terms of a photoassisted decay channel.
The Alternative Motor Fuels Act, alternative-fuel vehicles, and greenhouse gas emissions

The corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standard is the major policy tool to improve the fleet average miles per gallon of automobile manufacturers in the US. The Alternative Motor Fuels Act (AMFA) provides special treatment in calculating the fuel economy of alternative-fuel vehicles to give manufacturers CAFE incentives to produce more alternative-fuel vehicles. AMFA has as its goals an increase in the production of alternative-fuel vehicles and a decrease in gasoline consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This paper examines theoretically the effects of the program set up under AMFA. It finds that, under some conditions, this program may actually increase the production of fuel-inefficient gasoline vehicles, gasoline consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Localization of tellurium in fetal tissues, particularly brain.

The ingestion of tellurium (Te) by a pregnant rat can result in hydrocephalus in her offspring. No anomalies have been noted in the other fetal organs. In order to elucidate the mechanism of the tellurium-induced hydrocephalus, we studied the distribution of 127mTe within the brain of fetuses after its injection into the maternal tail vein; its localization in fetal tissues was studied with autoradiography, the fetuses being removed from the mother sequentially. The 127mTe crossed the placenta and reached all fetal organs within 1–2 min of its injection into the mother. The method of entry of the Te into parenchyma of the 12-day avascular fetal telencephalon was via the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricles. The 127mTe apparently reached the telencephalic parenchyma of the 15-day fetus directly via the blood vessels. This study establishes that the Te actually reached the parenchyma of the future cerebral hemisphere. It was also found in the parenchyma of the other organs examined, which suggests that the Te may be specifically teratogenic to the brain for some yet unknown reason.
New evidence for the role of NADH oxidase in phagocytosis by human granulocytes.

Abstract An increase in oxygen consumption and the activity of the hexose monophosphate shunt are well-established concomitants of phagocytosis by normal human granulocytes. In this paper, evidence is presented that the dye nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) abolished both of these metabolic activities and is, at the same time, reduced to its blue formazan. These observations strongly implicate NADH oxidase, rather than NADPH oxidase, in the respiratory burst that accompanies the ingestion of particles by phagocytizing cells. If the latter enzyme were to be involved in oxygen consumption, and in dye reduction, one would expect an increase in hexose monophosphate shunt activity by virtue of the increased availability of NADP. The absence of an increase in shunt activity during the reduction of NBT suggests that it is a consequence of NADH oxidase activity and hydrogen peroxide formation.
The Springfield Armory's role in developing interchangeable parts

Purpose – Interchangeable parts were a critical development in the advancement of industry and manufacturing. This paper traces its development, the factors that contributed to it, and answers the question of why did this innovation occur at the Springfield Armory.Design/methodology/approach – This is an illustrative case study.Findings – The fortunate combination of location, key people, government policy, and arms demand combined to enable the development of interchangeable parts at the Springfield Armory. Led by its Superintendent, Roswell Lee, Springfield became the epicenter for the development of this concept as skilled gunmakers captured arms making knowledge unfettered by patent protection. Lee promoted this free interchange of ideas through sharing designs and equipment, his hiring practices, and his willingness to experiment with new tools and technologies. This created a critical mass of factors that led to this important innovation occurring at the Springfield Armory.Research limitations/impli...
Congenital Long-QT Syndrome in Addison’s Disease: A Novel Association

This report describes a teenager found to have both Addision’s disease and long-QT syndrome type 1. This association is unique, but congenital long-QT channelopathies have been associated with other endocrinopathies. It remains to be seen whether genetic investigation should be performed for all patients with long-QTc’s and endocrinopathies.
Linear Elastic Solutions for Slotted Plates

Two-dimensional problems of finite-length blunted cracks cut into infinite plates subject to remote tractions are solved using complex variable theory. The slot geometry is composed of two flat surfaces connected by rounded ends. This special geometrical shape was derived by Riabouchinsky in the study of two-dimensional ideal fluid flow around parallel plates. The simpler antiplane slotted plate problem is addressed initially for this geometry. From this exact solution, the equivalent of a Westergaard stress potential is found and applied to the two other principal modes of fracture, which are plane elasticity problems. For a plate subject to uniform radial tension at infinity, an analytical solution is obtained that will reduce to the familiar mode I singular crack solution as the separation between the parallel faces of the slot becomes zero. For finite-width mode I slots, the rounded ends have tensile tractions which terminate at the adjoining flat surfaces of the slot, which remain traction-free. In this respect, the finite-width mode I slot problem resembles a Barenblatt cohesive zone model of a plane crack or a Dugdale plastic strip model of a plane crack, although the tractions will vary in magnitude along the slot ends rather than remaining uniform as in the former type of crack problems. Similarly, in the case of the finite-width mode II slot problem, the rounded ends of the slot have shear tractions, while the flat surfaces remain load-free. A distinguishing feature of the mode II slot solution over the mode I slot problem is that the maximum in-plane shear stress is constant along the rounded ends of the slot. Because of this, those particular regions of the boundary can represent incipient plastic yield based on either the Mises or Tresca yield condition under plane strain loading conditions. In this way, the problem resembles the plastic strip models of Dugdale, Cherepanov, Bilby-Cottrell-Swinden, and others. Notably, the mode III slot problem also has a constant maximum shear stress along the curved portions of the slot, while the entire slot boundary remains traction-free, unlike the mode II slot problem. Consequently, the mode III slot problem represents both a generalization of the standard mode III crack problem geometry, while simultaneously satisfying the boundary conditions of a plastic strip model.
Studies on the flight mechanism of insects—III. The innervation and electrical activity of the basalar fibrillar flight muscle of the beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros

