cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subjective and Objective Comparison of Critical Care Pathways for Open Donor Nephrectomy

Purpose: In the era of minimally invasive techniques and cost containment, care pathways after donor nephrectomy are important. While open donor nephrectomy remains the established procedure, questions regarding the surgical approach, postoperative care and patient morbidity/dissatisfaction have surfaced. We compared results of standard and fast-track care pathways after donor nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: Between January 1998 and August 1999, 60 patients underwent open donor nephrectomy. By surgeon preference, patients received either ketorolac only (31), ketorolac plus morphine spinal (17) or patient controlled anesthesia (12). Data related to surgery, hospital course and cost were reviewed. Patients were surveyed regarding return to daily activities and groups were statistically analyzed.Results: The mean dose per patient was 183 (ketorolac only), 180 (ketorolac plus morphine spinal) and 69 (patient controlled analgesia) mg. Median hospital stay was 2 days for the fast-track pathways (ketorolac on...
Short Data Record Adaptive Filtering: The Auxiliary-Vector Algorithm☆

Abstract Karystinos, G. N., Qian, H., Medley, M. J., and Batalama, S. N., Short Data Record Adaptive Filtering: The Auxiliary-Vector Algorithm, Digital Signal Processing12 (2002) 193–222 Based on statistical conditional optimization criteria, we developed an iterative algorithm that starts from the matched filter (or constraint vector) and generates a sequence of filters that converges to the minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) solution for any positive definite input autocorrelation matrix. Computationally, the algorithm is a simple recursive procedure that avoids explicit matrix inversion, decomposition, or diagonalization operations. When the input autocorrelation matrix is replaced by a conventional sample-average (positive definite) estimate, the algorithm effectively generates a sequence of MVDR filter estimators: The bias converges rapidly to zero and the covariance trace rises slowly and asymptotically to the covariance trace of the familiar sample matrix inversion (SMI) estimator. For short data records, the early, nonasymptotic, elements of the generated sequence of estimators offer favorable bias–covariance balance and are seen to outperform in mean-square estimation error constraint-LMS, RLS-type, and orthogonal multistage decomposition estimates (also called nested Wiener filters) as well as plain and diagonally loaded SMI estimates. The problem of selecting the most successful (in some appropriate sense) filter estimator in the sequence for a given data record is addressed and two data-driven selection criteria are proposed. The first criterion minimizes the cross-validated sample average variance of the filter estimator output. The second criterion maximizes the estimated J-divergence of the filter estimator output conditional distributions. Illustrative interference suppression examples drawn from the communications literature are followed throughout this presentation.
Spinal Atypical Protein Kinase C Activity Is Necessary to Stabilize Inactivity-Induced Phrenic Motor Facilitation

The neural network controlling breathing must establish rhythmic motor output at a level adequate to sustain life. Reduced respiratory neural activity elicits a novel form of plasticity in circuits driving the diaphragm known as inactivity-induced phrenic motor facilitation (iPMF), a rebound increase in phrenic inspiratory output observed once respiratory neural drive is restored. The mechanisms underlying iPMF are unknown. Here, we demonstrate in anesthetized rats that spinal mechanisms give rise to iPMF and that iPMF consists of at least two mechanistically distinct phases: (1) an early, labile phase that requires atypical PKC (PKCζ and/or PKCι/λ) activity to transition to a (2) late, stable phase. Early (but not late) iPMF is associated with increased interactions between PKCζ/ι and the scaffolding protein ZIP (PKCζ-interacting protein)/p62 in spinal regions associated with the phrenic motor pool. Although PKCζ/ι activity is necessary for iPMF, spinal atypical PKC activity is not necessary for phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF) following acute intermittent hypoxia, an activity-independent form of spinal respiratory plasticity. Thus, while iPMF and pLTF both manifest as prolonged increases in phrenic burst amplitude, they arise from distinct spinal cellular pathways. Our data are consistent with the hypotheses that (1) local mechanisms sense and respond to reduced respiratory-related activity in the phrenic motor pool and (2) inactivity-induced increases in phrenic inspiratory output require local PKCζ/ι activity to stabilize into a long-lasting iPMF. Although the physiological role of iPMF is unknown, we suspect that iPMF represents a compensatory mechanism, assuring adequate motor output in a physiological system in which prolonged inactivity ends life.
Unionization and Perceived Control Among Community College Faculty

The research reported in this paper examined what role working in a union or nonunion college has in influencing faculty perceptions of control over their work. Using data from the 1993, 1999, and 2004 National Study of Postsecondary Faculty, this study explored the relative importance of variables in influencing perceived control among full-time teaching faculty in unionized and nonunionized community colleges. Union status was not found to be predictive of perceived control.
Reflections on social activism in otolaryngology

