cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of the right ventricular isolation procedure on ventricular vulnerability to fibrillation

A certain critical mass of myocardium is believed to be necessary to initiate ventricular fibrillation. The right ventricular isolation procedure, employed clinically to confine ventricular tachyarrhythmias to the right ventricle, decreases the ventricular mass available for fibrillation by isolating the ventricles from each other. The effect of this procedure on ventricular fibrillation thresholds is unknown. Left and right ventricular fibrillation thresholds were measured before and after right ventricular isolation in 10 adult mongrel dogs utilizing a single 5 ms stimulus of increasing current strength applied to the epicardium during the vulnerable period. There were no significant differences in heart rate, aortic blood pressure, left atrial pressure, temperature, arterial blood gases or regional myocardial blood flow between the study periods. In 9 of the 10 dogs, the isolated right ventricle could not sustain ventricular fibrillation despite the utilization of stimulus strengths of up to 80 mA. In the 10th dog, the right ventricular fibrillation threshold increased 150%, from 20 to 50 mA. The left ventricular fibrillation threshold markedly increased in every dog, with an average increase from 23 +/- 2 to 40 +/- 4 mA (p less than 0.0005). To determine whether time, cardiopulmonary bypass or the right ventricular incision could cause similar changes in ventricular fibrillation threshold, five different dogs underwent the entire experimental protocol except for incomplete isolation of the right ventricle. There were no significant changes in ventricular fibrillation thresholds in these dogs. Thus, in the canine model, right ventricular isolation can prevent the occurrence of sustained fibrillation in the isolated right ventricle and can significantly increase the left ventricular fibrillation threshold.
Affordable Care Act: states move forward with health reform.

Since the Supreme Court decision in June 2012 to uphold the provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), states legislators legislators began to take a second look at the provisions in the law. Americans are already familiar with the provisions of the law that expanded health insurance benefits to youth up to 26 years of age, eliminated preexisting conditions as a barrier to health insurance coverage, and implemented health insurance coverage for preventive health care services. However, many of the provisions of the new law are to be implemented by the States in partnership with the federal government, and the impact on children
Further evaluation of long-chain alkenones as indicators of paleoceanographic conditions

Cultures of the marine coccolithophorid, Emiliania huxleyi, were grown in the laboratory at five temperatures (8°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°C) and monitored by capillary gas chromatography for their long-chain, unsaturated lipid compositions. The long-chain lipids of this plant comprise a series of C37, C38 and C39 di-, tri- and, in cells grown below 15°C, tetra-unsaturated methyl and ethyl ketones and a methyl and ethyl ester of a di-unsaturated C36 fatty acid. Systematic changes in the degree of unsaturation and in the overall carbon chain length distribution of the alkenones and in the proportion of fatty acid esters relative to alkenones are noted as a function of growth temperature. We present temperature calibrations for these changes in the lipid composition of laboratory cultures and compare these results with the compositions of this biomarker series measured in a variety of sediments accumulating beneath warm (⩾25°C) and cold (⩽12°C) surface waters in the tropical and temperate North Pacific Ocean, respectively. The comparisons demonstrate 1) this series of biomarkers is deposited in these oceanic sediments with minimal evidence of alteration to its original composition and 2) the strain of E. huxleyi used in this laboratory calibration is representative of the “average” marine phytoplankton supplying this novel series of biomarkers to contemporary sediments in these two environments and a wide variety of other oceanic environments. The long-chain alkenones constitute a major component (8.0 ± 2.9%) of the total organic carbon content of living cells of E. huxleyi. The high cellular abundance of these compounds appears to be relatively constant and independent of the growth temperature of the plant. These biomarkers provide a well-designed and useful geochemical tool for assessing variations not only in surface water temperatures but potentially also in the productivity of an important group of marine phytoplankton in oceans of the recent and distant past.
The Advanced Technology Program: A Welfare-to-Work Success Story.

