cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of Splenic Trauma in Contemporary Clinical Practice: A National Trauma Data Bank Study.

Background To evaluate the utilization and efficacy of various treatments for management of adult patients with splenic trauma, highlighting the evolving role of splenic artery embolization. Materials and Methods The National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) was queried for patients who sustained splenic trauma between 2007 and 2015, excluding those with death on arrival and selected nonsplenic high-grade injuries. Patients were categorized into (1) nonoperative management (NOM), (2) embolization, (3) splenectomy, (4) splenic repair, and (5) combined treatment groups. Evaluated outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit LOS, mortality, and NOM and embolization failures. Results Overall, 117,743 patients with splenic predominant trauma were included in this study. Over the 9-year study period, 85,793 (72.9%) were treated with NOM, 21,999 (18.9%) with splenectomy, 3895 (3.3%) with embolization, and 2131 (1.8%) with splenic repair. From 2007 to 2015, mortality rates declined from 7.6% to 4.7%. The rate of NOM did not significantly change over time, while embolization increased 369% (1.3%–4.8%). Failure of NOM was 4.4% in 2007 and decreased to 3.4% in 2015. Across all injury grades, NOM had the shortest LOS (8.3 days), followed by splenic repair (12.3), embolization (12.6), and splenectomy (13.8) (p Conclusion Most patients with splenic-dominant blunt trauma are managed with NOM. Over time, the use of embolization has increased while open surgery has declined, and mortality has improved for all treatment methods. Compared to splenectomy, embolization is associated with shorter hospital LOS but is still used relatively infrequently.
Hydraulic Performance Evaluation of Wattles Used for Erosion and Sediment Control

AbstractLand disturbing construction activities can become nonpoint sources of pollution, particularly due to suspended sediment, if erosion and sediment control measures are ineffective. Wattles h...
Manufacturer-Retailer Relationships and the Distribution of New Products

Manufacturer-retailer relationships are often cited as an important determinant in product distribution. By coordinating the channel and aligning incentives, relationships can significantly affect both manufacturers’ and retailers’ profits and contribute to market concentration. However, empirical evidence is scarce because relationships are usually trade secrets. I study how beer manufacturers leverage their relationships with retailers to promote new products in the U.S. hard cider market. I present novel empirical evidence of mutual preferential treatments between manufacturers and retailers in assortment choices and wholesale pricing. I interpret the finding as pair-specific relationships sustained through repeated interactions, and use industry regulations on trade and wholesale pricing to address alternative mechanisms, including non-linear contracts. I estimate a structural model of consumer demand, retail and wholesale pricing, and assortment that incorporates the relationships. The results show that the relationships increase Anheuser-Busch InBev’s and MillerCoors’ new cider availability by 17.7% and 7.2%, respectively, and present a double win to both the manufacturers and retailers.
Replacing liquid fossil fuels and hydrocarbon chemical feedstocks with liquid biofuels from large-scale nuclear biorefineries

Abstract Liquid fossil fuels (1) enable transportation and (2) provide energy for mobile work platforms and (3) supply dispatchable energy to highly variable demand (seasonal heating and peak electricity). We describe a system to replace liquid fossil fuels with drop-in biofuels including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Because growing biomass removes carbon dioxide from the air, there is no net addition of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere from burning biofuels. In addition, with proper management, biofuel systems can sequester large quantities of carbon as soil organic matter, improving soil fertility and providing other environmental services. In the United States liquid biofuels can potentially replace all liquid fossil fuels. The required system has two key features. First, the heat and hydrogen for conversion of biomass into high-quality liquid fuels is provided by external low-carbon energy sources--nuclear energy or fossil fuels with carbon capture and sequestration. Using external energy inputs can almost double the energy content of the liquid fuel per unit of biomass feedstock by fully converting the carbon in biomass into a hydrocarbon fuel. Second, competing effectively with fossil fuels requires very large biorefineries—the equivalent of a 250,000 barrel per day oil refinery. This requires commercializing methods for converting local biomass into high-density storable feedstocks that can be economically shipped to large-scale biorefineries.
Chemical and microbiological stability of diluted ceftazidime in three different solutions under three storage temperatures over a 28 day period.

BACKGROUND Ceftazidime (CAZ) solutions are being used based on anecdotal reports for otitis externa complicated by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR PA). The chemical and microbiological stability of these proposed compounded solutions have not been evaluated, and likely are affected by the diluent and storage duration or temperature. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Compounded CAZ solutions would show variable degradation dependent on diluent, time and temperature. The antimicrobial activity of the solutions would reflect changes in concentration and not alterations to the chemical compound. METHODS AND MATERIALS Ceftazidime was compounded with 100 mL 0.9% sodium chloride (NA+CAZ), 118 mL Triz-EDTA Aqueous flush (TE+CAZ) and 125 mL Douxo Micellar Solution (MI+CAZ). Aliquots of the solutions were stored at 25°C, 4°C and -20°C for 28 days. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to analyse CAZ recovery from compounded solutions at weekly intervals. A modified broth dilution technique was utilised to assess minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to monitor antimicrobial activity against a reference PA strain. RESULTS Temperature, duration of storage and diluent each had independent effects on the chemical stability of CAZ. CAZ concentrations decreased over time as well as with increased temperature. NA+CAZ solutions exhibited the least degradation compared to the other solutions. The MIC for PA was most consistent for NA+CAZ solutions regardless of storage temperature and duration of storage. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Chemical and microbiological stability of compounded CAZ solutions varied by diluent, storage temperature and duration of storage. Dilution in NA resulted in the lowest variation in stability over 28 days when stored at refrigerated or frozen temperatures compared to other diluents.
Selective electroreduction of CO2 to carbon-rich products with a simple binary copper selenide electrocatalyst

