cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safety and therapeutic effectiveness of reinfused shed blood after open heart surgery

This prospective study was designed to determine whether use of nonwashed shed mediastinal blood exacerbated platelet and related hematologic dysfunctions after cardiopulmonary bypass, compared with the alternative use of autologous and homologous standard liquid preserved blood for volume support. Thirty-two patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for open heart operations were randomized to receive either nonwashed shed mediastinal blood (group 1; n = 16) or liquid preserved packed red blood cells (group 2; n = 16) for transfusion therapy in the management of postoperative bleeding. Patient blood samples and bleeding times were obtained preoperatively, after cardiopulmonary bypass but before transfusions, 2 and 24 hours after transfusion, and on postoperative days 2, 3, and 7. Group 1 patients received an average of 710 +/- 90 mL (range, 300 to 1,700 mL) of nonwashed shed mediastinal blood containing significantly greater (p < 0.0001) amounts of fibrin degradation products and D-dimer protein. Of the hematologic, microaggregate, and plasma protein measurements performed, only the protein C level was significantly greater in group 1 (p < 0.05) after transfusion. Patient bleeding times were not significantly different between the groups at any of the time points, and the total postoperative blood loss was not different between the groups. There was a trend toward less need for homologous transfusion in group 1 (p < 0.1). This study documents the safety and ease of using nonwashed shed mediastinal blood as a primary blood volume support after an open heart operation.
Inhibition of GluN2A-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors by 2-naphthoic acid.

N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors mediate excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system and play important roles in synaptic development and plasticity, but also mediate glutamate neurotoxicity. Recently, 2-naphthoic acid (NPA) and its derivatives have been identified as allosteric, noncompetitive NMDA receptor inhibitors. The selectivity of NPA derivatives among NMDA receptor subtypes was mapped structurally to the ligand-binding domain, and was proposed to be mediated by residues on the S1 segment. To delineate the kinetic mechanism by which NPA inhibits NMDA receptor activity, we examined its effects on the NMDA receptor gating reaction. Using whole-cell patch clamping on human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing recombinant NMDA family of glutamate receptor subunits, GluN1/GluN2A, we found that NPA has a 50% inhibitory effect at 1.9 mM. Further, from one-channel current recordings, we found that 4 mM NPA caused a 62% decrease in open probability by decreasing mean open time 2.5-fold and by increasing mean closed time 2-fold. Kinetic modeling suggested that NPA binding stabilized NMDA receptor closed states and increased the energy barriers toward open states, causing NMDA receptors to dwell longer in pre-open states along the activation pathway. The reaction mechanisms we derived provide quantitative insight into the inhibitory mechanism of NPA and help anticipate its effects on GluN1/GluN2A receptors during both physiologic and pathologic activation modalities.
Germ cell tumors (II). VAB II in metastatic testicular cancer

Between June 1974 and January 1976, 50 patients with metastatic nonseminometous testicular carcinoma were treated with the V AB II protocol. The induction phase consisted of vinblastine (0.4 mg/kg) and actinomycin D (0.02 mg/kg) on day 1. Bleomycin (0.5 mg/kg) was given by continuous infusion for 7 days, and cis-diammine-dichloroplatinum (II) (DDP) (1 mg/kg) was given on day 8. A weekly maintenance of vinblastine and bleomycin, with actinomycin D and DDP on a rotating schedule was given followed by vinblastine, actinomycin D and chlorambucil every 3–4 weeks. Therapy was discontinued after 30–36 months of treatment in the face of continued remission. The response rate was 50% CR, 34% PR with 60% CR and 36% PR in previously untreated patients. Second-look surgery and excision of residual lesions was performed in selected cases. Alopecia, mucositis, nausea, and vomiting were universal. One patient died in the postsurgical period of toxicity from the combination of bleomycin and high concentrations of oxygen. There were seven instances of allergic reactions to DDP. Eleven of 25 complete responders and 4 partial or minor responders who underwent excision of stable disease remain alive from 19 to 35 months following start of therapy, 12 of them without evidence of disease. Cancer 42:2162–2168, 1978.
Compartmentation of plant cell proteins in separate lytic and protein storage vacuoles

Summary Plant cells may contain separate protein storage and lytic vacuolar compartments. Two separate pathways carry soluble proteins from the Golgi to the appropriate vacuolar compartment. A novel protein family, the Vacuolar Sorting Receptor family, is involved in sorting proteins to the lytic vacuole via clathrin coated vesicles. Characteristics of these VSR proteins, and evidence that they traffic between Golgi and a prevacuolar compartment are reviewed.
Multistage carcinogenesis in the urinary bladder.

