cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
General surgical operative duration is associated with increased risk-adjusted infectious complication rates and length of hospital stay.

Background Studies of specific procedures have shown increases in infectious complications with operative duration. We hypothesized that operative duration is independently associated with increased risk-adjusted infectious complication (IC) rates in a broad range of general surgical procedures. Study Design We queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for general surgical operations performed from 2005 to 2007. ICs (wound infection, sepsis, urinary tract infection, and/or pneumonia) and length of hospital stay (LOS) were evaluated versus operative duration (OD, ie, incision to closure). Multivariable regression adjusted for 38 patient risk variables, operation type and complexity, wound class and intraoperative transfusion. We also analyzed isolated laparoscopic cholecystectomies in patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1 or 2, without intraoperative transfusion and with a clean or clean-contaminated wound class. Results In 299,359 operations performed at 173 hospitals, unadjusted IC rates increased linearly with OD at a rate of close to 2.5% per half hour (chi-square test for linear trend, p Conclusions Operative duration is independently associated with increased ICs and LOS after adjustment for procedure and patient risk factors.
Sliding behavior of Pb-Sn alloys

Abstract A series of sliding tests of Pb-Sn alloy disks sliding against 52100 steel balls has been conducted in vacuum, air, Ar-5%H 2 , nitrogen and with a lubricant. The wear tracks and the near-surface material have been characterized by optical microscopy, microhardness, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The friction coefficient is similar for a wide range of composition, from pure Pb to pure Sn. In vacuum, mineral oil, nitrogen and Ar 5%H 2 , sliding is smooth and friction is low. The original lamellar structure of the eutectic alloy is unstable during sliding. The lamellae bend towards the sliding direction and break down during early stages of sliding, and the structure eventually becomes coarsened and equiaxed. The material near the surface work-softens and a negative hardness gradient is produced. In air, the friction coefficient and friction fluctuations are larger and two layers develop on the surface. The outer layer has a very fine grain size, while the underlying layer, between the fine-grained layer and the lamellar structure, is coarsened and equiaxed and is similar to that produced in vacuum. The fine-grained layer is a little harder, so the hardness gradient at the surface is positive. Small amounts of oxides, SnO 2 and SnO, have been found in this layer. Material transfer from the ball to the disk is not detected in any of these tests. However, material is transferred from the disk to the ball for sliding in both vacuum and air. Wear debris appeared only for the case of sliding in air. The results may be helpful in understanding the sliding behavior of soft bearing materials such as Babbitts. The results also suggest simple guidelines for the design of materials having low friction and smooth sliding at elevated temperatures.
Accuracy of United States Tropical Cyclone Landfall Forecasts in the Atlantic Basin (1976–2000)

About 13% of all Atlantic basin tropical cyclone forecasts issued from 1976 to 2000 are for landfalls along the United States coastline, and 2% more are for storms forecast to make landfall in the United States but that remain at sea. Landfall position and time forecasts are skillful at all forecast time periods and are more skillful than Atlantic basin track forecasts as a whole, but within 30 h of predicted landfall, timing errors demonstrate an early bias of 1.5–2.5 h. Landfall forecasts are most accurate for storms moving at oblique or normal angles to the coastline and slow-moving storms. During the last quarter century, after adjustment for forecast difficulty, no statistically significant improvement or degradation is noted for landfall position forecasts. Time of landfall forecasts indicate no degradation at any period and significant improvement for the 19–30-h period. The early bias and lack of improvement are consistent with a conservative or “least regret” forecast and warning strategy to acco...
Model comparisons for high-Z non-LTE steady-state calculations

Abstract Advances in computer technology and code development have made it possible to perform plasma kinetics calculations based on high- Z atomic structure corresponding to different levels of detail. Various atomic models have been implemented in the Los Alamos suite of codes in recent years for performing detailed non-equilibrium kinetics calculations. These include non-relativistic configuration average models with unresolved transition arrays (UTA), detailed fine structure models including configuration interaction and intermediate coupling that are capable of achieving spectroscopic accuracy for low- Z plasmas, and fully relativistic configuration average models employing the concept of the unresolved transition array, UTA, for modeling high- Z plasmas. Fully relativistic fine structure calculations have also been implemented and used primarily for accuracy checks. In addition, the fractional occupation number method has been introduced in the relativistic structure code to reduce computational times without reducing data quality. Finally, we will discuss a method that has been developed to use the populations extracted from a non-relativistic kinetics calculation in a relativistic spectral simulation. The purpose of the present work is to compare the emission spectra predicted by the various models and methods using consistent sets of atomic electron configurations and cross-sections for a gold plasma.
An optimizing principle of natural selection in evolutionary population genetics.