In this article solvothermally synthesized copper selenide nanostructures have been reported as highly efficient electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction under ambient conditions with high selectivity for carbon-rich C2 products at a low applied potential. In addition to electrochemical measurements, density functional theory calculations were also performed to investigate the adsorption energy of the key intermediate carbon monoxide on the catalyst surface. The authors proposed that CO adsorption energy on the surface can be a critical component to determine the extent of CO2 reduction on the surface, whereby a low CO adsorption energy was expected to yield primarily C1 products while a very large adsorption energy leads to catalyst poisoning. In this article the authors have shown that by carefully designing the catalyst surface to optimize the CO adsorption energy and dwell time, selenide based electrocatalysts can indeed show more efficient CO2 reduction compared to the base metal, leading to carbon-rich products. This is one of the first reports where the Cu2Se surface has been studied in detail with experimental as well as DFT studies for CO2 reduction. Interestingly, the reduction products showed dependence on the applied potential forming exclusively formic acid at a high applied potential (1.2 V and higher vs. RHE), while ethanol and acetic acid were produced in high yield at potentials lower than 0.8 V vs. RHE. The applied potential required for CO2 with copper selenide was as low as 100 mV vs. RHE and is one of the lowest reported to date. The CO2 reduction products were analyzed through NMR and GC TCD spectroscopy which showed ethanol and acetic acid production in excess of 80% faradaic efficiency at a low applied potential.
e-Research Collaboration: Theory, Techniques and Challenges

The shift of paradigm from collaborations of convenience to collaborations of opportunity using Web 2.0 technologies is called Research 2.0. Research 2.0 is becoming a critical component in research management and collaboration and has led to the creation of new research networks such as MyNetResearch. Many universities are familiar with the concepts of Web 2.0 including Wikis, blogs, and social networking tools, but have not implemented these tools holistically in a research setting. Unfortunately, many researchers have difficulties either to understand how to implement the change in paradigm associated with online collaboration, or else cannot convince the university administrators of the value of a research cyberinfrastructure. Universities are under increasing pressure to embrace the Research 2.0 paradigm in order to stay competitive, attract the best students and faculty, publish, apply for research grants, and empower their stakeholders in all aspects.
Likelihood Based Inference Under Noise Multiplication

When statistical agencies release microdata to the public, a major concern is the control of disclosure risk, while ensuring utility in the released data. Of- ten some statistical disclosure control methods such as data swapping, mul- tiple imputation, top coding, and perturbation with random noise, are applied before releasing the data. This article develops methodology for data analysis when each original observation is multiplied by random noise for the purpose of statistical disclosure control. A parametric model is assumed, and specific details are provided for the exponential, normal and lognormal models. Our analysis shows that noise multiplied data can yield accurate inferences, and detailed simulation results provide guidance as to how the dispersion of the noise generating distribution affects accuracy of the inference.
Regulation of human monocyte HLA-DR and CD4 antigen expression, and antigen presentation by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2-D) has been shown to be a macrophage-derived cytokine, capable of regulating myeloid differentiation and T-cell activation in vitro. Therefore, we examined the effects of 1,25(OH)2-D on the monocyte phenotype and function of human peripheral blood monocytes as an index of its biologic role at an inflammatory site. 1,25(OH)2-D treatment consistently and specifically reduced HLA-DR and CD4 expression by monocytes, while CD14 and class I HLA antigen expression were unaffected. Expression of Fc gamma R I-III on monocytes was variably modulated by 1,25(OH)2-D treatment, but no differences in antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) were observed, measured using either ADCC or anti-Fc gamma R-antibody expressing hybridomas. In contrast, the ability of monocytes to induce antigen-dependent T-cell proliferation was markedly reduced by 1,25(OH)2-D pretreatment for as little as 6 hours. Addition of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, or indomethacin did not restore antigen-dependent T-cell proliferation, suggesting that this observation was not secondary to changes in IL-1, IL-6, or PGE2 production induced by 1,25(OH)2-D. These data suggest that 1,25(OH)2-D treatment specifically modulates human monocyte phenotype and function, altering HLA-DR antigen expression and antigen presentation, while leaving lytic function intact. These findings may be relevant to the immunobiologic role of 1,25(OH)2-D.
Structural Changes Induced by Substrates and Anions at the Active Site of Creatine Kinase ELECTRON PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE AND NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RELAXATION RATE STUDIES OF THE MANGANOUS COMPLEXES

