cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cetacean biomass densities near submarine canyons compared to adjacent shelf/slope areas

Abstract Estimated cetacean biomass densities in areas of the northeastern U.S. continental shelf edge encompassing major submarine canyons were compared to those in neighboring shelf/slope areas. It was hypothesized that biomass-densities would prove to be higher in the canyon areas: however, the analysis demonstrated significantly lower total cetacean biomass in the canyon areas. When species were analyzed individually, only spotted dolphins (Stenella spp.) showed a significant difference, with higher densities near the canyons. The canyons are apparently not more important as a cetacean habitat than the shelf break region generally.
Brief physician advice for problem drinkers: long-term efficacy and benefit-cost analysis.

Background: This report describes the 48-month efficacy and benefit-cost analysis of Project TrEAT (Trial for Early Alcohol Treatment), a randomized controlled trial of brief physician advice for the treatment of problem drinking. Methods: Four hundred eighty-two men and 292 women, ages 18–65, were randomly assigned to a control (n= 382) or intervention (n= 392) group. The intervention consisted of two physician visits and two nurse follow-up phone calls. Intervention components included a review of normative drinking, patient-specific alcohol effects, a worksheet on drinking cues, drinking diary cards, and a drinking agreement in the form of a prescription. Results: Subjects in the treatment group exhibited significant reductions (p < 0.01) in 7-day alcohol use, number of binge drinking episodes, and frequency of excessive drinking as compared with the control group. The effect occurred within 6 months of the intervention and was maintained over the 48-month follow-up period. The treatment sample also experienced fewer days of hospitalization (p= 0.05) and fewer emergency department visits (p= 0.08). Seven deaths occurred in the control group and three in the treatment group. The benefit-cost analysis suggests a $43,000 reduction in future health care costs for every $10,000 invested in early intervention. The benefit-cost ratio increases when including the societal benefits of fewer motor vehicle events and crimes. Conclusions: The long-term follow-up of Project TrEAT provides the first direct evidence that brief physician advice is associated with sustained reductions in alcohol use, health care utilization, motor vehicle events, and associated costs. The report suggests that a patient's personal physician can successfully treat alcohol problems and endorses the implementation of alcohol screening and brief intervention in the US health care system.
The Exemplar Project: Using Group Support Systems to Improve the Learning Environment

Learning theory predicts, and studies have demonstrated that immediate and frequent feedback, cooperative learning, and well structured exposition can improve learning. Electronic group support sys...
Nature of Amide Carbonyl―Carbonyl Interactions in Proteins

Noncovalent interactions define and modulate biomolecular structure, function, and dynamics. In many protein secondary structures, an intimate interaction exists between adjacent carbonyl groups of the main-chain amide bonds. As this short contact contributes to the energetics of protein conformational stability as well as protein−ligand interactions, understanding its nature is crucial. The intimacy of the carbonyl groups could arise from a charge−charge or dipole−dipole interaction, or n→π * electronic delocalization. This last putative origin, which is reminiscent of the Burgi−Dunitz trajectory, involves delocalization of the lone pairs (n) of the oxygen (Oi−1) of a peptide bond over the antibonding orbital (π*) of the carbonyl group (Ci═Oi) of the subsequent peptide bond. By installing isosteric chemical substituents in a peptidic model system and using NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and ab initio calculations to analyze the consequences, the intimate interaction between adjacent carbon...
Theoretical study of stress transfer in carbon nanotube reinforced polymer matrix composites

Abstract An analytical model has been developed to study stress transfer in single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) reinforced polymer matrix composites. This model can be used to predict axial stress ( σ n ) and interfacial shear stress ( τ i ) along the carbon nanotube (CNT) embedded in matrix materials. A simplified 2D representative volume element (RVE) of CNT has been considered in this analysis. An expression for the effective length ( L eff ) of the carbon nanotube (CNT) has also been established for studying load transfer efficiency in CNT reinforced composites. The effects of CNT aspect ratio, CNT volume fraction and matrix modulus on axial stress ( σ n ) and interfacial shear stress ( τ i ) has also been analyzed in details. Finally, the results of this analytical model are compared with finite element analysis.
A Note on the Invariance of the DINA Model Parameters.

Cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs), as alternative approaches to unidimensional item response models, have received increasing attention in recent years. CDMs are developed for the purpose of identifying the mastery or nonmastery of multiple fine-grained attributes or skills required for solving problems in a domain. For CDMs to receive wider use, researchers and practitioners need to understand the basic properties of these models. The article focuses on one CDM, the deterministic inputs, noisy “and” gate (DINA) model, and the invariance property of its parameters. Using simulated data involving different attribute distributions, the article demonstrates that the DINA model parameters are absolutely invariant when the model perfectly fits the data. An additional example involving different ability groups illustrates how noise in real data can contribute to the lack of invariance in these parameters. Some practical implications of these findings are discussed.
What is possible with holographic endoscopy? (Invited Paper)

Endoscopic holography or endoholography combines the features of endoscopy and holography. It can be utilized in holographic imaging or interferometry inside natural cavities of the body. In imaging, the ability to view a three-dimensional, large focal depth, faithful rendition of internal organs and tissue may greatly enhance the detection of disease and abnormality. Contact Denisyuk holography makes it possible to obtain a high-resolution holographic recording which can be examined microscopically. In the case of endoholographic interferometry, new diagnostic techniques can emerge; e.g., the measurement of compliance of the wall of the bladder or of the arteries may provide diagnostic indicators of early stages of disease.
Hospital Readmissions: Physician Awareness and Communication Practices

Background Patients requiring early hospital readmission may be readmitted to different physicians, potentially without the knowledge of the prior caregivers. This lost opportunity to share information about readmitted patients may be detrimental to quality of care and resident education.
Thickness effects of yttria-doped ceria interlayers on solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract Determining the optimal thickness range of the interlayed yttria-doped ceria (YDC) films promises to further enhance the performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) at low operating temperatures. The YDC interlayers are fabricated by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method with one super cycle of the YDC deposition consisting of 6 ceria deposition cycles and one yttria deposition cycle. YDC films of various numbers of ALD super cycles, ranging from 2 to 35, are interlayered into bulk fuel cells with a 200 um thick yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte. Measurements and analysis of the linear sweep voltammetry of these fuel cells reveal that the performance of the given cells is maximized at 10 super cycles. Auger elemental mapping and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques are employed to determine the film completeness, and they verify 10 super cycles of YDC to be the critical thickness point. This optimal YDC interlayer condition (6Ce1Y × 10 super cycles) is applied to the case of micro fuel cells as well, and the average performance enhancement factor is 1.4 at operating temperatures of 400 and 450 °C. A power density of 1.04 W cm−2 at 500 °C is also achieved with the optimal YDC recipe.
Do Isolated Gastric Mucosal Surface Cells from Rabbits Secrete HCO-3?

Abstract Only indirect observations suggest that gastric surface cells secrete HCOH-3, which, if the case, should result in an alteration of intracellular pH. This study attempts to determine if HCO-3 transport is notable in intracellular pH regulation by isolated surface cells. Maintenance of cellular pH during perfusion with HCO-3-free Ringer's solution is unaffected by either the absence of Cl- or the presence of an inhibitor of HCO-3 transport, 4,4′-diisotbiocyanostilbene-2-2′-disulfonate (DIDS). This implies the absence of Cl-/HCO-3 exchange and HCO-3 transport related to Na+. Addition of HCO-3/CO2 to the perfusate results in acidification due to CO2. The pH then drifts upward, which is prevented by amiloride, an inhibitor of Na+/H+ exchange. Calculated H+ efflux is not significantly affected by HCO-3/CO2. Removal of HCO-3/CO2 results in alkalinization, which is unaffected by the absence of Cl. Alkalinization following HCO-3/CO2 removal is significantly impaired by acetazolamide. Once alkalinization occurs, the pH declines slowly and is unaffected by a Cl-free perfusate or amiloride or conductance but is markedly accelerated by a Na+-free perfusate. The latter is prevented by amiloride but not by DIDS. Thus, under isolated conditions, gastric mucosal surface cells do not appear to be a major source of HCO-3 secretion. Alkalinization of the cells can occur as a result of carbonic anhydrase activity, but the alkalinization is maintained by an extracellular Na+ gradient that prevents exchange of intracellular Na+ with extracellular H+.
A HIGH-ALTITUDE RADIOSONDE HYPSOMETER

Abstract Efforts to improve the basic design of a high-altitude radiosonde hypsometer have resulted in a working model consisting of a small vacuum flask filled with cotton which has been saturated with carbon-disulfide, and in which is immersed a bent-stem bead thermistor. In laboratory tests this device proved capable of measuring pressures within one per cent in the range 300 to five mb and within two per cent in the range five to two mb. Flight tests using only an aneroid capsule as the pressure “standard” have shown that this model functions with an accuracy of two to five per cent in the pressure range 30 to two mb.
Gender difference in levels of α2-adrenoceptor mRNA in the rat tail artery

Abstract To investigate the hypothesis that differing mRNA levels underlie gender differences in the contractile response of the rat tail artery, α2-adrenoceptor mRNA was measured using in situ hybridization. Messenger RNA for the α2A- and α2C-adrenoceptor subtypes was found localized to the smooth muscle layer. There was no detectable mRNA present for the α2B-adrenoceptor subtype. Levels of α2C-adrenoceptor mRNA were greater in female compared to male tail arteries (417±35 vs. 263±38 dpm/mg, P=0.01), while levels of α2A-adrenoceptor mRNA were the same in both sexes. Levels of α2-adrenoceptor mRNA may parallel levels of functioning protein present in the rat tail artery.
Reutilization of trigeminal motoneurons during amphibian metamorphosis.

