cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth and biomass partitioning of northern red oak and yellow- poplar seedlings: effects of shading and grass root competition

(...) In all environments, shoot-root ratio and partitioning of leaf and root biomass to surface area for yellow-poplar was greater than oak. In response to competition for soil resources, both species increased biomass partitioning to the root at the expense of the shoot. In response to shading, yellow-poplar increased leaf area proportion, while oak did not. Thinner leaves and a more fibrous root system were more important in explaining yellow-poplar's higher relative growth rate under conditions of shading and root competition compared to oak than differences in shoot-root weight ratio or plasticity in biomass partitioning
The Results of Fetal Chondrocytes Transplantation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction. Nowadays anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy has significantly improved the quality of life and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nevertheless, there are still many patients with progressive rheumatoid inflammation, resulting in the destruction of joints. Cell therapy seems like a promising direction in rheumatology. The aim of our research was to evaluate the efficacy of fetal chondrocyte transplantation in patients with RA. Methods. We examined 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (I - III stages) between 20 and 63 years of age. They were divided into 2 groups: the first group underwent the fetal chondrocytes transplantation (n = 40), and the second was a control group who got conservative therapy (n = 20). Donor cells were taken from the chondrogenic layer of the humerus or femur heads and hip condyles of human embryos in gestation for 17-20 weeks. A suspension of fetal chondrocytes injected into affected areas of the articular surfaces under X-ray control. Cell viability was determined before the injection. Efficacy of the therapy was assessed by clinical, instrumental, and laboratory tests. This clinical trial was allowed by The Ministry of Public Health and Ethics Committee . All of our patients gave informed consent for the fetal chondrocytes transplantation. Results. Evaluation of the clinical manifestations of RA in the first group of patients showed 3.7 times decrease in pain and 1.6 times relief of synovitis. Complete reduction of contracture was observed in 82% of patients in the first group. Morphometric changes in X-ray demonstrated inhibition of the destruction in articular cartilage and surfaces of bones after transplantation of fetal chondrocytes. The dynamics of morphological changes in synovium showed 2.5 times reduction of the inflammatory reaction. Transplantation of fetal chondrocytes led to a significant reduction in ESR, CRP, fibrinogen , γ-globulin after a period of 12 months ( p < 0.03). Furthermore, patients in the second group had 2.7 times higher risk of ankylosis compared to the first group. We did not observe any complications of fetal chondrocytes transplantation. Conclusions. Application of fetal chondrocytes therapy had the desired clinical effect, which was confirmed by reduction of the RA activity and decrease of cartilage and bone destruction.
Comparative population genetics of aquatic turtles in the desert

In a desert-spring ecosystem, the desert can be a formidable barrier to dispersal for species with sensitivity to desiccation. In the desert-spring ecosystem of Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico, three endemic turtle species, all of conservation concern, have overlapping ranges but different requirements for aquatic habitat. By using existing genetic markers and generating new ones using next-generation sequencing, I compared the population genetic structure of two of these endemic turtles. The aquatic slider turtle, Trachemys taylori, exhibited significant isolation by distance and genetic differentiation among populations. However, stronger genetic structure was identified for the obligate aquatic softshell turtle, Apalone atra. For Apalone, no correlation of genetic differentiation with geographic distance was observed, as most populations appear genetically distinct from one another. This evidence, combined with allelic and heterozygosity patterns, suggests that the desert matrix is a sufficient barrier to dispersal for the softshell turtles but less of a barrier for the more terrestrial slider turtles. It appears that softshell turtles from each pond may have been relatively isolated from other ponds since the basin became substantially drier near the beginning of the Holocene. This strong population genetic structure of the two aquatic species is in contrast to the near panmixia of the third endemic, the previously studied semi-aquatic box turtle, Terrapene coahuila. Separately, the issue of hybridization of the endemic turtles with invasive congeners has been raised as a conservation concern, but detailed genetic assessment of potential hybridization has not been performed. In this study, hybridization of the endemic slider with its invasive congener was assessed and not detected with genetic data. Also, it appears that different color morphs of Apalone in the basin, which are currently designated as separate species, are not genetically distinct at the loci examined in this work.
Determination of Sour Orange Rootstock by Paper Chromatography

‘QUICK decline’, a devastating virus infection of orange trees, was first found to be present in southern California in 1939, and by 1952 it had spread to six of the fourteen counties in which oranges are grown in California. Inoculation tests1 demonstrated that tolerance to the virus varies with the variety of the rootstock on which the sweet orange is growing, and that the disease is likely to be fatal only if the rootstock is that of the sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.). Because of this scion-rootstock relationship to the seriousness of the disease, which in one form or another is widely spread throughout the citrus-growing areas of the world, a method for the detection of the sour orange rootstock in established orchards is of considerable significance.
Comparing Ethical and Epistemic Standards for Investigative Journalists and Equity-Oriented Collaborative Community-Based Researchers: Why Working for a University Matters

Criticisms of IRBs are proliferating. In response, we compare the ethical and epistemic standards of two closely related forms of inquiry, investigative journalism and equity-oriented collaborative...
Acute respiratory alkalosis associated with low minute ventilation in a patient with severe hypothyroidism.

