cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transposition and Voltage Unbalance in High Phase Order Power Transmission Systems

Abstract—High phase order systems have been proposed at the early inception of power transmission engineering, but few direct applications have been made. High phase order transmission should be considered as an alternative in the case of high power density applications. In this article, an analysis of transposition of high phase order overhead transmission lines is presented and voltage unbalance in high phase order systems is considered. Definitions are presented for “fully transposed” and “roll transposed” along with advantages and disadvantages of each. A generalized voltage unbalance factor is introduced and utilized to determine the benefits of transposition. The generalized voltage unbalance factor is compared with three other possible unbalance factors to determine if the generalized voltage unbalance factor is an appropriate indication of unbalance. Exemplary results are presented for 6-phase and 12-phase designs. Conclusions show that the generalized voltage unbalance factor is a good indication...
Acute Autoimmune Hepatitis, Myositis, and Myasthenic Crisis in a Patient with Thymoma

The concurrent occurrence of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and myasthenia gravis (MG) has rarely been reported with thymoma. We describe what we believe is the first reported case of a newly diagnosed unresectable thymoma with acute-onset transaminitis and myasthenic crisis that responded to chemotherapy following plasmapheresis.
Biophysical Approaches to the Study of Traumatic Brain Injury

We applied biophysical methods to study the anatomical origins of diffuse axonal injury (DAI), a common pathological finding in closed_head traumatic brain injury. The only method capable of detecting DAI non-invasively is diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which is sensitive to the anisotropic movement of water along axons. Regions in the white matter of the brain exhibiting abnormally low fractional anisotropy are indicative of axonal disruption and are clinically interpreted as evidence of DAI. However, a direct relationship between reduced fractional anisotropy and anatomic axonal injury has not been firmly established. In this study, regions in the corpus callosum with reduced fractional anisotropy were identified in DTI maps of post-mortem brains imaged on a 9.4-Tesla magnetic resonance microscope. The anatomic structures of the corpus callosum in regions with normal and reduced fractional anisotropy were subsequently examined by Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) microscopy using the symmetric C-H stretching band at 2845 wavenumbers to highlight the myelin membrane. Regions of the corpus callosum with normal fractional anisotropy revealed intact axons running in orderly parallel tracks. In contrast, regions with low fractional anisotropy exhibited bisected axons, axonal fragments, regions devoid of myelin lipid, and a loss of parallel axonal orientation. The results of this study establish an anatomical link between DTI and DAI that may result in improved methods to detect, study, and treat traumatic brain injury.
High Speed Countercurrent Chromatography/Fourier Transform Infrared (HSCCC/FT-IR) Spectrometry

High Speed Countercurrent Chromatography/Fourier transform infrared (HSCCC/FT-IR) spectrometry is present-ed. High solute-to-solvent ratios can be obtained in separations performed using HSCCC. At these high solute concentrations it is possible to obtain spectra of solutes without solvent elimination, even in the presence of polar solvents, such as water and methanol.
Analytical Capacity Comparison of One-Way and Two-Way Signalized Street Networks:

Recently cities have been converting traditional one-way downtown street networks to two-way operation partly because one-way networks are seen as confusing and as less conducive to economic activity and a livable environment and they require vehicles to travel longer distances on average. However, one of the main disadvantages of such conversions is thought to be a reduction in the network's ability to serve vehicles. Intersections in two-way networks can serve fewer vehicles per unit time than their one-way counterparts. Several studies have assessed the differences between these two types of networks, but most studies are site specific and do not consider the best possible two-way networks. This paper presents an analytical model that uses macroscopic analysis techniques to compare various one-way and two-way networks using their trip-serving capacities. This metric is a key indicator of network performance. Two-way networks can serve more trips per unit time than one-way networks when average trip len...
Genitopatellar syndrome: delineating the anomalies of female genitalia.

We report the second female with genitopatellar syndrome, a recently identified arthrogryposis syndrome. The salient features include severe mental retardation and microcephaly with absence of the corpus callosum, absent/hypoplastic patellae, genital anomalies, and hydronephrosis.
A fourier regression analysis of body temperature of the American opossum, Didelphis virginiana

Abstract The daily variation of body temperature of the North American opossum, Didelphis virginiana, was examined by means of radiotelemetry, and the data were statistically evaluated by a Fourier periodic regression analysis. Four opossums were individually housed at 21°C and two of these opossums were also housed at 7°C ambient temperature. Throughout the investigation the light cycle was LD 9:15 (08:30‐ 17:30h), and body temperatures were recorded each half hour. A prominent 24 h rhythm was observed for the body temperatures of all opossums; for each regression analysis the 24 h harmonic was statistically significant and was the largest portion of the trend. A visual inspection of the fitted curves revealed single peaks and troughs throughout the 24 h period. It is concluded that the opossum exhibits a 24 h rhythm of body temperature comparable to other metatherians.
Narcotics trafficking and the American mafia: The myth of internal prohibition

