cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Palsy and Chronic Pain

The experiences of chronic pain among children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) were examined in this survey-based study. Perspectives of both the individual and the parent were solicited in a preliminary sample of 20 youths with CP, ages 6-to-17 years from a metropolitan area. Selected participants completed in-person, structured interviews that focused on quality of life with attention to pain experiences. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. Seventy percent of participants (n = 14) experienced recurrent chronic pain of moderate intensity on a daily or weekly basis. Greater than half of those participants (n = 9) reported that pain presented a problem for them and especially interfered with self-care and with sleep. Pain appears to be a problem for many youths with CP, and may create additional interference with routine activities of daily living and participation. Further exploration regarding pain experiences and the nature of pain interference is warranted in order to address develo...
Adaptive advantages of patterns of growth and asexual reproduction of the sea anemone Metridium senile (L.) in intertidal and submerged populations

Individual size, rate of growth, and mode and frequency of asexual reproduction are life-history traits of primary importance for sea anemones. These traits determine sexual reproductive output, affect an individual's probability of survival, and are crucial in adapting an individual to its environmental surroundings. The sea anemone Metridium senile (L.) is highly variable in ecological distribution and life history, including rate of growth, individual size, and rate of asexual reproduction. Gonad size (measured as cross-sectional area of gonadal tissue) increases with body weight, so individuals should grow as large and as rapidly as possible to maximize individual sexual reproductive output. Cessation of growth and small body size in intertidal populations suggest that growth is constrained by genetic or environmental conditions. The growth of intertidal individuals transplanted to harbor-float panels demonstrated that growth limits are imposed by environmental factors, most probably limited food and feeding time and damage from wave exposure (which stimulates fragmentation). Individuals in harbor-float populations, which are continuously immersed, grow much larger, and large individuals comprise a greater proportion of the population than in the intertidal zone. The highest rate of fragmentation observed was on harbor-float panels. Patterns of growth and asexual reproduction provide adaptive advantages for M. senile. For harborfloat individuals, large individual size increases gamete production and may increase feeding efficiency. For intertidal individuals, asexual reproduction allows growth despite individual size constraints and rapid population growth, with specific advantages resulting from clone formation.
Blood alcohol level and early cognitive status after traumatic brain injury

Statement of Purpose: This archival study sought to clarify the relationship between admission blood alcohol level (BAL) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and subsequent neuropsychological functioning. It was hypothesized that BAL would be positively correlated with impairment on basic neuropsychological tests and that this relation would weaken as time since TBI increased.Methods: Fifty-eight patients were tested within 60 days of their TBI. Correlational analyses were used to test the relation between neuropsychological performance and admission BAL.Results: As expected, BAL was unrelated to demographic variables or lag time between TBI and time of testing. Bivariate correlations showed that higher BAL predicted poorer performance on a broad range of neuropsychological tests. Patients tested less than 30 days after their TBI showed the strongest effects.Conclusions: Neuropsychological impairments detected 1-2 months after TBI may be affected by BAL at the time of hospital admission. The influence of BA...
Sinonasal outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery in asthmatic patients with nasal polyps: a difference between aspirin-tolerant and aspirin-induced asthma?

Objectives/Hypothesis: Aspirin-sensitivity, asthma, and nasal polyposis (NP) comprise the clinical entity of Samter's triad. The aim of this study is to report the sinonasal outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in treating NP in asthmatic patients, comparing aspirin-induced asthmatic (AIA) patients with aspirin-tolerant asthmatics (ATA). Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: The records of 66 patients with NP and asthma were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-one AIA patients were compared with 25 ATA patients. For each patient, a Lund-Mackay computed tomography (CT) score of the preoperative scans and the available postoperative CT scans in a period of 18 months were calculated and used as primary endpoint. Sinonasal improvement assessed by patients and reported with a symptoms scale was used as the secondary endpoint for the comparison immediately before surgery and 6 months and 12 months following ESS. Results: Preoperative CT scores in AIA patients compared with ATA patients were significantly higher 19 (standard deviation, 4.82) vs. 14 (standard deviation, 6.8), respectively (P = .006). This difference was sustained for the available postoperative CT scans (P < .0001). During the period of 18 months follow-up, 63.4% of AIA patients vs. 96% of ATA patients had CT improvement with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = .003). At 6 months following ESS, 63.4% of AIA patients vs. 56% of ATA patients had symptomatic improvement. At 12 months, 68.3% of AIA patients vs. 60% of ATA patients had symptomatic improvement, with no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: AIA patients had more extensive sinonasal disease than ATA patients. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in sinonasal outcomes after ESS. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant for patients' CT improvement with worse CT scores being seen in AIA patients.
Organisational approaches to building a radical innovation dynamic capability

While the literature is increasingly recognising the importance of radical innovation for firms and for markets, our academic understanding of the phenomenon is not complete. We are challenged that firms are moving quickly to improve their management of radical innovation activities. The study reported on in this paper is a longitudinal study conducted over a period of 3.5 years time horizon, in which twelve US large established companies' radical innovation-capability-building initiatives were followed. This qualitative study contributes to our understanding of dynamic capabilities development in situations, where the capability itself is antithetical to the mainstream culture and processes. We provide observations regarding organisations' approaches to building a radical innovation dynamic capability over a lengthy observation period.
Why Didn't Hayek Favor Laissez Faire in Banking?