Abstract Structural changes at the active site of creatine kinase which occur upon binding of substrates and inhibitory anions have been examined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and proton relaxation rate (PRR) studies of manganous complexes with the enzyme. EPR spectra for solutions of ternary complexes involving enzyme and Mn(II)-nucleotides are quite similar to those for the binary Mn(II)-nucleotide complexes in solution and in the solid state. However, there are significant changes in the EPR spectra upon addition of creatine to solutions of E-MnADP or to E-MnATP. The changes show that the binding of creatine induces a rearrangement at the active site which results in a more asymmetrical electronic environment for the Mn(II). Substitutions of ligand groups from the protein into the Mn(II) coordination sphere are suggested as a possible source of the spectral changes. Anions such as nitrate and chloride produce further changes in the EPR spectrum of E-Mn-ADP-creatine and decrease the PRR of water for this complex. The anions apparently bind at the vacant phosphoryl site in the abortive quaternary complex, and their binding induces additional structural changes. Considerable specificity is observed in the effectiveness of various anions on the EPR spectrum or on the PRR of water, nitrate inducing the maximal effect. Experiments with modified substrates show that even minor differences e.g. dADP versus ADP in the molecular structure of the substrates bound to the enzyme are reflected in the EPR spectrum of Mn(II) at the active site. Creatine kinase modified at the essential sulfhydryl groups by reaction with iodoacetamide does not undergo a conformational response upon addition of either creatine or creatine and anions to solutions of its ternary complex with MnADP.
Analysis of deployment and movement policies in wireless sensor and robot networks

Mobile robots have been used to collect data in the network in order to reduce the energy consumed when forwarding data. In order to be energy efficient, mobile robots should be deployed and controlled in such a way as to minimize travel distance. To do this, we examined multiple deployment and movement policies and their effects on the performance of a network. We tested three different deployment schemes and analyzed the results. We also analyzed the expected distance to each event to discover what, if any, effects the initial deployment has on that metric and in turn compared this to our results. We then tested three different collection methods and analyzed their performance. Next, we added service times to our model and lastly we changed the distribution of events to examine how these changes affected the network performance. Through our extensive simulations and mathematical analysis, we found a random deployment to be the most effective deployment policy with respect to computation time and network performance. Our proposed location prediction policy was also able to improve network performance, even over the collect and stay policy as shown through our simulations.
The Posthumous Career of Emiliano Zapata: Myth, Memory, and Mexico's Twentieth Century

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Samuel Brunk Year: 2008 Pages: 370 Publisher: University of Texas Press ISBN: 978-0-292-71780-0 (hard cover). Prices: $45.00 USD(hard cover).
Introduction to the Special Issue: Overview of the TREC Routing and Filtering Tasks

This paper introduces the special issue, and reviews the routing and filtering tasks as defined and evaluated at TREC. The tasks attempt to simulate a specific service situation: the system is assumed to process an incoming stream of documents against profiles of user interest, strictly in the time order in which they arrive, and immediately refer any matching document to the user. In the adaptive filtering version of the task, the user is assumed to provide a relevance judgement instantly. The rationale for the task definitions and the evaluation measures used is discussed.
The Effects of Local Spring Perch Flexibility on Suspension Geometry of a Winston Cup Race Car

In order to achieve predictable handling of a race car, local mounts connecting suspension components to the chassis should be sufficiently rigid to minimize unwanted local deflection which may adversely affect suspension geometry. In this work, the effects of local chassis flexibility of the spring perch on roll stiffness, tire camber change, and steer angle change are determined from a finite element model (FEM) of a Winston Cup race car. Details such as side gussets, supporting brackets, and local curvature of the frame rail spring pocket are included in a shell model of the spring perch. The local shell model of the spring perch is integrated with the global finite element stiffness model of the chassis and suspension consisting of an assembly of beam and shell elements. A parametric study on the effects of thickness changes for seven different areas of the spring perch has been performed. Tire camber change, steer angle change, and chassis roll stiffness are plotted as a function of thickness variation for each of the seven perch areas. Results indicate that the surface with the most adverse affects on torsional stiffness, roll stiffness, and camber changes, resulting from reduced thickness, is the principal spring support plate. Stiffness increases may be achieved by increasing the thickness of the spring plate, spring pocket, and frame rail box beam, but the greatest benefits result from otherwise fortifying the spring pocket and box beam. The frame rail box beam and spring pocket exert tremendous influence on steer angle behavior, and can increase roll stiffness and minimize camber change if properly reinforced.
Process of Infection with Bacteriophage φX174 XXXVI. Measurement of Virus-Specific Proteins During a Normal Cycle of Infection

