cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alternative approaches to treatment of Central Sleep Apnea

Divergent approaches to treatment of hypocapnic central sleep apnea syndromes reflect the difficulties in taming a hyperactive respiratory chemoreflex. As both sleep fragmentation and a narrow CO2 reserve or increased loop gain drive the disease, sedatives (to induce longer periods of stable non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and reduce the destabilizing effects of arousals in NREM sleep) and CO2-based stabilization approaches are logical. Adaptive ventilation reduces mean hyperventilation yet can induce ventilator-patient dyssynchrony, while enhanced expiratory rebreathing space (EERS, dead space during positive pressure therapy) and CO2 manipulation directly stabilize respiratory control by moving CO2 above the apnea threshold. Carbonic anhydrase inhibition can provide further adjunctive benefits. Provent and Winx may be less likely to trigger central apneas or periodic breathing in those with a narrow CO2 reserve. An oral appliance can meaningfully reduce positive pressure requirements and thus enable treatment of complex apnea. Novel pharmacological approaches may target mediators of carotid body glomus cell excitation, such as the balance between gas neurotransmitters. In complex apnea patients, single mode therapy is not always successful, and multi-modality therapy might need to be considered. Phenotyping of sleep apnea beyond conventional scoring approaches is the key to optimal management.
Methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) process catalyst parameters

Abstract One billion pounds per year of methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) are currently produced from acid-catalyzed, liquid phase reaction of methanol with isobutene (IB). We report results for Amberlyst 15 which is currently used as a catalyst for MTBE production. The evaluation of this strong-acid macroreticular resin was carried out in a bench-scale, plug flow reactor system which was specially developed in our laboratory to evaluate MTBE catalysts under conditions believed to be compatible with those in industry. Factors considered include temperature, flow rate and feed composition. An integrated rate expression is used to estimate kinetic constants at 26, 51, and 67°C, using data obtained from the plug flow reactor. Conditions which maximize selectivity and productivity, together with other catalyst characteristics, are briefly discussed.
Thermodynamics of nanoscale materials

Nanoscale materials have been considered for and been in use in a variety of industrial engineering applications. The surface tension of silver and copper were calculated at various temperatures using non-ideal or real solution characteristics. The surface concentration of individual components was also calculated. The surface concentration of silver in a binary silver copper system is higher in spite of its lower surface tension as a pure component. It is also shown that the melting temperature of individual elements decrease with decrease in particle size. This trend is true for most metallic elements and is pronounced below a particle size of 20 nm.
Similarity solutions of a class of laminar three-dimensional boundary layer equations of power law fluids

An analysis of the possibility of finding similarity solutions to the three-dimensional, steady, incompressible, boundary layer equations in rectangular coordinates for a power law fluid is investigated. It is found that, in general, the two components of the mainstream flow must differ by at most a multiplicative constant and that these components are powers or exponentials of the x'-coordinate. By assuming small cross-flows, the cross flow component may be generalized and found to be representable by a polynomial in the through flow variable, x'.
Statistical Mechanics of the X Y Model. II. Spin-Correlation Functions

The spin-correlation functions of the one-dimensional $XY$ model are studied in the presence of a constant magnetic field. We find that the asymptotic behavior of these correlation functions depends strongly on the various parameters of the Hamiltonian.
Myocardial bridging in adult patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Objectives This investigation examined the risk of sudden cardiac death and other mortality in adult patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who have myocardial bridging diagnosed at coronary angiography. Background Several reports have associated myocardial bridging with an adverse prognosis in pediatric HCM patients, but the prognosis of myocardial bridging in adult patients with HCM is unknown. Methods The coronary angiograms of 425 patients with HCM (mean age 60 ± 15 years [range 18 to 89 years]) at the Mayo Clinic were examined for the presence of myocardial bridging. Clinical follow-up was conducted to assess mortality. Survival of patients with bridging was compared with HCM patients who also underwent angiography but who did not have evidence of bridging. Results A total of 64 patients (15%) had myocardial bridging. The mean follow-up for the entire study was 6.8 ± 5.4 years. There was no difference in survival free of all-cause mortality (5-year estimate, bridging vs. no bridging, 91% vs. 85%; p = 0.42), all cardiac death (93% vs. 89%; p = 0.60), and sudden cardiac death (95% vs. 97%; p = 0.72). Univariate and multivariate proportional hazards models also did not identify the presence of bridging or specific characteristics of the degree or extent of bridging with a poor outcome. Conclusions This study observed no increased risk of death, including sudden cardiac death, among adult patients with HCM who had myocardial bridging diagnosed at coronary angiography.
MOMENTUM: DOES THE DATABASE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

We examine discrepancies between the Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP) and Trade and Quote (TAQ) databases by examining the returns of momentum strategies using each database. Momentum portfolios constructed from CRSP prices earn significant profits whereas similar portfolios using TAQ prices show losses. Adjusting TAQ prices with the TAQ dividends file or with the cumulative distribution factor provided by CRSP does not eliminate all differences. There are significant discrepancies in the way CRSP and TAQ record newly listed and delisted stocks. We document the residual (after all filters) price differences between the two databases and provide filters to adjust TAQ data for long sample periods and large sample sizes. Our filtering procedures allow for the possibility of examining intraday patterns in momentum profits.
Acute limb ischemia associated with type B aortic dissection: clinical relevance and therapy.

