cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Multiple Implementation of Abstract Data Types Within a Computation

A fundamental step in the software design process is the selection of a refinement (implementation) for a data abstraction. This step traditionally involves investigating the expected performance of a system under different refinements of an abstraction and then selecting a single alternative which minimizes some performance cost metric. In this paper we reformulate this design step to allow different refinements of the same data abstraction within a computation. This reformulation reflects the fact that the implementation appropriate for a data abstraction is dependent on the behavior exhibited by the objects of the abstraction. Since this behavior can vary among the objects of a computation, a single refinement is often inappropriate. Accordingly, three frameworks are presented for understanding and representing variations in the behavior of objects and, thus, the potential for multiple implementations. The three frameworks are based upon: 1) a static partitioning of objects into disjoint implementation classes; 2) static partitioning of classes into implementation regions; and 3) dynamic partitioning of classes into implementation regions. These frameworks and analytic tools useful in investigating expected performance under multiple implementations are described in detail.
THE CHICAGO SCHOOL IN RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT

(2001). THE CHICAGO SCHOOL IN RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT. Urban Geography: Vol. 22, Urban Geography in the 1960s, pp. 559-561.
Wart-Associated Antigens. I. Isolation of Tissue Antigens Using Antibody Immunoadsorbents

Two antigens of human wart tissue, a nuclear and a cell surface antigen, were isolated from whole tissue homogenates by elution from antibody-Sepharose immunoadsorbents. Neither antigen was a structural component of purified human papilloma virus. The antigens were detected by immunofluorescence in warts, squamous cell carcinomas, fetal skin, and psoriatic epidermis, but not in normal skin or basal cell carcinomas. They could be detected in concentrated extracts of normal skin by agar gel diffusion. The antigens belong to the growing class of substances that are readily detected in tumors and in fetal tissues, but are present only in minute quantities in normal adult tissue.
Perinatal hormones and genital anesthetization: Effects on masculine sexual behavior of rats

Masculine copulatory behavior was evaluated in male and female rats under normal testing conditions and after application of a topical anesthetic to the penis or clitoris. Males had been castrated at birth or at 27 days of age. Females had received either testosterone propionate or control injections during the first 26 days of life. Genital anesthetization prevented the occurrence of intromission and ejaculation patterns in all groups. The masculine sexual behavior observed under conditions of genital anesthetization was comparable across groups, with the exception that females, when tested under these conditions, exhibited lower mount-bout frequencies than did males. However, these differences were not apparent when sexual behavior was evaluated in unanesthetized animals. Females also exhibited longer latencies to mount under anesthetization as compared with control testing conditions. When these differences in latency were taken into consideration, the differences in mount-bout frequency were not apparent. Males that remained intact during development showed shorter latencies to initiate copulatory behavior and more mounts per mount bout as compared with all other groups. The results are interpreted as being consistent with the hypothesis that genital factors account for sex differences observed for androgen-stimulated copulatory behavior in rats.
Attachment of tail fibers in bacteriophage T4 assembly: Some properties of the reaction in vitro and its genetic control

Abstract Purified tail-fiberless T4 particles can be converted to infectious phage in vitro by incubation with a T4-infected-cell extract supplying tail fibers. The kinetics of conversion can be accounted for if it is assumed that fibers are attached randomly and one at a time, and that less than six fibers per particle are required for infectivity. The rate of fiber attachment is temperature dependent. The reaction requires either a divalent or a monovalent cation, as well as a high molecular weight heat-labile factor which can be separated from tail fibers. Attempts to show that the factor is depleted during the attachment reaction have been negative, suggesting that it may act catalytically. Its synthesis is induced early after infection and continues throughout most of the latent period, regardless of whether or not phage DNA synthesis is blocked by mutation. Evidence is presented that the factor is the product of phage gene 63.
Effect of Eimeria acervulina infection on chick (Gallus domesticus) high density lipoprotein composition.

Abstract 1. 1. Plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL), the principal carotenoid carrier in broiler chicks, was analyzed at zero time and 3, 5 and 7 days after inoculation of chicks with the intestinal coccidial parasite, Eimeria acervulina . 2. 2. Infection caused significant decreases in total HDL mass from 3 through 7 post-inoculation (PI), and decreases in relative percents of protein and carotenoids, and relative increases in phospholipid and cholesterol esters by 7 days PI. 3. 3. Carotenoid content correlated best with protein content (principally apolipoprotein A-I) throughout the experiment. 4. 4. Findings emphasize the importance of the small intestinal mucosa as a source of plasma HDL in the broiler chick, and suggest that apolipoprotein A-I is the binding site for HDL carotenoids.
Laboratory Evaluation of Intrusion Detection Technologies for High-Speed Rail Grade Crossings