Abstract This paper brings together two themes in evolutionary population genetics theory. The first concerns Fisher's Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection: a recent interpretation of this theorem claims that it is an exact result, relating to the so-called “partial” increase in mean fitness. The second theme concerns the desire to find an optimality principle in genetic evolution. Such a principle is found here: of all gene frequency changes which lead to the same partial increase in mean fitness as the natural selection gene frequency changes, the natural selection values minimize a generalized distance measure between parent and daughter generation gene frequency values.
Usefulness of intracardiac Doppler assessment of left atrial function immediately post–pulmonary vein antrum isolation to predict short-term recurrence of atrial fibrillation

Doppler assessments of pulmonary venous (PV) and left atrial appendage flows are useful surrogates of left atrial (LA) function, but it is unknown if these can predict atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after pulmonary vein antrum isolation. We compared Doppler surrogates of LA function immediately after pulmonary vein antrum isolation in patients with AF recurrence versus matched patients without recurrence. Patients with a 6-month recurrence had significantly lower LA appendage peak emptying velocity (19 ± 10 vs 29 ± 11 cm/s) and lower peak PV systolic wave velocity (36 ± 17 vs 46 ± 22 cm/s) compared with those without, suggesting that intracardiac Doppler assessment of LA function after AF ablation predicts AF recurrence.
Long-term survival of intermediate risk endometrial cancer (stage IG3, IC, II) treated with full lymphadenectomy and brachytherapy without teletherapy.

Abstract Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine long-term survival and late complications of intermediate risk endometrial cancer (Stage IG3, IC, and II) treated with full lymphadenectomy and brachytherapy without teletherapy. Methods. Two-hundred sixty-five consecutive patients underwent surgical staging for endometrial cancer consisting of hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and bilateral pelvic and periaortic lymphadenectomy. Sixty-six patients had intermediate risk endometrial cancer (Stage IG3, IC, and II) and received postoperative brachytherapy without teletherapy. Mean age was 68 years and mean weight was 188 lb. Seventy-seven percent had associated medical illness. Results. At a mean follow-up of 4.4 years, Kaplan–Meier estimated 5-year progression free survival is 97%. Two patients (3%) developed distant recurrence (abdomen, lungs) with no vaginal or pelvic recurrence. Major complications occurred in 6% of patients. Conclusions. Complete lymphadenectomy with brachytherapy without teletherapy for intermediate risk endometrial cancer results in excellent progression-free survival and minimal major morbidity.
Psychotherapy with suicidal older adults

Abstract A rationale for therapy with suicidal elderly patients, from assessment through psychotherapy, is presented. The process includes thorough and comprehensive attention to not only the suicidal individual, but also the situational and family components of the suicide crisis; crisis interuention; general principles of treatment; and applications of these principles to individual, group, and, family therapy. The intensity and complexity of the transference and countertransfirme reactions are emphasized.
Broiler Chick Growth Response to Antibiotics, 1981–1982

A study of the growth-promoting effects of penicillin, oxytetracycline, lincomycin, bambermycin , and tylan was made over a 2-year period involving 2030 broiler chicks in 11 experiments. The laboratory used for this study has been subjected to the continuous use of low level dietary antibiotics for over 30 years. Results show that growth promotion by penicillin, oxytetracycline, and lincomycin were still significant (P less than .01). The effect of tylan was also significant (P less than .05). The antibiotics tended to promote better growth effects in chicks from young breeder hens. Significant growth improvement by antibiotics was observed in nutritionally adequate diets regardless of the presence or absence of soybean meal and excesses of certain vitamins and minerals.
A microscopic calculation of the alpha-nucleus potential

Abstract The effective α-nucleus real and imaginary potentials are calculated with several α-nucleon interactions previously determined. The folding model potential is shown to be a good approximation for the real potential. The imaginary potential is, for energies larger than 40–50 MeV, expressed in terms of the local and non local one-body densities. An application to α scattering on 40Ca is discussed.
Activation-dependent Conformational Changes in β-Arrestin 2

β-Arrestins are multifunctional adaptor proteins, which mediate desensitization, endocytosis, and alternate signaling pathways of seven membrane-spanning receptors (7MSRs). Crystal structures of the basal inactive state of visual arrestin (arrestin 1) and β-arrestin 1 (arrestin 2) have been resolved. However, little is known about the conformational changes that occur in β-arrestins upon binding to the activated phosphorylated receptor. Here we characterize the conformational changes in β-arrestin 2 (arrestin 3) by comparing the limited tryptic proteolysis patterns and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) profiles of β-arrestin 2 in the presence of a phosphopeptide (V2R-pp) derived from the C terminus of the vasopressin type II receptor (V2R) or the corresponding nonphosphopeptide (V2R-np). V2R-pp binds to β-arrestin 2 specifically, whereas V2R-np does not. Activation of β-arrestin 2 upon V2R-pp binding involves the release of its C terminus, as indicated by exposure of a previously inaccessible cleavage site, one of the polar core residues Arg394, and rearrangement of its N terminus, as indicated by the shielding of a previously accessible cleavage site, residue Arg8. Interestingly, binding of the polyanion heparin also leads to release of the C terminus of β-arrestin 2; however, heparin and V2R-pp have different binding site(s) and/or induce different conformational changes in β-arrestin 2. Release of the C terminus from the rest of β-arrestin 2 has functional consequences in that it increases the accessibility of a clathrin binding site (previously demonstrated to lie between residues 371 and 379) thereby enhancing clathrin binding to β-arrestin 2 by 10-fold. Thus, the V2R-pp can activate β-arrestin 2 in vitro, most likely mimicking the effects of an activated phosphorylated 7MSR. These results provide the first direct evidence of conformational changes associated with the transition of β-arrestin 2 from its basal inactive conformation to its biologically active conformation and establish a system in which receptor-β-arrestin interactions can be modeled in vitro.
The true Argia difficilis Selys, 1865, with the description of Argia yungensis sp. nov. (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