Numerous books assert that the Mafia long had a prohibition against engaging in narcotics trafficking, either for reasons of morality, or else because of the public stigma attached to drugs. In reality, there are many problems with the belief in voluntary abstention. The mythical nature of “internal prohibition”, and the far different reality, will be illustrated from the case of Philadelphia, supposedly the base for one of the most powerful and traditional-minded of all the American Mafia groups, the “family” headed from 1959 to 1980 by don Angelo Bruno. We will attempt to explain the roots of the prohibition myth, both for writers and for the wider public that appears so endlessly enthusiastic about sagas of organized crime. Finally, the paper examines the implications of this myth for policy makers in successive “wars on crime”.
Endogenous Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines Differentially Regulate an In Vivo Humoral Response to Streptococcus pneumoniae

Proinflammatory cytokines play a critical role in innate host defense against extracellular bacteria. However, little is known regarding the effects of these cytokines on the adaptive humoral response. Mice injected with a neutralizing anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) monoclonal antibody (MAb) at the time of primary immunization with intact Streptococcus pneumoniae (strain R36A) showed a substantial reduction in both the primary immunoglobulin G (IgG) response specific for the cell wall protein, pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), as well as in the development of PspA-specific memory. In contrast, anti-TNF-alpha MAb injected only at the time of secondary immunization with R36A failed to alter the boosted anti-PspA response. TNF-alpha was required only within the first 48 to 72 h after primary immunization with R36A and was induced both by non-B and non-T cells and by lymphoid cells, within 2 to 6 h after immunization, with levels returning to normal by 24 h. Thus, the early innate release of TNF-alpha was critical for optimal stimulation of the subsequent adaptive humoral response to R36A. Additional proinflammatory (interleukin 1 [IL-1], IL-6, IL-12, and gamma interferon [IFN-gamma]) as well as anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines were also transiently induced. Mice genetically deficient in IL-6, IFN-gamma, or IL-12 also showed a reduced IgG anti-PspA response of all IgG isotypes. In contrast, IL-4(-/-) and IL-10(-/-) mice immunized with R36A showed a significant elevation in the IgG anti-PspA response, except that there was decreased IgG1 in IL-4(-/-) mice. In this regard, a marked enhancement in the induction of proinflammatory cytokines was observed in the absence of IL-10, relative to controls. Ig isotype titers specific for the phosphorycholine determinant of C-polysaccharide were similarly regulated, but to a much more modest degree. These data suggest that proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines differentially regulate an in vivo protein- and polysaccharide-specific Ig response to an extracellular bacteria.
Determination of atrazine metabolites in human urine: development of a biomarker of exposure.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (EL1,SAs) are reported for the detection of atrazine and its principle metabolite in human urine. The ELISAs can be used with crude urine or following extraction and partial purification by methods described in this report. GC, MS, and HPLC techniques were used to confirm and complement the ELISA methods for qualitative and quantitative detection of urinary metabolites. A series of samples from workers applying this herbicide confirmed a mercapturic acid conjugate of atrazine as a major urinary metabolite. The mercapturate was found in concentrations int least 10 times that of any of the N-dealkylated products or the parent compound. Atrazine mercapturic acid was isolated from urine using affinity extraction based upon a polyclonal antibody for hydroxy-s-triazines and yielded products sufficiently pure for structure confirmation by MS/MS. In a pilot study monitoring applicators, a relationship between cumulative dermal and inhalation exposure and total amount of atrazine equivalents excreted over a 10-day period was albserved. On the basis of these data, we propose that an ELISA for the mercapturate of atrazine could be developed as a useful marker of exposure.
The View from Down Here: Feminist Graduate Students Consider Innovative Methodologies.

In this article, graduate students and one faculty member respond to the innovative methods presented in this issue. We identify three theoretical and methodological tensions that shape our interest in and willingness to work with these methods. The first questions whether the strengths of doing qualitative research outweigh the limitations. The second involves feminist research ideals and how attainable they are. The third explores epistemological tensions between qualitative and quantitative research. Although intrigued by the data these methods generated and by their underlying epistemology, we question the status of certain qualitative research in psychology. We contend that the criteria by which qualitative research is evaluated must be made more explicitly before quantitatively trained researchers will incorporate these methods into their own work.
The specificity and applications of antibodies to helical nucleic acids.