The rail industry is in the process of developing a prototype system for high-speed rail. One of the concerns associated with high-speed rail is the danger posed by obstructions on the track. This level of danger is much higher than with traditional railway vehicles because the high-speed passenger equipment is both lighter and faster moving than traditional equipment. Therefore, it is more vulnerable to serious damage and derailment by objects on the track. Two existing traffic monitoring technologies were considered to have potential for railway intrusion detection: video systems and microwave systems. Qualitative laboratory tests were conducted on each system to evaluate the ability to detect objects as a function of size, material, color, and entry direction. Quantitative tests were conducted to define the capability of each type of system to detect objects as a function of object size. Test results indicate that both systems have good potential for use in railroad intrusion detection. The video system was tested in indirect natural light, medium-intensity artificial lighting, and low-level artificial lighting. Object detection was independent of color, composition, and direction of entry but was a direct function of detection zone size. Spheres as small as 4 in. in diameter were detected consistently. The microwave system would consistently detect 4-in. spheres, and results were independent of material, color, entry direction, and zone size. It was concluded that existing video- and microwave-based traffic monitoring systems have potential for use in a railroad intrusion detection application and that field tests should be pursued.
The role of arthroscopy in the management of temporomandibular disorders

The role of arthroscopy in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) has given us an opportunity to glean new knowledge and thus develop new technology and treatments. Arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) suggests that, contrary to existing thought, TMDs are not predominantly caused by an anteriorly displaced disk. Instead we find a variety of pathologic conditions: adhesions, degenerative changes, loose bodies, bruxism dents, cartilage flaps, perforations, anterior tears, and posterior tears. A posterior tear or anterior displaced disk occurs 12% of the time. To treat every patient with TMD with an anterior repositioning splint by manipulation would appear to be using the wrong method of treatment for 88% of the pathologies found. There are two types of cartilage in human joints: hyaline, which is load-bearing, and fibrocartilage, which is the cartilage lining the condylar fossa, the articular eminence, and the TMJ disk. Fibrocartilage is histologically and chemically lacking the percentage of proteoglycans (present in hyaline cartilage) to withstand compressive loading. Therefore, loading fibrocartilage causes degeneration. When fibrocartilage receives compressive loading, matrix degeneration occurs, which leads to fibrillation and cartilage death. Because the human body heals by fibrin/clot formation and cartilage has no blood supply, cartilage will not heal. Cartilage will only wear or degenerate. Cartilage wearing is not remodeling. Loaded excessively, degeneration will occur. A series of corrected tomographs and computed tomographic scans clearly demonstrate the deleterious effects of loading (see Alpern et al.1).
On-line test for fault-secure fault identification

In an increasing number of applications, reliability is essential. On-line resistance to permanent faults is a difficult and important aspect of providing reliability. Particularly vexing is the problem of fault identification. Current methods are either domain specific or expensive. We have developed a fault-secure methodology for permanent fault identification through algorithmic duplication without necessitating complete functional unit replication. Fault identification is achieved through a unique binding methodology during high-level synthesis based on an extension of parity-like error correction equations in the domain of functional units. The result is an automated chip-level approach with extremely low area and cost overhead.
Laparoscopic evaluation of the pediatric inguinal hernia--a meta-analysis

Abstract Background/Purpose: For over 50 years there has been debate over how to manage the contralateral groin in children who present with a unilateral inguinal hernia. Many preoperative and intraoperative tools to diagnose a contralateral patent processus vaginalis or true inguinal hernia have been described. In 1992 laparoscopy was introduced as a new diagnostic test. Although multiple series have assessed this new tool, none of them have been able to statistically show that laparoscopy is effective in assessing the contralateral groin. By combining all published studies and using the technique of meta-analysis, intraoperative laparoscopy can be shown to be effective in diagnosing a contralateral patent processus vaginalis in children undergoing unilateral inguinal herniorraphy. Methods: All available studies of children with a unilateral hernia who had exploration of the contralateral groin by laparoscopy were reanalyzed. Sensitivity and specificity of laparoscopy was determined using open exploration or development of a metachronous hernia as the gold standard. Results: Nine hundred sixty-four patients were suitable for analysis. A contralateral hernia was seen on laparoscopy in 376 patients. All of these patients underwent open contralateral exploration. A patent processus vaginalis or true hernia sac was found in 373. The sensitivity of laparoscopy was 99.4% (95% confidence interval 97.87 to 99.91). Five hundred eighty-eight patients had a laparoscopy with negative results. Sixty-two of these patients then had open contralateral exploration. In one case, a patent processus vaginalis was found; the other 61 patients underwent exploration with negative results. In the remaining 526 laparoscopy-negative patients, follow-up (1 month to 3 years) was used to see if a contralateral hernia developed. A metachronous hernia developed in one of the 526 patients. The specificity of laparoscopy was 99.5% (95% confidence interval 98.39 to 99.87). Laparoscopy added an average of 6 minutes to the surgical time and was accurate regardless of the technique. There were two minor complications related to laparoscopy and no deaths. Conclusions: Laparoscopy may be the ideal tool to diagnose a contralateral patent processus vaginalis intraoperatively. It is sensitive, specific, fast, and safe. Although the presence of a patent processus does not imply that the patient will go on to develop a metachronous hernia, identifying and ligating a patent processus should certainly prevent the development of an indirect inguinal hernia.
The NPI-16 as a short measure of narcissism

