cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic Exercise-Induced Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction without Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Background Left ventricular (LV) outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) is most commonly seen in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Postexercise dynamic LVOTO (DLVOTO) has been infrequently identified in symptomatic patients without LV hypertrophy, and its pathophysiology is not well established. The aim of this study was to identify echocardiographic abnormalities that might explain the dynamic development of systolic anterior motion, mitral-septal contact, and LVOTO in these patients. Methods Patients with DLVOTO and normal wall thickness were compared with 20 age-matched and gender-matched controls with normal stress echocardiographic findings. Two other groups were also compared: patients with DLVOTO and mild segmental hypertrophy (segmental wall thickness ≤15 mm) and patients with normal left ventricles but DLVOTO after dobutamine stress. Results Six symptomatic patients were identified (mean age, 48 ± 9 years; range, 37–60 years; five men) with normal wall thickness who developed DLVOTO after exercise during a 6-year period. Five had been hospitalized for cardiac symptoms. The mean postexercise LV outflow tract gradient caused by systolic anterior motion mitral-septal contact was 107 ± 55 mm Hg (range, 64–200 mm Hg). All patients had echocardiographic LV wall thicknesses in the normal range (≤12 mm). Structural abnormalities of the mitral valve were identified in all six patients. These were elongated posterior leaflets (2.0 vs 1.5 cm, P P = .015), increased protrusion height of the mitral valve beyond the mitral annular plane (2.6 vs 0.6 cm, P P P = .03). In two patients, potentially provoking medications were stopped; two patients received β-blockers, with reductions of angina. Medium-term prognosis was good; no patient had died after 3.5 years. The mitral valve abnormalities in the 10 patients with DLVOTO and mild segmental hypertrophy were qualitatively and quantitatively very similar to those in patients with DLVOTO without hypertrophy. In contrast, the valves of patients with dobutamine stress DLVOTO were not elongated, but 50% had residual mitral leaflets that protruded past the coaptation point by ≥5 mm. Conclusions DLVOTO after exercise can occur in the absence of LV hypertrophy and may be associated with high gradients and cardiac symptoms. Elongated, redundant mitral valve leaflets with anterior position of the papillary muscles appear to cause the postexercise obstruction.
Intramedullary structure of human metacarpals

External and internal measurements were taken of the metacarpal bones of 25 fresh adult, Caucasian cadaver hands. The shape of the intramedullary canal of each of the five metacarpals was different. There was also great variation between metacarpals in both cortical thickness and the diameter of the canals, The volar cortical wall of all metacarpals was approximately 20% thicker than the dorsal cortex. With the exception of the thumb, there was no difference between the radial and ulnar cortical thickness. The data obtained from these studies suggest strongly that the shape and dimensions of the intramedullary canal should be taken into consideration when designing intramedullary fixation devices or prostheses.
The complementary roles of expert systems and database management systems in a design for manufacture environment

Effective product design that satisfies functional requirements and can be manufactured easily requires vast amounts of knowledge on the part of the design engineer. This paper focuses on the complementary roles of expert systems and database management systems as they relate to the Intelligent Design System (IDS) in a Design for Manufacture (DFM) environment. Each technology complements the other in its strengths and abilities. The database management system provides during the design process. The expert system provides a reasoning mechanism for identifying manufacturing violations and generating meaningful recommendations. These components work cooperatively with a CAD interface to form a unified, intelligent design environment.
Cardiomyopathy in Infants: A Brief Overview

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. List the two major forms of cardiomyopathy in the infant. 2. State the mortality rate from dilated cardiomyopathy in infants. 3. State the percentage of cases in which etiologic diagnoses of cardiomyopathy are possible. 4. Compare and contrast the effects of medical therapy on outcome for dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. 5. Describe the immediate cause of death for most patients who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy comprises all entities in which the primary finding is a disorder of the myocardium. This definition encompasses a number of specific diseases that individually are rare. Even cumulatively, these conditions account for only approximately 1% of childhood cardiac disease. There are few infant-specific prevalence or incidence data, but it is likely that these estimates are similar for the neonatal population. Cardiomyopathy presents a therapeutic challenge for the clinician, as evidenced by the fact that 10% of all pediatric cardiac deaths can be attributed to this condition. It presents no less of a diagnostic challenge; most cases are idiopathic, and the known diagnoses spread among a vast and heterogeneous list of disorders. In light of the difficulties in establishing a specific etiologic diagnosis, the best classification scheme for cardiomyopathy remains that established by the World Health Organization, which was revised in 1980 (Table 1⇓ ). It is based on a pathophysiologic classification that remains useful not only in describing common clinical features, but also in guiding therapy and prognosis. With this classification scheme, the etiology may be known or unknown, and any given patient may demonstrate features consistent with one or more categories over time. View this table: Table 1. World Health Organization Classification of Cardiomyopathy Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by enlargement of the left ventricular cavity, with congestive heart failure due to impaired systolic function of the left ventricle or both ventricles. Cardiac …
Observations on oblique projectors and pseudoinverses