The induction of cancer of the urinary bladder is a multi-stage process involving multiple exogenous and endogenous factors. Based on the classical initiation-promotion model, we have used N-[4-(5-...
Connecting Lignin-Degradation Pathway with Pre-Treatment Inhibitor Sensitivity of Cupriavidus necator

To produce lignocellulosic biofuels economically, the complete release of monomers from the plant cell wall components, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, through pretreatment and hydrolysis (both enzymatic and chemical), and the efficient utilization of these monomers as carbon sources, is crucial. In addition, the identification and development of robust microbial biofuel production strains that can tolerate the toxic compounds generated during pretreatment and hydrolysis is also essential. In this work, Cupriavidus necator was selected due to its capabilities for utilizing lignin monomers and producing polyhydroxylbutyrate (PHB), a bioplastic as well as an advanced biofuel intermediate. We characterized the growth kinetics of C. necator in pretreated corn stover slurry as well as individually in the presence of 11 potentially toxic compounds in the saccharified slurry. We found that C. necator was sensitive to the saccharified slurry produced from dilute acid pretreated corn stover. Five out of 11 compounds within the slurry were characterized as toxic to C. necator, namely ammonium acetate, furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), benzoic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Aldehydes (e.g., furfural and HMF) were more toxic than the acetate and the lignin degradation products benzoic acid and p-coumaric acid; furfural was identified as the most toxic compound. Although toxic to C. necator at high concentration, ammonium acetate, benzoic acid, and p-coumaric acid could be utilized by C. necator with a stimulating effect on C. necator growth. Consequently, the lignin degradation pathway of C. necator was reconstructed based on genomic information and literature. The efficient conversion of intermediate catechol to downstream products of cis,cis-muconate or 2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde may help improve the robustness of C. necator to benzoic acid and p-coumaric acid as well as improve PHB productivity.
Motion control of electromechanical servo-devices with permanent-magnet stepper motors

The problem of synthesizing nonlinear controllers to guarantee the robust tracking of servo-systems actuated by stepper motors is considered. Restricting attention to permanent-magnet stepper motors, the robust design is approached by using electric machinery reasoning. The Lyapunov-based design framework and admissibility concept are embedded. Specifically, an innovative nonlinear control algorithm is introduced, nonquadratic Lyapunov candidates are offered, and a nonlinear mapping concept is explored. The case when the parameters of stepper motors vary must be thoroughly researched to ensure the validity and accuracy of analytical, numerical and experimental results. In this situation, an obvious way to ensure the stability is to apply the robust control methodology, and a new avenue is offered which targets the studied motion control problem. To demonstrate the presented ideas and analyze the performance, as well as to illustrate the efficiency and applicability of the explored concept, analytical results are reported with experimental verification of robust tracking and disturbance rejection. Microstepping features have been achieved in operation of permanent-magnet stepper motors with the synthesized controller and developed software-hardware platform.
Wengert's numerical method for partial derivatives, orbit determination and quasilinearization

In a recent article in the Communications of the ACM, R. Wengert suggested a technique for machine evaluation of the partial derivatives of a function given in analytical form. In solving nonlinear boundary-value problems using quasilinearization many partial derivatives must be formed analytically and then evaluated numerically. Wengert's method appears very attractive from the programming viewpoint and permits the treatment of large systems of differential equations which might not otherwise be undertaken.
Size, shape and development in the evolution of the domestic dog

An explanation for the ubiquitous morphological changes during the evolutionary divergence of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) from the wolf (Canis lupus) has proven elusive. These changes include size reduction, facial shortening and tooth crowding. The ubiquity of these changes suggests that they are unlikely to be direct products of human selection. In this paper explanation of morphological change is approached through allometric analysis of craniometric data from prehistoric domestic dogs from North America and northern Europe and from recent wild Canis. Results indicate that anterior cranial length dimensions are tightly scaled among all Canis, while the dogs show divergent allometries on cranial width dimensions. These patterns are consistent with previous allometric studies involving modern dog breeds. Morphological patterning in dogs is not reasonably explained solely as a by-product of biomechanical constraints associated with size reduction. Rather, morphology is constrained by developmental boundaries, reflecting heterochronic alterations produced by strong selection for size reduction and modified reproductive strategy. Unique dental allometries of dogs stem from lack of tight developmental integration between dental growth and overall somatic growth. Further analysis should focus on the relationship between ancestral ontogeny and adult morphology in dogs.
Direct electric stimulation to increase cerebrovascular function