Double-labeling techniques in which ^(14)C-labeled, φX174-infected cells and ^(3)H-labeled, uninfected cells were used permitted the identification of the virus-specific proteins after separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis without prior inhibition of host-cell protein synthesis by ultraviolet irradiation. It was also possible to detect previously undescribed components of high molecular weight which may represent induced host proteins. The gel regions specifically corresponding to cistron II protein and the chloramphenicol-resistant VI protein were identified, and a third new, small peak of unknown origin was detected. Studies of the rate of synthesis of virus-specific proteins at various times after infection indicated that the product of cistron I (lysis) is made only late in infection, but the other proteins seemed to be synthesized at the same relative rates throughout infection (although in different amounts). Studies of the proteins obtained from uniformly labeled φX virus particles indicated that all of the spikes are identical and allowed a formulation of the structure of the phage capsid.
An automated solder application process for TAB and fine pitch surface mount assembly

Summary form only given. Technology has been developed that provides for high-yielding, low-variability solder application to fine pitch component card sites. The technology was developed specifically for the hot bar reflow outer lead bond attachment process associated with tape automated bonding (TAB): however, it can be extended to hot bar quad flat pack component attachment and to automated site redressing during repair operations. The solder application technology was developed from both the tooling and process standpoints. Key process variables were identified and optimized. The tool evolved from a lab-level feasibility model to a manufacturing prototype. The technology was integrated into the overall assembly flow. >
Histologic variants of infiltrating urothelial carcinoma.

Abstract Context.—The spectrum of urothelial carcinoma is broad, and variant morphologies are being reported continually. Many of these variants have been extensively documented and even establishe...
The baboon (Papio anubis) extracranial carotid artery: An anatomical guide for endovascular experimentation

Background: As novel endovascular strategies are developed for treating neurological disease, there is an increasing need to evaluate these techniques in relevant preclinical models. The use of non-human primates is especially critical given their structural and physiological homology with humans. In order to conduct primate endovascular studies, a comprehensive understanding of the carotid anatomy is necessary. We therefore performed a detailed examination of the vessel lengths, lumen diameters and angles of origin of the baboon extracranial carotid system. Methods: We characterized the extracranial carotid system often male baboons (Papio anubis, range 15.1–28.4 kg) by early post-mortem dissection. Photographic documentation of vessel lengths, lumen diameters, and angles of origin were measured for each segment of the carotid bilaterally. Results: The common carotid arteries averaged 94.7 ± 1.7 mm (left) and 87.1 ± 1.6 mm (right) in length. The average minimal common carotid lumen diameters were 3.0 ± 0.3 mm (left) and 2.9 ± 0.2 mm (right). Each animal had a common brachiocephalic artery arising from the aorta which bifurcated into the left common carotid artery and right braciocephalic artery after 21.5 ± 1.6 mm. The vascular anatomy was found to be consistent among animals despite a wide range of animal weights. Conclusions: The consistency in the Papio anubis extracranial carotid system may promote the use of this species in the preclinical investigation of neuro-interventional therapies.
LOGISTICS STRATEGY, ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN, AND PERFORMANCE IN A CROSS-BORDER ENVIRONMENT

Abstract The research presents an empirical test of a conceptual framework regarding the relationships between a firm’s logistics strategy, the organizational design dimensions used to implement the strategy, and the performance outcome experienced as a result of managers for manufacturing firms confirms a relationship between organizational design and performance. Additionally, the intermediary effects of integration on this relationship are confirmed. The hypothesized relationship between strategic choice and organizational design was not confirmed.
Differential herbivory on C3 versus C4 grasses by the grasshopper Ageneotettix deorum (Orthoptera: acrididae)

The hypothesis that graminivorous grasshoppers select C3 grasses over C4 grasses was tested with experiments in the field. It was found that the generalist, graminivorous grasshopper Ageneotettix deorum typically chooses C3 as opposed to C4 grasses when both types are equally available. This preference is attributed to the differences in leaf anatomies of C3 and C4 plants since crude protein, water, lignin, fiber, and silicon content or the size of the individual leaves tested do not explain the observed feeding pattern. However, examination of the actual food plant selection of actual field inhabiting grasshoppers indicates that food plant prefernce may only be a minor component of food selection in natural settings.
OLAP over uncertain and imprecise data

We extend the OLAP data model to represent data ambiguity, specifically imprecision and uncertainty, and introduce an allocation-based approach to the semantics of aggregation queries over such data. We identify three natural query properties and use them to shed light on alternative query semantics. While there is much work on representing and querying ambiguous data, to our knowledge this is the first paper to handle both imprecision and uncertainty in an OLAP setting.
Real-time prediction of impact-induced damage for composite structures based on failure analysis and efficient database methods

This contribution presents a novel strategy to achieve real-time prediction of non-penetrating impact-induced damage, especially delamination between plies of composite laminated structures. The proposed strategy aims to create an optimum-sized database of simulated damage information on a given laminated structure using numerical failure models and pattern recognition technique. A multi-stage data clustering algorithm is implemented to identify regions in the structural Finite Element (FE) model that have similar damage signatures. The generated database is linked to the real-time estimate of impact location and load-time history obtained from piezoelectric transducers based passive impact monitoring system. A composite stiffener panel is selected as a model problem and it is shown that the proposed strategy based on pattern recognition will result in large savings in computational cost for the database generation besides providing real-time damage diagnostic capabilities for in-service adverse impact events within certain confidence bounds.
Correlating Survey Data and Network Data to Understand Performance in Global Virtual Teams