Background. The goal of the current study is to characterize the presentation, therapy, and outcomes of acute limb ischemia (ALI) associated with type B aortic dissection (AoD). Methods. The prospective/retrospective International Registry for Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) database and a single institutional database were queried for all patients with type B AoD from 1996 to 2002. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to delineate factors associated with morbidity and mortality outcomes. Results. According to the IRAD data (n = 458), the mean age of patients was 64 years, and 70% were men. The overall mortality was 12%; of these, 6% had ALI. Pulse (3-fold) and neurologic deficits (5-fold) were more common in those with ALI (P <.001). Endovascular, but not surgical therapy, was more commonly performed in patients with ALI compared with those without ALI (31 % vs 10%, P =.004). No difference in age, race, gender, or origin of dissection was observed. ALI was associated with acute renal failure (odds ratio [OR] = 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-7.1; P =.048) and acute mesenteric ischemia/infarction (OR = 6.9; 95% CI 2.5-20; P <.001). Adjusting for patient characteristics, ALI was associated with death (3.5; 95% CI 1.1-10; P =.02). The single institution analysis revealed similar patient demographics and mortality in 93 AoD patients, of whom 28 had ALI. Aortic fenestration or aortoiliac stenting was the primary therapy in 93%; surgical bypass was used in 7%. Limb salvage was 93% in those with ALI at a mean of 18 months follow-up. The number of organ systems with malperfusion was 2-fold higher at aortography than suspected preprocedure (P =.002). By stepwise regression modeling, mortality was greater in those not taking a β-blocher (OR = 19; 95% CI 3.1-111; P =. 001). Conclusions. ALI secondary to AoD is predictive of death and visceral ischemia. Endovascular therapy confers excellent limb salvage and allows diagnosis of unsuspected visceral ischemia.
Desensitization of Catecholamine Release THE NOVEL CATECHOLAMINE RELEASE-INHIBITORY PEPTIDE CATESTATIN (CHROMOGRANIN A344–364) ACTS AT THE RECEPTOR TO PREVENT NICOTINIC CHOLINERGIC TOLERANCE

Nicotinic cholinergic receptors undergo desensitization upon repeated or prolonged exposure to agonist. We investigated the effects of a novel chromogranin A catecholamine release-inhibitory fragment, catestatin (chromogranin A344-364), on agonist-induced desensitization of catecholamine release from pheochromocytoma cells. In a dose-dependent fashion, the nicotinic antagonist catestatin blocked agonist desensitization of both catecholamine release (IC50 approximately 0.24 microM) and 22Na+ uptake (IC50 approximately 0.31 microM), the initial step in nicotinic cationic signal transduction; both secretion inhibition and blockade of desensitization were noncompetitive with agonist. Desensitizing effects of the nicotinic agonists nicotine and epibatidine were blocked. This antagonist action was specific to desensitization by nicotinic agonists, since catestatin did not block desensitization of catecholamine release induced by agents which bypass the nicotinic receptor. Hill plots with slopes near unity suggested noncooperativity for catestatin effects on both nicotinic responses (secretory antagonism and blockade of desensitization). Human, bovine, and rat catestatins (as well as substance P) had similar potencies. IC50 values for secretion inhibition and blockade of desensitization paralleled each other (r = 0.76, n = 10 antagonists, p = 0.01) for several noncompetitive nicotinic antagonists. Peptide nicotinic antagonists (catestatins, substance P) were far more potent inhibitors of both secretion (p = 0.019) and desensitization (p = 0.005) than nonpeptide antagonists (trimethaphan, hexamethonium, procaine, phencyclidine, cocaine, or clonidine), and the peptides displayed enhanced selectivity to block desensitization versus secretion (p = 0.003). We conclude that catestatin is a highly potent, dose-dependent, noncompetitive, noncooperative, specific inhibitor of nicotinic desensitization, an effect which may have implications for control of catecholamine release.
Language Policy, Language Education, Language Rights: Indigenous, Immigrant, and International Perspectives.