(1975). The Specificity and Applications of Antibodies to Helical Nucleic Acid. CRC Critical Reviews in Biochemistry: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 45-69.
Performance Improvement of Risk Management Accident Reporting

This study provides risk management practitioners with best practices regarding the design and development of user-friendly accident reports. An accident report is used as a data-gathering tool to document the occurrence of the accident and the accompanying response, to provide feedback to employees on their performance, and for use by legal counsel if needed. The best practices presented are intended to assist employees in gathering, processing, and recording accident information quickly and accurately.
Switching, plasticity, and prediction in a saccadic task-switch paradigm

Several cognitive processes are involved in task-switching. Using a prosaccade/antisaccade paradigm, we manipulated both the interval available for preparation between the cue and the target and the predictability of trial sequences, to isolate the contributions of foreknowledge, an active switching (reconfiguration) process, and passive inhibitory effects persisting from the prior trial. We tested 15 subjects with both a random and a regularly alternating trial sequence. Half of the trials had a short cue-target interval of 200 ms, and half a longer cue-target interval of 2,000 ms. When there was only a short preparatory interval, switching increased the latencies for both prosaccades and antisaccades. With a long preparatory interval, switching was associated with a smaller latency increase for prosaccades and, importantly, a paradoxical reduction in latency for antisaccades. Foreknowledge of a predictable sequence did not allow subjects to reduce switch costs in the manner that a long preparatory cue-target interval did. In the trials with short preparatory intervals, the effects on latency attributable to active reconfiguration processes were similar for prosaccades and antisaccades. We propose a model in which the passive inhibitory effects that persist from the prior saccadic trial are due not to task-set inertia, in which one task-set inhibits the opposite task-set, but to inhibition of the saccadic response-system by the antisaccade task, to account for the paradoxical set-switch benefit for antisaccades at long cue-target intervals. Our findings regarding foreknowledge show that previous studies used to support task-set inertia may have conflated the effects of both active reconfiguration and passive inhibitory processes on latency. While our model of response-system plasticity can explain a number of effects of dominance asymmetry in switching, other models fail to account for the paradoxical set-switch benefit for antisaccades.
An Evaluation of Mounting Step Dimensions and Handhold/Handrail Dimensions on Semi-Trucks, Agricultural and Industrial Vehicles

This study reviews the literature with regard to falls and slips occurring when operators are mounting or dismounting high profile vehicles (HPV's) and discusses the major applicable design standards and guidelines for mounting steps and handhold/handrails. A checklist for the evaluation of mounting steps and handholds/handrails on HPV's is designed (3 major categories: step dimensions, handhold/handrail dimensions, and step surface factors). A sample of 31 HPV's consisting of 12 semi-trucks, 9 agricultural vehicles, and 10 industrial vehicles were selected, and their mounting steps, handhold/handrail, and step surface dimensions were measured. The checklist results show that, primarily due to the lack of a 3 point system, none of the semi-trucks conformed well to the standards and guidelines and must be considered as inadequate from a compliance and safety point of view! Similar conclusions were drawn for the other HPV's.
An Examination of an Intensive Probation Program for Alcohol Offenders

Judicial treatment programs that surpass traditional forms of probated sentencing in punishment severity have received little attention in the correctional literature. Innovative diversion programs have relieved bloated numbers of inmates in state prisons, decreased the potential pool of community welfare recipients, and have reintegrated offenders into their respective neighborhoods.This article reports the results of a three-year longitudinal study of seventy-one (N= 71) criminal offenders assigned to Dougherty County, Georgia's Criminal Alcoholic Program (C.A.P.). The criminal histories of these offenders are compared two years before and after completing this judicial diversion program.Statistically, significant reductions in criminal behavior were observed between pre and post testing periods. The most significant reductions in criminal behavior were for traffic and alcohol-related offenses. Youthful felons experienced the greatest improvement in criminal behavior two years after entry into the C.A.P...
Road Map to Esophagectomy for Nurses

Esophageal cancer, although considered uncommon in the United States, continues to exhibit increased incidence. Esophageal cancer now ranks seventh among cancers in mortality for men in the United States. Even as treatment continues to advance, the mortality rate remains high, with a 5-year survival rate less than 35%. Esophageal cancer typically is discovered in advanced stages, which reduces the treatment options. When disease is locally advanced, esophagectomy remains the standard for treatment. Surgery remains challenging and complicated. Multiple surgical approaches are available, with the choice determined by tumor location and stage of disease. Recovery is often fraught with complications-both physical and emotional. Nursing care revolves around complex care managing multiple body systems and providing effective education and emotional support for both patients and patients' families. Even after recovery, local recurrence and distant metastases are common. Early diagnosis, surgical advancement, and improvements in postoperative care continue to improve outcomes.
Interaction-site prediction for protein complexes

Motivation: Proteins function through interactions with other proteins and biomolecules. Protein–protein interfaces hold key information toward molecular understanding of protein function. In the past few years, there have been intensive efforts in developing methods for predicting protein interface residues. A review that presents the current status of interface prediction and an overview of its applications and project future developments is in order. Summary: Interface prediction methods rely on a wide range of sequence, structural and physical attributes that distinguish interface residues from non-interface surface residues. The input data are manipulated into either a numerical value or a probability representing the potential for a residue to be inside a protein interface. Predictions are now satisfactory for complex-forming proteins that are well represented in the Protein Data Bank, but less so for under-represented ones. Future developments will be directed at tackling problems such as building structural models for multi-component structural complexes. Contact: [email protected]
Key measurements of ultrathin gate dielectric reliability and in-line monitoring