This chapter describes the program, administrative implications, and lessons learned from the Advanced Technology Program, a welfare-to-work program developed by Oakland Community College in Michigan, over the past six years.
Rapid Turnover of Calcium in the Endoplasmic Reticulum during Signaling STUDIES WITH CAMELEON CALCIUM INDICATORS

Abstract HEK293 cells expressing the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor were transfected with cameleon Ca2+ indicators designed to measure the free Ca2+ concentration in the cytoplasm, [Ca2+]cyt, and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), [Ca2+]er. Basal [Ca2+]cyt was about 50 nm; thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) or other agonists increased [Ca2+]cyt to 1 μm or higher. Basal [Ca2+]er averaged 500 μmand fell to 50–100 μm over 10 min in the presence of thapsigargin. TRH consistently decreased [Ca2+]er to 100 μm, independent of extracellular Ca2+, whereas agonists for endogenous receptors generally caused a smaller decline. When added with thapsigargin, all agonists rapidly decreased [Ca2+]er to 5–10 μm, indicating that there is substantial store refilling during signaling. TRH increased [Ca2+]cyt and decreased [Ca2+]er if applied after other agonists, whereas other agonists did not alter [Ca2+]cyt or [Ca2+]er if added after TRH. When Ca2+ was added back to cells that had been incubated with TRH in Ca2+-free medium, [Ca2+]cyt and [Ca2+]er increased rapidly. The increase in [Ca2+]er was only partially blocked by thapsigargin but was completely blocked if cells were loaded with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid. In conclusion, these new Ca2+ indicators showed that basal [Ca2+]er is ∼500 μm, that [Ca2+]er has to be >100 μm to support an increase in [Ca2+]cyt by agonists, and that during signaling, intracellular Ca2+ stores are continuously refilled with cytoplasmic Ca2+ by the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase pump.
Men’s Conformity to Traditional Masculinity and Relationship Satisfaction

The Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI), intended as a counseling tool to examine masculinity issues with male clients, assesses conformity to 12 components of the masculine role. In this study, participants (N 307) completed the CMNI and the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS). Men’s conformity to traditional masculine norms was negatively associated with RAS scores for both men rating themselves and women rating their male partners on the CMNI. Men’s conformity to masculine norms was more strongly associated with women’s relationship satisfaction than with men’s relationship satisfaction. Findings suggest the usefulness of the CMNI for helping counseling clients explore how men’s conformity to specific masculine norms is connected to the quality of their romantic relationships.
Axial QCT: Clinical Applications and New Developments

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) is currently undergoing a renaissance, with an increasing number of studies being published and the definition of both QCT-specific osteoporosis thresholds and treatment criteria. Compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, the current standard bone mineral density technique, QCT has a number of pertinent advantages, including volumetric measurements, less susceptibility to degenerative spine changes, and higher sensitivity to changes in bone mass. Disadvantages include the higher radiation doses and less experience with fracture prediction and therapy monitoring. Over the last 10 yr, a number of novel applications have been described allowing assessment of bone mineral density and bone quality in larger patient populations, developments that may substantially improve patient care.
Resistance to Cigarette Smoke Is Increased in Periodontal Ligament Cells by Attachment to Collagen and Fibronectin

Background: The toxic effects of cigarette smoke often presents in smokers as increased incidence and severity of periodontal disease. These patients demonstrate symptomatic inflammation, increased probing depth, and tooth loss likely attributable to the direct effects of cigarette smoke on periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts. The goal of this in vitro study is to investigate the direct effects of smoking on PDL fibroblasts, focusing on cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions and cell survival.Methods: PDL cells were plated for various times on tissue culture plastic, PDL-derived ECMs, collagen Type I, or fibronectin. Cells were exposed to various concentrations of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) at different times during the cell attachment process. Subsequently, cell survival was quantified using calcein-acetoxymethyl ester compound and a fluorescent plate reader.Results: After exposure to CSE, PDL cell survival increased with increased cell attachment time to plastic. These observations were inde...
Chemical reactivity at Fe/CuO interface studied in situ by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract The technique of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to investigate the chemical reactivity at the Fe/CuO interfaces. The 2p core level regions of the metals have been studied. Thin films of iron (thicknesses ranging from 0.3 nm to 2.0 nm) were deposited on copper oxide substrates at room temperature. Earlier investigation on a 0.5 nm overlayer of iron on CuO showed considerable reactivity at the interfaces. The core level peaks of iron are observed to be shifted to the high BE energy side with the appearance of satellites. The spectral data have been compared with those of the oxidized iron and confirms the formation of the iron oxide at the interface. The satellite structure in the copper region is observed to disappear and the spectral features are found to approach those of elemental copper. The interface is found to consist of a mixture of iron oxide and elemental copper. Presence of unreacted iron near the interface has been observed for thicknesses greater than 0.7 nm of the iron overlayer. The effect of temperature on the interface has also been studied. The interface was formed by depositing 2.0 nm of iron on the copper oxide substrate under two different conditions. In one, the substrate temperature was kept constant during the deposition of the iron overlayer. In the other, post deposition annealing of the interface was performed. The iron overlayer is observed to be completely oxidized at the sample temperature of 450 °C and the oxidation is independent of the processing conditions. The amounts of elemental iron and iron oxide in the samples have been estimated by modeling the spectrum using the spectra of elemental iron and pure iron oxide. The process of annealing seems to have more effect on the oxidation of iron than the substrate temperature. The investigation shows room temperature chemical reactivity at the Fe/CuO interface and provides a new method of preparing sub-nano-oxide films of iron.
Toward Pax Terra-Humana Cultural Transformative Learning and a Planetary Literacy in the Foreign Language Classroom