What is "social activism" to you? For older otolaryngologists, the term is likely to signify the tumult of the 1960s. For incoming generations, this connotation is outdated. Rather, it more broadly reflects concerted efforts to improve the public good. Some ally with existing institutions to work toward incremental progress. Some start new organizations, using technological tools to build networks, marshal resources, and leapfrog hurdles. Countering these efforts are the ever-changing challenges of practicing otolaryngology today: electronic health records, shifting incentives, and changes in the practice model. Employment by large conglomerates is more common, decreasing our visibility as community leaders. Burnout is a recognized "hazard," and budding otolaryngologists are particularly susceptible. Adding one more thing, like social activism, to a full plate seems counterintuitive. But it shouldn't be. You don't need a "bigger" plate to get involved in social causes. Start simple. Find a partner. Scale up. You'll find it rewarding.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Federal Government Financial Reporting

This article considers the nature of generally accepted accounting principles and how well they match the purpose and activities of the federal government. A comparison of fundamental differences affecting accounting and reporting for private business and the federal government shows that although the generally accepted accounting principles do not work for the federal government, it does not follow that the federal government has nothing to gain from these principles.
Olfactory Epithelium Grafts in the Cerebral Cortex: An Immunohistochemical Analysis

Objective: To develop an alternative model for studying the regenerative capacity of olfactory neurons. Study Design: An immunohistochemical analysis of mouse olfactory epithelium transplanted to the cerebral cortex. Methods: Strips of olfactory epithelium removed from donor mice at postnatal day 5 to day 20 were inserted into the parietal cortex of adult mice. Recipient animals were allowed to survive for 25 to 120 days and then perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde 1 hour after bromodeoxyuridine injection. The brains were processed, and frozen sections were obtained. Sections through transplant tissue were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and compared with normal olfactory epithelium. Results: Graft survival approached 85% with mature olfactory neurons detected in 35% of the transplants stained for olfactory marker protein. Transplant epithelium resembled normal olfactory epithelium containing mature olfactory neurons and axon bundles. Conclusions: Studies of olfactory neuron regeneration have been limited by the inability to produce cultures with long-term viability. Olfactory epithelial grafts to the cerebral cortex provide an alternative approach to the study of olfactory neuron regeneration.
Vehicle Propulsion by Solid State Motion

Traveling waves have shown the potential to transport material and are thus investigated as a propulsion mechanism. Through the use of piezoelectric actuators (PZTs), traveling waves were produced in beams with both free-free and fixed-free boundary conditions. It is shown that traveling waves can be generated by exciting two PZTs at a common frequency with a phase difference between the PZT signals. Experimentation showed the signal that creates the best traveling wave occurs at a driving frequency halfway between adjacent bending resonance frequencies and a phase difference of 90° between both PZTs signals. This has produced traveling waves in fixed-free beams and free-free beams in both air and water as well as for an underwater vehicle. These traveling waves generated useful propulsion in both the fixed-free and free-free beams.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Status Epilepticus in Children, Adults, and the Elderly

Status epilepticus (SE) is a major neurological and medical emergency associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Retrospective and prospective studies from the Medical College of Virginia Epilepsy Research Center have been utilized to investigate several clinical and epidemiological factors associated with SE. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of predictive indicators in patients with SE indicated that seizure duration, certain specific etiologies, and age were predictors of mortality. Sex, race, and certain other etiologies were not found to be factors that significantly affect mortality. These findings demonstrate that specific indicators are important in predicting mortality in SE. Preliminary prospective epidemiological data from Richmond, Virginia suggested that more than 250,000 cases of SE may occur annually in the United States with a mortality greater than 55,000 individuals. Studies comparing community and university hospitals in Richmond indicate that the mortality and clinical variables associated with SE in these two hospital populations are essentially identical. Further investigations employing prospective population-based studies are essential in evaluating the epidemiology and mortality of SE.
Proton-coupled electron transfer in high-valent oxomanganese dimers: role of the ancillary ligands

The aqueous electrochemistry of selected binuclear mixed-valence oxo-bridged manganese clusters has been investigated. For [Mn III Mn IV (O) 2 (bpy) 4 ] 3+ (1, bpy=2,2'-bipyridyl), it was observed that there is a substantial isotope effect for its electrochemical reduction, consistent with the proton-coupled electron transfer observed previously. Studies on [Mn III Mn IV -(O) 2 (edda) 2 ] - (2, edda=ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetate) show that the E 1/2 values are also pH-dependent in a manner consistent with a one-proton/one-electron mechanisms, as with 1. For (Mn III Mn IV (O) 2 (bispicen) 2 ] 3+ (3, bispicen=N,N'-bis(2-methylpyridyl)ethane-1,2-diamine), similar measurements indicate an EC mechanism where the electron transfer and protonation are kinetically decoupled
Acceleration of relativistic electrons via drift‐resonant interaction with toroidal‐mode Pc‐5 ULF oscillations