Abstract Argia yungensis sp. nov., a new species close to Argia difficilis, is described. Both species are illustrated and diagnosed and their distributions mapped. They can be distinguished by the morphology of male tori, cerci and paraproct, and female prothorax. Their distributions are allopatric, with Argia yungensis distributed along the foothill jungle of the Yungas rain forest from NW Argentina to Peru, and A. difficilis from Peru and Brazil to Venezuela across the lowland Amazon forest. Argia extranea forficula Fraser is synonymyzed with A. difficilis, and the latter is redescribed.
Metadata based management and sharing of distributed biomedical data

Biomedical research data sharing is becoming increasingly important for researchers to reuse experiments, pool expertise and validate approaches. However, there are many hurdles for data sharing, including the unwillingness to share, lack of flexible data model for providing context information, difficulty to share syntactically and semantically consistent data across distributed institutions, and high cost to provide tools to share the data. SciPort is a web-based collaborative biomedical data sharing platform to support data sharing across distributed organisations. SciPort provides a generic metadata model to flexibly customise and organise the data. To enable convenient data sharing, SciPort provides a central server based data sharing architecture with a one-click data sharing from a local server. To enable consistency, SciPort provides collaborative distributed schema management across distributed sites. To enable semantic consistency, SciPort provides semantic tagging through controlled vocabularies. SciPort is lightweight and can be easily deployed for building data sharing communities.
Reconstruction of permittivity profile from boundary capacitance data

We present numerical methods of reconstructing permittivity profile of material flow from data collected in electrical capacitance tomography (ECT). Based on a formula for the sensitivity maps from a partial differential equation model, we propose a unified framework of iterative algorithms using updated sensitivity maps to properly incorporate the non-linear nature of the problem and a regularization mechanism to address the ill-posedness. For two- and three-phase flows, the total variation (TV) regularization method is shown to be effective in reconstructing the permittivity profiles accurately in a few iterations, without any a priori knowledge of the unknown permittivity values.
Synchronization of ovulation in cultured northern whitefish (Coregonus peled, Gmelin 1788) using [D-Arg6Pro9Net]-sGnRH analogue and its effect on egg quality

Female northern whitefish were treated with salmon [D-Arg6Pro9Net]-sGnRHa emulsified in Freund′s incomplete adjuvant as a sustained release treatment (sGnRHa-FIA) or with [D-Arg6Pro9Net]-sGnRHa dissolved in physiological saline as acute release treatment (sGnRHa-PS). Females in four experimental groups (A, B, C, D) and one control group (E) were injected intraperitoneally as follows: A and B – sGnRHa-FIA at doses of 50 and 25 μg kg−1, respectively; C – double injection (DI) of sGnRHa-PS at 25 μg kg−1 administered 3 days apart; D – single injection (SI) of sGnRHa-PS at 25 μg kg−1; and E – control group receiving a 1:1 mixture of FIA and physiological saline. All treatments induced and synchronized ovulation. Mean time to ovulation was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in GnRHa-treated groups compared with control. Hormone treatments did not affect the relative fecundity. Slight differences were found in ovarian fluid pH between group A and D (P < 0.05). Except for group C, egg size was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in hormonally synchronized groups compared with the control. Survival to the eyed stage of eggs from females in groups A, B and C was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than in groups D and E. Per cent hatched alevins was lower (P < 0.01) in groups A, B and C than in groups D and E. We conclude that synchronization of ovulation in northern whitefish can be induced by a single acute injection of [D-Arg6Pro9NEt]-sGnRHa at 25 μg kg−1 BW if given near the natural spawning time determined by water temperature below 2°C.
Evolution of resistance toward Bacillus sphaericus or a mixture of B. sphaericus+Cyt1A from Bacillus thuringiensis, in the mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Abstract The 2362 strain of Bacillus sphaericus (Bs) Neide is a highly mosquitocidal bacterium used in commercial bacterial larvicides primarily to control mosquitoes of the genus Culex . Unfortunately, Bs is at high risk for selecting resistance in mosquito populations, because its binary toxin apparently only binds to a single receptor type on midgut microvilli. A potential key strategy for delaying resistance to insecticidal proteins is to use mixtures of toxins that act at different targets within the insect, especially mixtures that interact synergistically. We tested this hypothesis for delaying the phenotypic expression of resistance by exposing Culex quinquefasciatus Say larvae to Bs alone or in combination with Cyt1A from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis . Two laboratory lines of Cx. quinquefasciatus , one sensitive to Bs and the other containing Bs resistance alleles, were subjected to intensive selection pressure for 20 generations with either Bs 2362 or a 3:1 mixture of Bs 2362 + Cyt1A. At the end of the study, the sensitive line had evolved >1000-fold resistance when selected with Bs alone, whereas the parallel line selected with Bs + Cyt1A exhibited only low resistance toward this mixture (RR 95 , 1.4). Similar results were observed in the lines containing Bs resistance alleles. Both lines selected with Bs + Cyt1A exhibited substantial resistance to Bs in the absence of Cyt1A. Although selection with Bs + Cyt1A did not prevent the underlying evolution of resistance to Bs, these results suggest that a mixture of Bs with other endotoxins, particularly one like Bs + Cyt1A in which the components interact synergistically, will provide longer lasting and more effective mosquito control than Bs alone.
The panel study of income dynamics online: an instructional resource