Purpose Patients with severe hypothyroidism present unique challenges to anesthesiologists and demonstrate much increased perioperative risks. Overall, they display increased sensitivity to anesthetics, higher incidence of perioperative cardiovascular morbidity, increased risks for postoperative ventilatory failure and other physiological derangements. The previously described physiological basis for the increased incidence of postoperative ventiiatory failure in hypothyroid patients includes decreased central and peripheral ventiiatory responses to hypercarbia and hypoxia, muscle weakness, depressed central respiratory drive, and resultant alveolar hypoventilation. These ventiiatory failures are associated most frequently with severe hypoxia and carbon dioxide (CO2) retention. The purpose of this clinical report is to discuss an interesting and unique anesthetic presentation of a patient with severe hypothyroidism.
Determination of joint stiffness of the human proximal interphalangeal joints: Development and clinical evaluation of a new device

A moment angle plotter has been designed and constructed to measure the stiffness of the human proximal interphalangeal joints of the index, middle and ring fingers. Variability in the measurements for seventeen normal subjects are presented.
Manufacturable Polymeric Optical Waveguide based Bus Structures for Board Level Optical Interconnects

In this paper, we studied the optimization of preparation for polymeric optical waveguide based bus structures with embedded 45 degree micro-mirrors by metallic hard mold method. The 45° facets on the metallic hard mold, which were used to create the 45 degree micro-mirrors, were studied by the atomic force microscopy (AFM). The surface roughness of the 45 degree facets was reduced from 70nm to be 2nm by a photopolymer coating step. High speed test on the waveguide shows the low loss and high Q-factor performance of the waveguide structures. A backplane bus with 10 Gbits/sec channel will be reported.
Economic analysis of small wind-energy conversion systems

Abstract The financial costs of obtaining electricity from small wind-energy conversion systems are calculated and compared with the cost of electricity from traditional utility companies. A 3 kW rated wind electric system for residential use is examined. The amount of energy from this system is estimated by using a computer-operated simulation model which incorporates wind speeds, residential electricity demands and parameters from the generator, inverter and storage components. Variations in electricity costs as a function of available wind energy, residential consumption patterns and system components and costs are examined. The cost of electricity from small wind-energy conversion systems has considerable variations under differing assumptions or parameters but may, in some cases, be competitive with utility company costs.
Acoustoelectric saturation of ultrasonic gain

Abstract The apparent diagreement as to the dependence of the acoustic gain on carrier velocity is resolved by properly taking account of acoustoelectric effects. The resulting equation is suitable for analyzing current saturation and domain formation.
The Effect of the Chemical Nature of a Decolorizer on Its Functioning. II. the Apparent Isoelectric Point

The isoelectric point of a bacterial system is the hydrogen-ion concentration at which there is equal retention of anion and cation. Defining this point as that at which there is equal retention of acidic and basic stain when acetone is used as a decolorizer, it is shown that acidic decolorizers shift the experimentally determined point to a higher pH-value while basic decolorizers shift it to a lower value. Thus basic decolorizers show abnormally high decolorizing power toward smears stained with acid dyes, and acid decolorizers show the same abnormal behavior toward smears stained with basic dye. By basic decolorizer is meant, not one of high pH-value, but one which will form a salt with acids, as for example pyridin or anilin. This indicates an ionic chemical equilibrium as a factor in the mechanism of staining.
The structure of 5,5-dimethyl-5,6,11,12-tetrahydro-5h-dibenzo[b,f]silocin

Abstract The structure of 5,5-dimethyl-5,6,11,12-tetrahydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]silocin (I) has been determined from X-ray data collected by counter methods. I crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with a = 15.577(4), b = 22.368(5) and c = 8.640(2) A; observed and calculated densities (Z = 8) are 1.11 g cm−3. Anisotropic full-matrix least squares refinement of nonhydrogen atoms, with hydrogen atoms included at fixed ideal locations gave a conventional R-factor of 5.0%. This is the first crystal structure of the dibenzo[b,f]metallocin framework with a single heteroatom in the central ring. The tricyclic framework adopts a distorted boat conformation in the solid state in contrast to dibenzcyclooctadiene. The dihedral angle between the planes of the two halves of the tricyclic framework (the benzo groups with the two central ring atoms bonded to them) is 111.4°.
Determination of the extent of DNA bending by an adenine-thymine tract.