Abstract This paper presents results of an exploratory study of eight graduate student teams who were working as global virtual teams over a five-month period as part of a three-university (University of Cologne, Helsinki University of Technology, Savannah College of Art and Design) online course conducted in collaboration with instructors from MIT's Center for Collective Intelligence. The purpose of the study was to compare the use of an online survey self-assessment instrument with assessment of email gathered through automated means to evaluate team performance. Findings show that the assessment methods are complementary and can be used to understand the development and functioning of global virtual teams over time. Both assessments indicate that it is important for global virtual teams to have a clear mission and objectives that all team members understand and can commit to carrying out if global teams are to perform successfully. Automated tools that analyze email communication, both structure and content, can help managers and team members alike monitor and quickly evaluate the activity of global virtual teams, and a self-assessment can be a supplementary diagnostic tool to enhance performance.
Survival of patients with acute renal failure requiring dialysis after open heart surgery: Early prognostic indicators

We analyzed pre- and postoperative data from 36 consecutive patients, who developed acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis after open heart surgery, to determine which factors predicted survival. Seventeen patients (47%) survived. Age, sex, preoperative renal dysfunction, severity of underlying heart disease, perioperative myocardial infarction, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and oliguria did not influence outcome (by univariate analysis). However, the number and type of postoperative complications, before the first hemodialysis and 48 hours thereafter, were found to be significant predictors of outcome. Univariate as well as multivariate analysis showed that the highest mortality rate was associated with the presence of respiratory failure, central nervous system dysfunction, hypotension, and infection (48 hours after first hemodialysis). Thirty-three (92%) of the 36 patients were correctly classified as survivors or nonsurvivors based on the presence or absence of any one of three prognostic indicators (three or more complications before the first hemodialysis and persisting 48 hours later; hypotension before the first dialysis and persisting 48 hours later; or central nervous system dysfunction 48 hours after hemodialysis was initiated). We conclude that an assessment of prognosis can be made in such patients as early as 48 hours after the first hemodialysis based on the number and type of complications.
MW construct in fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis

A retrospective case control review was conducted to determine if the MW construct offers a superior means of correction of Cobb angles and pelvic obliquity in neuromuscular scoliosis. Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis presents a surgical challenge. Particularly difficult is the correction of pelvic obliquity. Numerous instrumentation techniques have sought to address these difficulties. Most recently Arlet et al have introduced the MW construct. (in Eur Spine 8(3):229–231, 1999). They theorize that this construct may allow for superior spinopelvic fixation. Six patients with neuromuscular scoliosis who underwent PSF with the MW construct were compared with six subjects undergoing PSF utilizing the Galveston technique. Subjects were matched on the basis of preoperative Cobb angles and similar amounts of preoperative pelvic obliquity. Individuals who underwent PSF utilizing the MW construct obtained nearly 30% better correction of pelvic obliquity than did those who received a Galveston construct. A trend toward superior correction of Cobb angles with the MW construct was also observed. The MW construct may be a superior construct for curve correction in PSF for neuromuscular scoliosis, particularly those cases with excessive pelvic obliquity.
The Radiologic Spectrum of Cardiopulmonary Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis, either primary or related to other pathologic states, may mimic a variety of disorders and produce a multitude of appearances demonstrable on radiographic examinations of the chest AD intrathoracic tissues and organs may be affected, but the major abnormalities most commonly involve the heart and lungs. The radiographic appearances in ten patients are described and correlated with the underlying gross and microscopic pathologic findings. No specific pattern of pulmonary involvement could be determined, aside from tracheobronchial amyloidosis. The final diagnosis is dependent upon the awareness of the clinical and radiologic spectrum and the final microscopic examination of involved tissue.
Anesthesia in the Pregnant Patient with Hematologic Disorders

The management of patients with hematologic disorders in pregnancy involves a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists from hematology, obstetrics, and anesthesiology. Whereas regional anesthesia has led to a decline in maternal morbidity and mortality, the presence of uncorrected coagulopathy or the use of anticoagulant or antithrombotic medications pose a special risk for the rare complication of an epidural hematoma after neuraxial anesthesia. This article briefly reviews the common principles of anesthesia for obstetric patients, provides an obstetric anesthesiologist's perspective on the implications of regional anesthesia in obstetrics, and enhances communication between the specialties.
Notes: Comparison of Predator Avoidance Capabilities with Corticosteroid Levels Induced by Stress in Juvenile Coho Salmon

Abstract The relationship between predator avoidance deficits induced by a simple handling stress and the level of plasma corticosteroids was determined for juvenile coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch. Groups of fish were held out of water for 1 min, then allowed to recover from this stress for 1, 90, or 240 min. After each recovery period, some unstressed and stressed fish were sampled for plasma cortisol, and others were subjected to predation by lingcod Ophiodon elongatus. Levels of corticosteroids in stressed fish remained high throughout the 240-min period of recovery, but predator avoidance returned to control levels in less than 90 min. Results suggest that juvenile coho salmon quickly recover basic survival skills of predator avoidance after mild stress, even though cortisol levels continue to indicate a stressed condition.
Determination of Short‐Crack Toughness Curves