Historians of economic thought have in recent years devoted a fair amount of critical discussion to F. A, Hayek's work on business cycle theory, and some to his views on monetary policy, but they have scarcely mentioned the banking theory underpinning his business cycle model, or the banking policy conclusions Hayek drew,' The present article reconstructs and critically appraises Hayek's banking theory and policy. The chief questions it addresses are why Hayek declined to endorse laissez faire or "free" banking as a policy ideal, and whether the theoretical arguments he offered for his position are well founded. In his inaugural lecture at the London School of Economics, Hayek (1933, 28) explained that he had chosen to work on capital theory because it was an area where he found that the coordinating processes of the market were underappreciated. It is noteworthy that he did not say the same thing about his work on money and banking. Given that his mentor, Ludwig von Mises ([1912] 1980, [1928] 1978), had strongly supported free banking and the gold standard, and given Hayek's own
An assessment of flight delay caused by en route weather

Convective weather in the National Airspace System (NAS) impedes air traffic, by blocking air routes and creating non-standard flows which are less familiar to air traffic controllers. Part of a study of the benefits of tactical rerouting around convective weather involves characterizing weather-induced delay in en route airspace. Relying on an algorithm which detects course-deviations and holding patterns, a search routine was developed to associate these maneuvers with weather-impacted sector locations and times. Both within-sector and upstream-of-sector delays were discovered. The search routine uses coarse geographic filtering for efficiency in the processing of large sets of operational data. As a validation of the detected association between flight delay and weather, statistical tests were performed against an empirically-derived null hypothesis distribution.
Middle cerebral artery: anatomical and radio-graphic study.

(1962). Middle cerebral artery: Anatomical and radiographic study. Acta Radiologica: Vol. 57, No. 4, pp. 289-300.
Structure determination of the cancer-associated Mycoplasma hyorhinis protein Mh-p37.

The crystal structure of the Mycoplasma hyorhinis protein Mh-p37 has been solved and refined to 1.9 A resolution. This is the first de novo structure to be determined using the recently described heavy-atom reagent [Beck et al. (2008), Acta Cryst. D64, 1179–1182] 5-amino-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid (I3C), which contains three I atoms arranged in an equilateral triangle, by SIRAS methods. Data collection was performed in-house at room temperature. SHELXD and SHELXE were used to determine the I-atom positions and phase the native protein and PHENIX AutoBuild software was used to automatically fit the amino-acid sequence to the electron-density map. The structure was refined using SHELX97 to an Rcryst of 18.6% and an Rfree of 24.0%. Mh-­p37 is an α/β protein with two well defined domains which are separated by a deep cleft. An unanticipated ligand bound in the center of the molecule at the base of the cleft has been modeled as thiamine pyrophosphate or vitamin B1. Retrospective attempts to solve the crystal structure by Patterson search methods using either isomorphous or anomalous differences failed. Additionally, attempts to use proteins with the highest structural homology in the Protein Data Bank to phase the data by molecular replacement were unsuccessful, most likely in hindsight because of their poor structural agreement. Therefore, the I3C reagent offers an alternative, quick and inexpensive method for in-house phasing of de novo structures where other methods may not be successful.
LightRing: always-available 2D input on any surface

We present LightRing, a wearable sensor in a ring form factor that senses the 2d location of a fingertip on any surface, independent of orientation or material. The device consists of an infrared proximity sensor for measuring finger flexion and a 1-axis gyroscope for measuring finger rotation. Notably, LightRing tracks subtle fingertip movements from the finger base without requiring instrumentation of other body parts or the environment. This keeps the normal hand function intact and allows for a socially acceptable appearance. We evaluate LightRing in a 2d pointing experiment in two scenarios: on a desk while sitting down, and on the leg while standing. Our results indicate that the device has potential to enable a variety of rich mobile input scenarios.
Physiological and biomechanical responses to a prolonged repetitive asymmetric lifting activity

This study investigated the effects of a prolonged repetitive asymmetric lifting task on behavioural adaptations during repetitive lifting activity, measures of tissue oxygenation and spine kinematics. Seventeen volunteers repeatedly lifted a box, normalised to 15% of the participant's maximum lifting strength, at the rate of 10 lifts/min for a period of 60 min. The lifts originated in front of the participants at ankle level and terminated on their left side at waist level. Overall, perceived workload increased during the repetitive lifting task. Erector spinae oxygenation levels, assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy, decreased significantly over time. Behavioural changes observed during the repetitive lifting task included increases in the amount of forward bending, the extension velocity and the lateral bending velocity, and a reduced lateral bending moment on the spine. These changes, with the exception of the reduced lateral bending moment, are associated with increased risk of low back disorder.
Non-derivable itemsets for fast outlier detection in large high-dimensional categorical data