Various conditions affecting the cerebral vasculature may lead to cumulative damage and thus deterioration of brain function, in what has been called vascular cognitive impairment (Gorelick et al., 2011). Consequently, it makes sense that an increase in glucose and oxygen produced by an increase in blood flow may augment brain function. Since its rediscovery some years ago transcranial direct electric stimulation (tDCS) has attracted interest as potential therapy for patients with neurological impairments. This opinion article aims to succinctly review the mechanisms involved in neurogenic control of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) highlighting the potential of direct electrical stimulation targeting cerebral micro vessels to enhance brain function. With the highest oxygen consumption than any other organ in the body, the brain utilizes around 20% of the total resting oxygen, making it an organ highly dependent on blood supply (Hossmann, 1994). Moreover, a direct relationship between the development of neurodegenerative diseases and impairment of CBF has been postulated (Farkas and Luiten, 2001). The appropriate delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the brain tissue is regulated by mechanisms including cerebral autoregulation, vascular reactivity and neurovascular coupling. The autoregulatory properties of cerebral circulation make CBF independent of systemic blood pressure. Therefore, over a physiological range of pressure cerebral arteries relax when systemic pressure decreases and constrict when systemic pressure increases (Heistad and Kontos, 1983). Similarly, reactivity of the brain blood vessels to pH and CO2 has been suggested to link neuronal metabolic changes to cerebral blood flow.
The Pearls and Pitfalls of Skull Trephination as Described in the Hippocratic Treatise “On Head Wounds”

The purpose of our current study is to describe the guidelines regarding trephination as suggested in the Hippocratic writer's book, "Peri ton en cephali traumaton" ("On Head Wounds"). The ancient Greek text was reviewed as well as two English translations. The Hippocratic author described the indications, timing, and techniques of trephination for patients with head injury. He emphasized that attention should be paid to the details of the employed technique. He also commented on the difference of skull thickness at different anatomical sites and also between different age groups. The Hippocratic recommendations provided details for the performance of trephination by the ancient Greek physicians that are still considered important in modern neurosurgery.
Superconducting properties of diffusion processed niobium-Tin tape

The properties that make Nb 3 Sn an outstanding material for use in high-field superconducting solenoids are its high critical temperature (18.1°K), its high critical current density (in excess of 200 000 A/cm2at 100 kG and 4.2°K), and its high critical field (221 kG at 4.2°K). Since Nb 3 Sn is a brittle material, special techniques are required for its use. These techniques fall into two groups : 1) the conductor is initially fabricated from Nb and Sn in an unalloyed configuration, and this conductor is then wound into a solenoid and converted to Nb 3 Sn by heat treatment of the entire solenoid; 2) the alloyed Nb 3 Sn conductor is prepared in a very thin configuration. Thus, although it is brittle, it is still flexible enough to be wound directly into a finished solenoid. Extensive experimentation with the second technique has been undertaken and will be discussed with particular emphasis on the properties of laminated conductors as confirmed by performance of superconducting solenoids.
A method for phase noise extraction from data communication

Evaluating the phase noise of a data stream may be accomplished with the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the signal, if the resolution is high enough, or captured using a mixer and local oscillator. To eliminate these requirements, we present a method for capturing phase noise amplitude from arbitrary bit stream data using a Time to Digital Converter.
Direct production of butyltin chlorides from a paired electro-organic synthesis

Butyltin chlorides were produced directly from butyl chloride and a tin cathode in several undivided cell reactors with tetraethylammonium chloride and acetonitrile solvent. The complex reaction chemistry was investigated primarily in a small batch cell with a 1 cm2 planar cathode. Current densities from cathodic linear potential sweeps at 1 mV s−1 were correlated successfully with current densities and butyltin products from potentiostatic experiments. Potential windows on product formation and other major limiting reactions were thereby identified. Product yield was shown to be strongly dependent on electrolyte gas conditions, with yield decreasing as the reactor is increasingly deaerated. Use of the initial open circuit potential (i.o.c.p.) as an indicator of reaction gas conditions proved to be a convenient and reproducible technique. Under favourably oxidized conditions, current densities in the product formation potential region ranged from 66 mA cm−2 at −2.74V vs SCE to 250 mA cm−2 at −2.98 Vvs SCE which are considerably higher than previously reported current densities for this synthesis. Surprisingly, the aeration history of butyl chloride prior to synthesis may be an important factor in subsequent product yield.
Being wholesome: The paradox of methamphetamine addiction and recovery – A hermeneutical phenomenological interpretation within an interdisciplinary, transmethodological study:

This article presents a Heideggerian hermeneutic interpretation of findings from an interdisciplinary, transmethodological study addressing the questions, ‘What does it mean to experience methamphe...
Enhancement of Surface Seismic Fracture Signals

Fracture patterns, which control flow and transport properties in a tight gas reservoir, play a great role in siting the production wells. Hence, it is very important that the exact location and orientation of fractures or fracture swarms is known. Current commercially available technology is often able to locate the fracture zones and fracture orientations, but lack the precision and accuracy to guide a well straight into a fracture. We propose a new approach to locate natural fractures in a gas reservoir using seismic reflection methods.
Stability of Surlyn® Ionomer Films To Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation is a growing means of sterilizing medical de vices, and as a means of food preservation. These uses require packaging materials which maintain useful properties through a sterili...
Ca2+ influx across the excitable membrane of behavioural mutants of Paramecium

THE ciliate protozoan Paramecium has an excitable surface membrane, which depolarises in response to a sudden increase in the Na+ or K+ concentration of the medium. An influx of Ca2+ during depolarisation raises the internal Ca2+ concentration, which in turn causes the cilia to reverse their direction of beating, and the cells to swim backwards1. The swimming behaviour of Paramecium is therefore a direct and readily observable correlate of the electrophysiological state of the membrane.
Communicating esophageal duplication with Barrett's esophagus and high-grade dysplasia.

