cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hunter-Gatherers and Neo-Darwinian Cultural Transmission

Evolutionary human ecologists frequently observe that somatic (i.e., genetic) transmission need not be assumed for Darwinian processes to operate and then drive the point home with reference to the example of Darwin, who knew nothing about genes. The more interesting implications of such an evolutionary philosophy appear to have gotten lost somewhere in the shuffle, however; the same individuals seem equally prone to insist that neo-Darwinian theory must be applied via models in which cultural transmission and evolutionary fitness are treated as simple biological analogs, that is, as though they were genetic. This chapter goes back to evolutionary fundamentals and pursues the original and less-restrictive, agenetic approach to Darwinian processes by means of models of culture in which transmission and reproduction are, to use Leslie White’s term, extrasomatic. As will become clear, this produces results at odds with traditional evolutionary ecological interpretation. This simple modification in the assumptions about the nature of the transmission/reproduction process leads to predictions about behavior that differ fundamentally from those that follow from the genetic model upon which classic evolutionary ecological analyses rest. In comparison to evolutionary ecology, however, this nonsomatic approach to transmission and reproduction in many ways better accounts for behaviors that distinguish humans from other organisms—behaviors that have from the start interested anthropologists and been the central subject matter of their theories. Among the more important of these are altruism and the tendency of humans to act cooperatively as groups rather than individuals and the value that humans assign to symbols and prestige.
Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease

Although over two centuries have passed since James Parkinson described The Shaking Palsy (1817), the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains a clinical diagnosis. The most common presenting symptom and sign is a unilateral resting tremor, but up to 30% of patients have no tremor. To make the diagnosis, bradykinesia must be present, and this, like tremor, usually begins unilaterally or asymmetrically. The last component of the clinical triad is cogwheel rigidity. As many as 20% of patients diagnosed as having PD have an alternative cause of parkinsonism including drug-induced parkinsonism or a parkinsonian syndrome, among other etiologies. The diagnosis of PD hinges on the presence of (1) typical signs, (2) a significant and sustained response to levodopa, and (3) the lack of atypical features not expected with PD such as early falls, early autonomic failure, pyramidal or cerebellar signs, supranuclear vertical ophthalmoplegia, or other “red flags” suggesting a parkinsonism syndrome. It is essential to reconsider the diagnosis of PD at each visit as features of a parkinsonian syndrome may not be obvious early on, only becoming apparent during follow-up.
Coupled orbit–attitude dynamics and relative state estimation of spacecraft near small Solar System bodies

Abstract The effects of dynamical coupling between the rotational (attitude) and translational (orbital) motion of spacecraft near small Solar System bodies is investigated. This coupling arises due to the weak gravity of these bodies, as well as solar radiation pressure. The traditional approach assumes a point-mass spacecraft model to describe the translational motion of the spacecraft, while the attitude motion is considered to be completely decoupled from the translational motion. The model used here to describe the rigid-body spacecraft dynamics includes the non-uniform rotating gravity field of the small body up to second degree and order along with the attitude dependent terms, solar tide, and solar radiation pressure. This model shows that the second degree and order gravity terms due to the small body affect the dynamics of the spacecraft to the same extent as the orbit–attitude coupling due to the primary gravity (zeroth order) term. Variational integrators are used to simulate the dynamics of both the rigid spacecraft and the point mass. The small bodies considered here are modeled after Near-Earth Objects (NEO) 101955 Bennu, and 25143 Itokawa, and are assumed to be triaxial ellipsoids with uniform density. Differences in the numerically obtained trajectories of a rigid spacecraft and a point mass are then compared, to illustrate the impact of the orbit–attitude coupling on spacecraft dynamics in proximity of small bodies. Possible implications on the performance of model-based spacecraft control and on the station-keeping budget, if the orbit–attitude coupling is not accounted for in the model of the dynamics, are also discussed. An almost globally asymptotically stable motion estimation scheme based solely on visual/optical feedback that estimates the relative motion of the asteroid with respect to the spacecraft is also obtained. This estimation scheme does not require a model of the dynamics of the asteroid, which makes it perfectly suited for asteroids whose properties are not well known.
CHD8 regulates the balance between proliferation and differentiation of human iPSCs in neural development

ABSTRACT Background Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8), which encodes a chromatin remodeling protein that regulates Wnt/β-catenin mediated gene expression, is one of the most strongly associated genes with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Characterization of ASD patients with CHD8 disrupting mutations and animal and stem cell models of CHD8 deficiency suggest that CHD8 plays a role in neurodevelopment. Methods We generated iPSCs from the T-lymphocytes of a healthy, typically-developing human male and iPSC lines from the same source which were subjected to CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockdown (KD) of CHD8. We subsequently derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and neural cells and examined the effects of CHD8 deficiency on cell proliferation and neural differentiation. Results We observed that, compared to WT, CHD8 KD: (1) increased the number of iPSC colonies formed, (2) suppressed spontaneous differentiation along the edges of iPSC colonies, (3) increased the proliferation of NPCs, (4) delayed the formation of neural rosettes, (5) delayed neurite outgrowth, (6) decreased the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, (7) increased the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, (8) decreased presence of the neuronal marker MAP2 although not the glial marker GFAP, (9) decreased presence for the excitatory neuronal marker VGLUT1, and (10) decreased presence of the synaptic marker SYN1. Conclusions Our results suggest that CHD8 deficiency causes alterations in the cell cycle. More specifically, CHD8 KD appears to increase cell proliferation and delay neural differentiation. This may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD.
“It’s not girly”: Rural service providers’ perceptions of fathering, masculinities, and intersectionality