There has been increasing evidence that Pc-5 ULF oscillations play a fundamental role in the dynamics of outer zone electrons. In this work we examine the adiabatic response of electrons to toroidal-mode Pc-5 field line resonances using a simplified magnetic field model. We find that electrons can be adiabatically accelerated through a drift-resonant interaction with the waves, and present expressions describing the resonance condition and half-width for resonant interaction. The presence of magnetospheric convection electric fields is seen to increase the rate of resonant energization, and allow bulk acceleration of radiation belt electrons. Conditions leading to the greatest rate of acceleration in the proposed mechanism, a nonaxisymmetric magnetic field, superimposed toroidal oscillations, and strong convection electric fields, are likely to prevail during storms associated with high solar wind speeds.
Teaching Students by Having Students Teach: Dealing with the ‘Problem’ Sections of a Course

The author describes a positive turnaround that occurred in working with both the Prophets unit of her Hebrew Bible course and the Paul unit in her New Testament course. She initiated this turnaround by challenging the students to take over the teaching of those units through small group presentations. The emphasis on length and creativity in these presentations prompted some exemplary work on the part of students. And students now identify these units as both the most memorable of the course and where their most effective learning takes place.
Statistical analysis of pedestrian perceptions of sidewalk level of service in the presence of bicycles

Abstract Gaining a better understanding of pedestrian perceptions of level of service (LOS) in urban areas can be useful in developing strategies for providing a comfortable and safe walking environment. Using a sample of 114 respondents, this research studies how pedestrians perceive LOS on sidewalks shared with bicycles under various urban-street conditions. To do this, 15 carefully constructed video clips of Chinese urban sidewalks are presented to respondents and, after each 60-s video clip, respondents were asked to assess the pedestrian level of service in the video on a scale from LOS A (the most comfortable pedestrian environment) to LOS F (the least comfortable pedestrian environment). By estimating random parameters ordered probability models of respondents’ LOS assessments (to account for unobserved heterogeneity across respondents) we found, as expected, that pedestrian perceptions of LOS are strongly influenced by the pedestrian flow rate. However, many other factors were found to significantly affect LOS perceptions including sidewalk width, the presence of a barrier separating the sidewalk from motor-vehicle traffic, the presence of parking next to the sidewalk, the presence of businesses along the sidewalk, the bicycle flow rate, the speed of bicyclist, whether or not bicycles were riding against the flow of pedestrians, weather conditions, time of day, and age of the respondent. The specific impacts of the wide variety of factors that affect pedestrian perceptions of LOS suggest that a number of important tradeoffs need to be considered when planning pedestrian facilities.
Enhancing the barrier properties of colloidosomes using silica nanoparticle aggregates

Abstract Recent interest is focused on microcapsules stabilized using colloidal nanoparticles – termed ‘colloidosomes – for encapsulation applications in food, drug and cosmetic industries. However, due to electrostatic repulsion between similarly charged particles, shells composed of single-type nanoparticles tend to be monolayer-thick and relatively permeable. We investigated a self-assembly method for controlling the permeability of colloidal shells using aggregates composed of oppositely charged silica nanoparticles. Using a combination of rapid fluorescence based method and theoretical diffusion models, we found that colloidosomes whose shells contained colloidal silica aggregates displayed lower permeability to peroxyl radicals than ones stabilized by single type of silica nanoparticles. Furthermore, the permeability varied as a function of the ratio of oppositely charged silica nanoparticles in the shell. The ability to control the permeability of colloidosomes, while using a simple self-assembly synthesis method, will enable enhanced control over release kinetics and oxidative stability of encapsulants.
Disciplining School Employees for Talking with the Media: Salge v. Edna Independent School District

Officials in most school systems put considerable effort into maintaining good public images. The boards of large districts usually have a public relations department and a public relations director who is responsible for communicating with the media and for ensuring that the system makes a good impression with the local community. Some school boards go further and have policies in place that designate which senior administrators may communicate with the press and that prohibit nondesignated employees from talking with the media. The reasons for such policies are obvious. Boards have an interest in making sure that the media receive accurate information, that their sides of controversial stories get told effectively, and that unsubstantiated rumors do not circulate about such issues in the schools (Lester 2004). In addition, boards will want to prevent employees from divulging confidential information about students or staff members or about incidents that have a potential lead for litigation (Martin 2000). In fact, in some J Pers Eval Educ (2007) 20:1–5 DOI 10.1007/s11092-007-9023-x
A new system to record reliable pulse oximetry data from the Nellcor N-200 and its applications in studies of variability in infant oxygenation.