Oblique projectors (which were examined by Behrens and Scharf (see ibid., vol.42, no.6, p.1413-24, 1994)) are related to earlier work on oblique pseudoinverses and constrained least-squares methods and are reconsidered from the standpoint of orthogonal basis vectors and QR factorizations. Construction algorithms are presented that are numerically more stable than the normal-equations constructions previously used.
Iridoid glycosides of Aureolaria flava and their sequestration by Euphydryas phaeton butterflies

Abstract Four iridoid glycosides were isolated and identified from Aureolaria flava (Scrophulariaceae): aucubin, gardoside methyl ester, 8-epiloganin, and 8- O -acetylharpagide. The iridoid glycoside content of Euphydryas phaeton (Nymphalidae), a principal herbivore of A. flava , was quantitatively determined by gas chromatography. In general, only aucubin was found in the butterflies, and amounts of this compound were low and variable among individuals.
Effects of denervation and treatment with nucleotides on phosphatase reactions in muscles of rats

Vier Wochen nach Denervierung des rechten Muskels rectus femoris bei Ratten kommt es zu betrachtlichem Gewichtsverlust der Muskel, einer deutlich sichtbaren Verringerung des Durchmessers der Muskelfasern und einer erhohten Multi-Phosphatase-Aktivitat in den Muskelcapillaren.
Maximum angle method for determining mixed layer depth from seaglider data

A new maximum angle method has been developed to determine surface mixed-layer (a general name for isothermal/constant-density layer) depth from profile data. It has three steps: (1) fitting the profile data with a first vector (pointing downward) from an upper level to a depth and a second vector (pointing downward) from that depth to a deeper level; (2) identifying the angle (varying with depth) between the two vectors; (3) after fitting and calculating angle all depths, and then selecting the depth with maximum angle as the mixed layer depth (MLD). Temperature and potential density profiles collected from two seagliders in the Gulf Stream near the Florida coast during 14 November–5 December 2007 were used to demonstrate the method’s capability. The quality index (1.0 for perfect identification of the MLD) of the maximum angle method is about 0.96. The isothermal layer depth is generally larger than the constant-density layer depth, i.e., the barrier layer occurs during the study period. Comparison with the existing difference, gradient, and curvature criteria shows the advantage of using the maximum angle method. Uncertainty in determining MLD because of varying threshold using the difference method is also presented.
In vitro flow measurements in ion sputtered hydrocephalus shunts

Accurate in vitro measurements of the pressure drop-flow (drainage) rate relationship were made for perforated Teflon microtubules using a fish hook arrangement. These measurements indicated that appropriate drainage rates could be obtained in the physiological range for hydrocephalus shunts. Animal experimentation is required for in vivo evaluation of these microtubules with micron-sized holes that may prevent cellular ingrowth and recurrent obstruction, and thus extend implanted shunt life.
Predictors of sperm recovery after cryopreservation in testicular cancer.

Our objective was to identify predictors of improved postthaw semen quality in men with testicular cancer banking sperm for fertility preservation. We reviewed 173 individual semen samples provided by 67 men with testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) who cryopreserved sperm before gonadotoxic treatment between 1994 and 2010 at our tertiary university medical center. Our main outcomes measures were independent predictors for the greater postthaw total motile count (TMC) in men with TGCT. Men with NSGCT were more likely to be younger (P median fresh TMC each had increased odds of a postthaw TMC greater than median postthaw TMC. Interestingly, age, advanced cancer stage (II or III), rapid freezing protocol, and motility enhancer did not show increased odds of improved postthaw TMC in our models. In conclusion, men with TGCT or poor fresh TMC should consider preserving additional vials (at least 15 vials) before oncologic treatment. Density gradient purification should be routinely used to optimize postthaw TMC in men with TGCT. Larger, randomized studies evaluating cancer stage and various cryopreservation techniques are needed to assist in counseling men with TGCT regarding fertility preservation and optimizing cryosurvival.
An Experimental Investigation of Starting Impinging Jets

Impulsively started impinging jets were experimentally investigated in a water tank utilizing a fluorescent dye technique. The jets were examined prior to and subsequent to impingement. The impingement surfaces included a flat surface and a two-dimensional semicircular concave surface. The normalized jet-to-surface distance and the jet Reynolds number were varied. Using digitized flow visualization images, the jet trajectories, front velocities, growth rates, and convective velocities of large-scale turbulent structures were quantified. A central conclusion of this investigation is that for all cases studied, the jet-front velocity varies with the square root of time
The Hemoglobin and Total Phosphorus in the Blood of Cows and Bulls

Summary By means of over a thousand determinations we have shown that the blood of the normal cow contains 10.9 ± 0.86 grams of hemoglobin per 100 cc. of blood. The blood of mature bulls is significantly higher in hemoglobin than that of cows. It contains 12.8 ± 0.8 grams per 100 cc. There is no relation between the hemoglobin of the cow and the following variables: breed, milk production, fat production, and the prolongation of the lactation period. There is no change in the hemoglobin of the blood that can be related to the period of gestation or lactation. No differences were found in total phosphorus, iron and hemoglobin in the blood of seventy-four cows at the close of the winter months and after a two-months’ period of exposure to pasture or sunshine. No influence of an eighteen-months’ feeding period with three levels of protein upon the hemoglobin, iron or total phosphorus of the blood of lactating cows could be found.
Role of pressure in spontaneous ignition.