Abstract Fathers who are positively involved in families during early childhood tend to contribute to positive outcomes for children. Federal policies and initiatives have been implemented to promote father involvement and positive parenting, specifically for parents who may experience identifiable risk factors such as poverty and parenting stress. Understanding service providers’ perceptions of father engagement and strategies used to target services to fathers can inform policy and programs. Sensitized by symbolic interactionism and intersectionality theory, using grounded theory methods, eighteen service providers who provide services to families of infants living in Appalachia were interviewed to examine (a) current service providers’ perceptions of engaging fathers in home visiting programs that target parents of infants in a rural population and (b) service providers’ social constructions of fathering, masculinities, and discrimination. A conceptual model emerged from service providers’ interviews revealing an intersectional matrix of interactions with social institutions, representing how service providers’ delivery of targeted services to fathers are informed by (1) social constructions of masculinity and fathering, (2) social locations of rural fathers, and (3) knowledge and awareness of structures of power. Future programs can address the resulting barriers to father engagement in programs by taking an intersectional approach to programming and training. Future research should investigate this model with other populations to confirm the utility of using this conceptual model to examine the direct services provided to fathers.
Epidemiology of Lymphedema-related admissions in the United States: 2012-2017.

Abstract Background Lymphedema is a debilitating chronic condition with no definitive curative treatment. There is a paucity of data on prevalence, mortality and burden of care in the United States. This study aimed to describe hospitalizations due to lymphedema and identify factors associated with poor outcomes. Study design We performed a retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample for lymphedema-related hospitalizations from 2012 to 2017. All adults admitted with a primary diagnosis of lymphedema or a primary diagnosis of extremity cellulitis and secondary diagnosis of lymphedema were included. Weights were used to obtain national estimates and complex sampling structure was accounted for using survey methods. Chi-squared tests were performed to assess the association between patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and inpatient mortality. Results Between 2012 and 2017, there were an estimated 165,055 lymphedema admissions in the United States. The vast majority of hospitalizations were for cellulitis (92%), lower extremity disease (88%), and were admitted through the emergency room (77%). Median length of stay was 3.61 days (IQR 2.24–5.77) and inpatient mortality was 0.03% (n = 505). Age >80yrs (OR 3.83, 95% CI 1.72, 8.52) and Charlson comorbidity index ≥3 (OR 4.13, 95% CI 2.19, 7.79) were associated with increased risk of inpatient mortality. Conclusion Although mortality is low, lymphedema-related hospitalizations are a significant burden to the US healthcare system. Counseling older lymphedema patients with comorbidities on early symptoms and signs of infection and prompt treatment of same may reduce mortality.
Double standards redux.

It is fair to say that nothing is more pressing in today's world than bringing an end to the Covid-19 pandemic. Or to be more precise, if not an end, then the quickest and most effective reduction of mortality and morbidity from the disease in every country where infections exist. The forthcoming theme issue of IJME explores a long-standing ethical concern in research with human beings, focused mainly on a question posed about vaccine research for prevention of Covid-19. Contributors from six continents address the question: In what circumstances - if any â is it ethically acceptable to use a research design in which the control group in a randomised, controlled trial (RCT) receives a placebo instead of a vaccine already approved for emergency use by regulatory bodies? That ethical question is not new.
QTL Analysis for Plant Height and Heading Date in Rice under Two Nitrogen Levels

A recombinant inbred line(RIL),derived from a super hybrid rice cross of XQZB/R9308 and its genetic linkage map were used to identify QTLs through Windows QTL Cartographer 2.5 for plant height(PH) and heading date(HD) under low and normal nitrogen conditions in rice.Nine QTLs for PH and eight QTLs for HD were detected under two nitrogen levels,four QTLs for trait differences of PH and HD were detected between the two environments,explaining 5.68-18.40% of phenotypic variation.The pleiotropic QTLs influencing PH and HD were detected near RM5436 on chromosome 7 and in the interval RM5556-RM310 on chromosome 8,which showed high contribution of genetic effects and the position alleles were all originated from R9308.These QTLs are favorable for marker-assisted selection.One QTL for HD difference and one QTL for PH difference were detected in the interval RM5916-RM166 on chromosome 2 and in the interval RM2366-RM5767 on chromosome 8,which were considered to directly contribute to nitrogen use efficiency in rice.
Design of A Wheel-Legged Stair Climbing Robot