A 52-YEAR-OLD MAN presented 11 years prior with heartburn, nocturnal regurgitation, and cervical dysphagia. Findings from a barium esophagram and upper endoscopy at that time revealed a nearcomplete tubular duplication that began proximally at the level of the thoracic inlet and terminated as a separate gastroesophageal opening. There was a shared wall with the primary esophagus distally (Fig 1). The primary esophagus exhibited normal aboral motility, whereas the duplicated segment was atonic. Both esophagi terminated into a 3-cm sliding hiatal hernia, and free reflux was observed. There was grade I esophagitis at both orifices without Barrett’s metaplasia or stricture. The symptom of cervical dysphagia was thought to be secondary to intermittent bolus transit into the proximal orifice of the duplication with secondary partial obstruction of the primary lumen. The patient was given maximal medical therapy and followed up with interval endoscopy. Over the subsequent 10 years, he underwent several esophageal dilations for cervical dysphagia. Although these measures provided relief, nocturnal regurgitation persisted. On surveillance endoscopy 2 years before referral to our center, short segment Barrett’s metaplasia was discovered at both esophageal openings. Because the patient was relatively free of symptoms (with dilations), he elected to continue with medical therapy and surveillance. Biopsy 2 years later revealed high-grade dysplasia within the duplicated segment. Complete transhiatal resection of both esophagi was performed. There was a single 5-cm hiatal opening. The primary esophagus and duplication were encased within a sleeve of fibrous tissue that was adherent to the anterior thoracic spine by a dense raphe (Fig 2). In addition, there was a fibrous sling above the level of the carina, which fixed the subclavian arteries to the esophageal bundle. The specimen was delivered through the cervical incision and excised, and a gastric tube was used for esophageal replacement (Fig 3). There were no additional alimentary tract duplications or congenital anomalies identified. After operation, the patient had a left recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis that resolved over a 6-week period. The remainder of his hospitalization and convalescence were without complications. Pathologic examination confirmed high-grade dysplasia without invasive cancer within the duplication and low-grade dysplasia in the primary esophagus. The duplication was lined with squamous epithelium and had a 2-layered muscular wall. There were no rests of heterotopic tissue, and the vagus nerve anatomy was not examined. Communicating esophageal duplication with Barrett’s esophagus and high-grade dysplasia
Functional independence after major abdominal surgery in the elderly.

Background Elders undergo approximately 40% of more than 1 million major abdominal operations annually. Yet evidence about recovery to preoperative levels of functional independence is limited. This study details course and predictors of functional recovery after elective major abdominal operations in the elderly. Study design This was a prospective cohort of 372 consecutive patients, 60 years old or more, enrolled from surgeons in private practice and two university-affiliated hospitals, assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3, and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, using self-report and performance-based measures (Activities of Daily Living [ADL], Instrumental Activities of Daily Living [IADL], Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Physical Component and Mental Component Scales [PCS, MCS], Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS], Folstein Mini-Mental State Exam [MMSE], timed walk, functional reach, hand grip strength). Results Mean age was 69 ± 6 years with 56% men, 47% nonHispanic Caucasian, and 42% Mexican American; hospital distribution was 49% private, 51% university-affiliated. Maximum functional declines (95% CI) occurred 1 week postoperatively: ADL, 2.8 points (2.4 to 3.2); IADL, 7.6 points (7 to 8.3); SF-36 PCS, 6.5 points (5.4 to 7.6); Mini-Mental State Exam, 0.5 points (0.2 to 0.7); timed walk, 6.8 seconds (5.2 to 8.4); functional reach, 1.7 inches (1.2 to 2.2); grip strength, 2 kilograms (1.3 to 2.7) (p Mean recovery times were: Mini-Mental State Exam, 3 weeks; timed walk, 6 weeks; ADL, SF-36 PCS, and functional reach, 3 months; and IADL, 6 months. Mean grip strength did not return to preoperative status by 6 months. The incidence of persistent disability at 6 months, compared with preoperative status, was: ADL, 9%; IADL, 19%; PCS, 16%; mental component scale, 17%; timed walk, 39%; functional reach, 58%; and grip strength, 52%. Potentially modifiable independent predictors of ADL and IADL recovery were preoperative physical conditioning and depression plus serious postoperative complications. Conclusions The clinical course of functional recovery varied across different measures. Protracted disability at 6 months after operation was substantial. Several potentially modifiable factors consistently predicted recovery.
Online versus Face-to-Face Accommodations among College Students with Disabilities

