cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Dual Chamber and VVI Implantable Defibrillator (DAVID) Trial

Introduction: The devices used to prove the benefit of ICD therapy had only VVI pacing but most current ICD devices provide dual chamber pacing therapy. The DAVID trial sought to measure the impact of dual chamber pacing at 70 bpm (DDDR-70) vs. ventricular backup pacing at 40 bpm (VVI-40) in patients with standard indications for ICD implantation but without indications for bradycardia pacing. Methods: This single-blind, multicenter, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial enrolled 506 patients with indications for ICD therapy between 10/2000 and 9/2002. All patients had an LVEF ≤0.40, no indication for pacemaker therapy and no persistent atrial arrhythmias. ICDs with dual chamber, rate-responsive pacing capability were implanted and programmed to VVI-40 or DDDR-70. Results: The combined endpoint of mortality or hospitalization for congestive heart failure (CHF) at one year was 16.1% (VVI-40) vs. 26.7% (DDDR-70), (p ∼ 0.03), mortality 6.5% vs. 10.1% (p ∼ 0.15) and CHF hospitalization 13.3% vs. 22.5% (p ∼ 0.07). Conclusion: For ICD patients, DDDR-70 pacing exhibits no clinical advantage over VVI-40 pacing and may increase CHF and mortality.
Digital Homing Guidance—Stability vs Performance Tradeoffs

Digital signal processing capability can be added to a missile homing guidance system to provide a broad system decision capability against a complex threat. This processing may be on the ground or in the missile. Wherever it occurs, it introduces additional dynamics into the guidance loop which can degrade system performance. In fact, the influence of digitization is so important that it must be included at the outset in order to ensure that a guidance system design will work. One of the most significant effects is the introduction of a sample and hold in the guidance attitude loop. This paper discusses the influence of digital processing on system relative stability and performance. A variety of techniques for improving system performance are introduced and tradeoff curves are presented indicating how major subsystem parameters, such as seeker stabilization loop gain or autopilot time constant, may be specified. The results show the tradeoffs between a robust set of guidance subsystem specifications and acceptable performance when digital guidance is used.
Ultrasonic enhancement of grain growth in copper

Abstract The influence of 20 kc ultrasonic energy on grain growth kinetics in O.F.H.C. copper was investigated. Half-wavelength specimens resulted in resonant standing waves with a maximum acoustic stress amplitude of 2·4 × 108 dynes/cm2. Acoustic energy caused an acceleration in grain growth rate. The grain growth exponent, n, in the equation D=βtn was increased from 0·11 to 0·31, where D is the grain diameter at growth time t and β is a constant.
A parallel general-purpose synthetic data generator

PSDG is a parallel synthetic data generator designed to generate "industrial sized" data sets quickly using cluster computing. PSDG depends on SDDL, a synthetic data description language that provides flexibility in the types of data we can generate.
Dynamic correspondence between Purkinje cell discharge and forelimb muscle activity during reaching

There remain conflicting models of the cerebellar control of limb movement, ranging from the suggestion that the inhibitory output from Purkinje cells (PCs) is meant to suppress unwanted muscle activity, to the hypothesis that the cerebellar cortex embodies complex internal models of limb dynamics. To test these ideas, we undertook a quantitative comparison of PC simple spike dynamics to those of muscle activity. We recorded simultaneously from Purkinje cells in the paravermal anterior lobe and from muscles of the hand and arm in the behaving monkey during a simple, sequential button pressing task. The task-related discharge of each neuron was determined from peri-event histograms aligned to the onset of the behavior. Bursts of discharge were more than twice as common as pauses, but there was no difference in their timing relative to movement. From the same recordings, the similarity between discharge and muscle activity was evaluated by calculating the cross correlation between firing rate and rectified EMG. Surprisingly, given the inhibitory projection of PCs, most of the bursts of PC discharge were positively correlated with muscle activity. Although our results do not support a simple correspondence of pauses and bursts with limb acceleration and deceleration respectively, they are consistent with a more complex PC regulation of cerebellar nuclear activity from task-related, corticopontine drive.
Large cell lymphocytoma—a clinicopathological study

Fourteen patients with large cell lymphocytoma were studied. They presented with solitary or small numbers of grouped nodules on the trunk or head and neck region, which histologically consisted of diffuse and nodular dermal aggregates of lymphoid cells. A proportion of these cells were large with clear cytoplasm and a varying degree of nuclear atypia. An infiltrate of small mature lymphocytes surrounded and extended between the zones of larger cells. Mitotic figures and pleomorphic cells were frequent and, on the basis of this histopathology, an initial diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma had frequently been made. There were eight male and six female patients with a mean age at presentation of 40 years (range 14-71) who were followed up for a period of between 4 and 31 years (mean = 14.6). Thirteen of the 14 are alive and well, and there has been no evidence of systemic involvement in any of the patients; one patient died of chronic renal failure and pneumonia. Monoclonal antibody studies on paraffin sections showed the presence of lymphoid cells of B and T cell lineage in large cell lymphocytoma. We believe that these patients have a variety of cutaneous lymphocytic infiltrate, large cell lymphocytoma, which has characteristic clinical and histological features and is important to recognize because of its benign course. Large cell lymphocytoma has been used to describe a nodular lymphoid infiltrate of the skin composed principally of large follicular centre cells. Often these lesions had been diagnosed as reticulum cell sarcoma but, on follow-up, all the patients were alive and well.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Medium-term effects of a new 5HT3 antagonist, alosetron, in patients with carcinoid diarrhoea.