High-performance CMOS products depend upon the reliability of ultrathin gate dielectrics. In this paper a methodology for measuring thin gate dielectric reliability is discussed in which the focus is upon the elements of those test structures used in the evaluation, the design of the reliability stress matrix, and the generation of engineering design models. Experimental results are presented which demonstrate the reliability of ultrathin gate dielectrics measured on a wide variety of test structures with dielectric thicknesses ranging from 7 to 3.5 nm. An overview is provided for thin gate oxide reliability that was measured on integrated functional chips-high-performance microprocessors and static random-access memory (SRAM) chips. The data from these measurements spanned the period from early process and device development to full production. Manufacturing in-line monitoring for thin gate dielectric yield and reliability is also discussed, with several case histories presented which show the effectiveness of monitors in detecting process-induced dielectric failures. Finally, causes of oxide fails are discussed, leading to the process actions necessary for controlling thin gate dielectric defects.
A preliminary experience with minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy

SUMMARY With several small series examining minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomies, we look to contribute to a growing experience. In reporting our initial results, safety, initial oncologic completeness, and preliminary outcomes with a minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy were demonstrated. From 2007 to 2010, 40 minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomies were carried out. The approach was a laparoscopic mobilization of the stomach and a thoracoscopic esophageal mobilization and creation of a high intrathoracic anastomosis. Indications included esophageal cancer in 39 patients and esophageal gastrointestinal stromal tumor in one patient. Median age was 62 (range 39–77) with 31 (78%) male patients. Non-emergent conversion was required in two (5%) patients. Twenty-five (63%) patients underwent neoadjuvant therapy. Mean operative time was 364 minutes (range 285–455), and mean blood loss was 205 cc (range 100–400). All patients underwent an R0 resection including the removal of all Barrett's esophagus, and mean number of nodes harvested was 21 (range 11–41). Median intensive care unit stay was 1 day (range 1–3), and hospital stay was 7 days (range 6–19). There were no anastomotic leaks and no 30-day mortality. Postoperative complications included eight (21%) patients with atrial fibrillation and two (5%) chylothorax, one requiring ligation. At a mean follow-up of 16.5 months (range 1–39 months), five (13%) patients have had a distant recurrence; there have been no local recurrences. Minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, although technically challenging, can be carried out with reasonable operative times, a short length of stay, and minimal complication. Final oncologic validity is pending longer follow-up and a larger series.
Auditory Responses and Stimulus-Specific Adaptation in Rat Auditory Cortex are Preserved Across NREM and REM Sleep

Sleep entails a disconnection from the external environment. By and large, sensory stimuli do not trigger behavioral responses and are not consciously perceived as they usually are in wakefulness. Traditionally, sleep disconnection was ascribed to a thalamic "gate," which would prevent signal propagation along ascending sensory pathways to primary cortical areas. Here, we compared single-unit and LFP responses in core auditory cortex as freely moving rats spontaneously switched between wakefulness and sleep states. Despite robust differences in baseline neuronal activity, both the selectivity and the magnitude of auditory-evoked responses were comparable across wakefulness, Nonrapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (pairwise differences <8% between states). The processing of deviant tones was also compared in sleep and wakefulness using an oddball paradigm. Robust stimulus-specific adaptation (SSA) was observed following the onset of repetitive tones, and the strength of SSA effects (13-20%) was comparable across vigilance states. Thus, responses in core auditory cortex are preserved across sleep states, suggesting that evoked activity in primary sensory cortices is driven by external physical stimuli with little modulation by vigilance state. We suggest that sensory disconnection during sleep occurs at a stage later than primary sensory areas.
Large-eddy simulation of turbulent confined coannular jets

Large-eddy simulation (LES) was used to study mixing of turbulent, coannular jets discharging into a sudden expansion. This geometry resembles that of a coaxial jet-combustor, and the goal of the calculation was to gain some insight into the phenomena leading to lean blow-out (LBO) in such combustion devices. This is a first step in a series of calculations, where the focus is on the fluid dynamical aspects of the mixing process in the combustion chamber. The effects of swirl, chemical reactions and heat release were not taken into account. Mixing of fuel and oxidizer was studied by tracking a passive scalar introduced in the central jet. The dynamic subgrid-scale (DM) model was used to model both the subgrid-scale stresses and the subgrid-scale scalar flux. The Reynolds number was 38000, based on the bulk velocity and diameter of the combustion chamber. Mean velocities and Reynolds stresses are in good agreement with experimental data. Animated results clearly show that intermittent pockets of fuel-rich fluid (from the central jet) are able to cross the annular jet, virtually undiluted, into the recirculation zone. Most of the fuel-rich fluid is, however, entrained into the recirculation zone near the instantaneous reattachment point. Fuel trapped in the recirculation zone is, for the most part, entrained back into the step shear layer close to the base of the burner.
The chemistry of planetary atmospheres