Abstract Although both the number of online learning opportunities and students with disabilities in higher education has increased over the last two decades, students with disabilities may be overlooked. The purpose of this study was to examine attitudes toward requesting accommodations in the online learning environment among college students with disabilities compared with requesting accommodations in the face-to-face learning environment. Accommodations refer to those adjustments and modification made to instructional and/or curricular requirements in order for students with disabilities to fully participate in a course (Rehabilitation Act of 1973). Results indicate that students with disabilities did not have significantly different attitudes toward requesting accommodations as a whole in the face-to-face versus online learning environments. Results, however, do indicate that students who report having visible disabilities appear to have more positive attitudes toward requesting accommodations in the...
Spatial distribution of oil after deep-fat frying of tortilla chips from a stochastic model

Abstract The morphology and oil distribution of tortilla chips can be described using a statistical description based upon Monte Carlo simulation approach. The chip distribution model consists of a three-dimensional multi-phase thin plate made of small cubic cells that define a lattice. Random numbers are allocated to each cell throughout the lattice. These numbers belong to a uniform distribution density and based upon their value one decides upon the content of the cell (water, pores, dry matter). The spatial location and cluster-size (aggregates) of the different constituents are stored. This structure represents the tortilla chips before frying. The lattice is swept cell by cell and the structure of the chips after frying is generated from a random invasion of the tortilla chip by oil. Water is allowed to evaporate and leave pores behind. Oil will coat the structure and occupy a fraction of the pore space. These invasion rules satisfy the mass balances for the tortilla chips components as well as the final porosity. These simulations were done on a CRAY Y-MP2/116 Supercomputer using a vectorized code.
Catalytic consequences of borate complexation and pH on the epimerization of l-arabinose to l-ribose in water catalyzed by Sn-Beta zeolite with borate salts

Abstract Sn-Beta zeolite with sodium tetraborate cooperatively catalyzes the epimerization of aldoses via an intramolecular 1,2 carbon-shift mechanism. l -Arabinose is one of the seven common sugars and its epimer, l -ribose, is a valuable rare sugar with applications in antiviral and anticancer agents. Here, a full factorial experimental design is performed to demonstrate the catalytic consequences of varying key reaction parameters such as pH, borate to sugar ratio, and reaction time. Reactivity data revealed that isomerization is favored under acidic pH conditions (pH 7.8). Using a 5 wt% arabinose feed and 100:1 sugar–metal ratios at 343 K, conversions ranging from 20% to 30% were obtained with selectivities of 75%, 84%, and 91% for boron–sugar ratios of 0.2:1, 0.5:1, and 1:1, respectively. The predominance of epimerization over isomerization products with substoichiometric borate suggests that one borate can influence the reactivity of several sugar molecules and may influence the Sn active site directly. Reaction data obtained under differential conditions revealed that the epimerization reaction follows first order kinetics over a wide temperature range with an apparent activation energy of 98 kJ/mol and pre-exponential factor of 1.9 × 1014 L mol Sn−1 s−1.
Systemic Treatment of Cancer in the Elderly

Abstract The goal of this review is to provide a readable and exhaustive reference in three major areas of geriatric oncology: complications of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, responsiveness of cancer to systemic treatment, social issues in the care of elderly patients with terminal illnesses. The conclusions of this study are: 1. 1.|Progressive deterioration of renal function is the most consistent change of aging. Adjustment of doses of renally excreted drugs to individual creatinine clearance may prevent life-threatening myelotoxicity in the elderly. 2. 2.|Intensive chemotherapy regimens (acute leukemia, non Hodgkin's lymphoma) cause more serious and prolonged myelotoxicity in the elderly. Elderly are more susceptible than younger patients to cardiotoxicity and central and peripheral neurotoxicity. Age is a poor predictor of complications in other organs or systems. 3. 3.|The prognosis of patients with Hodgkin's disease worsens with aging, possibly due to increased prevalence of mixed cellularity histology. It is controversial whether the prognosis of other neoplasias is poorer. Prognosis is not age-related in multiple myeloma. In general, elderly in good performance status may benefit from systemic cancer treatment to the same extent as younger patients, except for Hodgkin's disease. 4. 4.|The Informal Support Network, epitomized by the family, appears the most suitable environment to care for the elderly with cancer.
When Justice Demands Inequality

In Rescuing Justice and Equality G.A. Cohen argues that justice requires an uncompromising commitment to equality. Cohen also argues, however, that justice must be sensitive to other values, including a robust commitment to individual freedom and to the welfare of the community. We ask whether a commitment to these other values means that, despite Cohen’s commitment to equality, his view requires that we make room for inequality in the name of justice? We argue that even on Cohen’s version of egalitarianism equality, freedom, and welfare are not always compatible. Justice will require trade-offs between these values. Sometimes, equality will need to be sacrificed. This is a surprising result and to show it, we use two informal impossibility proofs drawn from examples in Rescuing Justice and Equality.
On self-healing digital system design

In recent years there has been a significant growth of interest in exploiting the principles of biological processes to create powerful methodologies for solving computational problems. This paper discusses how these features have been exploited in digital hardware design. It also introduces an architecture for implementing self-healing digital systems that is inspired by the antigen protection mechanism employed by the human immune system. In the proposed architecture, a spare cell is dedicated to replace one in a group of four functional cells. Once one of these four functional cells is found to be faulty, the spare cell is cloned as the faulty cell. This architecture is especially suitable for tolerating soft errors in functional cells or on interconnect lines. Another major advantage of this architecture is that the outputs of functional cells are connected to the inputs of other physically adjacent functional cells, thus making it appropriate for nanocomputing system design.
The significance of latitudinality in Himalayan mountain ecosystems.