Abstract Three nerve trunks from the mesothoracic ganglion send branches to innervate the basalar muscle. The principal trunk divides into seven branches each of which was separately stimulated while recording intracellularly from many muscle fibres. Muscle fibres of the posterior and central regions responded with similar junctional potentials and spikes, both of which increased in size somewhat with successive stimulation. Anterior and anterior lateral fibres possessed a complex innervation, individual fibres showing as many as four steps in junctional potential. The branching of eight axons of the main basalar nerve trunk to supply the seven nerve subdivisions was determined. A hyperpolarizing fibre was found in one branch able to inhibit the depolarizing action resulting from stimulation of excitatory axons converging on the same fibre. The significance of this polyneuronal innervation and its relation to the physiology of fibrillar muscle is discussed.
Tillage and Compost Affect Yield of Corn, Soybean, and Wheat and Soil Fertility

Applying organic matter (OM) amendments to cropland reduces requirements for synthetic fertilizer and may eliminate yield differences between conventional and minimum tillage. The objectives of this research were to determine how tillage and composted swine (Sus scrofa L.) manure affected yield of corn (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr], and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soil concentrations of OM, P, and K. A corn-soybean-wheat/clover (Trifolium spp.) rotation, in all phases, was initiated in 1998 in plots that had been managed with moldboard plow (MP), chisel plow, or no-till since 1988. Moldboard and chisel plow increased corn yield in the first year of the study vs. no-till. Thereafter, tillage did not affect yield on plots that received compost. Tillage x compost interactions during the last 2 yr of the study increased no-till compost yield 11% vs. no compost. Soybean yield was similar in no-till and chisel compost plots during the study period and between MP and no-till in 3 of 4 yr. Tillage × compost interactions were observed in 2 of 4 yr that increased no-till compost yield 9% vs. no compost. Averaged across all crops and tillage, compost-amended soil had 63 g kg -1 OM and 164 mg kg -1 P vs. 56 and 55 in no compost. Corn and soybean producers can enhance yield with multiple compost applications and eliminate yield differences between conventional and no-till systems. Nevertheless, compost application for soil OM enhancement must be balanced with P input to minimize the potential for excessive soil P accumulation.
Standing waves on a multimode ladder oscillator

A new ladder oscillator with N degrees of freedom is presented. The stationary energies are determined and used to show that in the quasiharmonic approximation all standing wave modes on such a network are stable when N + 1 is a prime number.
A SUPER-EARTH-SIZED PLANET ORBITING IN OR NEAR THE HABITABLE ZONE AROUND A SUN-LIKE STAR

We present the discovery of a super-Earth-sized planet in or near the habitable zone of a Sun-like star. The host is Kepler-69, a 13.7 mag G4V-type star. We detect two periodic sets of transit signals in the 3-year flux time series of Kepler-69, obtained with the Kepler spacecraft. Using the very high precision Kepler photometry, and follow-up observations, our confidence that these signals represent planetary transits is >99.3%. The inner planet, Kepler-69b, has a radius of 2.24^(+0.44)_(-0.29) R_⊕ and orbits the host star every 13.7 days. The outer planet, Kepler-69c, is a super-Earth-sized object with a radius of 1.7^(+0.34)_(-0.23) R_⊕ and an orbital period of 242.5 days. Assuming an Earth-like Bond albedo, Kepler-69c has an equilibrium temperature of 299 ± 19 K, which places the planet close to the habitable zone around the host star. This is the smallest planet found by Kepler to be orbiting in or near the habitable zone of a Sun-like star and represents an important step on the path to finding the first true Earth analog.
Regional hemodialysis anticoagulation: hypertonic tri-sodium citrate or anticoagulant citrate dextrose-A