In a scries of tests, streams of liquid hyclraziiie and liquid HF\A were allowed to impinge on ea«h other iti an evacuated chamber. Open-ended glass cylinders Here placed vertically in the chamber so that the impingement point was located just inside the upper end of the cylinder. In each test, the lowest pressure at which ignition occurred was noted. The geometry of the hardware in the reaction zone (in this case, cylindrical confinement) was shown to have a major influence in determining the lowest pressure at which ignition will occur. In another series of tests, events occurring during the first stages of ignition were observed visually and by means of high-speed photography. Combustion was initiated in the liquid phase, rather than in the gas phase. A simplified treatment of the ignition process was attempted, based on the assumption that the following three rate processes occur: 1) formation of intermediate products, 2) evaporation, and 3) combustion to the ultimate products. Time-temperature data, based on this assumption, were calculated.
Do antitumor necrosis factor agents increase the risk of postoperative orthopedic infections

Purpose of reviewPatients with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritides treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors frequently undergo orthopedic procedures. These patients may be at risk for serious postoperative infections as antitumor necrosis factor agents may be associated with
Walking Our Talk: Business Schools, Legitimacy, and Citizenship:

Business and society scholars have analyzed the citizenship activities of private firms, but what of their own institutions? This article introduces the concept of business school citizenship (BSC)...
Robotics education in the liberal arts curriculum

The United States Military Academy is offers a liberal arts curriculum. This paper describes how robotics topics are integrated where possible in that curriculum. The military leadership recognizes the need for its members to have knowledge of robotics in today's technological Army. Among soldiers and officers the depth of knowledge needed ranges from awareness of capability to a deep engineering understanding of design paired with hands-on skill. West Point educates young men and women who are to be future Army officers. This paper presents several methods used at West Point to build robotics knowledge according to the need of the individual. Robotics education is executed in spite of a crowded liberal arts curriculum. Methods include K-12 outreach, projects, internships, courses for non-engineering majors, and engineering degree programs. Knowledge is transferred not only by graduates, but also by the rotating officer faculty who return to serve in the Army at large after teaching at West Point.
Endogenous Transcription at the Centromere Facilitates Centromere Activity in Budding Yeast

Summary Background The centromere ( CEN ) DNA-kinetochore complex is the specialized chromatin structure that mediates chromosome attachment to the spindle and is required for high-fidelity chromosome segregation. Although kinetochore function is conserved from budding yeast to humans, it was thought that transcription had no role in centromere function in budding yeast, in contrast to other eukaryotes including fission yeast. Results We report here that transcription at the centromere facilitates centromere activity in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae . We identified transcripts at CEN DNA and found that Cbf1, which is a transcription factor that binds to CEN DNA, is required for transcription at CEN DNA. Chromosome instability of cbf1 Δ cells is suppressed by transcription driven from an artificial promoter. Furthermore, we have identified Ste12, which is a transcription factor, and Dig1, a Ste12 inhibitor, as a novel CEN -associated protein complex by an in vitro kinetochore assembly system. Dig1 represses Ste12-dependent transcription at the centromere. Conclusions Our studies reveal that transcription at the centromere plays an important role in centromere function in budding yeast.
The surface properties of a van der Waals fluid

Abstract Surface properties are obtained from an extension of the direct simulation Monte Carlo algorithm to a hard sphere system with an infinite range, weak attractive potential that obeys the van der Waals equation of state. Liquid–vapor surface tension measurements both with and without a gravitational field are in agreement with models summarizing experimental values for simple substances. These measurements are also in agreement with the van der Waals predictions using the measured interface density profile provided the square gradient term identification with a divergent free energy expansion is ignored. The divergent term should be replaced by one that takes into account the work required to form the density gradient in the reference hard sphere system.
A device to measure turfgrass load bearing capacity under field conditions