Background —Carcinoid diarrhoea is associated with rapid small bowel and proximal colonic transit. Intravenous administration of a serotonin type 3 receptor (5HT 3 ) antagonist restores postprandial colonic tone towards normal in carcinoid patients. Aims —To evaluate the medium term effects of an oral 5HT 3 antagonist, alosetron, on symptoms, stool fat, and transit in patients with carcinoid diarrhoea. Methods —In 27 patients with carcinoid diarrhoea, symptoms were recorded daily and gastrointestinal transit was measured by scintigraphy in a three dose (0.1, 0.5, 2.0 mg, twice daily), randomised (1:1:1), parallel group, four week study. Placebo was given during the first week. Loperamide (2 mg capsules) was used as rescue medication. Results —There were numerical improvements in median diarrhoea score, stool weight, loperamide use, and overall colonic transit at four hours, but no overall significant drug effect was shown. Alosetron reduced the proximal colon emptying rate (p Conclusions —Alosetron retardation of proximal colonic emptying in patients with carcinoid diarrhoea confirms the potential role of a 5HT 3 mechanism in this disorder. Doses of alosetron higher than 2.0 mg twice daily will be required for symptomatic benefit in carcinoid diarrhoea.
Oxygen overvoltage on bright iridium

Summary Steady-state oxygen overvoltage measurements were made both galvanostatically and potentiostatically on bright Ir bead anodes and cathodes in O 2 -saturated sulfuric acid solutions. The mechanism for the reduction of O 2 on Ir cathodes is most likely the same as that suggested for Pt cathodes. Although an oxide, IrO 2 , is formed on Ir anodes, the mechanism for the evolution of oxygen does not take place by an oxide mechanism as for Pd anodes, but by the discharge of H 2 O as for Pt anodes. From the experimental evidence that a limiting current region appears in the constant potential anodic polarization curve and that the double-layer capacity is increased as oxygen is adsorbed on the Ir surface, it is concluded that the adsorbed oxygen layers on Ir are good electronic conductors. Evidence is presented which supports the contention that the presence of adsorbed oxygen on Ir cathodes hinders the reduction of O 2 to H 2 O 2 but promotes the reduction of H 2 O 2 to H 2 O. A stable intermediate, H 2 O 2 , is formed during the oxygen reduction process.
The influence of perceived control of asthma on health outcomes.

Background Psychosocial factors play an important role in outcomes of asthma. Perceived control, a measure of patients' beliefs about their ability to control their disease, has not been studied in association with asthma health outcomes Methods We used data from a prospective cohort study of patients who were hospitalized for asthma (n = 865). After hospital discharge, we conducted structured telephone interviews to obtain demographic characteristics, asthma history, and psychological variables. Interviews included administration of the Perceived Control of Asthma Questionnaire (PCAQ). We then prospectively measured emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for asthma over time, with a median follow-up time of 1.9 years Results Greater perceived control was associated with better physical health status (mean score increment per 2-point change in PCAQ score, 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79 to 1.47), better asthma-related quality of life (mean score increment, −2.24; 95% CI, −2.6 to −1.83), fewer days of restricted activity due to asthma (mean increment, −1.23; 95% CI, −1.62 to −0.83), and lower asthma severity scores (mean score increment, −0.40; 95% CI, −0.53 to −0.27). In a multivariate model, greater perceived control was associated with a significantly decreased prospective risk of ED visits (hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.98; p=0.008) and hospitalizations for asthma (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.90; p Conclusions Greater perceived control is associated with improved asthma-related health status as well as with a decreased prospective risk of severe asthma attacks resulting in emergency health-care utilization. This difference does not appear to be mediated by changes in preventive care or asthma self-management practices.
Real-time cellular automata computations for detecting defects

Cellular automata have long been known for their self- organizational properties. In contrast to physical system, even starting with complete randomness, a cellular automata system can eventually reach an organized state. Recently cellular automata have been applied in image analysis to identify damage in large structures. In this paper it is shown how cellular automata can be implemented in parallel and used to analyze and identify flaws and defects.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dependence of Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Activity on Calcium Signaling in Pituitary Cells