Regional citrate anticoagulation should be a simple process of substituting hypertonic (1.6 mol/L) citrate for heparin and adjusting the infusion to obtain an arterial activated clotting time of 150 to 200 seconds. Serious, documented complications of citrate anticoagulation involve citrate intoxication during isolated ultrafiltration; hyperaluminemia, hyperammonemia, and hypernatremia during sorbent dialysis; and profound alkalosis, paresthesias, arrhythmia, and cardiac arrest during bicarbonate dialysis. We suspected that some of these complications could be avoided by using anticoagulant citrate dextrose-A (ACD) rather than hypertonic tri-sodium citrate (TSC) as the anticoagulant. In a cross-over study with random assignment order eight adults underwent mid-week dialyses with ACD (0.113 mol/L citrate) and TSC (1.6 mol/L citrate) regional citrate anticoagulation. Predialysis to postdialysis changes in Na (mEq/L), Ca (mg/dL), ionized Ca (mg/dL), pH, and HCO3 (mEq/L) are listed below. [Table in journal] Using continuous blood flow and avoiding isolated ultrafiltration and sorbent dialysis should prevent the delivery system complications of regional citrate anticoagulation. During this evaluation isotonic and hypertonic citrate resulted in similar serum sodium changes, and standard dialysate effectively reversed the citrate/calcium interaction of both hypertonic and isotonic citrate infusions to restore homeostasis without a separate calcium infusion. The combination of TSC and bicarbonate dialysate does produce a profound metabolic alkalosis, which is lessened by using ACD. In general, regional citrate anticoagulation is simplified by using standard dialysate with a hypertonic rather than an isotonic citrate infusion, and dangerous complications are further evaded by adjusting the dialysate bicarbonate to 25 to 30 mmol/L or substituting a mixture of citric acid and TSC (ACD) for TSC.
Sintered Diamond Compacts with a Cobalt Binder

Diamond powder can be successfully cemented with cobalt. At 62 kilobars the sintering occurs over the temperature range from 1570 degrees to 1610 degrees C. The maximum microhardness of the compact ( 3000 kilograms per square millimeter on the Knoop scale) is obtained with a mixture of 20 percent cobalt (by volume) and a diamond particle size of 1 to 5 micrometers.
Specific IgE antibodies in atopic eczema

Abstract Radioallergosorbent tests (RAST'S) with 35 antigens and total serum IgE levels were performed on sera from 25 patients with atopic eczema, ranging from mild to very severe, who had been evaluated clinically and, when possible, skin-tested to inhalant allergens. IgE levels varied from 95 to 112,000 I.U., with a geometric mean of 2,200 I.U. Individual patients' sera gave an average of 8.4 positive RAST's to 14 inhalant allergens with a range of from 1 to 14 positive tests. The correlation of RAST with skin tests averaged 55 per cent with no difference observed with either the scratch or the prick methods. The degree of correlation was not related to severity of eczema. In eczema patients the great majority of noncorrelating tests were RAST positive and skin-test negative, unlike the noncorrelating tests found in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis, where there are more positive skin tests with negative RAST. The 25 sera were tested by RAST with 18 food antigens and the various sera gave from 1 to 18 positive tests, with an average of 9.7. IgE antibodies reacting with at least one of the DPT antigens were found in 10 of the 25 sera. Sera from 4 of the patients studied contained IgE antibodies that combined with all 35 antigens studied. Control RAST's with these sera were negative. This study shows that much of the elevation of serum IgE observed in atopic eczema represents specific IgE antibodies that can combine with common antigens with relatively high affinity.
Duplication and Divergence of Grass Genomes: Integrating the Chloridoids

Expressed Sequence Tags from a variety of plant species have been useful for comparative genomics. The evolution of the Chloridoideae subfamily, previously lacking sequence data, was clarified by analysis of Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) ESTs generated from a normalized cDNA library. Using EST collections, we generated unigene sets and analyzed them to further elucidate the evolutionary history of grass subfamilies. A total of eight grasses (C. dactylon, Sorghum bicolor, Saccharum officinarum, Zea mays, Oryza sativa, Hordeum vulgare, Festuca arundinacea, and Triticum aestivum) in four subfamilies and five tribes were analyzed using two different approaches—synonymous substitution rates (Ks) and phylogenetic trees. Ks distributions of paralogous genes suggested several duplication events in C. dactylon, S. bicolor, H. vulgare, and T. aestivum. Phylogenetic analysis with the unigene sets indicated that the analyzed grasses diverged from a common ancestor after a shared ancient polyploidization (ca. 50.0 ~ 67.8 million years ago). Ks distributions of orthologous genes suggested that the Chloridoideae and Panicoideae subfamilies diverged about 34.6 ~ 38.5 million years ago. With the evidence described in this study, we found traces of genomic changes in some grass subfamilies after the divergence of the PACC and BEP clades as well as divergence of Chloridoideae subfamily.
Elimination of Radioactive Elements in Patients Who Have Received Thorotrast Intravenously