Abstract Narcissism has received increased attention in the past few decades as a sub-clinical individual difference with important everyday consequences, such as self-enhancement in perceptions of one’s own behavior and attributes. The most widespread measure used by non-clinical researchers, the 40-item Narcissistic Personality Inventory or NPI-40, captures a range of different facets of the construct but its length may prohibit its use in settings where time pressure and respondent fatigue are major concerns. In this article, we draw from the NPI-40 set of items to create and validate a shorter, unidimensional measure, the NPI-16. In five studies, we show that this short NPI closely parallels the NPI-40 in its relation to other personality measures and dependent variables. We conclude that the NPI-16 has notable face, internal, discriminant, and predictive validity and that it can serve as an alternative measure of narcissism when situations do not allow the use of longer inventories.
Electromagnetic field focusing system in the treatment of brain tumors

The electromagnetic field focusing (EFF) probe, which is based on the principle of eddy current convergence, produces intense pinpoint heat at its point of contact with tissue. This allows cutting and vaporization of tissue and coagulation of vessels. The present experiments were conducted to study heat distribution to the surrounding tissue in brain and phantom and the effect on the brain of vaporization of intracerebral tumors in 19 rabbits. The follow-up period was as long as 47 days. The heating pattern showed a rise of temperature up to 250 degrees C at the probe tip, with minimal or no temperature increase at 2 mm and beyond. Minimal or no change was noted in the surrounding brain after tumor vaporization, indicating that this system would be safe in the vaporization of brain tumors in clinical neurosurgery.
THE O‐(METHOXY)ARYLOXAZOLINE ROUTE TO O‐SUBSTITUTED BENZALDEHYDES: RING C PRECURSORS FOR DITERPENE SYNTHESIS

Abstract During the exploration of a bisannelation approach to terpenoids2 (eq. 1) we required a general method to prepare o-alkenyl benzaldehydes. A number of o-directed substitutions of aromatic compounds have been developed in the past few years,3 but none has been applied to the preparation of o-alkenyl benzaldehydes. Recently Meyers4 and co-workers have reported an interesting route to o-substituted benzole acids via oxazoline intermediates.
Edge foci interest points

In this paper, we describe an interest point detector using edge foci. Unlike traditional detectors that compute interest points directly from image intensities, we use normalized intensity edges and their orientations. We hypothesize that detectors based on the presence of oriented edges are more robust to non-linear lighting variations and background clutter than intensity based techniques. Specifically, we detect edge foci, which are points in the image that are roughly equidistant from edges with orientations perpendicular to the point. The scale of the interest point is defined by the distance between the edge foci and the edges. We quantify the performance of our detector using the interest point's repeatability, uniformity of spatial distribution, and the uniqueness of the resulting descriptors. Results are found using traditional datasets and new datasets with challenging non-linear lighting variations and occlusions.
The Space Station Decision: Incremental Politics and Technological Choice

Using primary documents and interviews with participants, this book describes the events that led up to the 1984 decision that NASA should build a permanently occupied, international space station in low earth orbit. The role that civil servants in NASA played in initiating the program is highlighted. The trail of the Space Station proposal as its advocates devised strategies to push it through the White House policy review process is followed. The critical analysis focuses on the way in which 'incrementalism' (the tendency of policy makers to introduce incremental changes once projects are under way) operated in connection with the Space Station program. The book calls for a commitment to a long-range space policy.
Should patients surviving subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm be given follow-up screening?

Should patients surviving subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm be given follow-up screening?
Micro Hot Embossed Plastic Millimeter-Wave Systems

Recently, millimeter-wave devices have been attracted more attentions in applications owing to their short wavelengths, higher resolutions, broader bandwidths and higher environmental tolerance. The great challenges of high fabrication and assembly costs, bulky volumes, and heavy weights of millimeter-wave systems call for new integrated manufacturing techniques. The hot embossing technique could address these challenges. In this paper, a review of micro plastic hot embossing was given for the fabrication of miniaturized millimeter-wave systems. The micro hot embossing on plastic materials demonstrated its advantages on significant costs, volume and weight reduction, while maintaining high performances. We have designed, fabricated and characterized a W-band rectangular waveguide and a W-band iris waveguide filter with integrated plastic flanges using micro hot embossing and selective electroplating. In this paper, we reviewed the results and discussed the design methodology in details for the micromachined components. The prototype devices showed promise for the system designs.
Design and material selection guidelines and strategies for transparent armor systems