Turfgrasses can bear some weight before they are crushed. This load bearing capacity (LBC) provides a cushioning effect that protects crown tissue from a certain degree of traffic injury and its subsequent stress. The more LBC a turf has, the less potential traffic injury may be expected. A device was designed, constructed, and tested under field conditions to measure turfgrass LBC. The LBC device was constructed to be lightweight and easy to handle. Operator-applied pressure compressed the turfgrass canopy to a. predetermined endpoint. The resistance required to reach this endpoint was measured as force (N 45 cm -2 ) by a load transducer. Values were converted to kN m -2 , The device was used to measure LBC of mature turfs of Texoka' buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.], Parade' Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), Kentucky 31' and 'Mustang' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Screb.), and Meyer' zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.). The LBC device successfully separated turfgrasses species and cultivars. Zoysiagrass and buffalograss had the highest and lowest LBC values for the species tested, 10.7 and 1.19 kN m -2 , respectively. Intraspecific differences of tall fescues were successfully separated; Mustang at 3.28 kN m -2 had a greater LBC than Kentucky 31 at 2.27 kN m -2 . More testing is needed to assess the ability of the LBC device to detect potential differences among cultural practice treatments, like mowing heights and nutritional rates, and screening turfgrass selections for stiffness and rigidity.
Methodology to generate multi-dimensional systolic arrays for FPGAs using openCL (abstract only)

Systolic arrays (SA) in a FPGA provide a significant speed up on many scientific calculations through massive parallelism exploitation. The low-level hardware design of such complex SA is becoming more time-consuming and non-scalable with more transistors being available on a single chip. In this paper we present a novel methodology to generate multi-dimensional SA for FPGAs using a well-accepted high-level language, OpenCL. Kernels written in OpenCL can then be compiled directly into hardware using an OpenCL high-level synthesis tool. A complex case study using our methodology is presented. We were able to design, generate, verify and optimize the entire FPGA based hardware accelerator using the Smith-Waterman, in only three man weeks. The accelerator's top performance was 32.6 GCUPS (Giga-Cell-Updates-Per-Second) on a DNA similarity search with 1.3 GCUPS/watt efficiency. The result is superior to most state-of-the-art CPU/GPU implementations and competitive against a hand-crafted hardware design which took many months to develop.
The impact of coenzyme Q10 on systolic function in patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an endogenous cofactor in the mitochondrial energy production. CoQ10 has been touted to improve heart failure, but its effect on systolic function is controversial. Several small, randomized controlled trials evaluating CoQ10 showed variable results and were largely underpowered. We conducted a meta-analysis of these trials to evaluate the impact of CoQ10 therapy on ejection fraction and cardiac output. Methods and Results: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify randomized, controlled trials of CoQ10 in heart failure between 1966 and June 2005. Subgroup analysis was conducted to assess clinical heterogeneity between trials. Of the 11 trials identified, 10 evaluated ejection fraction (n 5 277) and 2 evaluated cardiac output (n 5 42). Doses ranged from 60 to 200 mg/day with treatment periods ranging from 1 to 6 months. There was a 3.7% net improvement in ejection fraction (95% CI 1.59‐ 5.77; P! .00001 for statistical heterogeneity). A more profound effect among patients not receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors was observed (6.74% [95% CI 2.63‐10.86]). Cardiac output increased an average of 0.28 L/minute (95% CI 0.03‐0.53; P 5 .96 for statistical heterogeneity). Conclusion: CoQ10 enhances systolic function in chronic heart failure, but its effectiveness may be reduced with concomitant use of current standard therapies.
The B(3) field: Its role in the Rayleigh-Jeans law, Planck law, and Einstein coefficients

The role of the novel longitudinal vacuum fieldB(3)is discussed in relation to fundamental radiation laws: the Rayleigh-Jeans law, the Planck law, and the Einstein coefficients. The circular index (3) ofB(3)causes electromagnetic energy density to be redistributed from the other indices (1) and (2) of the circular basis, but the presence ofB(3)in the vacuum does not change the value of the Planck constant h. TheB(3)field does not affect, furthermore, the understanding of quantized radiation absorption first proposed by Einstein. Therefore, the experimental observableB(3) does not imply modification of these fundamental, radiation laws, and experimental isolation ofB(3) must take place through its characteristic square root power density dependence when used to magnetize an electron plasma.
Chromosomal Protein HMGN1 Modulates Histone H3 Phosphorylation

Here we demonstrate that HMGN1, a nuclear protein that binds to nucleosomes and reduces the compaction of the chromatin fiber, modulates histone posttranslational modifications. In Hmgn1-/- cells, loss of HMGN1 elevates the steady-state levels of phospho-S10-H3 and enhances the rate of stress-induced phosphorylation of S10-H3. In vitro, HMGN1 reduces the rate of phospho-S10-H3 by hindering the ability of kinases to modify nucleosomal, but not free, H3. During anisomycin treatment, the phosphorylation of HMGN1 precedes that of H3 and leads to a transient weakening of the binding of HMGN1 to chromatin. We propose that the reduced binding of HMGN1 to nucleosomes, or the absence of the protein, improves access of anisomysin-induced kinases to H3. Thus, the levels of posttranslational modifications in chromatin are modulated by nucleosome binding proteins that alter the ability of enzymatic complexes to access and modify their nucleosomal targets.
Film-Cooling Effectiveness on a Rotating Blade Platform