We have developed a simple system for internal validation of oximetry data collected over many hours from the Nellcor N-200 pulse oximeter (Nellcor, Inc., Hayward, CA). This system uses signals from the oximeter alone and a validation algorithm that is based in a computer connected to the oximeter. Unlike other validation systems, this system does not require connections to other monitors. The system was tested on 10 acutely ill newborns in an intensive care nursery over 16 hr of continuous recording for each infant (birthweight, 2.50±0.73 kg; age, 3.4±3.2 days). Oximetry data were accepted as valid using the new system if they surpassed a minimum level of quality (empirically derived, and equal to a 60% fractional success in pulse detection). The validated oximetry data were compared to data obtained using a conventional “compared to the electrocardiogram (ECG)” algorithm. For the new and the conventional algorithms, the distributions of validated SpO2 percents were nearly identical, with data rejection rates of 28.9% for the new system and 37.3% for the conventional system. In the newborns, the new system was used to demonstrate that as the mean saturations decreased, there were striking increases in variability about the reported mean saturation (p < 0.001). While variability in infant SpO2 is a well-known phenomenon, the amount seen here was unexpected. For example, the range of true saturations frequently recorded was quite wide at a reported mean SpO2 of 90% (from 81 to 94%; but, the range was only from 92 to 98% at a mean SpO2 of 96%). These findings demonstrate the usefulness of the new system and, if substantiated in more detailed studies, have important implications for the use of pulse oximeters to assess oxygenation in newborns.
R-curve measurements in PSZ ceramics

An indentation-bend failure-stress method was used for measurement of R-curves in a series of PSZ ceramics with varying peak toughness. Dilatational transformation-stress constraints are included in the residual-stress driving force contribution to the applied stress intensity factor. A power-law fit to the form of the R-curve simplifies the analysis. While the resulting curves show the expected form, measured toughness values are high relative to the expected peak toughness. Limitations and the range of applicability of the indentation-bend technique are discussed.
THE SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURE OF TWO NOVEL METAL-DI-2-PYRIDYL KETONE OXIME DIMERS

Abstract Single crystals of bis- N ) N ′, N ″-di-2-pyridylketone oxime- O -nitratosilver(I)) ( I ) and di- μ -chlorobis(( N , N ″-2-pyridyl-2′-pyridinium ketone oxime)aquchlorocopper(II)) ( II ) were isolated from aqueous solutions and have been structurally characterized. The crystals of I were found to contain neutral dimers of Ag(di-2-pyridylketone oxime)NO 3 where both Ag(I) cations have obtained a CN = 4 and the geometry around the metal centers can be described as distorted tetrahedra. The structure of II revealed that di-2-pyridylketone oxime (dpk-o) does not bridge the metal centers but coordinates separately to the Cu cations through one pyridine N and the N of the Schiff base function. The nitrogen of the second pyridine ring is protonated and is not involved in coordination. Both Cu cations obtain a CN = 6 if one includes CuCl bond lengths up to 3.053(3) A in the coordination sphere of the Cu cation. The geometry around each Cu can then be described as a distorted octahedron.
The Dark Knight Rises: In "42" Jackie Robinson Saves the American Dream.

The movie 42 shows memorable events that have faded from our view in recent years. The events are important to the evolution of a multicultural society in America because of the importance of baseball to the common national culture that all the American people have created. Jackie Robinson's significance as a cultural hero is shown by the respect with which we do not explain him away.
Understanding environmental quality through quality of life studies: the 2001 DAS and its use of subjective and objective indicators☆

Abstract A major program of research aimed at measuring the quality of community life using subjective and objective indicators is described. Impetus for the research was a need to inform planning and policy decisions in the Detroit metropolitan area. The study also addresses theoretical concerns about relationships between objective conditions in cities, towns and rural areas and people’s subjective and behavioral responses to the conditions. In addition to measuring subjective well being of Detroit area residents, issues explored in the study include travel and transportation, neighborhoods and neighboring, parks and recreation behavior, housing and residential mobility, and sprawl and open space preservation. The program of research also involves parallel studies in other world cities.
Preventing fires with high temperature vaporizers

In 1986 one of Du Pont's plants experienced a damaging fire in and around a vaporizer containing a high-temperature heat transfer medium (HTHTM). There were no injuries, but there was considerable property damage and lost production. A review of HTHTM history showed other plants and companies had experienced both damaging fires and incidents of severe damage to the vaporizer with no accompanying fire. This suggested a study in more depth than usually associated with one specific incident.
Increased methotrexate toxicity due to concurrent probenecid administration

Abstract The toxicity of a single dose of methotrexate in the rat was observed to be substantially increased when probenecid was concurrently administered. The increased toxicity was associated with a marked inhibition of the elimination of methotrexate from the blood. The effects of probenecid on the renal and biliary secretion of methotrexate were determined using steady state conditions. Inhibition of biliary secretion accounted for most of the decreased elimination of methotrexate.
Of Hope and Faith and Love: Rhetorical Coherence in Cornel West’s Politics of Convergence