Abstract As evidenced by the recent experience of the US Armed Forces involved in the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, armoring military-vehicle windshields and side windows is a very challenging task. Apart from providing the required single-hit and multi-hit ballistic protection to the vehicle occupants, the armor must also possess and retain optical transparency and be compatible with on-board imaging and communications equipment. In addition, standard low cost and light-weight requirements are also critical in the design and engineering of transparent armor systems. At the present time, the design and fabrication of transparent armor systems is done almost exclusively using empirical, trial-and-error and legacy approaches. Consequently, new transparent armor system development lead times are long, the costs are quite high and many shortcomings of the systems become apparent only after they have been fielded. To help better understand and overcome this situation, a brief overview and discussion of the basic transparent armor architectures, functional layers and transparent materials is provided and a set of design and material selection guidelines is proposed.
Compliant and Low-Cost Humidity Sensors Using Nano-Porous Polymer Membranes

This paper proposes non-fragile compliant humidity sensors that can be fabricated inexpensively on various types of nano-porous polymer membranes such as polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, and nylon membranes. The sensor contains a pair of interdigitated electrodes deposited on the nano-porous polymer membranes. The resistance and/or capacitance between these electrodes vary at different humidity levels with a very high sensitivity due to the water adsorption (capillary condensation) inside the nano-pores. The proposed sensors are low-cost in both material and fabrication. Due to its compliance, the sensors can be suitable for certain applications such as in-situ water leakage detection on roofs, where people can walk on top of them. Testing results demonstrated that the sensor changes resistance within large range of humidity values. For most sensors, the resistance changes from 0.1 GΩ to 2000 GΩ when the relative humidity changes from 39% to 100% at room temperature. It takes about 4-8 minutes for the resistance to reach steady state when the sensor was taken from 100% to 39% relative humidity at the room temperature.
Frontal Brain Activity during Episodic and Semantic Retrieval: Insights from Event-Related Potentials

Previous neuropsychological and neuroimaging results have implicated the prefrontal cortex in memory retrieval, although its precise role is unclear. In the present study, we examined patterns of brain electrical activity during retrieval of episodic and semantic memories. In the episodic retrieval task, participants retrieved autobiographical memories in response to event cues. In the semantic retrieval task, participants generated exemplars in response to category cues. Novel sounds presented intermittently during memory retrieval elicited a series of brain potentials including one identifiable as the P3a potential. Based on prior research linking P3a with novelty detection and with the frontal lobes, we predicted that P3a would be reduced to the extent that novelty detection and memory retrieval interfere with each other. Results during episodic and semantic retrieval tasks were compared to results during a task in which subjects attended to the auditory stimuli. P3a amplitudes were reduced during episodic retrieval, particularly at right lateral frontal scalp locations. A similar but less lateralized pattern of frontal P3a reduction was observed during semantic retrieval. These findings support the notion that the right prefrontal cortex is engaged in the service of memory retrieval, particularly for episodic memories.
Air-Spacer MOSFET With Self-Aligned Contact for Future Dense Memories

An air-spacer transistor with self-aligned contact (SAC) is proposed. Air-spacer is created by removing the nitride spacer after the SAC plug has been formed. A three-dimensional mixed-mode simulation shows that this transistor structure has 35% smaller area, 10% faster speed, and 18% lower switching energy than a non-SAC MOSFET.
Visualization and Functional Analysis of Genome-Wide Association Results

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide a new and powerful approach to investigate the effect of inherited genetic variation on risks of complex diseases. With recent advances in genotyping technology, genome-wide association studies are now becoming a reality. Within the past two years, scientists have successfully replicated genetic risks of several complex diseases including cancers, obesity, and type 2 diabetes using GWAS. And more data from GWAS are expected in an accelerated rate. However, management, analysis, visualization, and interpretation of genome wide association data are particularly difficult, primarily because GWAS may consists of hundreds of thousands SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) from thousands individuals. This paper describes the features and implementation of a web application tool named MAVEN for Management, Analysis, Visualization and rEsults shariNg of GWA data using cutting edge technologies. In addition, MAVEN seamlessly integrates users own data with databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), which allows users to directly obtain functional annotations of SNPs and genes that are relevant to their own research interests. Therefore, MAVEN can effectively facilitate the functional analysis of GWAS.
Efficient Multiplexer Realizations Of Symmetric Functions

This paper describes simple techniques for realizing totally and partially symmetric functions using multiplexers (MUX) and gates. These realizations are based upon expansions which are sum of products of symmetric functions of disjoint subsets of the input variables. The realizations are frequently more economical in terms of the number of integrated circuit packages and pins than the corresponding full adder based realizations.
A reuse-oriented approach for structuring and configuring distributed applications