We determined the magnitude of the bend induced in DNA by an adenine-thymine tract by measuring the rate of cyclization of DNA oligonucleotides containing phased A tracts. A series of linear multimers with 2-bp single-stranded ends, in which the (A.T)6 tracts are separated by CG2-3C sequences and are positioned 10 and 11 bp apart alternately, were prepared from 21 bp long synthetic duplexed deoxyoligonucleotides. The cyclization rates of the multimers (105-210 bp) and the bimolecular association rate of the 84 bp long multimer were measured in the presence of DNA ligase. From the rate constants of the cyclization and bimolecular association reactions, ring closure probabilities were obtained for the multimers. The systematically bent molecules were simulated by Monte Carlo methods, and the ring closure probabilities were calculated for a given set of junction bend angles. By comparing the calculated values of ring closure probabilities to experimental values and adjusting the junction bend angles to fit experimental values, the extent of bending at the junctions (or the extent of bending for an adenine tract) was determined. We conclude that an A6 tract bends the DNA helix by 17-21 degrees.
Nursing interventions to reduce stress in parents of hospitalized preterm infants

Parental stress related to having a neonate in a Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been well documented in the nursing literature. Yet, as nurses we need to be reminded of strategies that can combat this stress and ease the transition to home.
An fNIRS exploratory investigation of the cortical activity during gait in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

Objective: The primary aim of this exploratory investigation was to determine if there are differences in cortical activation of children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing children during gait. Methods: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin that was present in the supplementary motor area, pre-central gyrus, post-central gyrus and superior parietal lobule as the children walked on a treadmill. A sagittal plane video was concurrently collected and later digitized to quantify the temporal gait variations. Results: (1) The children with CP had an increased amount of activation in the sensorimotor cortices and superior parietal lobule during gait, (2) the children with CP had a greater amount of variability or error in their stride time intervals, and (3) an increased amount of error in the temporal gait kinematics was associated with an increased amount of activity across the cortical network. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the perinatal damage and subsequent neural reorganization that occurs with spastic diplegic CP may impact the functional cortical activity for controlling gait. Furthermore, our results imply the increased cortical activity of the somatosensory cortices and superior parietal cortices may underlie the greater amount of error in the temporal gait kinematics.
Hydrogen cyanide in ambient air near a gold heap leach field: Measured vs. modeled concentrations

Abstract To extract gold from low-grade ores, a solution of sodium cyanide is trickled over pads of crushed ore. During this operation, small quantities of hydrogen cyanide gas may escape to the ambient air. To assess these emissions, we collected air samples at monitoring stations located on opposite sides of a gold heap leach field at distances ranging from 1100 to 1500 ft from the center of the field. Hydrogen cyanide was detected in 6 of 18 ambient air samples at concentrations ranging from 0.26 to 1.86 parts per billion (ppb). Ambient air samples collected at residential properties located within 2600 ft of the leach field did not contain detectable concentrations of cyanide (detection level of 0.2 ppb). We used site-specific data and two steady-state air dispersion models, ISCST3 and AERMOD, to predict ambient air concentrations of cyanide at the sampling points. The ISCST3 model over-predicted the measured 8-h concentrations of hydrogen cyanide by a factor of 2.4, on average, and the AERMOD model under-predicted the air concentrations of hydrogen cyanide by a factor of 0.76, on average. The major sources of uncertainty in the model predictions were the complex terrain of the area and the uncertainty in the emission rates of cyanide from the leach field. The measured and predicted concentrations of cyanide in the air samples were not at levels that would pose a human health hazard for acute or chronic exposures.
Immunocytochemical localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in the digestive tracts of a holostean and a teleostean fish

Abstract 1. The localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the gastrointestinal tracts of a holostean fish, the bowfin (Amia calva) and a teleostean fish, the bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) was determined using immunocytochemistry. 2. In the bowfin, VIP immunoreactivity was observed in both gut nerves and gastrointestinal endocrine cells. In the bluegill, only gut nerves exhibited VIP-like immunoreactivity. 3. The presence of VIP endocrine cells in the gastric mucosa of bowfin appears to be unique among vertebrates. VIP-containing endocrine cells of the open type were seen in cardiac, oxyntic, and antral gastric mucosa. There appeared to be morphological differences in VIP endocrine cell shapes in anterior versus posterior stomach regions. No VIP endocrine cells were observed in bowfin intestine. 4. We conclude that VIP may have an endocrine/paracrine regulatory role in the bowfin stomach and may be strictly a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator in the bowfin gut. There are many species differences in the distribution of VIP-like peptides between neurons and endocrine cells in the guts of lower vertebrates, complicating analysis of the neural versus endocrine evolutionary origin of gut VIP.
The effects of lesion size and location on subchondral bone contact in experimental knee articular cartilage defects in a bovine model