In Race Matters, Cornel West argued that a politics of convergence will be at the center of any significant social transformation of race relations in America and that such a politics must be grounded in a “love ethic.” West’s analyses of race relations reveal a qualitative approach to inquiry that emphasizes the moral foundations and implications of knowledge and establishes a space for critical inquiry that focuses on issues of difference, identity, and democracy. This article explicates the epistemological assumptions and rhetorical implications of West’s “politics of convergence” to suggest that it offers an enhanced understanding of race, freedom, and community in America.
Lung cancer serum biomarker discovery using glycoprotein capture and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Targeted glycoproteomics represents an attractive approach for conducting peripheral blood based cancer biomarker discovery due to the well-known altered pattern of protein glycosylation in cancer and the reduced complexity of the resultant glycoproteome. Here we report its application to a set of pooled nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) case sera (9 adenocarcinoma and 6 squamous cell carcinoma pools from 54 patients) and matched controls pools, including 8 clinical control pools with computed tomography detected nodules but being nonmalignant as determined by biopsy from 54 patients, and 8 matched healthy control pools from 106 cancer-free subjects. The goal of the study is to discover biomarkers that may enable improved early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer. Immunoaffinity subtraction was used to first deplete the topmost abundant serum proteins; the remaining serum proteins were then subjected to hydrazide chemistry based glycoprotein capture and enrichment. Hydrazide resin in situ trypsin diges...
George Box: Some Reminiscences

In a short essay honoring George Box, the author tells of his personal experiences which began when he was one of Box’s graduate students in 1953. Box returned to England to work at Imperial Chemical Industries before returning to Princeton to head up t..
The Purchasing Practice of Low-Income Students: The Relationship to Mathematical Development

The purpose of this 2-part study was to explore the mathematical and purchasing competencies present in students' engagement in shopping practices in a low-income African American neighborhood. Study 1 consisted of in situ analyses of children's shopping activities at a local store, revealing the variety of arithmetic tasks that emerged in relation to varied artifacts, shopping routines, social norms, and clerk support. In an effort to reveal competencies that could not be measured through observation alone, Study 2 consisted of individual interviews of 30 first and second graders about tasks that required them to purchase items at a mock store. Analyses revealed both strategies that were frequently and infrequently associated with successful purchasing and the relationship between children's strategy choices and the demands of particular purchases. This research documents the many mathematical competencies children present that may not be captured in traditional school assessments and considers how this ...
A compact, high power, sub-millimeter-wave Extended Interaction Klystron

This presentation describes the performance of a recently developed 218 GHz extended interaction klystron (EIK) amplifier producing 7W CW and weighing less than 4.3 kg.
The virion host shutoff function of herpes simplex virus type 1 plays a role in corneal invasion and functions independently of the cell cycle.

Abstract A significant restriction was demonstrated in the ability of herpes simplex virus type 1 virion host shutoff ( vhs ) mutant viruses to invade the corneal epithelium. Viral replication and invasion was confined to the areas of the cornea which were scarified prior to infection. Differences between wild-type and vhs mutant replication in corneas in vivo were 100- to 1000-fold at all timepoints postinfection. Smaller but still significant growth restrictions were observed in cultured corneal cells. This difference between in vitro and in vivo is not likely to be due to differences in cell cycle status since vhs -induced RNA degradation can occur in both cycling and noncycling cells in vitro. The vhs function is therefore important for invasion of the cornea and secondarily the nervous system and is thereby required for efficient establishment of latency.
3He surface exposure dating and its implications for magma evolution in the Potrillo volcanic field, Rio Grande Rift, New Mexico, USA

Dating of very young igneous activity has been hampered by lack of suitable chronometers. We report here the results of 3He surface exposure dating (Kurz, 1986a,b; Craig and Poreda, 1986) for lavas from the Potrillo volcanic field. This field is particularly suited to the technique because it has well-preserved, young (<700 ka) surfaces. The study applies 3He dating in a systematic manner to a well-characterized volcanic field and shows the power of the technique in deciphering both relative and absolute chronologies. Dates are reproducible to within 14% for different samples from the same surface and are similar to within 8% for samples which, based on field relations, represent synchronous events. Cosmogenic 3He21Ne confirms that 3He is retained by the samples. Comparison of the relative chronology with compositional trends of the lavas suggests that eruptive centers within the volcanic field are fed by individual magma chambers. Ages range from 80 ka to 17 ka, consistent with estimates from geomorphology, soil profile development, and some K/Ar determinations.
Contributions of States to Regional Income Dispersion

This paper examines proportionate contributions of states to total income dispersion among the states within the regions in the United States from 1929 to 1997. The criterion for equitable distribution is that each state receices a share of the total population comparable to its share of income. The coefficient of variation for each region on a yearly basis is employed. The results provide evidence for minor differences in contribution to regional income dispersion between component states.
Distress in medical and law students.

