cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Case of T0 Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background. Lung cancer rarely shows a lymph node metastasis to pulmonary hilar and/or mediastinal regions without the primary site of the lung being unable to be detected. Case. A 68-year-old man demonstrated a right abnormal hilar shadow on a chest X-ray film. A computed tomography (CT) revealed an enlarged mass at the right pulmonary hilar node, and this mass was diagnosed to be poorly differentiated carcinoma by transbronchial aspiration cytology. However, no primary lesion in the lung was apparent, and the extrathoracic findings showed no abnormalities despite a thorough examination. We thus performed a tumorectomy with right upper lobectomy and mediastinal nodal dissection because of the possibility of a lung origin based on the lymphatic routes to the tumor. The microscopical and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with small cell carcinoma in the pulmonary hilar node. Although no primary lesion of the resected lobe and also other lobes of the lung was found despite detailed examinations, positive immunoreactivity against anti-thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) antibody revealed this tumor to have originated in the lung. Therefore, we consider that this patient is a rare case of primary unknown T0 lung cancer with metastasis in the pulmonary hilar lymph node. Conclusions. In case of T0 lung cancer, since the primary lesion may later be identified, a strict follow-up study after the operation is necessary.
Integrated Fanout Optimization and Slack Matching of Asynchronous Circuits

The em integrated fan out optimization slack matching problem is the problem of jointly building fan out trees and slack matching the circuit. In particular, we insert a minimum number of asynchronous pipelined buffers to achieve a performance target while simultaneously ensuring the fan out count of all the nodes of the circuit is less than specified limits. Our result show that by solving the problem jointly up to 45% reduction in the total number of buffers can achieved compared to the state-of-the-art independent formulations.
Guidelines for laparoscopic antireflux procedures

The frequency with which antireflux surgical procedures are performed necessitates clear and well-documented guidelines for both evaluation and management of these patients. The recently published guidelines in Surgical Endoscopy.Ultrasound and Intraventional Techniques, admirably fill this need. However, I am concerned about the inclusion of Barrett's esophagus as an indication for fundoplication surgery. Although there is general agreement that Barrett's mucosa arises as a result of reflux injury, this cannot be considered a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the way that stricture and severe esophagitis are complications because antireflux surgery has not been documented to correct the ''complication' ' of Barrett's mucosa. There is no evidence that a successful fundoplication reliably causes regression of Barrett's mucosa, prevents the development of dysplasia in Barrett's mucosa, or prevents the progression of low-grade dysplasia to high-grade dysplasia or invasive cancer. In addition, surveillance endoscopy is still necessary for patients with Barrett's esophagus regardless of whether they have a successful antireflux operation. The guidelines as published suggest that fundoplication surgery is an effective means for managing Barrett's esophagus in the absence of other complications, whereas the published data clearly show that there is no proven benefit. The current indications for fundoplication in a patient with Barrett's esophagus should be failure of medical management, "atypical" symptoms unrelated to the presence of Barrett's mucosa, other complications of GERD, or inability or unwillingness to pursue medical management, and should not include the mere presence of Barrett's esophagus.
Computational thinking: a case study of Buddhist terminology using new software

With the advent of digital technology, there are radical changes sweeping through disciplines that cannot be resisted. It is part of this shift that is described by the term “Computational Thinking”. It is defined as the scholarly strategy of thinking at multiple levels of abstraction with the added use of the capacity of the computer to count and analyze complexity. As an example of “Computational Thinking”, I have used the digitized Korean version of the Chinese Buddhist canon, to explore an important term 本覺. The expression is usually translated as “Original Enlightenment” and is a major doctrinal teaching in East Asia. The analytic computation of the canon is further enhanced by the metadata tag of time, the purported date of translation. Providing temporal aspects to the computation gives us invaluable ways of analysis that would not be possible without the dating. The computation provides a glimpse of the history of the occurrences.
Covalently Bound Polymer Multilayers for Efficient Metal Ion Sorption

We report on the design, synthesis, and characterization of a polymeric multilayer assembly that can act as an efficient sorbent for selected metal ions. We use a covalent layer-by-layer deposition scheme for the construction of multilayer assemblies using the alternating copolymer of 4-hydroxyphenylmaleimide and ethyl vinyl ether 2-diisopropylphosphonate. The maleimide−vinyl ether (MVE) polymer layers are reacted at the maleimide hydroxyl functionality with adipoyl chloride to form an ester linkage, and the terminal acid chloride functionality is reactive toward subsequent deposition of another MVE polymer layer. The vinyl ether isopropylphosphonates remain protected during layer growth. Once layer growth is complete, the isopropylphosphonates are deprotected using bromotrimethylsilane to activate the multilayer for metal ion sorption. The uptake of Zr4+ by the multilayer is confirmed by ellipsometry, FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) gravimetry. The XPS d...
Multilayer nanoassembly of Sn-nanopillar arrays sandwiched between graphene layers for high-capacity lithium storage