This article discusses recent efforts by staff members associated with the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) to extend access to PSID files in the context of instruction using the World Wide Web and the role that PSID's online Data Center and online tutorials can play in helping the economics discipline fulfill its educational objectives.
The correlation of surface and subsurface artifacts: A test case from Late and Terminal Classic Popola, Yucatan, Mexico

Surface collections are commonly used by archaeologists to sample artifact assemblages, but the correlation of surface and subsurface artifacts is not fully understood. Cultural, taphonomic, and research-design factors that can affect the relationship of surface and subsurface deposits are reviewed and the correlation of surface and subsurface deposits is tested statistically with data from the site of Popola, Yucatan, Mexico, a Late and Terminal Classic period (a.d. 600–1100) village in the northern Maya lowlands. This study suggests that surface artifact density is not correlated with subsurface artifact density. Large-scale surface collections can characterize the overall assemblage of a site, but not any small area in particular. In shallow bioturbated soils there is no significant variation between surface and subsurface assemblages at any depth. Surface artifacts may be used to identify the presence of subsurface artifacts, but should not be used to suggest their absence.
Winning Pulitzers: The Stories Behind Some of the Best News Coverage of Our Time

Fifteen Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, including Harrison Salisbury, David Halberstam, Edna Buchanan, and others, describe the events that led to their awardwinning stories.
Moving and Stationary Mesoscale Convective Systems over Northwest Mexico during the Southwest Area Monsoon Project

Abstract Some characteristics of the life cycle and motion of Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs), which formed over the northern Sierra Madre Occidental during the Southwest Area Monsoon Project (SWAMP), are examined. The motion characteristics of MCSs and presence of residual circulations (mesoscale vortices) are determined using Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite infrared and visible satellite imagery. Composite wind fields associated with moving and stationary systems were constructed using soundings from the operational upper-air network and from special pilot balloon stations that were operated in Mexico as part of the SWAMP experiment. The MCSs were classified as moving or stationary based on the observed displacement during a 6-h period. Moving and stationary systems occurred with about the same frequency. The moving systems were distributed uniformly along the length of the Sierra Madre, while the stationary systems were primarily confined to the southern Gulf of California. The st...
Utilization of charge exchange recombination spectroscopy for the study of metallic ion transport in TFTR

Charge exchange recombination spectroscopy has been used to observe transitions originating from hydrogen‐, helium‐, and lithiumlike charge states of medium‐Z metallic impurities in TFTR. The temporal and spatial densities of these ions were measured in ohmic and neutral beam heated plasmas. These preliminary results agree with predictions of a transport code.
Role of endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging in treatment of patients with prostate cancer and in determining radical prostatectomy surgical margin status: report of a single surgeon's practice.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the role of the combination of endorectal coil and external multicoil array magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the management of prostate cancer and predicting the surgical margin status in a single-surgeon practice. METHODS We reviewed all patients referred by a single surgeon from January 1993 to May 2002 for staging prostate MRI before selecting treatment. All MRI examinations were performed using 1.5T (Signa, GE Medical Systems) with a combination of endorectal and pelvic multicoil array. The tumor size, stage, and total gland volume on MRI, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, and Gleason score were all compared with the pathologic stage and diagnosis of positive surgical margins (PSMs). RESULTS A total of 232 patients were evaluated, of whom 110 underwent radical prostatectomy, all performed by one surgeon (group 1), and 122 did not (group 2). The results showed that MRI stage, PSA level, and age were all significantly different (P <0.001). In group 1, the results showed a high specificity (99%) and accuracy (91%) for MRI staging of T3 cancer. The postoperative follow-up (median 4.5 years) revealed that 90% of men had PSA levels of less than 0.1 ng/mL. The PSM rate was 16%. No significant difference was found on MRI between the PSM group and non-PSM group. A single tumor length greater than 1.8 cm was the cutpoint above which PSMs were found (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS The results of our study have shown that the combined use of clinical data and endorectal MRI can help optimize patient treatment and selection for surgery and, in a single surgeon's practice, lead to successful outcomes.
Stress and flicker perception. I. The effects of shock induced anxiety.

