cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WE‐G‐18A‐01: JUNIOR INVESTIGATOR WINNER – Low‐Dose C‐Arm Cone‐Beam CT with Model‐Based Image Reconstruction for High‐Quality Guidance of Neurosurgical Intervention

Purpose: To address the challenges of image quality, radiation dose, and reconstruction speed in intraoperative cone-beam CT (CBCT) for neurosurgery by combining model-based image reconstruction (MBIR) with accelerated algorithmic and computational methods. Methods: Preclinical studies involved a mobile C-arm for CBCT imaging of two anthropomorphic head phantoms that included simulated imaging targets (ventricles, soft-tissue structures/bleeds) and neurosurgical procedures (deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode insertion) for assessment of image quality. The penalized likelihood (PL) framework was used for MBIR, incorporating a statistical model with image regularization via an edgepreserving penalty. To accelerate PL reconstruction, the ordered-subset, separable quadratic surrogates (OS-SQS) algorithm was modified to incorporate Nesterov's method and implemented on a multi-GPU system. A fair comparison of image quality between PL and conventional filtered backprojection (FBP) was performed by selecting reconstruction parameters that provided matched low-contrast spatial resolution. Results: CBCT images of the head phantoms demonstrated that PL reconstruction improved image quality (∼28% higher CNR) even at half the radiation dose (3.3 mGy) compared to FBP. A combination of Nesterov's method and fast projectors yielded a PL reconstruction run-time of 251 sec (cf., 5729 sec for OS-SQS, 13 sec for FBP). Insertion of a DBS electrode resulted in severe metal artifact streaks in FBP reconstructions, whereas PL was intrinsically robust against metal artifact. The combination of noise and artifact was reduced from 32.2 HU in FBP to 9.5 HU in PL, thereby providing better assessment of device placement and potential complications. Conclusion: The methods can be applied to intraoperative CBCT for guidance and verification of neurosurgical procedures (DBS electrode insertion, biopsy, tumor resection) and detection of complications (intracranial hemorrhage). Significant improvement in image quality, dose reduction, and reconstruction time of ∼4 min will enable practical deployment of low-dose C-arm CBCT within the operating room. AAPM Research Seed Funding (2013-2014); NIH Fellowship F32EB017571; Siemens Healthcare (XP Division)
Therapeutic strategies in inflammasome mediated diseases of the liver

Tissue stress and cell death result in inflammation even in the absence of pathogens. Such sterile inflammation is dependent on a cytosolic complex of proteins inside immune cells termed the inflammasome. This complex converts two groups of extracellular signals into an inflammatory response via activation of caspase-1 and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. Group 1 signals are typically TOLL like receptor agonists and result in transcriptional upregulation of inflammasome components and pro-cytokines. Group 2 signals are diverse, ranging from uric acid to ATP, and lead to assembly and activation of the inflammasome complex. Inflammasome components are required for a wide range of acute and chronic pathologies, including experimental alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and drug-induced liver injury. Collectively, group 1 and 2 signals, inflammasome components, and cytokine receptors provide a rich source of therapeutic targets. Many of the advances in the field have come from standard reductionist experiments. Progress in the understanding of complex human systems will, however, be dependent on novel strategies such as systems analysis, which analyze large data sets to provide new insights.
Tolerance of the human spinal cord to high energy p(66)Be(49) neutrons

The risk of post irradiation myelopathy was evaluated in 76 patients followed for 1-5 years after neutron irradiation of the cervical and thoracic regions. No overt myelopathy was observed. Forty-six patients received doses (central cord dose) in excess of 10 Gy, 9 received doses in excess of 12 Gy, and 5 received doses between 13 and 17 Gy, all without any evidence of spinal cord injury. On careful questioning, a subjective transient neuropathy (a tingling sensation in one extremity) was reported by 6 patients, but this was apparently unrelated to dose. A review of available literature revealed a total of 14 patients with myelopathy, 13 of whom received doses in excess of 13 Gy delivered with relatively low energy neutrons generated by the deuteron + beryllium reaction. It is concluded from these studies that the tolerance limit for the human spinal cord irradiated with high energy [p(66)Be(49)] neutrons is close to 15 Gy, above which the risk of cord injury becomes significant. Central cord doses of 13 Gy or less appear to be well tolerated with little, if any, risk of myelopathy. These conclusions are valid for a treatment time of 4 weeks or more with two or more fractions per week (9 or more fractions). The RBE for the human spinal cord irradiated under the above conditions compared with conventionally fractionated photon therapy does not exceed 4.0.
Radioactive beams from gas catchers: The CARIBU facility

Gas catchers allow the transformation of radioactive recoils from various sources into a good optical quality low-energy radioactive beam that is then available for experiments at low-energy or for further acceleration. The CARIBU project uses such a large gas catcher to create beams of neutron-rich isotopes from a Californium source for post-acceleration through the ATLAS superconducting linac to open new research opportunities for nuclear structure physics and astrophysics. The RF gas catcher developed at Argonne has now demonstrated operation at the high intensity required for this application.
Mrad9 and Atm Haploinsufficiency Enhance Spontaneous and X-Ray-Induced Cataractogenesis in Mice