Measurements of indentation crack length vs applied bend stress were used to develop a new method of analysis for determining short-crack toughness curves. Three glass-ceramics and a polycrystalline alumina were used as prototype test materials. Crack-shape effects were incorporated into the analysis. The magnitude of the residual-stress factor can be determined independently from the experimental data using the methodology. In contrast to other test methods using indentation precracks, calibration constants or reference materials are not required for obtaining absolute values of the toughness. Good agreement with conventional toughness values reported for the long-crack limit was obtained for the different materials tested.
Increased Shear Stress Overcomes the Antithrombotic Platelet Inhibitory Effect of Aspirin in Stenosed Dog Coronary Arteries

Background Shear stress is one of the known platelet activating mechanisms that leads to thrombosis. Increased shear stress has also been postulated to reverse the antithrombotic effect of some drugs such as aspirin (ASA). Methods and Results Experiments were conducted in five dogs to determine the minimal shear stress levels that produce acute platelet thrombus formation in mechanically stenosed arteries and the increase in shear required to reverse the antithrombotic effect of ASA. After intimal and medial damage, stenosis was produced in the circumflex coronary artery. We used the finite-difference numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equation to determine the wall shear stresses in the area of stenosis. At 70±6% coronary diameter reduction, cyclic flow reductions (CFRs) caused by acute platelet thrombus formation were observed in the stenosed lumen. At this level of stenosis, the shear stress was 144±15 Pa. ASA given at a dose of 5 mg/kg IV inhibited in vivo acute platelet-mediated thrombus formati...
The roles of outlet density and norms in alcohol use disorder

Background Alcohol outlet density and norms shape alcohol consumption. However, due to analytic challenges we do not know: (a) if alcohol outlet density and norms also shape alcohol use disorder, and (b) whether they act in combination to shape disorder.
Phase I trial of docetaxel, carboplatin, and gemcitabine as first-line therapy for patients with high-risk epithelial tumors of müllerian origin

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of combining docetaxel, carboplatin, and gemcitabine (DoCaGem) as first-line treatment of ovarian and other mullerian origin tumors. Methods Four dose levels were planned for this phase I trial. Treatment consisted of carboplatin on day 1 only, docetaxel on days 1 and 8, and gemcitabine on days 1 and 8, every 21 days. Results Nineteen patients were enrolled, of whom 18 were evaluable for toxicity. The first 5 patients enrolled at dose level I (carboplatin AUC 5, 30 mg/m 2 docetaxel, 800 mg/m 2 gemcitabine) experienced no dose-limiting toxicity. At dose level II, 4/4 evaluable patients experienced significant bone marrow suppression that required dose reduction and/or dose delay. Further dose escalation was not attempted, and 9 additional patients were enrolled in dose level I. Of the 67 cycles administered on dose level I, day 8 treatment could not be administered due to bone marrow suppression in 16 cycles (24%), and prolongation of the cycle length from day 22 to day 29 was required in 13 cycles (19%). There were no episodes of febrile neutropenia in evaluable patients and no treatment-related deaths. Grade 3 nonhematologic toxicity (fatigue) occurred in 1 cycle. Response was determined in the 14 evaluable patients who tolerated 4 or more cycles of therapy, with 11 obtaining a complete clinical response and 3 obtaining a partial clinical response. Conclusions The DoCaGem regimen is highly active, but myelosuppression at dose level I prevents full dose delivery. Other strategies to combine these three active agents are reasonable to explore.
RESPONSES OF HYPERTHYROID CHILDREN TO EXERCISE

We studied responses to exercise in 8 children with untreated hyperthyroidism (H), ages 8-17 yr. Graded exercise was performed on a supine cycle ergometer with workload increments every 3 min until exhaustion. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) was measured by radioangiocardiography. Resting heart rate (HR), 115±14, and systolic blood pressure (SBP), 134±12, increased at peak exercise to 187±26 and 177±24, respectively. Physical working capacity index (PWC) was 8.5±3.2 kg-m/min.kg, mean work to exhaustion (MWE) 259±38 kg-m/min, maximal endurance index (MEI), 195±52. Resting EF was .68±.08. Based on exercise EF response patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I (n=4) had a rise in EF of .05 to .10 above resting EF, a normal response. Group II (n=4) had less than .05 increase or an actual decrease in EF by .03 to .10, suggesting decreased LV reserve; one patient had poor LV wall motion. A comparison between groups I and II showed no significant differences in exercise time, maximum HR or SBP, ECG responses, or in PWC, MWE and MEI. The correlation coefficient between ΔEF (exercise EF minus resting EF) and T4 was r=-.87 (p<0.05) and between ΔEF and T3, r=-.93 (p<0.001). The data indicate that H may cause LV dysfunction as determined by abnormal response in EF to exercise, which cannot be predicted by standard exercise parameters;severity of H, by T3 and T4 levels, may be a determining factor in the occurrence of cardiac dysfunction.
Effect of FIV infection on lung inflammatory cell populations recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and ovine progressive pneumonia virus have been associated with lymphocytic pneumonitis. Pulmonary cell populations in cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to identify changes associated with lentivirus infection in this species. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed through an endotracheal tube using 15 ml kg−1 body weight of sterile 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Results of BAL fluid cytologic analysis from 19 cats experimentally infected with FIV for at least 8 months were compared with results from 34 uninfected cats. Infected cats had significantly higher total cell counts and relative neutrophil counts (P < 0.01). Lymphocytosis did not occur. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected from nine additional cats prior to, and 2, 6, and 17–18 weeks following infection with FIV. Neither neutrophilia nor lymphocytosis was associated with FIV infection in these cats.
Effect of selected water toxicants and other chemicals upon adenosine triphosphatase activity in vitro.

