cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subvalvar Aortic Stenosis: Timing of Operation

Subvalvar aortic stenosis can be associated with progressive left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, aortic insufficiency, and infective endocarditis. We reviewed the records of 36 surgical patients who underwent 39 operations for subaortic stenosis. Seventeen patients had associated congenital cardiac anomalies. One perioperative death occurred in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot. The mean preoperative left ventricular outflow tract systolic pressure gradient was 64 +/- 5 mm Hg (+/- standard error of the mean) and decreased to 9 +/- 2 mm Hg postoperatively (p less than 0.001). Reliable preoperative and postoperative information regarding aortic valve function was available for 27 patients. Aortic insufficiency was found in 17 (63%) of those patients preoperatively. Postoperatively, insufficiency increased in 3 patients and decreased in 4; none of these changes was major. Severity of preoperative aortic insufficiency increased significantly with age (p less than 0.05), but did not correlate with left ventricular outflow tract gradient. The information from this study and previous studies suggests that resection of subaortic stenosis is safe and effective, and operation at the time of diagnosis, regardless of left ventricular outflow tract gradient or symptomatic status, is a reasonable therapeutic alternative.
On pseudomagnetoresistance in graphene junctions

Using bilayer-graphene (BG), monolayer-graphene (MG), and hydrogenated-bilayer-graphene (hBG), we study the performance of three different pseudospinvalve (PSV) junctions: (1) BG-BG, (2) MG-BG, and (3) hBG-BG, modulated by vertical electric-field. Although pseudomagnetoresistance (PMR) of nearly 100 % at zero temperature could be obtained for the BG-BG structure, this PMR decreases rapidly as temperature increases, and the decrease is worsened with the increasing lateral distance between the required pairs of the electric gates. On the other hand, the decrease is suppressed by using a MG-BG structure, which is less sensitive to temperature and not affected by the electric-gate distance. Unlike our expectation, our results also show that the hBG-BG has the worst performance.
Evaluation of Random Skin Flap Survival in a Porcine Model

The pathophysiology of random skin flap necrosis in the pig model was studied the effects of several drugs on skin flap survival were examined. The investigated drugs included acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), pentoxifylline (PTX), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and an experimental 21-aminosteroid, U-74389G. Each drug altered different parameters known to be associated with tissue necrosis. Demonstrated mechanisms of skin flap failure included the alteration of erythrocyte flexibility and platelet function and the activation of neutrophils with resultant accumulation of damaging oxygen-free radicals. Random skin flap survival did not improve with ASA but did improve significantly with PTX, PGE2, and U-74389G. The results of this study underscore the importance of neutrophil-mediated necrosis in the pathophysiology of skin flap failure. The data further demonstrate the need to develop drugs aimed at reversing or preventing the tissue damage from oxygen-free radicals in order to enhance the survival of random skin flaps.
Depreciation and Rate Control

Importance of depreciation for valuation, 630. — A well maintained property is yet normally in a state of depreciation, 632. — How to allow for this circumstance depends on the purpose for which accounts are made up, 635. — Mode of reckoning depreciation required by Interstate Commerce Commission, 637. — "Replacement account," "Reserve for accrued Depreciation," 639. — A possible alternative, 644. — The general procedure justified for purposes of regulation, 648. — Criticism possible as regards earlier charges made, 654. — A different principle and a different rule by other regulating bodies, 656. — Wisconsin Commission, 657. — The United States Supreme Court, 660. — Conclusion, 662.
Pharmacodynamic effects of tosyl-arginine methyl ester (TAME) on isolated human arteries

1. The effects of the competitive proteinase inhibitor TAME on isolated human umbilical and basilar arteries were studied. 2. Most experiments were performed on umbilical arteries and showed that 5 x 10(-4) M or 5 x 10(-3) M TAME significantly inhibited contractions elicited by prostaglandin F2 alpha, bradykinin, serotonin, and histamine. The inhibition was not endothelium-dependent. 3. The contraction elicited by prostaglandin E2 in basilar arteries was inhibited by TAME in a dose-dependent manner indicating that inhibition did not depend on the origin of the vessel. 4. Inhibition by 5 x 10(-7) M TAME of the contraction produced by KCl in the basilar artery was limited to low concentrations of KCl (10 and 30 mM). TAME did not significantly inhibit contractions of umbilical arteries to KCl. 5. At 5 U/ml (approximately 8.6 x 10(-8) M) antithrombin III markedly inhibited contractions of basilar arteries to prostaglandin E2 but had no effect of contractions elicited by 10(-6) M serotonin in the umbilical artery, nor did aprotinin (5 x 10(-4) M). 6. Although vessels of different origin may differ in sensitivity, the manifest effect of antiproteinases on arteries is inhibition.
Strong coupling of surface plasmons to dye molecules: Tailoring dispersion and beyond

In the presence of dye molecules, the dispersion curve of SPPs splits into three branches and demonstrates the avoided crossing characteristic of strong coupling. It is further modified by the optical gain in the system.
Real time algorithms for sharp wave ripple detection