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the stimulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is well established, but the mechanism by which the enzyme is inactivated during the prolonged NO stimulation has not been characterized. In this paper we studied the interactions between NO and intracellular Ca2+ in the control of sGC in rat anterior pituitary cells. Experiments were done in cultured cells, which expressed neuronal and endothelial NO synthases, and in cells with elevated NO levels induced by the expression of inducible NO synthase and by the addition of several NO donors. Basal sGC-dependent cGMP production was stimulated by the increase in NO levels in a time-dependent manner. In contrast, depolarization of cells by high K+ and Bay K 8644, an L-type Ca2+ channel agonist, inhibited sGC activity. Depolarization-induced down-regulation of sGC activity was also observed in cells with inhibited cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterases but not in cells bathed in Ca2+-deficient medium. This inhibition was independent from the pattern of Ca2+ signaling (oscillatory versus nonoscillatory) and NO levels, and was determined by averaged concentration of intracellular Ca2+. These results indicate that inactivation of sGC by intracellular Ca2+serves as a negative feedback to break the stimulatory action of NO on enzyme activity in intact pituitary cells.
An Assessment of Statin Safety by Muscle Experts

The National Lipid Association's (NLA) Muscle Safety Expert Panel was charged with the duty of examining the definitions, causative factors, and management of statin myopathy. The Panel was asked to use its evidence-based findings to form recommendations in response to a series of specific questions posed by the Task Force. The panel was composed of a clinical cardiologist, an exercise physiologist and skeletal muscle expert, and an expert in preventive cardiology who also examined skeletal muscle complications of statin use.
Demonstration of the association of the cell-surface enzyme, 5′-nucleotidase, with microvillar microfilaments by phalloidin shift on velocity sedimentation gradients

Abstract The cell-surface enzyme 5′-nucleotidase in microvilli from 13762 rat mammary adenocarcinoma cells remains largely associated with microfilament-containing high-speed pellets from Triton X-100 extracts of the microvilli. The fraction remaining with the insoluble portion is higher under ionic conditions which enhance microfilament stability. To minimize trapping and cosedimentation we have analyzed the distribution of microfilaments and 5′-nucleotidase activity on velocity sedimentation sucrose gradients of the microvillar extracts. A large fraction of the total enzyme activity is found in the filament fractions in the middle of the gradient. When phalloidin is included in the extraction buffer to stabilize the microfilaments, both the microfilaments and the bulk of the nucleotidase activity are shifted further into the gradients. Both the position of the filament fraction and the percentage of the total nucleotidase activity remaining with the filament fraction varies with extraction buffer composition and conditions. Nonetheless, under all conditions tested, a large percentage of the activity was shifted, along with the microfilaments, in the presence of phalloidin. These results are consistent with a specific association of 5′-nucleotidase with microfilaments in the ascites tumor cell microvilli.
Lymphocyte-rich pleural liposarcoma mimicking pericardial cyst.

cyte-rich pleural liposarcoma, which mimicked a pericardial cyst on computed tomographic (CT) scan. Histopathologic examination revealed a recently described lymphocytic-rich variant, which might be mistaken for lymphoma.3 Clinical summary. A 78-year-old white man with a 40 pack-year history of smoking was seen for an asymptomatic opacity detected on a routine chest x-ray film. A chest radiograph 4 months earlier had shown no abnormalities. His medical history was significant for controlled atrial fibrillation, adult-onset diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and benign prostatic enlargement. He specifically denied cough, chest pain, and all constitutional symptoms. He reported dyspnea on moderate exertion, which had been stable for many months. His medications included lisinopril, metformin, digoxin, doxazosin mesylate, aspirin, and felodipine. On physical examination, vital signs were within normal limits and no adenopathy or jugular venous distention was detected. Examination of the chest was unremarkable, as was the rest of the physical examination. The chest radiograph revealed an opacity abutting the lower right border of the heart (Fig 1, A). A CT scan of the chest revealed a cystic opacity in the major fissure, apparently attached to the pericardium. The location and CT appearance were suggestive of a pericardial Liposarcomas are the second most common histologic type of soft tissue sarcomas.1 Common sites of involvement include the lower extremities and retroperitoneum. Primary intrathoracic liposarcomas are rare with a preference for the mediastinum.1 Very few cases of primary involvement of lung and pericardium have been reported, including only 9 cases of pleural liposarcomas.2 We review a unique case of lymphoLYMPHOCYTE-RICH PLEURAL LIPOSARCOMA MIMICKING PERICARDIAL CYST
Role of type A and type B monoamine oxidase in the metabolism of released [3H]dopamine from rat striatal slices.

The effects of selective inhibition of multiple forms of monoamine oxidase (MAO) on the in vitro release and metabolism of newly-synthesized [3H]dopamine (DA) were examined using rat brain slices. Striatal slices were preincubated in the presence of [3H]l-tyrosine (20 μM) followed by a short incubation period in the presence of the selective irreversible MAO-inhibitor agents clorgyline (type A) and deprenyl (type B). Tissue pretreated in this manner was then subjected to a release incubation, and DA release and metabolism were determined under spontaneous and depolarizing conditions. Pretreatment with clorgyline (10−7 M) significantly reduced the spontaneous, as well as K+-evoked, formation of both 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA). Deprenyl (10−7 M) pretreatment did not significantly affect these variables, but clorgyline + deprenyl pretreatment resulted in a reduction of both DOPAC and HVA that was greater than that produced by clorgyline alone. By contrast, deprenyl pretreatment significantly decreased both DOPAC and HVA under depolarizing conditions, but only in the presence of the DA uptake inhibitor nomifensine (10−5 M). In the absence of MAO inhibition, nomifensine increased K+-evoked formation of DOPAC and HVA, while spontaneous formation was not affected. The results suggest that released DA is deaminated primarily by the type A form of MAO; however, in the absence of the type A MAO, or under conditions that promote exclusive postsynaptic deamination, minor but significant metabolism occurs via the type B enzyme. Data obtained are further discussed in relation to the mechanism of MAO-inhibitor drug action and pre- versus postsynaptic formation of DOPAC and HVA.
Generalized adaptive-wall wind tunnels