Film cooling effectiveness measurements under rotation were performed on the rotor blade platform using a pressure sensitive paint (PSP) technique. The present study examines, in particular, the film cooling effectiveness due to purging of coolant from the wheel-space cavity through the circumferential clearance gap provided between the stationary and rotating components of the turbine. The experimental investigation is carried out in a new three-stage turbine facility, recently designed and taken into operation at the Turbomachinery Performance and Flow Research Laboratory (TPFL) of Texas A&M University. This new turbine rotor has been used to facilitate coolant injection through this stator-rotor gap upstream of the 1st stage rotor blade. The gap was inclined at 25° to mainstream flow to allow the injected coolant to form a film along the passage platform. The effects of turbine rotating conditions on the blade platform film cooling effectiveness were investigated at three speeds of 2550 rpm, 2000 rpm and 1500 rpm with corresponding incidence angles of 23.2°, 43.4° and 54.8° respectively. Four different coolant-to-mainstream mass flow ratios varying from 0.5% to 2.0% were tested at each rotational speed. Aerodynamic measurements were performed at the 1st stage stator exit using a radially traversed five-hole probe to quantify the mainstream flow at this station. Results indicate that film cooling effectiveness increases with an increase in the coolant-to-mainstream mass flow ratios for all turbine speeds. Higher turbine rotation speeds show more local film cooling effectiveness spread on the platform with increasing magnitudes.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
At-home systems and controls laboratory

At-home laboratories are inexpensive hardware kits that students take home and work on much like a problem set. The kits have an embedded microcontroller and communicate to the student’s home PC over a serial port. The home PC provides the needed computational horsepower for experiment control, data collection, data analysis and reporting. The microcontroller handles real-time control tasks. Two first-generation kits were developed, a fourth-order, linear mass-spring-damper system for frequency response and system identification, and an analog filtering system that uses music and synthetic sound as an input for understanding the properties of analog filters. Twenty five kits were constructed and used by students. Based on this pilot, improved, second generation kits have been designed.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
On the choice of evolutional parameter within a framework of four-dimensional symmetry

Within the context of the variational principle, there is the freedom to choose specific evolutional parameters. Different parameters can be associated with physical time, while allowing the physical laws to preserve the property of four-dimensional symmetry. In this sense, the concept of time has flexibility. Besides proper time and relativistic time, another natural choice emerges, which is called the generalized Galilean time. We study the impact of this choice here. This approach provides a deeper understanding of the theory of special relativity, and it also provides a new basis to study other space-time theories.
Geomorphic evolution of the Tongue of the Ocean and the Providence Channels, Bahamas

Abstract During their early history the Tongue of the Ocean and the Providence Channels were broad, relatively shallow basins flanked by growing carbonate banks. As the Blake-Bahama platform subsided, sedimentation kept pace with subsidence on the banks, but not in these flat-bottomed troughs, thus increasing the relief. At the outer end of the troughs the Blake-Bahama escarpment, bounding the platform on the east, dropped steeply to the abyssal plain. Sediment gravity flows coursing down this escarpment began to erode a valley headward into the flat-bottom ancestral Northeast Providence Channel. As the relief between the banks and the troughs increased, the flows increased in vigor, and some of them were able to move down the troughs and into the headwardly eroding central valley. The rate of headward erosion thus increased, with the result that still more flows found their way into the valley. The head of this valley is now off central Andros Island, about 225 km from its point of origin, and headward erosion is continuing. Study of bathymetric charts, observations made during sixteen dives in the Tongue of the Ocean using the submersible DSRV “Alvin”, and analogies with subaerial geomorphic processes and their products contributed to the development of this model. The model is consistent with available stratigraphic information. It is emphasized that the morphology of the Tongue of the Ocean and the Providence Channels cannot be explained as the result of a single unidirectional process, such as upbuilding alone or erosion alone. Both have occurred and both are still occurring. Upbuilding predominated early in the history of the Bahamas; it is responsible for the high walls. Erosion began later and has been accelerating through time. It is responsible for the central valley.
Polarized Raman spectroscopy: application to bone biomechanics

Raman spectroscopic studies have shown that the properties of the organic matrix and the orientation of the mineral and matrix components of bone have a large influence on its properties. We employ polarized Raman microspectroscopy to monitor the changes in the orientation of mineral crystallites during tensile loading of bovine femora in the elastic regime. We load tissue in a custom-built dynamic mechanical tester that fits on the stage of a Raman microprobe and can accept hydrated tissue specimens. Parallel and perpendicular polarization components of the Raman spectra along the long axis of the diaphysis are obtained. We propose that the orientation and structure of mineral crystallites change on deformation of bone tissue by tensile loading.
An analysis of repeated sequence heterogeneity

High-resolution thermal denaturation was used to measure the heterogeneity within repeated DNA sequences. An analysis of combined denaturation/redenaturation experiments on mouse satellite DNA suggests the existence of two minor components, one of which does not appear in the prepared EcoRII monomer. The resolving power of the denaturation/redenaturation experiment is estimated and contrasted with that of the reassociation experiment, often used to estimate repeated sequence heterogeneity. A mathematical model of the redenaturation experiment was developed and applied to mouse satellite data; the results suggest that only one-fourth of the mismatched base pairs are energetically significant in the reduction of heteroduplex stability.
Averaged equations for distributed Josephson junction arrays

