cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Saltatory transitions are a naturally occurring property of evolving systems

On the basis of paleological evidence, it has been suggested that biological evolution need not necessarily be characterized by gradual change. Rather, evolutionary history may display saltatory periods of rapid speciation alternating with periods of relative quiescence, the whole dynamic being called punctuated equilibria. The empirical evidence that has been presented in support of this hypothesis has been the object of a vigorous dispute. Mathematical investigations of complex models of biological evolution that contain random elements have demonstrated that these systems can display saltatory behavior. In this paper we address a more abstract question: can saltations occur in the evolution of very simple, deterministic mathematical systems that function in a constant environment? The answer appears to be yes. Saltations appear as a natural dynamical behavior in the evolution of simplistic information processing networks. We stress that these networks do not constitute a model of biological evolution. However, the appearance of saltations in such simple systems suggests that their appearance in a process as complex as biological evolution is not surprising.
Atrial Fibrillation After Radiofrequency Ablation of Type I Atrial Flutter: Time to Onset, Determinants, and Clinical Course

Background—The occurrence of atrial fibrillation after ablation of type I atrial flutter remains an important clinical problem. To gain further insight into the pathogenesis and significance of postablation atrial fibrillation, we examined the time to onset, determinants, and clinical course of atrial fibrillation after ablation of type I flutter in a large patient cohort. Methods and Results—Of 110 consecutive patients with ablation of type I atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation was documented in 28 (25%) during a mean follow-up of 20.1±9.2 months (cumulative probability of 12% at 1 month, 23% at 1 year, and 30% at 2 years). Among 17 clinical and procedural variables, only a history of spontaneous atrial fibrillation (relative risk 3.9, 95% confidence intervals 1.8 to 8.8, P=0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (relative risk 3.8, 95% confidence intervals 1.7 to 8.5, P=0.001) were significant and independent predictors of subsequent atrial fibrillation. The presence of both these characteris...
Expert systems for business applications

Abstract Expert systems are becoming more prevalent in financial and business applications. With venture capital pouring into the expert systems area, there is greater interest in expert systems by commercial firms. Companies are either building in-house expert systems capabilities or contracting out to expert system developers to construct expert systems for business applications. This paper presents much of the work being done in developing expert systems in business and discusses fertile areas for constructing more business expert systems.
Skeptical responding in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Signalers that misinform sufficiently open may become devalued as sources of information; however, “skepticism” and any comparison involved in testing reliability entail a cost that involves delays and energy expenditure. Skepticism may be less costly though, if, as a rule, animals are not equally skeptical of the signals of all conspecifics. Animals with the ability to recognize individual conspecifics and to recall past encounters with them may have the capacity to restrict skepticism to subsets of animals that are most likely to benefit from deception. We played tape-recorded alarm calls of high- and low-ranking rhesus monkeys(Macaca mulatta) to their groups in a feeding context once daily over 8 consecutive days at the Yerkes Primate Center Field Station. Over the sequence of playbacks, response was greater to the calls of high-ranking monkeys, adult response patterns were different from those of juveniles, and for adults especially, decline in responsiveness was punctuated by partial resurgences of response. These differences may be the consequence of the adults’ more extensive histories of interaction with group members that, though generally reliable, vary with respect to the potential benefits of deceptive signaling.
Interactions between Brome Mosaic Virus RNAs and Cytoplasmic Processing Bodies

Cytoplasmic processing bodies are sites where nontranslating mRNAs accumulate for different fates, including decapping and degradation, storage, or returning to translation. Previous work has also shown that the Lsm1-7p complex, Dhh1p, and Pat1p, which are all components of P bodies, are required for translation and subsequent recruitment to replication of the plant virus brome mosaic virus (BMV) genomic RNAs when replication is reproduced in yeast cells. To better understand the role of P bodies in BMV replication, we examined the subcellular locations of BMV RNAs in yeast cells. We observed that BMV genomic RNA2 and RNA3 accumulated in P bodies in a manner dependent on cis-acting RNA replication signals, which also directed nonviral RNAs to P bodies. Furthermore, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase coimmunoprecipitates and shows partial colocalization with the P-body component Lsm1p. These observations suggest that the accumulation of BMV RNAs in P bodies may be an important step in RNA replication complex assembly for BMV, and possibly for other positive-strand RNA viruses.
A comparison of cutaneous testing and ELISA testing for assessing reactivity to ethylene oxide-human serum albumin in hemodialysis patients with anaphylactic reactions

Abstract In five patients who have experienced anaphylaxis and in 29 patients who have not had such episodes during hemodialysis, we have performed two immunologic studies: cutaneous testing with ethylene oxide-human serum albumin (ETO-HSA) and ELISA for IgE against ETO-HSA. Four of five patients with reactions had positive cutaneous tests, whereas only one nonreactor had a positive skin test ( p p
Uterine sarcoma following adjuvant radiotherapy for rectal carcinoma

Since adjuvant radiotherapy for rectosigmoid carcinoma appears to improve prognosis, the importance of delayed side effects such as radiation-induced malignant disease must be considered. The present report describes the first reported case of the development of a uterine carcinosarcoma more than 9 years after preoperative radiotherapy to the midpelvis for rectal carcinoma.
Advising Implications of Undergraduates' Motivations for Entering the Accounting Profession.