Abstract High levels of distress in medical students have been reported in several studies and have been attributed to the stresses of medical training. In order to compare the severity of distress in medical students to that of other students, we administered the Hopkins Symptom Checklist and the Symptom Questionnaire to 60 medical students (30 first-year and 30 third-year) and to matched law students. Law students reported significantly more depression and anger-hostility and less contentment and feelings of friendliness. Third-year students rated themselves as significantly more distressed than first-year students and females more distressed than males. Distress levels in medical students may be lower than those of other graduate students.
Development Sociology As We Approach the 21st Century

One of the striking features of our historical era is the degree of global inequality. In some nations the average person lives on less than $200 per year. In other nations the average income is 100 times larger. Though adjusting for purchasing power parity narrows the gap by about 40 percent (Ram 1979), it is quite evident that the world's $23 trillion annual output is unequally distributed in the extreme.
The Crystal Structure of AMP-Bound PDE4 Suggests a Mechanism for Phosphodiesterase Catalysis†,‡

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) regulate the intracellular concentrations of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine and guanosine monophosphates (cAMP and cGMP, respectively) by hydrolyzing them to AMP and GMP, respectively. Family-selective inhibitors of PDEs have been studied for treatment of various human diseases. However, the catalytic mechanism of cyclic nucleotide hydrolysis by PDEs has remained unclear. We determined the crystal structure of the human PDE4D2 catalytic domain in complex with AMP at 2.4 A resolution. In this structure, two divalent metal ions simultaneously interact with the phosphate group of AMP, implying a binuclear catalysis. In addition, the structure suggested that a hydroxide ion or a water bridging two metal ions may serve as the nucleophile for the hydrolysis of the cAMP phosphodiester bond.
Greenhouse evaluation of processed swine lagoon solids as a fertilizer source

Abstract The highly concentrated nature of the swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) production industry in the Coastal Plain region of North Carolina, along with economic constraints that discourage transport of the swine effluent more than a few kilometers from the site of production, result in frequent and repeated application of swine effluent to the same agricultural fields or pastures. Creation of value‐added products and marketing as a fertilizer is an alternative means of redistributing nutrients that are concentrated regionally. Fertilizer equivalency greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the potential for processed swine lagoon solids (PSLS) formulated from dewatered swine lagoon solids and rock flour to serve as a fertilizer source for agricultural crops. Sweet corn (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), and field bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were grown for six weeks, and common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.) was grown for 18 weeks on a Norfolk sandy loam (fine‐loamy, Kaolinitic...
Effects of chronic antenatal and postnatal administration of narcotics on naloxone-induced anorexia in preweanling rats.

Abstract Previous studies have reported age-related changes in opiate receptors and in their response to narcotics during the process of normal growth of the brain. By inducing alterations in this developmental sequence, the present study attempted to provide correlates of the opiate receptor system with naloxone-induced anorexia. Offspring of mothers treated with morphine (7.5 mg/kg twice daily, s.c.) or saline during pregnancy, and infants from untreated mothers given morphine (5 mg/kg), naltrexone (10 mg/kg) or saline subcutaneously on postnatal days 1–5, were tested at days 10, 12 and 14 for deprivation-induced milk consumption following an acute dose of naloxone (1 or 5 mg/kg, i.p.). Naloxone reduced the food intake of 10- and 12-day old infants chronically treated with morphine postnatally. At age 14, naloxone reduced the food consumed by all the pretreatment groups, and pretreatment with morphine altered the dose-response curves for feeding modulation induced by naloxone. Naloxone had no effect on the food consumed by 10- or 12-day old offspring of mothers treated with morphine or saline, or on those age-groups that recieved naltrexone chronically or saline pretreatments postnatally. The observed changes occurred in the absence of gross malformations, drug-withdrawal symptoms and differences in activity. These results demonstrate that opiate receptors may participate in feeding.
Laparoscopic splenectomy: present status and future perspective.

Laparoscopic splenectomy has become widely accepted as the approach of choice for the surgical treatment of benign and malignant hematologic diseases. Advances in technology have led to better outcomes for the procedure, and have allowed surgeons to apply the technique to disease processes that were at one time felt to be contraindications to laparoscopic splenectomy. However, challenges still remain. There is a steep learning curve associated with the procedure. The development of cost-effective laparoscopic simulators to target the skills required for laparoscopic splenectomy and other laparoscopic procedures is essential. The advent of devices which isolate and seal the large blood vessels that surround the spleen have reduced intra-operative bleeding and minimized conversions to open splenectomy. Improvements in optics and instrumentation, as well as robotic technology, will continue to define the frontier of minimally invasive surgery, and further facilitate the acceptance of laparoscopic splenectomy...
Measurement of adsorption isotherms by liquid chromatography