Male college students were Ss in a test of the hypothesis that shock, presented at random intervals without warning, would lower the flicker fusion threshold (FFT) frequency. Three blocks of FFT trials were given; in the first and third blocks of trials no shock was administered, but during the second block of trials Ss received random shocks. FFT frequency declined during the shock trials and increased in the final block of trials, almost returning to pre-shock levels. These results support the hypothesis that shock, like many other stressors, lowers the FFT frequency.
Feature extraction, condition monitoring, and fault modeling in semiconductor manufacturing systems

Reliable feature extraction, condition monitoring, and fault modeling are critical to understanding equipment degradation and implementing the proper maintenance decisions in manufacturing processes. Semiconductor manufacturing machines are highly sophisticated systems, consisting of multiple interacting components operating in highly variable operating conditions. This complicates performance monitoring since equipment condition must often be inferred through concurrent interpretation of multiple sensor readings originating from potentially very different subsystems of the tool. This paper presents an integrated approach to feature extraction, condition monitoring, and fault modeling applied to a set of standard built-in sensors on a modern 300-mm technology industrial Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) tool. Linear Discriminant Analysis was utilized to determine the set of dynamic features that are the most sensitive to different tool conditions brought about by chamber cleaning or various faults. Gaussian Mixture Models of the dynamic feature distributions were used to statistically quantify changes of these features as the condition of the tool changed. In addition, four highly detrimental faults were analyzed to demonstrate the fault modeling methodology. Data collected over 8 months from a PECVD tool being operated by a major microelectronics manufacturer was used to verify the methodology. Top sensitive features from various faults observed in this period were examined and physical connections to the chamber condition were interpreted through their behavior.
Molecular evolution of the Rh3 gene in Drosophila

Previous investigations into the evolution of the Drosophila opsin gene family are extended by inter- and intraspecific DNA sequence comparisons of the Rh3 locus in the melanogaster subgroup and D. pseudoobscura. Two separate statistical tests of the neutral-mutation hypothesis suggest that random genetic drift is responsible for virtually all of the observed amino acid replacement substitutions within the melanogaster subgroup. Analyses incorporating the D. pseudoobscura sequences are enigmatic due to the accumulation of multiple substitutions, because the McDonald-Kreitman test is not applicable to species comparisons that approach mutational saturation. However, the data from D. pseudoobscura are not inconsistent with selective neutrality. The ratio of amino acid polymorphisms within species to fixed differences between species imply that these are approximately 31 possible neutral single-step amino-acid-replacement substitutions at this locus. Synonymous substitutions are unevenly distributed among the structural domains of the Rh3 gene. Patterns of synonymous polymorphism are analyzed with respect to GC content and codon bias, and are compared to other loci from the same species.
Numerical Example of Two State Feedback Design Algorithms based on Hessenberg Form System Matrix

The recently proposed Paralleled QR algorithm and the Hyman algorithm represent the direct pole assignment and the direct characteristic polynomial assignment approaches respectively, based on Hessenberg form system matrix. These two algorithms and a modified version of Hyman algorithm are compared using an example. The result of the modified Hyman algorithm compares favorably with that of the other two algorithms.
Evidence for 5-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid (5-HETE) and Leukotriene C4 (LTC4) in the Onset of Labora,b

UNLABELLED Arachidonic acid is metabolized by cyclooxygenase leading to prostaglandins (PG), and by lipoxygenases leading to hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE) and leukotrienes (LT). PGs are potent uterine constrictors. 5-HETE and LTC4 also stimulate uterine contractions, but their role in labor is not known. To estimate the activities of these pathways before parturition and their relationship to uterine contractility, amniotic fluid (AF) concentrations of 5-HETE, LTC4 and PGF2 alpha were determined in 5 chronically catheterized rhesus monkeys. Uterine contractility was continually assessed by changes in AF pressure. RESULTS AF concentrations at the time of intrauterine surgery were 4.4 +/- 0.8 ng/ml for 5-HETE and 2.5 +/- 0.7 ng/ml for LTC4. PGF2 alpha levels were nondetectable. Indomethacin infusion into the mother, although effective in suppressing PGF2 alpha levels, did not prevent the onset of premature labor and vaginal delivery in 2 animals. PGF2 alpha did not increase in 1 monkey with term labor. Approximately 1 week before delivery, 5-HETE and LTC4 concentrations increased sharply in all animals in association with a nocturnal pattern of labor contractions. Peak AF concentrations during labor were 5-HETE: 40 +/- 8 ng/ml, LTC4: 20 +/- 4 ng/ml, and PGF2 alpha: 5.4 +/- 2.1 ng/ml. COMMENT LTC4 and 5-HETE stimulate uterine contractility in vitro, and probably act in concert with PGF and PGE to stimulate uterine contractions during parturition. HETEs may also act as a signal to recruit white blood cells to the uterus and to activate them, there to augment PG and LT production and act as a first line of defense against any infection that might enter the uterus from the vagina during or after delivery. CONCLUSIONS 1) 5-HETE and LTC4, but not PGF2 alpha, are associated with uterine contractility after preterm intrauterine surgery. Surprisingly, AF PGF2 alpha levels were nondetectable for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. 2) 5-HETE and LTC4 are present in higher concentrations than PGF2 alpha in AF. 3) 5-HETE, LTC4 and PGF2 alpha all increase with the onset of labor. AF concentrations of 5-HETE and LTC4 are significantly higher than PGF2 alpha before and during term and preterm labor. 4) Labor can occur with suppressed PGF2 alpha levels, but with increasing 5-HETE and LTC4 levels. 5) These data suggest that 5-HETE and LTC4 are important components of the parturitional process, and they challenge the dogma that PGs are the universal mediators of labor.
A NEW SYSTEM FOR DESCRIBING AND CLASSIFYING TETRAPOD TAIL TRACES WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERPRETING THE DINOSAUR TAIL TRACE RECORD