This paper presents a wheel-legged robot capable of overcoming steps and climbing stairs with six linear actuators as legs. With its control algorithm, this design can conquer irregular stairs with high operation stability. We built our physical prototype and developed the climbing procedures for a single stair and multiple stairs. Experiment results showed the feasibility of our mechanical design and the effectiveness of its climbing algorithms. The leg-wheel platform design and climbing algorithms show the potential application in various areas include service robots, goods transportation, and wheelchairs.
The impact of state-level prenatal substance use policies on infant foster care entry in the United States

Abstract Background The United States is facing a substance use crisis. One consequence, resulting from overdose deaths, arrests, parental and prenatal substance use, is increased reliance on the foster care system. In response to concerns about prenatal substance use, some states adopted policies that treat prenatal substance use identified at birth as child abuse or neglect. Objective To investigate the effects of state-level policies treating prenatal substance use as child abuse or neglect on admissions to the foster care system for children less than 1 year. Participants and Setting We use data on foster care entries for children less than 1 year from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System from 2000 to 2016. Method We employ a difference-in-difference approach to estimate the effect of state-level policies treating prenatal substance use realized at birth as child abuse or neglect on the rate of foster care entry for children less than 1 year. Results We find these policies increase the rate of entry into the foster care system for children under the age of 1 year by approximately 9.5 percent (p Conclusions Implementing punitive policies, without accounting for the complex nature of prenatal substance use, may fail to improve the lives of infants and families. Policymakers should focus on supportive interventions that modify maternal behavior and outcomes.
Prematurity: Premature Rupture of the Membranes and Preterm Labor

Premature birth and low birth weight are the leading perinatal problems in the Western world. This chapter reviews the evidence supporting a linkage of subclinical infection and inflammation with preterm birth. Histologic chorioamnionitis is consistently associated with preterm birth. Examination of tissue reveals that for newborns greater than 2,500 g, approximately 20% of placentas had histologic lesions of chorioamnionitis, but for newborns less than 1,000 g, over 70% of placentas had chorioamnionitis. For births of premature infants, clinically evident infection in infants and mothers is increased. Associations have been made between some organisms or infections and subsequent preterm birth. More recent reports, summarized by Gibbs, have shown that the biochemical consequences of infection or inflammation can lead to preterm birth. Of greatest clinical interest are the antibiotic trials designed to prevent prematurity. These trials are of three different types, including trials conducted during prenatal care of women at high risk (generally greater than 10%) for preterm birth, trials involving women in preterm labor with intact membranes when the antibiotics are used concurrently with tocolytic drugs, and trials involving women with premature rupture of the membranes. Examples of such trials include prenatal treatment of Trichomonas vaginalis or treatment of low-risk patients with bacterial vaginosis.
The Bearing of Molecular Data on the Cladogenesis and Times of Divergence of Hominoid Lineages

The analysis of amino acid sequence data by the maximum parsimony method can provide valuable insights into the evolutionary processes which shaped the hominoid radiation and the emergence of Homo. Recent discoveries of hominine and ramapithecine fossils from East Africa and Asia have stimulated reevaluation of the evolutionary history of Anthropoidea, especially of that branch leading to Homo sapiens (Johanson and White, 1979; Greenfield, 1980).
The Efficient Use of the CRAY X-MP Multiprocessor Vector Computer in Computational Fluid Dynamics

For many problems in computational fluid dynamics the elapsed times for simulations are too large to make the routine use of the technique in research and development pragmatic, even with a vector computer such as the CRAY-1. With the CRAY X-MP series of supercomputers the elapsed time for such jobs may be reduced by more than a factor of seven. In this paper we discuss the factors important to the efficient exploitation of the novel features of these machines.
An assessment of implementation of entry-level 3D printers from the perspective of small businesses

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation of entry-level printers in small businesses and education to identify corresponding benefits, implications and challenges. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from four small businesses in northeast Ohio through survey- and interview-based feedback to develop an understanding of their use of entry-level 3D printing. Three businesses are representative of typical manufacturing-related small companies (final part fabrication-, tooling- and system-level suppliers) and the fourth company provides manufacturing-related educational tools. Corresponding learning from implementation and outcomes are assessed. Findings – Adoption of 3D printing technology was enabled through hands-on experience with entry-level 3D printers, even with their shortcomings. Entry-level 3D printing provided a workforce development opportunity to prepare small businesses to eventually work with production grade systems. Originality/value – This paper deta...
Change detection and analysis in multispectral images

This paper describes work on the development of symbolic registration and change analysis techniques applied to the problem of the comparison of pairs of images of a scene to generate descriptions of the changes in the scene. Unlike earlier work in change analysis, all the matching and later analysis is performed symbolically. We also discuss techniques for the generation of symbolic descriptions of images, both the segmentation and feature extraction problems. These techniques have been applied to several different scenes and in this paper we present the results for two of these scenes.
Electron Microscopy of Viral RNA: Molecular Weight Determination of Bacterial and Animal Virus RNAs