Present knowledge concerning the chemistry of planetary atmospheres is reviewed along with the theories which attempt to explain observational data. The known gross atmospheric compositions of the terrestrial and giant planets are listed, differences between the atmospheres of earth and Venus are discussed, and the atmospheres of the giant planets are described. The origin and evolution of the atmospheres of earth, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus are outlined, and chemical processes in the atmospheres are examined, particularly cloud formation. The question of organic synthesis and evolution in the reducing atmospheres of the giant planets is considered. It is noted that laboratory work on the individual chemical processes and reactions involved in the evolution of organic compounds in planetary atmospheres, comets, and interstellar space points to the inevitability of organic-compound synthesis in all these situations and to the pervasiveness of organic chemistry throughout the universe.
The Burning of Blackacre: A Step Toward Reclaiming Tribal Property Law

This article explores Cherokee tribal property laws from the 1800s and suggests that tribes re-examine tribal property laws that were in effect prior to the forced federal allotment process. In some instance, the article suggests, tribal property laws could be renewed as a tool reduce the modern problem of fractionated interest in property.
My Job Sucks: Examining Counterinstitutional Web Sites as Locations for Organizational Member Voice, Dissent, and Resistance

Counterinstitutional Web sites are often portrayed as publicizing the outbursts of disgruntled employees and customers. However, they also enable participants to take part in discussions normally discouraged within traditional work environments. These sites permit individuals to publicly and anonymously voice their concerns and frustrations with particular institutions with reduced fear of retribution or termination. A close examination of one of these counterinstitutional Web sites (RadioShackSucks.com) illustrates the dissent and resistance functions that such sites provide to a wide variety of stakeholders. The authors' analysis of 1,095 site postings during a 1-month period finds that participants use these sites to engage in voice and resistance efforts outside formal organizational boundaries. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Thyroid antibodies during pregnancy and in the newborn.

Twenty-two women, found to have circulating antithyroid antibody (AAB) either before or during pregnancy, were observed during 23 pregnancies. The maternal AAB titers began to fall as early as the first trimester, tended to strike a plateau at a low level in the third trimester, and rose again during the first few months after the termination of pregnancy. These antibodies were demonstrated in the cord blood of 8 newborn infants of 9 mothers who had demonstrable circulating AAB at the time of delivery, but could not be demonstrated in the cord blood of 7 newborn infants of mothers whose AAB titers had fallen to zero by the time of delivery. AAB disappeared from the blood of all infants during the first 3 months of life. No clinical evidence of hypothyroidism was found in the living off spring at birth or at the time of follow-up examination for as long as 2 years after birth. The levels of serum protein-bound iodine at birth in 6 newborn infants with proved transplacental transfer of AAB, and later in 4 o...
Continuous thoracic epidural infusions for postoperative analgesia after pectus deformity repair

Abstract Purpose: To determine whether continuous epidural analgesia after repair of a pectus deformity is a viable and safe alternative to high-dose narcotics in children. Methods: Data were collected prospectively for 19 children (4 to 17 years of age; 15 boys, 4 girls) who underwent pectus excavatum (14) or carinatum (5) repair between June 1, 1991 and July 1, 1994. Seventeen had a thoracic epidural catheter placed for postoperative pain control and two did not. The epidural catheter was routinely placed preoperatively by the anesthesiologist at the T3–T8 level, after induction of general anesthesia. Epidural catheters were test-dosed with local anesthesia alone or in combination with fentanyl, and after-ward a continuous epidural infusion was maintained on the floor. Postoperative pain was assessed by nursing and house staff on the Wong-Baker scale, with adjustment of the dose rate or analgesic medication as appropriate. Results: All patients had extubation before leaving the operating room and were sent to the general pediatrics ward after leaving the recovery room. The average duration of the epidural was 69 hours (range, 20 to 116 hours). Sixteen patients received their test epidural dose preoperatively, and one patient had his in the recovery room. Fifteen epidurals initially were dosed with bupivicain (1 to 2 mg/kg) alone or in combination with fentanyl (1 to 2 μg/kg). Two patients received initial doses of lidocaine (1 to 1.5 mg/kg). Ten of 17 patients received fentanyl (1 μg/kg/h) with bupivicaine (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg/h) in the epidural as their maintenance medication, and the remainder received bupivicaine alone at the same dosage rate. Eight of 17 patients required additional intermittent supplemental narcotics, with an average of two doses of intravenous morphine per day (0.1 mg/kg) over the first 3 postoperative days. In contrast, the two patients who did not have an epidural catheter for pain control required high-dose intravenous morphine (0.2 mg/kg) every 2 to 3 hours for the first 3 to 4 postoperative days. No catheter-related complications occurred. Conclusion: Thoracic epidural analgesia was completely successful in nine (53%) children who underwent repair of pectus deformity, and effectively reduced the intravenous narcotic demand in the other eight. Pain control was excellent, and no catheter-related complications were encountered. The data show that this method of analgesia in children is a safe and attractive alternative to intravenous narcotics, and eliminates the potential disadvantages of sedation and respiratory compromise.
Clomiphene Citrate in the Management of Infertility Associated with Shortened Luteal Phases