Neural activity during sharp wave ripples (SWR), short bursts of co-ordinated oscillatory activity in the CA1 region of the rodent hippocampus, is implicated in a variety of memory functions from consolidation to recall. Detection of these events in an algorithmic framework, has thus far relied on simple thresholding techniques with heuristically derived parameters. This study is an investigation into testing and improving the current methods for detection of SWR events in neural recordings. We propose and profile methods to reduce latency in ripple detection. Proposed algorithms are tested on simulated ripple data. The findings show that simple realtime algorithms can improve upon existing power thresholding methods and can detect ripple activity with latencies in the range of 10–20 ms.
Heterogeneity of postnatal development of ACh levels in brain regions of the mouse.

Abstract Acetylcholine (ACh) was measured from birth to the 78th day in 11 mouse brain regions. Three patterns of development emerged: (1) ACh increased rapidly, overshot and returned to the adult level in midbrain-medulla-pons and cerebellum, (2) ACh increased linearly to adult level in neostriatum and olfactory bulb and (3) ACh increased linearly to a plateau and then increased to the adult level in the remaining regions.
Diminazene Diaceturate for Treatment of Chronic Cytauxzoon felis Parasitemia in Naturally Infected Cats

Background Cytauxzoon felis is a hemoprotozoal parasite that causes substantial morbidity and mortality during the acute phase of infection in cats. However, cats that survive the acute illness remain persistently infected and may serve as a reservoir for the tick-transmitted pathogen. Objective We investigated the ability of the antiprotozoal compound diminazene diaceturate to eliminate the pathogen from naturally infected C. felis carriers. Animals Seven healthy, chronically infected domestic cats housed in a research setting. Methods Prospective clinical trial. Cats were treated in a masked fashion with diminazene diaceturate (3 mg/kg) or placebo IM in a series of 2 injections 7 days apart. Clearance of the organism was assessed by light microscopy and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at 0, 3, 6, and 10 weeks. In addition, cats were monitored for behavioral changes or for changes on physical examination, CBC, plasma biochemical profile, and urinalysis periodically. Cats that remained parasitemic at the end of 10 weeks were switched to the alternative treatment and similarly monitored for an additional 10 weeks. Results Adverse events associated with treatment were limited to self-resolving hypersalivation and injection site soreness; the former was ameliorated by premedication with atropine. Parasite burden, as assayed by both light microscopy and real-time PCR, was similar between diminazene- and placebo-treated cats. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Diminazene diaceturate was unable to eliminate the pathogen or decrease parasite burden in healthy, chronically infected cats.
Occupational electrical injuries in the United States, 1992–1998, and recommendations for safety research

Abstract Problem : CFOI and SOII data show that 2,287 U.S. workers died and 32,807 workers sustained days away from work due to electrical shock or electrical burn injuries between 1992 and 1998. Method : The narrative, work activity, job title, source of injury, location, and industry for each fatal electrical accident were examined. A primary causal factor was identified for each fatality. Results : Electrical fatalities were categorized into five major groups. Overall, 44% of electrical fatalities occurred in the construction industry. Contact with overhead power lines caused 41% of all electrical fatalities. Discussion : Electrical shock caused 99% of fatal and 62% of nonfatal electrical accidents. Comprising about 7% of the U.S. workforce, construction workers sustain 44% of electrical fatalities. Power line contact by mobile equipment occurs in many industries and should be the subject of focused research. Other problem areas are identified and opportunities for research are proposed. Impact on Industry : Improvements in electrical safety in one industry often have application in other industries.
Recovery of an Extracellular Alkaline Protease From Whole Fermentation Broth Using Reversed Micelles

The liquid-liquid extraction of an extracellular alkaline protease from its fermentation broth was carried out, using a reversed micellar organic solvent. Optimum process parameters were determined for extraction using a 250 mM AOT in isooctane micellar solution. With unequal phase volume ratios, purification factors as high as 6 have been obtained from completely untreated broth. Yields up to 56% were achieved from the same broth using a three-stage cascade.
Comparison of psbK operon organization and group III intron content in chloroplast genomes of 12 Euglenoid species.

A novel mixed operon has been identified in the photosynthetic protist E. gracilis. The genes for psbK, ycf12, psaM, and trnR are co-transcribed. The resulting tetracistronic transcripts are processed through endonucleolytic cleavage of the intergenic spacers and intron splicing to form three mature monocistronic mRNAs and a tRNA. A group III twintron and a group III intron are located in psbK. Another group III intron is found in ycf12. The psbK operon has been cloned by PCR amplification from nine related Euglenoid species. In each species, the gene order and content of the psbK operon is conserved. The psbK operons contain phylogenetically conserved eubacterial promoter, translational, and 3′ processing elements. Intron content varies significantly from species to species. Based on a comparison of the intron content with the results of phylogenetic analysis, group III intron evolution within the Euglenoid lineage is much more complex than previously believed.
Duality in Segal–Bargmann spaces