In this critical instrumental case study, the author examines an application of O'Sullivan's transformative learning theory to foreign language (FL) education. Specifically, he examines such application within the context of national FL standards for culture in secondary-level Japanese FL learning. Findings suggest that transformative learning is possible in the discipline of FL and among adolescents. Findings also suggest that discussions about transformative learning topics in relation to Japanese pop culture media resulted in increased student awareness of the transformative learning themes of cosmology and ecospiritual selfhood that can lead to a deep cultural and planetary literacy of peace.
A glycosaminoglycan inhibitor of thrombin: A new mechanism for abnormal hemostatic assays in cancer

The isolation and partial characterization of a novel anticoagulant from the plasma of a patient with metastatic prostate cancer is described. The patient had a prolonged activated partial thromboplastic time, prothrombin time and thrombin time which did not correct by mixing with normal plasma. The reptilase time was normal and the prolonged thrombin time was corrected with protamine sulfate suggesting a heparin-like anticoagulant. A glycosaminoglycan anticoagulant (GAC) was isolated from the patient's plasma. The inhibitory activity of the GAC was destroyed by treatment with chondroitinase ABC. The GAC migrated on agarose gel electrophoresis between keratin sulfate and heparan sulfate. Purified GAC possessed only 2% (W/W) of the antithrombin III cofactor activity of porcine heparin. In assays using purified fibrinogen, the GAC was shown to directly inhibit fibrinogen proteolysis by thrombin. It is concluded that this glycosaminoglycan anticoagulant directly inhibits thrombin clotting of fibrinogen and is a new mechanism for abnormal hemostatic assays in cancer.
Control of subterranean termite populations at San Cristóbal and El Morro, San Juan National Historic Site

Abstract Populations of Coptotermes havilandi and Heterotermes sp. were detected in soil and structures of San Cristobal and El Morro of the San Juan National Historic Site. This was the first record of C . havilandi in Puerto Rico. Baits containing a chitin synthesis inhibitor, hexaflumuron, were applied using in-ground and aboveground bait stations. It took 2–8 months to eliminate three populations of C . havilandi , but 13–15 months were required to eliminate four populations of Heterotermes sp. Due to the vast area of the San Juan National Historic Site, there are probably many more unseen populations of subterranean termites. There is a need for a routine monitoring program for early detection of subterranean termite infestations so that baits can be applied to eliminate detectable populations before severe and irreversible damage occurs to this historic site.
Yields, Color and Compositions of Washed, Kneaded and Heated Mechanically Deboned Poultry Meat

Kamaboko-like products, prepared with NaCl and phosphate buffer wash solutions, had higher yields compared to those prepared with Na-acetate and polyphosphate solutions. Products prepared with polyphosphate wash solution were lightest in color. Higher fat in mechanically deboned poultry meat caused lower yields than lower fat. There were no interactions (P>0.05) between the temperatures and salt concentrations of the wash solutions on yields of products washed with various concentrations of NaCl. Products prepared with NaCl wash solutions at 2–4oC had higher yields than those prepared at 20–22oC. Generally, products prepared with 1.0% or 1.5% NaCl wash solutions had higher Hunter “L” values and lower Hunter “a” values when compared to those prepared with 0 or 0.5% NaCl washing solutions.
Free Convection Between Series of Vertical Parallel Plates With Embedded Line Heat Sources