In this paper, we take a reuse-oriented perspective to designing configurable distributed applications. An application domain is defined as a family of systems with some features in common and others that differentiate them. During domain modelling, reusable specifications and architectures are developed, which capture the similarities and variations of the family of systems that compose the application domain. Target systems are generated by tailoring the reusable specifications and architectures, given the requirements of the target system. In this paper, we describe how the domain modelling approach to developing reusable software may be applied to the development of configurable distributed applications. We also describe criteria for distributed subsystem structuring and for distributed subsystem configuration. An example is provided of applying this approach.
All three components of the neuronal SNARE complex contribute to secretory vesicle docking

Before exocytosis, vesicles must first become docked to the plasma membrane. The SNARE complex was originally hypothesized to mediate both the docking and fusion steps in the secretory pathway, but previous electron microscopy (EM) studies indicated that the vesicular SNARE protein synaptobrevin (syb) was dispensable for docking. In this paper, we studied the function of syb in the docking of large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs) in live PC12 cells using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Cleavage of syb by a clostridial neurotoxin resulted in significant defects in vesicle docking in unfixed cells; these results were confirmed via EM using cells that were prepared using high-pressure freezing. The membrane-distal portion of its SNARE motif was critical for docking, whereas deletion of a membrane-proximal segment had little effect on docking but diminished fusion. Because docking was also inhibited by toxin-mediated cleavage of the target membrane SNAREs syntaxin and SNAP-25, syb might attach LDCVs to the plasma membrane through N-terminal assembly of trans-SNARE pairs.
Incorporation of Labeled Precursors into A16886B, a Novel β-Lactam Antibiotic Produced by Streptomyces clavuligerus

acid, byStreptomyces clavuligerus isreported. Aswithcephalosporin C biosynthesis by themoldCephalosporiwn acremoniwn, labels fromcysteine, valine, anda-aminoadipic acidwereincorporated. Unlike cephalosporin C,inA16886Blabel from lysine was incorporated into thea-aminoadipic acidside chain. Labelfrommethionine-'4C-methyl was incorporated into themethoxyl group.Therelative percentage ofincorporation of3Hand14Cfromdoubly labeled cystine suggests theimprobability oftheC-7methoxyl grouparising froman intermediate containing a double bondbetween C-6andC-7.
Contraceptive effectiveness of a polyurethane condom and a latex condom: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective To compare the contraceptive effectivenesses of a polyurethane condom and a standard latex condom. Secondary outcomes of interest were safety, functionality, discontinuation, and acceptability. Methods We randomized 901 couples to use either the polyurethane condom or a standard latex condom as their only form of contraception. We tested for pregnancy at enrollment and at every scheduled follow-up visit (weeks 4, 10, 16, 22, and 30). Results The 6-month typical-use pregnancy probabilities were 9.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.9, 12.2) for the polyurethane group and 5.4% (95% CI 2.9, 7.8) for the latex group; the hazard ratio was 1.7 (95% CI 1.1, 2.7), and we failed to reject the null hypothesis of our test of noninferiority. Females in the polyurethane group reported fewer genital irritations (hazard ratio 0.6; 95% CI 0.5, 0.8; P < .01), whereas males in both groups reported the same number of genital irritations (hazard ratio 1.0; 95% CI 0.7, 1.5; P = .94). Total clinical failures (breakage and slippage) were 8.4% for the polyurethane condom and 3.2% for the latex condom (difference 5.3%, 90% CI 2.8, 7.7). The risk of discontinuation did not differ between groups. Participants judged both condoms favorably in terms of the four primary acceptability outcomes (willingness to purchase, willingness to recommend, confidence in method, and general comfort). Conclusion The polyurethane condom was not shown to be as effective as the latex comparator condom for pregnancy prevention. However, the risk of pregnancy in the polyurethane group falls in the range of other barrier methods. For people with latex sensitivity or who find latex condoms unacceptable, this polyurethane condom represents one of several synthetic male condom alternatives currently available on the US market.
Differences in diving and swimming behavior of pup and juvenile Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska

Reduced juvenile survival caused by prey depletion is one hypothesis for the decline in the western Alaska pop- ulation of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus (Schreber, 1776)). To understand the exposure of young sea lions to these depletions, the swimming and diving behavior of pups, juveniles, and subadults was evaluated relative to prey behavior. Pups made shorter and shallower dives (13 m, 0.9 min) than juveniles or subadults, as expected based on physiological limitations, but juveniles and subadults dived to similar depths and durations (29 m, 1.7 min and 38 m, 2.0 min, respec- tively). Activity patterns of juveniles and subadults reflected diurnal prey migrations, while pup activity did not. Longitudi- nal trends in pup dive behavior reflected both physiological and behavioral development, while juvenile dive behaviors reflected seasonal changes in prey availability. Results suggest that adult females must continue to provide nutritional sup- port to pups during winter because of the limited diving ability of these young animals. For this reason, the flexible lacta- tion strategies that allow for longer nursing periods during periods of low prey availability and reduce female fecundity may improve juvenile survival. Resume´ : La reduction de la survie des jeunes a cause d'une diminution des proies est l'une des hypotheses avancees pour expliquer le declin de la population des lions de mer de Steller (Eumetopias jubatus (Schreber, 1776)) dans l'ouest de l'Alaska. Afin de comprendre l'exposition des lions de mer immatures aces depletions, nous avons evaluele comporte- ment de nage et de plongee chez les petits, les jeunes et les subadultes en fonction du comportement des proies. Comme on peut s'y attendre a cause de leurs restrictions physiologiques, les petits font des plongees plus courtes et moins pro- fondes (13 m, 0,9 min) que les jeunes et les subadultes, alors que les jeunes et les subadultes plongent a des profondeurs et pour des durees semblables (respectivement 29 m, 1,7 min et 38 m, 2,0 min). Les patrons d'activitedes jeunes et des subadultes, mais pas ceux des petits, correspondent aux migrations journalieres des proies. Les tendances longitudinales du comportement de plongee des petits refletent leur developpement tant physiologique que comportemental, alors que les comportements de plongee des jeunes correspondent aux changements saisonniers de disponibilitedes proies. Nos resultats laissent croire que les femelles adultes doivent continuer a fournir un support alimentaire aux petits pendant l'hiver acause des capacites restreintes de plongee de ces animaux de bas age. C'est pourquoi les strategies flexibles d'allaitement qui permettent des periodes prolongees d'alimentation lactee durant les moments de faible disponibilitedes proies et qui redui- sent la feconditedes femelles peuvent augmenter la survie des jeunes. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Comparison of brush and biopsy sampling methods of the ileal pouch for assessment of mucosa-associated microbiota of human subjects

Mucosal biopsy is the most common sampling technique used to assess microbial communities associated with the intestinal mucosa. Biopsies disrupt the epithelium and can be associated with complications such as bleeding. Biopsies sample a limited area of the mucosa, which can lead to potential sampling bias. In contrast to the mucosal biopsy, the mucosal brush technique is less invasive and provides greater mucosal coverage, and if it can provide equivalent microbial community data, it would be preferable to mucosal biopsies. We compared microbial samples collected from the intestinal mucosa using either a cytology brush or mucosal biopsy forceps. We collected paired samples from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who had previously undergone colectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA), and profiled the microbial communities of the samples by sequencing V4-V6 or V4-V5 16S rRNA-encoding gene amplicons. Comparisons of 177 taxa in 16 brush-biopsy sample pairs had a mean R2 of 0.94. We found no taxa that varied significantly between the brush and biopsy samples after adjusting for multiple comparisons (false discovery rate ≤0.05). We also tested the reproducibility of DNA amplification and sequencing in 25 replicate pairs and found negligible variation (mean R2 = 0.99). A qPCR analysis of the two methods showed that the relative yields of bacterial DNA to human DNA were several-fold higher in the brush samples than in the biopsies. Mucosal brushing is preferred to mucosal biopsy for sampling the epithelial-associated microbiota. Although both techniques provide similar assessments of the microbial community composition, the brush sampling method has relatively more bacterial to host DNA, covers a larger surface area, and is less traumatic to the epithelium than the mucosal biopsy.
Exploration and mating range in African Pygmies.

The distributions of exploration range and of mating range were studied among Aka Pygmies of the Central African Republic. Exploration range is defined and methods of estimation for single individuals suggested. A simple exponential distribution is found for individual Aka Pygmies, with variation of exploration range (the parameter defining mobility) with sex, age and ethnic affiliation. Distribution of distances from birthplace and place of residence are compared and show modest differences. The frequency of visits to a given place has also been studied. The average distance between birthplaces of mates is very similar to the mean exploration range. Correlations between individual exploration and mating ranges suggest that it is the male who may be choosing a marriage partner among Pygmies. A theory by Boyce, Kuchemann & Harrison (1967) on the relations between "neighbourhood knowledge" and mating distance is inapplicable because of its reliance on the Pareto distribution, which does not apply in the present case, and of other unnecessary assumptions, but the general principle of a close relationship between exploratory activity and mating distance seems valid, at least in the present case. Suggestions are made for causes for the difference between the present distributions and those with other shapes observed in less primitive economies.
Characterization of three episodic ataxia mutations in the human Kv1.1 potassium channel

Episodic ataxia (EA) is a rare inherited neurological disorder due to mutation in the voltage-dependent Kv1.1 potassium channel. In nine unrelated families, a different missense point mutation at highly conserved positions has been reported. We have previously characterized six of the EA mutants. In this study, three recently identified mutations were introduced into the human Kv1.1 cDNA and expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Compared to wild type, T226A and T226M reduced the current amplitude by >95%, shifted the voltage dependence by 15 mV, and slowed activation and deactivation kinetics. Currents from G311S were ∼25% of wild type, less steeply voltage-dependent and had more pronounced C-type inactivation. These altered gating properties will reduce the delayed-rectifier potassium current which may underlie the symptoms of EA.
How well do clinicians estimate third molar extraction difficulty