The accounting profession is in a state of flux— some might even say crisis. Recent ethical lapses, such as the Enron debacle, have called into question the professionalism of a few, tainting the reputation of many accountants. In this study, we examined the attitudes of accounting students at a comprehensive public university at the beginning and end of the curriculum. Results showed that both groups are motivated to become accountants by the desire to make money rather than by a desire to serve the public. We discuss advising implications of these attitudes, pointing out actions faculty and professional advisors can take to influence students' reasons for entering the accounting profession. Relative emphasis: * practice, theory, research
Laser-driven single shock compression of fluid deuterium from 45 to 220 GPa

The compression $(\ensuremath{\eta})$ of liquid deuterium between 45 and 220 GPa under laser-driven shock loading has been measured using impedance matching to an aluminum (Al) standard. An Al impedance-match model derived from a best fit to absolute Hugoniot data has been used to quantify and minimize the systematic errors caused by uncertainties in the high-pressure Al equation of state. In deuterium below 100 GPa results show that $\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{\simeq}4.2$, in agreement with previous impedance-match data from magnetically driven flyer and convergent-explosive shock wave experiments; between 100 and 220 GPa $\ensuremath{\eta}$ reaches a maximum of $\ensuremath{\sim}5.0$, which is less than the sixfold compression observed on the earliest laser-shock experiments but greater than expected from simple extrapolations of lower-pressure data. Previous laser-driven double shock results are found to be in good agreement with these single shock measurements over the entire range under study. Both sets of laser-shock data indicate that deuterium undergoes an abrupt increase in compression at around 110 GPa.
Effect of Glucocorticoid Treatment on Calcium-Activated Rat Liver Mitochondrial Adenosinetriphosphatase

The administration of glucocorticoids in the rat is responsible for an increase in hepatic mitochondrial adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activity. Furthermore, the addition of low concentrations of calcium in vitro produces a marked stimulation of ATPase activity in mitochondria from the steroid-treated animals under conditions where there is only a slight increase in this activity in mitochondria from control animals. An increase in the number or affinity of non-energy-dependent calcium binding sites on the mitochondrial membrane may be related to the apparent increase in the sensitivity of mitochondrial ATPase to calcium in organelles from the steroid-treated animals. The preferential activation of ATPase in mitochondria from the glucocorticoid-treated animals is dependent upon the relative concentrations of calcium, mitochondrial protein and ATP, and under the conditions in this study is maximal at a pH of 7.4. The in vitro addition of other uncoupling agents, such as 2,4-dinitrophenol, gramicidin D, ...
Ecological Re-orientations in NVA's Half Life

The site-specific landworks that were part of NVA’s Half Life: Journey into the Neolithic (2007) continue to erode into their surroundings in Argyll. These artifacts are not only compelling remains but also an ongoing ecological performance comprised of the land, its Neolithic inhabitants, NVA, and those who wander through.
Effects of calcium channel activators on the response of rabbit aortic rings to alpha1-receptor agonists: evidence for two modes of action

The interaction between activators of the calcium channel and the α1-adrenoceptor has been studied in isolated rabbit aortic rings. The data obtained in these investigations are not consist
On Being Suitably Deformed

Author's Summary— Travel and languages have much in common. If more people traveled abroad, they would know their neighbors better and wars might be less frequent. In default of travel, which wars have made so difficult, let us learn languages.
Argon adsorption studies of porous structure of nongraphitized carbon blacks

Structural properties of a series of commercial nongraphitized carbon blacks were studied by means of argon adsorption at 87 K and 77 K. The specific surface area of the samples was calculated using the standard BET method. The micropore volume and external surface area were both calculated by the αs-plot method. Pore volume and adsorption energy distributions were calculated numerically by using the regularization method. The above mentioned quantities obtained from argon adsorption isotherms were compared with those evaluated from nitrogen adsorption at 77 K.
Natural Selection in the Lizard Eumeces obsoletus (Lacertilia: Scincidae)

Two types of stabilizing selection are demonstrated in Eumeces obsoletus: 1. An elimination of extreme phenotypes during postnatal development (normalizing or centripetal selection) 2. A shift toward smaller, hence more numerous scales occur during the same phase, implying that the genotype, the group of alleles controlling larger relative scale size are selected for during other phases of the life cycle (endocyclic selection). An analysis of asymmetry of four characters (supraoculars, superciliaries, upper labials and lower labials) revealed that, except for upper labials in males, there is no departure from a central tendency.
Activation of the Sulfhydryl Group by Mo Centers: Kinetics of Reaction of Benzyl Radical with a Binuclear Mo(μ-SH)Mo Complex and with Arene and Alkane Thiols