Laminar free convective heat transfer in channels formed between series of vertical parallel plates with an embedded line heat source was studied numerically. These channels resemble cooling passages in electronic equipment. The effect of a repeated boundary condition and wall conduction on mass flow rate (M), maximum surface temperature ({theta}{sub h,max} and {theta}{sub c,max}), an average surface Nusselt number (Nu{sub h} and Nu{sub c}) is discussed. Calculations were made for Gr* = 10 to 10{sub 6}, K = 0.1, 1, 10, and 100, and t/B = 0.1 and 0.3. The effect of a repeated boundary condition decreases the maximum hot surface temperature and increases the maximum cold surface temperature. The effect of a repeated boundary condition with wall conduction increases the mass flow rate. The maximum increase in mass flow rate due to wall conduction is found to be 155%. The maximum decrease in average hot surface Nusselt number due to wall conduction (t/B and K) occurs at Gr* = 10{sup 6} and is 18%. Channels subjected to a repeated boundary condition approach that of a symmetrically heated channel subjected to uniform wall temperature conditions at K {ge} 100.
Dielectric studies of three epoxy resin systems during microwave cure

Abstract Dielectric properties of three curing epoxy resin systems at an industrial microwave frequency, 2.45 GHz, were measured over a temperature range lower than the cure temperature. Extent of cure, which is determined by DSC, is used to describe the progress of the polymerization. It has been found that, normally, the real and the imaginary part of the complex dielectric constant increased with temperature and decreased during microwave cure. The changes of the dielectric properties during the reaction are related to the decreasing number of the dipolar groups in the reactants and the increasing viscosity. The Davidson–Cole model can be used to describe the experimental data. The Zong model is applicable to polymeric materials at high microwave frequencies and can be used to calculate the parameters of the Davidson–Cole model. The epoxy resins exhibit one γ relaxation, which can be described by the Arrhenius rate law. The evolutions of the parameters in the models are discussed.
Mutually Exclusive Expression of Virulence Genes by Malaria Parasites Is Regulated Independently of Antigen Production

The primary virulence determinant of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite-infected cells is a family of heterogeneous surface receptors collectively referred to as PfEMP1. These proteins are encoded by a large, polymorphic gene family called var. The family contains approximately 60 individual genes, which are subject to strict, mutually exclusive expression, with the single expressed var gene determining the antigenic, cytoadherent, and virulence phenotype of the infected cell. The mutually exclusive expression pattern of var genes is imperative for the parasite's ability to evade the host's immune response and is similar to the process of "allelic exclusion" described for mammalian Ig and odorant receptor genes. In mammalian systems, mutually exclusive expression is ensured by negative feedback inhibition mediated by production of a functional protein. To investigate how expression of the var gene family is regulated, we have created transgenic lines of parasites in which expression of individual var loci can be manipulated. Here we show that no such negative feedback system exists in P. falciparum and that this process is dependent solely on the transcriptional regulatory elements immediately adjacent to each gene. Transgenic parasites that are selected to express a var gene in which the PfEMP1 coding region has been replaced by a drug-selectable marker silence all other var genes in the genome, thus effectively knocking out all PfEMP1 expression and indicating that the modified gene is still recognized as a member of the var gene family. Mutually exclusive expression in P. falciparum is therefore regulated exclusively at the level of transcription, and a functional PfEMP1 protein is not necessary for viability or for proper gene regulation in cultured parasites.
Optimization of job scheduling on parallel machines by simulated annealing algorithms

Abstract In this paper, we consider the problem of scheduling a set of simultaneously available jobs on several parallel machines. Specifically, the minimization of the time to finish all the jobs assigned to all machines under job deadline constraints for n jobs, m machines problem is formulated in this paper. The simulated annealing and fast-simulated annealing algorithms are reviewed and adopted for the scheduling problem. Large numbers of simulations are carried out that provide an empirical basis for comparing the application of classical simulated annealing and fast-simulated annealing algorithms to the scheduling problem.
Real photographic prints from digital images.

Background. Digital photography is emerging as a standard method of documenting preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative results in the clinical setting. While hard copies of these electronic images can be quickly and easily generated on color laser or inkjet printers, there are times when it is necessary to generate a true photographic print of an image, either for insurance documentation or to meet the publication requirements of a peer-reviewed journal. Standard inkjet and laser printers are unable to generate true photographic prints. Objective. To identify a rapid, cost-effective means of generating high-quality photographs of digital images. Methods. We describe the use of on-line service bureaus with digital photographic printers to obtain high-quality photographic prints of patient images. Results. From as little as 49 cents per print, a color or black-and-white print of a color image can be generated by an on-line service bureau to satisfy the need for a photographic quality hard copy. Conclusions. While color laser or inkjet printers allow physicians to generate their own hard copies of electronic patient images, photographic quality images are at times needed to satisfy requirements for insurance documentation or publication in peer-reviewed journals. Use of on-line service bureaus is the most cost-effective way that we have found to obtain high-quality photographic color or black-and-white prints from electronically stored patient images.
Dyadic Duration and the Performance-Satisfaction Relationship: A Contextual Perspective 1