Purpose: To determine how femoral condyle chondral defect size and location influence subchondral bone contact within the defect. Methods: Full-thickness, circular chondral defects (0.2 to 5.07 cm 2 ) were created in 9 healthy bovine knees. Knees were loaded to 1,000 N, and subchondral bone contact area measurements were recorded with a Tekscan sensor and I-Scan software (Tekscan, Boston, MA). A MATLAB program (The MathWorks, Natick, MA) was designed to compute defect area and the area within the defect showing subchondral bone contact. One-sample t tests with Bonferroni correction were performed for medial and lateral defects at each defect size to determine when statistically significant (P .05) contact occurred; the smallest defect size exhibiting significant contact was considered a threshold area. Results: The threshold at which significant subchondral bone contact occurred was different for medial and lateral defects. Contact within all defects was not observed below a defect area of 0.97 cm 2 . The threshold at which significant (P .05) contact occurred was 1.61 cm 2 and 1.99 cm 2 for lateral and medial condyle defects, respectively. Conclusions: Subchondral bone contact within experimental femoral condyle chondral defects is dependent on defect size and intra-articular location. In our bovine model, lateral condyle defects have significant subchondral bone contact at a smaller defect size than medial defects. Clinical Relevance: Current algorithms use size as a primary factor in management of chondral defects of the knee. Although the consequences of subchondral bone contact on femoral condyle articular cartilage defect progression are unknown, the results of this study supplement current algorithms and suggest consideration of defect location, in addition to size, in the management of chondral defects of the knee.
Measurement of urinary histamine: comparison of fluorometric and radioisotopic-enzymatic assay procedures

Assessment of urinary histamine may prove useful in determining the role of histamine in human health and disease. Urinary histamine may be accurately estimated by a modified fluorometric assay employing diamine oxidase (DAO) digestion and cation-exchange chromatography. Normal urine histamine values obtained by this assay are: arithmetic means (+/- SEM), 8.6 +/- 0.6 ng/ml and 10.5 +/- 0.7 micrograms/24 hr; geometric means (+/- SEM), 6.2 +/- 1.1 ng/ml and 10.0 +/- 1.3 micrograms/24 hr. However, the radioisotopic-enzymatic assay is less expensive, easier to perform, and possibly more sensitive. Therefore the two procedures were compared. The radioenzyme assay was found to be affected by factors in urine (possibly salt concentrations) requiring extraction of histamine from urine by butanol-heptane. Moreover, it was found to be necessary to compare DAO-digested samples with undigested samples to accurately estimate histamine levels and to run the standard curve of histamine in DAO-digested urine. Even with these modifications, the radioenzyme assay was not as accurate as the fluorometric assay for urine samples having histamine values about 60 ng/ml. Therefore we recommend utilization of the modified fluorometric assay for the measurement of urinary histamine levels.
Evolution of the MOSFET dynamic RAM&#8212;A personal view

The early conceptual stages and key elements in the development of the one-device MOSFET dynamic RAM are reviewed from the personal perspective of the author. Future miniaturization to the level of ¼ µm channel length and minimum lithography dimension is projected.
Climbing Jacob's ladder

The description of the potential energy surface of a single bond rotation is a standard concept for understanding chemical reactions and molecular motions ( 1 ). The energetic progression around a single bond in biphenyl (see the first figure) ( 2 ) provides an illustration. An entire conformational energy landscape can be captured with a simple reaction coordinate diagram or multidimensional potential energy surface ( 3 ). On page 863 of this issue, Pearson et al. describe a way to trap and observe an otherwise fleeting state at a rarified elevation of the conformational energy landscape ( 4 ).
Governance–knowledge fit and strategic risk taking in supply chain digitization

Abstract Drawing upon the theoretical lenses of strategic risk taking and governance–knowledge fit, this study examines how decision rights and knowledge of the IT unit may support the firm to benefit from strategic risk taking in supply chain digitization. We build a mediated-moderation model to theorize that the fit between decision rights and knowledge of the IT unit drives the firm to strategically take risk in digitizing its supply chain, and such strategic risk taking enables the firm to realize both operational and strategic benefits. Our empirical study provides support to the mediated-moderation model. Specifically, we find that when allocated with more decision rights, the IT unit with more business knowledge and knowledge creation capability drives the firm to conduct more strategic risk taking in supply chain digitization, which in turn results in operational and strategic benefits to the firm. However, we also find that the fit between decision allocation and technical knowledge of the IT unit does not significantly lead to strategic risk taking, suggesting that the effect of governance–knowledge fit on strategic risk taking is contingent on knowledge type.
Converting from Independent to Employee Salesforces: The Role of Perceived Switching Costs:

A study was conducted to understand when and why manufacturers might convert from an independent salesforce to a direct salesforce. On the basis of hypotheses developed from channel distribution th...
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF HOST RACES OF THE GOLDENROD BALL GALLMAKER, EUROSTA SOLIDAGINIS (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE).