Abstract For α > 0 , the Bargmann projection P α is the orthogonal projection from L 2 ( γ α ) onto the holomorphic subspace L hol 2 ( γ α ) , where γ α is the standard Gaussian probability measure on C n with variance ( 2 α ) − n . The space L hol 2 ( γ α ) is classically known as the Segal–Bargmann space. We show that P α extends to a bounded operator on L p ( γ α p / 2 ) , and calculate the exact norm of this scaled L p Bargmann projection. We use this to show that the dual space of the L p -Segal–Bargmann space L hol p ( γ α p / 2 ) is an L p ′ Segal–Bargmann space, but with the Gaussian measure scaled differently: ( L hol p ( γ α p / 2 ) ) ⁎ ≅ L hol p ′ ( γ α p ′ / 2 ) (this was shown originally by Janson, Peetre, and Rochberg). We show that the Bargmann projection controls this dual isomorphism, and gives a dimension-independent estimate on one of the two constants of equivalence of the norms.
Advanced Scientific Methods and Procedures in the Forensic Investigation of Clandestine Graves

Our goal is to discuss the new technologies and procedures that we have developed for the discovery and recovery of buried victims. We argue that forensic investigations of clandestine graves must be grounded in the most advanced scientific methods and evidence-collection techniques available. A structured program that includes an interdisciplinary team of forensic scientists and law enforcement experts is proposed to facilitate all aspects of the investigative and legal process. Such issues are of great relevance because most legal jurisdictions have a number of cases each year and present operating procedures are not standardized. There is a clear need for national dialog to improve our investigative efforts and insure best practices in forensic science across legal jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies.
Mechanism of action of a respiratory inhibitor from the gill tissue of the sporulating common mushroom, Agaricus bisporus.

Abstract γ- l -glutaminyl 3,4-benzoquinone, isolated from the gill tissue of speculating common meadow mushroom Agaricus bisporus has been found to inhibit the dehydrogenases of the tricarboxylic acid cycle in rat liver mitochondria. Inhibition of succinic-cytochrome c reductase activity is competitively retarded by succinate and malonate. Studies on the inhibition of chicken liver xanthine dehydrogenase indicated that the quinone is a sulfhydryl blocking reagent. Several other “sulfhydryl” enzymes are also inhibited by the quinone. Formation of a 1:1 adduct with cysteine was detected spectrophotometrically. Similar adducts are formed on treatment of “sulfhydryl” enzymes with the quinone.
The economic considerations in laparoscopic surgery

There has been increasing concern in the medical, business, and insurance communities and government agencies about the rising cost of health care. Since 1980 the cost of medical care has increased from $280 billion dollars per year to $670 billion dollars in 1990, and was estimated at $900 billion in 1993. Several factors have contributed to this increase, including the high cost of hospitalization and new expensive technology, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This present cost analysis was undertaken to determine the cost variables in laparoscopic cholecystectomy to see if changes in physician, nursing, and administration work activities could decrease the cost of hospitalization. Fifty-four patients who had an uncomplicated elective cholecystectomy during a five-month period in 1993 were assessed in terms of cost components of hospitalization, including nursing unit labor costs, surgery personnel labor costs, supply/instrument cost, and ancillary costs. Nine general surgeons participated in this study, four of whom accounted for 71% of the annual volume of cases. This analysis was performed with the help of Baxter Corporate Consulting, a Division of Baxter Healthcare Corporation. From this study, it was found that the average cost for uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients was $1589 +/- $223. The operating room and supply/instrument component costs were the two largest expenses, accounting for 42% of the total cost. Reimbursement from various insurance agencies were also evaluated, and it was determined that a contract made with a local HMO caused the hospital to lose an average of $443.00 per patient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Projected Impact Of Cuban Settlement On Voting Patterns In Metropolitan Miami, Florida

(1972). The Projected Impact Of Cuban Settlement On Voting Patterns In Metropolitan Miami, Florida. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 123-131.
MULTIPLE DISCRIMINANT ANALYSIS AND SEVERAL SMALL SAMPLES-TO SPLIT, COMBINE, OR TREAT SEPARATELY

This paper provides a methodology for investigating whether different groups perceived as being similar can be treated as homogeneous and therefore can be effectively combined for Multiple Discriminant Analysis purposes. The consequences of combining heterogeneous groups are explored.
Psychological complications of patients with Gaucher disease