We introduce new terminology and a new classification scheme for describing tetrapod tail traces, focusing on the interpretation of dinosaur tail traces. Our classification divides tail traces into (1) tail impressions—there is no evidence of forward motion; (2) protracted tail traces—they persist for at least one stride length; and (3) abbreviated tail traces—they persist for less than one stride length. Protracted tail traces are simple or compound, based on the amount of interruption of the tail trace, which we quantify by the percent interruption metric (PIM). Abbreviated tail traces are also simple or compound. Classifications are modified further by sinuosity, which we describe as low or high. The PIM approximates vertical tail motion, and sinuosity approximates lateral tail motion. Sediment variations, preservation, and lateral motion resulting from locomotion must be taken into consideration when interpreting tail traces. This new classification scheme is applied to a partial theropod trackway with associated tail trace from the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, United States. The tail trace is protracted and simple with low sinuosity and a low PIM; we interpret this as the result of relatively low tail motion. We hypothesize that significant differences exist between ornithopod and theropod tail trace patterns. We also suggest that protracted tail traces associated with bipedal dinosaur trackways are not the result of the use of the tail as a stabilizing third leg; some may represent incidental contact of the sediment by the tail owing to backward rotation about the pelvis during deceleration.
The effect on housing quality of reducing the structure tax rate

Abstract The implicit market approach of Rosen is combined with a dynamic model of producer behavior to determine the conditions under which reducing the structure tax rate leads housing quality to rise. Specifically, it is found that, in the stationary state, quality will rise if capital is a noninferior input. Since it is argued that quality cannot be accurately measured, this conclusion is then tested with an unobservable variables model where quality is the unobservable. A comparison between the responses of quality and housing quantity to reductions in the tax rate is made.
The ring of C2 and evaluation of the cross-table lateral view of the cervical spine

The cross-table lateral view is essential in the initial workup of a trauma patient with a suspected cervical-spine injury. The identification of the radiographic "ring" of C2 on the cross-table lateral view is discussed. When a type III odontoid fracture is present, the ring of C2 is disrupted. We propose that "identification of the ring of C2" should be added to the emergency physicians' systematic checklist when clearing a cross-table lateral view of the cervical spine.
Subduction-channel model of prism accretion, melange formation, sediment subduction, and subduction erosion at convergent plate margins: 2. Implications and discussion

The subduction-channel model predicts five geologically and geophysically distinctive types of convergent plate margin. They differ primarily in the proportions of incoming sediment and upflowing melange offscraped and underplated near the toe of the overriding block. The model predicts complex patterns of uplift or subsidence of the forearc region due to differential underplating or subduction erosion and to initiation or cessation of melange upflow. It shows how subduction speed, sediment input, and pressure gradient along the channel govern the general distribution and magnitude of subduction-zone earthquakes. It can predict the upward trajectories of exotic blueschist or serpentinized peridotite blocks that become entrained in the upwelling melange; and it suggests mechanisms by which much larger tracts of coherent blueschist can be raised to shallower levels. It predicts characteristic structural and metamorphic histories for geologic units accreted during steady-state subduction, showing for example, that offscraped materials undergo subhorizontally-directed compression during final dewatering and accretion, whereas underplated ones undergo large simple shear. It gives the maximum depths reached by upwelled melange, which bear significantly on the metamorphic changes observed in them. It predicts large-scale melange diapirism in certain rare cases, in which the normally adverse pressure gradient is reversed in a short reach of the channel, as at Barbados Island. Finally, it explains why pelagic sediments are seldom found in accretionary complexes and gives insight into the factors controlling what portion of the incoming sediment, and the10Be and other tracers it carries, will reach the region of volcanic-arc magmagenesis.
Nonrecurrent laryngeal nerves: anatomic considerations during thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Abstract Purpose : In head and neck surgery, damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroid surgery is the most common iatrogenic cause of vocal cord paralysis. Identification of the RLNs and meticulous surgical technique can significantly decrease the incidence of this complication. Nonrecurrent RLNs (NRRLNs) are exceedingly rare. Surgeons need to be aware of their position to avoid damage to them. Materials and Methods : A retrospective review of 513 RLN exposures over a 7-year period was performed. Results : Two NRRLNs were encountered, for an incidence of 0.39%. Conclusion : NRRLNs are rare. Awareness of their existence will prevent the surgeon from accidentally severing one if it is encountered during routine thyroid or parathyroid surgery.
Learnability explanations and processing explanations