Adaptive-wall technology is being seriously considered for many aeronautical wind tunnel applications. A new degree of freedom is introduced into adaptive-wall wind tunnels. It is shown that the adaptive control system used to adjust wall boundary conditions may be used to select a wide variety of flow fields. These flow fields, in turn, maybe directly related to many useful unconfined or semiconfined flows. The generalized adaptive-wall concept is demonstrated for both two- and three-dimensional flows using simple analytical techniques.
Activation of the neuregulin-1/ErbB signaling pathway promotes the proliferation of neoplastic Schwann cells in human malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 develop aggressive Schwann cell neoplasms known as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Although tumor suppressor gene mutations play an important role in MPNST pathogenesis, it is likely that dysregulated signaling by as yet unidentified growth factors also contributes to the formation of these sarcomas. To test the hypothesis that neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) growth factors promote mitogenesis in MPNSTs, we examined the expression and action of NRG-1 in human MPNSTs and neurofibromas, the benign precursor lesions from which MPNSTs arise. Multiple α and β transmembrane precursors from the class II and III NRG-1 subfamilies are present in both tumor types. Neoplastic Schwann cells within these neoplasms variably express the erbB kinases mediating NRG-1 responses (erbB2, erbB3 and/or erbB4). Human MPNST cell lines (Mash-1, YST-1, NMS-2 and NMS-2PC cells) similarly coexpress multiple NRG-1 isoforms and erbB receptors. These MPNST lines are NRG-1 responsive and demonstrate constitutive erbB phosphorylation. Treatment with PD168393 and PD158780, two structurally and mechanistically distinct erbB inhibitors, abolishes erbB phosphorylation and reduces DNA synthesis in these lines. These findings suggest that autocrine and/or paracrine NRG-1/erbB signaling promotes neoplastic Schwann cell proliferation and may be an important therapeutic target in neurofibromas and MPNSTs.
One-kVA, Three-Phase dc-ac Inverter with Digital Control

This paper describes a method of applying digital techniques to the control of a 1-kVA three-phase dc-ac inverter to generate a sinusoidal 400-Hz output, using high-frequency bridge-chopper techniques. The model which was constructed used predominantly off-theshelf digital microcircuits and resulted in a device with an overall efficiency of 85 percent, in a 0.52 cubic-foot package which weighed 19.5 lbs. Sinusoidal output with less than 2 percent harmonic distortion at 115 volts line to neutral was obtained with 28 volts dc input.
Site of death among nursing home residents in the United States: changing patterns, 2003-2007.

Abstract Context The proportion of US deaths occurring in nursing homes (NHs) has been increasing in the past 2 decades and is expected to reach 40% by 2020. Despite being recognized as an important setting in the provision of end-of-life (EOL) care, little is known about the quality of care provided to dying NH residents. There has been some, but largely anecdotal evidence suggesting that many US NHs transfer dying residents to hospitals, in part to avoid incurring the cost of providing intensive on-site care, and in part because they lack resources to appropriately serve the dying residents. We assessed longitudinal trends and geographic variations in place of death among NH residents, and examined the association between residents' characteristics, treatment preferences, and the probability of dying in hospitals. Methods We used the Minimum Data Set (NH assessment records), Medicare denominator (eligibility) file, and Medicare inpatient and hospice claims to identify decedent NH residents. In CY2003–2007, there were 2,992,261 Medicare-eligible NH decedents from 16,872 US Medicare- and/or Medicaid-certified NHs. Our outcome of interest was death in NH or in a hospital. The analytical strategy included descriptive analyses and multiple logistic regression models, with facility fixed effects, to examine risk-adjusted temporal trends in place of death. Findings Slightly more than 20% of decedent NH residents died in hospitals each year. Controlling for individual-level risk factors and for facility fixed effects, the likelihood of residents dying in hospitals has increased significantly each year between 2003 through 2007. Conclusions This study fills a significant gap in the current literature on EOL care in US nursing homes by identifying frequent facility-to-hospital transfers and an increasing trend of in-hospital deaths. These findings suggest a need to rethink how best to provide care to EOL nursing home residents.
Endothelial apoptosis: the missing link between atherosclerosis and SLE?

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS, INTERVENTIONS, AND THERAPEUTIC TRIALS It was proposed more than 25 years ago that atherosclerosis arises as a response of the vascular wall to endothelial injury. Evidence accumulated in the last decade showed that this injury could be due to endothelial apoptosis. Most known
Oblique roentgenographic views of the cervical spine in flexion and extension; and aid in the diagnosis of cervical subluxations and obscure dislocations.