We use an averaging method to study the dynamics of a transmission line studded by Josephson junctions. The averaged system is used as a springboard for studying experimental strategies which rely on spatial non-uniformity to achieve enhanced synchronization. A reduced model for the near resonant case elucidates in physical terms the key to achieving stable synchronized dynamics.
A case of wear particle formation through shearing-off at contact spots interlocked through microroughness in adhesive wear

Abstract The shape and size distribution of wear particles and the interface morphology enables different wear modes to be distinguished, and hence allows comparison with corresponding wear models. The particles must be collected as soon as possible after their formation, to minimize deformation and chemical attack between the generation and analysis of the particles, and the concurrent damage to the interface. To this end, a correlated study of surface morphology and of wear particles was performed on bundles of copper wires of various diameters subject to unlubricated sliding on a copper substrate in adhesive wear. Different sliding conditions were used. In some tests the contact spot temperature was artificially increased through the passage of current to generate Joule heat; other tests were performed in argon rather than in the unregulated atmosphere. The results strongly support the “shearing-off” model of wear, operating at contact spots mechanically interlocked through microroughness, as indicated by the following. 1. (1) There was no evidence of any clinging of wear particles or fragments thereof to the harder side, as expected if adhesive forces had played a significant role in the primary wear event. 2. (2) Numerous partially formed but not yet fully detached wear particles were observed whose shape conformed exactly to that predicted by the shearing-off model. 3. (3) Evidence of microroughness was discovered on the surfaces of partly formed particles, the corresponding surfaces of wear particles and those of the contact spots on the other side. 4. (4) By contrast, none of these surfaces showed evidence of tearing or puckering that would indicate breaking of adhesive bonds. 5. (5) For all wear conditions, the size of the wear particles matched the size of the contact spots on the opposing side. 6. (6) The wear particles exhibited “similitude”, i.e. their ratio of length to width to thickness was virtually independent of the wear conditions, as predicted by the shearing-off model. 7. (7) The ratio of length to width to thickness of the particles was about 1:0.5:0.3, which is in close conformity with expectations from the shearingoff model without assistance from adhesion, whereas strong adhesive forces are expected to generate equiaxed wear particles.
Leukocyte adherence contributes to disruption of the blood-brain barrier during activation of mast cells.

The goal of this study was to examine the role of leukocytes in disruption of the blood-brain barrier during activation of mast cells using compound 48/80. We examined the pial microcirculation in rats using intravital fluorescence microscopy. Permeability of the blood-brain barrier (clearance of fluorescent-labeled dextran; molecular weight 10000 daltons; FITC-dextran-10 K) was determined while suffusing with vehicle or compound 48/80 (10 or 25 microg/ml). During superfusion with vehicle (saline), clearance of FITC-dextran-10 K from pial vessels was modest and remained relatively constant during the experimental period (0.52+/-0.05 ml/sx10(-6) at 80 min). In addition, diameter of pial arterioles remained constant (32+/-5 microm) while suffusing with vehicle. In contrast, topical application of compound 48/80 produced marked disruption of the blood-brain barrier to FITC-dextran-10 K. For example, suffusion with compound 48/80 (25 microg/ml) increased clearance of FITC-dextran-10 K about 4-fold to 2.26+/-0.25 ml/sx10(-6) at 80 min. In addition, superfusion with compound 48/80 (25 microg/ml) constricted pial arterioles by 26+/-9% at 80 min. To determine a potential role for leukocyte adhesion to endothelium in disruption of the blood-brain barrier during suffusion with compound 48/80, we examined permeability during suffusion with compound 48/80 (25 microg/ml) in the presence of WT.3 (2 mg/kg i.v.), a monoclonal antibody directed against the functional epitope of the leukocyte adhesive glycoprotein (CD18; LFA-1beta). We found that infusion of WT.3 markedly attenuated disruption of the blood-brain barrier to FITC-dextran-10 K in response to compound 48/80. The clearance of FITC-dextran-10 K during superfusion with compound 48/80 in the presence of WT.3 was 1.29+/-0.14 ml/sx10(-6) at 80 min (P<0.05). Thus, the findings of the present study suggest that application of compound 48/80, to degranulate mast cells, activates the adhesion of leukocytes to cerebral venular endothelium which contributes to disruption of the blood-brain barrier.
Membrane deformation and scission by the HSV-1 nuclear egress complex