SummaryNo excretion of thorium has thus far been discovered. Certain radioactive elements in the thorium series have, however, been found in the feces, urine and breath. Thorium × has been identified as the predominant element excreted in the feces, and thoron is definitely exhaled, as thorium B has been identified in the radioactive deposit from the breath. Such excretion of thorium × and thoron leads to reduced radioactivity in the body even if the thorium itself remains. As most of the γ-rays are emitted by disintegration products of thoron it is evident that the amount of thorium remaining in the tissues of a patient can not be determined with satisfactory accuracy by measurements of the γ-rays emitted from the patient (liver and spleen). During the disintegration process of some of the radioactive atoms such a displacement must take place that the newly formed atoms can escape.
Modeling development of inhibition zones in an agar diffusion bioassay.

A two-temperature agar diffusion bioassay is commonly used to quantify the concentration of nisin using Micrococcus luteus as the indicator microorganism. A finite element computational model based on Fick's second law of diffusion was used to predict the radius of the inhibition zone in this diffusion bioassay. The model developed was used to calculate nisin concentration profiles as a function of time and position within the agar. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nisin against M. luteus was determined experimentally. The critical time (Tc) for growth of M. luteus within the agar diffusion bioassay was experimentally determined using incubation studies with nisin. The radius of the inhibition zone was predicted from the computational model as the location where the predicted nisin concentration at Tc was equal to MIC. The MIC was experimentally determined to be 0.156 μg mL−1, and Tc was determined to be 7 h. Good agreement (R2 = 0.984) was obtained between model-predicted and experimentally determined inhibition zone radii.
Dexmedetomidine does not modify the neuromuscular blocking action of vecuronium in the anaesthetized rat

Dexmedetomidine is a new alpha adrenergic agonist anaesthetic adjuvant. In animal studies, dexmedetomidine produced muscle flaccidity and prevented opioid-induced muscle rigidity, appar ently via a central mechanism. The effect of dexmedetomidine on the neuromuscular junction or on non-depolarizing neuromuscular block during anaesthesia has not been reported. We have studied in the anaesthesized rat, the effects of dexmedetomidine on vecuronium-induced twitch depression. Wistar rats (n = 35) were anaesthetized and their lungs ventilated to maintain normocapnia. An infusion of vecuronium of 2.3 (SEM 0.1) μg kg min−1 produced a stable twitch height (T1) depression of the tibial nerve of 53 (2)% of control in all groups. Rats were allocated randomly to receive either saline or dexmedetomidine 10, 30 or 1 00 μg kg−1 i.v. and T1 height was measured continuously for 60 min. Dexmedetomidine did not significantly affect T1 height during the first 30 min of infusion. At later times there were minor differences between groups. With cessation of the infusion of vecu ronium, T1 height recovered rapidly to normal in all groups. These data suggest that the neuromuscular blocking properties of dexmedetomidine are unlikely to be produced by action at the neuromuscular junction.
Discrimination of Myogenic and Nonmyogenic Cells From Embryonic Skeletal Muscle by 90° Light Scattering

A myogenic cell suspension was isolated from the breast muscles of 10-day-old chicken embryos by trypsin digestion. The cell preparation was subjected to Percoll density centrifugation to reduce the number of fibroblast-like cells present. The Percoll-isolated, predominantly myogenic cell population was then fractionated by flow cytometry using 90 degrees light scattering as the parameter for sorting. Cells exhibiting lower scatter, with a peak of 45 units, produced cultures containing myotubes and gave rise only to myogenic clones. Cells exhibiting higher scatter (120-200 units) produced nonmyogenic cultures and gave rise to nonmyogenic clones. Cells with intermediate light scatter were also detected. The latter produced both myogenic and nonmyogenic clones. The differences in light scatter presumably reflect higher cytoplasmic complexity of the nonmyogenic cells compared with the myogenic cells. Moreover, the differences in light scattering properties of the different cell types offer a means for the isolation of pure populations of myogenic cells directly from the intact muscle.
Race (and Space) Matters: Exploring Residential Segregation to Introduce Geography in an Interdisciplinary Curriculum.