Indigenous languages are under siege, not only in the US but around the world – in danger of disappearing because they are not being transmitted to the next generation. Immigrants and their languages worldwide are similarly subjected to seemingly irresistible social, political, and economic pressures. This article discusses a number of such cases, including Shawandawa from the Brazilian Amazon, Quechua in the South American Andes, the East Indian communities of South Africa, Khmer in Philadelphia, Welsh, Maori, Turkish in the UK, and Native Californian languages. At a time when phrases like “endangered languages” and “linguicism” are invoked to describe the plight of the world's vanishing linguistic resources in their encounter with the phenomenal growth of world languages such as English, the cases reviewed here provide consistent and compelling evidence that language policy and language education serve as vehicles for promoting the vitality, versatility, and stability of these languages, and ultimately promote the rights of their speakers to participate in the global community on and IN their own terms. (Endangered languages, immigrant languages, indigenous languages, language revitalization, linguicism)
Constraining Hořava–Lifshitz gravity from neutrino speed experiments

We constrain Hořava–Lifshitz gravity using the results of the OPERA and ICARUS neutrino speed experiments, which show that neutrinos are luminal particles, as found from examining the fermion propagation in the earth’s gravitational field. In particular, investigating the Dirac equation in the spherical solutions of the theory, we find that the neutrinos feel an effective metric with respect to which they might propagate superluminally. Therefore, in demanding not to have superluminal or subluminal motion we constrain the parameters of the theory. Although the excluded parameter regions are very narrow, we find that the detailed balance case lies in the excluded region.
Social Structures and Economic Conduct: Interpreting Variations in Household Energy Consumption

The consumption of natural resources is rapidly emerging as a major social problem, and social efforts to control this consumption are guided in part by research that tries to specify the meaning of resources to consumers. This paper compares a sociological perspective with the more widespread economic model of consumption, using data from study of billing systems, sociocultural status, and household energy use in a California apartment complex. The research suggests that the role of marginal price in ordering consumption can be interpreted as a contingent feature of the socially structured relationship between consumption and social status. It also suggests that the utility of a technology is a secondary and emergent product of its use, a fact obscured by the conventional analytic separation of supply and demand or means and ends.
Switching power reduction using a pumped nonlinear directional coupler

We show that in a nonlinear directional coupler (NLDC) in which the signal is controlled by a pump of appropriate and different wavelength, the power needed for full switching is 3 times lower than for the same device used as a self switch. This power requirement is only /spl radic/3 times higher than for a Mach-Zehnder switch, which makes the NLDC even more appealing for practical multiplexing and switching applications.
NMR analysis of multiple samples using parallel coils: improved performance using reference deconvolution and multidimensional methods

Improvements in the Multiplex Sample NMR method are investigated to explore its capabilities of analyzing multiple samples simultaneously. Issues of quantitation and resolution in the multiple-coil probe are examined in one- and two-dimensional experiments. Improvements in quantitation are shown to result from the use of reference deconvolution for one-dimensional experiments, while the use of two-dimensional methods has much improved resolution and shows the potential for significantly increased parallelism. A multiplicative scheme is shown to be an easily implemented, effective method for generating individual sub-spectra from individual samples.
The Characterization of Mice with a Targeted Combined Deficiency of Protein C and Factor XI

Activated protein C functions directly as an anticoagulant and indirectly as a profibrinolytic enzyme. To determine whether the fibrin deposition previously observed in PC −/− murine embryos and neonates was mediated through the FXI pathway, PC +/− /FXI −/− mice were generated and crossbred to produce double-deficient progeny ( PC −/− /FXI −/− ). PC −/− /FXI −/− mice survived the early lethality observed in the PC −/− /FXI +/+ neonates, with the oldest PC −/− /FXI −/− animal living to 3 months of age. However, the majority of these animals was sedentary and significantly growth-retarded. On sacrifice or natural death, all of these PC −/− /FXI −/− mice demonstrated massive systemic fibrin deposition with concomitant hemorrhage and fibrosis, as confirmed through histological analyses. Several of these animals also presented with enlarged lymph nodes and extensive lymphatic fluid in the thoracic cavity. Thus, although a number of the PC −/− /FXI −/− mice survived the lethal perinatal coagulopathy seen in the PC −/− neonates, they nonetheless succumbed to overwhelming thrombotic disease in later life. This combined deficiency state provided the first clear indication that the course of a severe thrombotic disorder could be manipulated by blocking the intrinsic pathway and provided the first opportunity to study a total protein C deficiency in an adult animal.
Observations on human platelet aggregation in native whole blood: Synergism and sensitivity to aggregating agents in vitro

Threshold sensitivity levels, as well as the synergistic effects of agonists for blood platelets have been evaluated by impedance aggregometry using whole blood without anticoagulation. Platelet aggregation was studied using adenosine diphosphate (ADP), epinephrine, and thrombin. Threshold responses to ADP, epinephrine, and thrombin were observed at lower concentrations in diluted native whole blood (NWB) than reported values for citrated whole blood, and appear to be similar to those of citrated platelet rich plasma (PRP). Potentiation of aggregation occurred when both ADP and epinephrine, or epinephrine and thrombin but not ADP and thrombin were present in combination. Synergism between agonists thus is similar but not identical to that of PRP, and NWB appears to provide a sensitive system with a more physiologic milieu than other in vitro aggregation systems.
Correlation between Gleason Score of Needle Biopsy and Radical Prostatectomy Specimen: Accuracy and Clinical Implications