Sn nanopillar arrays embedded between graphene sheets were assembled using a conventional film deposition and annealing process. The as-formed three-dimensional (3D) multilayered nanostructure was directly used as an anode material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries without adding any polymer binder and carbon black. Electrochemical measurements showed very high reversible capacity and excellent cycling performance at a current density as high as 5 A g−1. These results demonstrated that nanocomposite materials with highly functional 1D and 2D components can be synthesized by employing conventional top-down manufacturing methods and self-assembly principles.
New telechelic polymers and sequential copolymers by polyfunctional initiator-transfer agents (inifers) V. synthesis of α- tert -butyl-ω-isopropenylpolyisobutylene and α, ω-di(isopropenyl)polyisobutylene

Polyisobutylenes carrying one or two terminal isopropenyl unsaturations have been obtained by complete dehydrochlorination of α-tert. -butyl-ω-tert. chloropolyisobutylene and α, ω-di(tert.-chloro) polyisobutylene, respectively. By the use of t-BuOK in refluxing THF only 1-olefin formed leading to a new macromer and a symmetrical telechelic diolefin. According to H1 NMR spectroscopy the structure of this new telechelic polymer is:
Coronary artery fistula complicating the evaluation of Kawasaki disease

Two patients clinically diagnosed with Kawasaki disease were found to have a coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistula. The dilemma of deciding the etiology of coronary artery dilatation in these patients is discussed along with management.
Evaluating Academic Advising in a Multiversity Setting

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the advising system at a complex multiversity and provide answers to both summative and formative evaluation questions. The results suggest that most students (a) are advised, feel that their advising needs have been met, and are satisfied with the help they receive. Students, in general, are less satisfied with the help they receive with specific issues and concerns. However, the results also show that (a) relatively few students consider faculty to be their primary advisors, (b) many students seek advising help from multiple sources, and (c) a majority of students spend 15 minutes or less per semester with their primary advisor. Implications of these results for academic advising at multiversities are discussed.
El crecimiento económico, la teoría de la población y la fisiología: La influencia de los procesos a largo plazo en la elaboración de la política económica*

La historia economica ha contribuido significativamente a la formulacion de la teoria economica. Entre los economistas que han encontrado en la historia una importante fuente de ideas se encuentran Adam Smith, Thomas R. Malthus, Karl Marx, Alfred Marshall, John Maynard Keynes, John R. Hicks, Kenneth J. Arrow, Milton Friedman, Robert M. Solow y Gary S. Becker.
Optimization of polynomial datapaths using finite ring algebra

This article presents an approach to area optimization of arithmetic datapaths at register-transfer level (RTL). The focus is on those designs that perform polynomial computations (add, mult) over finite word-length operands (bit-vectors). We model such polynomial computations over m-bit vectors as algebra over finite integer rings of residue classes Z2m. Subsequently, we use the number-theoretic and algebraic properties of such rings to transform a given datapath computation into another, bit-true equivalent computation. We also derive a cost model to estimate, at RTL, the area cost of the computation. Using the transformation procedure along with the cost model, we devise algorithmic procedures to search for a lower-cost implementation. We show how these theoretical concepts can be applied to RTL optimization of arithmetic datapaths within practical CAD settings. Experiments conducted over a variety of benchmarks demonstrate substantial optimizations using our approach.
Immersive Virtual Environments for Medical Training

Advances in simulation technology are fueling a paradigmatic shift in how medicine will be taught and practiced in the future. Current simulators range from simplified part task trainers to fully immersive virtual environments. We are on the verge of training platforms that provide realistic representations of medical and surgical scenarios that engage learners in a manner that approximates reality. This article reviews the rationale for developing advanced virtual environments and details the technologies that are currently available. Immersive environments using virtual reality, herein reviewed, include Cave Automated Virtual Environments, Distributive Virtual Environments for collaborative learning over the internet (Project TOUCH), Serious Games for medical education (PULSE and 3DiTeams), and a Wide Area Virtual Environment. The ultimate role of these technologies in surgical education remains to be determined but will undoubtedly play an important part in the future.
PROP taster status and parental history of alcohol dependence

Abstract Pelchat and Danowski [Physiol. Behav. 1992;51:1261–1266] reported an association between the ability to taste 6- n -propylthiouracil (PROP) and a parental history of alcoholism. Kranzler et al. [Alcohol Clin. Exp. Res. 1996a;20:1496–1500] previously failed to replicate these findings in a sample of subjects with only a paternal history of alcohol dependence. The present study was conducted to examine this putative association in a sample of subjects that is heterogeneous with respect to parental alcoholism history. Among the 90 alcohol-dependent subjects studied, the proportion of PROP nontasters was comparable to that observed among nonalcoholics. Analysis revealed no association of parental history with PROP taster status, even after controlling for potential confounding variables. We conclude that no reliable association exists between taste sensitivity to PROP and either a diagnosis of alcohol dependence or a parental history of alcohol dependence.
"Fear Not, For You Have Brothers in Greece": A Research Note