1. A technique of functional roentgenography of the cervical spine is described as an aid in establishing an anatomical diagnosis of subluxations and obscure dislocations. 2. Four cases are presented with roentgenographic and operative findings: (a) marked unilateral apophyseal joint subluxation; (b) unilateral fracture-dislocation; (c) unilateral fracture of the articular process; and (d) minimal unilateral apophysealjoint subluxation. 3. It is suggested that the ligamentum flavum is important in the stability of the cervical spine. 4. Obscure anatomical lesions of the cervical spine are best demonstrated at operation with the patient awake and sitting on the regular operating table, the laminectomy head rest being used.
Recognizing Uncertainty in the Q-Matrix via a Bayesian Extension of the DINA Model

In the typical application of a cognitive diagnosis model, the Q-matrix, which reflects the theory with respect to the skills indicated by the items, is assumed to be known. However, the Q-matrix i...
Robust defect segmentation in woven fabrics

This paper describes a robust segmentation algorithm for the detection and localization of woven fabric defects. The essence of the presented segmentation algorithm is the localization of those events (i.e., defects) in the input images that disrupt the global homogeneity of the background texture. To this end, preprocessing modules, based on the wavelet transform and edge fusion, are employed with the objective of attenuating the background texture and accentuating the defects. Then, texture features are utilized to measure the global homogeneity of the output images. If these images are deemed to be globally nonhomogeneous (i.e., defects are present), a local roughness measure is used to localize the defects. The utility of this algorithm can be extended beyond the specific application in our work, that is, defect segmentation in woven fabrics. Indeed, in a general sense, this algorithm can be used to detect and to localize anomalies that reside in images characterized by ordered texture. The efficacy of this algorithm has been tested thoroughly under realistic conditions and as a part of an on-line fabric inspection system. Using over 3700 images of fabrics, containing 26 different types of defects, the overall detection rate of our approach was 89% with a localization accuracy of less than 0.2 inches and a false alarm rate of 2.5%.
Studies on the Feeding of Cupric Sulfate Pentahydrate and Cupric Citrate to Broiler Chickens

Male commercial broiler strain chickens were fed either a control diet (based on corn and soybean meal) or the control diet supplemented with cupric sulfate pentahydrate or cupric citrate in seven experiments (six in floor pens, one in wire-floored batteries). In Experiment 1, feeding 125 or 250 mg/kg copper increased growth (4.9%) and decreased feed conversion ratios (3.4%), total plasma cholesterol (40.2%), and breast muscle cholesterol (37.0%). Feeding 375 mg/kg copper was without further beneficial effect. In Experiment 2, withdrawing growth promoting supplements of copper from the feed for the last 7 d caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in breast muscle cholesterol at 42 d of age: 57.2, 48.0, and 43.2 mg/100 g meat for birds supplemented for 0, 35, or 42 d, respectively. Feeding 10 vs 260 mg/kg copper caused only small increases in tissue copper levels: 0.36 vs 0.41 mg/kg for breast meat, and 0.48 vs 0.60 mg/kg for thigh meat, respectively. Litter copper accumulations in these experiments were similar to those of earlier reports. Breast muscle cholesterol was reduced by feeding 125 mg/kg supplemental copper from cupric citrate (27.84 mg/100 g) or 125 mg supplemental copper from cupric sulfate pentahydrate (25.32 mg/100 g) compared to broilers fed the control diet (43.92 mg/100 g). Cupric citrate was efficacious for growth promotion at lower copper levels than cupric sulfate pentahydrate, resulting in reduced litter copper.
Muscle Activity During Flight in Some large Lepidoptera

1. The names and functions of the main mesothoracic flight muscles in Lepidoptera are reviewed. 2. The wingbeat period in saturniid moths and monarch butterflies is long and variable. The three parameters, wingbeat period, burst length (number of times a motor unit is activated per wingstroke) and stroke amplitude are interdependent and positively correlated. 3. Partial amputation of the wings in saturniids decreases wingbeat period. Cutting the sensory nerves from the wings increases the period. These results indicate that the influence of wing movement on wingbeat period is mediated by receptors near the base of the wing. 4. The central nervous mechanisms which generate motor patterns during flight in Lepidoptera are discussed and compared with those in locusts. It is proposed that both mechanisms can be described by a single model, with minor differences in the mechanism of burst production.
The Juristic Theories of Krabbe

The doctrines of H. Krabbe, professor of public law in the University of Leyden, are to be found in his Die Lehre der Rechtessouverdnitdt, published in 1906, and his Die moderne Staatsidee, the second edition of which appeared in 1919. The political theory of Krabbe resembles that of Duguit in that it denies law-making power to the state, and recognizes law (as defined by himself) as the ruling power in human society, as sovereign, and, therefore, as above the state. However, as will presently be seen, Krabbe places the state upon a much higher plane than does Duguit. To Duguit, political rulership is nothing more than the bald fact that, in a given community certain persons, for some reason or other, possess and exercise, actual power of control over the actions of the other persons of a group. It is, as it were, an objective fact which cannot, and need not be, ethically justified. To Krabbe, upon the other hand, the state is, in essence, a community of persons unified by the general agreement of its members as to the valuation of public and private interests, and possessing organized instrumentalities for clarifying and formulating these common convictions, and, when necessary, enforcing them. To Krabbe, the state thus
Reproductive assurance and the evolutionary ecology of self-pollination in Clarkia xantiana (Onagraceae)