This paper provides evidence from kinetic experiments and electronic structure calculations of a significantly reduced S−H bond strength in the Mo(μ-SH)Mo function in the homogeneous catalyst model, CpMo(μ-S)2(μ-SH)2MoCp (1, Cp = η5-cyclopentadienyl). The reactivity of 1 was explored by determination of a rate expression for hydrogen atom abstraction by benzyl radical from 1 (log(kabs/M-1 s-1) = (9.07 ± 0.38) − (3.62 ± 0.58)/θ) for comparison with expressions for CH3(CH2)7SH, log(kabs/M-1 s-1) = (7.88 ± 0.35) − (4.64 ± 0.54)/θ, and for 2-mercaptonaphthalene, log(kabs/M-1 s-1) = (8.21 ± 0.17) − (4.24 ± 0.26)/θ (θ = 2.303RT kcal/mol, 2σ error). The rate constant for hydrogen atom abstraction at 298 K by benzyl radical from 1 is 2 orders of magnitude greater than that from 1-octanethiol, resulting from the predicted (DFT) S−H bond strength of 1 of 73 kcal/mol. The radical CpMo(μ-S)3(μ-SH)MoCp, 2, is revealed, from the properties of slow self-reaction, and exclusive cross-combination with reactive benzyl radi...
Dynamics of a surface phase transition as monitored by in situ second harmonic generation.

The dynamics of the (2 x 2)-3CO dilute phase transition involving CO adsorbed on Pt(111) microfacets has been monitored in situ in a CO-saturated acidic electrolyte using potential step-second harmonic generation techniques. Apparent time constants derived strictly from the optical data were found to be orders of magnitude slower for the forward process as compared to those of the reverse process. This behavior is consistent with the activated nature of CO electrooxidation, which requires the presence of a neighboring adsorbed oxygenated species, for example, hydroxyl, for the process to ensue.
Assessment of Pacing Maneuvers Used to Validate Anterograde Accessory Pathway Potentials

Validation of Accessory Pathway Potentials. Four pacing maneuvers have been proposed to validate an anterograde accessory pathway potential (APP): (1) atrial pacing to induce complete block between the atrial electrogram and the APP; (2) ventricular pacing to advance the APP without altering the timing of the atrial electrogram; (3) atrial pacing to induce complete block between the APP and the ventricular electrogram; and (4) ventricular pacing to advance the ventricular electrogram without altering the timing of the APP. The purpose of this study was to assess these validation techniques by applying them to electrograms that simulated APPs but which were known to be atrial in origin. In 32 patients undergoing an electrophysiology procedure, a split atrial electrogram containing two components separated by at least 30 msec (mean 54 ± 15 msec) was recorded. Using an atrial extrastimulus tecbnique, complete block between the two components of the atrial electrogram (criterion 1) could never be induced, but complete block between the second component of the atrial electrogram and the ventricular electrogram (criterion 3) consistently was induced. Using a ventricular extrastimulus technique, the second component of the atrial electrogram consistently could be advanced by 10 to 40 msec without altering the timing of the first component (criterion 2). In addition, with ventricular pacing, the ventricular electrogram consistently was advanced without altering the timing of the two components of the atrial electrogram (criterion 4). In conclusion, among the four pacing maneuvers used to validate an anterograde APP, the only one that may be specific for an APP is the ability to induce complete block between the atrial electrogram and the APP.
Research needs for coal gasification and coal liquefaction

Abstract We describe essential features of developing coal-gasification and coal-liquefaction technologies and summarize the current development status and important R&D needs for these processes.
Is Routine Assessment of Arterial Oxygen Saturation In Pulmonary Outpatients Indicated

Pulse oximetry was used in 1,675 pulmonary outpatient visits to determine whether routine assessment of arterial oxygen saturation was indicated in detecting unanticipated severe desaturation. An SaO 2
Epidermolysis bullosa simplex: evidence in two families for keratin gene abnormalities

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is characterized by skin blistering due to basal keratinocyte fragility. In one family studied, inheritance of EBS is linked to the gene encoding keratin 14, and a thymine to cytosine mutation in exon 6 of keratin 14 has introduced a proline in the middle of an alpha-helical region. In a second family, inheritance of EBS is linked to loci that map near the keratin 5 gene. These data indicate that abnormalities of either of the components of the keratin intermediate filament heterodipolymer can impair the mechanical stability of these epithelial cells.
Decreased cardiac Ang-(1-7) is associated with salt-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.