This paper was presented at the Seventh Biennial Meeting of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, held in Sarajevo from 9–13 July 2007.
Isolation and amino acid composition of human procollagen [Pro α 1(I)]2 Pro α 2 from skin fibroblasts in culture

Recently, several laboratories have reported the existence of a precursor form of collagen (procollagen) obtained from human skin fibroblast cells in culture [l-5] . Most of the procollagen produced by human skin tibroblast cultures is of the form [pro crl(I)Jz pro (r2; however, a significant proportion is of the form [pro c~1(1II)]s [2,6]. The ratio of type I procollagen to type III procollagen produced by normal and dermatosparactic calf skin fibroblasts is about 3 to 1 [7,8, and unpublished]. All of the human cell lines tested in our laboratory (both normal and diseased of all ages) contain significant amounts of type III procollagen which can be separated from the type I procollagen on DEAE cellulose [2,7,8]. In this communication we describe the purification of human [pro c~l(I)]~ pro (~2 and present its amino acid composition.
Increased dithiothreitol-insensitive, type 2 angiotensin II receptors in selected brain areas of young rats.

1. Angiotensin II receptors have been studied by quantitative autoradiography in selected brain areas of young (2-week-old) and adult (8-week-old) rats. 2. In young rats, angiotensin II receptors were present in brain areas which did not express receptors in the adult brain, such as thalamic nuclei, cortical areas, and the cerebellum. 3. Young rats had more angiotensin II receptors in the subfornical organ than adult rats. In the inferior olive, the number of angiotensin receptors in young animals was 10 times higher than that in adult rats. Angiotensin II binding in the inferior olive was insentive to incubation in the presence of dithiothreitol. 4. Conversely, the number of angiotensin II receptors in the nucleus of the solitary tract was lower in young rats compared to adults. Incubation in the presence of dithiothreitol resulted in a more than 90% inhibition of angiotensin II binding in the nucleus of the solitary tract. 5. Our results indicate the presence of two types of angiotensin II receptor in brain, one sensitive (type 1) and one insensitive (type 2) to the reducing agent dithiothreitol. 6. The expression of type 2 angiotensin II receptors, insensitive to dithiothreitol, is more marked in young rats, indicating a role for this type of angiotensin receptors in brain development.
Radiative Transfer in Homogeneous Nongray Gases With Nonisotropic Particle Scattering

A perturbation technique is presented to treat the problem of radiative transfer in homogeneous, plane parallel, nongray gases with nonisotropic particle scattering. The technique allows use of nongray narrow-band or wide-band models as well as Mie and Rayleigh scattering coefficients and asymmetry factors. Results are obtained in the form of monochromatic transmittance, reflectance, and absorptance of water clouds typical of those in the earth’s atmosphere.
Rare earth elements in ferromanganese nodules and other marine phases

Abstract The concentrations of rare-earth elements (REE) have been measured in 31 ferromanganese nodules from the Pacific and Indian Oceans and vary by almost a factor of 5. Too few nodules have been analyzed to define possible regional trends. The shale-normalized patterns, however, permit division of nodules into two groups: those from depth greater than 3000–3500 m and those from less depth. The factors that determine this change in the relative concentration of REE may be related to the mineralogy of manganese phases and/or the transport of REE to the deep ocean by particulate matter. Comparison of the REE patterns of nodules with those of phillipsite, phosphorite, clays, CaCO3 and seawater suggests that the patterns of these phases reflect fractionation from an initial pattern closely resembling that of shale. By assuming that the accumulation rate of REE in clays, CaCO3 and nodules is represented by that for surface sediments, it has been possible to estimate an accumulation rate of phillipsite in pelagic sediments of the Pacific of 0.02 mg/cm2/yr.
Evaluating student progress through error reduction in intraoral radiographic technique

A simple system was developed to collate the errors made when radiographic surveys are taken of the complete mouth. A radiographic critique form was used to evaluate each radiograph. This study used 1150 complete-mouth radiographic surveys made by junior dental students. From a total of 24,150 radiographs, 2238 were clinically unacceptable as a result of one or more errors in technique. No retakes caused by processing or mechanical errors were considered. The four major errors that were found in the study included cone cutting (11.17%), incorrect vertical angulation (11.75%), incorrect horizontal angulation (4.6%), and incorrect film placement (64.9%). Although expected, perhaps the most noteworthy finding was that there was a statistically significant difference between the performance of students during the first quarter as opposed to the third quarter of clinical training; this indicated the need for a minimum of twenty to twenty-five complete mouth radiographic surveys to achieve minimal technical proficiency.
Analysis of multi-layered microelectronic packaging under uniformly distributed loading