Abstract Kleiman, N. J., David, J., Elliston, C. D., Hopkins, K. M., Smilenov, L. B., Brenner, D. J., Worgul, B. V., Hall, E. J. and Lieberman, H. B. Mrad9 and Atm Haploinsufficiency Enhance Spontaneous and X-Ray-Induced Cataractogenesis in Mice. Radiat. Res. 168, 567–573 (2007). Rad9 and Atm regulate multiple cellular responses to DNA damage, including cell cycle checkpoints, DNA repair and apoptosis. However, the impact of dual heterozygosity for Atm and Rad9 is unknown. Using 50 cGy of X rays as an environmental insult and cataractogenesis as an end point, this study examined the effect of heterozygosity for one or both genes in mice. Posterior subcapsular cataracts, characteristic of radiation exposure, developed earlier in X-irradiated double heterozygotes than in single heterozygotes, which were more prone to cataractogenesis than wild-type controls. Cataract onset time and progression in single or double heterozygotes were accelerated even in unirradiated eyes. These findings indicate that the cata...
Public Reporting Drove Quality Gains At Nursing Homes

Public reporting of the quality of care delivered in hospitals and nursing homes is thought to foster improvements in care. When information is available, consumers may choose high-quality providers. That choice, in turn, may stimulate providers to improve quality as a way to attract a larger share of the market. However, these assumptions have gone largely untested. We examined short-stay care provided at 8,137 nursing homes after the Nursing Home Compare public reporting requirements went into effect in 2002. We found that quality improved both because consumers chose higher-quality nursing homes and because providers improved the care they delivered. These findings support the continued use of public reporting to improve quality.
More than Meets the Eye: Conformational Switching of a Stacked Dialkoxynaphthalene–Naphthalenetetracarboxylic diimide (DAN–NDI) Foldamer to an NDI–NDI Fibril Aggregate

The thermally induced conformational switching of a stacked dialkxoynaphthalene-naphthalenetetracarboxylic diimide (DAN-NDI) amphiphilic foldamer to an NDI-NDI fibril aggregate is described. The aggregated fibril structures were explored by UV/Vis, circular dichroism (CD), atomic-force microscopy (AFM), and TEM techniques. Our findings indicate that the aromatic DAN-NDI interactions of the original foldamer undergoes transformation to a fibrillar assembly with aromatic NDI-NDI stacked interactions. These structural insights could help inform new molecular designs and increase our understanding of fibrillar assembly and aggregation process in aqueous solution.
Use of cystoscopic-guided laser ablation for treatment of intramural ureteral ectopia in male dogs: four cases (2006-2007).

Objective—To describe and evaluate the outcome of cystoscopic-guided laser ablation of intramural ureteral ectopia in male dogs. Design—Retrospective case series. Animals—4 incontinent male dogs with intramural ureteral ectopia. Procedures—Intramural ectopic ureters were diagnosed via preoperative computed tomography–IV urography and subsequent cystoscopy. Transurethral cystoscopic-guided laser ablation (diode laser [n = 3 dogs] and holmium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser [1]) was performed to proximally relocate the ectopic ureteral orifice to the urinary bladder. Fluoroscopy was used during the procedures to confirm that the ureteral tract was intramural and the ureteral orifice was intravesicular after the procedure. In 1 dog with bilateral ureteral ectopia, staged laser ablation was performed at 6-week intervals because of difficulty viewing the second ureter on the first attempt. All ureteral orifices were initially located in the middle to proximal portion of the prostatic portion of the urethra. Six ...
A critical examination of Blackboard’s e-learning environment

Blackboard’s e-learning system dominates the online learning software market. In this essay I critically examine the structure of Blackboard’s two online learning delivery systems, Blackboard 8.0 and Blackboard CE6. I identify ways in which the platforms both constrain and facilitate instructor-student and student-student interaction. I addition, I delineate features that sustain and challenge traditional power relationships in the classroom. I conclude with implications for online pedagogy and practical applications for instructors and students.
Living With Doubt

Imagine yourself lying semi-comatose in an intensive care unit (ICU) bed, attached to a ventilator, seven days after a severe stroke. Even before the stroke you have been moderately disabled by som...
MUSIC: identification of enriched regions in ChIP-Seq experiments using a mappability-corrected multiscale signal processing framework

We present MUSIC, a signal processing approach for identification of enriched regions in ChIP-Seq data, available at http://www.music.gersteinlab.org . MUSIC first filters the ChIP-Seq read-depth signal for systematic noise from non-uniform mappability, which fragments enriched regions. Then it performs a multiscale decomposition, using median filtering, identifying enriched regions at multiple length scales. This is useful given the wide range of scales probed in ChIP-Seq assays. MUSIC performs favorably in terms of accuracy and reproducibility compared with other methods. In particular, analysis of RNA polymerase II data reveals a clear distinction between the stalled and elongating forms of the polymerase.
Biped side step in the frontal plane