ABSTRACTPurpose: Despite the reliability of Gleason grading with respect to the same specimen, the correlation between the biopsy and prostatectomy specimen is less well defined. We compared the accuracy of Gleason grading of biopsies in predicting histological grading of radical retropubic prostatectomy specimens.Materials and Methods: Gleason scores of 18 gauge needle biopsies were compared to those of radical retropubic prostatectomy specimens in 226 consecutive patients. In addition to comparing numeric discrepancies, differences between biopsy and specimen Gleason scores of 2 or more and a change in group from Gleason scores 2 to 4, 5 to 7 or 8 to 10 were evaluated by kappa testing, as well as any change in group from Gleason scores 2 to 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8 to 10.Results: The biopsy score was identical to the specimen score in 31% of cases, while 26% were discrepant by 2 or more Gleason scores. Overall, 54% of biopsies were under graded, while 15% were over graded. If only cases in which discrepancie...
EFFECTS OF CORTISONE ON PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST PERFORMANCE

Since 1946 when cortisone was first used to treat physical illness at the Mayo Clinic, interest has been growing in the possible psychological effects of this drug. Investigators (3) have thought that at least some cases of mental illness are associated with an imbalance in body biochemistry. Although no one has yet been able to work out a theory which will predict the occurrence and course of a mental illness on this basis, Selye's (6) recent formulation of the general adaptation syndrome appears to offer some suggestions about the way in which pituitary and adrenocortical functioning could relate to the conditions under which mental illnesses often occur. Practical problems of a psychological nature have arisen where cortisone has been used in the treatment of physical illnesses. Elation, euphoria, irritability, depression, psychotic episodes, transitory disturbances in intellectual functioning, and other changes have been reported. Lidz, Carter, Lewis, and Surratt (4) have recently summarized the medical literature reporting changes in psychological functioning following administration of ACTH and cortisone and conclude that it is difficult to find much consistency in these reports. A number of questions in this broad area need to be clarified and answered: (a) Are the changes observed specifically associated with the treatment or might not some of these changes occur "spontaneously" in any group of sick people under close observation? Although some studies have sought to establish controls by observations made during periods when Ss were not receiving medication, little attention has been paid to the use of a control group as such to establish what changes will occur as a function of the passage of time, the conditions of observation, and retesting. (b) Are the changes observed the result of some direct action of change in hormonal balance within the body, or are they related to the individual's responses to his changed physical status, e.g., relief from pain or increased feelings of well being? Lidz, et a1 (4) specifically raise the question whether these hormones produce toxic effects which lead to transitory decrement in intellectual performances. They found in a clinical study of 15 patients, using the Kohs Block Test, that there was no decrement in performance during medication. Delay, Pichot, Perse, and Aubry (1) administered a series of psychological tests to arthritic patients before and after 10 days of treament with ACTH, cortisone, or both. They report that although patients felt their intellectual functioning was more efficient, their scores on the Cattell Non-Verbal Intelligence Test showed a sig
Activating HER2 Mutations in HER2 Gene Amplification Negative Breast Cancer

Data from 8 breast cancer genome-sequencing projects identified 25 patients with HER2 somatic mutations in cancers lacking HER2 gene amplification. To determine the phenotype of these mutations, we functionally characterized 13 HER2 mutations using in vitro kinase assays, protein structure analysis, cell culture, and xenograft experiments. Seven of these mutations are activating mutations, including G309A, D769H, D769Y, V777L, P780ins, V842I, and R896C. HER2 in-frame deletion 755–759, which is homologous to EGF receptor (EGFR) exon 19 in-frame deletions, had a neomorphic phenotype with increased phosphorylation of EGFR or HER3. L755S produced lapatinib resistance, but was not an activating mutation in our experimental systems. All of these mutations were sensitive to the irreversible kinase inhibitor, neratinib. These findings show that HER2 somatic mutation is an alternative mechanism to activate HER2 in breast cancer and they validate HER2 somatic mutations as drug targets for breast cancer treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: We show that the majority of HER2 somatic mutations in breast cancer patients are activating mutations that likely drive tumorigenesis. Several patients had mutations that are resistant to the reversible HER2 inhibitor lapatinib, but are sensitive to the irreversible HER2 inhibitor, neratinib. Our results suggest that patients with HER2 mutation–positive breast cancers could benefit from existing HER2-targeted drugs. Cancer Discov; 3(2); 1–14. ©2013 AACR.
Computing for embedded systems