Objective: Angiotensin II has a critical role in the regulation of blood pressure and cell growth and excess activity of the peptide is implicated in the pathogenesis of salt-induced cardiovascular injury. On the other hand, the role of counteracting angiotensin-(1-7) in cardiac structural and functional responses to high salt diet has not been elucidated. Therefore, the present study examined the changes in cardiac angiotensin-(1-7), its forming enzyme angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and receptor mas in response to a high salt diet in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).Methods: Eight-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were given an 8% salt diet for 5 weeks (n = 8). Age- and gender-matched controls received standard chow (n = 6).Results: Salt excess increased arterial pressure (p < 0.05) and plasma renin and angiotensin II concentrations (p < 0.05). Salt-induced left ventricular remodeling and diastolic dysfunction were associated with diminished levels of angiotensin-(1-7) in t...
Non-local effects on dynamic damage accumulation in brittle solids

This paper presents a non-local analysis of the dynamic damage accumulation processes in brittle solids. A non-local formulation of a microcrack-based continuum damage model is developed and implemented into a transient dynamic finite element computer code. The code is then applied to the study of the damage accumulation process in a concrete plate with a central hole and subjected to the action of a step tensile pulse applied at opposite edges of the plate. Several finite element discretizations are used to examine the mesh size effect. Comparisons between calculated results based on local and non-local formulations are made and non-local effects are discussed.
Methylprednisolone inhibition of TNF-α expression and NF-kB activation after spinal cord injury in rats

Post-traumatic inflammatory reaction has been implicated in the secondary injury after SCI. TNF-alpha is a key inflammatory mediator, which plays a pathogenetic role in cell death in inflammatory disorders and traumatic brain injury. TNF-alpha exerts its effector actions, at least partially, through the activation of a pro-inflammatory transcription factor, NF-kB, which in turn upregulates such genes as iNOS, cytokines, adhesive molecules, and others. Consistent with a post-traumatic inflammatory reaction after SCI, we noted an increase in TNF-alpha expression by Western blotting (4.5-fold increase at 1 day after SCI, P<0.01) and immunohistochemistry in a rat SCI model. Post-traumatic TNF-alpha expression was accompanied by an increase in NF-kB binding activity in nuclear proteins isolated from the injured cord (3.9-fold increase, P<0.01). MP is the only drug proven effective in improving neurological function in patients with acute SCI. The mechanism of action of MP is not fully understood, but is thought to be related to its antioxidant effects. MP is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent, which has been recently shown to inhibit NF-kB binding activity. MP (30 mg/kg, i.v.) given immediately after SCI reduced TNF-alpha expression by 55% (P<0.01) and NF-kB binding activity. These findings suggest that post-traumatic inflammatory activity that is mediated by the TNF-alpha-NF-kB cascade can be suppressed by MP.
Deductive Fault Simulation of Internal Faults of Inverter-Free Circuits and Programmable Logic Arrays

A method for the deductive fault simulation of faults in inverter-free circuits is presented. It is shown that in an inverter-free circuit, fault lists on lines with complementary logic values are disjoint, and fault list calculations can be done by performing fewer set operations compared to conventional gate level deductive simulation. Applications of the method to programmable logic arrays (PLA's) and deductive fault simulation of PLA faults are discussed.
The Development of Category-based Induction

In a category-based induction, knowing that a property is true of some category members leads one to conclude that the property is true of other category members. An example is: Cardinals have ulnar arteries. Therefore hawks have ulnar arteries. Recently, Osherson et al. (1990) demonstrated a number of phenomena involving category-based inductions, and proposed that these phenomena can be explained by variations in 2 processes: (a) the similarity between the premise category (cardinals in the above example) and the conclusion category (hawks in the above example), and (b) the degree to which the premise category "covers" (roughly, is similar to) instances of the lowest-level category that includes both the premise and conclusion categories (birds in the above example). The present paper traces the developmental course of the relevant phenomena and of the similarity and coverage processes that presumably underlie them. Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that the inductions made by kindergartners are sensitive only to the similarity between the premise and conclusion categories. Studies 3 and 4 showed that second graders' inductions are sensitive to both premise-conclusion similarity and coverage, as long as there is no need actually to use a generated category that includes both the premise and conclusion categories. These developmental findings reveal an orderly process in the growth of category-based inductions, and also decompose the Osherson et al. model into 3 basic components that have not previously been explicitly distinguished.
A Kinematic Approach to the Design and Analysis of Optimal Machining Fixtures

This paper discusses the design and analysis of machining fixtures from a kinematics perspective. We use screw theory to model the fixture elements, the motions and forces/moments involved. We present linear algebraic methods that are quick and reasonably accurate, as opposed to existing methods. First, we study the determinism of 3-2-1 locator schemes and present simple formal geometric conditions to verify it. They also give an insight into the design issues influencing the robustness of the locator scheme. Next, we discuss the problem of synthesizing optimal clamping schemes that minimize the maximum clamping force. We present linear programs to solve this problem with and without friction. Finally, we focus our attention on the robustness of the fixturing scheme and discuss the use of form closure to provide it. We present linear algebraic methods to compute the regions of the workpart within which the clamps can be placed to produce form closure, both dependently and independently of each other. The method is easily incorporated in the linear program to compute optimal clamping schemes.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Miscibility and surface characterization of a poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐poly(vinyl methyl ketone) blend by inverse gas chromatography