Detecting outliers in a dataset is an important data mining task with many applications, such as detection of credit card fraud or network intrusions. Traditional methods assume numerical data and compute pair-wise distances among points. Recently, outlier detection methods were proposed for categorical and mixed-attribute data using the concept of Frequent Itemsets (FIs). These methods face challenges when dealing with large high-dimensional data, where the number of generated FIs can be extremely large. To address this issue, we propose several outlier detection schemes inspired by the well-known condensed representation of FIs, Non-Derivable Itemsets (NDIs). Specifically, we contrast a method based on frequent NDIs, FNDI-OD, and a method based on the negative border of NDIs, NBNDI-OD, with their previously proposed FI-based counterparts. We also explore outlier detection based on Non-Almost Derivable Itemsets (NADIs), which approximate the NDIs in the data given a δ parameter. Our proposed methods use a far smaller collection of sets than the FI collection in order to compute an anomaly score for each data point. Experiments on real-life data show that, as expected, methods based on NDIs and NADIs offer substantial advantages in terms of speed and scalability over FI-based Outlier Detection method. What is significant is that NDI-based methods exhibit similar or better detection accuracy compared to the FI-based methods, which supports our claim that the NDI representation is especially well-suited for the task of detecting outliers. At the same time, the NDI approximation scheme, NADIs is shown to exhibit similar accuracy to the NDI-based method for various δ values and further runtime performance gains. Finally, we offer an in-depth discussion and experimentation regarding the trade-offs of the proposed algorithms and the choice of parameter values.
Family Impact Statements in South Australia

The Australian state of South Australia has adopted a policy of requiring state agencies to accompany all requests for policy changes with a family impact statement and established a Family Research Unit to develop guidelines. The article reports on this experience using case examples. Of interest is the attempt to diminish conflict over various family forms and styles by focusing on the family function of care of dependents. The requirement for impact statements has generally been accepted by state agencies, but as the statements are not made public their principal value has been to heighten the awareness of administrators and members of Parliament regarding family impact. Some concerns raised by the South Australian experience are how to balance impact on individual family members with impact on the family as a unit. Also there is a need to improve quality control by establishing standards for statements and for staff expertise.
Automatisierte Festphasensynthese von Oligosacchariden

DNA- und Peptidsynthesizer haben seit Jahren einen festen Platz in den Labors vieler Chemiker und Biochemiker. Der erste Automat fur die Festphasensynthese von Oligosacchariden beschleunigt nun deren Anwendung in der Grundlagenforschung und Wirkstoffentwicklung.
Jim crow sociology : Toward an understanding of the origin and principles of black sociology via the atlanta sociological laboratory

Using the Atlanta Sociological Laboratory as a reference, this inquiry offers a definition of and principles for Black Sociology. The authors conclude that Black Sociology emerged at Atlanta University in 1895 not as a conscious or purposeful antithesis to mainstream sociology, but as a means by which Black and White scholars could help eliminate Blacks from social oppression through objective scientific investigations into the social, economic, and physical condition for the express purpose of obtaining data aimed at understanding, explaining, and ameliorating the problems discovered in the African American community in a manner that could have social policy implications.
German security policy after unification: Sources of continuity and restraint

(1994). German security policy after unification: Sources of continuity and restraint. Contemporary Security Policy: Vol. 15, No. 3, pp. 170-198.
Design rules for pumping and metering of highly viscous fluids in microfluidics

The use of fluids that are significantly more viscous than water in microfluidics has been limited due to their high resistance to flow in microscale channels. This paper reports a theoretical treatment for the flow of highly viscous fluids in deforming microfluidic channels, particularly with respect to transient effects, and discusses the implications of these effects on the design of appropriate microfluidic devices for highly viscous fluids. We couple theory describing flow in a deforming channel with design equations, both for steady-state flows and for the transient periods associated with the initial deformation and final relaxation of a channel. The results of this analysis allow us to describe these systems and also to assess the significance of different parameters on various deformation and/or transient effects. To exemplify their utility, we apply these design rules to two applications: (i) pumping highly viscous fluids for a nanolitre scale mixing application and (ii) precise metering of fluids in microfluidics.
Mechanical Alloying of Lanthana-Bearing Nanostructured Ferritic Steels

Abstract A novel nanostructured ferritic steel powder with the nominal composition Fe–14Cr–1Ti–0.3Mo–0.5La 2 O 3 (wt.%) was developed via high energy ball milling. La 2 O 3 was added to this alloy instead of the traditionally used Y 2 O 3 . The effects of varying the ball milling parameters, such as milling time, steel ball size and ball to powder ratio, on the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of the as-milled powder were investigated. Nanocrystallites of a body-centered cubic ferritic solid solution matrix with a mean size of approximately 20 nm were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Nanoscale characterization of the as-milled powder by local electrode atom probe tomography revealed the formation of Cr–Ti–La–O-enriched nanoclusters during mechanical alloying. The Cr:Ti:La:O ratio is considered “non-stoichiometric”. The average size (radius) of the nanoclusters was about 1 nm, with number density of 3.7 × 10 24 m −3 . The mechanism for formation of nanoclusters in the as-milled powder is discussed. La 2 O 3 appears to be a promising alternative rare earth oxide for future nanostructured ferritic steels.
On the mechanism of enzyme action. LXXIII. Studies on trypsins from beef, sheep and pig pancreas