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) is commonly used in chronic illness and chronic pain populations to assess psychological functioning. We report the results of the first study employing the MMPI-2 to assess psychological aspects of patients with Gaucher disease, type I (GD) is an inborn error of metabolism with unique features as a chronic illness: the disorder often presents with mild symptoms, and is frequently diagnosed in later childhood or adulthood; the treatment is highly efficacious, but, that same treatment is intrusive and expensive and requires that patients restructure their work and personal schedules. In this study, 28 patients with GD completed the MMPI-2 and a background questionnaire. GD patients scored significantly higher than the MMPI-2 normative sample on MMPI-2 scales of Validity (K), Hypochondriasis (Hs), Depression (D), Hysteria (Hy), Psychasthenia (Pt) and Schizophrenia (Sc). Individuals with elevated scores on the Hs, D and Hy scales tend to have somatic concerns and depressed mood. Under stress, they are likely to report physical symptoms. Elevated Pt and Sc scales suggest psychological turmoil and, possibly feelings of isolation. An elevated K scale indicates a tendency for individuals to deny psychopathology. The length of time the patient with GD had been on enzyme replacement therapy was not significantly related to any of the 13 MMPI-2 scales. Cohorts of patients with chronic heart disease (CRHD) and cohorts of patients with chronic pain were utilized as comparative populations in this investigation. The elevated scores of the GD patients on MMPI-2 scales Hs, D and Hy were similar to those of the CRHD population. The chronic pain patients also showed elevations on MMPI-2 scales Hs, D and Hy, which were elevated in the GD patients; the elevations in the chronic pain patients were higher than those shown by the GD patients. We conclude that patients with GD exhibit moderate to severe psychological complications, similar to patients with other long-term chronic illnesses.
Effect of tool rotational speed and probe length on lap joint quality of a friction stir welded magnesium alloy

Abstract The effects of tool rotational speed and probe length on lap joint quality of friction stir welded 2-mm AZ31B-H24 magnesium alloy were investigated in terms of welding defects, microstructure and mechanical properties. Tensile shear load initially increases with increasing tool rotational speed but decreases with further increase. However, the tensile shear load always increases with increasing probe length. The highest shear strength is obtained using a set of welding parameters resulting in a downward hooking defect at the maximum stress location of the top sheet. Sound lap joints with low distortion, lack of cavity, minor kissing bond and preferable hooking defects, and high tensile shear strength were successfully obtained, indicating the great potential of friction stir welding technique for magnesium alloys.
Identification of regions of potential flexibility in protein structures: folding units and correlations with intron positions

An algorithm has been developed to estimate flexibility for potential hinge motion at specified residues, that is, the mutual movement of two domains by rotation around a set of main-chain dihedral angles with torsion angles of neighboring side chains as variables. Such conformational changes must occur without severe atomic collisions. Flexible hinges have been found that satisfy such criteria. Sequence flexibility charts were obtained by plotting the flexibility of each residue against the residue number. Such charts were calculated for 10 proteins (ovomucoid third domain, cytochrome c, lysozyme, hemoglobin β-chain, α-chymotrypsin, elastase, carboxypeptidase A, dihydrofolate reductase, triosephosphate isomerase, and alcohol dehydrogenase) taken from the Protein Data Bank. The first step of unfolding is likely to occur at the hinge point with the largest flexibility. Following this idea, the polypeptide chain can be dissected into several folding units according to the sequence flexibility chart. When two domains are separated by conformational changes at such a hinge, the sequence flexibility chart for each domain changes, and it is recalculated and used to indicate subsequent unfolding steps. In this process of iterative estimation of flexibile hinges, some well-isolated hinges, or the border line between flexible and inflexible regions, were found to be directly at or close to the positions of splice junctions in the eukaryotic genes. Of a total of 45 splice junctions in the 10 proteins examined in this paper, 38 junctions can be identified as flexible hinges between folding units. We suggest that the iterative estimation of flexible hinges may define an array of possible folding/unfolding paths, and that the exon–intron arrangement in the gene may be closely correlated with the folding process of the protein.
Annulate lamellae in hepatic and pancreatic beta cells of the chick embryo

This study is concerned with the finding of cytoplasmic annulate lamellae in normally developing avian somatic tissues. Annulate lamellae were observed in hepatic parenchymal and pancreatic beta cells of the chick embryo on days five and eleven, respectively, of egg incubation. The presence of this cytoplasmic membrane system in normal embryonic tissues supports the view that annulate lamellae may represent normally occurring, transitory organelles common to virtually all cells during early embryonic differentiation.
Incremental Validity of Coping-oriented Marijuana Use Motives in the Prediction of Affect-based Psychological Vulnerability

The present investigation examined whether coping-oriented motives to use marijuana, as measured by the Marijuana Motives Measure (MMM; Simons et al. in J. Couns. Psychol. 45:265–273, 1998), were uniquely related to affect-based psychological vulnerability factors among marijuana users. Participants were 131 adult current marijuana users (72 women, Mage = 20.14, SD = 3.37 years). As hypothesized, after controlling for gender, cigarettes smoked per day, past 30-day marijuana use, total years of marijuana use, and alcohol consumption, coping motives were significantly and incrementally related to negative affect-based psychological vulnerability factors. No other marijuana use motives demonstrated a similar type of relationship to the dependent variables, providing a high degree of explanatory specificity. These data suggest that coping-oriented motives to use marijuana may be an important explanatory construct in better understanding marijuana and psychological vulnerability relations.
Monoallelic expression of the protease inhibitor gene in humans, sheep, and cattle

Alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a genetic disorder that is associated with emphysema and liver disease because of mutations in the protease inhibitor (PI) gene. Although AAT deficiency is known to be an autosomal recessive disorder, some heterozygous individuals have been found to be affected. In this study, a polymorphism-based approach was used to study the expression status of the PI gene in humans, sheep, and cattle. RT-PCR products obtained from a total of 141 tissues were analyzed by direct sequencing and RFLP. Genomic DNA and cDNA from saliva from human individuals, including a family of four and two families of two, were sequenced. Thirteen individuals showed biallelic expression, and three individuals showed monoallelic expression. This differential expression of the PI gene might elucidate the puzzling heterozygote controversy in which heterozygotes have been found to be affected with AAT deficiency. Sheep and cattle tissues showed a complex pattern of expression. In most sheep tissues (17/25), PI transcripts were expressed from both parental alleles; in three tissues, PI transcripts were expressed preferentially from one allele and partially expressed from the other allele; in eight tissues, PI transcripts were monoallelically expressed. Comparisons of the expression patterns of cattle fetuses and their dams show that the PI gene is biallelically expressed in fetuses and predominantly monoallelically expressed in the dams. The expression analysis of the bovine PI transcripts in the different tissues demonstrated sporadic pattern of expression with preferential monoalleleic expression for some tissues and preferential biallelic expression for other tissues.
Management of pediatric airway granular cell tumor: Role of laryngotracheal reconstruction

Summary Objective To discuss the role of laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) in granular cell tumor (GCT) and to highlight the importance and seriousness of GCT in pediatric airway cases. Methods A historical literature review was performed and a GCT case from the University of Miami Pediatric Otolaryngology Clinic is presented to highlight the role of LTR in the treatment of GCT. Results A case of a GCT of the laryngotracheal airway is reported and the management is discussed. Histological discussion and a review of the literature are included regarding GCT. This case is the third reported in the English literature of two synchronous GCT lesions of the upper airway repaired with a laryngotracheal reconstruction. Conclusions In the authors’ experience once conservative management consisting of endoscopic debulking has failed the treatment of choice for GCTs of the pediatric airway that are unresectable is a single stage laryngotracheal reconstruction with negative frozen section pathology to assure total wide local excision.
Co‐occurring mental health problems among substance dependent offenders of intimate partner violence

Purpose – This study aims to evaluate differences between substance dependent men who were arrested for intimate partner violence (IPV) with and without concurrent psychiatric problems.Design/methodology/approach – In total, 63 participants were randomly assigned to manual‐guided group behavioral therapies (cognitive behavioral therapy for substance dependent domestic violence offenders (SADV) or drug counseling (DC)) and assessed across 12 weeks of treatment.Findings – Despite excluding psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders at baseline, 23 percent of clients reported prior mental health treatment. SADV participants with co‐occurring mental health were different than SADV participants without co‐occurring mental health symptoms on both baseline and post‐treatment time periods. SADV participants with co‐occurring mental health symptoms had more pre‐treatment impairments, more drug use during treatment, a trend for more problems with aggressive behaviors throughout treatment and significantly more impai...
HIV-1 Infection of Human Intestinal Lamina Propria CD4+ T Cells In Vitro Is Enhanced by Exposure to Commensal Escherichia coli

Microbial translocation has been linked to systemic immune activation in HIV-1 disease, yet mechanisms by which microbes may contribute to HIV-associated intestinal pathogenesis are poorly understood. Importantly, our understanding of the impact of translocating commensal intestinal bacteria on mucosal-associated T cell responses in the context of ongoing viral replication that occurs early in HIV-1 infection is limited. We previously identified commensal Escherichia coli-reactive Th1 and Th17 cells in normal human intestinal lamina propria (LP). In this article, we established an ex vivo assay to investigate the interactions between Th cell subsets in primary human LP mononuclear cells (LPMCs), commensal E. coli, and CCR5-tropic HIV-1(Bal). Addition of heat-killed E. coli to HIV-1-exposed LPMCs resulted in increases in HIV-1 replication, CD4 T cell activation and infection, and IL-17 and IFN-γ production. Conversely, purified LPS derived from commensal E. coli did not enhance CD4 T cell infection. E. coli exposure induced greater proliferation of LPMC Th17 than Th1 cells. Th17 cells were more permissive to infection than Th1 cells in HIV-1-exposed LPMC cultures, and Th17 cell infection frequencies significantly increased in the presence of E. coli. The E. coli-associated enhancement of infection was dependent on the presence of CD11c(+) LP dendritic cells and, in part, on MHC class II-restricted Ag presentation. These results highlight a potential role for translocating microbes in impacting mucosal HIV-1 pathogenesis during early infection by increasing HIV-1 replication and infection of intestinal Th1 and Th17 cells.
An Irrigation-Induced Debris Flow in Northern New Mexico