Abstract An accurate estimate of interfacial stresses in multi-layered microelectronic packaging is very important for design and prediction of delamination-related failures. An analytical model for stress analysis of multi-layered stacks, which is based on an extension of Valisetty’s model (Bending of Beams, Plates and Laminates: Refined Theories and Comparative Studies, Ph.D. thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, March 1983), is proposed in this paper. This analytical approach considers each layer as a beam-type plate with orthotropic material properties. A new miniature material testing unit is developed. High sensitive Moire interferometry was used to measure the strain field in the bi-material interfaces. The test data is in good agreement with the proposed analytical solution. The problem is also analyzed by a finite element analysis. Comparison of all three results indicates that the analytical procedure is far superior to finite element analysis for this problem.
The Performance of Maximum Likelihood and Weighted Least Square Mean and Variance Adjusted Estimators in Testing Differential Item Functioning With Nonnormal Trait Distributions

The relative performance of the maximum likelihood (ML) and weighted least square mean and variance adjusted (WLSMV) estimators was investigated by studying differential item functioning (DIF) with ordinal data when the latent variable () was not normally distributed. As the ML estimator, ML with robust standard errors (labeled MLR in Mplus) was chosen and implemented with 2 link functions (logit vs. probit). The Type I error and power of χ2 tests were evaluated under various simulation conditions including the shape of the distributions for the reference and focal groups. Type I error was better controlled with MLR estimators than WLSMV. The error from WLSMV was inflated when there was a large difference in the shape of the distribution between the 2 groups. In general, the power remained quite stable across different distribution conditions regardless of the estimators. WLSMV and MLR-probit showed comparable power, whereas MLR-logit performed the worst.
Wikipedia's role in science education and outreach

Where do most students get information about space science topics? An informal survey of 300 University of California, Los Angeles freshmen indicates that Wikipedia is their first stop when researching essentially any topic. One third of student pre-service science teachers in a Boston University natural sciences course cited Wikipedia as a reference in their class reports on planetary exploration. A survey of Google® Web-page rankings of 20 major topics in space physics (including aurora, space weather, solar wind, etc.) found that the Wikipedia entry was on the first page for 16, was in the top three for 11, and was the highest-ranked site for six topics (magnetic reconnection, solar variation, Van Allen Radiation Belts, ionosphere, sudden ionospheric disturbance, and magnetometer). The purpose of this note is to inform the community of the popularity of Wikipedia for introducing our field to students and the general public and to urge you to take a look at the Wikipedia entry for your area of expertise. Wikipedia articles are by nature encyclopedic and so provide students with an apparently complete source of material for use in reports and research projects. The question is, How good is the Wikipedia article compared with other top Google sites with regard to completeness and accuracy? We found that for many of the space physics key terms and concepts, Wikipedia was the most complete source of information. For many of the other top sites, basic information such as definition of the phenomena and fundamental properties (for example, average properties of the solar wind such as composition, speed, density, etc.), as well as science history and relevance of the topic to broader concepts, were either missing or difficult to find. Often the other top links focus so closely on details of a scientific study that the novice reader may not be able to understand much about the topic or concept they were originally searching for from that Web site. Thus, compared with many of the top Google hits, Wikipedia will appear to students to be an excellent reference for space science topics.
Wanted!: a standardized measurement of plasma insulin concentration.

The notion that insulin resistance is associated with a cluster of abnormalities that increase risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) was introduced in 1988,1 and this view continues to gain traction. The study by Robins et al2 provides additional support for the link between insulin resistance and CHD, but it also emphasizes that a good deal remains to be learned about this relationship. For example, because high triglyceride (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations are associated with insulin resistance,3 as well as being CHD risk factors, it might have been assumed that this dyslipidemia is the link between insulin resistance and CHD. Although these lipid changes may well contribute to this relationship, Robins et al2 demonstrate that the incidence of CHD was significantly increased in insulin-resistant individuals, whether or not their TG concentrations were higher or their HDL-C concentrations lower than the median value in the population studied. See accompanying article on page 1208 Given the apparent importance of insulin resistance as a CHD risk factor, as well as the emerging role it seems to play in the pathogenesis of a number of clinical syndromes,4 it would seem useful to identify insulin-resistant individuals before they …
Group cognition as a basis for supporting group knowledge creation and sharing