Purpose The goals of this study were to measure surgeons’ abilities to estimate third molar (M3) extraction difficulty and to identify variables associated with errors in estimates of difficulty. Materials and methods To address our research purpose, we implemented a prospective cohort study and enrolled a sample of surgeons who remove M3s. Predictor variables were categorized as either surgeon or subject specific. The primary outcome variable was the error in estimating operative difficulty. Preoperative and postoperative estimates of difficulty were obtained using a 100-mm visual analogue scale. Error was defined as the difference between preoperative and postoperative estimates of extraction difficulty. Appropriate univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were computed. Results The sample was composed of 15 surgeons who operated on 82 subjects having 250 M3s (53.2% mandibular) extracted. The mean level of surgical experience was 8.8 ± 11.1 years. The mean age of the subjects was 26.2 ± 10.7 years; 57.3% were female; and 72.0% were white. The mean preoperative and postoperative estimates of difficulty were 44.3 ± 23.4 and 39.6 ± 24.7 mm, respectively. The mean absolute and actual differences between preoperative and postoperative estimates were 15.7 ± 13.6 and 4.8 ± 20.2 mm, respectively. We identified several demographic and anatomic variables statistically associated (P ≤ .05) with error in estimating difficulty. Conclusions Our models indicate that errors in the estimates of difficulty were related to demographic (age, gender, ethnicity, snoring) and anatomic (cheek flexibility, mouth opening) variables, with little or no dependence on radiographic variables or surgical experience.
Low-cost head position tracking for gaze point estimation

In this paper, we present a low-cost solution for real-time tracking of a human user's head position with respect to a video display source for eye gaze estimation in an assistive setting. The solution utilizes a wearable headset equipped with sensors found in commercially available off-the-shelf video gaming devices in order to minimize hardware complexity and expense. A pair of Nintendo Wiimote imaging sensors are used to create a stereo camera for 6DOF position tracking of the headset, while a modified Playstation Eye monocular camera is used to track the pupil position. The resulting tracking hardware is able to measure the 3D position of four infrared LEDs mounted at known locations on the video display using triangulation of the stereo camera data. Integration of the head tracking estimate with a computer vision based pupil tracking solution in order to compute the user's point of gaze is also described.
The Relative Efficiency of Charter Schools: A Cost Frontier Approach.

Abstract Charters represent an expansion of public school choice, offering free, publicly funded educational alternatives to traditional public schools. One relatively unexplored research question concerning charter schools asks whether charter schools are more efficient suppliers of educational services than are traditional public schools. The potential relative efficiency advantage of charters vis-a-vis traditional publics is one of the mechanisms that supports the hypotheses that charters could improve performance for their students while using the same or fewer resources, and that the systemic effect of charters could lead to improved outcomes for traditional public students without requiring an increase in education sector resources. In this paper, we provide evidence as to the cost efficiency of charter schools relative to traditional public schools, and explore the extent to which those differences are attributable to differences in hiring and compensation practices, or to differences in the length of time a campus has been operating. We generate estimates of efficiency using a stochastic cost frontier approach. We estimate a translog stochastic cost frontier model using panel data for charter campuses and traditional public campuses in Texas over the five-year period 2005–2009. Our main findings suggest that charter schools are able to produce educational outcomes at lower cost than traditional public schools—probably because they face fewer regulations—but are not systematically more efficient relative to their frontier than are traditional public schools.
Induction and activity of nitric oxide synthase in cultured human intestinal epithelial monolayers

We have examined the induction and activity of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) in monolayers of DLD-1 cells, an epithelial cell line derived from a human intestinal adenocarcinoma. Indu...
Crystallization of sodium taurocholate.

Success in crystallizing sodium taurocholate from ethanol by the addition of ether is critically dependent on the water content of the system. Two crystalline forms of sodium taurocholate were obtained with melting points of 180°C and 225-235°C respectively.
Stress and Strain in the Lung

The stress-strain relationship of the lung tissue is described. There are two sources of stresses in the lung: that due to elasticity of the material, and that due to surface tension on the interfaces between the moist interalveolar wall and the air. A theoretical formula is derived for the stress-strain relationship on the basis of an idealized alveolar structure. Evidences supporting the validity of the formula are quoted. This formula is then used as the basis for analyzing the stress and strain distribution in the lung. An exact solution is obtained for a vertical lung supporting its own weight by hydrostatic pressure distributed on the pleura (the outer surface of the lung).
Zygotic LvBMP5-8 is required for skeletal patterning and for left-right but not dorsal-ventral specification in the sea urchin embryo.