Repetitively short luteal phases were found in eight infertile women. The short luteal phase was defined as 10 days or less from the presumed time of ovulation (as assessed by basal body temperature recording) to the onset of menses. Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) therapy resulted in pregnancy in two patients and lengthened the luteal phase in the other six. Ultimately, seven of eight patients conceived during Clomid therapy. Clomid therapy can lengthen the luteal phase in patients with luteal temperature elevation of 10 days or less. The occurrence of short luteal phases may be associated with infertility.
Audit mechanism for hospital drug distribution

The development and application of a pharmacy department audit of its unit dose drug distribution system is described. Criteria used in the program were based on broad drug distribution criteria developed by the Minnesota Society of Hospital Pharmacists' PSRO Liaison Committee, with subcriteria developed by the staff of the hospital pharmacy department. Month-long audits are based on one of three criteria. A committee consisting of two staff pharmacists, one administrative pharmacist and one technician audits a predetermined number of randomly selected medication orders, medication profiles, filled medication orders or medication drawers. Deficiency patterns are identified, and appropriate corrective action is taken. Audits require approximately eight hours of pharmacist time and three hours of technician time per month per criterion. Audit of the drug distribution system makes pharmacy staff more aware of the quality of service it provides.
Use of a lethally irradiated major histocompatibility complex nonrestricted cytotoxic T-cell line for effective purging of marrows containing lysis-sensitive or -resistant leukemic targets

Improved marrow purging protocols are needed in autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) to achieve complete eradication of minimal residual disease. This study investigates the potential of a human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) nonrestricted killer T-cell line (TALL-104) as a new marrow purging agent in a clinical setting. TALL-104 cells can be irradiated without losing cytotoxic activity against tumor targets in vitro. In vivo, the irradiated killers can be adoptively transferred into immunodeficient and immunocompetent leukemia-bearing mice, and reverse their disease even in advanced stages. The present study shows that gamma-irradiated TALL-104 cells, cultured for 18 hours with marrows from healthy donors, do not impair the viability and long-term growth of committed and pluripotent hematopoietic progenitors. However, as determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and colony assays, TALL-104 cells could completely purge marrows containing up to 50% lysis-susceptible myelomonocytic leukemia cells (U937). When marrows were admixed with a pre-B leukemia cell line (ALL-1), which is fairly resistant to TALL-104 cell lysis in longterm 51Cr-release assays but can be totally growth inhibited by TALL-104 cells in proliferation assays, residual ALL-1 cells were detectable by PCR after TALL-104 purging. However, importantly, these PCR+ marrows were devoid of tumorigenic activity when transplanted into the human hematopoietic microenvironment of human severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) chimeras. These data indicate the strong potential of the TALL-104 cell line in future marrow purging strategies against lysis-susceptible and -resistant leukemias.
Relationship of Multiple Mating to Fertility in Atteva punctella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae)

Evidence from single-pair matings shows the primary stimulus for oviposition and long-term inhibition of female receptivity to be the presence of an adequate supply of viable sperm or a factor associated with sperm in the spermatheca. The presence of a spermatophore does not initiate oviposition but probably is responsible for a short-term inhibition of receptivity. The receptivity of mated females and consequently the frequency of multiple mating is inversely proportional to the effectiveness of fecundation. Infertile first matings are relatively common and multiple mating is seen primarily as an adaptation to permit an inadequately fecundated female to mate with a second male. Since most multiple-mated females produced offspring sired by only 1 male, multiple mating does not contribute greatly to the genetic diversity of the population. Excessive mating (>3) by wild females is probably indicative of a female malfunction.
Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Debris Processing

The disaster unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico brings to mind an emergency operation that John Hogan and I threw together to process the oily debris generated by a spill and the resulting cleanup of no. 4 heating oil at Rutgers University in 1983. The oily debris included soil, woody fragments, vegetation, spent absorbent booms and oleophilic scrub pads, rags, gloves, plastic bags, etc. The directive of the regulatory authority was to bury the debris in a landfill—a conventional but singularly inappropriate (and expensive) measure. Petroleum waste would long persist under the anaerobic conditions of a landfill, with its ultimate fate uncertain. Our alternative suggestion was to exploit naturally occurring microbes in aerobically composting the material. The suggestion was accepted and proved simple to do and successful. Only after the massive 1989 Exxon Valdez spill in Alaskan waters did we think of submitting a letter outlining our small-scale experience (Alaskan Oil Spill. ASM News, 1990, 56:62; available online).
Planning Gains in Market Share