A three-link planar model of a biped is studied in the frontal plane. When this model is subjected to certain on-off constraints, the forces of constraint are derived as functions of the system state and the input, and can be shown in a simple block diagram. Linear state-variable feedback is designed to stabilize and decouple the system for small motions about an equilibrium state. The motion of this biped is implemented as a sequence of state transitions between stable equilibrium states. Ramp state and input references are used to guide the biped system from one equilibrium state to the next. Single-support postural stabilization and side step and return motions were investigated by computer simulation in order to evaluate the effectiveness of this control strategy.
Rectangular 3D wirelength distribution models

We have extended three existing 3D wirelength distribution models, initially developed for square modules, to handle rectangular 3D blocks. Our extended models enable the stochastic wirelength prediction from 3D chip level to 3D block level. We have performed comparative and qualitative studies of these newly developed rectangular models. Experimental results provide a comparative picture in terms of efficiency and computation time for these models. In addition, we have studied the impact of aspect ratio on the total wirelength and the overall distribution models for the first time. Our proposed work will be extremely useful in the fast estimation of wirelength in the interconnect-centric 3D floorplanning.
Verb triggers of Tough Movement

Since Postal (1971: 27–31) first used the term Tough Movement , a great deal of material on this phenomenon has appeared in print. In all of this research, there has been a widespread (often tacit) assumption that the characteristic - in fact, exclusive - triggers for Tough Movement are adjectives (e.g. tough, hard, interesting ) and nouns ( e.g. bitch, bear, snap ). For example, Lasnik and Fiengo (1974: 568) list 21 common Tough predicates. Although their list is not meant to be exhaustive, it is a characteristic one, especially in that adjectives outnumber noun triggers two to one and half the nouns are limited to vernacular usage (the most frequent use of noun triggers probably involves obscene usage).
Postoperative Models of Nociception

Even though it is a costly, poorly understood problem, very little effort has been dedicated toward research on the mechanisms of acute postoperative pain. Presumably, if we learn more about the etiology of acute incisional pain and the sensory processes that intensify pain after surgery, new treatment methods can be advanced. Since the mid-1990s, our group and others have developed and characterized models for postoperative pain. In one model, a hind paw plantar incision is made. Persistent reduced withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimulis suggesting hyperalgesia are present. No tonic or spontaneous pain is apparent, but diminished weight bearing is noted on the incised hind paw. Pain-related behaviors remain remarkable for several days and then gradually decrease. The model therefore has similarities to the time course for pain in postoperative patients. Ovariohysterectomy, a clinically relevant procedure, has been used to study postoperative pain. Both rat and dog models have been studied, and a variety of pain-related behaviors including pain at rest and wound sensitivity have been examined. These models will improve our understanding of unique pain mechanisms caused by particular injuries. As we understand postoperative pain and determine the unique mechanisms for acute tissue injury pain, better treatments will evolve and perioperative morbidity will decrease.
Extending use of time studies

'Use-of-time' studies, which have been popularized by H. Mintzberg (1973), have already told us a great deal about managerial and professional groupwork. The author discusses needs to extend use of time methodologies to tell us more. Time methodologies work like this: either an observer watches a manager working or the manager keeps a detailed diary and, for each activity event, a form is filled out listing purpose, type of activity (conference room meeting, letter writing, etc.), and other details-the result is a detailed view of how managers spend their time. The author explains how the use of such time studies reveals the need for groupware in particular as well as electronic mail, decision support and other group-oriented technologies. >
STEREOTYPING AS A PROCESS

S-1 INCE Lippmann made popular the concept of a stereotyped image, there has been much use of it, ranging in reference from individual to national stereotypes.' What Lippmann had in mind primarily was the fixedness of images, corresponding to the metal stereotypes cast in composing rooms. But, in usage, the concept has also come to imply a configuration of homogeneous and polarized image elements. This is well illustrated in a recent article by Secord, who says of the stereotype that ". . . membership in a category is sufficient to evoke the judgment that the stimulus person possesses all the attributes belonging to that category."2 Further, he says that the categorical response is ". . . the judgment that the stimulhs person possesses in full degree the attributes belonging to that category." The italics are ours; they indicate first that the stereotype is seen to consist of a number of related attributes, each of which is readily predictable from knowledge of another, and second that these attributes are held in extremity, that is, they have high valences. In the one case we have homogeneity and in the other we have polarization. This, then, is the accomplished stereotype: fixed, homogeneous of elements, polarized in valence. That is, this is the stereotype as it is seen in current usage. The question we shall raise is whether there may not be another aspect of stereotyping-a process of stereotyping. One might well preface the discussion by asking: Has the concept of the stereotype become itself a stereotype? Historically, it would be said that fixedness is both a necessary and a sufficient condition to the stereotype. Thus, for instance, Reigrotski and Anderson speak of breaking down a stereotype rather than saying
Bayesian planning of optimal step-stress accelerated life test