Abstract Bovine, ovine, and porcine trypsins are quite similar in pH and temperature optima, Michaelis-Menten constants, and kinetics of esterolytic activity, i.e., in those properties directly associated with the active center of the enzyme. Moreover, each enzyme is found to be inhibited to the same extent by dilute beef serum. In addition to the striking differences from its bovine and ovine counterparts in general protein characteristics, such as stability in alkaline media and electrophoretic behavior, porcine trypsin is found to have a lower isoelectric point than the other two trypsins. Data obtained indicate that the variation is due to its lower content of amide groups. Comparison of the amino acid composition and specific rotation of the trypsins substantiates the viewpoint that porcine trypsin possesses a structure distinctly different from the structures of the bovine and ovine enzymes which are seen to resemble each other quite closely.
Pulmonary vascular system and pulmonary hilum.

A surgeon must understand both normal anatomy and abnormal anatomy that results from developmental defects and pathologic processes. This article summarizes the normal anatomy of the pulmonary arteries and veins and bronchial arteries, emphasizing the normal anatomy and the anatomic variants that are the most common and are the most clinically relevant from a thoracic surgeon's perspective. Developmental abnormalities (such as partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, scimitar syndrome, sequestration, arteriovenous malformation) and pathologic vascular conditions (such as pulmonary artery aneurism, Swyer-James syndrome) are beyond the scope of this article.
Evidence against "Anomalon" Production in High-Energy Heavy-Ion Collisions

Results are presented from an electronic experiment to check directly the anomalous mean-free-path phenomena observed in high-energy heavy-ion collisions. The mean-free-path measurements presented are based on interactions of 1.25 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{5}$ secondary fragments produced by interactions of $1.8A$-GeV $^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$ in Lucite. The result is consistent with no anomalon phenomena and rules out (95% confidence limit) anomalons being more than 2% abundant if they have interaction lengths between 0.4 and 3 cm.
Sources of error for periodontal probing measurements

This study determined the relative contribution to probing measurement reliability of several factors, compared with that of random error. Probing measurements were performed by examiners properly trained and calibrated. A total of 5771 pairs of replicate pocket depth (PD) and relative attachment level (RAL) measurements were performed with the Florida Probe. A total of 1488 replicate clinical attachment level (CAL) measurements were performed with the North Carolina 15 mm probe. In addition, longitudinal replicate measurements of RAL were performed at 0 and 12 months on 816 sites in 11 patients utilizing the Florida Probe 20 mm disk probe. Measurement reliability with the Florida Probe resulted in mean intraexaminer variances of 0.21 and 0.33, for PD and RAL, respectively (s.e.m. 0.46 mm for PD and 0.57 mm for RAL). Measurement reliability with the conventional probe resulted in mean intra-examiner variances of 0.19 for PD and 0.32 for CAL (s.e.m. 0.44 mm and 0.56 mm). Pocket depth contributed to = 5% of the variability of the intra-examiner variance with both probes with other contributing factors being the individual patient, tooth and site location. Mean intra-examiner reproducibility for duplicate RAL measurement performed at 0 and 12 months was 0.24 and 0.19, respectively (s.e.m. 0.49 mm and 0.43 mm). In conclusion, a mean intra-examiner variance of < or = 0.24 can be achieved for replicate measurements with both electronic and conventional probes for moderate and severe periodontitis patients. Individual examiner, individual patient and site location contribute up to 10% to the overall variance. Hence, the pattern of variability for intra-examiner variance of probing measurements performed with either electronic or conventional probes by trained and calibrated examiners is mostly random error.
Velocity variability in ultrasonic Doppler examinations.

Abstract Ultrasonic Doppler examination with spectral waveform has been used for the classification and surveillance of carotid artery stenosis for over 25 years. Progression/regression between examinations can be identified with 95% confidence if the velocity measurements change by more than two times the root mean square difference (RMSD) of the repeat measurement. Peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity measurements at a Doppler angle of 60 degrees were repeated in 47 carotid examinations. Measurement difference between sonographers and between instruments was tabulated. Root mean square difference was 11 cm/s (RMS%D = 11%) for systolic and 7 cm/s (RMS%D = 21%) for diastolic velocity measurements (excluding one severe stenosis case). Results for differences between sonographers and between instruments were similar to the overall results. In serial arterial studies using this Doppler velocimetry method, a difference exceeding 23 cm/s (21%) systolic, or 14 cm/s (42%) diastolic velocity indicates a significant (2 × RMSD) hemodynamic change. (E-mail: kwbeach@u.washington.edu )
A nucleotide sequence involved in replicative transformation of a filamentous fungus