This paper argues that the altitude-oriented “mixed mountain agriculture” model in which mountain dwellers move to higher altitudes in summer and lower ones in winter does not fit the empirical situation in many areas of the Himalayas where north-south or latitudinally differentiated habitat and production zones play important and, in some instances, central roles.
Commentary: severe carpal tunnel syndrome.

There is a general perception in the United States that the rate of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is increasing. Although carpal tunnel release is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in this country, it is still unclear whether there is an epidemic of this disease. Several studies have estimated the prevalence of CTS in the general population (prevalence identifies current existing cases and incidence points to new cases). The prevalence of CTS (confirmed clinically and electrodiagnostically) from a region in Sweden was estimated at 2.7% (95% confidence interval, 2.1% to 3.4%). 1 In the U.S., the prevalence of CTS estimated from a regional health care system was 3.7% (95% confidence interval, 0.9% to 4.7%). 2 By using the population register at Maastricht, the Netherlands, deKrom et al 3 estimated the prevalence at 5.8% (95% confidence interval, 3.5% to 8.1%). Because all these surveys were not based on national samples using strict survey methodology, the prevalence estimates were only extrapolated estimates of the general population. The consistency in the data presented by these 3 studies, however, provided a reasonably valid estimate of CTS prevalence. One of the reasons that the prevalence of CTS is so difficult to establish lies in the lack of a confirmatory study for this disease; provocative tests are notoriously inaccurate, and false-positive and negative findings in electrodiagnostic studies do occur, depending on the prevalence of CTS in the study sample and the cut-off criteria used in the studies. In their article in this issue of the Journal, Atroshi et al 4 took the next step to derive the prevalence of severe CTS that would require surgical intervention. Through a meticulous stepwise evaluation system, 0.7% of the subjects from an area of Sweden were found to have severe untreated CTS. The response rate of 83% in the initial mailed survey was a remarkable feat that often is achieved in Scandinavian countries. The low participation rate for surveys in the United States makes the conduct of any epidemiology study difficult, even for a common condition such as CTS. Generalizing these data to the U.S. population, however, may be difficult. The United States has a different health care system with a large proportion of the population lacking health insurance; most do not seek medical attention other than for emergency conditions. In addition cultural concerns among different ethnic groups regarding health care present an additional barrier. Therefore the prevalence of untreated severe CTS is probably much higher in the United States because of these obstacles. Why is this prevalence study by Atroshi et al an important one? A prevalence study provides insight regarding the impact of a disease on the health care system and to society as a whole.
Quantifying and controlling the magnetic dipole contribution to 1.5-μm light emission in erbium-doped yttrium oxide

We experimentally quantify the contribution of magnetic dipole (MD) transitions to the near-infrared light emission from trivalent erbium-doped yttrium oxide (Er${}^{3+}$:Y${}_{2}$O${}_{3}$). Using energy-momentum spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the ${}^{4}$I${}_{13/2}{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}^{4}$I${}_{15/2}$ emission near 1.5 $\ensuremath{\mu}$m originates from nearly equal contributions of electric dipole (ED) and MD transitions that exhibit distinct emission spectra. We then show how these distinct spectra, together with the differing local density of optical states for ED and MD transitions, can be leveraged to control Er${}^{3+}$ emission in structured environments. We demonstrate that far-field emission spectra can be tuned to resemble almost pure emission from either ED or MD transitions and show that the observed spectral modifications can be accurately predicted from the measured ED and MD intrinsic emission rates.
Dialysate volume measurements required for determining peritoneal solute transport