This study develops a Bayesian method for planning optimal step-stress accelerated life testing. The planning of optimal accelerated life testing has been the subjects of numerous studies. Most existing methods develop plans that reduce or minimize the asymptotic variance of the maximum likelihood estimator of a reliability measure of interest, e.g., a specified low percentile of the lifetime distribution at the normal operating condition. The maximum likelihood method requires knowledge of the precise values of the unknown model parameters, called “planning values.” In practice, un certainty in the “planning values” may exist, which makes the Bayesian approach an attractive alternative to the ma ximum likelihood method for designing optimal accelerated life testing plans. Based on experience with similar products, design specifications, and engineering judgment, a joint prior distribution for the model parameters is formulated to describe the uncertainty in the values of the model parameters. The optimal plan minimizes the preposterior Bayes variance of a specified low percentile of the lifetime distribution at the normal stress condition. Monte Carlo simulation algorithm involving Gibbs sampling is developed to find the optimal plan. This study applies the proposed method to design a simple step-stress accelerated life test with Type-I censoring and the Weibull life distribution. The Bayesian optimal plans are compared with the plan obtained by maximum likelihood method. Influence of sample size and prior distribution on the optimal plan is also investigated. Results indicate that the Bayesian approach has promising potential in the planning of reliability life testing when there is uncertainty in the precise values of the model parameters.
Dynamic resource allocation in QoS-enabled/MPLS supported virtual private networks and its Linux based implementation

This paper describes a proposal for the support of quality of service over virtual private networks (VPN). We combine DiffServ, MPLS and a dynamic resource allocation technique in order to provide a QoS-enabled VPN. We apply dynamic resource allocation using traffic predictors. Our predictor assumes that the statistical behavior of aggregate traffic streams is statistically described through /spl alpha/-stable long-range dependent stochastic processes. This is a valid assumption, since some of the authors of this work proved in the past that such distributions more accurately describe aggregate traffic passing through modern networks as compared to earlier models. In our work, we investigate a scenario in which the service provider establishes service level agreements (SLA) with the customers, where the resources and QoS requirements are defined. When operating the network, the provider uses dynamic resource allocation algorithms to pace and forward traffic while optimizing the resource utilization. The conceptual architecture of this technology is provided along with a description of our Linux-based experimental testbed. We also discuss some important performance considerations obtained through extensive computer simulations.
Culturally competent school assessment : Performance measures of personality

Performance measures of personality—narratives, Rorschach, and drawing techniques—provide continuing comprehensive assessment resources for school psychologists. These measures are examined for assets, limitations, and applications consistent with a new practice model for culturally competent school-based services. Cultural competency is informed by a generic training model and illustrated by contents of a public sector California training program. Expanding cultural competency training opportunities in all school psychology programs can integrate assessment, intervention, and outcome evaluations using performance measures within a context of guidelines and ethical responsibilities. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 229–241, 2007.
Effects of the Method of Calf Starter Delivery and Effects of Weaning Age On Starter Intake and Growth of Holstein Calves Fed Milk Once Daily

Fifty-six Holstein calves were assigned randomly at birth to one of four treatments in a study that evaluated two methods of calf starter delivery (specially designed nipple bottle versus an open container) and weaning age (28 vs. 56 d) on starter intake and growth. Calves were fed 3.8 L of whole milk once daily through nipple bottles until weaning. A pelleted commercial calf starter mix (18.3% crude protein and 19.9% acid detergent fiber) was fed from birth through 56 d. Calves fed starter using the nipple bottle were changed to an open container at weaning. Calves were fed a total mixed diet containing 13.0% crude protein and 25.6% acid detergent fiber from d 57 through 180 for ad libitum intake through a self-feeder. Calves that were weaned at 28 d consumed more calf starter from d 28 to 56 regardless of the method of starter delivery. At 90 d of age, calves that had been weaned at 28 d had similar body weights (BW) and wither heights as did calves that had been weaned at 56 d. Either method of calf starter delivery resulted in similar overall BW, wither height, and average daily gain. Feeding 3.8 L of milk once daily, weaning at 28 d, the use of either method of starter delivery, and feeding a total mixed diet from d 57 through 180 allowed calves to attain BW that exceeded acceptable reported means at 6 mo of age.
Solution‐Phase Mixture Synthesis with Double‐Separation Tagging: Double Demixing of a Single Mixture Provides a Stereoisomer Library of 16 Individual Murisolins