The current study was undertaken to improve and simplify a colorimetric procedure for the analysis of ATPase activity and to analyze 19 selected chemicals from structurally different chemical classes, most of which are water pollutants, rate them in accordance with degree of inhibitory effect, and make some judgement regarding which of these agents may cause toxic effects on the living animals through ATPase inhibition or activation. The most accurate assessment of sublethal foreign agent effects on animals ultimately may be derived from precisely measured molecular changes.
Combustion of Fuel Vapor in a Hot, Stagnant Oxidizing Environment

Abstract The transient combustion of a liquid fuel droplet which instantaneously reaches its thermodynamic critical state on introduction into a supercritical stagnant oxidizing environment was studied using second order reaction kinetics. The relevant conservation equations were solved numerically for a fuel-oxidizer system consisting of octane and oxygen, with the products of combustion and neutral nitrogen also being involved in the computation. Comparisons were made with previous flame sheet models with respect to burning time and flame zone location. Ignition delay was defined and computed. The distribution of the computed radial mass average velocity is presented and discussed.
Ultrastructural modification of the plasma membrane in HUT 102 lymphoblasts by long-wave ultraviolet light, psoralen, and PUVA

Ultrastructural alterations of the plasma membrane in HUT 102 lymphoblasts were assessed after a 2-h interaction with a suprapharmacologic (15 micrograms/ml) concentration of 8-MOP, 2-h irradiation with UVA (2.1 mW/cm2), and the exposure of the HUT 102 cells to PUVA under the same conditions. The dark reaction of HUT cells with 8-MOP resulted in the disappearance of microvilli, the emergence of plasma-membrane-associated spherical bodies, formation of lamellar fungiform membrane evaginations, and, in approximately 1% of the cells, formation of uropods and cell capping. Except for uropod formation and cell capping, UVA has induced the same plasma-membrane alterations, and was more deleterious to structural cytoplasmic integrity than 8-MOP. Morphologic changes of the plasma membrane in PUVA-exposed cells tended to replicate structural alterations elicited independently during the dark reaction by suprapharmacologic 8-MOP concentrations. Partial retention of microvilli by cells after PUVA was the sole exception. In light of all available evidence we conclude that psoralen during the dark reactions interacts with plasma membrane lipids by as yet undisclosed mechanisms and that in addition to lipids, membrane proteins are also the primary target of the initial interaction of HUT 102 cells with psoralen during PUVA treatment.
Comparison of three sample preparation methods on the recovery of volatiles from taheebo (Tabebuia impetiginosa Martius ex DC)

The volatile constituents of taheebo (the dried inner bark of Tabebuia impetiginosa Martius ex DC) were isolated by three methods: solvent-assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE); steam distillation under reduced pres- sure, followed by continuous liquid-liquid extraction (DRP-LLE); and high-flow dynamic headspace sampling (including closed-loop stripping) (DHS). The extracts were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The masses of total volatile components recovered from 50 g taheebo by SAFE, DRP-LLE and DHS were 26.3 ± 2.0, 19.4 ± 1.0 and 1.2 ± 0.2 mg, respectively. The major constitu- ents isolated with the SAFE method were 4-methoxyphenol (121.65 µg/g), 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (96.49 µ µ µ µ µg/g), 1,2- propanediol (92.95 µg/g) and 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (31.33 µ µ µ µ µg/g). The DRP-LLC method yielded 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (64.54 µg/g), 4-methoxyphenol (42.30 µg/g), 5-(2-propenyl)-1,2,3-trimethoxybenzene (elemicin; 41.22 µg/g), and 1-methoxy- 4-(1E)-1-propenylbenzene (trans-anethole; 39.16 µg/g) as major volatiles, while the main compounds recovered with the DHS method were 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (2.61 µg/g), 4-methoxyphenol (2.10 µg/g), 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl)-2- cyclohexen-1-one (carvone; 1.71 µg/g) and 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol (linalool; 1.64 µ µ µ µ µg/g). Copyright © 2004 John
SURF III: A flexible synchrotron radiation source for radiometry and research