Dialysate volume measurements required for determining peritoneal solute transport. Solute transport parameters for the peritoneal membrane have been previously determined using diaiysate volumes measured by the indicator dilution method. Recent work has shown that the indicator dilution volume (IDV) exceeds true diaiysate volume (TV) because the indicator or index solute is lost from the peritoneal cavity. A peritoneal transport model that includes significant solute loss from the peritoneal cavity is here described. Theory suggests that simultaneous measurements of both IDV and TV are required to calculate solute transport parameters for the peritoneal membrane when solutes are lost from the peritonea) cavity. The magnitude of systematic errors incurred by the use of either IDV or TV alone was determined in the calculated diffusive permeability-area product (PA) for creatinine during a two hour exchange in a rabbit model of peritoneal dialysis. IDV was measured using dextran (2 × 10 6 daltons) and TV by the dilution of multiple injections of Evans blue-albumin complex. Best estimates of PA using either or both volume measurements were determined in the blood to diaiysate direction with isotonic (N = 9) and hypertonic (N = 7) solutions and in the diaiysate to blood direction with isotonic (N = 4) and hypotonic (N = 4) solutions. Systematic errors in PA using either IDV alone or TV alone were small with either isotonic or hypertonic solutions but were increased with hypotonic solutions. Moreover, systematic errors were larger when using TV alone than IDV alone. When solute transport parameters for the peritoneal membrane are approximately determined employing only a single volume measurement, the use of IDV leads to less systematic error than TV.
Improved architecture for low-distortion δσ ADC's

The low-distortion modulator is an effective ΔΣ ADC architecture for high-linearity and low-dissipation applications. However, it has several practical drawbacks. An improved low-distortion modulator topology that avoids these disadvantages is suggested.
Unitary solution to the three channel ND equations in a pole approximation

Abstract We treat the N D equations for three, two body channels where the force is approximated by a simple pole. An explicit, unitary solution for the T matrix is found. This solution is then used to study the coupled ( π N ), ( πN 3 2 ∗ ), and ( fN 3 2 ∗ ) channels. A resonance corresponding to the N 7 2 ∗ (1920) is found, and by varying the coupling we are able to fit its mass and branching ratio to the ( π N ) channel. The full width is too small in this approximation but additional inelastic couplings might improve this result.
Promoting School Mental Health With a Systems of Care Approach: Perspectives From Community Partners

An estimated 20% of youth ages 5–18 have a diagnosable mental health problem. The challenge for communities is to overcome obstacles to traditional community-based care that contribute to low rates of treatment for children. The purpose of this small qualitative study was to identify challenges to the implementation of a Systems of Care (SOC) approach to school mental health within an urban community. Identifying processes that either hinder or effectively create and sustain a collaborative SOC partnership between systems is vital to social workers and mental health professionals working to address the mental health needs of underserved youth.
Ethics, incentives, and conflicts of interest: A practical solution

Couched in positive agency theory, it is shown that the straight-commission compensation system (SCCS) creates a conflict of interest between the agent's and the client's self-interests. Based on this, it is hypothesized that the SCCS will encourage agents to intend to act unethically towards their clients. Two hundred and forty five insurance agents in the U.S. were surveyed, with 59% responding. The results suggest that the SCCS does not significantly affect agents' ethical intentions, positively or negatively. This lack of empirical evidence may be due to the unique nature of the sample. Indeed, the company which enabled this sample appears to have found a practical solution to temper the potential negative effects of the SCCS in its commitment to selective hiring and marketing products which benefit both the client and the agent.
An Investigation of the Effect of Ultrasonic Waves on the Rates of Hydrolysis of Procaine and Butethamine Hydrochlorides

Data are presented showing the effect of ultrasonic waves on the rates of hydrolysis of procaine and butethamine 1 hydrochlorides. Under the experimental conditions employed, significant changes in the rates were not observed with the insonated samples.
Pathophysiology of Hypertension in the Absence of Nitric Oxide/Cyclic GMP Signaling

The nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling system is a well-characterized modulator of cardiovascular function, in general, and blood pressure, in particular. The availability of mice mutant for key enzymes in the NO-cGMP signaling system facilitated the identification of interactions with other blood pressure modifying pathways (e.g. the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system) and of gender-specific effects of impaired NO-cGMP signaling. In addition, recent genome-wide association studies identified blood pressure-modifying genetic variants in genes that modulate NO and cGMP levels. Together, these findings have advanced our understanding of how NO-cGMP signaling regulates blood pressure. In this review, we will summarize the results obtained in mice with disrupted NO-cGMP signaling and highlight the relevance of this pathway as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension.
Talent management: challenges of building cross‐functional capability in high‐performance work systems environments

Occupational dissimilarity is a measure of the overlap in education, skills and experience across two disciplines. Though occupational dissimilarity is not directly addressed in the organization design, careers, and other literatures, it plays an important role in organizational effectiveness. Specifically, integrating tasks when occupations are dissimilar is quite difficult, which can hinder successful strategy execution. When two or more dissimilar functions play key roles in the value-creation process (for example, R&D and sales), the risks to organizational effectiveness are particularly acute. In these cases there are no natural tendencies for individuals to develop cross-functional skills, and traditional integration approaches typically include only formal mechanisms such as general manager development and cross-functional teams. The argument is made here that organizations should more actively focus on ways to foster cross-functional skills at the individual contributor level, not just general manager level, in such cases. Examples from logistics, consumer product analytics, and services procurement/business process outsourcing are addressed. Implications for organizations operating in emerging markets with large consumer markets but underdeveloped talent markets are also explored.
Some Effects of Adrenalectomy in the Fatty Rat