The nuclear egress complex (NEC) of herpesviruses such as HSV-1 is essential for the exit of nascent capsids from the cell nucleus. The NEC drives nuclear envelope vesiculation in cells, but the precise budding mechanism and the potential involvement of cellular proteins are unclear. Here we report that HSV-1 NEC alone is sufficient for membrane budding in vitro and thus represents a complete membrane deformation and scission machinery. It forms ordered coats on the inner surface of the budded vesicles, suggesting that it mediates scission by scaffolding the membrane bud and constricting the neck to the point of scission. The inward topology of NEC-mediated budding in vitro resembles capsid budding into the inner nuclear membrane during HSV-1 infection and nuclear envelope vesiculation in NEC-transfected cells. We propose that the NEC functions as minimal virus-encoded membrane-budding machinery during nuclear egress and does not require additional cellular factors.
White clover clone response to alternative defoliation methods

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is often evaluated under clipping during selection of germplasm but is ultimately utilized in grazed pastures. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of defoliation method on morphological characters that serve as selection criteria for improving white clover productivity and persistence. Vegetative clones of 14 plants of Southern Regional Virus Resistant germplasm were space-planted in a common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] sward in each of 2 yr on a Savannah fine sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Fragiudult). Clones were defoliated the following year by continuous stocking with cattle or by clipping or rotational stocking on a monthly basis. Lateral plant spread of all clones increased from April to June, but declined from July to October due to death of stolon apices, and was reduced up to 50% by continuous stocking compared with clipping and rotational stocking. In July, plant leaf area, stolon length, and number of stolon apices of all clipped and rotationally-stocked clones were twice that of continuously-stocked clones. Morphological response to defoliation method in October, however, was genotype-dependent; clones that exhibited superior growth in response to one defoliation method did not exhibit the same response to either of the other methods. The differential effect of defoliation method on white clover morphology demonstrates the sensitivity of these characters to harvest management, and because of their association with persistence, the need to evaluate germplasm in the environment in which it will he utilized.
Preoperative Considerations with Herbal Medicines

ABSTRACT More patients are using herbal remedies. Even though herbs are natural products, they often act like medications and may interact with or potentiate other medications. During a preoperative evaluation, nurses should ask patients about their use of herbal remedies. Certain herbs are dangerous and should never be taken, and others must be avoided before elective surgery. Today's perioperative health care professionals must become familiar with basic information about herbs to carry out thorough assessments. At times, caregivers may need to educate and counsel consumers about benefits and harmful aspects of herbal preparations. AORN J 69 (Jan 1999) 173–183.
A computerized reference retrieval system for behavior theraphy outcome studies

Abstract A computerized reference retrieval system containing 2128 behavior therapy outcome studies has been devised and updated. Establishment of the system, how others could established their own system, contents of the system, how it is used, how it compares with an existing commercial system, and implications for future use of such a system are discussed.
Clomipramine versus fluvoxamine in obsessive-compulsive disorder

AbstractBoth clomipramine and fluvoxamine have been effective in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. This paper presents a systematic comparison between these two drugs in 23 patients meeting DSM-III criteria of OCD. The results showed that both drugs were equally effective at the end of 12 weeks treatment. However, differential patterns of side effects and dose adjustments were observed and are briefly discussed.
Effects of Program Characteristics on EAP Utilization

Abstract Various elements of EAPs have been described as crucial to successful program functioning. Using negative binomial regression analysis, this study examined the impact of program features on utilization in a large sample of EAPs. Findings indicated that, among widely recommended features, the existence of a written policy and its broad distribution, adequate staffing levels, and provision of training for supervisors predicted higher levels of program utilization. Other recommended features, including maintenance of client confidentiality, were either unrelated to utilization, or predicted lower utilization.
Hyperammonemia accompanying parenteral nutrition in newborn infants.

Elevated concentrations of blood NH 3 were found in seven infants who were receivingcasein or fibrin hydrolysates intravenously. Hepatic enzymes and/or hepatic histology were abnormal in four of these seven infants. The high concentration of NH 3 in the protein hydrolysate preparation may contribute to the hyperammonemia.
Dynamic Nuclear Polarization with Single Electron Spins

We polarize nuclear spins in a GaAs double quantum dot by controlling two-electron spin states near the anticrossing of the singlet (S) and mS �� 1 triplet (T� ) using pulsed gates. An initialized S state is
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Low-Altitude Aerial Surveys

Unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) are proposed as a useful alternative to manned aircraft for some aerial wildlife surveys. We described the components and current capabilities of a small UAS developed specifically for wildlife and ecological surveys that is currently in field use for a variety of applications. We also reviewed government regulations currently affecting the use of UASs in civilian airspace. Information on capabilities and regulations will be valuable for agencies and individuals interested in the potential UASs offer for monitoring wildlife populations and their habitat. Descriptions of current uses and recommendations for future employment will be helpful in implementing this technology efficiently for aerial surveys as the civilian sector begins to adopt UASs for peacetime missions.
Prepregnant Weight and Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Relationship to Functional Status, Symptoms, and Energy