This paper explores how group cognition can provide a basis for understanding knowledge creation and sharing that does not depend on the assumption of extant internal representations that filter sense‐data. Literature from a wide variety of disciplines is synthesized to provide an ecologically‐oriented model of group cognition. Group cognition means moving away from idiosyncratic, subjective mental models of the world to the notion that agents with similar capacities to act can potentially discern similar action possibilities in the world. It changes the direction from discovery and alignment of mental models to selectivity calibration and informational structure sharing. “What one thinks” at a given moment is dependent on boundary objects available at the moment that predominately originate with human actors. Therefore, in this way, one’s cognition is predominately group cognition. Based on the breadth of the topic, this paper must be considered a work‐in‐progress, a snapshot of the exploration of such a complex subject. It provides an alternate view of knowledge creation and sharing as the basis for incorporating more effective collaboration functionality into technologies that support joint work. This paper challenges long‐held views of extant internal representations that filter sense‐data and offers a radically different ecological‐based model of group cognition.
Physical Activity in Middle-aged and Young-old Adults: The Roles of Self-efficacy, Barriers, Outcome Expectancies, Self-regulatory Behaviors and Social Support

This study tests the associations of self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, perceived barriers, self-regulatory behaviors and social support with physical activity. Data from 116 married community-dwelling middle-aged and young-old couples (M = 58.86 years, SD = 7.16, range = 50 to 75) were collected via mail-in survey. The model indicated that self-efficacy was directly and indirectly related to physical activity through outcome expectancies, perceived barriers and self-regulatory behaviors. The results clarify the associations among the social cognitive constructs and physical activity, and suggest that interventions targeting multiple social cognitive constructs could increase the activity levels of middle-aged and young-old adults.
Ranibizumab for Refractory Uveitis-related Macular Edema

Purpose To evaluate the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab injections (Lucentis; Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA) on refractory cystoid macular edema (CME) in patients with controlled uveitis who have failed oral and regional corticosteroid treatment, the mainstays of current medical therapy. Design Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Methods Seven consecutive patients with controlled uveitis and refractory CME who had failed corticosteroid treatment were studied. One eligible patient chose not to participate and another did not complete follow-up for nonmedical reasons. Intravitreal ranibizumab injections (0.5 mg) were given monthly for 3 months, followed by reinjection as needed. The primary outcome was the mean change in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (VA) from baseline to 3 months, and the secondary objective was the mean change in central retinal thickness (CRT) on ocular coherence tomography. Six-month outcomes were also assessed. Results At 3 months, the mean increase in acuity for the 6 patients who completed follow-up was 13 letters (2.5 lines), and the mean decrease in CRT was 357 μm. Both VA and CRT improved significantly between baseline and 3 months ( P = .03 for each). Although most patients required reinjection, this benefit was maintained at 6 months. There were no significant ocular or systemic adverse effects. Conclusions Intravitreal ranibizumab led to an increase in VA and regression of uveitis-associated CME in patients refractory to or intolerant of standard corticosteroid therapy. Further studies of this promising treatment are warranted.
Development and Implementation of Driver Safety History Indicator into Roadside Inspection Selection System

The majority of previous research and analysis has indicated driver-related factors as the main cause of most commercial vehicle-related crashes. The main goal of the current project is to provide greater concentration on the commercial driver, so as to have the most significant impact on the number of crashes. The ultimate outcome of this study is to save lives, prevent injuries, and prevent property damage associated with commercial vehicle-related crashes. To accomplish this crash reduction goal, the current study combines and expands on two previous research efforts: development of the Inspection Selection System (ISS) and a project analyzing the use of driver traffic conviction data to identify high-safety-risk motor carriers better. To accomplish greater focus on the commercial driver, the first objective of the current project was to analyze further the data and weightings associated with the carrier driver conviction measure created through the conviction data study. With use of results from this first objective, the second objective of the present project was to then integrate the carrier driver conviction measure into the current ISS and conduct a pilot test of this new ISS algorithm, termed ISS-D. Results from the pilot test indicate an approximate 10% increase in driver out-of-service rates after the ISS-D algorithm implementation. In addition, there was an almost doubling of the driver out-of-service rate when the ISS-D recommended the inspection.
S-system modelling of endemic infections

Abstract Infectious diseases often exhibit complex dynamics that can only be understood when analyzed with mathematical models. These models are typically nonlinear, which makes it difficult to compare their mutual merits. It is shown how models for infectious diseases can be objectively compared upon representing them as special cases of a canonical form for nonlinear functions and differential equations, called an “S-system”. Besides comparison and classification, this form allows natural generalizations of existing models and the objective evaluation of model extensions. A variety of methods facilitate the analysis of infectious disease models in S-system form.
Pinus monophylla establishment in an expanding Pinus-Juniperus woodland: Environmental conditions, facilitation and interacting factors