We determined the phylogenetic relationships and geographic distribution of mitochondrial haplotypes of two host races of the tephritid fly Eurosta solidaginis, a gallmaker that attacks species of goldenrod (Solidago). We performed a preliminary survey by sequencing 492 bp from the 3' ends of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and II subunits from a single individual from eight S. gigantea- and 10 S. altissima-associated populations across their range in eastern North America and from two outgroup species, Eurosta comma (two populations) and E. cribrata. Eurosta solidaginis haplotypes fell into two groups ("E" and "W" clades), which differed by four substitutions, one of which occurred within the recognition site of the DdeI restriction enzyme. We used the presence or absence of the restriction site to survey a total of 11 S. gigantea (20 individuals) and 20 S. altissima (43 individuals) host-race populations. All gigantea-fly haplotypes regardless of geographic origin carried the E-clade haplotype, whereas al- tissima-fly haplotypes were geographically partitioned. Altissima flies east of Michigan were of haplotype E, whereas those west of Michigan were of haplotype W, with mixed populations found in lower Michigan. These patterns confirm an earlier allozyme survey that suggested that S. altissima is the ancestral host for the gallmaker, but also suggest that the gigantea fly populations were derived from eastern U.S. altissima fly populations. The data support the conclusions of behavioral and ecological studies indicating that the shift to the derived host was facilitated by escape from natural enemies.
Comparative analysis for idle speed control: a crank-angle domain viewpoint

Objectives for the idle speed control problem in an internal combustion, spark ignited engine are basically to achieve smooth engine operation at idle speeds, under significant accessory load disturbances. Previous work has focused on this problem for models developed in the time domain and, more recently, in the crank-angle domain, primarily for linear designs. In this paper, we present simulation results in a comparative analysis for linear and nonlinear control design techniques, for application to a simplified model of the GM V6 3800 IC engine. The control inputs are air and spark, and our focus will be on an engine model for control design that is based on the crank angle as the independent variable.
Haptic Cobot Exoskeleton: Concepts and Mechanism Design

This paper presents a concept for a new type of haptic exoskeleton: REACH, the Robotic Exoskeleton with Advanced Cobot Haptics. This exoskeleton is the first ever concept for integrating cobot technology into a wearable exoskeleton device. This exoskeleton represents a significant improvement in haptic exoskeleton technology by providing high-performance haptic feedback to a user’s whole arm while at the same time guaranteeing the user’s safety. The overall design concept is presented, including the use of a spherical 3RRR parallel mechanism to implement the shoulder joint. The detailed design of the shoulder joint mechanism is then presented. The kinematic parameters of the shoulder joint are selected such that its range of motion matches the motion of a user’s shoulder while also avoiding collisions. In addition, to avoid singularities and maximize dexterity the mechanism design is optimized using the inverse condition number of the Jacobian matrix.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Inhibition of delayed hypersensitivity by metronidazole and misonidazole

The effect on cell-mediated immunity of two hypoxic cell radiosensitizers, metronidazole and misonidazole, was examined. Immunocompetence was assayed by measuring delayed hypersensitivity reactions in mice sensitized on the abdomen with 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene (DNFB) and subsequently challenged on the ears with DNFB. Single and fractionated treatments with misonidazole or metronidazole were found to suppress delayed hypersensitivity reactions to DNFB. This finding is in agreement with other data in the literature which show that many imidazoles, including nitroimidazoles, inhibit aspects of the cell-mediated immune response in animals and man. The potential immunosuppressive effects of nitroheterocyclic radiosensitizers should be considered when these agents are evaluated in the laboratory or used in the clinic.
Using Dermabond for wound closure in lumbar and cervical neurosurgical procedures.

Objective 2-Octylcyanoacrylate (Dermabond; Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ) is a liquid adhesive being used with increasing frequency for the closure of lacerations and surgical incisions. Dermabond provides excellent cosmetic closure, and recent studies have demonstrated very low infection risks when it is properly applied. There are no published studies using Dermabond on lumbar or cervical procedures. This study was undertaken to determine whether Dermabond is safe and efficacious to use in these common neurosurgical procedures. Methods Records of 200 consecutive patients with Dermabond closure after anterior cervical discectomy, microlumbar discectomy, or lumbar laminectomy by the senior author (JEB) with a mean follow-up time of 5.42 months were retrospectively reviewed. Suspected infections with or without confirmatory cultures, erythema, and incisional drainage were documented. Results Of 200 patients, 85 underwent microlumbar discectomy, 22 lumbar laminectomy, and 93 anterior cervical discectomy. There was only 1 definitive infection, which was a culture-proven discitis in a microlumbar discectomy patient. Of the remaining 85 microlumbar discectomies, there was 1 transient incisional erythema. Of the 22 lumbar laminectomies, there was 1 patient with clinical superficial wound infection with negative cultures and 4 patients with transient incisional drainage without infection. Of the 93 anterior cervical discectomies, 2 had transient incisional drainage without infection. Conclusion This study demonstrates that Dermabond is safe to use in neurosurgery patients undergoing lumbar or cervical procedures, with only 1 patient of 200 having a proven infection. Patients are able to shower and do not have sutures or staples to remove. Patient responses are overwhelmingly positive.
Multidisciplinary heart failure clinics: are they effective in Canada?