The miscibility of blends of semicrystalline poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVF2) and poly(vinyl methyl ketone) (PVMK) along with surface characterization were investigated using the inverse gas chromatography method (IGC), over a range of blend compositions and temperatures. Three chemically different families, alkanes, acetates, and alcohols, were utilized for this study. The values of the PVF2-PVMK interaction parameters were found to be slightly positive for most of the solutes used, although some degree of miscibility was found at all compositions. Miscibility was greatest at a 50:50 w/w composition of the blend. The interaction parameters obtained from IGC are in excellent agreement with those obtained using calorimetry on the same blends. The calculated molar heat of sorption of alkanes, acetates, and alcohols into the blend layer reveal the impact of the combination of dispersive and hydrogen bonding forces on the interaction of solutes with the blend's backbone. The dispersive component of the surface energy was found to range from 18.70–64.30 mJ/m2 in the temperature range of 82–163 °C. A comparison of the blend's surface energy with that of mercury and other polymers is given. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 38: 1155–1166, 2000
Programmed automatic regulation of the furnace conditions for the direct silicidizing roasting of heaters

A system was developed for the automatic programmed regulation of furnaces for the direct silicidizing roasting of silicon carbide heaters. With this system the variance of the electrical characteristics of the roasted heaters is greatly reduced and manual control of the roasting process is eliminated.
The art of knowing

Alou was meant to have died months before he did. By the time he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, they couldn't get an endoscope past his pylorus, but somehow he hung on. We watched, we waited, we worried, we fretted, we wondered what to do, but nothing seemed to happen. And the longer we hovered, the harder it was to relinquish the delusion that what seems undeniable might be untrue, that what we knew to be true might turn out to be all wrong. Samuel Johnson missed half the point when he said that the prospect of death concentrates the mind. Sometimes, it just makes you fixate. Sometimes, you can't see clearly until you're so exhausted you can no longer think. That last couple of weeks, Alou was pretty much the only thing on my mind. Shortly before he died, I was called to the ER see an old woman who'd had a seizure at lunch in her nursing home. In the cubicle, her daughter sat quietly at the bedside, fidgeting with a living will her mother had filled out a couple of years before, when she still could. “It's kind of hard to know what to do,” I said. “I guess she was pretty clear about what she wanted, but—” “She'd hate being like this,” she said. “I know what you mean,” I said, “but we don't really know what's wrong. I mean, she had a seizure, it's been 6 hours, she's still confused, and she has a fever. We don't know why. The fever, I mean. In situations like this, we usually recommend a spinal tap. To be sure she doesn't have meningitis—” “I don't think she'd want this.” “It's really not a big deal. Not much worse than a blood test.” “What are the odds she'll get …
Organic low-molar-mass and polymeric liquid crystalline NLO materials

Second harmonic generation by NLO-active organic chromophores is used to monitor the poling dynamics and temporal stability of three kinds on `guest-host' materials: (1) helical polypeptides, (2) random coil polymers, and (3) smectic thermotropic liquid crystals. In (1) sidechain NLO-active chromophores reorient without changing the polymer backbone, whereas in (2) there is a two stage reorientation, sidechains followed by backbone. For the liquid crystal, (3) the mean field gives rise to a threshold poling potential and the polar chromophore orientation appears to be stabilized by the apolar but anisotropic mesogen orientational order.
Eight-flavor QCD

Abstract During the past year and one half, the group at Columbia has studied eight-flavor QCD with a dynamical quark mass ma = 0.015 on 163 × Nt and 324 lattices with Nt = 4, 6, 8, 16, and 32. On lattices with Nt ≥ 16 we have also computed hadron masses or correlation lengths for a variety of valence quark masses. In this paper we discuss three topics related to this work.
Volumetric properties of magnesium silicate glasses and supercooled liquid at high pressure by X-ray microtomography

The volumetric properties of silicate glasses and supercooled liquid are examined at high pressures and temperatures using X-ray computed tomography (CT) and absorption. The high pressure X-ray microtomography (HPXMT) system at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory (GeoSoilEnvironCARS 13-BM-D beamline) consists of two opposing anvils compressed within an X-ray-transparent containment ring supported by thrust bearings and loaded using a 250-ton hydraulic press. This system permits the pressure cell to rotate under the load, while collecting radiographs through at least 180{sup o} of rotation. The 13-BM-D beamline permits convenient switching between monochromatic radiation required for radiography and polychromatic radiation for pressure determination by energy dispersive diffraction. We report initial results on several refractory magnesium silicate glasses synthesized by levitation laser heating. Volume changes during room temperature compression of Mg-silicate glasses with 33 mol% and 38 mol% SiO2 up to 11.5 GPa give an isothermal bulk moduli of 93--100 GPa for a K' of 1. These values are consistent with ultrasonic measurements of more silica-rich glasses. The volumetric properties of amorphous MgSiO{sub 3} at 2 GPa were examined during annealing up to 1000 C. We consider the consequences of heating through the glass transition and the implications for thermal expansivity ofmore » supercooled liquids at high pressure. Our results illustrate the capabilities of HPXMT for studies of refractory glasses and liquids at high pressure and offer strategies for future studies of liquid densities within the melting interval for magmas in planet interiors.« less
Famine Edema and the Mechanism of Its Formation