Adsorption behavior on silica-bound hydrocarbonaceous sorbents used in high-performance liquid chromatography was investigated by frontal chromatography and elution on a plateau, and procedures were developed for data collection, analysis and correlation. Isotherms of selected compounds were measured, including several of biological relevance. The relative merits of various dynamic methods of isotherm measurement were compared and illustrated by experimental findings. The frontal analysis technique was determined to be more accurate and convenient than other methods. A miniaturized liquid chromatographic system was constructed to measure isotherms with milligram quantities of material by frontal development. The performance of this apparatus compared favorably with that of equipment which has dimensions usual in high-performance liquid chromatography and requires orders of magnitude greater amounts of a substance for isotherm measurement. Thus the miniaturized system is eminently suited for applications when the substance of interest is in short supply, as is the case with many biological substances. The effects of operating parameters on adsorption behavior were investigated, both to optimize the procedure, and to further explore the fundamental of the process.
Energy-aware standby-sparing for fixed-priority real-time task sets

Abstract For mission- and safety-critical real-time embedded systems, energy efficiency and reliability are two important design objectives that must be often achieved simultaneously. Recently, the standby-sparing scheme that uses a primary processor and a spare processor has been exploited to provide fault tolerance while keeping the energy consumption under control through DVS and DPM techniques. In this paper, we consider the standby-sparing technique for fixed-priority periodic real-time tasks. We propose a dual-queue mechanism through which the executions of backup tasks are maximally delayed, as well as online algorithms to manage energy consumption. Our experimental results show that the proposed scheme provides energy savings over time-redundancy based techniques while offering reliability improvements.
Oak mortality risk factors and mortality estimation

Abstract Managers are often concerned about oak mortality in maturing mixed-oak forests, but they often lack explicit information about mortality risk for oaks that differ in species, size, crown class, competitive status, and growth rate. In eastern North America, tree species in the red oak group ( Quercus Section Lobatae ) are typically shorter lived than those in the white oak group (Section Quercus ), and red oak group mortality can be greatly exacerbated during episodes of oak decline. We analyzed factors associated with red oak group mortality for two large data sets from the Ozark Highlands and identified groups of trees that differed significantly in mortality risk. One data set was from a large, upland Ozark forest with more than four decades of uneven-aged management, and the other was representative of relatively undisturbed upland oak forests in the same ecoregion. Neither location experienced significant episodes of oak decline during the period of observation, and our results represent endemic mortality for mature (sawtimber size) forests in the region. We found that mortality rates for trees in the red oak group were four to six times greater than mortality rates for associated trees in the white oak group. We also found that red oak group mortality was significantly related to tree crown class, tree diameter, and basal area of larger competitors. When recent tree dbh growth was known, it significantly increased the ability to predict future mortality for some classes of trees. Annual mortality rates for different classes of trees in the red oak group ranged from 0.4 to 10.7%. Classes of trees in the red oak group that were most likely to die (in rank) were as follows: trees with dbh growth 14 m 2 /ha; dominant and codominant trees >25 cm dbh with basal area of larger competitors 2 /ha; trees with intermediate crown class and basal area of larger competitors 2 /ha; dominant and codominant trees >25 cm dbh with basal area of larger competitors 2 /ha; dominant and codominant trees 15 m 2 /ha; dominant and codominant trees 2 /ha; and trees with annual dbh growth greater than 0.6 cm (assuming recent dbh growth is known). This information can be used when preparing silvicultural prescriptions and/or forest management plans to identify and treat classes of trees that are at high risk of mortality.
Three-Million-Metric-Ton-Monitored Injection at the Secarb Cranfield Project—Project Update

Abstract The Southeast Partnership (SECARB) —early test at Cranfield field, Mississippi was the first of the commercial-scale projects of the U.S. Department of Energy's Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships (RCSP) to reach and exceed its injection target. More than 3 million metric tons of injected CO2 has been monitored since the start of injection in July of 2008. Improved capacity assessment and storage permanence are the programmatic goals addressed. The SECARB Cranfield project has produced information relevant to long-term storage in saline aquifers, as well as storage incidental to CO2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The SECARB project added testing passive pressure in the above-zone monitoring interval (AZMI), supported injection at high rates, and assessed capacity of the downdip brine-bearing part of the system to accept additional CO2 through a —stacked storage concept. Capacity-assessment results include a multiphysics assessment of distribution of the CO2 plume in time and space in heterogeneous lithologies. The 20-m-thick sandstones and conglomerates of the lower Tuscaloosa injection zone are predominantly highly permeable strata, but as flow evolved under a changing injection rate, CO2 accessed only preferred paths. Dissolution of CO2 into brine caused methane to come out of solution, which can have a significant impact on capacity where this process is important. The monitoring program in the reservoir included fieldwide injection and production data, 4-D seismic, downhole pressure and temperature, geochemical sampling, and microseismic monitoring. Focused studies tested real-time pressure and temperature in an AZMI as a tool for detecting nonconformance. At the detailed area of study (DAS) in the downdip water leg, processes at the well- and interwell- scale were measured using electrical, acoustic, geochemical, pressure, pulsed-neutron, and thermal tools. Near-surface deployments included groundwater monitoring and a soil-gas study area. Data collected are still in assessment via numerous collaborations. Modeling by numerous teams is under way so that maximum information can be extracted from observations.
Activity of PPNR in ferredoxin-dependent reactions of Clostridiumpasteurianum