GAINING market share is a key factor in reaching a leadership or number one position in any industry. It is particularly important to the achievement of a high volume of profits that can be used to expand a firm's business and pay dividends to stockholders, and to the attainment of leadership profit performance as measured by return on sales and return on investment. It is well documented that the higher a firm's market share the larger its cumulative production of a product, the lower its costs, and the higher its profitability.' However, gaining significant share requires careful planning, thoughtful, well-executed market strategies, and specific account-by-account tactical plans. It requires a comprehensive, well-thoughtout, and well-planned program. The purpose of this article is to present such a comprehensive program for gaining market share: to examine ways of increasing share, the key steps in planning market share gains, and the pitfalls that must be anticipated in implementing such a program.
Soft tissue sarcoma as a model disease to examine cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is in its infancy for many diseases, whether they are neoplastic or autoimmune. The major issues for cancer immunotherapy today involve the definition of molecular targets and the generation of effector mechanisms to attack the targets of interest. Soft tissue sarcomas provide a unique opportunity to examine the immune response against defined antigens. Many types of sarcomas contain tumor-specific chromosomal translocations encoding fusion proteins, which are attractive targets for immunotherapy. Our understanding of the immune system is also coming into clearer focus with the discovery of dendritic cells as powerful natural adjuvants and the teasing out of mechanisms leading to immunity versus tolerance as examples. It is hoped that the intersection of cellular immunology and sarcoma molecular biology will lead to new modalities of therapy for this group of patients with this heterogeneous group of diseases.
UNPALATABILITY AS A DEFENSE STRATEGY OF EUPHYDRYAS PHAETON (LEPIDOPTERA: NYMPHALIDAE).

The use of unpalatability as a defense strategy of butterflies has been studied since the time of Bates (1862). Most studies have focused primarily on the role of unpalatability in mimicry systems, rather than on the defensive function of unpalatability itself. Unpalatable butterflies have been found primarily in five major groups: (1) the tribe Troidini of the family Papilionidae, whose members feed on plants in the Aristolociaceae, and the following subfamilies of the Nymphalidae: (2) the Danainae, feeding on milkweeds (Asclepiadaceae); (3) the Ithomiinae, which feed on solanaceous plants; (4) the Acraeinae and (5) the Heliconiinae, both of which feed on plants in the family Passifloraceae. Some pierids (Pieridae) are unpalatable as well (Finn, 1895, 1897a, 1897b; Swynnerton, 1919; Pough and Brower, 1977), but unpalatability does not seem to be common in this group. Research on unpalatable North American butterflies has considered primarily three species: the Monarch, Danaus plexippus (Danainae), and the Queen, Danaus gilippus (Danainae), both feeding on milkweeds which contain cardiac glycosides (J. Brower, 1958a, 1958c; Roeske et al., 1975); and the Pipevine Swallowtail, Battus philenor (Papilionidae), which sequesters aristolochic acids from its foodplants in the Aristolochiaceae (J. Brower, 1958b; Rothschild et al., 1970; Platt et al., 1971). Other North American butterflies have been neglected in studies on unpalatabil-
Doxycycline attenuates burn-induced microvascular hyperpermeability

BACKGROUNDBurns induce systemic microvascular hyperpermeability resulting in shock, and if untreated, cardiovascular collapse. Damage to the endothelial cell adherens junctional complex plays an integral role in the pathophysiology of microvascular hyperpermeability. We hypothesized that doxycycline
Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Corpus Callosum: Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Outcomes (P03.019)

Objective: To demonstrate the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and neurological outcomes in patients with acute ischemic strokes in the corpus callosum. Background Ischemic strokes in the corpus callosum are rare. There is scant information in the literature about stroke mechanisms and functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic strokes in the corpus callosum. Design/Methods: Retrospective chart review. The study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. Results: We identified 6 patients (1%) with acute ischemic strokes in the corpus callosum amongst consecutive strokes admitted to our stroke center between October 2010 and September 2011. Of them, 5 patients were female and 5 patients were African American. Mean age was 65 years (range 50 to 92 years). Hypertension was the most common stroke risk factor. On admission mean NIHSS score was 3 (range 1 to 6). Four patients had infarcts in the splenium, two in the genu, and one in the body of the corpus callosum confirmed with brain MRI. We found that all patients had large-artery atherosclerotic strokes using the TOAST classification after complete stroke work up including MR angiogram, echocardiogram and non-invasive cardiac monitoring during hospital stay. Mean modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 1 (range 0 to 2) at hospital discharge. Conclusions: Our study suggests that patients with ischemic strokes in the corpus callosum have favorable functional outcomes (mRS scores ≤ 2) in spite of the fact that all patients had large-artery atherosclerotic strokes. Further research is warranted. Disclosure: Dr. Bhole has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rochestie has nothing to disclose. Dr. Brown has nothing to disclose. Dr. Arora has nothing to disclose. Dr. Giraldo has received personal compensation for activities with Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as a speaker.
Life Cycle Assessment: A Tool for Determining the Environmental Impact of Horticultural Crop Production

System-level research has resulted in significant advancements in horticultural crop production. Contributions of individual components to production efficiency, cost, and environmental impact have been a focus of such research. Public awareness of the environmental impact of products and services is increasing. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool to study horticultural crop production systems and horticultural services and their individual components on environmental impacts such as the carbon footprint, stated as global warming potential. This manuscript introduces LCA and describes how this tool can be used to generate information important to the industry and consuming public.
Electrostatic Micro-Hydraulic Systems