(Chemical Equation Presented) Two tags are better than one: Sixteen individual stereoisomers of murisolin (see scheme) are synthesized together and isolated in pure form with the aid of a double-separation tagging procedure. A strategy for solution-phase stereoisomer synthesis based on double-separation tagging and double demixing is implemented with fluoroalkyl and oligoethylene glycol (OEG, (OCH2CH2)nOCH3) tags. © 2005 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.
Lower bound for quantum phase estimation

We obtain a query lower bound for quantum algorithms solving the phase estimation problem. Our analysis generalizes existing lower-bound approaches to the case where the oracle $Q$ is given by controlled powers ${Q}^{p}$ of $Q$, as it is, for example, in Shor's order-finding algorithm. In this setting we will prove a $\ensuremath{\Omega}(\mathrm{log}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}1∕ϵ)$ lower bound for the number of applications of ${Q}^{{p}_{1}}$, ${Q}^{{p}_{2}},\dots{}$. This bound is tight due to a matching upper bound. We obtain the lower bound using a technique based on frequency analysis.
Hydrodynamic Context for Considering Turbulence Impacts on External Fertilization

Wave-swept shores in the marine environment are characterized by turbulent water motion. This turbulence influences external fertilization in benthic organisms by diluting gametes and producing hydrodynamic shear that is believed to have the capacity to disrupt egg-sperm interaction. However, although turbulence levels associated with decreases in fertilization due to this latter process (shear) have been identified in the laboratory, estimates of the intensities of turbulence in intertidal habitats have been based primarily on scaling arguments of limited precision and unknown accuracy. In the present study, values of energy dissipation rate (a standard measure of the strength of turbulence) were determined for three locations in the surf zone of a rocky shore. These measurements suggest a potential correspondence between threshold levels of turbulence that impair the ability of sperm to fertilize eggs, and actual intensities of turbulence arising in nature. Fertilization success in broadcast spawners is thought to be influenced by fluid turbulence. When the intensity of turbulence is mild or moderate, the increased mixing that accompanies it may facilitate gamete contact and elevate fertilization rates (1). Under conditions of extreme turbulence, however, gametes are rapidly diluted and strong viscous shear associated with the smallest scales of turbulent motion may disrupt critical interactions between egg and sperm (2‐4). Such extreme turbulence is believed to arise routinely in the “white water” of intertidal habitats subjected to actively breaking waves. Intensities of turbulence are typically quantified in terms of the energy dissipation rate (), an index of how fast the kinetic energy of a flow is transferred from larger scales of motion to smaller ones, and in the limit, converted to heat. Laboratory work with gametes held in confined chambers (thus eliminating dilution effects) indicates that energy dissipation rates from 0.1‐0.5 W/kg improve fertilization success, while larger values of disrupt it (2‐4). Theoretical scaling calculations have then been used to connect these energy dissipation rates to field conditions, focusing on intertidal habitats where turbulence intensities are highest
Minerals and Protein in Four Hard Red Winter Wheat Varieties and Fractions Derived Therefrom

Whole grain wheat from hard red winter wheat cultivars (Scout 66, Vona, TAM101, and TAM105) and six ground fractions separated according to particle size were analyzed for 25 elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The apparent concentrations established in the grain for As, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Hf, La, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th and U were below the detection limit. However, for the four varieties, average concentrations in the whole grain (μg/g on a dry weight basis) were as follows: Br 6.55; Ca 609; Cl 651; Fe 43.3; K 4090; Mg 1460; Mn 38.5; Na 17.7; Rb 2.26; Se 0.56; and Zn 20.7. Mercury was also detected in cultivar TAM101 at a concentration of 97 ng/g. The correlation between the elements appeared to depend on the particle size distribution.
Online Systems for Information Access and Retrieval

In 1973 F. W. Lancaster published the first textbook about online information retrieval (with E. G. Fayen). That text and his later writings and books on the topics relating to online searching set the precedent for many books to follow. His early work also advocated many changes to the state-of-the-art systems and anticipated many of the characteristics of modern online information retrieval systems. Although the basic underlying structure of modern systems is still similar to what Lancaster wrote about thirty years ago, many of the changes he advocated have occurred. From an era of bibliographic databases on command-driven systems searched by library professionals, online systems have evolved to have friendlier interfaces, include full texts or links to full texts, and are targeted to the end users of the information. The information industry has evolved, as have the online search systems and tools that are so commonplace today.
From a set of shapes to object discovery

This paper presents an approach to object discovery in a given unlabeled image set, based on mining repetitive spatial configurations of image contours. Contours that similarly deform from one image to another are viewed as collaborating, or, otherwise, conflicting. This is captured by a graph over all pairs of matching contours, whose maximum a posteriori multicoloring assignment is taken to represent the shapes of discovered objects. Multicoloring is conducted by our new Coordinate Ascent Swendsen-Wang cut (CASW). CASW uses the Metropolis-Hastings (MH) reversible jumps to probabilistically sample graph edges, and color nodes. CASW extends SW cut by introducing a regularization in the posterior of multicoloring assignments that prevents the MH jumps to arrive at trivial solutions. Also, CASW seeks to learn parameters of the posterior via maximizing a lower bound of the MH acceptance rate. This speeds up multicoloring iterations, and facilitates MH jumps from local minima. On benchmark datasets, we outperform all existing approaches to unsupervised object discovery.
Challenges in clinical trial design in inflammatory arthritis