Abstract A method for preparation of single-stranded RNA for electron microscopy determination of molecular weight is reported. The method uses treatment with formaldehyde at elevated temperatures to remove secondary structure and spreading in a protein monolayer from 50% formamide onto a 50% formamide hypophase. Molecular weights were determined for some bacterial and animal viruses, for which conflicting values had been reported earlier. Molecular weights determined by the method, using Escherichia coli large subunit rRNA for a standard (1.1 × 106), are as follows: E. coli small subunit rRNA, 0.53 × 106; coliphage f2-RNA, 1.3 × 106; Qβ-RNA, 1.55 × 106; and Newcastle disease virus RNA, 5.78 × 106.
AFM-based microelectrical characterization of grain boundaries in Cu(In,Ga)Se/sub 2/ thin films

We report on a direct measurement of two-dimensional potential distribution on the surface of Cu(In,Ga)Se/sub 2/ thin films using a nanoscale electrical characterization of scanning Kelvin probe microscopy both in air and in ultra-high vacuum. The potential measurement reveals a higher surface potential or a smaller work function on grain boundaries (GBs) of the film than on the grain surfaces. This demonstrates the existence of a local built-in potential on GBs, and the GB is positively charged. The role of the built-in potential in device performance was further examined and found to be positive, by tuning Ga content or band gap of the film. With increasing Ga content, the potential drops sharply in a Ga range of 28%/spl sim/38%. Comparing the change in the built-in potential to the theoretical and experimental photoconversion efficiencies, we conclude that the potential plays a significant role in the device conversion efficiency of NREL's three-stage Cu(In,Ga)Se/sub 2/ device.
Acoustic measurements of baroclinic energy and momentum fluxes on the Hawaiian ridge

Summary form only given. Multibeam Doppler acoustic sounders have been used for the past 30 years to estimate the three components of fluid velocity as a function of range. Efforts to use the separate beams as a spatial array, exploiting the velocity variability that occurs across the array have been less common. Estimates of Reynolds stresses have proven significant in under-ice and sea floor boundary layers. However, since the pioneering work of Plueddemann (1983), significant stresses have not been observed in the mid-water column. In September-October 2002, an eight-beam 140-160 kHz sonar was deployed at 400 m depth above the Kaena Ridge, west of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The site is a known generating area for internal tides. One objective of the study was to determine the location of momentum and energy fluxes associated with baroclinic tidal rays. In contrast to the open ocean case, strong quasi-deterministic momentum fluxes are observed over the Kona Ridge, with magnitudes approaching 10/sup -4/ m/sup 2//s/sup 2/. The spatial pattern of the flux suggests that numerous source locations are contributing to the tidal motion in the lower half of the 1100 m-deep water column. In the upper ocean the dominant motion was generated at the northern edge of the ridge crest. Significant stresses are also found in high-frequency lee waves that are found near the sea floor.
Imaging the Post-Thoracotomy Patient. Anatomic Changes and Postoperative Complications.

Thoracotomy with lung resection produces postoperative changes that can be challenging for the radiologist. Complications related to anatomic and physiologic changes, infection, and breakdown of surgical anastomoses can significantly increase morbidity and mortality. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of serious postoperative complications is essential.
A modular, plasmin-sensitive, clickable poly(ethylene glycol)-heparin-laminin microsphere system for establishing growth factor gradients in nerve guidance conduits.

Peripheral nerve regeneration is a complex problem that, despite many advancements and innovations, still has sub-optimal outcomes. Compared to biologically derived acellular nerve grafts and autografts, completely synthetic nerve guidance conduits (NGC), which allow for precise engineering of their properties, are promising but still far from optimal. We have developed an almost entirely synthetic NGC that allows control of soluble growth factor delivery kinetics, cell-initiated degradability and cell attachment. We have focused on the spatial patterning of glial-cell derived human neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which promotes motor axon extension. The base scaffolds consisted of heparin-containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) microspheres. The modular microsphere format greatly simplifies the formation of concentration gradients of reversibly bound GDNF. To facilitate axon extension, we engineered the microspheres with tunable plasmin degradability. 'Click' cross-linking chemistries were also added to allow scaffold formation without risk of covalently coupling the growth factor to the scaffold. Cell adhesion was promoted by covalently bound laminin. GDNF that was released from these microspheres was confirmed to retain its activity. Graded scaffolds were formed inside silicone conduits using 3D-printed holders. The fully formed NGC's contained plasmin-degradable PEG/heparin scaffolds that developed linear gradients in reversibly bound GDNF. The NGC's were implanted into rats with severed sciatic nerves to confirm in vivo degradability and lack of a major foreign body response. The NGC's also promoted robust axonal regeneration into the conduit.
Culture‐inappropriate antibiotic therapy decreases quality of life improvement after sinus surgery