As in most Western countries, the burden of heart failure in Canada is increasing, primarily because of the aging of the population, but also in part because of improved survival among patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease. In Montreal, the number of hospital admissions because of
Hypoglossal-Nerve Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea has well-established neurocognitive and cardiovascular sequelae.1 Conservative estimates suggest that approximately 13% of men and 6% of women in North America have clinically important obstructive sleep apnea.2 Despite the transformative benefits in some patients who receive therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP),3 many patients remain inadequately treated owing to inconsistent levels of adherence to existing therapies. Thus, further research is required to allow new therapeutic options to evolve. Traditionally, obstructive sleep apnea has been defined by anatomical compromise in which soft tissues and craniofacial structures around the pharyngeal airway lead to increased airway collapsibility.4 Because of . . .
Two-stage electrical array reconfiguration controller for PV-powered water pump

Abstract This paper presents a technique to improve the performance of photovoltaic—powered (PV) water pumps. The method uses a solid state, two-stage electrical array reconfiguration controller (EARC), which senses the radiation as high or low. The limit of each stage can be changed. Accordingly, the controller chooses one favorable set of V-I characteristics for starting and another favorable set of V-I characteristics for steady-state operation. This is done by switching the solar panels, depending upon the starting current requirements and the insolation level, from a predominantly parallel connection to a predominantly series connection. The switching occurs at the end of the start-up of the motor. This produces a sufficient starting torque which considerably improves the pump's performance, particularly in the early morning, late evening, and on cloudy days, providing valuable extra pumping hours for the user. The performance of a direct coupled system, and a system equipped with a two-stage EARC, is presented and compared.
GENETIC CONTROL OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO HAEMOGLOBIN: III. VARIANT Aβ (bm 12) BUT NOT Ae (D2.GD) Ia POLYPEPTIDES ALTER IMMUNE RESPONSIVENESS TOWARDS THE α-SUBUNIT OF HUMAN HAEMOGLOBIN

Mice bearing the I-A subregion mutation bm12 were immunized and challenged with the alpha -subunit of human adult haemoglobin. Under conditions in which parental B6/Kh mice respond, B6.C-H-2bm12 mice are inhibited nearly 100% in their ability to respond to challenge to the alpha-chain of haemoglobin. D2.GD mice which express a variant Ae (E beta) polypeptide of the I-E subregion can respond as well as B10.D2 mice to both subunits (alpha- and beta-) of haemoglobin. These observations as well as other genetic mapping data confirm the I-A mapping of alpha -chain-specific Ir genes and extend the genetic fine mapping to the A beta gene within the I-A subregion or a combinatorial Ia determinant generated by an interaction of A alpha and A beta. In addition they implicate the Ia.8 specificity in determining immune responsiveness to alpha -chain determinants.
Periodicity within sleep and operant performance in the cat.

Summary Periodicity in physiological patterns during sleep and in rate of performance during wakefulness was measured and compared in 4 separate experiments. Twenty animals were prepared surgically with indwelling electrodes for the chronic recording of appropriate physiological parameters and some, additionally, for positive brain stimulation. Measurements of the periodicity within sleep (the REM cycle) and waking (performance cycles) were based upon specification of strict criteria for baseline states. Data obtained from these experiments provided an overall mean REM cycle of19.20±2.20min. Periodicity in performance was measured through statistical and computer power-spectral analyses. Food or electrical self-stimulation reward was utilized to established either EEG or bar press conditioned responses in 4 different studies. Periodicities in performance were manifest as either the rate of response or the episodic occurrence of performance. A dominant performance cycle was demonstrated with an overall mean value of21.41 ± 1.97min. The REM and performance cycles did not differ statistically from one another or across studies. Evidence was obtained, also, which indicated that the waking cat spent the same proportion of time in performance as the sleeping cat did in REM. These data were interpreted as providing support for the concept of a ‘basic rest-activity cycle’ proposed originally by Kleitman. This cycle was attributed to a caudal brain stem mechanism which functions as a neural pacemaker sensitive to the rate of tissue metabolism. Its manifestations in sleep and wakefulness are ascribed to the interaction between brain stem and forebrain structures.
Texas Justice Reinvestment: Be More like Texas?

In 2007, Texas elected officials faced a major dilemma: spend a half billion dollars to build and operate new prisons to accommodate the surging number of people expected to be incarcerated or explore options to control that growth. The Council of State Governments Justice Center assisted state officials with developing plans to address this potential crisis, in partnership with the Pew Charitable Trusts Center on the States—which in 2006 launched the Public Safety Performance Project to help states advance fiscally sound, data-driven sentencing and corrections policies to protect public safety and control corrections costs—and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice. In response to this work the Texas legislature adopted, and the governor approved, a budget that included greater treatment capacity in the prison system and the expansion of diversion options in the probation and parole system. A total of 4,500 new diversion beds and 5,200 new program slots were funded. The final budget...
A device for simulating twilight in studies of animal activity