The prognosis for patients with rheumatoid arthritis has improved dramatically, thanks in large part to many new therapies and therapeutic approaches. Paradoxically, this has created problems for rheumatologists since clinically useful information from appropriate clinical trials has not kept pace with all the new therapeutic options. Essentially, rheumatologists now have many more therapeutic options than they know what to do with. This article discusses why we are in this situation and suggests opportunities to move forward.
Stable isotopes, hypsodonty, and the paleodiet of Hemiauchenia (Mammalia: Camelidae): a morphological specialization creating ecological generalization

Morphological adaptations may indicate increased specialization (narrowing of ecolog- ical niche) or expansion of the suite of lifestyles available to an organism (increasing niche breadth). Hypsodonty in mammals generally has been interpreted as a specialization into a grazing niche from a browsing niche. Here I examine the feeding strategy of the extinct hypsodont camel Hem- iauchenia through an analysis of stable carbon isotope values from its tooth enamel, which was used to clarify its feeding strategy and to resolve conflicting interpretations of dental versus muzzle attributes. The paleodiet of Hemiauchenia is then used to test whether hypsodonty correlates to graz- ing within fossil Lamini. This study focuses on fossils from Florida, which is geographically ideal because unlike other regions of the country almost all extant plants on which animals browse use the C3 photosynthetic pathway. In contrast, most of the grasses and sedges utilized by grazers use the C4 photosynthetic pathway. If Hemiauchenia was an obligate grazer, the stable carbon isotope values of tooth enamel should reflect primarily a diet of C4 grass and sedge (.21.3‰). If Hem- iauchenia was mainly a browser, the isotopic value should be considerably more negative reflecting ingestion primarily of C3 browse (,27.9‰). The mean d 13C values for Hemiauchenia during each time interval average more negative than 28.0‰, indicating a dominantly C3 browse diet, and there is no evidence for abandonment of the browsing niche from the Hemphillian through the Ran- cholabrean North American Land Mammal Ages. However, an increase in the range of isotopic values indicates a diet with a higher proportion of C4 grasses and sedges through time. This study therefore suggests that Hemiauchenia was a hypsodont intermediate feeder with preference for browse during the past 5 million years. Hypsodonty is not strictly associated with obligate grazing; instead it may, in this case, represent an adaptation to widen niche breadth that allowed grazing as well as browsing.
On the Dynamics of Hawaiian Cloud Bands: Comparison of Model Results with Observations and Island Climatology

Abstract This paper presents a detailed comparison study of three-dimensional model results with an aircraft wind field mapping for the island of Hawaii. Model runs were initialized using an aircraft sounding from 1 August 1985, and detailed predictions from the model are compared with observations from that day. The strength and location of the upwind convergence zone were well simulated, as well as the strong deflection and deceleration of the flow around the island and the geometry and location of the upstream cloud bands. The good agreement between the model results and observations supports the results of our previous study in which we show that the flow pattern and associated cloud processes around the island of Hawaii can be understood by considering the flow of a stably stratified fluid around a large three-dimensional obstacle. Model runs with different wind directions showed that increasing northerly tradewind flow resulted in the band clouds moving closer to the shore line, and the large scale ...
Blind Ambition culminates in Lost Honor: A comparative analysis of John Dean's apologetic strategies

(1984). Blind Ambition culminates in Lost Honor: A comparative analysis of John Dean's apologetic strategies. Central States Speech Journal: Vol. 35, No. 4, pp. 238-250.
Double-blind evaluation of two androgen-estrogen preparations and a placebo for suppression of lactation

Abstract One hundred thirty-five patients have been studied by a double-blind technique, with regard to the ability of 2 androgenestrogen preparations and a placebo to suppress lactation in the immediate puerperium. Comparisons were made with regard to the presence or absence of breast pain, engorgement, lactation, and the requirements for additional supportive measures. One preparation (Depo-Testadiol) was little better than the placebo. A second active drug (Deladumone 2X) was found to be significantly better, probably because of the fact that the amount of active sex steroid was 4 times greater than that in Depo-Testadiol. No side effects, withdrawal bleeding, or virilization were noted in patients who had adequate follow-up.
Synthesis and electrochemical study of sodium ion transport polymer gel electrolytes