Embedded sofiare is increasingly a composition of concurrent components. Components in such systems interact in a rich variety of ways, not limited to the simple transfer of control of method calls in object-oriented design. I describe a view where the systems are modeled as assemblages of components within one of several models of computation, where components with well- defined interfaces are composed The declaration of these component interfaces becomes a central probfem, and the composition of properties becomes the central benefit. Unlike object-oriented interfaces, these interfaces must declare dynamic properties such as communication protocols tind temporaI propertiks. The model of computation must irtclude shared information, such as time (a total ordering constraint), or causality (a partial ordering constraint). The properties of a model of computation strongly determine the problems that it matches, and frequently, practical systems are forced to use multiple models of computation. I briefly describe how this can be done systematically.
The Value of Spirituality as Perceived by Elders in Long-Term Care

Spirituality is a context inherent to the individual that influences all aspects of life. This paper presents the results of a qualitative study that explored the perspectives of five elders regarding the integration of spirituality by their occupational therapist into their rehabilitation services. Multiple in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Although reflections on spirituality were unique to each person, there were commonalties in the narratives. Qualitative analysis resulted in the identification of six themes: meaning and purpose, coping and positive outlook, reliance and dependence, comfort and consolation, hope for recovery, and therapeutic rapport. Participants viewed spirituality as pivotal during their rehabilitation. Implications for practitioners who consider this phenomenon in practice are presented.
Water vapor and cloud feedback mechanisms: inferences from satellite observations and numerical modeling

Satellite observations show large sensitivity of water vapor and cloud forcings to sea surface temperature changes during major climate events such as the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This leads to two very important questions: What are the mechanisms of the observed large sensitivity? And can we use ENSO as a surrogate to understand mechanisms for climate change? This paper addresses the above questions. The author has studied the sensitivity of water vapor and cloud forcings to ocean temperature changes and their relationship with large scale circulation regimes using AVHRR and ERBE satellite outgoing longwave radiation, sea surface temperature and large scale circulation data. Results show that on interannual time scales, changes in the large scale circulation regimes contribute substantially to anomalies in the water vapor and cloud forcing observed during major climate events such as ENSO. Experiments show that over 75% of the observed apparent sensitivity of water vapor and cloud feedback sensitivity are due to changes in the large scale circulation with direct radiative feedback accounting for less than 20% of the observed changes. On interannual time scales, when adjustments are made for changes in the large scale circulation, the so-called supergreenhouse effect, i.e., run away greenhouse warming, does not exist. The results point to possible pitfalls in interpreting results for cloud and radiation feedback processes and that ENSO or other natural climate variations such as the seasonal cycle cannot simply be used as a surrogates for climate change without taking into account the effect of large scale dynamics.
Pisatin demethylation by fungal pathogens and nonpathogens of pea: association with pisatin tolerance and virulence

Previous studies have indicated that detoxification of their hosts’ phytoalexins is a tolerance mechanism for some true fungi, but not the fungus-like Oomycota, and may be involved in determining the virulence of a pathogen. In the present study, the associations between demethylation of the pea phytoalexin pisatin, tolerance to pisatin, and virulence on pea were examined for 50 fungal isolates which represent 17 species of pathogens and nonpathogens of pea. All isolates of Pythium coloratum and P. irregulare failed to metabolize and were sensitive to pisatin, consistent with previous observations that members of the Oomycota generally lack the ability to metabolize and are sensitive to their hosts’ phytoalexins. Among true fungi tested, the ability to demethylate pisatin was common, regardless of whether the particular isolate was pathogenic on pea or not. However, when the rate of pisatin demethylation was compared to virulence, all but one of the moderate to highly virulent isolates rapidly demethylated pisatin. In addition, the more rapidly demethylating isolates were generally more tolerant of pisatin. These results suggest that a specialized enzyme system for quickly detoxifying pisatin might be present in most pea pathogens. In previous studies a specific cy tochrome P450 enzyme for demethylating pisatin was identified in the pea pathogen Nectria haematococca mating population VI, and genes (PDA genes) encoding that enzyme have been cloned from this fungus. When DNA specific for these genes was used to probe genomic DNA from other fungi that demethylate pisatin, significant hybridization was detected with only one fungus, the pea pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi. If the other pea pathogens possess a specific cytochrome P450 system for detoxification of pisatin, the genes encoding these enzymes apparently share lim ited nucleotide similarity with N. haematococca PDA genes.
Organisational channel discrepancies between CVBs and meeting planners in the USA

The purpose of the study is to compare the perception of advertising and communication channels between convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) and meeting planners in the USA. By employing 245 of CVBs and 226 meeting planners through an online survey method, the results of the study reveal clear channel discrepancies between CVBs and meeting planners in terms of preference, attitude and usage of communication and advertising channels. In addition, the study identifies different linkages between advertising channels and advertising effects in the two different groups. Implications for industry practitioners as well as suggestions for future study are discussed. Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery segmentectomy: a safe and effective procedure.