A dimmer-timer device for producing gradual on-off and off-on lighting transitions (twilight simulation) is described. The basic circuitry is a 24-h timer wired to activate a cam-driven potentiometer at preset times to produce artificial twilight transitions. Kavanau (1962a, b, 1969) suggested that laboratory studies of animal activity and rhythmicity should employ artificial twilight. He discovered that sudden on-off lighting elicited erratic wheel running behavior in weasels, chipmunks, and white-footed mice. Graham (Note 1) demonstrated that the activity of the painted
“The music is why I teach”: Intuitive strategies of successful teachers in culturally diverse learning environments

Abstract This study explored the classroom learning environments and instructional strategies of four teachers in culturally diverse classrooms. All teachers were deemed successful by their school colleagues, including administrators and instructional specialists, at meeting the needs of their culturally diverse students. The teachers in the study, who were teaching in four different regions of the U.S.A. and who represented different grade levels, taught in schools that contained richly diverse student populations. Using the constant comparative method of data analysis, I conducted a cross-case analysis of the teachers' learning environments. A primary focus of the research was the relationship between teachers' biographies and culturally sensitive classroom instruction. Three themes about culturally sensitive teaching emerged during data analysis: reshaping traditional school curriculum, rethinking the role of the teacher, and acquiring and using cultural sensitivity. Implications for preparing teachers for culturally diverse learning environments are discussed.
Does a common ingroup identity reduce intergroup threat

Intergroup threat is regarded as a cause of negative outgroup attitudes; however, little research has attempted to examine ways of reducing intergroup threat. Two studies examine the effectiveness ...
Organic “template” approach to molecular sieving silica membranes

Abstract We demonstrate a “template” approach to prepare microporous inorganic membranes exhibiting high flux combined with high selectivity, overcoming limitations inherent to both conventional inorganic (sol-gel, CVD) and organic membrane approaches. Hybrid organic-inorganic polymers prepared by co-polymerization of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and methyltrie-thoxysilane (MTES) were deposited on commercial asymmetric alumina supports. Heat treatments were employed to densify the inorganic matrix and pyrolyze the methyl ligands, creating a continous network of micropores. Resulting membranes exhibited very high CO2 permeance values (2.57×10−3 cm3/cm2 s cm Hg) combined with moderate CO 2 CH 4 selectivities (12.2). Subsequent derivatization of the pore surfaces with monomeric TEOS significantly increased CO 2 CH 4 separation factors (71.5) with only a modest reduction in CO2 permeance (2.04×10−4 cm3/cm2 s cm Hg). Combined CO 2 CH 4 selectivity factors and CO2 fluxes exceeded those of all known organic membranes.
Immunocytochemical effects of thyroxine stimulation on the adenohypophysis of dwarf (dw) mutant mice.

The effects of dietary thyroxine on the immunoreactivity of cells in the pars distalis of the adenohypophysis in dwarf (dw/dw) mice were determined by ultrastructural immunocytochemistry. In nontreated dwarfs only adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) cells and luteinizing hormone (LH) cells showed positive reactions to their respective antibodies, whereas no cells showed immunoreactivity to antibodies to growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), or prolactin (Prl). In dwarfs supplemented postnatally with dietary thyroxine for 9 wks, the treatment failed to produced immunoreactive GH, TSH or Prl cells. However, LH cells became more prominent and fully developed, with denser concentrations of immunoreactive particles overlying the secretory granules than occurred in nontreated dwarfs. In thyroxine-treated dwarfs, ACTH cells were similar in ultrastructural features and immunoreactivity to those in nontreated dwarfs.
Multivariate granulometric filters

As introduced by Matheron, granulometries depend on a single sizing parameter for each structuring element. The concept of granulometry has recently been extended in such a way that each structuring element has its own sizing parameter resulting in a filter (Psi) t depending on the vector parameter t equals (t1..., tn). The present paper generalizes the concept of a parameterized reconstructive (tau) -opening to the multivariate setting, where the reconstructive filter (Lambda) t fully passes any connected component not fully eliminated by (Psi) t. The problem of minimizing the MAE between the filtered and ideal image processes becomes one of vector optimization in an n- dimensional search space. Unlike the univariate case, the MAE achieved by the optimum filter (Lambda) t is global in the sense that it is independent of the relative sizes of structuring elements in the filter basis. As a consequence, multivariate granulometries provide a natural environment to study optimality of the choice of structuring elements. If the shapes of the structuring elements are themselves parameterized, the expected error is a deterministic function of the shape and size parameters and its minimization yields the optimal MAE filter.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Perspectives on analyses of nucleic acid constituents: the basis of genomics

The recent mapping of the human genome was a tremendous achievement made possible to a large degree by the development of analytical methods for sequencing purine and pyrimidine bases in nucleic acids. In the last 3 decades, the number of analyses of nucleic acids and their constituents by HPLC and capillary electrophoresis (CE) has exploded. These techniques have been used not only for genomics, but also for the determination of free nucleotides, nucleosides and their bases in body fluids and tissues. Although a large number of HPLC and CE papers have been published on nucleic acid constituent applications, relatively little has been written on the mechanisms of the separations. However, to optimize analytical conditions knowledgeably and rapidly, it is important to know why and how these separations occur and the factors that affect them. The HPLC methods for the analysis of nucleic acid constituents and the information available on some of the mechanisms of separation of nucleotides, nucleosides and their bases, as well as the analysis of these compounds by CE and the factors that affect these separations are discussed.
Retooling of the β4 Integrin in Tumor Cells—Ligands Lost and Kinase Gained