This research demonstrates a new, high conductivity sodium ion polymer gel electrolyte (PGE), which is prepared using a solution casting technique. The prepared PGE consists of a plasticized polymer blend of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polycarbonate that serves as a framework to immobilize phase separated interconnected liquid rich regions of ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC). Portions of these liquids that remain dissolved in the polymer blend act as plasticizers while interconnected liquid regions provide an all-liquid conductive pathway. A loosely bonded sodium salt, sodium tetrafluoroborate (NaBF4), was added to the PGE to decrease the crystallinity of the polymer blend, thus lowering energy barriers for ion transfer in the blend and providing more charge carriers in the liquid rich phases to enhance the overall ionic conductivity of the PGE. Peak ionic conductivity of 5.67 × 10−4 S cm−1 was observed from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements of a PGE with 25 wt% NaBF4 which is more than two orders of magnitude larger than the same PGE without NaBF4 that demonstrates a conductivity of 1.03 × 10−6 S cm−1. The temperature dependence of ionic conductivity agrees with the Arrhenius equation from 20 °C to 90 °C. The activation energies for PGEs with different concentrations of NaBF4: 5 wt%, 15 wt% and 25 wt% are found to be 0.13, 0.17 and 0.28 eV respectively. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed that the PGEs are electrochemically stable over a wide potential range of −5 V to +5 V. In addition, transference number measurements, whose values varied from 0.83 to 0.93, demonstrate that these PGEs are ionic conductive electrolytes. The findings of this study are consistent with the development of a sodium ion conductive electrolyte films that are promising for use in non-aqueous advanced energy storage applications.
Pepsinogens and Other Serum Markers in Pernicious Anemia

Pepsinogen (PG) I and PG II levels were determined in sera from 147 patients with pernicious anemia. Race, sex, age, gastrin level, and antibody status did not influence pepsinogen levels. PG I values less than 30 micrograms/L were found in 92% of cases and PG I to PG II ratios less than 3.0 in 82% of cases. At least one of these two results was abnormal in 97% of all patients with pernicious anemia. In comparison, results of other blood tests used in the investigation of pernicious anemia were less often abnormal. Serum gastrin level exceeded 200 ng/L in 90% of patients with pernicious anemia and was second to pepsinogen abnormality in diagnostic sensitivity. Results for anti-intrinsic factor antibody were positive in 73% of cases and anti-parietal cell antibody in only 52%. Although its specificity is limited, the presence of low PG I level and/or low PG I-PG II ratio is currently the most sensitive serum indicator for pernicious anemia, and absence of both can be taken as a strong argument against the diagnosis. This highly sensitive test can be combined further with the highly specific serum anti-intrinsic factor antibody test for the presumptive diagnosis of pernicious anemia when definitive tests (the Schilling test or gastric analysis for intrinsic factor) cannot be done or results are inconclusive.
InP-based photonic integrated circuits

After decades of research and development, InP-based Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are finally entering the commercial marketplace as enabling technology for high-capacity optical communications. I will review the underlying technology, current applications, and future trends.
Flywheel Energy Recovery and Storage System from Aircraft Brakes

This study is on harvesting of energy from aircraft brakes leading to results for the development of advanced flywheel (made of composite materials) for high-speed energy storage. The flywheel is aimed at converting the high landing kinetic energy (KE) of aircrafts to useful electrical energy. Energy recovered from the brakes was established by determining the KE of the landing aircraft after the action of other decelerating mechanisms of the aircraft. This is the energy usually dissipated at the wheel brakes as heat. With the aid of the modified Breguet range equation and other useful parameters, the energy of the flywheel was determined leading to the amount of electrical energy that can be stored in batteries. Results show that more than half of the dissipated energy at the wheel brakes can be harvested and converted to electricity. Consequent additional weight to the aircraft due to this system was found to be much less than 0.01% of the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight. This can be offset by slightly reducing the design pay load to ensure that structural efficiency of the aircraft is maintained. It was also found that applying this system with a conservative estimate of 5 landings per day to the Boeing 777 aircraft family in active service today, results in total energy savings comparable to electricity generation from a 4.6 MW coal-fired power plant. A sample composite material with mechanical properties suitable for high-speed flywheel energy storage was developed in this study. The material outperformed existing flywheel composite materials such as Boron/Epoxy and Graphite/Epoxy in terms of energy storage density, high rotational speed and maximum stress. Finite element analysis was used to determine the maximum allowable stress to ensure safety operation of the flywheel.
Modeling of Plain Woven Fabrics for Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators

Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (IADs) are often constructed from complex fabrics. The simplest example being a plain woven fabric. Optimization of IADs relies heavily on a detailed understanding of the IAD materials. A Mesomechanical material model of a plain woven fabric is implemented in a nonlinear finite element analysis code and presented in this work. The model is developed in MATLAB to facilitate exploration and learning. Derivation of the model is initially presented by Ivanov and Tabiei and utilizes the homogenization methodology; commonly used in composites. Geometric nonlinearity is modeled through the reorientation, as well as, locking of the yarns. The example shows the mesomechanical material model is capable of capturing the dual behavior corresponding to that of actual plain woven fabrics.
Axial Flow Automotive Turbocharger