Background Despite their widespread use, antibiotics have not been shown to improve chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) outcomes. We aimed to determine whether culture-inappropriate postoperative antibiotic therapy was associated with less quality-of-life (QOL) improvement following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Methods This retrospective cohort study recruited 376 adult CRS patients undergoing FESS between October 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011. Patient demographics, comorbidities and medications were collected at baseline. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and clindamycin were administered for 2 weeks postoperatively. The antibiotic appropriateness was determined based on bacterial resistance profile of organisms identified during intraoperative culture. The QOL outcome was defined as change of 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test scores from preoperative visit to 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month post-FESS. Clinically significant difference was defined as at least 0.5 standard deviations (SD) of baseline QOL score in the reference group. Mixed-effects regression models were performed. Results Seven percent of patients (n = 27) had culture-inappropriate antibiotic therapy, and additional 5% (n = 19) had culture-specific antibiotic adjustment. Compared to patients with culture-appropriate antibiotics, patients with culture-inappropriate antibiotics had significantly less improvement of QOL from baseline to postoperative 1-month and 3-month follow-up where the difference became clinically significant; patients with antibiotic adjustment had more QOL improvement from baseline to 1-month follow-up, but their QOL worsened at 3-month follow-up, and these changes were not clinically significant. However, all effects washed out at 6-month follow-up with no significant differences. Conclusion Culture-inappropriate postoperative antibiotic therapy decreased short-term QOL improvement to a clinically meaningful level after FESS. Culture guided selection of antibiotics may improve short-term FESS outcome.
Peroxidase from Meloidogyne incognita

Abstract Peroxidase activity in extracts of adult female Meloidogyne incognita was influenced by the host plant on which the nematode was propagated. Extracts of nematodes propagated on tobacco contained only 56% as much peroxidase activity as extracts from nematodes propagated on tomato. Two peroxidase isoenzymes separated by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis from extracts of adult female nematodes propagated on tomato had the capacity to oxidize several aromatic amines and phenols. A positive reaction for peroxidase in stylet exudates of adult female nematodes was obtained cytochemically with o -dianisidine in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. This reaction was inhibited by 5 m m -potassium cyanide.
SU-FF-T-80: Hybrid Image Guided Radiation Therapy for Hypofractionated Prostate IMRT: Feasibility Study

Purpose: In prostate IGRT employing hypofractionation, two methods are commonly used: patient re‐positioning and re‐planning. We propose a hybrid IGRT technique in this study. The dosimetric benefits and efficiency improvement of the technique is quantitatively evaluated by comparing with the two conventional techniques. Method and Materials: Five prostate patients were studied, each had 1 planning CT and 11 daily CBCTs. The structure‐of‐interest (SOIs) including CTV (prostate and seminal vesicles), bladder, and rectum were contoured on CT and CBCTs. Initial IMRT plans were generated on Eclipse. Three IGRT techniques (“re‐positioning”, “re‐plan”, and “hybrid”) were applied on each CBCT. “Re‐positioning” utilizes target soft‐tissue matching for patient position correction. “Re‐plan” re‐aligns the patient then reoptimizes the original plan using daily SOIs. “Hybrid” first finds the best‐fit plan from plan‐library for the daily CBCT. If no suitable plan found, “re‐plan” is performed and new plan is added to library. The daily and cumulative doses were calculated and compared for all three techniques. Results: (1) Cumulative dose: For CTV and bladder, the difference among the three IGRT techniques are 70% and therefore is a viable option for hypofractionated prostate IGRT.Conflict of Interest: Research sponsored by Varian Medical Systems.
A sectorial centrifuge cell for swinging bucket rotors--application to a velocity gradient centrifugation methodology.

Abstract A sectorial cell of 1.55 ml capacity, designed to be used in swinging bucket rotors, is introduced and applied to boundary sedimentation studies. The cell, made of polycarbonate by injection molding, represents an improvement over previously existing models in terms of resistance and attainable speeds. Its use has been extended to polydispersity determination by evaluation of the s value distribution function g(s) = dC ds . The latter can be corrected to standard conditions (water at 20°C), by using newly derived equations in connection with a cesium sulfate linear density and viscosity gradient which is introduced for boundary stabilization. The cell performance is illustrated with the centrifugal characterization of a polydisperse hyaluronate solution and a paucidisperse proteoglycan A1 preparation. In the latter case a distinctive distribution of aggregates into two polydisperse families of molecules, hitherto not reported in the literature but previously observed with cylindrical cells in this laboratory, has been clearly confirmed. Analysis of plateau dilution during centrifugation indicated absence of artifacts.
Generalization along the dimension of sound intensity in pigeons