Abstract This article discusses a class project on residential segregation in Florida's metropolitan areas for which students analyzed trends regarding African Americans relative to white populations using data from 1980 to 2000. The project provided a means of teaching the importance of geographical perspectives to nongeography students in an interdisciplinary learning environment. In a literature search that assessed nationwide trends, students identified a mixed outcome for Florida's urban areas. Through the research process, students learned the value of spatial concepts from geography in relation to other social science perspectives.
Role of prostaglandins in the pathogenesis of X-linked hypophosphatemia

X-linked hypophosphatemia is an X-linked dominant disorder resulting from a mutation in the PHEX gene. PHEX stands for phosphate-regulating gene with endopeptidase activity, which is located on the X chromosome. Patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia have hypophosphatemia due to renal phosphate wasting and low or inappropriately normal levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. The renal phosphate wasting is not intrinsic to the kidney but likely due to an increase in serum levels of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), and perhaps other phosphate-wasting peptides previously known as phosphatonins. Patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia have short stature, rickets, bone pain and dental abscesses. Current therapy is oral phosphate and vitamin D which effectively treats the rickets and bone pain but does not adequately improve short stature. In this review, we describe recent observations using Hyp mice; mice with the same mutation as patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia. We have recently found that Hyp mice have abnormal renal prostaglandin production, which may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Administration of FGF-23 in vivo results in phosphaturia and an increase in prostaglandin excretion, and FGF-23 increases proximal tubule prostaglandin production in vitro. In Hyp mice, indomethacin improves the phosphate transport defect in vitro and in vivo. Whether indomethacin has the same effect in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia is unknown.
Inhibitory Neuron Transplantation into Adult Visual Cortex Creates a New Critical Period that Rescues Impaired Vision

The maturation of inhibitory circuits in juvenile visual cortex triggers a critical period in the development of the visual system. Although several manipulations of inhibition can alter the timing of the critical period, none have demonstrated the creation of a new critical period in adulthood. We developed a transplantation method to reactivate critical period plasticity in the adult visual cortex. Transplanted embryonic inhibitory neurons from the medial ganglionic eminence reinstate ocular dominance plasticity in adult recipients. Transplanted inhibitory cells develop cell-type-appropriate molecular characteristics and visually evoked responses. In adult mice impaired by deprivation during the juvenile critical period, transplantation also recovers both visual cortical responses and performance on a behavioral test of visual acuity. Plasticity and recovery are induced when the critical period would have occurred in the donor animal. These results reveal that the focal reactivation of visual cortical plasticity using inhibitory cell transplantation creates a new critical period that restores visual perception after childhood deprivation.
Photooxidation of Organic Chemicals Catalyzed by Nanoscale MoS2

We describe experiments that explore the use of nanosize MoS2 semiconductors for catalyzing the photooxidation of an organic chemical, phenol. The band gap of nanoscale MoS2 can be tuned across the visible spectrum and we show that d = 4.5 nm MoS2 which has an absorbance edge near 550 nm photooxidizes phenol using only visible light (>450 nm) while smaller band gap d = 8−10 nm MoS2 or wide band gap Degussa P-25 TiO2 do not. The possibility of increasing the rate of photooxidation of phenol by deposition of nanoclusters of MoS2 on bulk semiconductor powders is investigated. It is shown that small amounts (<5 wt %) of nanoscale MoS2 deposited onto TiO2 can lead to significant (∼2-fold) enhancements of phenol destruction rates compared to TiO2 by itself.
Etiology and Outcome of Acute Pancreatitis in Infants and Toddlers

Objective To determine the etiologic factors and outcome of acute pancreatitis in children under age 3 years. Study design This was a retrospective study of children under age 3 years with acute pancreatitis between January 1995 and December 2004. Stringent diagnostic criteria were used. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and etiology and outcome were recorded. The study was approved by the University of Pittsburgh's Institutional Review Board. Results Of 109 cases, 87 met the diagnostic criteria. Median age was 20 months (range, 1 week to 35 months). AP was associated with multisystem disease in 29 cases (34%), with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) being common. Pancreatitis was associated with systemic infections in 16 cases (18%) and was idiopathic in 15 cases (17%). Biliary disease played an important etiologic role (9%), as did trauma (8%). Pancreatitis was mild in 76 cases (87.3%) and severe in 3 cases (3.4%). Conclusions AP is commonly associated with multisystem disease, particularly with HUS. Idiopathic pancreatitis and pancreatitis associated with biliary disease are seen in children under age 3 years. Trauma is a less frequent cause of pancreatitis, and severe pancreatitis is rare in this age group.
Statistical Considerations for the Univariate Analysis of Repeated-Measures Experiments:

The areas of research within the field of motor learning almost always permit a repeated measures design. The ability to describe the effects which occur over different periods of time is essential...
Regression modeling of rodent locomotion data.