. The tree species comprising Pinus-Juniperus woodlands are rapidly expanding into shrub-grasslands throughout their range. Observational studies indicate that establishment is facilitated by nurse plants, but little information exists on the mechanisms involved. I examined both abiotic and biotic factors influencing Pinus monophylla establishment in Artemisia tridentata steppe with expanding populations of P. monophylla and Juniperus osteosperma. I determined soil water contents, temperatures, and nutrient characteristics for the primary establishment microhabitats, i.e. under Pinus, under Juniperus, under Artemisia, tree interspace and sage interspace, and evaluated the emergence and survival response of two seedling cohorts over a 3-yr period for the different microhabitats. I also examined the effects of seed burial and predation on seedling establishment. Microhabitats under trees and shrubs had higher extractable P and K, higher organic matter, total nitrogen and cation exchange capacity than interspace microhabitats. Soil water contents (0–15 cm) were lower in interspaces than under shrubs or trees due to dry surface (0–5 cm) soils. Soil temperatures (at 1 and 15 cm) were lowest under trees, intermediate under shrubs, and highest in interspaces. Timing and rate of seedling emergence were temperature dependent with the order of emergence paralleling mean growing season temperatures: tree interspace = shrub interspace > under shrub > under Juniperus under Pinus. Seed burial was required for rooting and the highest emergence occurred from depths of 1 and 3 cm indicating that caching by birds and rodents is essential and that animals bury seeds at adequate if not optimal depths for emergence. Seedlings required microenvironmental modification for survival; all seedlings, including those that emerged from seeds and transplants, died within the first year in interspace microhabitats. Survival in under-tree or under-shrub microhabitats depended on soil water availability and corresponded closely to soil water contents over the 3-yr study. Under-shrub microhabitats had more favourable soil and micro-environmental characteristics than under-tree microhabitats and had the highest seedling life spans for the first-year seedling cohort. Predation of Pinus seedlings by rodents was a significant cause of mortality with caged transplants exhibiting life spans that were 74% longer overall than uncaged transplants. Emergence and survival of P. monophylla within the expanding woodland were dependent upon a complex set of interacting factors including growing season conditions, microhabitat characteristics, and animal species.
Computational fluid dynamic modeling of the summit of Mt. Hopkins for the MMT Observatory

Over the past three decades, the staff of the MMT observatory used a variety of techniques to predict the summit wind characteristics including wind tunnel modeling and the release of smoke bombs. With the planned addition of a new instrument repair facility to be constructed on the summit of Mt. Hopkins, new computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models were made to determine the building's influence on the thermal environment around the telescope. The models compared the wind profiles and density contours above the telescope enclosure with and without the new building. The results show the steeply-sided Mount Hopkins dominates the summit wind profiles. In typical winds, the height of the telescope remains above the ground layer and is sufficiently separated from the new facility to insure the heat from the new building does not interfere with the telescope. The results also confirmed the observatories waste heat exhaust duct location needs to be relocated to prevent heat from being trapped in the wind shadow of the new building and lofting above the telescope. These useful models provide many insights into understanding the thermal environment of the summit.
Effect of exposure to low level lead on growth and growth hormone release in rats.

This study was undertaken to examine the effect of exposure to low level lead on growth and growth hormone (GH) release. Female pups exposed to lead beginning in utero were smaller than controls on postnatal day 7 (P = 0.06). There was no corresponding effect in males. No overall differences in body weights were detected in either sex with respect to treatment effect. No differences in food or water intake were observed at any time. Pituitaries from 49-day-old lead-treated pups responded to in vitro incubation with growth hormone releasing factor (GRF) with a smaller increase in GH release than those from control pups (P = 0.08). In the case of the dams, lead did not affect body weight, body length, food consumption or pituitary responsiveness; however, water consumption was significantly increased in the lactating dam (P<0.05). Interestingly, blood lead content in 5-day old pups (43.3±2.7 μg/dl) exposed to lead in utero was more than twice that of their 49-day-old litter-mates (18.9±0.7 μg/dl). At 49 days blood lead levels in female pups (19.94 ± 0.8 μg/dl) were significantly higher than those of male pups (17.00 ± 1.1 μg/dl). Maternal blood lead levels on the same day averaged 22.7 ± 2.5 μg/dl. This study suggests that exposure to a low level of lead can reduce pituitary responsiveness to a hypothalamic stimulus. In addition, the data reinforce the importance of considering age and sex when evaluating the toxic effects of lead.
Effects of monoterpenoid insecticides on [3H]-TBOB binding in house fly GABA receptor and 36Cl− uptake in American cockroach ventral nerve cord

Abstract Monoterpenoids and their derivatives from plant essential oils showed good insecticidal activities in previous studies, but the mechanisms of their action as natural insecticides are not known yet. In the present work, we evaluated the pharmacological action of five monoterpenoids (α-terpineol, carvacrol, linalool, pulegone, and thymol) on native insect GABA receptors from house flies and American cockroaches using radiotracer methods. In the [ 3 H]-TBOB binding assay, carvacrol, pulegone, and thymol all enhanced the [ 3 H]-TBOB binding to membrane preparation of house fly heads with EC 50 values of 48 μM, 432 μM, and 6 mM, respectively. Moreover, these three monoterpenoids at concentrations of 500 μM and 1 mM also significantly increased the 36 Cl − uptake induced by GABA in membrane microsacs prepared from American cockroach ventral nerve cords. These results revealed that carvacrol, pulegone, and thymol are all positive allosteric modulators at insect GABA receptors. The other two monoterpenoids that were tested, α-terpineol and linalool, showed little or no effect in both the [ 3 H]-TBOB binding and 36 Cl − uptake assays.
Characterization of the In Vivo Forces on the Sternum in Pigs