Indirect evidence suggests that trigeminal motoneurons (Vmns) in Rana pipiens innervate distinct myofiber populations in tadpoles and adult frogs. Redeployment occurs when the larval myofibers die and are replaced during metamorphosis. To directly test this hypothesis, DiI was injected into the larval muscle and Fast Blue into the replacement myofiber population. Over 95% of the Vmns contained both tracers, providing support for the innervation of sequential targets by the same motoneurons.
Is uniclean the dust cartridge of the future

Abstract Presenting laboratory test data, along with anecdotal field information on DISA Air Group's recently developed dust control cartridge filter, Klaus Bihlet, DISA Danmark A/S, Denmark, explains why the UniClean promises to be a major step forward in industrial air filtration.
Cholinergic mechanisms and avoidance behavior acquisition: effects of nicotine in mice.

Mice treated with nicotine sulfate showed, as compared with saline-treated controls, a decreased incidence of active avoidance conditioning without effects upon either passive avoidance acquisition or escape behavior. The effect of nicotine was to reduce significantly the ratio of bound: free acetylcholine in the cerebral cortex. This change was accounted for by a decreased content of stored amine, particularly in the synaptic vesicles, without any change in the turnover of the “free” storage pool. A difference in the ratio of brain acetylcholine storage pools accounting for different modes of avoidance is suggested.
The intermediate in the degradation of DNA alkylated with a monofunctional alkylating agent

Abstract The course of DNA degradation following alkylation with a monofunctional alkylating agent can be accounted for by the scheme: A → k 1 B → k 2 where A represents alkylated DNA, B represents DNA with apurinic sites, and C indicates DNA containing single-strand breaks. Apurinic sites in DNA were estimated as the fraction of the DNA made acid soluble by treatment with alkali. A simple method for comparing the rate of depurination for DNA alkylated with different groups is described. The rate of hydrolysis of apurinic sites depended on the buffer; buffers with primary amino groups such as Tris or glycinamide promoted hydrolysis of apurinic acid at a pH near neutrality. Alkaline phosphatase-sensitive groups were exposed as a result of the degradation of DNA. The proportion of phosphatase-sensitive to acid-soluble groups remained constant throughout the course of the degradation of methylated or ethylated DNA. We conclude that apurinic acids are necessary intermediates in the degradation in vitro of alkylated DNA. Ethylated and methylated DNA's decay by the same reaction mechanism.
Combinatorially implosive algorithms

Applications of parallel processing languages to reducing the average time behavior of search algorithms are discussed. It is argued that a parallel algorithm can dramatically reduce the average time behavior even if the algorithm is run in a time-slicing fashion on a single processor. A language is developed with primitives to facilitate the construction of algorithms of this type. 9 references.
Soil-borne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in El Paso, Texas: Analysis of a potential problem in the United States/Mexico border region

Abstract Ultrasonic extraction followed by Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) and thermal desorption inline coupled with Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (TD/GC/MS) was used to perform a comprehensive determination of soil-borne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in El Paso, Texas. The method provided good sensitivity and faster processing time for the analysis. The total PAHs in El Paso soil ranged from 0.1 to 2225.5 μg kg−1. Although the majority of PAH concentrations did not exceed the soil screening levels regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the existence of PAHs in this ecosystem is ubiquitous. Naphthalene were found in 100% of the soil samples; while the heavy PAHs (five- and six-ring) were not often detected and mostly remained in closer proximity to industrial areas and major traffic points. The results ruled out the possibility of petroleum refining as the significant source of local soil-borne PAH contamination, but they suggested that the PAHs found in El Paso soil were closely linked to human activities and possible other industrial processes.
Improved tumor targeting of rhenium-186-labeled anti-human high-M.W. Melanoma-associated antigen monoclonal antibody 763.74 following purification with anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody MK2-23

Because of its high-energy beta emissions and imageable gamma emissions, 186 Re represents an attractive isotope to radiolabel monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) recognizing human tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) for radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS) and radioimmunotherapy (RIT) of patients with malignant diseases. Application of 186 Re, however, is hindered by the frequent denaturation of MAbs following exposure to the strong reducing conditions employed in the labeling procedures. To overcome this problem, we have utilized a direct labeling procedure and combined it with affinity chromatography over columns of immobilized anti-idiotypic (anti-id) MAbs which recognize idiotopes in the antigen-combining site of the radiolabeled MAb. The validity of the procedure was demonstrated with the anti-high-m.w. melanoma-associated antigen (HMW-MAA) MAb 763.74 and its corresponding anti-id MAb MK2-23. Utilizing this approach, MAb 763.74 was labeled to specific activities of 2.8 ± 0.6 mCilmg with 186 Re. Furthermore, its immunoreactivity, which was reduced to about 30% following labeling with 186 Re, was improved to about 50% by affinity chromatography over columns of anti-id MAb MK2-23. The improvement in immunoreactivity of 186 Re MAb 763.74 resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in targeting to human melanoma tumors grown in nude mice and an increase in sensitivity of RIS. Our results suggest that direct labeling of anti-TAA MAb with 186 Re coupled with purification over affinity columns of anti-id MAb may facilitate the application of 186 Re to RIS and RIT.
Color Reversion in Processed Vegetables II. Model System Studies