Skeletal patterning in the sea urchin embryo requires coordinated signaling between the pattern-dictating ectoderm and the skeletogenic primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs); recent studies have begun to uncover the molecular basis for this process. Using an unbiased RNA-Seq-based screen, we have previously identified the TGF-s superfamily ligand, LvBMP5-8, as a skeletal patterning gene in Lytechinus variegatus embryos. This result is surprising, since both BMP5-8 and BMP2/4 ligands have been implicated in sea urchin dorsal-ventral (DV) and left-right (LR) axis specification. Here, we demonstrate that zygotic LvBMP5-8 is required for normal skeletal patterning on the left side, as well as for normal PMC positioning during gastrulation. Zygotic LvBMP5-8 is required for expression of the left-side marker soxE, suggesting that LvBMP5-8 is required for left-side specification. Interestingly, we also find that LvBMP5-8 knockdown suppresses serotonergic neurogenesis on the left side. While LvBMP5-8 overexpression is sufficient to dorsalize embryos, we find that zygotic LvBMP5-8 is not required for normal DV specification or development. In addition, ectopic LvBMP5-8 does not dorsalize LvBMP2/4 morphant embryos, indicating that, in the absence of BMP2/4, BMP5-8 is insufficient to specify dorsal. Taken together, our data demonstrate that zygotic LvBMP5-8 signaling is essential for left-side specification, and for normal left-side skeletal and neural patterning, but not for DV specification. Thus, while both BMP2/4 and BMP5-8 regulate LR axis specification, BMP2/4 but not zygotic BMP5-8 regulates DV axis specification in sea urchin embryos.
Technetium-99 Chemistry in Reducing Groundwaters: Implications for the Performance of a Proposed High-Level Nuclear Waste Repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

Performance assessment calculations by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission indicate that Tc-99 is a major contributor to dose to a hypothetical receptor group 20 km downgradient of a proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, within the first 10,000 yr after permanent closure. This result is due in large part to the high solubility and low retardation of Tc under oxidizing conditions in the Yucca Mountain environment. Recent site characterization data on the chemistry of saturated zone groundwater at Yucca Mountain and vicinity indicate the presence of locally reducing geochemical conditions, which could decrease the solubility and enhance the sorption and retardation of Tc-99. In this study, a preliminary assessment of the potential effects of reducing conditions on the transport and release of Tc-99 was conducted. Sensitivity analyses using the NRC/CNWRA Total-system Performance Assessment code (TPA Version 3.2) indicate that decreased Tc solubility and increased Tc sorption due to reduction of Tc(7+) to Tc(4+) can significantly delay the arrival of Tc-99 at the receptor group location. Decreased Tc solubility can decrease the Tc-99 dose by three orders of magnitude relative to the TPA 3.2 base case. Enhanced Tc retardation in the tuff aquifer only does not greatly decrease the calculated Tc-99 peak dose, whereas increased Tc retardation in the alluvial aquifer alone prevents Tc-99 from reaching the receptor group in 50,000 yr. The release and transport of other redox-sensitive radioelements could be affected in a manner similar to Tc. Thus, reduced groundwater conditions could significantly enhance the performance of the geologic barrier system and reduce the dose to the receptor group.
The Treatment of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia with Vinblastine-Loaded Platelets

We devised a method to enhance delivery of vinblastine to macrophages, the cells believed to be responsible for platelet destruction in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Our strategy was based on the ability of platelets to bind vinca alkaloids such as vinblastine. Platelets were incubated with an excess of vinblastine, concentrated and then, after excess alkaloid had been removed, given to 11 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia refractory to other treatment (including intravenous injections of vinca alkaloids). Platelet antibodies in the patients' plasma led to ingestion of the vinca-laden platelets by macrophages. There were six complete remissions, three partial remissions and two failures. Side effects in a few patients, reversible but annoying, were minimized as technics were refined. We conclude that in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia refractory to all other measures, including the use of vinca alkaloids, platelet-vinca complex may be effective.
Paleomagnetic secular variation and environmental magnetism of Holocene-age sediments from Tulare Lake, CA

The lake-level record from Tulare Lake, CA has been shown to provide valuable constraints on late Pleistocene and Holocene runoff from the Sierra Nevada mountain range into the San Joaquin Valley of California, one of the world's most prolific agricultural centers. This project uses the magnetic properties of the Tulare Lake sediments in order to date the sediments and to constrain the relative lake level at the time of deposition. Shallowing lake conditions were identified leading up to a prominent unconformity; magnetic mineralogy and grain size indicators, primarily decreasing ARM/IRM and S-Ratio values suggest coarser grain sizes and more oxidizing conditions. Approximately half of the samples possessed well-behaved paleomagnetic directions suitable for paleomagnetic secular variation dating. The results indicate that the sediments below the unconformity were deposited approximately 7600–8500 cal yr BP, and the sediments above the unconformity were deposited approximately 2500–800 cal yr BP. The ages of the corresponding sediments are consistent with the time intervals during which previous studies indicate that lake level was above the elevation of this site, before and after a mid Holocene regression.