Approximately 15,000 Americans suffer complications associated with inadequate sternal fixation after open-heart surgery each year [1]. Although alternative fixation methods exist, limitations of current device evaluation systems have led to uncertainty about the relative increase in stability that these novel devices provide, thereby diminishing their widespread clinical use. Sternal closure techniques are typically evaluated in situ where estimated sternal forces (180–400N) are applied to an intact chest [2] or in vitro on isolated sternal models [3]. The mechanical stability afforded by each technique is quantified as the resultant separation along the bisected sternal midline. This displacement is assumed to reflect micro-motion that would occur at the wound site under physiological loading, a critical factor during bony healing [4]. However, the loading in these studies is hardly physiological; it is generally simplified to a single direction and applied quasistatically to only a few discrete locations along the sternum without regard for the in vivo distribution of forces. It is also unclear whether the transfer of loads from sternum to fixation device during in situ tests [5](cadavers) accurately reflects loading in vivo due to the potential effects of rigor mortis and/or embalming. To improve the accuracy of current in situ and in vitro sternal fixation test methods it is essential to advance our knowledge of in vivo dynamic multi-directional sternal loading.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Dynamics of endogenous growth

Summary. We present an overlapping generations model of endogenous fertility and growth. The cost of child rearing and the effect of population size on total factor productivity determine the dynamics of competitive equilibrium path of our model. The non-linear dynamics of the model generates a plethora of outcomes (depending on the functional forms, parameters and initial conditions) that include not only the neo-classical steady state with exponential growth of population with constant per capita income and consumption, but also growth paths which do not converge to a steady state and are even chaotic. Exponential, and even super exponential, growth of per capita output are possible in some cases.
Matching standards and needs in doctoral education in nursing

The debate about the number and type of doctoral degrees required in nursing has recurred with regularity throughout the history of nursing. National discussions about the shortcomings and relevance of the PhD within general higher education circles are described. Applicability of these concerns to nursing education is discussed. In the midst of this national debate, new nursing doctoral degrees are being proposed and implemented. Emergence of these new degrees has caused many to worry about replicating at the highest degree level the current confusion about nursing preparation at the entry level. A classification of doctoral degrees in nursing is proposed along with a call for standardization of degrees.
A penalty-based heuristic algorithm for the permutation flowshop scheduling problem with sequence-dependent set-up times

This paper considers the permutation flowshop scheduling problem with sequence-dependent set-up times and develops a penalty-based heuristic algorithm to find an approximately minimum makespan schedule. The proposed algorithm determines the penalty in time associated with a particular sequence and selects the sequence with the minimum time penalty as the best heuristic solution. Computational results comparing the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed penalty-based heuristic algorithm with an existing savings index heuristic algorithm are reported and discussed.
Unsteady MHD duct flow by the finite element method

In this paper, we are concerned with applying the finite element method to seek an approximate numerical solution to a class of unsteady magnetohydrodynamic flow in ducts with arbitrary cross-section. A consistent discrete model for the MHD flow equation with a small magnetic Reynolds number has been developed via the concept of finite elements. A numerical example of MHD flow in a rectangular duct is given, and its results of velocity profiles are compared with the results obtained by other methods.
The structure of the mandibular corpus and its relationship to feeding behaviours in extant carnivorans

Assuming some optimization of bone structure to applied mechanical loadings in vivo, different killing and feeding behaviours in carnivores should be reflected in observed differences in cross-sectional shape of their mandibular corpora. Section moduli are used to gauge the magnitudes of bending moments in the mandibular corpus and, when dentary length is controlled, the magnitudes of forces applied to the corpus. Comparisons are made of section moduli at the P3P4 and P4M1 interdental gaps among canids, felids and hyaenids; in canids only, the M1M2 interdental gap was also studied. Local variations in loadings are identified by comparing the section moduli at adjacent loci along the corpus within each family. The findings of this study show that the precarnassial corpora of canids and hyaenids have greater strength in bending than the corpora of felids of similar body weight. This is taken to reflect relatively greater bending moments under loading in the corpora of canids and hyaenids due, in part, to their elongate dentaries (relative to body weight). Relative to dentary length, however, the precarnassial corpora of felids and hyaenids have much greater strength in bending than the corpora of canids. These scaling relationships appear to reflect the high customary forces (i.e. not moments) applied to the precarnassial corpora of felids and hyaenids with sustained canine killing bites and with bone ingestion using the premolars, respectively. An increase in bending strength of the corpus caudal to the camassial blade in canids is interpreted to be an adaptation for bone-crushing with the postcarnassial molars.
Discovery rates for a search in which sampling is proportional to size