Two groups of four pigeons each were trained on a discrimination between two intensities of white noise. The low-intensity group had a 60-dB intensity as the negative discriminative stimulus (S−) and a 70-dB intensity as the positive discriminative stimulus (S+): the high-intensity group had a 95-dB intensity as S− and an 85-dB intensity as S+. Generalization stimuli were all of higher intensity than S+ for the former group and all of lower intensity than S+ for the latter group. The rate of acquisition of the discrimination was faster for the Ss in the high-intensity group. In both groups, the maximum of the generalization function was shifted toward the middle values of the set of test stimuli, away from the training stimuli. Responding showed a decline at the far end of the range of test stimuli. Responding to the positive training stimulus was initially as great as it had been on the preceding training sessions, but became markedly depressed relative to responding to the other stimuli as the test progressed.
Vetuformosa buckleyi n. gen., n. sp. (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae; Vetuformosinae n. subfam.), a new subfamily of mayflies in Early Cretaceous Burmese amber

A new subfamily, genus and species of mayflies, Vetuformosa buckleyi n. gen., n. sp. (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae; Vetuformosinae n. subfam.), are described as the first representative of the family Baetidae from Early Cretaceous Burmese amber. The female fossil is characterised by unusually long antennae, two pairs of gonostyli representing a primitive appendiculate ovipositor, sensory patches on sternites 8, 9 and 10, protuberances on the egg chorion and the absence of a costal projection on the hind wing. This is the first documentation of such long antennae and a primary ovipositor in the Ephemeroptera.
Method to Determine the Probability of Failure for Annealed Monolithic Window Glass Loaded with a Uniform Wind Load

AbstractASTM E1300-09 uses a glass failure prediction model (GFPM) to quantify the probability that a critical surface flaw with a certain location and orientation will initiate a facture in the glass for a given lite geometry and uniform design load. The nonfactored load charts in ASTM E1300-09 are calibrated to a GFPM probability of breakage of 8/1,000 (0.008) at the first occurrence of the design load. The GFPM probability of breakage only addresses the material properties of the annealed monolithic window glass and does not incorporate the probability of the occurrence of the design load. Because window glass is typically designed to resist wind loads, the probability of the occurrence of the design load was based on ASCE 7-05. Using a Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the limit-state equation, this paper presents a procedure to quantify the probability of failure incorporating the probability of the wind load and the probability of the window glass load resistance from the GFPM for window glass lite...
Determination and Characterization of the Antimicrobial Activity of the Fermented TeaKombucha

Abstract Early reports onKombucha, a traditional fermented tea beverage, suggested that it has antimicrobial activity against a spectrum of organisms, and that concentrates of unfermented tea components also have anti microbial properties. Therefore, the focus of this study was to determine and characterizeKombucha'santimicrobial activity using an absorbent disc method. Antimicrobial activity was observed in the fermented samples containing 33 g/L total acid (7 g/L acetic acid) against the tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms (Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella choleraesuisserotypetyphimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, andEscherichia coli.Candida albicanswas not inhibited byKombucha. The contribution of tea itself to the antimicrobial activity ofKombuchaproved to be significant in the tested organisms, even at the highest levels tested, 70 g/L dry tea. As a result, the antimicrobial activity ofKombuchawas attributed to its acetic acid content.
Additivity of strengthening mechanisms in ultrafine grained Al–Mg–Sc alloy

Abstract In the light of unique and anomalous properties of ultrafine grained (UFG) alloys, an effort was made to develop a predictive capability of the yield strength (YS) of UFG Al–Mg–Sc alloy. UFG microstructure was introduced using friction stir processing. Microstructural characterization of grain size, dislocations, and nano-sized Al3(Sc,Zr) particles was carried out using electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The contribution from Peierls–Nabarro stress, solid solution strengthening, precipitation strengthening, grain boundary strengthening, and dislocation strengthening were assessed using existing strengthening models. Additivity law to predict the YS of the alloy was chosen based on the microstructural state of the alloy. The microstructural state of coarse grained and UFG alloy favored the use of linear additivity rule over Pythagorean. The use of a mixed (linear and Pythagorean) additivity rule was also carried out to assess its YS prediction capability. A difference in the range of 33–55% was observed between predicted and experimentally obtained YS for UFG alloy. The reason was related to the overprediction from grain boundary strengthening model. A smaller HP slope than the normal slope value was able to predict the YS of the UFG alloy more closely.
A proposed 24 h lighting scheme for older adults

Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients exhibit random patterns of rest and activity rather than the consolidated sleep/wake cycle found in normal, older people. Light treatment has been shown to improve rest and activity rhythms and sleep efficiency of AD patients, presumably through consolidation of their circadian rhythms. The circadian system is maximally sensitive to short-wavelength radiation. Two independent studies summarised here show that 30 lux at the cornea of blue light (λ max = 470 nm) from light emitting diodes (LEDs) for 2 h in the early evening improved sleep efficiency of older adults, including those with AD compared to exposure to the same dose of red light. Because compliance to blue light treatment may be difficult for adults with AD, we conceived of a lighting scheme that might be more practical and as effective. White light dosages of different spectra and amounts for night and for day, based on a computational model for human circadian phototransduction, might be more readily accepted b...
Capsular tension ring in a patient with Weill-Marchesani syndrome.