We present the case for a model-based approach to the statistical analysis of rodent locomotion data for which previous research has established that the time course of behavioral change follows a specified parametric form. Inadequacies of statistical methods commonly applied to such data are described. Regression models can reveal time-dependent aspects of response that might escape more elementary analyses, as we illustrate with experimental data regarding the locomotion response to amphetamine. Inter-individual variation in response profiles is incorporated through the use of random coefficients (i.e. mixed effects models). These models provide an effective means of quantifying the extent of individual differences in behavioral response to stimulant drugs not attributable to treatment. The need to adjust for multiple comparisons when searching for regions of significant difference is discussed. We present specific models that we have found useful for characterizing responses to low doses of amphetamine or cocaine (the log-logistic random effects model) and higher or repetitive doses of amphetamine or cocaine (the polynomial random effects model). Code for performing these analyses with standard statistical software is provided.
Signal detection models for the same–different task

Abstract Signal detection models for the same–different task are presented. In contrast to the standard approach that only considers the proportion correct, the models apply to the full four by two same–different table. The approach allows one to consider models that recognize bias and other effects. Two basic signal detection models, associated with different decision rules, are presented. A version of the covert decisions rule is introduced that directly allows for same–different bias, in contrast to earlier versions. It is shown how to fit the models with standard software for nonlinear mixed models. The models are applied to data from a recent same–different study.
An artificial oviposition technique for the alfalfa weevil.

Parafilm tubes simulating alfalfa stems were evaluated as an oviposition medium for Hypera postica (Gyllenhal). Tubes of 1.19, 2.06, and 5.69 mm diameter and in various combinations with alfalfa stems were tested along with the normal alfalfa stem. The standard 2.06 mm-diam parafilm tube with alfalfa stem inside constantly contained a significantly greater number of eggs than the other 4 media tested. Parafilm media always contained more oviposition punctures than the normal alfalfa stems. No decrease in viability occurred among eggs deposited in the parafilm media or as a result of removing eggs by the Hushing technique. Likewise, egg mass size did not change when parafilm was selected as the oviposition medium. The parafilm technique decreased the possibility of mechanical injury and was most efficient when numerous small samples or single stems were examined for alfalfa weevil eggs. An average of 39.8 eggs per minute were removed from standard parafilms with stems, compared with an average of only 5.0 eggs from normal alfalfa stems. Parafilm can be used successfully as an oviposition medium for the alfalfa weevil.
Video perspectivity meets wild and crazy teens: a design ethnography

This article is a digital video design ethnography describing the first phase of introducing a perspectivity meme into a classroom. A meme is an idea that spreads throughout a system. A perspectivity meme is the idea that people who share their viewpoints and interpretations will gradually affect role changes in the learning environment. They will not only ‘see’ each other's points of view, but also share roles and viewpoints. Digital video technology is the medium that enables the perspectivity meme to spread throughout this learning culture. Educators and junior high school students use digital cameras and computers to record, reflect, present, discuss, and debate. In this description, I present a detailed narrative of a day in the life of learners, a teacher, and three researchers. I describe how a perspectivity meme was planted in a culture. I describe how the community began to think more deeply and personally about the curriculum. In closing, I discuss the importance of sharing roles in the learning...
Adsorbate-induced change in the total hemispherical emissivity of W(100)

A variation on the transient calorimetric technique is used to measure the change in the total hemispherical emissivity of the clean (100) surface of tungsten induced by adsorption of oxygen, carbon monoxide, and carbon. In each case, monolayer quantities of adsorbate cause a fractional decrease in the emissivity of about 1% over the temperature range 450–1000 K. An explanation of this behavior is proposed that involves the change in conduction electron scattering at the surface caused by quenching of the W(100) surface resonance at 0.3 eV.
High Tc superconducting IR detectors

Infrared detectors based upon high transition temperature ('high Tc') superconductors include superconducting transition edge microbolometers, nonequilibrium photoeffect detectors and photon-assisted tunneling detectors. Superconducting transition edge microbolometers offer moderate performance as individual detectors; a potential application is for large two-dimensional staring focal plane arrays. Experimental search for the nonequilibrium photoeffect in high Tc superconductors reveals unwanted bolometric signals. Photon-assisted tunneling in theory provides very high performance, but no experimental data are available.
A powerful toolkit for synthetic biology: Over 3.8 billion years of evolution

The combination of evolutionary with engineering principles will enhance synthetic biology. Conversely, synthetic biology has the potential to enrich evolutionary biology by explaining why some adaptive space is empty, on Earth or elsewhere. Synthetic biology, the design and construction of artificial biological systems, substitutes bio-engineering for evolution, which is seen as an obstacle. But because evolution has produced the complexity and diversity of life, it provides a proven toolkit of genetic materials and principles available to synthetic biology. Evolution operates on the population level, with the populations composed of unique individuals that are historical entities. The source of genetic novelty includes mutation, gene regulation, sex, symbiosis, and interspecies gene transfer. At a phenotypic level, variation derives from regulatory control, replication and diversification of components, compartmentalization, sexual selection and speciation, among others. Variation is limited by physical constraints such as diffusion, and chemical constraints such as reaction rates and membrane fluidity. While some of these tools of evolution are currently in use in synthetic biology, all ought to be examined for utility. A hybrid approach of synthetic biology coupled with fine-tuning through evolution is suggested.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend

Mutualisms continue to fascinate ecologists, although studies of competition and predation still dominate the literature. Initial studies (reviewed in [1]) focused on how mutualisms could evolve and persist, given their mathematical instability. Once mutualisms were mathematically justified, researchers began to examine their roles in a variety of communities [2]. Among insect–plant mutualisms, those between ants and plants have received the most attention [3,4]. Such mutualisms run the ecological gamut from nutrient supplementation (ants feed plants and vice versa), seed dispersal, and pollination, to protection and defense from competitors and herbivores.
Mononuclear cell analysis of muscle biopsies in prednisone‐treated and untreated Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled trial has shown that prednisone improves strength in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. To determine whether immunosuppressant effects were important in mediating this improvement, we performed immunohistochemical analyses on muscle biopsies obtained at the conclusion of the trial. We studied 33 patients: 12 from the placebo group, nine from the low-dose prednisone group (0.75 mg/kg/d), and 12 from the high-dose group (1.5 mg/kg/d). There was a significant difference in total T cells (CD2+) between the placebo group and both treatment groups. Similarly, the number of CD8+ cytotoxic/suppressor T cells was significantly decreased in both treated groups compared with placebo. The number of muscle fibers focally invaded by lymphocytes was also significantly decreased in the two treated groups compared with controls. There were no differences between the low- and high-dose groups. The numbers of B cells, natural killer cells, CD4+ cells, macrophages, and necrotic muscle fibers were not significantly different in the treated and control groups. This study suggests that prednisone may improve strength in Duchenne muscular dystrophy through primarily immunologic mechanisms involving T lymphocytes.
Cardiovascular effects of non-depolarizing neuro-muscular blockers in patients with coronary artery disease

To compare haemodynamic responses associated with equipotent doses of muscle relaxants and high dose fentanyl (50 µg·kg−1), 40 non-hypertensive patients who were receiving beta adrenergic and calcium channel blocker therapy and undergoing coronary bypass surgery were randomized to four study groups receiving the following: (1) atracurium: 0.4 mg·kg−1, (2) pancuronium: 0.12 mg·kg−1, (3) vecuronium: 0.12 mg·kg−1, or (4) pancuronium–metocurine mixture: (0.4 mg + 1.6 mg·ml−1):1 ml/10kg. Neuromuscular blockers were injected with fentanyl at induction. Haemodynamics were recorded with the patients awake (baseline), at two minutes post-induction, and at two and five minutes after intubation. Pancuronium was the only drug associated with significant increases in HR; no other significant changes occurred within each group when compared to their respective baseline haemodynamics. HR increased more after induction with pancuronium when compared to atracurium (23 vs. 4 per cent. p < 0.05) and to vecuronium (23 vs. 2 per cent, p < 0.05), and when compared to vecuronium after intubation (29 vs. 7 per cent, p < 0.05). The pancuronium–metocurine mixture caused tachycardia which was less than, though not significantly different than with pancuronium; however, HR returned to baseline by five minutes with the mixture, but remained elevated with pancuronium (3 vs. 18 per cent, p < 0.05). SVR fell more on induction with atracurium when compared to vecuronium (–18 vs. 1 per cent, p < 0.05). These changes in HR or SVR were not accompanied by ECG signs of ischaemia. Vecuronium was associated with the most stable overall haemodynamic course at all measurement times. In general, intubating doses of the neuromuscular blockers studied appeared safe for use in patients with coronary artery disease.
Pediatric psychopharmacology for prepubertal internalizing disorders

Evidence-based studies of drug, psychosocial and combined treatments for prepubertal internalizing disorders (depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD], and non-OCD anxiety) were reviewed. No age effects were found. Although no combined studies met evidence-based criteria, efficacious and possibly efficacious psychosocial and pharmacological treatments were identified, along with safety concerns for drug treatments. Evidentiary support favored psychosocial treatment for non-OCD anxiety disorders and pharmacological treatments for OCD, with mixed results for depression. Cost-benefit considerations suggest psychosocial treatments should be considered the first choice for at least anxiety and depression, except in unusual cases where stabilization may require pharmacological intervention first.
Effects of fixed charges on the stress-relaxation behavior of hydrated soft tissues in a confined compression problem