Replicative plasmids generated through in-vivo recombination have been identified among transformants of the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus. In addition to sequences from a standard selection vector (pAN7-1), these recombinant plasmids contain recombined sequences of chromosomal origin conferring replicative potential upon the vector. One such recombined sequence, an 1148-bp insert into plasmid pP01, has been characterized. This sequence has been analyzed for secondary structural features as well as for consensus sites affiliated with origins of replication (ori) in other eukaryotic systems. The 1148-bp insert lacks an ORF and does not contain an acceptable match to the commonly identified 11-bp ars consensus sequence (A/TTTTATA/GTTTA/T) for autonomous replication in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The analysis, however, revealed a cluster of three hairpin-loop-forming subsequences with individual ΔG25°C free energy values of-7.6,-6.4 and-5.2 kcal mol-1. Also found were two 7-bp analogues to centromere-affiliated sequences recognized in other fungi, as well as several putative gyrase recognition sites comparable to the 9-bp S. cerevisiae/E. coli gyrase-binding consensus sequence. Sequences comparable to the ori of the yeast 2-μm plasmid or to various sequences associated with ori of yeast/fungal mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNA) were not present in the 1148-bp insert. Replication of pP01 appears rather to involve a replication of chromosomal derivation devoid of an ars-type consensus.
Reoperation for recurrent thoracic outlet syndrome.

Abstract Recurrent thoracic outlet syndrome that requires reoperation accounts for 1% of first rib resections. Symptoms in a series of 30 patients were mainly neurological and consisted of pain and paresthesia involving the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand and were severe and unrelenting. Recurrence of symptoms ensued from one month to seven years following initial rib resection, with the majority appearing within the first three months. Nerve conduction velocities were diminished to an average of 51 m per second, well below the normal of 72 m per second. Reoperation was required after a period of extensive physiotherapy and muscle relaxants. The high posterior thoracoplasty approach is recommended for all reoperations, as it gives better exposure to achieve safe neurolysis of the plexus and complete excision of the regenerated periosteum and posterior rib remnant, which were present in almost all patients. Results of reoperation were gratifying, and postoperative nerve conduction velocities were improved to an average of 66 m per second.
Generating correlated Weibull random variables for digital simulations

A technique for generating correlated Weibull random variables is presented. The technique transforms a sequence of statistically independent Gaussian random variables into a sequence of correlated Weibull random variables which may be utilized in the generation of correlated clutter signals for digital simulations. Also, the technique may be used to generate Swerling I and III radar target signals which are partially correlated.
In defense of self-representationalism: reply to critics

There are very few similarities between constructing a philosophical theory and laminating a driver’s license. One similarity concerns their susceptibility to imperfection. When laminating a driver’s license, often a bubble of air forms seemingly spontaneously to ruin the lamination’s handsome sweep. One can press on the bubble in an attempt to flatten it, but the bubble reappears elsewhere on the surface. Pressed again, it reappears in a third location. Constructing a philosophical theory often involves a similar quixotic gambit. Of all the explicit and implicit desiderata we bring to the exercise, one or two are bound to frustrate one’s construction. One can typically make some moves to satisfy the recalcitrant desideratum, but then another desideratum is suddenly left unsatisfied. And the process can be repeated. I wish to start this response to my excellent—incisive, thoughtful, and creative— critics with a confession: my self-representational theory of consciousness, developed most fully in Subjective Consciousness (SC), has its own air bubble or two. Nonetheless, in responding to the critics I will conduct myself as though the theory is flawless and irreproachable; as though there are fully satisfactory responses to every objection they raise; as though all the theoretical sensibilities they bring to the table can be spoken to by the theory; as though my overall credence distribution was not updated, if barely perceptibly, after virtually every paragraph of their papers. My critics’ critical approaches are interestingly different. Brie Gertler develops a single sustained line of criticism against one central plank of the theory; Berit Brogaard offers a battery of quicker objections, counter-examples, and expressions of discomfort targeting a variety of aspects of the theory; Robert Van Gulick pursues a middle course of sorts. My response will go from the concentrated to the
Seasonal effects on selected tissue enzymes in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract 1. 1. Specific activities of lactic and malic dehydrogenases and glutamic oxaloacetic and glutamic pyruvic transaminases in brain, gill, liver and muscle of young channel catfish were 2–3-fold higher during the winter (non-growing season) than in the summer (growing season). 2. 2. These differences are felt to reflect higher activities of these enzymes involved in maintenance during the non-growing season and lower enzyme activities during the growing season because of a shift in metabolism. 3. 3. Protein concentrations were similar in both seasons except for an increase in muscle protein during the growing season. This difference could be associated with the rapid growth phase.
Skeletal morphology and locomotor adaptation in Prolimnocyon Atavus, an early eocene hyaenodontid creodont