The similarity in properties and function of PPNR*'3 (photosynthetic pyridine nucleotide reductase) and ferredoxin$'6 a new electron transport catalyst isolated from clostridia, prompted us to compare them in several ferredoxin-dependent reactions in clostridia. Both carriers have redox potentials close to that of the hydrogen electrode? and ferredoxin was shown by Tagawa and Arnon' to replace PPNR in TPN reduction by illuminated chloroplasts. These workers also confirmed our earlier demonstration that ferredoxin in conjunction with hydrogenase will catalyze the evolution of H, from aqueous dithionite. Cells and crude extracts of Clostridium pasteurianum, W-5, were prepared as described by Carnahan et al? Extracts were -used within five hours of preparation. The ferredoxin as well ds the ferredoxin-free extract containing hydrogenase, phosphoroelastic enzymes, TPN-reductase and other enzymes was prepared as described by Mortenson et al?, and Valentine et al! -The specific activity of the ferredoxin was 24-30 units per mg of protein? PPNR was purified from spinach as described by San Pietrot through the protamine sulfate step and then by chromatography
Establishment of a colonic polyp registry in Rhode Island.

A colonic adenomatous polyp registry (PR) has been organized at the Roger Williams Medical Center whose main functions are to prevent the occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the enrollees, to provide a population of subjects for epidemiological and interventional studies, and to provide educational, including dietary, information to subjects and physicians. One hundred fou and 202 patients with polyps, originally retrieved from the hospital pathology files, were enrolled in the 1984 and 1987 cohorts, respectively, of whom about 90% were followed for at least three years after polypectomy. Three carcinomas, all Dukes A, were found in the right colonin the follow-up period. New polyps identified in the first three years after polypectomy were generally small tubular adenomas with a greater predilection for the right colon than was found for the index polyps. Risk factors for new polyps included history of previous polyps and, probably, multiple index polyps. The use of colonoscopy for postopolypectomy surveillance increased between 1984 and 1987. About 25% of the subjects in, each cohort were either lost to follow-up or received no endoscopic suveillance. On the other hand, some of those who were followed were probably subjected to excessive numbers of procedures. Defects in the PR include inadequacy of personal and family history data, and steady loss of patients during the three to six years after polypectomy. Despite the small size and limited resources of our hospital, its colonic polyp registry has already provided information that may help in the management of patients with this premalignant condition. The more widespread use of securely funded polyp registries would probably reduce the incidence of metachronous CRC in that population and would have significant epidemiological and educational functions.
Porous diaphragm syndrome

A 50-year-old woman had dyspnoea from the right pleural effusion. A tube thoracostomy yielded 3 l of sanguineous, benign, sterile persistent effusion. A videothoracoscopy showed diaphragmatic blebs and pores (Fig. 1) with ascitic fluid squirting through them (Supplementary Video 1). A parietal pleurectomy with mechanical pleurodesis over the diaphragm was done with no recurrence 6 months later. Supplementary material (Video 1) is available at EJCTS online.
The origin and possible genetic control of new, stable pigment patterns in the poeciliid fish Xiphophorus maculatus.

X. maculatus is polymorphic for sex-linked macromelanophore patterns. Fish of different river systems exhibit identical markings, but they have a different genetic basis. The macromelanophore factors give rise to a population or species-specific pattern only within their own gene pool. Crosses involving XsdYsr males of the Jamapa stock (Jp) gave rise to 3305 progeny — all but one either Sd or Sr. In the exceptional male Sd (spotted-dorsal) became linked to Sr (stripe-sided), SrSd. The dorsal fin of this fish and all of its SrSd descendants (5 generations) was almost solid black and heavy spotting was present in the caudal fin. There was no change in expression of Sr. Jp fish with Xsd Ysr, by comparison, possess from one to six well defined spots in the dorsal fin and a clear caudal fin. After introduction into the Hondo stock of X. maculatus Sd of Jp exhibits zero penetrance; the expression of Sd linked to Sr becomes greatly reduced. Thus the changes in gene expression go in the same direction. However, Sd and SrSd behave differently after introgression into X. couchianus. Sd is completely suppressed while Sd linked to Sr gives rise to melanotic and melanomatous dorsal and caudal fins. A similar alteration in gene expression towards a more extreme phenotype has also been observed among the offspring of a Jp Xsp Ysr male in which Sp and Sr became apparently linked. It is postulated that a modifier is closely linked to the macromelanophore factor that regulates its expression. The new phenotype is due to the separation of the two genetic elements. According to this view the phenotype that is expressed when a macromelanophore gene is introduced into a foreign genotype, is primarily determined by the modifier.