Abstract The calculability of synchrotron radiation (SR) makes electron storage rings wonderful light sources for radiometry. The broadband nature of SR allows coverage of the entire spectral region from the X-ray to the far-infrared. Compact low-energy storage rings like the Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility SURF III are perfect sources for radiometric applications, because the output spectrum can be custom-tailored to the user's needs: low current operations can simulate the solar spectrum, changes to the electron energy can address higher-order contributions of spectrometers and monochromators, and manipulation of the source size can increase the lifetime or change the radiation density. At large multi-user facilities these special operational conditions are generally not possible, since many users have to be satisfied simultaneously. At SURF III, NIST maintains one of the best SR-based infrared to soft X-ray calibration programs in the world: standard lamp calibrations, detector calibrations, and measurements of optical properties are routinely performed at SURF with great reliability and accuracy.
Cover Picture: Low-Work-Function Surface Formed by Solution-Processed and Thermally Deposited Nanoscale Layers of Cesium Carbonate (Adv. Funct. Mater. 12/2007)

The cover shows the structure of an efficient polymer light emitting diode (PLED) and its energy diagram at the interface between aluminum (Al) and a Cs2CO3 interfacial layer. It reveals the origin of enhanced electron injection from the Al electrode due to the low work function of a thermally evaporated Cs2CO3 layer, as reported on p. 1966 by Jinsong Huang, Zhen Xu, and Yang Yang. Pictures of the white- and red-emitting PLEDs are also shown. Nanostructured layers of Cs2CO3 are shown to function very effectively as cathodes in organic electronic devices because of their good electron-injection capabilities. Here, we report a comprehensive study of the origin of the low work function of nanostructured layers of Cs2CO3 prepared by solution deposition and thermal evaporation. The nanoscale Cs2CO3 layers are probed by various characterization methods including current–voltage (I–V) measurements, photovoltaic studies, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and impedance spectroscopy. It is found that thermally evaporated Cs2CO3 decomposes into CsO2 and cesium suboxides. The cesium suboxides dope CsO2, yielding a heavily doped n-type semiconductor with an intrinsically low work function. As a result, devices fabricated using thermally evaporated Cs2CO3 are relatively insensitive to the choice of the cathode metal. The reaction of thermally evaporated Cs2CO3 with Al can further reduce the work function to 2.1 eV by forming an Al–O–Cs complex. Solution-processed Cs2CO3 also reduces the work function of Au substrates from 5.1 to 3.5 eV. However, devices prepared using solution-processed Cs2CO3 exhibit high efficiency only if a reactive metal such as Al or Ca is used as the cathode metal. A strong chemical reaction occurs between spin-coated Cs2CO3 and thermally evaporated Al. An Al–O—Cs complex is formed as a result of this chemical reaction at the interface, and this layer significantly reduces the work function of the cathode. Finally, impedance spectroscopy results prove that this layer is highly conductive.
Design and testing of a large-aperture, high-gain, Brewster 's angle zigzag Nd:glass slab amplifier.

At the University of Rochester we have constructed and tested a large-aperture, (1.0 × 6.5 cm), high-gain (8) Brewster’s angle zigzag Nd:glass amplifier with a repetition rate of 2 Hz. This amplifier has a gain uniformity of ±3% and a maximum stress-induced depolarization <2.5%.
Nomenclatural changes in Polygonum section Echinocaulon (Polygonaceae)

As a result of comprehensive systematic study onPolygonum sectionEchinocaulon, three new nomenclatural changes are made:P. clarkei stat. et nom. nov.,P. subsagittatum stat. nov., andP. senticosum var.sagittifolium stat. nov.
Radioimmunoassays for prostaglandins. II. Measurement of prostaglandin E2 and the 13,14-dihydro-15-keto metabolites of the E and F series. Description of a reliable technique with a universal applicability.

Abstract A simple purification procedure for human plasma samples resulting in one fraction is tested for its applicability to the subsequent individual radioimmunoassay (RIA) of four different groups of prostaglandins (PGs). The sample purification includes ethyl acetate extraction and gelfiltration of the solvent residue on Sephadex G-25. After lyophilization of the PG-containing effluents, the residues are tested in RIA systems for PGF 2α , PGE 2 and their 13,14-dihydro-15-keto metabolites (DHKPGF α and DHKPGE, respectively). Antibody- bound and free antigen is always separated with Polyethylene glycol (PEG) reagents. A wide range of parallelism between the response lines of sample dilutions and standards is observed for all the RIA systems employed. They also fulfil a number of additional reliability characteristics. Process recoveries as measured in Sephadex G-25 effluents did not show statistically significant differences, whichever of the four 3 H-PGs was added to plasma samples. These results for the sample purification procedure have enabled us to determine all the PGs in one single Sephadex G-25 effluent and to monitor the procedural losses during sample purification with only one PG tracer. It is concluded that reliable measurements of at least four PGs in the same plasma sample can be performed with one single Sephadex G-25 effluent fraction.