Famine edema was produced experimentally in 34 normal men who lost a quarter of their body weight while subsisting for 6 months on a European type of semi-starvation diet. The ratio of extracellular water to cellular tissue was roughly doubled. Their clinical state closely resembled that seen in Europe in 1945. There were no signs of renal or cardiac failure. The plasma protein concentration fell only slightly and the A/G ratio remained within normal limits. The venous pressure was roughly 50 per cent below normal. Data from the field lend support to these indications that famine edema is not simply a result of hypoproteinemia or of renal or cardiac failure. It is concluded that there is a dynamic nonequilibrium state of the capillary wall and, accordingly, calculations from equilibrium equations are inadmissible.
Consumption patterns among ethnic groups in Canada

Canadian ethnic differences in consumption patterns were examined using the Canadian 1990 Survey of Family Expenditures. Tobit analysis was used to estimate the income elasticities of 14 expenditure categories. The results indicate that spending patterns differ significantly among the different groups in Canada.
Effects of target size and eccentricity on visual detection and resolution

Abstract Detection and resolution threshold sensitivity profiles were determined for five target sizes along the horizontal meridian of the central 60° visual field (30° nasal and temporal), utilizing the Tu¨bingen perimeter. In general, increases in stimulus eccentricity and/or decreases in target size produced a decrement in both detection and resolution sensitivities. Magnitude of this effect was much more pronounced for resolution than detection, and the two functions appear to reflect relatively distinct, separate response characteristics. A possible physiological basis underlying the differences between detection and resolution properties is described.
NMR temperature-jump method for measuring reaction rates: reaction of dimethylanthracene with H2@C60.

We show a simple variant on Eigen’s familiar temperature-jump method to measure rate constants. The sample is prepared in a sealed NMR tube, which is heated and then abruptly cooled. The NMR spectrum is then taken repeatedly until equilibrium is reestablished at the new temperature. The sample can be used over and over again. We demonstrate the technique on the reversible addition of 9,10-dimethylantracene to C60. The C60 contains H2, and this provides an NMR signal upfield from TMS, well away from the rest of the spectrum. We show that the equilibrium constant for H2@C60 is the same as that for 3He@C60.
SPATIAL LOCALIZATION IN NORMAL AND AMBLYOPIC VISION

Spatial localization was investigated for each eye of amblyopic observers using a bisection paradigm. The stimuli were comprised of a grating composed of bright lines, and a test line. The test line was either placed above the grating (bisection-no overlap) or within the row of lines comprising the grating (bisection-with overlap) and thresholds for each bisection task were measured as a function of the fundamental spatial frequency of the grating. Vernier thresholds were also measured. For the nonamblyopic eyes at low spatial frequencies, bisection thresholds were a constant fraction ("Weber" fraction) of the space to be bisected, while at high spatial frequencies thresholds were approximately a constant retinal distance (a hyperacuity). However the spatial localization of an amblyopic eye depends upon both the type of amblyopia, and the stimulus configuration. Specifically, for anisometropic amblyopia, spatial localization (bisection-no overlap) and vernier, when scaled to the resolution losses, were normal. However, spatial adjacency (bisection with overlap), while enhancing the spatial localization of nonamblyopic eyes at high spatial frequencies, markedly elevated thresholds in the amblyopic eyes of anisometropic amblyopes. Strabismic amblyopes on the other hand show disturbances in both spatial localization tasks which can not be accounted for on the basis of reduced resolution. Their results are characterized by an absence of a constant Weber fraction at low spatial frequencies and "crowding" effects at high spatial frequencies. For strabismic amblyopes, the optimal localization thresholds were similar to the Snellen threshold, while for anisometropic amblyopes, the optimal localization thresholds were several times better than the Snellen threshold.
Short-term response of breeding birds to oak regeneration treatments in upland hardwood forest.

Population declines of several successional-scrub bird species are partly associated with decreased habitat availability as abandoned farmlands return to forest and recently harvested forests regrow. Restoration of mixed-oak (Quercus spp.) forest is also a concern because of widespread oak regeneration failure, especially on moist, productive sites where competition from faster-growing tree species is fierce following stand-replacing disturbances. Several silvicultural methods are proposed to promote oak regeneration but many are not experimentally tested, especially on productive sites. We surveyed birds in 19 stands to assess response to initial application of three proposed oak regeneration treatments on productive sites: prescribed burning (B); oak shelterwood by midstory herbicide (OSW); shelterwood harvests (SW); and controls (C), for one breeding season before, and two breeding seasons after, implementation. Relative density of successional-scrub species Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea), Eastern Towhees (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), and Chestnut-sided Warblers (Setophaga pensylvanica) increased, while Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) decreased within 11 to 18 months after SW harvests; understory disturbance treatments B or OSW had no effect. Our results indicated that partial harvests created habitat for breeding birds associated with both young and mature forests, whereas understory treatments had little effect. Additionally, we show that even small patches of young forest habitat are used by more individuals and more species of breeding birds than surrounding closed-canopy forest, and may benefit successional-scrub species by enabling their occurrence in an otherwise forested landscape. Absence of several lower-elevation successional-scrub bird species in our mid-elevation SW harvests suggests that comprehensive conservation in the southern Appalachians necessitates creating and maintaining young forest habitats across elevation gradients.
Dynamic tensile-failure-induced velocity deficits in rock