Objective: To examine the relationship of prepregnancy weight and pregnancy weight gain to functional status, physical symptoms, and physical energy. Design: Longitudinal panel, with data collected at the end of each trimester. Functional status was measured by the Inventory of Functional Status—Antepartum Period; physical symptoms, by the Symptoms Checklist; and physical energy, by a one-item question. Self-reported weight and height were used to calculate body mass index (BMI), using the formula weight[kg]/height[m 2 ]. Setting: Women’s homes. Participants: Two hundred twenty-two women, whose pregnancies were low-risk, drawn from a larger study. Results: Women were classified by prepregnancy BMI as underweight (BMI 26.0). The groups did not differ in weight gain by trimester, for an average total weight gain of 30.56 lb (SD = 10.18, range = 1-64) ( p > .05), with overweight women therefore gaining less weight on a percentage basis (M = 16.87%) than women who were of normal weight [ M = 23.58%) or were underweight (ΛΊ = 26.02%) (p Conclusions: Individual counseling of women regarding food intake and excessive weight gain during pregnancy needs to be reconsidered in light of these findings.
Synthesis, characterization, and crosslinking of novel stars comprising eight poly(isobutylene-azeotropic-styrene) copolymer arms with allyl or hydroxyl termini. I. Living azeotropic copolymerization of isobutylene and styrene †

The overall objective of this research is the creation of novel star polymers consisting of well-defined stable cores out of which radiate multiple poly(isobutylene-co-styrene) [P(IB-co-St)] arms whose glass-transition temperature (Tg) can be controlled over a wide range (−73 to +100 °C) and whose arm termini are fitted with multipurpose (e.g., crosslinkable) functionalities. The first article of this series relates the synthesis and characterization of azeotropic IB/St copolymers [P(IB-aze-St)], which are to be subsequently used as end-functional arms of the target stars. The P(IB-aze-St)s are models for statistical IB/St copolymers. The azeotropic composition is 21/79 (mol/mol) IB/St, and NMR, Fourier transform infrared, and gel permeation chromatography techniques demonstrate copolymer compositional homogeneity over the 12–96% conversion range. Conditions were developed for living azeotropic IB/St copolymerization. The livingness of the azeotropic copolymerization was proven by kinetic investigations. P(IB-aze-St)s with number-average molecular weights of up to 24,000 g/mol and polydispersity indices (weight-average molecular weight/number-average molecular weight) less than 1.5 were prepared. The copolymerization reactivity ratios were determined: rIB = 3.41 ± 0.23 and rSt = 1.40 ± 0.26. The effect of the P(IB-aze-St) molecular weight on Tg was studied by DSC. Tg increases linearly with the number-average molecular weight and reaches a plateau at 62 °C at 24,000 g/mol. The heat stability of P(IB-aze-St) was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, and a 5% weight loss was found at 250 °C in air. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1515–1524, 2001
The 2005 Upper Taum Sauk Dam Failure: A Case History

The Taum Sauk Pumped Storage Powerplant in Reynold County, Missouri (USA) was constructed between 1960 and 1963 to store water for generation during peak daytime power demands. The plant consists of a lower reservoir, which is sited along the East Fork of the Black River, and an upper reservoir, which is formed by a kidney-shaped rock-fill dike approximately 50 to 87 ft (15.2 to 26.5 m) high, capped by a 10-ft (3.05 m) concrete parapet wall set on crest that is 12 ft (3.66 m) wide. The Upper Reservoir held 4,600 acre-ft (5.67 billion liters) when filled. A variety of design/construction flaws, an instrumentation programming error, and human errors contributed to a catastrophic failure of the Upper Reservoir on December 14, 2005. Malfunctioning and improperly programmed and/or placed sensors failed to indicate that the reservoir was full and did not shut down the facility9s remaining pump unit until water had been overflowing for 6 to 7 minutes. This overflow undermined the parapet wall and scoured the underlying embankment, leading to a complete failure within that time frame. The peak discharge from this outbreak flood was estimated to be 289,000 cfs (8,184 m 3 /s), obliterating most of Johnson Shut-ins State Park, where, miraculously, only five people were injured. The flood pulse was significantly mollified by capture within Lower Taum Sauk Reservoir, and the maximum discharge over the Lower Taum Sauk Dam was limited to just 1,600 cfs (45.3 m 3 /s), precluding any significant downstream damage.
Dactylokepon Hunterae and Bopyrina Pontoniae, Two New Species of Bopyrid Isopods From North Carolina

Mannchen und Weibchen zweier neuer, parasitischer Isopoden-Arten werden beschrieben und abgebildet. Dactylokepon hunterae n. sp. ist ein Parasit der Krabbe Pinnotheres maculatus. Bopyrina pontoniae n. sp. parasitiert auf der Garnele Pontonia margarita. Die Krabbe und die Garnele leben als Kommensalen in der Kammmuschel Aequipecten gibbus.
Extraperitoneal placement of Tenckhoff catheters: a cause of immediate malfunction

4 cas ou l'extremite du catheter etait localisee dans la paroi abdominale anterieure. Dans un 5eme cas elle etait situee retroperitonealement dans le petit bassin