The reproductive assurance hypothesis posits that selection favors self-pollination in flowering plants where mates and/or pollinators are scarce. A corollary is that self-pollinating populations are expected to be superior colonizers of mate- and pollinator-scarce environments. The California annual Clarkia xantiana includes outcrossing populations (ssp. xantiana) and autogamously self-pollinating populations (ssp. parviflora). Outcrossing is ancestral, and the subspecies have parapatric distributions with a narrow contact zone. We tested aspects of the reproductive assurance hypothesis by examining geographic and subspecies variation in the densities of mates and pollinators (native bees) and the density dependence of pollinator visitation and pollen receipt. Plant and flower densities, pollinator density, and pollinator visitation rates were lowest in the region of exclusively self-pollinating populations. Pollinator assemblages there lacked Clarkia-associated pollinator taxa that were common elsewhere. Self-pollinating populations in the contact zone generally had densities and visitation rates intermediate between allopatric self-pollinating populations and outcrossing populations. Visitation rate and pollen receipt increased significantly with plant density. These findings suggest that selection for reproductive assurance influenced the origin of self-pollination and/or that reproductive assurance influenced the geographic distribution of selfpollination. Geographic variation in pollinator assemblages may have generated variation in the value of reproductive assurance.
A comparison of US and Canadian environmental disclosures according to AICPA and CICA guidelines

This study discusses potential influences on firms to provide voluntary environmental disclosure and empirically analyses the extent of environmental disclosure and changes in disclosure levels in the annual reports of US and Canadian firms over a three-year period. Firms' environmental disclosure content is measured based on environmental reporting guidelines published by the American Institute of Public Accountants and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. Overall, US firms provided a significantly higher level of environmental disclosure than did Canadian firms. Also, firms in each nation did provide a significant increase in disclosure for at least one specific environmental subject area relative to firms in the other nation. Regression results indicate that the number of polluting facilities and firm size each have a positive and significant effect on the extent of environmental disclosure.
Apheresis in the treatment of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) causes significant morbidity and mortality and is the number one indication for cardiac transplantation in the United States. A large percentage of cases of DCM have no identifiable cause with evidence suggesting that these may represent an autoimmune disorder triggered by viral myocarditis. There is a growing body of literature suggesting that a number of immunoadsorption techniques, as well as plasma exchange, may have a role in the treatment of idiopathic DCM. The hypothesized autoimmune mechanism behind idiopathic DCM as well as the published evidence for the use of apheresis in this disorder are reviewed. The available evidence suggests that apheresis may be an effective treatment, but additional research is needed to identify markers that will predict response and the most effective apheresis technique.
Can fibroblast growth factor 23 fine-tune therapies for diseases of abnormal mineral ion metabolism?

High serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) levels are associated with phosphaturia in several inherited and acquired human diseases. As FGF-23 actively regulates phosphate homeostasis, the author proposes that modulation of components of the FGF-23 signal transduction pathway might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for diseases of abnormal mineral ion metabolism.
Controller Advisory Tools for Efficient Arrivals in Dense Traffic Environments

*† The NextGen vision for future terminal-area air traffic management requires trajectorybased automation, procedures, and air traffic controller advisory tools suitable for sustaining safe and efficient operations over lengthy periods of high demand. Aircraft flying optimized profile descents need precise control in order to cope with trajectory-prediction uncertainties and off-nominal events. This paper examines terminal-area controllability, trajectory-prediction uncertainty, and arrival management functions through a series of fast-time simulations. The results document the available control authority and how uncertainty grows with distance due to wind uncertainties. The arrival management simulation results suggest that control sch emes that consider uncertainty explicitly, or tighter inner-loop control in the form of req uired-time-of-arrival or airborne precision spacing, may be needed to prevent conflicts and achieve properly spaced flows.
Relocation Remembered: Perspectives on Senior Transitions in the Living Environment

The experience of aging may necessitate transitions in living environments, either through adaptations to current residences or through relocations to more supportive environments. For over a half century, the study of these transitions has informed the work of researchers, health and mental health providers, policymakers, and municipal planners. In the 1970s and 80s, knowledge about these transitions advanced through Lawton and Nahemow's ecological theory of competence and environmental press, Wiseman's behavioral model of relocation decision making, and Litwak and Longino's developmental perspective on senior migrations. This article revisits influential theoretical frameworks that contribute to our understanding of senior transitions in living environments. These seminal works are shown to inform recent studies of relocation and gerontology. This article concludes with a call for a view on housing transitions that reflects the contemporary context.
DCT domain intra MB mode decision for MPEG-2 to H.264 transcoding