MEMS micro-hydraulic structures for amplification of force or deflection are introduced. These structures are integrated with capacitances to form electrostatic micro-hydraulic actuators (EMA). Hydraulic amplification and liquid permittivity are used to create stand-alone, efficient, and large deflection, and high force actuators. Force is generated using electrostatics with no need for external pressure sources. Use of integrated electrostatic force significantly reduces the device size. Utilizing this concept, a micro-valve and two types of EMA micro-piston arrays (water-based and silicone oil-based) are fabricated and tested. The micro-valve can switch fluid flows with the pressure ranging from 10 to 50 kPa at a maximum flow conductance of 20.3 sccm at 10 kPa with an actuation voltage of 340 $V_{\mathrm{ DC}}$ or 120 $V_{\mathrm{ AC}}$ . The silicone oil based micro-hydraulic micro-piston array has shown a maximum out-of-plane deflection of about 100 $\mu \text{m}$ at 210 $V_{\mathrm{ DC}}$ , and a maximum bandwidth of about 5 Hz with a foot print size of 0.16 cm2 and a maximum power consumption of 20 $\mu \text{W}$ at 1 Hz. These devices are the smallest ever reported micro-hydraulic systems that include the actuation source. [2015–0257]
117 PHASE 1 STUDY OF RECOMBINANT HUMAN B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE FOR PERSISTENT PULMONARY HYPERTENSION.

Background Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) is a disease of (near-)term infants in which the pulmonary vascular resistance remains elevated in the neonatal period resulting in hypoxemia. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a peptide hormone secreted by the heart ventricles in response to stress. It aids in the regulation of systemic blood pressure. BNP levels are elevated in infants with PPHN. Recombinant human BNP (nesiritide, Natrecor [Scios, Inc]) is a safe and effective treatment for adults with congestive heart failure (CHF). The BNP receptor is a membrane-bound protein linked to a cGMP second messenger that can act in the same pathway as NO leading to smooth muscle relaxation. Objective To determine the safety of nesiritide for the treatment of PPHN and collect preliminary data for a possible multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the drug for the treatment of PPHN. Design/Methods This is an open-label phase 1 trial. The study drug will be administered in doses ranging from 0.005 μg/kg/min to 0.02 μg/kg/min. Vital signs will be monitored according to a predetermined schedule. The drug will be given for 72 hours or until the patient no longer requires mechanical ventilation. Inclusion Criteria: (1) Newborn Infant, (2) PPHN diagnosed by the combination of hypoxemia and elevated pulmonary pressure estimated from echocardiography, (3) intubated and on conventional or high-frequency ventilation, (4) Oxygenation Index greater than or equal to 5, (5) BNP level over 550 pg/mL on DOL 1 or 300 pg/mL on subsequent days. Exclusion Criteria: (1) Suspected or confirmed genetic anomaly, (2) structural congenital heart disease, (3) structural pulmonary anomaly, (4) OI over 40, (5) patient already meets criteria for starting ECMO, (6) clinical evidence of dehydration, (7) hypotension unresponsive to medical management. Labs: BNP level prior to starting infusion and then with each echocardiogram. CBC and CMP prior to starting study drug and then each day for 5 days. Echocardiograms: 2-5 hours after reaching target dose, 24-48 hours and 5-7 days after starting the infusion. Each study participant will receive a neurobehavioral screening evaluation (NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scalses, NNNS) prior to discharge. Progress Two patients have qualified for the study. After 72 hours of infusion, no adverse events occurred. Conclusion At the conclusion of this study, we will determine the maximum tolerated dose of nesiritide for PPHN (assuming the dose is within the range of the study protocol). With that information, we expect to develop a multicenter RCT of the drug for the treatment of PPHN.
Preface to Proposal of Standardized Nomenclature in the Study of Crystallization in Biological Systems

At the 1979 ROCK (Research on Calculous Kinetics) Society meeting, Dallas, Texas, George Drach and Alan Randolph proposed the adoption of a lexicon of terminology concerning crystals and crystal formation. This proposal was committed to manuscript form and then reviewed and amended by an Ad Hoc Committee at the 1980 Williamsburg meeting. The committee members were Bill Gill, Niel and Gretchen Mandel, John Meyer, George Nancollas, Alan Randolph, Bill Robertson, Alan Rose, Gene Schrier, and myself. Several revisions of the manuscript have been subsequently made, circulated, and revised. While nothing is perfect, the following glossary goes a very long way in providing a standard nomenclature that can be used with some precision by urinary stone research workers. Also it will help to correct some conceptual problems that have appeared in the stone literature. It is very much to be desired that this terminology will be adopted and used in reporting urolithiasis research when appropriate. This glossary is not immutable. With usage, the need for emendation may become evident. The next international stone meeting will provide an opportune occasion to review the glossary and its usage and make appropriate changes. Drs. Drach and Randolph merit considerable credit for their persistence in working for a concensus from a cross section of urolithiasis research workers.