SUMMARY Pure pheophytins a and b and pheophorbide a were isolated and the metal complexes of these compounds prepared in pure solutions. The metal content showed a 1:1 ratio of metal to pheophytin or pheophorbide. The spectral curves of the pure complexes were prepared and tables of absorptivities calculated. The molar absorptivities of the pheophytin a and pheophorbide a complexes proved identical.
Fluid flashing and formation mineralization near producing geothermal wells; A literature review and simulation

Formation mineralization and plugging has been observed in geothermal wells producing steam and water containing calcium carbonate under high drawdown conditions. Modeling is commenced by assuming complete flashing of the water within a fracture that can be treated as a flattened pipe. The equations governing the process are derived and solved by finite difference. The fracture aspect ratio and wall temperature are found to be important variables in determining the location and extent of deposition.
Authenticated key agreement without using one-way hash functions

The MQV key agreement protocol has been adopted by the IEEE P1363 Committee to become a standard. The MQV protocol used a digital signature to sign the Diffie-Hellman public keys without using any one-way function. Here, the MQV protocol is generalised in three respects. First, signature variants for Diffie-Hellman public keys developed previously are employed in the new protocol. Secondly, two communication entities are allowed to establish multiple secret keys in a single round of message exchange. Thirdly, the key computations are simplified.
BIFURCATIONS OF A FORCED DUFFING OSCILLATOR IN THE PRESENCE OF FUZZY NOISE BY THE GENERALIZED CELL MAPPING METHOD

Bifurcations of a forced Duffing oscillator in the presence of fuzzy noise are studied by means of the fuzzy generalized cell mapping (FGCM) method. The FGCM method is first introduced. Two categories of bifurcations are investigated, namely catastrophic and explosive bifurcations. Fuzzy bifurcations are characterized by topological changes of the attractors of the system, represented by the persistent groups of cells in the context of the FGCM method, and by changes of the steady state membership distribution. The fuzzy noise-induced bifurcations studied herein are not commonly seen in the deterministic systems, and can be well described by the FGCM method. Furthermore, two conjectures are proposed regarding the condition under which the steady state membership distribution of a fuzzy attractor is invariant or not.
Hilbert Superspaces and Grassmann Numbers

A heuristic construction of Hilbert superspaces using Grassmann numbers is suggested. Simple applications are given which include a coherent-state formalism for Fermi oscillator systems.
Teacher evaluation in Colorado: How policy frustrates practice

This article is a report of a study that used data from multiple sources to explore the hypothesis that systemic barriers inherent in Colorado’s teacher evaluation policies often contribute to inef...
Multistate reliability analysis

Abstract The binary AND and OR operators are generalized to multistate systems with multistate components, by developing multistate operators which obey the Commutative and the Associative laws. In systems with such operators, components can be rearranged internally in any arbitrary way without affecting the mapping of the component states onto the state of the system. In addittion, all components, all subsystems and the system itself have the same set of states. Such systems are called homogeneous. Operators of homogeneous systems can be described by either their truth table or by the ranking of their states in order of relative dominance. If a homogeneous system is also coherent, then the mapping of the component states onto the system state, and the calculation of the probabilities of system states from those of the component states, become very simple. The sets of operators for 3-state and 4-state homogeneous coherent systems are given. In an example, the Auxiliary Feedwater System of a nuclear power plant is modeled as a homogeneous coherent multistate system composed of homogeneous coherent multistate subsystems, and its reliability is calculated.
3D Numerical Simulation of Electromagnetic Field during Low Frequency Electromagnetic Casting Process

The rules of the distribution of magnetic field were carried out by numerical simulation. The distribution of magnetic field was got, and the effects of current intensity and frequency on the distribution of magnetic field were analyzed by constructing three-dimensional finite element model and using ANSYS software which is a kind of commercial FEM analysis software. The results show that the intensity of magnetic field is proportional to current intensity, magnetic field is mainly localized in the surface region of liquid melt and there is a notable edge effect in the corner.
Diagnostic Value of Voided Urine and Bladder Barbotage Cytology in Detecting Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Tract

In this article we report on our experience with the use of urine cytology for the screening and diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder and upper urinary tracts at our instituti
Unconventional Allies: Colonel Willis Everett and SS‐Obersturmbannfuehrer Joachim Peiper

(1999). Unconventional Allies: Colonel Willis Everett and SS‐Obersturmbannfuehrer Joachim Peiper. The Historian: Vol. 62, No. 1, pp. 79-98.
An extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. enhances insulin receptor signaling and modulates gene expression in skeletal muscle in KK-Ay mice