This paper describes investigations of a 10,000 m 3 (12,000 cuyd) debris flow that mobilized from coarse-grained Holocene stream terrace deposits near Cordova, New Mexico. Field evidence suggests that mobilization occurred very near the main scarp—which intersects a steeply dipping, clayey paleosol directly beneath the terrace—and that the debris was flowing before it reached the nearby Rio Quemado. Recompacted stream terrace samples were contractive in two out of three direct shear tests, and we calculated the approximate mobility index of the terrace sediments to be greater than unity. If they were completely saturated, therefore, the terrace sediments could have been mobilized from a small debris slump without the addition of any water. In order to investigate this possibility, we performed a series of limit equilibrium stability analyses and found that a phreatic surface coincident with the ground surface would have been necessary in order for sliding to occur. We conclude that the failure was probably due to the unprecedented development of a perched water table above the paleosol, which caused sliding and subsequent mobilization. The two most likely sources of water were seepage from an irrigation ditch above the failed slope and over-irrigation of the terrace, which was being used as a pasture. The presence of weakly developed calcic soil horizons suggests that terraces along the Rio Quemado have been well-drained and stable throughout most of their history, which is confirmed by regional landslide inventory maps. Therefore, we recommend that geologic inventories be supplemented by quantitative mechanical analyses in order to properly assess the potential for slope instability due to unprecedented activities such as irrigation, construction, or logging.
Melding Service Learning and Leadership Skills Development: Keys to Effective Course Design

The author presents keys to designing a class that successfully melds service learning and student leadership development. These prescriptions are based on the lessons learned over 8 years of teach...
Tangential Curves and Fatou's Theorem on Trees

The paper shows that the distinction between tangential sequences and tangential curves, which is known to be relevant for the boundary behaviour of harmonic functions in Euclidean half spaces, is also meaningful and relevant in the discrete setting of the potential theory on a tree associated to a very regular, nearest neighbour random walk. In particular, the paper first defines the class of tangential curves on a tree, and then proves that, for any family of tangential curves which have the same order of tangency and are associated (and converging) to points in the boundary, there is a bounded harmonic function which, for (almost) every point in the boundary, has positive oscillation along the corresponding curve. This result does not hold if, in place of tangential curves, tangential sequences are admitted. The tree is not assumed to be homogeneous. In particular, the results do not depend on the existence of isometries.
Digital controller design for multivariable systems with structural closed-loop performance specifications

The problem of the direct design of the closed-loop transfer function matrix is addressed for multivariable discrete systems. The limitations imposed by unstable zeros, time delays and the structure associated with these are quantified. A design procedure is formulated that provides the designer with quantitative measures for evaluating the tradeoffs between different closed-loop interaction structures and durations. The problem of intersample rippling is also considered. The procedure requires only linear-algebra operations, includes the eventual construction of the feedback controller in state space, and is presented in a way that allows its straightforward computer implementation.
Building a Personalized Medicine Infrastructure at a Major Cancer Center

Our understanding of cancer biology is rapidly increasing, as is the availability and affordability of high throughput technologies for comprehensive molecular characterization of tumors and the individual's own genetic makeup. Thus, the time is right to implement personalized molecular medicine for all patients with cancer. Personalized approaches span the full cancer care spectrum from risk stratification to prevention, screening, therapy, and survivorship programs. Several molecular therapeutics have entered clinical trials creating a huge opportunity to couple genomic markers with this emerging drug tool kit. The number of patients managed in major cancer centers creates a challenge to the implementation of genomic technologies required to successfully deliver on the promise of personalized cancer care. This requires a major investment in infrastructure to facilitate rapid deployment of multiplex, cost-effective, and tissue-sparing assays relevant across multiple tumor lineages in the Clinical Laborat...
Designing multiple Gabor filters for multitexture image segmentation

We consider the problem of segmenting multitextured images using multiple Gabor lters. In particular, we present a mathematical framework for a multichannel texture-segmentation system consisting of a parallel bank of lter channels, a vector classier stage, and a postprocessing stage. The framework establishes mathematical relationships between the predicted texture-segmentation error, the frequency spectra of constituent textures, and the parameters of the lter channels. The framework also permits the systematic formulation of lter-design procedures and provides predicted vector output statistics that are useful for classier design. This paper focuses on the mathematical framework and provides experimental results that conrm the utility of the framework in the design of a complete image-segmentation system. The results demonstrate eective segmentation using a straightforward classier and fewer than half the number of lters needed in previously proposed approaches. Subject terms: Gabor prelter, Gabor lter, Gabor function, texture segmentation, statistical image analysis, texture analysis, computer vision, image segmentation.
Influence of Dietary Potassium on Potassium-42, Rubidium-86 and Cesium-134 Retention in the Rat.