This study examined dyadic duration as a contextual variable affecting the relationship between subordinate performance and job satisfaction. Dyadic duration, the length of time a subordinate has been directed by the same immediate superior, was expected to enhance the performance-satisfaction relationship in dyads of shorter duration and neutralize this relationship in dyads of longer duration. As anticipated, in shorter duration dyads, performance was found to be positively associated with satisfaction with the nature of work, characteristics of supervision, and characteristics of coworkers. For dyads of longer duration, an unexpected inverse relationship was found between performance and all of these same variables. Overall, these results suggest that considering dyadic duration as a contextual variable offers a unique perspective on the relationship between subordinates' performance and job satisfaction.
The Continuum of Pediatric Medical Education and Life-Long Learning

All rights reserved. 10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.04.017 T he Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has outlined competencies for residents to attain, and the Milestones Project has helped delineate more specific goals for pediatrician development. Our medical schools and the American Board of Medical Specialties have also modified competencies applicable to corresponding stages of professional development. However, our curricula are bursting at the seams, and demands for attention to non-traditional competencies are increasing. How can educators ensure adequate skills, attitudes, and knowledge and prepare future physicians for practice in a system that is in transition politically, socially, and technologically? In view of all the changes taking place in medical education and clinical care, it is time to revisit the basic components of a thorough and competent pediatric education. Beginning with the end in mind, a good physician should possess a solid fund of knowledge, good decision-making skills, emotional steadiness, a collaborative approach to clinical care with the ability to function as both a member and a leader of a team, and compassion and empathy. A physician needs to be resilient, flexible, and a life-long learner, because healthcare continually changes—no small feat for only 7 years of medical education! Furthermore, Hackbarth and Boccuti state that to improve health care value ultimately, physicians must possess new perspectives and skills for evidence-based practice, effective use of information technology, qualitymeasurement and improvement, cost awareness, care coordination, leadership of interdisciplinary teams, and shared decision-making. They posit that the first step toward amore effective and sustainable healthcare system is tomatch the content of training to these needs. Addingmore to the curriculum is not practical; therefore, cultivating self-directed learning, reflection, and self-assessment during training and in practice is essential to achieve the non-traditional competencies aforementioned.
Closure to “History and Evaluation of Hargreaves Evapotranspiration Equation” by George H. Hargreaves and Richard G. Allen

The authors welcome the discussion by Samani on our paper and appreciate his cautionary statements regarding the assumption of constancy of KRS in the original Eq. (6), especially in humid or equatorial climates. Samani’s findings, based on the prediction of monthly solar radiation from Knapp et al. (1980) using temperature range (TR) (daily maximum temperature minus daily minimum temperature), indicate the need for KRS larger than the 0.17 constant implicit to the original Eq. (8) when the TR is relatively small (less than about 7°C). It is worthwhile to note that in Samani’s Fig. 1, KRS appears to only be statistically different from 0.17 in the 8–16°C range. TR does tend to be smaller in humid and subhumid climates than in semiarid and arid climates. Samani’s findings differ from KRS–TR relationships found using daily solar radiation and air temperature data from some of the more humid stations evaluated by the ASCE-EWRI Task Committee on Standardization of Reference Evapotranspiration Calculation (EWRI 2001; Itenfisu et al. 2003). For example, for three agricultural weather stations near Wellsboro, Valatie, and Ithaca, New York, computed KRS averaged only about 0.14 throughout the range in TR of 5–14°C. Monthly values for KRS ranged from 0.11–0.17 and averaged 0.14. In a study on variation in KRS, Allen (1997) found KRS to reside within the range 0.16–0.175 for his two most humid stations, Gainesville, Fla. and North Baltimore, Ohio. Thus, it appears that more study is needed to determine a general relationship between KRS and TR or other parameters. What is important in terms of predicting evapotranspiration sETod, however, is not the deviation of KRS from 0.17, but in how well the integrated form of Eq. (8) performs in predicting ETo. In the ASCE-EWRI study, Eq. (8) overpredicted ETo as computed using the ASCE standardized Penman-Monteith equation (Itenfisu et al. 2003) by more than 15% for the relatively humid eastern United States weather stations of Wellsboro, Valatie, and Ithaca, N.Y., and Blairsville and Attapulgus, Ga. Eq. (8) predicted about 10% higher than the ASCE standardized Penman-Monteith equation at the other eastern or midwestern United States locations of Fort Pierce and Lake Alfred, Fla.; Griffen, Ga.; Bondville and Belleville, Ill.,; and Mead and Clay Center, Neb. This overestimation in humid climates might imply the need for a smaller KRS rather than a larger one. In comparisons between Eq. (8) and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations Penman-Monteith (FAO-PM) equation based on the World Water and Climate Atlas of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Droogers and
Coincident correlations of growth and cash flow in banking