An ethanolic extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. (PMI 5011) has been observed to decrease glucose and insulin levels in animal models, but the cellular mechanisms by which insulin action is enhanced in vivo are not precisely known. In this study, we evaluated the effects of PMI 5011 to modulate gene expression and cellular signaling through the insulin receptor in skeletal muscle of KK-A(y) mice. Eighteen male KK-A(y) mice were randomized to a diet (w/w) mixed with PMI 5011 (1%) or diet alone for 8 weeks. Food intake, adiposity, glucose and insulin were assessed over the study, and at study completion, vastus lateralis muscle was obtained to assess insulin signaling parameters and gene expression. Animals randomized to PMI 5011 were shown to have enhanced insulin sensitivity and increased insulin receptor signaling, i.e., IRS-associated PI-3 kinase activity, Akt-1 activity and Akt phosphorylation, in skeletal muscle when compared to control animals (P<.01, P<.01 and P<.001, respectively). Gene expression for insulin signaling proteins, i.e., IRS-1, PI-3 kinase and Glut-4, was not increased, although a relative increase in protein abundance was noted with PMI 5011 treatment. Gene expression for specific ubiquitin proteins and specific 20S proteasome activity, in addition to skeletal muscle phosphatase activity, i.e., PTP1B activity, was significantly decreased in mice randomized to PMI 5011 relative to control. Thus, the data demonstrate that PMI 5011 increases insulin sensitivity and enhances insulin receptor signaling in an animal model of insulin resistance. PMI 5011 may modulate skeletal muscle protein degradation and phosphatase activity as a possible mode of action.
Theoretical Values for Magnetic Moments of Mu-Mesonic Atoms

The magnetic moment of a negative muon bound in the field of a nucleus is slightly less than the moment of a free muon. The binding corrections to the moment have been calculated accurately for a number of nuclei, using realistic nuclear charge distributions. Polarization of the nucleus and of the atomic electrons by the muon also give rise to significant corrections to the muon moment. Precise determinations of the magnetic moment of heavy mu-mesonic atoms afford a way to test for possible structure of the muon which might be exhibited through the polarization of the muon in the strong electric field of the nucleus. The theoretical and experimental g values are in reasonably good agreement in view of the uncertainties about chemical and solid state magnetic shielding effects. (auth)
Interpretation of a Crustal Section across Oklahoma

A new interpretation for a complex crystal section across Oklahoma is derived from the unified study of a wide variety of observations. The set of data includes refraction observations from a reversed profile, reflection data, gravity measurements, well log information and knowledge of the near-surface geology. The model is divided into three parts according to the elevation of the basement surface and the properties of the overlying sediments. The upper portion of the crust is characterized by a major low velocity zone that has participated in vertical movements at major faults crossing the profile. Four continuous interfaces underlie this low velocity zone, the deepest being the crust-mantle boundary at a depth of 46 km. The continuity of these surfaces and the vertical displacements above the low velocity region imply that in this area major tectonic movements are restricted to the portion of the crust which lies above the base of the velocity reversal. Crustal mobility in this area may possibly be related to the presence of this low velocity zone.
Preparation of 20-μm-i.d. Silica-Based Monolithic Columns and Their Performance for Proteomics Analyses

We describe the preparation and performance of high-efficiency 70 cm × 20 μm i.d. silica-based monolithic capillary LC columns. The monolithic columns at a mobile-phase pressure of 5000 psi provide...
Cerebrospinal fluid β-endorphin in models of hyperalgesia in the rat

Abstract Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained by acute percutaneous puncture of the cisternal membrane of the halothane anesthetized rat has low but measurable concentrations of β-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (β-EPir: 32.8 ± 3.0 pmol/l). Chromatographic separation of β-EPir showed that authentic β-endorphin 1–31 was the main component of β-EPir in cisternal CSF. Subcutaneous injection of 5% formalin in the hind paws did not increase β-EPir in cisternal CSF. Rats with tactile paw hyperalgesia evoked by unilateral ligation of the L 5/6 nerve roots 2 weeks earlier had β-EPir concentrations that did not differ from sham operated or unoperated control animals. In contrast, capsaicin injected in the hindpaws increased the mean β-EPir concentration compared to saline injections ( P = 0.006) 45 min after emerging from anesthesia following injection. These results show that acute activation of C fibers (by capsaicin) will evoke the release of β-endorphin into the CSF, suggesting activation of the β-endorphin terminal systems in the brain/midbrain. The failure of formalin injections to release β-EPir to CSF may be due to specificity of the afferent stimulus evoking β-EPir release, a lower stimulus intensity, and/or the duration of the stimulus generated by formalin. The normal concentrations of β-EPir found in the hyperalgesic state following nerve injury suggest that the supraspinal β-endorphin system does not display tonic changes under such conditions.
Arterial switch after failed atrial baffle procedures for transposition of the great arteries