Turbocharger “lag” or poor response to engine load changes can be improved by reducing the rotating inertia of the turbocharger turbine, compressor and shaft system. Recently designed, second generation turbochargers all have small diameter, light weight rotating assemblies in an effort to minimize inertia and improve response. An automotive turbocharger with an axial flow turbine rather than a conventional radial inflow turbine is presented here as an alternative method of reducing inertia. The rotating inertia of the axial flow turbine and a centrifugal compressor is about one half that of the same compressor combined with a radial inflow turbine. In steady-state engine dynamometer tests, the same wide-open throttle performance was obtained with both turbochargers. Engine dynamometer transient tests showed that the turbocharger with the axial flow turbine attained full boost 25–40% faster than did the turbocharger with the radial inflow turbine.Copyright © 1985 by ASME
Induction ofcytospora resistance inprunus avium withcytospora infection

Six-year-old Bing cherry trees (Prunum avium) were artificially infected withCytospora cincta in late spring and groups of these trees were re-infected at intervals throughout the growing season to determine the effect of primary infections on secondary infections and the effect of secondary infections on primary infections. Results indicated that primary infections can have a significantly depressing effect on expansion rates of secondary infections initiated in late spring and fall but not during the summer. Numerical differences indicated that secondary infections might influence primary infections also.
Forging Isopeptide Bonds Using Thiol–Ene Chemistry: Site-Specific Coupling of Ubiquitin Molecules for Studying the Activity of Isopeptidases

Chemical methods for modifying proteins can enable studies aimed at uncovering biochemical function. Herein, we describe the use of thiol–ene coupling (TEC) chemistry to report on the function of branched (also referred to as forked) ubiquitin trimers. We show how site-specific isopeptide (Ne-Gly-l-homothiaLys) bonds are forged between two molecules of Ub, demonstrating the power of TEC in protein conjugation. Moreover, we demonstrate that the Ne-Gly-l-homothiaLys isopeptide bond is processed to a similar extent by deubiquitinases (DUBs) as that of a native Ne-Gly-l-Lys isopeptide bond, thereby establishing the utility of TEC in the generation of Ub-Ub linkages. TEC is then applied to the synthesis of branched Ub trimers. Interrogation of these branched derivatives with DUBs reveals that the relative orientation of the two Ub units has a dramatic impact on how they are hydrolyzed. In particular, cleavage of K48C-linkages is suppressed when the central Ub unit is also conjugated through K6C, whereas cleava...
Use of Helmholtz Coils in the Measurement of Permanent Magnets

Based on the brief introduction of Helmhoitz coils, the principle and methods is described for measuring the moment and average reversible temperature coefficient of remanence by Helmhoitz coils combined with fluxmeter.
BASIC RESEARCH OF THE APPLICATION OF TOURMALINE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

The current situation in the research of application tourmaline to environmental engineering was introduced.With the black tourmaline from Chifeng in Inner Mongolia as absorbent,the paper systematically researched the effect of adsorption time,temperature,consumption,pH value,initial density of metal ion on adsorption of Cu~(2+),Pb~(2+),Zn~(2+).Following that the paper described the adsorption characteristics of the absorbent through using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption equal temperature line,and discussed the adsorption law of tourmaline on the heavy metal ions in real waste water.And finally,the paper studied the infrared emission characteristic of the tourmaline.
Respiration Rate Measurement Under 1-D Body Motion Using Single Continuous-Wave Doppler Radar Vital Sign Detection System

Random body movement (RBM) is one of the most challenging issues in non-contact vital sign detection using Doppler radar technique. The large and irregular displacement of the human body could corrupt the vital sign signal and significantly degrade the accuracy of detection. Even the respiration rate (RR) sometimes cannot be measured accurately under RBM. In this paper, the characteristic of the frequency spectrum of the vital sign signal under body motion (the motion modulation effect) is analyzed. Based on that effect, an RR measurement method under one-dimensional (1-D) body motion is developed using only one non-contact continuous-wave (CW) Doppler radar vital sign detection system. The direction of body motion is extracted along with the new position of the respiration peaks in the frequency spectrum and RR can be calculated. Simulations of the theory using a model of the vital sign detection system are performed, followed by experiments to verify the theory. Experiments are performed on an actuator and a human subject by only one 5.8-GHz non-contact CW vital sign detection system. Under large 1-D body motion that has a displacement 5–10 times larger than the respiratory displacement, the proposed method successfully measures RR with only 7.15% error.
Behavioral "insomnia" in the child.

Most of the causes of sleeplessness in the young child after early infancy are behavioral in nature. These may be primary or they may complicate other disorders. Typical factors include inappropriate associations to the sleep transition process, absent and inconsistent limit setting by caretakers, and various scheduling abnormalities (including unnecessary nighttime feedings). Once proper diagnosis is made, rapid resolution can be expected through behavioral intervention. Even partial arousal symptomatology (“night terrors”), often misdiagnosed at this age, may reflect, and respond to correction of, inappropriate sleeping schedules.