Abstract The 1-D confined-compression stress–relaxation behavior of a charged, hydrated-soft tissue was analyzed using the continuum mixture theory developed for cartilage (Lai et al., 1991) . A pair of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations governing the displacement component us of the solid matrix and the cation concentration c+ were derived. The initial-boundary value problem, corresponding to a ramp–displacement stress–relaxation experiment was solved using a finite-difference method to obtain the complete spatial and temporal distributions of stress, strain, interstitial water pressure (including osmotic pressure) , ion concentrations, diffusion rates and water velocity within the tissue. Using data available in the literature, it was found that : (1) the equilibrium aggregate modulus of the tissue (as commonly used in the biphasic theory) consists of two components : the Donnan osmotic component and the intrinsic matrix component, and that these two components are of similar magnitude. (2) For the rate of compression of 10% in 200 s, during the compression stage, the fluid pressure at the impermeable boundary supports nearly all the load, while near the free-draining boundary, both the matrix stiffness and the fluid pressure support a substantial amount of the load. (3) Equivalent aggregate modulus and equivalent diffusive coefficient used in the biphasic theory can be found, which predict essentially the same stress relaxation behavior. These equivalent parameters for the biphasic model embody the FCD effect of the triphasic medium. The internal fluid pressure predicted by the two models are however different because of osmotic effects. (4) Peak stress at the end of the compression stage is higher for a tissue with higher FCD. We have obtained the strain, stress, flow, pressure and ion concentration fields inside the tissue. Some representative results of these fields are presented. These fields are essential for determining the local variations of mechanical, electrical and chemical environments around cells necessary for the understanding of the mechano-electrochemical signal transduction processes required for the control of biologic functions.
Calculated composition of newly synthesized ribonucleic acid by 32P pulse labeling: Effet of repeated sequences in the DNA

Abstract The effect of repeated nucleotide sequences in the genome of higher organisms on the calculated composition of newly synthesized RNA, pulse labeled with 32 P, is explored by computer simulation. The probable error in such measurements is determined over a range of sequence lengths from 10 to 900, and over a range of precursor specific activities. Significant errors are to be expected in the calculated composition of RNA's transcribed from families of repeated sequences whose lengths are 500 nucleotides or less.
Power series solution to a simple pendulum with oscillating support

The problem of determining some of the effects of a small forcing term on a regular perturbation solution to a nonlinear oscillation problem is studied via a simple example. In particular, we investigate the periodic solution of a simple pendulum with an oscillating support. A power series solution is constructed in terms of $\epsilon = ( \frac{\omega }{\omega _o } )^2 \frac{a}{L}$, where $\omega _o $ and $\omega $ are the natural and driving frequencies respectively, a is the amplitude of the support oscillation, and L is the length of the pendulum. These solutions are analyzed for three cases: above resonance $( \omega > \omega _o )$, below resonance $( \omega < \omega _o )$, and at resonance $( \omega = \omega _o )$. In each case, the approximate location of the nearest singularities which limit the convergence of the power series are obtained by using Pade approximants. Using this information, a new expansion parameter $\delta $ is introduced, where the radius of convergence of the transformed series ...
Morphogenesis in Glaucoma chattoni

SYNOPSIS. The techniques of silver impregnation and of digitonin solubilization have been applied to an investigation of aspects of cortical morphogenesis in Glaucoma chattoni. The typical stages of the formation of new oral areas (stomato-genesis), as well as of other related surface events, are described in detail. Estimates were made of the relative and absolute durations of these stages; these estimates indicate that for animals growing at 25°C. in bacterized culture, stomatogenesis and cell division together occupy about one third of the division cycle. Certain atypical morphogenetic phenomena have been encountered and are briefly described. These include three cases of stomatogenesis along a kinety other than kinety 1, several instances of anterior stomatogenesis leading to replacement of existing oral areas, and numerous cases of spontaneous loss of oral areas. Finally, the process of increase in number of kinetosomes along certain kineties has been submitted to intensive study. It has been found that comparatively little increase takes place during stomatogenesis and cell division; the bulk of kinetosomal increase along the kineties takes place during the first two-thirds of the division cycle. Data relevant to this increase have been analyzed according to the method of Scherbaum & Rasch; this analysis reveals that the probable phases of most rapid kinetosomal increase, along kinety l at least, occur just after division, and just before the beginning of stomatogenesis.
Effect of isolated inhomogeneities on the galvanomagnetic properties of solids

A general expression is obtained for the magnetoresistance tensor of a solid containing a small number of macroscopic inhomogeneities. The result is used to show that a wide variety of inclusions will generate a linear transverse magnetoresistance in a free-electron metal at high fields. Voids or other nonconducting defects are found to produce a linear longitudinal as well as a linear transverse magnetoresistance. The applicability of the theory to the properties of real metals is briefly discussed.
The primitive graphs of dual — resonance models☆

Abstract We show that the problem of constructing and, if necessary, renormalizing general diagrams in dual-resonance models can be reduced to the study of only four primitive graphs, three of which are tadpoles, the last one being a self-energy graph. We discuss consequences and applications of this reduction.