Abstract Background . Late failure of the systemic right ventricle after atrial baffle procedures in patients with transposition of the great arteries poses significant management problems. We reviewed our experience with staged conversion to arterial switch operation (ASO) in these patients. Methods . Between 1984 and 1999, 11 patients underwent pulmonary artery band (PAB) to prepare the left ventricle for ASO conversion. One additional patient had subpulmonic stenosis and was naturally prepared. Mean age at the initial PAB was 12.2 ± 7 years (range, 1.9 to 23 years). Four patients underwent reoperation to tighten the PAB before ASO. Mean interval from PAB to ASO was 1.3 ± 0.9 years. Results . There was no mortality from PAB. Six patients had ASO conversion and 2 died. Recent surgical modifications at the time of ASO were used to prevent neoaortic valve insufficiency and to cryoablate atrial reentry tachycardia. Four patients developed biventricular failure after PAB and had orthotopic cardiac transplantation (OCT) 14 ± 10 months after PAB. The other 2 patients are still with PAB: 1 is awaiting ASO conversion and the other has insufficient left ventricular hypertrophy necessary for ASO conversion despite two preparatory PABs. Conclusions . A select group of patients with right ventricular failure after atrial baffle operations can undergo staged conversion to ASO with the opportunity for excellent long-term outcome. Surgical modifications at the time of ASO can address the problems of neoaortic insufficiency and persistent atrial arrhythmias. PAB may be a therapeutic endpoint in some patients not responding with adequate left ventricular hypertrophy. Those patients who develop biventricular failure after PAB will require cardiac transplantation.
Vital Spots, Mortal Wounds, and Forensic Practice: Finding Cause of Death in Nineteenth-Century China

The Qing inquest was one function of the bureaucracy which administered justice throughout the empire. Concern over integrity of this component of judicial process fuelled development of standardized techniques to ensure quality of forensic determinations. A key method for determining cause of death was use of knowledge of parts of the body for which trauma could be fatal—the so-called “vital spots.” This way of conceptualizing wounds formed part of a basic rubric which officials used to determine the mortal wound and assign legal responsibility in homicide cases. This article uses a nineteenth-century homicide case drawn from Yilibu’s “Elementary Models for Studying Cases” (1838) to examine the observational and analytical procedures used in inquests to transform effects of violence on a body into evidence for adjudication. Not only did these techniques reinforce relationships of power within the bureaucracy but they also reflect the extent to which Qing forensic knowledge was conceptually, institutionally, and procedurally inseparable from judicial process and codified law.
Lagoonal stormwater detention ponds as promoters of harmful algal blooms and eutrophication along the South Carolina coast

Abstract In the rapidly urbanizing coastal zone of South Carolina, intensive landscape maintenance and turf management are significant sources of nonpoint source pollutant loadings. The best management practice of choice for stormwater in this region is wet detention ponds, the majority of which are brackish lagoons. Typically, stormwater is piped directly into the ponds, but ponds have limited capacity for processing pollutants. These eutrophic brackish ponds are “hot spots” for harmful algal blooms (HABs)—over 200 blooms from 23 different species were documented over the last 4 years, many associated with measured toxins, fish kills or shellfish health problems. Because these ponds exchange with tidal creeks, they are potential sources for HAB dispersion into adjacent estuaries. Also, flux measurements indicated that groundwater was both a source of nutrients to the ponds and a mechanism for transporting nutrients from the ponds. These findings suggest that manmade ponds as presently designed along the SC coast may contribute to estuarine eutrophication and HAB prevalence. A summary of HAB occurrences in SC lagoonal ponds from 2001 to 2005 is presented, and a project is described that simulates the effectiveness of constructed wetlands as a supplementary best management practice designed to process stormwater and groundwater and remove nutrients prior to entering wet detention ponds.
Connective tissue breakdown in ovulation

A meshwork of collagen over the apical region of the follicle must be breached to permit the ovum to escape. We propose that specific collagenase activity is responsible for collagen breakdown in this region. Immature rats are primed with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG), followed at 48 h by hCG. At 8 h after hCG, collagenase activity, measured in extracts of ovarian tissue, is elevated about five-fold. Ovulation follows at 10-12 h. Ovaries from PMSG-primed rats are dissected at 48 h, placed in a perfusion apparatus, and perfused with luteinizing hormone and 3-isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine. The ovulations induced by this treatment can be blocked to the extent of 70% with a synthetic collagenase inhibitor. The activation of procollagenase is believed to involve plasminogen activator and plasmin. In support of this, we find that tranexamic acid at 1 mM inhibits ovulation about 70%. The inhibitor must be added within 3-4 h of LH to be effective. A specific plasmin inhibitor, D-Val-Phe-Lys-chloromethyl ketone, is similarly effective.
Evidence for the presence of red and white cells within "platelet" aggregates formed in whole-blood.