Abstract Weill-Marchesani patients with cataractous lenses may present a surgical challenge in the presence of zonular weakness and microsherophakia. A 52-year-old Weill-Marchesani patient developed zonular dehiscence during capsule contraction after cataract extraction in her right eye. Use of a poly(methyl methacrylate) capsular tension ring in the second eye facilitated lens removal and intraocular lens placement. Postoperative results suggest the capsular tension ring provides long-term zonular stabilization by maintaining an internal force against the capsule.
Water-soluble benzo- and naphtho-thiadiazole-based bistriazoles and their metal-binding properties

A click reaction furnishes water-soluble acenothiadiazole-based bistriazoles with red-shifted absorption and emission characteristics.
Correlation of NIR spectroscopy with BOLD MR imaging of assessing breast tumor vascular oxygen status

Dynamic changes of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations in response to hyperoxic gas interventions on rat breast tumors were simultaneously investigated by near infrared spectroscopy and BOLD (blood oxygenation level dependent) contrast MR imaging.
Influence of ultrasonic irradiation on the microstructure of Cu/Al2O3, CeO2 nanocomposite thin films during electrocodeposition

Abstract The agglomeration of nanoparticles during electrocodeposition of nanocomposite thin films is an unresolved issue. In this paper, the effects of ultrasonic irradiation on agglomeration during electrocodeposition of Cu–Al2O3 and Cu–CeO2 nanocomposite thin films on a silicon substrate are investigated. In addition, the effect of electrolyte concentration on agglomeration of nanoparticles is investigated. Irradiation by ultrasound during electrocodeposition yields smaller grain size, improved surface conditions, decreased agglomeration and higher volume fraction of nanosized inert particles within the nanocomposite thin films.
Observations on the Thermoreversible Gelation of Two-Directional Arborols in Water-Methanol Mixtures

Reversible gels of two-directional cascade polymers with hydrophilic groups covalently attached by an hydrophobic center chain were studied by light and small- angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, and freeze-fracture transmis- sion electron microscopy. The long, self-assembled fibers interact side-by-side over ex- tended regions to form bundles. A given fiber may participate in several bundles, thus forming a three-dimensional gel network. q 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 35: 2787-2793, 1997
A verifiable secret sharing scheme based on AMBTC

In this paper, we combine absolute moment block truncation coding (AMBTC) and Shamir's secret sharing scheme to propose a verifiable secret sharing scheme. Shares construction is based on the compression codes generated by AMBTC; therefore, the shadow size is about one third of the original secret image. During the shares construction phase, the compression codes generated by AMBTC are first shuffled according to a watermark that is used to verify the authenticity of the reconstructed secret image during the revealing and verifying phase. Then the shuffled compression codes are used to generate the shadows by applying Shamir's scheme. To operate as a cheating prevention function without the need to transmit extra data, the hidden watermark can be a logo or a binary version of the secret image. Comparisons confirm that our proposed scheme offers relatively low computational complexity and smaller shadows than can be achieved with existing schemes offering a cheating prevention function.
Excellent codes from modular curves

We introduce a new construction of error-correcting codes from algebraic curves over finite fields. Modular curves of genus g\ra\infty over a field of size q_0^2 yield nonlinear codes more efficient than the linear Goppa codes obtained from the same curves. These new codes now have the highest asymptotic transmission rates known for certain ranges of alphabet size and error rate. Both the theory and possible practical use of these new record codes require the development of new tools. On the theoretical side, establishing the transmission rate depends on an error estimate for a theorem of Schanuel applied to the function field of an asymptotically optimal curve. On the computational side, actual use of the codes will hinge on the solution of new problems in the computational algebraic geometry of curves.
Photoeffects in a flavin-containing lipid bilayer membrane and implications for algal phototaxis

FLAVINS have been implicated as receptor pigments in various plant photoresponses, such as phototropism1, phototaxis2 and chloroplast movement3. It has not yet been possible to prove conclusively the flavin photoreceptor hypothesis in any of these cases, nor has a mechanism been demonstrated by which a flavin could convert a light stimulus into a physiological signal. For the light-induced motor responds involved in phototaxis of Euglena, we have suggested an electrical type of stimulus transduction by a flavin receptor pigment embedded in a lipid matrix4.
A method of analysis of SPECT blood flow image data for comparison with computed tomography.