Background Anatomic sublobar resection is currently being assessed as an alternative to lobectomy for primary lung cancers less than 2 cm in size. Open segmentectomy is a proven oncologic procedure for patients with reduced cardiopulmonary reserve and significant comorbidities. With the increased use of thoracoscopy, a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy may be as safe and effective as an open segmentectomy. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent a segmentectomy between May 2002 and March 2009 at Emory University Hospital. Results Forty-one patients underwent pulmonary segmentectomy; 26 through thoracotomy (open) and 15 by a thoracoscopic (VATS) approach. Both groups were well matched for age, gender, and preoperative risk factors. Segmentectomy was performed for primary lung cancer in 25 (61%) patients. There was no difference in tumor size, number of lymph node stations sampled, or number of lymph nodes removed based upon approach. The remaining indications for surgery were metastatic disease in 12 patients and benign disease in 4 patients. All patients underwent R0 resections. There was no significant difference in operative time, but patients undergoing a VATS segmentectomy had significantly reduced chest tube durations and hospital stays. Major complications occurred in 19% of patients in the open group and none in the VATS group. There were two operative deaths (4.8%), both in the open group. Conclusions Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery segmentectomy is a safe procedure which has fewer complications and a reduced hospital stay when compared with an open segmentectomy. This approach may be the ideal oncologic procedure for patients with small lung cancers (
Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of the 5-Nitroanthranilic Acid Degradation Pathway in Bradyrhizobium sp. Strain JS329

Biodegradation pathways of synthetic nitroaromatic compounds and anilines are well documented, but little is known about those of nitroanilines. We previously reported that the initial step in 5-nitroanthranilic acid (5NAA) degradation by Bradyrhizobium sp. strain JS329 is a hydrolytic deamination to form 5-nitrosalicylic acid (5NSA), followed by ring fission catalyzed by 5NSA dioxygenase. The mechanism of release of the nitro group was unknown. In this study, we subcloned, sequenced, and expressed the genes encoding 5NAA deaminase (5NAA aminohydrolase, NaaA), 5NSA dioxygenase (NaaB) and lactonase (NaaC), the key genes responsible for 5NAA degradation. Sequence analysis and enzyme characterization revealed that NaaA is a hydrolytic metalloenzyme with a narrow substrate range. The nitro group is spontaneously eliminated as nitrite concomitant with the formation of a lactone from the ring fission product of 5NSA dioxygenation. The elimination of the nitro group during lactone formation is a previously unreported mechanism for denitration of nitro aliphatic compounds.
Prevalence and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among skin and soft tissue infections in an emergency department in Guyana.

Objective The characteristics of staphylococcal skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are poorly understood in northern South America and the Caribbean. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of methicillin resistance among Staphylococcus aureus isolates in an emergency department (ED) in Guyana and to identify specific molecular characteristics of these methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the main teaching hospital in Georgetown, Guyana. Eligible subjects included patients of all ages with SSTIs with obtainable purulent material. Purulent material was cultured, and S. aureus isolates were evaluated for antibiotic susceptibilities by disc diffusion. Molecular characterisation of MRSA isolates included identification of SCC mec type, assignment of genetic relatedness by rep-PCR and determination of the presence of two exotoxins, Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) and LukAB. Results Eighty-five samples were collected; of these, 47 grew S. aureus. 24 of the 47 S. aureus samples were MRSA (51%; 95% CI 37% to 65%), representing 28% of all samples. All MRSA isolates were SCC mec type IV, PVL positive, LukAB positive and were highly related to the current epidemic clone in the USA, USA300. Conclusions Here, we demonstrate a clinically significant proportion of methicillin resistance in SSTI-associated staphylococcal isolates. Guyanese isolates were highly related to the most common community-associated strain seen in the USA, USA300. These results have important implications for empiric antibiotic therapy and infection control policies in Guyana and similar settings.
Golden parachutes, executive decision-making, and shareholder wealth☆

Abstract This study examines changes in executive decision-making and shareholder wealth which are associated with the adoption of special executive termination agreements, typically referred to as ‘Golden Parachutes’. Two hypotheses associated with Golden Parachutes (contracts which provide remuneration if there is a change in control of the corporation) are developed for empirical analysis. The results suggest that the adoption of Golden Parachutes is associated with a positive security market reaction. Moreover, the cross-sectional analysis of the security market reaction is consistent with the hypothesis that Golden Parachutes have a favorable effect on the reaction of executives to takeover bids.
Mycorrhizae, biocides, and biocontrol. 4. Response of a mixed culture of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and host plant to three fungicides