We consider a search in which the probability that a given object will be discovered is proportional to its size and determine the family of discovery time distributions which are equivalent to this property. These distributions serve as a model for oil exploration.
Issues of Concern to Emergency Physicians in Pre-Retirement Years: A Survey

Abstract Background: Many members of the American College of Emergency Physicians are now over the age of 50. Little is known regarding age-specific issues that may impact the careers of emergency physicians in the latter stages of their professional lives. Objectives: To determine issues of concern regarding aging and retirement among a cohort of emergency physicians in pre-retirement years. Methods: A survey of a randomized sample of 1000 American College of Emergency Physicians members over the age of 55 years was conducted with two separate mailings in the fall of 2006 and winter of 2007. The survey instrument consisted of 30 questions relating primarily to issues of health, finances, and the ability to practice emergency medicine. Four open-ended questions were included at the end of the survey, relating to means of promoting career longevity. Results: There were 802 usable responses received (response rate 80%). The average respondent was 57 years old and worked 30 clinical and 12 non-clinical h per week. The average estimated time to complete retirement was 7.8 years. Respondents generally viewed themselves as competent clinicians with improved ability to relate to patients and staff and little decline in procedural skills. However, a substantial proportion reported age-related concerns. Seventy-four percent reported less ability to recover from night shifts, 44% reported a higher level of emotional exhaustion at end of shift, 40% reported less ability to manage heavy patient volume, 36% reported less ability to handle stress of emergency medicine, 28% reported health limitations on ability to practice, 28% reported memory somewhat or considerably worse, and 25% reported less ability to incorporate new modalities of diagnosis and treatment. With regard to retirement-related issues, 42% reported concerns about adequate financial preparations and 44% reported concerns regarding loss of identity upon retirement. The practice modifications most commonly reported to impact career longevity were the reduction or elimination of night shifts, a reduction in the number of hours per shift, and an increase in physician and support staffing. Conclusions: Respondents to this survey generally viewed themselves as competent, empathic practitioners. Yet a substantial percentage acknowledged at least some degree of cognitive or physical decline. The results suggest a role for the national organizations in emergency medicine in endorsing practice modifications that promote career longevity and clinical competence among its senior members.
Stimulation of total phenolics, L-DOPA and antioxidant activity through proline-linked pentose phosphate pathway in response to proline and its analogue in germinating fava beans (Vicia faba)

Abstract The rationale behind the study was to enhance azetedine-2-carboxylate (A2C)-linked stress in the germinating seeds to which it responds by increased proline synthesis to overcome inhibition of proline dehydrogenase (PDH). A2C is a competitive inhibitor of proline that inhibits its transport from cytosol to the mitochondria for further metabolic recycling by binding on to the active sites of PDH. The enhanced synthesis of proline would increase the ratio of the cofactors NADP/NADPH 2 . The increase in the cofactors would result in the over-expression of the phenypropanoid pathway required for the phenolic acids and L-DOPA synthesis via pentose phosphate pathway through the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). Fava bean were chosen since it has high phenolic and L-DOPA levels and could be an important part of the diet especially for patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease. The objectives were investigated by assaying for total phenolic content, the corresponding antioxidant activity by β-carotene oxidation method, proline levels and enzymes such as G6PDH and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) using spectrophotometric methods. L-DOPA was quantified using HPLC. The fava bean seeds were primed with water, 200 μM A2C, 0.25 mM proline and a combination of A2C and proline treatments. After the priming stage, seeds were dark germinated and grown for a period of 8 days, for biochemical analysis. L-DOPA levels did not change in comparison to the control treatments while total phenolic content, proline and G6PDH were all enhanced by the treatments. During the early stages of germination the phenolic acids were antioxidant in nature, which later was reduced as they become polymerized to lignins and lignans via the GPX activity. Total phenolic synthesis was both coupled and uncoupled to PLPPP depending on the treatments. The three treatments over-expressed PLPPP since large difference between control and the treatments were observed for all parameters, except L-DOPA content.
Mappings of latin squares

Abstract Let Ln denote the set of n by n Latin squares. We show that it is possible to map from one such square A to another square B using only the class of mappings defined by (1) symbol interchanges on cycles defined by two symbols and (2) a restricted class of mappings involving three symbols. The total number of mappings so defined is the smallest known class sufficient to connect Ln. As an application of this result, we define a Markov chain on Ln whose asymptotic distribution is uniform, thus providing a means of generating uniformly distributed Latin squares.