A consistent method for the qualitative analysis of regional cerebral blood flow on single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging has not yet been realized. Regional analysis usually refers an area of abnormal tracer uptake to another region of brain (e.g., the contralateral hemisphere), but region of interest size and analysis differ between investigators. In patients who have had a stroke, the flow deficit size on the SPECT image often appears much larger than the abnormality visualized on computed tomography (CT), and confounds attempts to differentiate between ''purely'' infarcted brain tissue, ischemic brain tissue, edema, or brain tissue having diminution of flow resulting from deafferentation. The author presents a method to determine a flow deficit volume that can be easily calculated from the SPECT image, which yields a volume size that is equivalent to a hypothetical volume having zero blood flow. The method of calculation is objective, independent of region of interest size, and provides a SPECT volume deficit that may be correlated with the CT volume deficit, thus helping to differentiate ''purely'' infarcted tissue from tissue having infarction, edema, ischemia, and deafferentation.
Salvage radiotherapy for isolated prostate specific antigen increase after radical prostatectomy: evaluation of prognostic factors and creation of a prognostic scoring system.

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the results and prognostic factors associated with radiotherapy for a detectable serum prostate specific antigen level after radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: From July 1987 through July 2003, 368 patients received radiotherapy for a detectable prostate specific antigen level (biochemical relapse) as the sole evidence of recurrence after radical prostatectomy for node negative prostate cancer. Estimated survival and relapse-free probabilities were obtained via Kaplan-Meier estimation. Associations of patient factors with survival and biochemical relapse were investigated using Cox proportional hazards models.Results: With a median followup of 5 years the 5 and 8-year freedom from biochemical relapse were an estimated 46% (95% CI 41%–53%) and 35% (95% CI 29%–43%) while survival was 92% (95% CI 89%–95%) and 80% (95% CI 74%–87%), respectively. Patient and treatment variables showing evidence of association with biochemical relapse on multivariate analy...
Effects of HU binding on the equilibrium cyclization of mismatched, curved, and normal DNA.

The effects of HU, the histone-like protein from Escherichia coli, on the equilibrium cyclization of duplex DNAs have been observed as a function of protein concentration and DNA sequence. The results indicate that the presence of HU significantly enhances the extent of cyclization and increases the melting temperature, Tm, of the cyclized form of the DNA by >10 K. The stabilization of equilibrium cyclization by HU binding is at least −1.2 kcal/mol. The results are consistent with two HU homotypic dimers binding to each of the three 29-mer duplexes studied. One of the 29-mer duplexes contains a central dA tract, one contains mismatched sites, and one a conventional sequence. Stepwise or microscopic association constants, determined from the fluorescence data, range from 1.5 to 0.6 μM−1. The binding affinity of the HU dimer is strongest for the mismatched duplex and lowest for the dA tract, consistent with HU dimers having a preference for flexible DNA substrates. These results demonstrate the utility of the equilibrium cyclization approach to monitor DNA-protein interactions. These results have been considered along with those previously obtained to refine a model for the interaction of HU with duplex DNA.
High-energy electron irradiation of proteins and nucleic acids: collisional stopping power and average energy loss

Inactivation of proteins due to the direct action of ionizing radiation and the electron energy loss spectra of organic materials indicate that an average of 60-66 eV of energy is lost from high energy electrons in each inelastic collision with target molecules. The average energy loss per inelastic collision with high energy electrons in solid, carbon-based materials, proteins and nucleic acids is calculated from mass collisional stopping powers and empirical total inelastic cross-sections. Bragg's Additivity Law is used for the calculation of the mean excitation energy of molecules. For simple organic compounds, the calculated average energy loss is close to that obtained by direct observation of the energy loss suffered by electrons as they pass through thin films of organic material. The density effect correction for the rate of energy loss, important in the more complex case of proteins irradiated with 10 MeV electrons, is determined using the comparable mass collisional stopping power of water and proteins. In this manner, a value is obtained for the average energy per inelastic collision of high energy electrons with proteins, which is similar to the average energy per inactivating event of proteins. Analogous calculations for nucleic acids are also presented.
Phaeochromocytoma in pregnancy

Summary Two cases are reported in which Caesarean section was successfully performed under epidural analgesia in patients whose pregnancy was complicated by a phaeochromocytoma. Pre-operative phenoxybenzamine therapy together with careful peri-operative monitoring produced cardiovascular stability and led in both cases to the delivery of a healthy infant.
Some rigorous results concerning the crossover behavior of the Ising model with lattice anisotropy

Abstract The following rigorous relations are establihsed for the Ising model with interaction strengths J in some lattice directions and RJ in other directions: γ 1 = 2γ, γ 2 ⩾ 3γ, and γ 3 ⩾ 4γ, where χ n (0) ≡ (∂ n χ|∂R n ) R=0 ∼ ϵ −γn , and γ0 ≡ γ is the susceptibility exponent for the lattice when R=0. These results disagree with recently-reported numerical estimates of certain of the γn.
Periodic perturbations of neutral equations

On considere des perturbations periodiques d'equations neutres d'ordre n autonomes de la forme: L 0 x(t)=Σ t=0 n Σ m=0 k a em x (l) (t-Δ m )=0 avec Δm, a em des nombres reels tels que 0=Δ 0 <... <Δ k ,A nk ¬=0, a n0 =1