Abstract In carcinoma cells, the β4 integrin functions in a ligand-independent manner to promote proliferation, migration, and invasion. An interesting new paper (Trusolino et al., 2001) describes a mechanism whereby the β4 integrin cytoplasmic tail becomes an integrin ligand-independent adaptor protein for the Met receptor tyrosine kinase, thereby enhancing the mitogenic, morphogenic, and motogenic properties of Met.
Development of a Hybrid Decision Support Model for Optimal Ventricular Assist Device Weaning

Background Despite the small but promising body of evidence for cardiac recovery in patients that have received ventricular assist device (VAD) support, the criteria for identifying and selecting candidates who might be weaned from a VAD have not been established. Methods A clinical decision support system was developed based on a Bayesian Belief Network that combined expert knowledge with multivariate statistical analysis. Expert knowledge was derived from interviews of 11 members of the Artificial Heart Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. This was supplemented by retrospective clinical data from the 19 VAD patients considered for weaning between 1996 and 2004. Artificial Neural Networks and Natural Language Processing were used to mine these data and extract sensitive variables. Results Three decision support models were compared. The model exclusively based on expert-derived knowledge was the least accurate and most conservative. It underestimated the incidence of heart recovery, incorrectly identifying 4 of the successfully weaned patients as transplant candidates. The model derived exclusively from clinical data performed better but misidentified 2 patients: 1 weaned successfully, and 1 that needed a cardiac transplant ultimately. An expert-data hybrid model performed best, with 94.74% accuracy and 75.37% to 99.07% confidence interval, misidentifying only 1 patient weaned from support. Conclusions A clinical decision support system may facilitate and improve the identification of VAD patients who are candidates for cardiac recovery and may benefit from VAD removal. It could be potentially used to translate success of active centers to those less established and thereby expand use of VAD therapy.
Using the word 'cancer' in communication about an abnormal Pap test: finding common ground with patient-provider communication.

Abstract Objective To investigate provider and patient views about communication regarding cervical cancer screening follow-up. Methods Using qualitative analysis, we interviewed 20 providers and 10 patients from two urban clinics that serve low-income African American and Hispanic women. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups assessed familiarity with National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS) and reactions to a letter asking women with abnormal Pap test to telephone CIS. The letter suggested questions to ask prior to receiving follow-up. Results No patient or provider was familiar with CIS. Providers but not patients expressed discomfort with use of the word ‘cancer’ in the letter and in CIS's name. Providers feared that reference to cancer would provoke fatalism and impede timely follow-up, whereas patients felt information about cancer risk was needed to prompt timely follow-up. Information providers found necessary to convey in order to accurately explain abnormal Pap tests surpassed patients’ literacy levels. Conclusion Qualitative data suggest important gaps in perspective between providers and patients. There is a need to bridge the gap and overcome communication challenges to promote timely medical follow-up and have better health outcomes. Practice implications Implications and strategies for improving patient–provider education and communication about abnormal Pap test are discussed.
On the accuracy of the mean-variance approximation for futures markets

Abstract Simple approximate fomulae for the volume and gains from futures trading are derived using the mean-variance model. The errors involved are exactly quantified and shown to be negligible for the futures price and welfare gains, though potentially larger for volumes.
The Vatican and the War in the Far East, 1941–1943

(1978). The Vatican and the War in the Far East, 1941‐1943. The Historian: Vol. 40, No. 3, pp. 508-523.
Noteworthy Features of HIV-associated T-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Summary The incidence of NK/T-cell lymphomas is increased in patients infected with HIV. Their pathogenesis is undefined, but appears to be related to immunosuppression and concomitant oncoviral (EBV, HTLV-I, HTLV-II, HHV8) coinfection. Experience related to the manifestation and management of these aggressive NK/T-cell malignancies in afflicted HIV-positive individuals is limited. We present three varying cases of HIV-associated T-cell lymphoma. The heterogeneity of their clinicopathological features and outcome are discussed in light of the emerging literature on this HIV-related subject.
Genomic analysis of mental illness: a changing landscape.

THE EARTH IS SHIFTING BENEATH PSYCHIATRIC GENETics. Schizophrenia and other complex neuropsychiatric disorders are characterized by genetic heterogeneity to an extent far greater than previously recognized. Individually rare mutations, many de novo and others a few generations old, may be collectively responsible for a substantial portion of mental illness. The degree of heterogeneity is so great that most unrelated patients may have a different genetic cause. This phenomenon has fundamental implications for translational and interventional research.