Function of the pituitary-adrenal axis was examined in lean and genetically obese fatty (Zucker) rats. The diurnal rhythms of plasma corticosterone and plasma ACTH were similar in both groups. The secretion of corticosterone by adrenal glands incubated in vitro with graded doses of ACTH was also comparable in lean and fatty rats. Adrenalectomy reduced food intake and weight gain in the fatty rats to levels similar to those in the lean animals and raised plasma ACTH to the same level. The injection of corticosterone (2 and 10 mg/day) increased food intake more in adrenalectomized fatty rats than in the corresponding lean ones. Progesterone increased food intake similarly in both groups. The enhanced responsiveness to corticosterone could account for many of the metabolical defects in the fatty rat.
Effectiveness of Furosemide in Uncontrolled Hypertension in the Elderly: Role of Renin Profiling

Background Despite many advances in the treatment of hypertension, adequate blood pressure (BP) control in elderly patients continues to be a challenge. Optimal control of BP remains elusive because of issues relating to drug dosage and proper choice of therapeutic agents, including questions regarding the role of diuretics. Methods We examined the effect of diuretic treatment on BP in 12 elderly hypertensive patients whose hypertension was poorly controlled on previous drug regimens. We also evaluated the relationship of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP (SBP, DBP, MAP, respectively) to changes in plasma renin activity (PRA), serum aldosterone (SA), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and serum chemistries both before and after adding furosemide to the prior antihypertensive agents. Results At baseline, 83% of patients had low PRA ( Conclusions Many of the elderly hypertensive patients in our study had decreased PRA levels and showed significant reductions in BP after furosemide administration. Despite the associated increases in PRA and SA and decreases in ANP in 67% of patients, diuretic use remains important in the control of hypertension in this population.
Limiting servo motor torque gradients with near minimum time repositioning

The theory for directly limiting motor torque gradient (jerk) using a modified bang-bang controller is developed. Modified band-bang is a nonlinear control system which applies to minimum time solutions for simple second-order systems. The results are verified using simulation and experimentation. The techniques are applied to the ramming mechanism of a large caliber tank autoloader with excellent results. An immediate consequence is a significant increase in the life of a critical rammer component through the use of a limited torque gradient. This is achieved through the resultant lowering of fatigue cycling levels that are initially caused by sampling rate encoder feedback noise and other nonlinear effects such as backlash. >
Use of direct-modulated/gain-switched optical links in monopulse-type active phased array systems

With the advance of high speed laser technology, optical interaction with microwave circuits has become highly viable. Such interaction is advantageous as the fiber is low-loss, lightweight, and immune to electromagnetic interference. In this paper, interaction of direct-modulated and gain-switched optical links with active antenna phased array systems is demonstrated. In the direct-modulated optical system, the RF signal directly modulates the DFB laser. In the gain-switched optical system, the laser is gain-switched to function as a RF frequency doubler. The modulated signal is transmitted via an optical fiber and recovered at the receiving end by a high-speed photodetector. The recovered RF is then injected into the active antenna phased array systems as an injection-locking reference signal. Two active antenna systems are used for this demonstration: beam-switching and Doppler transceiver.
Supercritical fluids in medical radioisotope processing and chemistry, Part I: technology, instrumentation and methodology

Although the last two decades has seen a keen interest in using supercritical fluids as media for material processing and chemical reactions owing to their unique physical properties, this technology has been underutilized in medical radioisotope processing and chemistry. The successful application of this technology necessitates not only having a sound knowledge of the physico-chemical properties and phenomena occurring within such critical states of matter, but also a clear idea of the tools needed and means for applying them. These topics will be presented under the cover of two parts. Part I will address topics on the general background of supercritical fluid technology, equipment needed, whether for chemistry or separation, and basic techniques to access critical states of matter. Part II will follow in a subsequent volume and is meant to provide a description of applications with cited examples and potential areas for development. The hope is that sufficient interest is stimulated so as to encourage radiochemists to look to alternative technologies of this nature to solve their daily laboratory challenges. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Language Style Matching Predicts Relationship Initiation and Stability

Previous relationship research has largely ignored the importance of similarity in how people talk with one another. Using natural language samples, we investigated whether similarity in dyads’ use of function words, called language style matching (LSM), predicts outcomes for romantic relationships. In Study 1, greater LSM in transcripts of 40 speed dates predicted increased likelihood of mutual romantic interest (odds ratio = 3.05). Overall, 33.3% of pairs with LSM above the median mutually desired future contact, compared with 9.1% of pairs with LSM at or below the median. In Study 2, LSM in 86 couples’ instant messages positively predicted relationship stability at a 3-month follow-up (odds ratio = 1.95). Specifically, 76.7% of couples with LSM greater than the median were still dating at the follow-up, compared with 53.5% of couples with LSM at or below the median. LSM appears to reflect implicit interpersonal processes central to romantic relationships.