ABSTRACT Analysis of a recently discovered partial skeleton of Prolimnocyon atavus, an early Eocene creodont (Hyaenodontidae, Limnocyoninae), from the Willwood Formation of the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, demonstrates that its postcranial skeletal anatomy was most similar to that of extant scansorial procyonid, viverrid, and mustelid Carnivora. Its anatomical traits (including reduced greater tuberosity, prominent and sharp deltopectoral crest, well-developed entepicondyle and brachial flange, ovoid radial head and gently concave, laterally oriented radial notch, moderately deep, laterally compressed ungual phalanges, medially projecting lesser trochanter, flattened talar trochlea with high lateral rim, helical proximal cuboid facet) are commonly associated with joint mobility and abducted limb posture which, in extant mammals, are characteristic of scansorial and ambulatory locomotion. These features resemble those of some early Eocene proviverrine hyaenodontids and, to a lesser extent, miacid Carnivora, but...
Evidence for Forest Clearance, Agriculture, and Human-Induced Erosion in Precolumbian El Salvador

Abstract It is now well established that Precolumbian farmers of Mexico and Central America were responsible for widespread environmental degradation before the arrival of Europeans. Relatively little is known, however, of the chronology, severity, and exact geographic distribution of these anthropogenic landscape impacts. This article addresses questions of Holocene land use and anthropogenic environmental change in the upper Rio Paz Valley, El Salvador, before and after the arrival of the Spanish in the sixteenth century. A lacustrine sediment sequence from Chalchuapa records the impacts of prehistoric agriculturalists on a mid-elevation tropical watershed during the past 3700 years. The 9.72 m sediment core from Laguna Cuzcachapa contains unequivocal evidence for human manipulation of the landscape: high levels of maize and agricultural weed pollen, charcoal, magnetic susceptibility, and sediment flux. The abundance of maize pollen (>6 percent) even in the basal sediments of the core indicates that an ...
Static and dynamic tests for the chemical durability of nuclear waste glass

Abstract Different types of durability tests are analyzed in terms of their relevance to flow conditions and their ability to predict the long-term corrosion rates under the most adverse flow and dilution conditions. Results obtained by applying various types of tests to glasses developed for use in nuclear waste fixation show that carefully controlled flow tests are most useful in modelling the entire dependence of corrosion on flow rates and surface-to-volume ratios. Constant-medium tests carried out in buffered media and with limited silica accumulation (up to 10 mg/ L) are easier to perform and are useful both in predicting worst-risk corrosion rates and in supplying data for modelling repository situations. Results of independent constant-medium tests, stagnant tests, and flow tests on simulated nuclear waste glasses show excellent agreement in the determination of the maximum corrosion rates.
Separation and differential activation of rat liver cytosolic cholesteryl ester hydrolase, triglyceride lipase and retinyl palmitate hydrolase by cholestyramine and protein kinases

Cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH), triacylglycerol lipase (TGL) and retinyl palmitate hydrolase (RPH) were measured in 104,000 ×g supernatants from rat liver under optimal conditions for measurement of cytosolic CEH. Similar levels of hydrolytic activity were seen with oil droplet dispersions of cholesteryl oleate, trioleoylglycerol and retinyl palmitate. No cytosolic TGL activity was seen with substrate presented in the triton-albumin emulsion used for measurement of lipoprotein lipase-like TGL associated with hepatic plasma membrane. Cytosolic CEH, TGL and RPH were differentially partially purified by both ammonium sulfate precipitation and anion exchange fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). Of the three activities, only CEH was stimulated by cholestyramine feeding and by activators of protein kinases A and C. All three activities were inhibited by alkaline phosphatase treatment, although to different degrees. It is concluded that these activities are catalyzed by at least three differentially regulated enzymes with a high degree of specificity for their respective substrates.
High current JBS rectifiers and their impact on switching power supplies

The junction barrier controlled Schottky (JBS) rectifier is a Schottky rectifier with a p-n junction grid structure integrated into the device structure to improve its reverse blocking characteristics. This paper reports the development of large area (0.5 cm2), 30V, JBS rectifiers capable of handling over 25A of forward current while operating at up to 125°C with good reverse blocking characteristics. Trade-off curves between forward voltage drop and reverse leakage current are introduced to allow optimization of these devices. Evaluation of their impact on low voltage switching power supplies is presented.
Adrenoreceptor Polymorphisms and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

See related article, pages 1680–1685. Neurogenic stunned myocardium (NSM) is reversible cardiac dysfunction, typically after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).1,2 The most likely pathophysiology of NSM is a catecholamine surge that leads to transient ventricular dysfunction. The pathophysiology is probably similar to Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy3 and cardiac dysfunction caused by fright.4 SAH presents a different and acute clinical scenario, however, because these patients often require hyperdynamic therapy for symptomatic or radiographic vasospasm.5 Both increasing cardiac output and blood pressure increase cerebral perfusion,6 but hyperdynamic therapy with a failing left ventricle can quickly lead to pulmonary edema, hypoxia, hypotension and cerebral infarction.7 Methods to predict …
Germylene-Induced Hydrogenation of Benzophenone

Ge[CH(SiMe3)2]2 reacts with benzophenone to form a conjugated triene. Wilkinson's catalyst, Rh(PPh3)3Cl, is an effective precatalyst for the isomerization of one double bond and hydrogenation of a ...
Distinct functions of integrin alpha and beta subunit cytoplasmic domains in cell spreading and formation of focal adhesions