This paper presents a macroblock (MB) mode estimation technique for MPEG-2 to H.264 intra frame video transcoding. This technique can be applied in number of consumer electronic applications such as DVRs and content delivery systems. The DCT coefficients gathered from the MPEG-2 process are used to estimate the MB coding mode. The estimated mode is used to constrain the MB prediction mode computation just to the estimated MB mode. Our approach uses the DCT coefficients obtained during the MPEG-2 decoding stage and classifies an MB as INTRA16/spl times/16 or INTRA4/spl times/4. The computational cost of the DCT domain operations is negligible but results in substantial savings in the H.264 mode estimation. The results show that the PSNR drop caused by this direct estimation is negligible.
Electrochemical evidence of direct electrode reduction by a thermophilic Gram-positive bacterium, Thermincola ferriacetica

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bioelectrochemical devices capable of converting chemical energy to electrical energy using bacteria as the catalysts. Mechanisms of microbial electron transfer to solid electrode surfaces are not well defined in most electrochemically-active microorganisms, particularly for Gram-positive bacteria. In this study, we investigated the electrochemical characteristics of the Gram-positive, thermophilic bacterium Thermincola ferriacetica strain Z-0001. This organism was capable of transferring electrons from acetate to the anode of an MFC to generate an electric current. T. ferriacetica exhibited rapid recovery of current following medium exchanges, recovering to near-maximum current output in less than three hours. The recovery of electrons from acetate was 97% in air-cathode MFCs inoculated with T. ferriacetica. Further insights into the anode reduction by these biofilms were gained through cyclic voltammetry (CV). A continuous steady-state current was reached above −0.1 V vs.Ag/AgCl reference electrode in CV scans of an established T. ferriacetica biofilm. A catalytic wave with a midpoint potential consistently near −0.28 V indicated a continuous electron-transporting interface between the attached microbial biofilm and the electrode surface. Additionally, no significant peaks were observed when scanning cell-free spent medium from active MFCs. These data suggest that T. ferriacetica directly transfers electrons to an electrode through a mechanism that is tightly associated with the biofilm that forms on the electrode. This is the first mechanistic insight into how Gram-positive extracellular electron transfer might occur without the addition of soluble electron shuttling mediators. These mechanistic evaluations will be essential for the improvement and application of such biocatalysts in microbial fuel cells and other bioelectrochemical systems.
Parameterizing mesoscale eddies with residual and Eulerian schemes, and a comparison with eddy-permitting models

In this paper we explore and test certain parameterization schemes that aim to represent the effects of unresolved mesoscale eddies on the larger-scale flow. In particular, we examine a scheme based on the residual or transformed Eulerian mean formulation of the equations, in which the eddies are parameterized by a large vertical viscosity in the momentum equations, with no skew flux parameterization appearing in the tracer (e.g., temperature or salinity) evolution equations, although terms that parameterize diffusion along isopycnal surfaces remain. The residual scheme is compared both to a conventional parameterization that uses a skew diffusion (or equivalently advection by a skew velocity), and to eddy-permitting calculations. Although in principle almost equivalent to certain forms of skew flux schemes, the residual formulation is found to have certain practical advantages over the conventional scheme in some circumstances, and in particular near the upper boundary where conventional schemes are sensitive to the choice of tapering but the residual scheme is less so. The residual scheme also enables the horizontal viscosity – which is mainly applied to maintain model stability – to be reduced. Finally, the residual scheme is somewhat easier to implement, and the tracer transport is easier to interpret. On the other hand, the residual scheme gives, at least formally, a transformed velocity, not the Eulerian velocity and will not be appropriate in all circumstances. 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Autonomy, Duress, and Coercion

For the past three decades philosophical discussions of both personal autonomy and what it is for a person to “identify” with her desires have been dominated by the “hierarchical” analyses of these concepts developed by Gerald Dworkin and Harry Frankfurt. The longevity of these analyses is owed, in part, to the intuitive appeal of their shared claim that the concepts of autonomy and identification are to be analyzed in terms of hierarchies of desires, such that it is a necessary condition for a person to be autonomous with respect to (to identify with) a desire that moves her to act, that she desires that this desire so move her. (Conversely, on these analyses, a person will not be autonomous with respect to a desire that she is moved by, she will not identify with it, if she does not want to be so moved.) Despite the intuitive appeal of these analyses, however, Irving Thalberg has argued that they should be rejected. This is because, he argues, a person who is forced to perform an action by being subjected to duress of a certain degree of harshness will desire to be moved by her desire to submit. Thus, he continues, the proponents of hierarchical analyses of autonomy and identification will be forced to hold that such a person acted willingly, and did not suffer from any impairment in her autonomy. This, Thalberg concludes, is so counterintuitive as to justify rejecting hierarchical analyses.
Metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in rats: low-calcium diet vs. calcitriol infusion.