SummaryAn increase in dietary potassium has been shown to increase excretion of cesium-134, potassium-42 and rubidium-86. Interpretation of the first significant increase in excretion of these radionuclides as being the point at which dietary potassium is adequate would place the potassium requirement of the rat between 0.075 and 0.15%, probably between 0.1 and 0.15%. This is supported by the growth data.
Anticipation-Based Temporal Sequences Learning in Hierarchical Structure

Temporal sequence learning is one of the most critical components for human intelligence. In this paper, a novel hierarchical structure for complex temporal sequence learning is proposed. Hierarchical organization, a prediction mechanism, and one-shot learning characterize the model. In the lowest level of the hierarchy, we use a modified Hebbian learning mechanism for pattern recognition. Our model employs both active 0 and active 1 sensory inputs. A winner-take-all (WTA) mechanism is used to select active neurons that become the input for sequence learning at higher hierarchical levels. Prediction is an essential element of our temporal sequence learning model. By correct prediction, the machine indicates it knows the current sequence and does not require additional learning. When the prediction is incorrect, one-shot learning is executed and the machine learns the new input sequence as soon as the sequence is completed. A four-level hierarchical structure that isolates letters, words, sentences, and strophes is used in this paper to illustrate the model
Very High Purity Aluminum: An Historical Perspective

The origins of High purity aluminum production are likely to have a strong impact on future production in conventional reduction cells. Many of the key elements that are necessary to produce Very High purity ingot were in place at the very beginning of the 20th century. In this article, the author examines some of the history of the industry. He also comments on aspects of aluminum smelter design that will continue to serve purity markets into the 21st century.
An RFID-based object localisation framework

Numerous ubiquitous computing applications depend on the ability to locate objects as a key functionality. We show that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology can be leveraged to achieve object localisation in an inexpensive, reliable, flexible, and scalable manner. We outline the challenges that can adversely affect RFID-based localisation techniques, and propose practical mitigating solutions. We present several new algorithms for RFID-based object localisation that compare favourably with previous methods in terms of accuracy, speed, reliability, scalability, and cost.
A Study of the Sarcoplasmic Proteins of Porcine Muscle by Starch Gel Electrophoresis

SUMMARY– Extensive investigations were conducted on numerous variables in order to establish the most ideal conditions for the starch gel electrophoresis of the proteins of porcine skeletal muscle sarcoplasm. This technique was used to evaluate the characteristics of the sarcoplasm extracted from (a) muscles at various times post-mortem, (b) muscles which ultimately remained normal in color and gross morphology as well as muscles which became extremely PSE and (c) muscles which had altered color and gross morphology due to post mortem treatment (i.e., normal color and gross morphology due to surface treatment with L-N2 and PSE characteristics due to post-mortem incubation at 37°C for 4 hr). There were no discernible differences between the starch gel electrophoretograms of sarcoplasmic proteins extracted from pre- and post-rigor muscle. Likewise, there were no visually detectable differences between the starch gel electrophoretograms of sarcoplasmic proteins extracted from naturally occurring normal and PSE muscles. Furthermore, the preservation of normal color and gross morphology through L-N, treatment did not give rise to electrophoretic differences when compared with either naturally occurring normal or PSE muscle. Although sarcoplasmic protein solubility diminished in naturally occurring PSE muscle, this loss in soluble protein did not necessarily manifest itself in the preferential denaturation of a specific sarcoplasmic protein. However when muscles were incubated at 37°C for 4 hr to induce the PSE condition they yielded sarcoplasmic extracts with marked electrophoretic reductions in creatine kinase, phosphoglucomutase, triosephosphate isomerase and F-protein (Scopes, 1965). Although there were no apparent differences in creatine kinase isozymes between samples of muscle which ultimately remained normal or became PSE, the minor (fastest moving) creatine kinase band, as well as the phosphoglucomutase bands, appeared more labile during incubation at 37°C than the major (slowest moving) creatine kinase band.
Habitat Preference and the Effects of Beach Nourishment on the Federally Threatened Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle, Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis: Western Shore, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia

Abstract This study examines the habitat preference of the US federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle, Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis, and the effect of beach nourishment on existing habitats along two western Chesapeake Bay beaches. Winter Harbor Beach and Smith Point Beach, located approximately 100 km to the north, historically have supported large populations of C. d. dorsalis. Grain size distributions, sediment compaction at two depths, temperature, moisture, and beach width habitat parameters were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's honestly significant difference multiple comparison test and related to the distribution and abundance of C. d. dorsalis. The results from this study indicate that this species prefers beaches at least 6 m wide, with moderately well–sorted sands having a mean grain size of 0.5 to 0.6 mm, and relatively compacted sediment with averages of 69 psi and 110 psi at depths of 10 and 15 cm, respectively. In addition, the two nourishment projects had a positive...
Effects of steroid hormones upon the developmental separation of the prepuce from the glans penis.