In this paper I introduced three of the central constraints of the learnability proof of Wexler and Culicover (1980). The question arose as to how we might handle in other ways the data that the Raising Principle accounts for. While a processing account appears plausible, it appears that at least one promising analysis of that sort does not work. In section 3 I suggested that processing explanations for data accounted for by another learnability constraint, the Freezing Principle, are not as straightforward as might have been supposed.
Improved Qualitative Flight Data Rating Scales

Various rating scales have been derived to assist in the quantification flight test data. Several of these scales currently in use are examined and compared with emphasis on transference from scale to scale. The problem of nonlinearity of scales that depend upon adjective descriptions is considered, and a hypothesis is advanced that a rater may transpose his impressions of performance directly to any scale without recourse to adjective descriptions and thereby relate his mentally derived, divisionless scale directly to a numerical index. Experimental data, though limited, tend to support this hypothesis.
Refolding, purification, and characterization of human and murine RegIII proteins expressed in Escherichia coli.

The regenerating (Reg) family comprises an extensive, diversified group of proteins with homology to C-type lectins. Several members of this family are highly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract under normal conditions, and often show increased expression in inflammatory bowel disease. However, little is known about Reg protein function, and the carbohydrate ligands for these proteins are poorly characterized. We report here the first expression and purification of Reg proteins using a bacterial system. Mouse RegIIIγ and its human counterpart, HIP/PAP, were expressed in Escherichia coli, resulting in the accumulation of aggregated recombinant protein. Both proteins were renatured by arginine-assisted procedures and were further purified using cation-exchange chromatography. The identities of the purified proteins were confirmed by SDS–PAGE, N-terminal sequencing, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Size exclusion chromatography revealed that both proteins exist as monomers, and circular dichroism showed that their secondary structures exhibit a predominance of β-strands which is typical of C-type lectins. Finally, both RegIIIγ and human HIP/PAP bind to mannan but not to monomeric mannose, giving initial insights into their carbohydrate ligands. These studies thus provide an essential foundation for further analyses of human and mouse RegIII protein function.
Potassium induced changes in cell volume of gallbladder epithelium.

The mechanisms of transmembrane K and anion movements were investigated by measurement of the changes in cell volume, apical membrane potential difference, and intracellular K activity resulting from exposure ofNecturus gallbladder to solutions with increased K concentration. Cell swelling occurred when the tissue was exposed bilaterally to 25 mmol/l K. This swelling was both Cl and HCO3 dependent, but was not blocked by DIDS or bumetanide. Unilateral tenfold increases in extracellular K concentration did not cause cell swelling; addition of 5 mmol/l Ba to the contralateral cell surface resulted in cell volume increases comparable to those seen with bilateral K increase. Complete blockage of K channels by Ba could be demonstrated electrophysiologically at normal extracellular K concentrations but not in the presence of increased K. Our results were consistent with the passive movement of K through Ba-sensitive channels in both cell membranes. We were unable to detect other mechanisms for transmembrane K movement. The cell swelling caused by exposure to 25 mmol/l K was not due to intracellular K accumulation and may be related to the effects of membrane depolarization on voltage sensitive anion transport processes.
Courtship and mating behaviour in the diadem snake, Spalerosophis diadema cliffordi (Colubridae)

(1999). Courtship and mating behaviour in the diadem snake, Spalerosophis diadema cliffordi (Colubridae) African Journal of Herpetology: Vol. 48, No. 1-2, pp. 27-31.
Detection of 20-hydroxyeicosatetrenoic acid in rat urine

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), an arachidonate metabolite of the cytochrome P450 ω hydroxylase, was detected in rat urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric techniques. The concentration of 20-HETE in urine from 7-week-old hypertensive and normotensive rats was 2.1 and 1.3 nM, respectively. This is the first demonstration of 20-HETE urinary excretion and thus calls attention to the possibility that 20-HETE participates in the regulation of renal function via its effect on vascular tone and ion transport processes.
Ca2(+)-dependent synthesis of prostaglandin I2 and mobilization of arachidonic acid from phospholipids in cultured endothelial cells permeabilized with saponin.