It has been proposed that the decreased serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] observed with dietary Ca restriction is mediated by an increase in circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]. We compared the effects of endogenous and exogenous elevations in serum 1,25(OH)2D on the production rate (PR), metabolic clearance rate (MCR), and excretory pathways of [3H]25(OH)D3 in rats, with the use of steady-state techniques. Low-Ca diet and 1,25(OH)2D3 infusion caused comparable reductions in serum 25(OH)D and elevations in 1,25(OH)2D. Low-Ca diet lowered serum 25(OH)D by increasing MCR from 21.8 +/- 3.2 to 29.1 +/- 5.4 (SD) microliters.min-1.kg-1 (P less than or equal to 0.005) and decreasing PR from 944 +/- 161 to 663 +/- 163 pg.Ain-1.kg-1 (P less than or equal to 0.001). In contrast, 1,25(OH)2D3 infusion produced a dramatic rise in the MCR of 25(OH)D from 23.4 +/- 4.5 to 62.8 +/- 13.7 microliters.min-1.kg-1 (P less than or equal to 0.001) and also increased the PR from 943 +/- 165 to 1,500 +/- 337 pg.min-1.kg-1 (P less than or equal to 0.001). With 1,25(OH)2D3 infusion, urinary excretion of metabolites of [3H]25(OH)D3 rose rapidly, and kidney homogenates from these rats demonstrated vigorous side-chain oxidation of [3H]25(OH)D3. With low-Ca diet, urinary tritium excretion increased more gradually, and no direct side-chain oxidation of [3H]25(OH)D3 occurred in vitro. The increased MCR of 25(OH)D3 with low-Ca diet could be accounted for by enhanced synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 and subsequent degradation in target tissues.
Radiation Enhanced Tracer Diffusion in Intermetallic Alloys

Radiation enhanced diffusion in the intermetallic alloy Cu 3 Au was measured directly for the first time. Ni and Pd tracer impurities were used to probe the diffusion of atoms occupying Cu and Au sublattice site's, respectively. Measurements were performed temperatures both above and below the ordering temperature, of T C =390°C The ability to grow high quality Cu 3 Au films by MBE with buried marker layers in the form of either (Cu 2 Ni)Au or Cu 3 (AuPd), made these measurements possible. Under irradiation with 0.75MeV Ar + ions, the diffusion of Ni is approximately equal to that of Pd above T c , but smaller below T c . In the absence of irradiation, the thermal diffusion coefficients reveal a similar trend. Activation energies for RED for the two species are similar both above and below T c whereas, in absence of irradiation, the activation enthalpies below T c are different. These results are interpreted on the basis of lattice order.
Influence of second coordination sphere hydroxyl groups on the reactivity of copper(I) complexes.

We report the enhanced reactivity of hydroxyl substituted CuN3+ derivatives, where N3 = tris(picolinyl)methane (tripic) and related derivatives, upon deprotonation of the O–H functionality. The work capitalizes on new methodology for incorporating hydroxyl groups into the second coordination sphere of copper centers. The key synthetic methodology relies on Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions of dilithiated 6-methyl-2-pyridone with bromopyridyl derivatives. These building blocks allow the preparation of tridentate N3 ligands with OH and OMe substituents flanking the fourth coordination site of a tetrahedral complex. Coupling of these tridendate ligands gives the corresponding hydroxy- and methoxy-functionalized bistripodal ligands. [Cu[bis(2-methylpyrid-6-yl)(2-hydroxypyrid-6-yl)methane](NCMe)]+ ([Cu(2H)(NCMe)]+) oxidizes readily in air to afford the mixed valence Cu1.5 dimer ([Cu2(2)2]+). Formation of [Cu2(2)2]+ is accelerated in the presence of base and can be reversed with a combination of decamethylferroce...
Epidemiologic Features of Hand-foot-mouth Disease in Jinxian,2008-2009

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hand-foot-month disease(HFMD) in Jinxian between 2008 and 2009,and to provide scientific evidence for the development of effective prevention and control measures.Methods HFMD epidemic data from the national information system for disease surveillance in Jinxian from 2008 to 2009 were analyze by using the descriptively epidemiological method.Results A total of 71 cases of HFMD were reported in 2008(the incidence was 9.52 cases per 100 000 population),and no outbreak or mortality occurred.A total of 327 cases were reported in 2009(the incidence of 43.46 cases per 100 000 population),and 4 outbreaks occurred.The incidence peaks were observed between April and July(a peak between November and December in 2009).Most cases occurred in infants and children,and the incidence rate(89.20%) was highest in the 0 to 4 years old age group(355 cases).The male-to-female incidence ratio was 2.09∶1(in 2008) and 1.60∶1(in 2009),respectively(P0.05).The number of scattered children was 324,accounting for 81.41% of all cases.The number of kindergarten children was 67,accounting for 16.83% of all cases.The number of students was 7,accounting for 1.76% of all cases.Conclusion The incidence of HFMD and the number of outbreaks in 2009 were obviously higher than those in 2008.The clustered HFMD situations in 2009 have increased considerably than that in 2008,and occurrd in the kindergarten.It is important to take measures for scattered children to reduce the incidence of HFMD.
Specific Interrogative Sentences in Shanxi Dialect(Part II)

Specific interrogative sentences are interrogative sentences with interrogative pronouns as its interrogative focus.This article offers an in-depth analysis of this type of sentences in Shanxi Dialect,and this is the second part.