Integrin-mediated cell adhesion often results in cell spreading and the formation of focal adhesions. We exploited the capacity of recombinant human alpha IIb beta 3 integrin to endow heterologous cells with the ability to adhere and spread on fibrinogen to study the role of integrin cytoplasmic domains in initiation of cell spreading and focal adhesions. The same constructs were also used to analyze the role of the cytoplasmic domains in maintenance of the fidelity of the integrin repertoire at focal adhesions. Truncation mutants of the cytoplasmic domain of alpha IIb did not interfere with the ability of alpha IIb beta 3 to initiate cell spreading and form focal adhesions. Nevertheless, deletion of the alpha IIb cytoplasmic domain allowed indiscriminate recruitment of alpha IIb beta 3 to focal adhesions formed by other integrins. Truncation of the beta 3 subunit cytoplasmic domain abolished cell spreading mediated by alpha IIb beta 3 and also abrogated recruitment of alpha IIb beta 3 to focal adhesions. This truncation also dramatically impaired the ability of alpha IIb beta 3 to mediate the contraction of fibrin gels. In contrast, the beta 3 subunit cytoplasmic truncation did not reduce the fibrinogen binding affinity of alpha IIb beta 3. Thus, the integrin beta 3 subunit cytoplasmic domain is necessary and sufficient for initiation of cell spreading and focal adhesion formation. Further, the beta 3 cytoplasmic domain is required for the transmission of intracellular contractile forces to fibrin gels. The alpha subunit cytoplasmic domain maintains the fidelity of recruitment of the integrins to focal adhesions and thus regulates their repertoire of integrins.
On the Contribution of Longwave Radiation to Global Climate Model Biases in Arctic Lower Tropospheric Stability

AbstractPrevious research has found that global climate models (GCMs) usually simulate greater lower tropospheric stabilities compared to reanalysis data. To understand the origins of this bias, the authors examine hindcast simulations initialized with reanalysis data of six GCMs and find that four of the six models simulate within five days a positive bias in Arctic lower tropospheric stability during the Arctic polar night over sea ice regions. These biases in lower tropospheric stability are mainly due to cold biases in surface temperature, as very small potential temperature biases exist aloft.Similar to previous research, polar night surface temperature biases in the hindcast runs relate to all-sky downwelling longwave radiation in the models, which very much relates to the cloud liquid water. Also found herein are clear-sky longwave radiation biases and a fairly large clear-sky longwave radiation bias in the day one hindcast. This clear-sky longwave bias is analyzed by running the same radiation tra...
Neurobiological hypothesis of color appearance and hue perception

De Valois and De Valois [Vis. Res.33, 1053 (1993)] showed that to explain hue appearance, S-cone signals have to be combined with M versus L opponent signals in two different ways to produce red-green and yellow-blue axes, respectively. Recently, it has been shown that color appearance is normal for individuals with genetic mutations that block S-cone input to blue-ON ganglion cells. This is inconsistent with the De Valois hypothesis in which S-opponent konio-geniculate signals are combined with L-M signals at a third processing stage in cortex. Instead, here we show that color appearance, including individual differences never explained before, are predicted by a model in which S-cone signals are combined with L versus M signals in the outer retina.
Techniques for spectroscopic measurements in an arcjet nozzle

A successful attempt has been made to gain optical access to the inside of an arcjet nozzle without changing internal thruster design or affecting performance characteristics. Both fiber optics and small open holes have been used for emission spectroscopy of a small, confined, high-temperature plasma source. The plasma was found to be in a highly nonequilibrium state, with electron excitation temperatures more than double the rotational or vibrational temperatures.
Microwave, infrared and Raman spectra and structure of 2-nitropropane

Abstract The microwave spectrum of 2-nitropropane, C 3 H 7 NO 2 , has been investigated from 12.5 to 40.0 GHz. Only α-type transitions were observed and R -branch assignments are made for the ground vibrational state. The effective rotational constants are found to have the following values: A = 5132 ± 12, B = 2895.70 ± 0.14, and C = 2706.51 ± 0.12 MHz. It is shown that these rotational constants are only consistent for the conformer where one NO bond eclipses the CH bond. From a diagnostic least-squares adjustment to fit these three rotational constants along with reasonably assumed structural parameters for the isopropyl moiety, excluding the CC distance, the following parameters are obtained: r( C  C ) = 1.533 ± 0.006 A , r( C  N ) = 1.508 ± 0.018 A , r( N  O ) = 1.218 ± 0.015 A , ∩ CNO = 116.8 ± 1.5°, and ∩ CCN = 108.9 ± 1.7° . From a temperature study of the microwave spectrum, it appears that the NO 2 group is nearly freely rotating. The IR (3500−80 cm −1 ) and Raman (3500-10 cm −1 ) spectra have been recorded for both the gaseous and solid phases of 2-nitropropane. The Raman spectrum of the liquid has also been recorded and qualitative depolarization values obtained. All of the normal modes are assigned based on band contours, depolarization values, and group frequencies. The vibrational data are also consistent with a nearly freely rotating NO 2 group. These results are compared to the similar quantities for several related molecules.
On the computation of crystalline microstructure