Abstract Collagen-induced platelet aggregation and secretion (ATP-release) in whole-blood and platelet-rich plasma was compared. Although the amount of ATP released was comparable in whole-blood and platelet-rich plasma, the maximum extent of aggregation was greater when platelets were studied in their natural milieu, i.e. whole-blood. A scanning electron microscopic survey of the "platelet" aggregate formed in whole-blood showed that it contained erythrocytes and leucocytes as well as aggregated platelets.
Graves' ophthalmopathy. A clinical and immunologic review

Abstract Graves' thyroid disease and the orbitopathy which often accompanies it have puzzled physicians and scientists for more than 150 years. Although certain histopathological features have been documented, it is not known what mechanisms are responsible for the systemic and/or ocular disorders. The ocular condition characteristic of Graves' disease may exist in the absence of clinical or biochemical evidence of thyroid dysfunction, and when the systemic and ocular conditions exist together, they may follow completely different clinical courses. Because the relationship between the thyroid disorder and the orbitopathy is not established, the authors refer not to "thyroid ophthalmopathy," but to "Graves' ophthalmopathy." In this review, histopathological features of Graves' ophthalmopathy are reviewed. The differential diagnosis of the ophthalmopathy and approaches to its evaluation are discussed, notably the T-4 radioimmunoassay, T-3 resin uptake and TSH tests, as well as CT scanning and ultrasonography. The characteristics of Classes 0–6 ophthalmopathy are outlined and the management of cases in each class is considered. The possible immunological basis for Graves' ophthalmopathy is also reviewed.
Mauna loa coronagraph observations around the 7 March 1970 eclipse

The locations of seven principal coronal features observed in projection at the 7 March 1970 eclipse are established from synoptic coronagraphic measurements.
Family trait analysis: A case-control study of 43 women with endometriosis and their best friends

Analyses of lineage patterns show that for 43 women with endometriosis who reported that other family members have the disease, the vast majority of these familial cases involve the maternal lineage (79% to 93%). Of these women 34.9% of their mothers and 21.2% of their sisters were affected. With use of these rates, expected rates for first-degree relatives in a general population of women with endometriosis were determined. These rates were 6.2% and 3.8%, respectively; in combination, these rates yield an overall risk of 4.9% for first-degree relatives. Prior studies estimated this overall risk to be 6.9%; however, z scores determined that these rates do not differ statistically. Rates for second-degree maternal relatives are reported for grandmothers and aunts (0.4% compared to 3.1%, respectively), thus expanding results of former studies. In combination, an overall risk of 1.9% is estimated for second-degree relatives, as measured.
A microELISA Raji cell assay to detect immune complexes

Abstract The Raji cell assay to detect immune complexes has been modified to a microtiter ELISA system. Raji cells were fixed to microplate wells, then reacted with serum samples or aggregated human IgG. Horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-human IgG was used to detect bound complexes. There was a linear relationship between aggregated IgG added and optical density reading, with less than 2 μg/ml of aggregated IgG readily detected. When applied to human serum this technique gave results comparable to those obtained with the standard Raji cell assay. The Raji micro-ELISA is simpler to perform than the standard assay, is equally reliable, and avoids the hazards of radioactivity.
Inventory management: Is there a knock-on effect?

Abstract Over the last several years a number of independent empirical studies have shown that organizational performance is related to a portfolio of management techniques, clearly demonstrating that there is no single “silver bullet.” In fact, these studies indicate that performance is positively correlated with the number of techniques employed and the depth of their implementation. Operational outcomes in areas like product quality, on-time delivery and productivity, as well as market measures like margins and export sales are both positively related to the implementation of a variety of techniques. This paper explores the relationship between the use of effective inventory management practices (as reflected in inventory turnover) and the implementation of other manufacturing practices. The hypothesis is that effective inventory management practices have a positive knock-on effect on the implementation of other practices. Since organizational performance is related to the implementation of multiple practices, the knock-on effect should have a positive effect on performance as well. The results show that inventory turnover is significantly related to the implementation of other techniques and weakly related to an index of overall company performance. This suggests a positive knock-on effect, but that it takes more than inventory management to achieve high levels of performance. Having established the knock-on relationship adds more evidence to the notion that management excellence in one area begets management excellence in others.
The Behavioral Ecology of Libellula luctuosa (Burmeister) (Anisoptera: Libellulidae): I. Temporal Changes in the Population Density and the Effects on Male Territorial Behavior