The feasibility of using saponin as a permeabilization agent to study the effect of free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]f) on prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) synthesis and mobilization of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids was investigated in cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAEC). Treatment of BPAEC with 20 micrograms/ml saponin caused selective permeabilization of the plasma membrane as determined by measurements of the release of lactate dehydrogenase and beta-hexosaminidase. In cells prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid for 22 h, permeabilization with 20 micrograms/ml saponin induced PGI2 synthesis and release of [3H]arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids. These effects were dependent upon [Ca2+]f in the range 72 nM to 5 microM. Release of [3H]arachidonic acid from phospholipid classes was determined in suspensions of BPAEC prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid and permeabilized with 20 micrograms/ml saponin. At [Ca2+]f optimal for PGI2 synthesis, 16.2% of the total incorporated [3H]arachidonic acid was released from phosphatidylinositol (3.4%), phosphatidylethanolamine (3.5%) and phosphatidylcholine (9.3%). The time course and dependence upon [Ca2+]f of [3H]arachidonic acid release from phospholipids correlated with PGI2 synthesis. The amount of PGI2 synthesized in permeabilized BPAEC was similar to that in cell cultures treated with the calcium ionophore A23187. In comparison, however, PGI2 synthesis induced by A23187 was associated with less release of [3H]arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, e.g., 2.3% versus 16.2%. The greater loss of [3H]arachidonic acid from phospholipids in saponin-permeabilized BPAEC was most likely due to the loss of cell integrity and/or nonspecific effects of the detergent on phospholipases. Despite these limitations, the Ca2+ dependence observed for PGI2 synthesis and [3H]arachidonic acid mobilization suggest that saponin-permeabilization may provide a useful system for studies of the intracellular events triggered by the rise in intracellular Ca2+ which culminate in PGI2 synthesis.
The Complex Interior-Boundary method for linear and nonlinear programming with linear constraints

In this paper we develop the Complex method; an algorithm for solving linear programming (LP) problems with interior search directions. The Complex Interior-Boundary method (as the name suggests) moves in the interior of the feasible region from one boundary point to another of the feasible region bypassing several extreme points at a time. These directions of movement are guaranteed to improve the objective function. As a result, the Complex method aims to reach the optimal point faster than the Simplex method on large LP programs. The method also extends to nonlinear programming (NLP) with linear constraints as compared to the generalized-reduced gradient. The Complex method is based on a pivoting operation which is computationally efficient operation compared to some interior-point methods. In addition, our algorithm offers more flexibility in choosing the search direction than other pivoting methods (such as reduced gradient methods). The interior direction of movement aims at reducing the number of iterations and running time to obtain the optimal solution of the LP problem compared to the Simplex method. Furthermore, this method is advantageous to Simplex and other convex programs in regard to starting at a Basic Feasible Solution (BFS); i.e. the method has the ability to start at any given feasible solution. Preliminary testing shows that the reduction in the computational effort is promising compared to the Simplex method.
Diuretics and cation transport in hypertensive blacks.

Thiazide diuretics are particularly efficacious in the treatment of hypertension in blacks. A number of observations suggest that many hypertensive blacks have features consistent with a status of “corrected” volume expansion. Our studies, as well as those of other investigators, show that the Na, K pump is inhibited in leucocytes and erythrocytes of blacks with essential hypertension. This observation is also consistent with the concept of volume expansion in hypertensive blacks, since the Na, K pump is inhibited in many forms of experimental volume expansion, including the administration of salt in normal humans. We postulate that the efficacy of thiazide diuretics may be related to their ability to stimulate the Na, K pump. We present data obtained in 13 black hypertensive men in whom Na efflux, and Na,K-ATPase in the erythrocyte rose significantly after 7 days of treatment with hydrochlorothiazide, 50 mg/day. Diuretic therapy may indirectly result in reduced intracellular calcium in the vascular smooth muscle.
The Superior Colliculus Neurons Which Project to the Dorsal and Ventral Lateral Geniculate Nuclei in the Cat

Cells in the cat superior colliculus which project to the ventral and dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei (VLG and DLG) have been labeled by retro-grade transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). We studied the depth, area, and morphology of each labeled neuron quantitatively. Our measurements show that the projection neurons to both VLG and DLG vary in laminar position, size, and morphology. Labeled cells projecting to both nuclei were concentrated within the superficial gray layer, but were also scattered through the optic layer and, after DLG injections, in the intermediate gray layer as well. Labeled cells in both groups varied greatly in size, ranging from 49–344 μm2 cross-sectional area (mean 143 μm2) for the VLG group and from 31–398 μm2 (mean 165 μm2) for the DLG group. The labeled cells also varied in morphology after both VLG and DLG injections. The majority had a granule or vertical fusiform morphology. There were fewer with a stellate morphology and almost none with a horizontal morphology. At least three types of superior colliculus cells thus appear to project to the ventral and dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei. These cell types likely give rise to distinct functional channels to these nuclei.