Microstructure is a feature of crystals with multiple symmetry-related energy-minimizing states. Continuum models have been developed explaining microstructure as the mixture of these symmetry-related states on a fine scale to minimize energy. This article is a review of numerical methods and the numerical analysis for the computation of crystalline microstructure.
Splanchnic Extraction and Conversion of Testosteroneand Dihydrotestosterone inMan

The splanchnic extraction and interconversion of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were studied in 7 healthy men(ages 29–46 years) undergoing cardiac catheterization. During a constantinfusion of [l,2−3H]testosterone and[4−14C]DHT, the arterial and hepatic vein blood samples were taken and radioactive and non-radioactive testosterone and DHT were determined. Metabolic clearance rate (MCR), splanchnic extraction (SE), splanchnic clearance (SC), extrasplanchnic clearance (ESC), transfer constant in blood (ρBBT-DHT) and transfer constant across the liver (ρBBT-DHT) were calculated. The MCRT was 952 ± 172(mean ± SD) I/day and MCRDHT was764 ± 67 1/day in agreement with data from non-catheterized subjects. SET was 68.8 ± 7.1% (mean ± SD) and SEDHT was 37.6 ± 5.9%. SET was significantly greater than SEDHT (P < 0.001). The calculated SCT and ESCT were 638 ± 112(mean ± SD) 1/day and 314 ± 190 1/day, respectively. SCDHTand ESCDHT were 343 ± 95 (mean ± SD) 1/day and 421 ± 105 1/day, suggesting that a major ...
Political Manipulations and Market Reforms Failures

Economists have recently underscored that the failure of market reforms in producing sustained growth in emerging markets is the result of poor advice from the International Monetary Fund, as well as of erroneous macroeconomic policies of domestic decision makers. This article proposes a complementary hypothesis. If market reforms are enacted in a political system with weak accountability institutions, then one should expect the executive to manipulate such reforms in pursuit of such old-fashioned practices as collusion between government and business, political patronage, and corruption. This, in turn, ends up depriving a given economy of potential advantages that could have accrued had the reforms promoted true competition rather than reallocating monopolistic rents and squandering a large amount of resources.
Electronic states and collective excitations of a two-dimensional electron gas in spatially modulated magnetic fields

Abstract We have studied a two-dimensional (2D) electron gas in the presence of a perpendicular magnetic field spatially modulated along the plane, and in the regime of strong modulation. This magnetically modulated system is different in several respects from an electrostatically modulated one. It is found that the modulation period plays the role of controlling the effective modulation strength. For example, in a unidirectional modulation, the 2D electron gas undergoes a crossover of two- to one-dimensional behavior, as the modulation period increases. Both single-particle electronic states and collective excitations of the system are studied in detail. Anticipating the experimental realization of such systems, we focus our calculations on a realistic range of physical parameters.
Peri-anesthetic Anaphylaxis

General anesthesia and anaphylaxis cause profound physiologic changes. When both occur simultaneously, it is often difficult to recognize and identify the medication or product responsible for the latter. Following such an event, the proper assessment, diagnosis, and recommendations are essential to prevent future reactions. This article reviews the more common causes of anaphylaxis during anesthesia.
Improvement of a snapshot spectroscopic retinal multi-aperture imaging camera

ABSTRACT Measurement of oxygen saturation has proved to give important information about the eye health and the onsetof eye pathologies such as Diabetic Retinopathy. Recently, we have presented a multi-aperture system enablingsnapshot acquisition of human fundus images at six dierent wavelengths. In our setup a commercial fundusophthalmoscope was interfaced with the multi-aperture system to acquire spectroscopic sensitive images of theretina vessel, thus enabling assessment of the oxygen saturation in the retina. Snapshot spectroscopic acquisitionis meant to minimize the eects of eye movements. Higher measurement accuracy can be achieved by increasingthe number of wavelengths at which the fundus images are taken. In this study we present an improvement ofour setup by introducing an other multi-aperture camera that enables us to take snapshot images of the fundusat nine dierent wavelengths. Careful consideration is taken to improve image transfer by measuring the opticalproperties of the fundus camera used in the setup and modeling the optical train in Zemax.Keywords: Retinal oximetry, fundus ophthalmoscope, multi-aperture camera.
Parallel Solution of Arbitrarily Sparse Linear Systems

A parallel algorithm for the iterative solution of sparse linear systems is presented. This algorithm is shown to be efficient for arbitrarily sparse matrices. Analysis of this algorithm suggests that a network of Processing Elements [PEs] equal in number to the number $R$ of non-zero matrix entries is particularly useful. If this collection of PEs is interconnected by a message-passing, or a synchronous, communication network which is fast enough, the iteration time grows as the logarithm of the number of PEs. A comparison with earlier work, which suggested that only $\sqrt{R}$ PEs are useful for this task, is also presented.