Planar impact experiments were employed to induce dynamic tensile failure in Bedford limestone. Rock disks were impacted with aluminum and polymethyl methacralate (PMMA) flyer plates at velocities of 10 to 25 m/s. Tensile stress magnitudes and duration were chosen so as to induce a range of microcrack growth insufficient to cause complete spalling of the samples. Ultrasonic P- and S-wave velocities of recovered targets were compared to the velocities prior to impact. Velocity reduction, and by inference microcrack production, occurred in samples subjected to stresses above 35 MPa in the 1.3 microsec PMMA experiments and 60 MPa in the 0.5 microsec aluminum experiments. Using a simple model for the time-dependent stress-intensity factor at the tips of existing flaws, apparent fracture toughnesses of 2.4 and 2.5 MPa sq rt m are computed for the 1.3 and 0.5 microsec experiments. These are a factor of about 2 to 3 greater than quasi-static values. The greater dynamic fracture toughness observed may result from microcrack interaction during tensile failure. Data for water-saturated and dry targets are indistinguishable.
Temperature-Toxicity Relationships of Pyrethroids on Three Lepidopterans

Larvae of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), fall armyworm, Spodoptera Frugiperda (J. E. Smith), and tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), were each topically bioassayed for permethrin, fenvalerate, and deltamethrin (S)-α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl cis -(1R)-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate) toxicity at each of three temperatures (15.6, 26.7, and 37.8). Pyrethroid toxicity to T. ni and H. virescens was deltamethrin > fenvalerate > permethrin, whereas that of S. frugiperda was deltamethrin > permethrin > fenvalerate. All three compounds displayed a negative temperature coefficient for T. ni , as did permethrin for S. frugiperda , and permethrin and cypermethrin for H. virescens . Both fenvalerate and deltamethrin exhibited either neutral or positive temperature coefficients for S. frugiperda and H. virescens .
Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) - Its role in staging of non-small cell lung cancer and who should do it?

Endobronchial ultrasonography with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy (EBUS-TBNA) has gained acceptance as an alternative to mediastinoscopy to diagnose and stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Once a decision has been made to obtain biopsy specimens of mediastinal lymph nodes (MLNs), the choice of biopsy technique gains importance. However, despite the extensive experience with EBUS-TBNA in many centers, one must keep in mind that the Achilles’ heel of EBUS-TBNA is the greater variability in negative predictive value (NPV) compared with mediastinoscopy (EBUS-TBNA NPV 1⁄4 60%-99%; mediastinoscopy NPV 1⁄4 80%-99%), generating an increased concern for false negative results. Because false negative findings can have a major detrimental impact on patient outcomes, the physician performing EBUSTBNA must use the best single procedure or combination of techniques to ensure the most accurate results of mediastinal staging.
LANDSAT Sub-pixel Analysis in Mapping Impact of Climatic Variability on Prairie Pothole Changes

The Prairie Pothole Region in the United States contains millions of seasonal, semi-permanent, or permanent lakes and wetlands that typically range in size from 0.1 to 10 ha. These lakes and wetlands are vulnerable to climate change, especially in our study area in South Dakota, in which a period of deluge following a sharp drought considerably expanded the areal extent of prairie pothole lakes during the last decade of the twentieth century. Preliminary estimates of lake areas, determined using LANDSAT 5 and 7 images, had appreciable errors especially for the smallest of these lakes. This article describes a new sub-pixel approach integrated with a CART (Classification and Regression Tree) model using a GIS (Geographical Information System) to quantify mixed water pixels along lake boundaries to improve area estimations for pothole lakes. Errors in estimated area were typically 10% or less for lakes greater than 1 ha in size. An analysis of lakes in our study area demonstrates how lake area changed with the transition from drought to deluge. Small lakes exhibited a distinct seasonal variation in contrast to large lakes that tended to follow precipitation trends more broadly. The total water area of lakes is consistent with broad variation in rainfall.
Dissecting the expression landscape of RNA-binding proteins in human cancers

Background: RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play important roles in cellular homeostasis by controlling gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Results: We explore the expression of more than 800 RBPs in sixteen healthy human tissues and their patterns of dysregulation in cancer genomes from The Cancer Genome Atlas project. We show that genes encoding RBPs are consistently and significantly highly expressed compared with other classes of genes, including those encoding regulatory components such as transcription factors, miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. We also demonstrate that a set of RBPs, numbering approximately 30, are strongly upregulated (SUR) across at least two-thirds of the nine cancers profiled in this study. Analysis of the protein–protein interaction network properties for the SUR and non-SUR groups of RBPs suggests that path length distributions between SUR RBPs is significantly lower than those observed for non-SUR RBPs. We further find that the mean path lengths between SUR RBPs increases in proportion to their contribution to prognostic impact. We also note that RBPs exhibiting higher variability in the extent of dysregulation across breast cancer patients have a higher number of protein–protein interactions. We propose that fluctuating RBP levels might result in an increase in non-specific protein interactions, potentially leading to changes in the functional consequences of RBP binding. Finally, we show that the expression variation of a gene within a patient group is inversely correlated with prognostic impact. Conclusions: Overall, our results provide a roadmap for understanding the impact of RBPs on cancer pathogenesis.
High plant species diversity indirectly mitigates CO2- and N-induced effects on grasshopper growth