The effects of three commonly used fungicides on the colonization and sporulation by a mixture of three arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi consisting of Glomus etunicatum (Becker & Gerd.), Glomus mosseae (Nicol. & Gerd.) Gerd. & Trappe, and Gigaspora rosea (Nicol. & Schenck) in symbiosis with pea plants and the resulting response of the host-plant were examined. Benomyl, PCNB, and captan were applied as soil drenches at a rate of 20 mg active ingredient kg-1 soil 2 weeks after transplanting pea seedlings in a silty clay-loam soil containing the mixed inocula of AM fungi (AM plants). Effects of fungicides were compared to untreated plants that were inoculated with fungi (AM control). The effect of mycorrhizal inoculation on plant growth was also examined by including nonmycorrhizal, non-fungicide-treated plants (non-AM control). Fungicides or inoculation with AM fungi had only a small effect on the final shoot weights of pea plants, but had greater effects on root length and seed yield. AM control plants had higher seed yields and lower root lengths than the corresponding non-AM plants, and the fungicide-treated AM plants had intermediate yields and root lengths. Seed N and P contents were likewise highest in AM control plants, lowest in non-AM plants, and intermediate in fungicide-treated AM plants. All three fungicides depressed the proportion (%) of root length colonized by AM fungi, but these differences did not translate to reductions in the total root length that was colonized, since roots were longer in the fungicide-treated AM plants. Pea plants apparently compensated for the reduction in AM-fungal metabolism due to fungicides by increasing root growth. Fungicides affected the population of the three fungi as determined by sporulation at the final harvest. Captan significantly reduced the number, relative abundance, and relative volume of G. rosea spores in the final population relative to the controls. The relative volume of G. etunicatum spores was greater in all the fungicide-treated soils, while G. mosseae relative volumes were only greater in the captan-treated soil. These findings show that fungicides can alter the species composition of an AM-fungal community. The results also show that AM fungi can increase seed yield without enhancing the vegetative shoot growth of host plants.
Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) larvae alter morphological but not chemical defenses in response to predator cues

Prey traits are often modified in response to exposure to predators, a phenomenon known as predator-induced phenotypic plasticity. Morphological plasticity in response to predator cues is well documented in amphibians; however, predator-induced chemical defenses have received relatively little attention. The Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens (Rafinesque, 1820)), which possesses tetrodotoxin—a toxin for chemical defense, is most vulnerable to predation during its larval stage. We assessed whether exposing Eastern Newt larvae to predator scent cues (from dragonfly larvae) would elicit change in their morphological and chemical defenses. Newt larvae exposed to scent cues of predatory dragonfly larvae exhibited significantly greater tail depths, which should increase survival of attempted predation by allowing them to swim faster, but did not differ in mass, snout–vent length, or tail length. Toxin concentrations in newt larvae were not significantly affected by exposure to these predator cues. Larval t...
Diffraction and Imaging of Reflected High-Energy Electrons from Bulk Crystal Surfaces

Transmission electron diffraction is a Laue case in which the crystal is so thin that backscattering is ignored. This is the Laue case illustrated in Fig. 1.10a. An alternative application of TEM is to study surfaces of bulk crystals in the Bragg case. In this case, a crystal surface is oriented parallel or nearly parallel to the optic axis of the microscope, and the incident electron beam strikes the surface at a grazing angle. Diffraction patterns recorded in this case are RHEED patterns, which are particularly sensitive to the structure of the surface layer. The dark-field surface image can be formed if one or more Bragg-reflected beams is selected by the objective aperture. This is the reflection electron microscopy (REM) technique, which has been developed for studying surface structures (for a review, see Wang, 1993a; Yagi, 1993). The RHEED is also a powerful technique for examining the in situ growth of thin films. Applications of RHEED for surface structure determinations are covered in Larsen and Dobson (1988). Techniques, theories, and applications of REM and RHEED received comprehensive coverage in Wang (1996).
Generalized sampling based motion planners with application to nonholonomic systems

In this paper, generalized versions of the probabilistic sampling based planners, Probabilisitic Road Maps (PRM) and Rapidly exploring Random Tree (RRT), are presented. The generalized planners, Generalized Proababilistic Road Map (GPRM) and the Generalized Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (GRRT), are designed to account for uncertainties in the robot motion model as well as uncertainties in the robot map/ workspace. The proposed planners are analyzed and shown to be probabilistically complete. The algorithms are tested by solving the motion planning problem of a nonholonomic unicycle robot in several maps of varying degrees of difficulty and results show that the generalized methods have excellent performance in such situations.
Bystander modulation of chemokine receptor expression on peripheral blood T lymphocytes mediated by glatiramer therapy.