Abstract Prior empirical research indicates that loan growth in the banking industry is positively related to cash flow. I offer an alternative methodology that is better able to capture the effect of cash flow on loan growth while controlling for the potentially coincident effect of loan growth on cash flow. Using a sample of 171,389 observations on banks, 1986–2007, I find that causality runs more consistently from growth to cash flow than from cash flow to growth. This extends prior empirical research by Houston and James (1998) and Campello (2002) on cash flow sensitivities in the banking industry.
Application of the percentage of non-overlapping data (PND) in systematic reviews and meta-analyses: A systematic review of reporting characteristics

The percentage of non-overlapping data (PND; Scruggs, Mastropieri, & Casto, 1987) is one of several outcome metrics for aggregating data across studies using single-subject experimental designs. The application of PND requires the systematic reviewer to make various decisions related to the inclusion of studies, extraction of data, and analysis and interpretation of data. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the reporting characteristics associated with the application of PND in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The authors engage in a discussion of the reporting characteristics found in the data set and propose several directions for future applications and reporting of PND in systematic reviews.
Comparison of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia management in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Purpose Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes. We compared hyperglycemia management with the management of the cardiovascular disease risk factors hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in a cohort of type 2 diabetes patients. Subjects and methods We randomly selected 601 patients with type 2 diabetes seen at the outpatient practices of an academic medical center and assessed the care they received during an 18-month period. We compared proportions of patients who had hemoglobin A 1c (HbA 1c ) levels, blood pressure, or total cholesterol levels measured; who had been prescribed any drug therapy if HbA 1c levels, systolic blood pressure, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels exceeded recommended treatment goals; and who had been prescribed greater-than-starting-dose therapy if these values were above those of treatment goals. Results Patients were less likely to have cholesterol levels (76%, n=455) measured than HbA 1c (92%, n=552) levels or blood pressure (99%, n=595; P 1c (92%, n=348) than for above-goal systolic blood pressure (78%, n=274) or LDL cholesterol (38%, n=82; P 1c levels were above the treatment goal (80%, n=302) were more likely to receive greater-than-starting-dose therapy, compared with those who had above-goal systolic blood pressure (62%, n=218) and LDL cholesterol levels (13%, n=28; P Conclusion In this cohort, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension were managed less aggressively than was hyperglycemia. Given the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes, increased screening for hypercholesterolemia and more aggressive drug therapy for hypercholesterolemia and hypertension are needed.
INDUCTION OF MATING BEHAVIOR IN MALE AND FEMALE CHICKS FOLLOWING INJECTION OF SEX HORMONES INCLUDING NOTATIONS ON BODY WEIGHT AND COMB GROWTH1

THE USE OF gonadotropic and gonadal hormones to produce some of the elements of adult behavior in male chicks has been reported by several earlier workers. Domm and Van Dyke (1) and Domm (2) observed that male chicks began to crow at 9 days of age following 6 daily injections of pituitary gonadotropin. Attempts at treading appeared in these birds at 13 days, after 10 daily injections. Hamilton (3) injected male chicks with 0.5 mg. of testosterone propionate daily for 27 days, starting from the second day after hatching. The birds first crowed 180 hours after the initial injection, and later showed cock-like fighting and ‘wing-flapping.’ However, Hamilton did not report treading or other signs of copulatory aggressiveness on the part of the injected males. Horn (4) injected testosterone propionate into young chicks and obtained behavior identical to that described by Hamilton (3).
Effect of chlorsulfuron on growth of submerged aquatic macrophyte Potamogeton pectinatus (sago pondweed).