Abstract We examined how elevated atmospheric [CO2] and higher rate of nitrogen (N) input may influence grasshopper growth by changing food plant quality and how such effects may be modified by species diversity of the plant community. We reared grasshopper nymphs (Melanoplus femurrubrum) on Poa pratensis from field-grown monocultures or polycultures (16 species) that were subjected to either ambient or elevated levels of CO2 and N. Grasshopper growth rate was higher on P. pratensis leaves grown in monocultures than in polycultures, higher on P. pratensis grown under elevated than under ambient [CO2], and higher on P. pratensis grown under elevated than under ambient [N]. The higher growth rate observed on P. pratensis exposed to elevated [CO2] was, however, less pronounced for polyculture- than monoculture-grown P. pratensis. Growth rate of the grasshoppers was positively correlated with leaf [N], [C], and concentration of soluble carbohydrates + lipids. Concentration of non-structural carbohydrates + lipids was higher in leaves grown under elevated than under ambient [CO2], and the difference between P. pratensis grown under ambient and elevated [CO2] was greater for monoculture- than polyculture-grown P. pratensis. In addition, leaf N concentration was higher in P. pratensis grown in monocultures than in polycultures, suggesting that plant species richness, indirectly, may influence insect performance by changed nutritional value of the plants. Because we found interactive effects between all factors included ([CO2], [N], and plant species diversity), our results suggest that these parameters may influence plant–insect interactions in a complex way that is not predictable from the sum of single factor manipulations.
Cilia and Diseases

In recent decades, cilia have moved from relative obscurity to a position of importance for understanding multiple complex human diseases. Now termed the ciliopathies, these diseases inflict devastating effects on millions of people worldwide. In this review, written primarily for teachers and students who may not yet be aware of the recent exciting developments in this field, we provide a general overview of our current understanding of cilia and human disease. We start with an introduction to cilia structure and assembly and indicate where they are found in the human body. We then discuss the clinical features of selected ciliopathies, with an emphasis on primary ciliary dyskinesia, polycystic kidney disease, and retinal degeneration. The history of ciliopathy research involves a fascinating interplay between basic and clinical sciences, highlighted in a timeline. Finally, we summarize the relative strengths of individual model organisms for ciliopathy research; many of these are suitable for classroom use.
Redefining the tectonostratigraphic and structural architecture of the Almora klippe and the Ramgarh–Munsiari thrust sheet in NW India

We integrate U–Pb zircon geochronology and e Nd (0) values with field mapping to determine which tectonostratigraphic units are represented to the north, south and within the Almora klippe in Kumaun, NW India. Rock in the Almora klippe and north of the Main Central thrust (MCT) have Neoproterozoic ( c. 900 Ma) detrital zircon ages, coupled with similar e Nd (0) (−7.6 to −11.8) values, suggesting that these two units are the same tectonostratigraphic unit, and that the Almora klippe is the southern continuation of the MCT or another thrust in the Greater Himalayan thrust system. However, north of the Almora klippe, detrital zircon age populations establish the presence of Palaeoproterozoic rock instead of the previous interpretation of Neoproterozoic rocks. These Palaeoproterozoic Lesser Himalayan (LH) rocks are carried by the Ramgarh–Munsiari thrust (RMT) dipping south and folded underneath the klippe. South of the klippe, the RMT carries both the less metamorphosed Palaeoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic LH rocks, in disagreement with the idea that only Neoproterozoic–Cambrian LH rocks are present south of Almora klippe. These results suggest that previous cross-sections in Kumaun are incorrect and must be re-evaluated.
Heidegger and the Disclosive Character of the Emotions

Reconstruction de la theorie des emotions developpee par Heidegger dans «Etre et temps», dans le sens d'une approche concurrente des theories cognitivistes contemporaines. Comparant la theorie de Heidegger aux theories cognitivistes et autres theories quasi-disclosivistes, l'A. montre que l'idee d'un devoilement de la realite par les emotions et les etats d'âme ne peut se confondre avec la conception intellectualiste de la cognition
Dynamic Two-Layer Signature-Based IDS with Unequal Databases

Signature-based detection is the most widely used technique for intrusion detection systems (IDS). One of the major challenges for signature-based IDS is how to keep up with a large volume of incoming traffic when each packet needs to be compared with every signature in the database. When an IDS cannot keep up with the traffic flood, all it can do is to drop packets, therefore, may miss potential attacks. In this paper, we propose a dynamic model of two-layer signature-based IDS with unequal database, which can detect imminent threats with very high success rate by automatically creating and using a small efficient database, and at the same time, provide mechanisms to detect all other known threats by using a less efficient complementary database