Background Glatiramer acetate therapy is thought to be effective for multiple sclerosis (MS) by promoting T H 2 cytokine deviation, possibly in the brain, but the exact mechanism and site of action are incompletely understood. Determining the site of action and effect of glatiramer on cell trafficking is of major importance in designing rational combination therapy clinical trials. Objective To determine whether glatiramer therapy will also act in the peripheral blood through bystander modulation of chemokine receptor (CKR) expression and cytokine production on T lymphocytes. Design Before-and-after trial. Setting A university MS specialty center. Patients Ten patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Interventions Treatment with glatiramer for 12 months and serial phlebotomy. Main Outcome Measures Cytokine production, CKR expression, and cell migration. Results The glatiramer-reactive T cells were T H 2 cytokine biased, consistent with previous studies. We found a significant reduction in the expression of the T H 1 inflammation associated with the CKRs CXCR3, CXCR6, and CCR5 on glatiramer- and myelin-reactive T cells generated from patients with MS receiving glatiramer therapy vs baseline. Conversely, expression of the lymph node–homing CKR, CCR7, was markedly enhanced on the glatiramer-reactive T cells derived from patients with MS undergoing glatiramer therapy. There was a reduction in the percentage of CD4 + glatiramer-reactive T cells and an increase in the number of CD8 + glatiramer-reactive T cells. Conclusions Glatiramer may suppress autoreactive CD4 + effector memory T cells and enhance CD8 + regulatory responses, and bystander modulation of CKRs may occur in the periphery.
Markov Chains and Monte Carlo Markov Chains

The theory of Markov chains is rooted in the work of Russian mathematician Andrey Markov, and has an extensive body of literature to establish its mathematical foundations. The availability of computing resources has recently made it possible to use Markov chains to analyze a variety of scientific data, and Monte Carlo Markov chains are now one of the most popular methods of data analysis. The modern-day data analyst will find that Monte Carlo Markov chains are an essential tool that permits tasks that are simply not possible with other methods, such as the simultaneous estimate of parameters for multi-parametric models of virtually any level of complexity. This chapter starts with an introduction to the mathematical properties of Markov chains necessary to understand its implementation as a Monte Carlo Markov chains. The second part is devoted to a description of the implementation of Monte Carlo Markov chains, including the Metropolis-Hasting algorithm and a few tests of convergence.
Concept Expansion Using Web Tables

We study the following problem: given the name of an ad-hoc concept as well as a few seed entities belonging to the concept, output all entities belonging to it. Since producing the exact set of entities is hard, we focus on returning a ranked list of entities. Previous approaches either use seed entities as the only input, or inherently require negative examples. They suffer from input ambiguity and semantic drift, or are not viable options for ad-hoc tail concepts. In this paper, we propose to leverage the millions of tables on the web for this problem. The core technical challenge is to identify the ``exclusive'' tables for a concept to prevent semantic drift; existing holistic ranking techniques like personalized PageRank are inadequate for this purpose. We develop novel probabilistic ranking methods that can model a new type of table-entity relationship. Experiments with real-life concepts show that our proposed solution is significantly more effective than applying state-of-the-art set expansion or holistic ranking techniques.
Hot and Cold Selective (Visual) Acuity: Context Independence During Precognition

This paper is a preliminary report of an ongoing experiment at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I am investigating among other things whether contradictory contextual matter in a visual field affects eye gaze and eye scan behaviors. This research supports the idea that certain physiological processes precede certain emotions and also that certain purposive human behaviors are predictably rooted in social and political orientations. Previous research is also somewhat ambiguous about whether biology determines socio-political behavioral pathologies. This paper takes the position that precognitive responses inform observations of the cognitive architecture of social and political orientations and that certain drivers dictate how these orientations affect emotional behavior. My findings indicate that positively charged affective states lead to visual scanning strategies that are dependent on social and political contexts and that eye scanning and gaze patterns indicate that people look at images in ways that are influenced by their social orientations. This effect called Hot Visual Selective Acuity happens when visual images effectively influence viewer behavior. This approach strongly suggests that the egg (physiology) comes before the chicken (purpose). In the present draft of this paper, gaze resting points (fixations) and variances within subject groups receive the most consideration during data analyses. Null Hypothesis: There will be no significant difference between the numbers of total fixations across political or non-political visual images.
Effects of Procaine on the Intracellular pH of Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells Heated at 42.0 or 45.0°C

The local anesthetic procaine greatly sensitizes cells to hyperthermia. Though it is generally accepted that procaine is a membrane-active agent that increases membrane fluidity in cells, the mecha...
Electrophoretic Distribution of Serum Proteins in Rabbit, Guinea Pig and Rat Following BCG Administration

SummaryTotal serum protein concentration and electrophoretic distribution of the serum protein components of the rabbit, guinea pig, and rat were determined by a paper electrophoretic technic. The serum protein was again analyzed 4 weeks after the animals were inoculated with an attenuated strain (BCG) of tubercle bacilli. Statistically significant increases in the total protein and gamma globulin occurred in the rabbit and guinea pig, but not in the rat. A decrease in the alpha-1 globulin in the rat and an increase of this fraction in the guinea pig was observed following BCG administration. Significant alterations in the other protein fractions were not observed in any of the 3 species of animals.