Abstract Research has been conducted on the effect of chlorsulfuron on non-target plants but little information is available on its effects on aquatic macrophytes. Potamogeton pectinatus (sago pondweed) is an ecologically important submerged aquatic macrophyte found in freshwater bodies. Many species of wildlife use this plant as a food source. The objective of this study was to measure the phytotoxic effects of chlorsulfuron on sago pondweed. P. pectinatus plants were exposed to chlorsulfuron at 0, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, or 2.0 ppb, in an environmental growth chamber. Plants exposed to 0.25 ppb chlorsulfuron showed a reduction in length (76%), number of leaves (50%), and number of stems (50%), compared to control plants. A reduction (47%) was also observed in the length of stems produced by plants treated with ⩾ 0.50 ppb chlorsulfuron. Significant reductions in wet and dry weights, and increased mortality were observed on treatments with ⩾ 1.0 ppb chlorsulfuron.
Panoramic radiographic identification of carotid arterial plaques

Abstract Panoramic radiographs of 1,000 patients aged 50 to 75 years were evaluated for dental purposes. Soft-tissue calcifications in the region of the carotid artery were identified on 2 percent of the radiographs. Approximately 88 percent of the soft-tissue calcifications were interpreted as calcifications in the region of the carotid bifurcation, and 12 percent were interpreted as salivary calculi phleboliths, or calcified lymph nodes. Various elements in cerebrovascular disease are discussed.
Subclinical airway inflammation despite high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy in cats with lower airway disease:

Management of feline chronic lower airway disease focuses on controlling clinical signs and decreasing airway inflammation. This retrospective study evaluated the correlation between the resolution of clinical signs in cats with lower airway disease receiving oral glucocorticoids with the resolution of inflammation based on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology. Ten cats diagnosed with lower airway disease based on characteristic clinical signs and inflammatory BALF cytology received oral glucocorticoids for at least 3 weeks. They were required to have resolution of clinical signs and BALF collected while asymptomatic and still receiving glucocorticoids. Cats received prednisolone or prednisone (average dose of 1.8±0.2mg/kg daily) for 35.7±5.5 days. Three cats had resolution of clinical signs and lacked inflammatory BALF cytology; seven had persistent inflammatory BALF cytology despite resolution of clinical signs. Given that subclinical inflammation during high-dose glucocorticoid treatment was common, current recommendations to taper therapy based on resolution of clinical signs should be re-evaluated.
Sequential association of myogenic regulatory factors and E proteins at muscle-specific genes

Gene expression in skeletal muscle is controlled by a family of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors known as the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs). The MRFs work in conjunction with E proteins to regulate gene expression during myogenesis. However, the precise mechanism by which the MRFs activate gene expression is unclear. In this work, we sought to define the binding profiles of MRFs and E proteins on muscle-specific genes throughout a time course of differentiation. We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays for myogenin, MyoD, Myf5 and E proteins over a time course of C2C12 differentiation, resulting in several surprising findings. The pattern of recruitment is specific to each promoter tested. The recruitment of E proteins often coincides with the arrival of the MRFs, but the binding profile does not entirely overlap with the MRF binding profiles. We found that E12/E47 is bound to certain promoters during proliferation, but every gene tested is preferentially bound by HEB during differentiation. We also show that MyoD, myogenin and Myf5 have transient roles on each of these promoters during muscle differentiation. We also found that RNA polymerase II occupancy correlates with the transcription profile of these promoters. ChIP sequencing assays confirmed that MyoD, myogenin and Myf5 co-occupy promoters. Our data reveal the sequential association of MyoD, myogenin, Myf5 and HEB on muscle-specific promoters. These data suggest that each of the MRFs, including Myf5, contribute to gene expression at each of the geness analyzed here.. The dynamic binding profiles observed suggest that MRFs and E proteins are recruited independently to promoters.
Power spectrum and Fourier phase spectrum estimation by using fully and partially compensating adaptive optics and bispectrum postprocessing

The use of predetection compensation for the effects of atmospheric turbulence combined with postdetection image processing for imaging applications with large telescopes is addressed. Full and partial predetection compensation with adaptive optics is implemented by varying the number of actuators in the deformable mirror. The theoretical expression for the single-frame power spectrum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is reevaluated for the compensated case to include the statistics of the compensated optical transfer function. Critical to this analysis is the observation that the compensated optical transfer function does not behave as a circularly complex Gaussian random variable except at high spatial frequencies. Results from a parametric study of performance are presented to demonstrate improvements in power spectrum estimation for both point sources and an extended object and improvements in the Fourier phase spectrum estimation for an extended object. Full compensation is shown to provide a large improvement in the power spectrum SNR over the uncompensated case, while successively smaller amounts of predetection compensation provide smaller improvements, until a low degree of compensation gives results essentially identical to those of the uncompensated case. Three regions of performance were found with respect to the object Fourier phase spectrum estimate obtained from bispectrum postprocessing: (1) the fully compensated case in which bispectrum postprocessing provides no improvement in the phase estimate over that obtained from a fully compensated long-exposure image, (2) a partially compensated regime in which applying bispectrum postprocessing to the compensated images provides a phase spectrum estimation superior to that of the uncompensated bispectrum case, and (3) a poorly compensated regime in which the results are essentially indistinguishable from those of the uncompensated case. Accurate simulations were used to obtain some parameters for the power spectrum SNR analysis and to obtain the Fourier phase spectrum results.
Hydrogels: From soft contact lenses and implants to self‐assembled nanomaterials