IT has been reported that by the tenth day after birth the normal separation of the prepuce from the glans penis has become complete enough “to allow mechanical retraction without danger of a tear.”b However there are still those infants who are said to present clinical indications for circumcision. From experimental studies in animals it would seem that in these infants such therapeutical agents as androgen might be as effective as cutting. In rodents, a developmental separation similar to the normal one of puberty may be induced experimentally by subjecting immature ground squirrels to subcutaneous injections of androgen (16). Similar observations in the rat and the mouse have been made (9, 14). It has also been found that in the rat the local application of androgen to the penis is followed by considerable growth of this organ (18). The first objective of the present study was to determine whether androgen applied to the prepuce of rodents would cause a separation of the foreskin without causing an ext...
Comparative evaluation of Oxoid Signal and BACTEC radiometric blood culture systems for the detection of bacteremia and fungemia.

The Oxoid Signal (Oxoid U.S.A., Inc., Columbia, Md.) blood culture system is a newly described, innovative method for visually detecting growth of microorganisms (D. Sawney, S. Hinder, D. Swaine, and E.Y. Bridson, J. Clin. Pathol. 39:1259-1263, 1986). We did 5,999 paired comparisons of equal volumes (10 ml) of blood in the Oxoid Signal and BACTEC (Johnson Laboratories, Towson, Md.) radiometric blood culture systems at two university hospitals that use identical methods of obtaining and processing specimens. Overall, more microorganisms were detected in the BACTEC system (P less than 0.001), in particular, streptococci (P less than 0.01), fungi (P less than 0.001), and nonfermentative gram-negative rods, especially Acinetobacter species (P less than 0.001). Trends favoring the BACTEC system for detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus species, and Neisseria species were noted. There were no differences in the yield of staphylococci, members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, and anaerobic bacteria. When both systems detected sepsis, the BACTEC did so earlier (P less than 0.001). This advantage was most notable at 24 h (70% of BACTEC positives detected versus 48% of Oxoid positives). The proportion of positives detected after 48 h, however, was similar (BACTEC, 84%; Oxoid, 78%). Revisions in the Oxoid Signal system itself or in the processing of Oxoid bottles appear to be necessary to improve its performance in detecting certain microorganism groups, especially fungi. Images
Sex differences and mechanisms of task-specific muscle fatigue.

Women can be less fatigable than men due to sex-related differences within the neuromuscular system that impact physiological adjustments during a fatiguing task. The involved mechanism(s) for the sex difference, however, is task specific. This review explores the novel hypothesis that variation of the task will alter the magnitude of the sex-difference in muscle fatigue and the contribution of involved mechanisms.
Perioperative management of 63 patients with pheochromocytoma

During a 10-year period, 60 patients with confirmed diagnoses of pheochromocytoma underwent a total of 63 surgical procedure. To control extreme blood pressure elevations, 6 patients received phenoxybenzamine preoperatively and 28 patients received prazosin. The remaining 29 patients received neither drug. Intravenous sodium nitroprusside and nitroglycerin, alone or in combination, were used in all but 10 patients to control intraoperative hypertensive episodes. One patient died after surgery due to pre-existing intracranial malignant tumor. All other patients were discharged from the hospital with no clinical evidence of stroke or myocardial infarction. We conclude that pheochromocytoma patients can undergo successful surgery without preoperative profound and long-lasting alpha adrenergic blockade.
Review of Lasiodactylus Perty, with descriptions of three new species (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Nitidulinae)

The genus Lasiodactylus contains four species, the type species L. brunneus Perty from Peru and Brazil, and three new species described here; L. centralis Cline from southern Mexico, Belize, and Honduras, L. falini Cline from Suriname and French Guiana, and L. kelleri Cline from Argentina. Lasiodactylus kelleri inhabits the burrow systems of dynastine scarabs in the genus Heterogomphus and feeds on plant sap flows caused by their feeding. The genus is characterized by at least two unambiguous characters, a well developed triangular supraocular region and mentum with a sulcate anterior margin. Other external characters shared with the Aethina-complex of genera also are described to assess the position of Lasiodactylus within the Nitidulinae. A key to Lasiodactylus species is provided and new country records for L. brunneus are listed.
Effect of Bradyrhizobia Inoculant Formulation with Phorate in New Peanut Fields

ABSTRACT Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a legume and requires nodulation by Bradyrhizobia to convert atmospheric N into a plant usable form. Peanut inoculants place large volumes of viable Bradyrhizobia near the emerging root of the plant to infect it ensuring N-fixation. Peanut seedlings are susceptible to feeding by thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), which transmit Tospovirus leading to tomato spotted wilt (TSW) and can result in yield decline. Phorate is a common in-furrow insecticide used to reduce thrips feeding on the plants, and hence reduce the risk of TSW infection. However, placing phorate in the same furrow with living Bradyrhizobia has raised concerns about phorate potentially reducing efficacy of inoculants. Experiments were designed to test liquid and sterile peat formulations of Bradyrhizobia inoculant with two peanut cultivars in-furrow at planting, both with and without phorate insecticide to determine yield, grade, and growth parameters on peanut. Research was conducted on a non-irrigate...