A single population of a common pond dragonfly, Libellula luctuosa, was studied at a site where the density of males increased dramatically during the breeding season. Early in the summer one active male was found on each territory on the pond. Satellite males were only occasionally found on the territories. Later in the season the number of males per territory increased so that two or more males simultaneously defended on many of the territories, and several satellite males occupied each of the territories. The number and rate of female visitations per day did not change over the summer. These factors resulted in a change in the operational sex ratio with variations in male density. Male behavior was also altered with increasing population density. As male density increased, males were less likely to be seen perching on their territories and more likely to be seen performing aggressive acts such as chasing nearby territorial males and chasing intruders. At high male density, the duration of territorial behaviors was shorter than at low male density. Thus, the percent of a time budget spent in any one activity did not change despite the change in number of males present. Male activity in L. luctuosa is not strictly determined by the opportunity for aggression. Costs of aggression associated with territoriality are minimized by maintaining flexible territorial behaviors.
Use of Bromoergocryptine in the Validation of Protocols for the Assessment of Mechanisms of Early Pregnancy Loss in the Rat

Abstract Validated protocols for evaluating maternally mediated mechanisms of early pregnancy failure in rodents are needed for use in the risk assessment process. To supplement previous efforts in the validation of a panel of protocols assembled for this purpose, bromoergocryptine (BEC) was used as a model compound because it is known to inhibit pituitary prolactin secretion. BEC was tested using the early pregnancy protocol (EPP), the decidual cell response technique (DCR), the pre- vs postimplantation protocol (PPP), and embryo transport rate analysis (ETRA). These protocols evaluate the effects of chemicals on multiple endpoints following exposure during (a) the first 8 days of pregnancy, (b) early pseudopregnancy accompanied by decidual induction, (c) the pre- and postimplantation intervals of early pregnancy, or (d) the period of embryo transport. In the EPP, dosing with BEC during Days 1–8 of pregnancy reduced the number of implantation sites found on Day 9 as well as serum progesterone. The DCR technique revealed a dose-dependent inhibition of decidual growth concomitant with decreased serum progesterone as a result of BEC treatment. A modified DCR technique using hormone-supplemented ovariectomized rats demonstrated that BEC did not impair decidual growth in the presence of adequate progestogenic support. Pre- vs postimplantation dosing indicated that implantation is vulnerable to BEC effects at least through Day 4. BEC had no effect on embryo transport rate. Data from these protocols identified BEC as having adverse maternal effects during early pregnancy. While the pituitary was not identified by these protocols as the site of BEC's primary action, the protocols did identify a reduction in serum progesterone and impaired uterine function as toxicological mechanisms mediating the reduced fertility seen following BEC exposure.
End-to-end learning of parsing models for information retrieval

Parsers have been shown to be helpful in information retrieval tasks because they are able to model long-span word dependencies efficiently. While previous work focused on using traditional syntactic parse trees, this paper proposes a new approach where, unlike previous work, the parser parameters are discriminatively trained to directly optimize a non-convex and non-smooth IR measure. The relevance between a document and a query is then modeled by the weighted tree edit distance between their parses. We evaluate our method on a large scale web search task consisting of a real world query set. Results show that the new parser is more effective for document retrieval than using traditional syntactic parse trees. It gives significant improvement, especially for long queries where proper modeling of long-span dependencies is crucial.
The Effects of Mating Ratio and Age on Fertility and Hatchability in Japanese Quail

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) has been described by Padgett and Ivey (1959) and Wilson et al. (1961) as a suitable pilot animal in avian research. It is presently used in many phases of research at experimental stations throughout the United States. One of the main problems has been to establish and maintain satisfactory reproduction of stock. The purposes of this study were to determine (1) the optimum mating ratio of male to female coturnix maintained in massmated groups, (2) the time of onset and the duration of fertility, and (3) the effect of age on fertility and hatchability. In addition, some general observations were made on mating behavior, with special reference to mating frequency (emphasis on aggressiveness) and preferential mating in mass-mated populations. METHODS All chicks used were from a randomly selected control population held at U. C. Davis (line 908). Chicks were brooded in a modified …
Positions of Influence in the Nursing Home Admission Decision

Decisions leading to nursing home admissions have substantial personal and policy consequences, but little research has focused on who is influential in the decision process. We sought to determine...
The role of adjunctive radiotherapy for stage I endometrial carcinoma: Preoperative vs postoperative irradiation

Abstract Eighty-five patients with clinical Stage I endometrial carcinoma were reviewed: 81% of patients had either pre-operative or post-operative radiotherapy (RT). The incidence of deep myometrial invasion (outer 13 of thickness) of pre-op RT vs. post-op RT group was 6% and 28% respectively; the pre-op irradiation seemed to alter the depth of myometrial invasion. Eleven patients (13%) developed recurrences: 9 of these patients (82%) had recurrences in the extrapelvis. The incidence of extrapelvic recurrence of patients with Grade 3 tumors was 29% (414); those with deep myometrial invasion was 33% (412). The overall 5 year survival and complication rate was 89% and 4% respectively: these results were comparable between pre-op RT and post-op RT groups. However, post-op RT offers the advantage of accurate surgical-pathologic staging and optimal individualization of adjuvant therapy. In addition, those who have deep myometrial invasion and/or Grade 3 tumors may require systemic therapy in view of high incidence of distant failures.