Hydrogels were the first biomaterials designed for clinical use. Their discovery and applications as soft contact lenses and implants are presented. This early hydrogel research served as a foundation for the expansion of biomedical polymers research into new directions: design of stimuli sensitive hydrogels that abruptly change their properties upon application of an external stimulus (pH, temperature, solvent, electrical field, biorecognition) and hydrogels as carriers for the delivery of drugs, peptides, and proteins. Finally, pathways to self-assembly of block and graft copolymers into hydrogels of precise 3D structures are introduced.
Limit and Market Orders with Optimizing Traders

We study a microstructure model with non-strategic liquidity traders, Rock (1990) style value traders and possibly a strategic trader with private information. Traders optimize using market orders and schedules of price-contingent limit orders. Market depth in the different order types is endogenous, depending on the liquidity traders' optimization problem. We characterize Nash (or Bayesian Nash) equilibria of this market for two cases. The first has no informed trader, but exogenous arrival of value information. The second includes an informed trader resulting in both endogenous information revelation (via order flows) and in a "winner's curse" problem in limit order execution. Our results include (a) a random limit order book which together with market orders is generated by an exact linear factor model, (b) a relatively modest role for value traders given even moderate brokerage costs, (c) thinner limit order books in volatile than in "flat" markets and (d) a sufficient statistic for multiple order types used for Bayesian updating in the presence of an informed trader.
ON THE MEASURE OF EXCITABILITY

Recent time-intensity data by Rushton (1932) on the sciatic nerve of the frog are shown to provide additional support to the writer's suggestion (1932, a) that integrals of the equation See PDF for Equation where V is the applied voltage, p is the local excitatory process and K and k are constants adequately represent the just effective direct current stimuli when the threshold value of p is made a linear function of the voltage of the form h ± α V where h and α are constants. The measurement of excitability is discussed and it is shown that the criteria for "true" measurements are not likely to be found by the agreement of the data with canonical time-intensity functions as suggested by Lapicque (1931) but rather in the establishing of standard experimental conditions. These conditions may permit the use of chronaxie as a measure of excitability, but it seems more likely that the constant k of the above equation will have to be adopted. There is sufficient evidence to cast considerable doubt on the validity of any conclusions drawn from the existing measurements of chronaxie although those derived through a particular technique may be valid. The problem requires a thorough experimental investigation in terms of integrals of the above equation.
Using Surface Plasmon Propagation through Nanostructures for Chemical and Biological Sensing

Surface plasmon waves (SP) are electromagnetic waves that propagate at the interface between a metal such as gold or silver and a dielectric. In a manner similar to the propagation of photons through a Fabry-Perot filter, the propagation of SP can be blocked by periodic nanostructures on the surface. This phenomenon can be described with a band gap in the SP dispersion relation. By taking advantage of this property, we developed a new chemical and biological sensor. Compared to traditional Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) sensing, our sensor does not require precise control or measurement of the transverse momentum of the excitation light. Therefore, for comparable sensitivity, the Surface Plasmon Band Gap sensor will be more easily implemented in a compact format. We present here the numerical simulations and the first optical measurements that demonstrate the validity of our approach.
A Recursive Wavelet-Based Strategy for Real-Time Cochlear Implant Speech Processing on PDA Platforms

This paper presents a wavelet-based speech coding strategy for cochlear implants. In addition, it describes the real-time implementation of this strategy on a personal digital assistant (PDA) platform. Three wavelet packet decomposition tree structures are considered and their performance in terms of computational complexity, spectral leakage, fixed-point accuracy, and real-time processing are compared to other commonly used strategies in cochlear implants. A real-time mechanism is introduced for updating the wavelet coefficients recursively. It is shown that the proposed strategy achieves higher analysis rates than the existing strategies while being able to run in real time on a PDA platform. In addition, it is shown that this strategy leads to a lower amount of spectral leakage. The PDA implementation is made interactive to allow users to easily manipulate the parameters involved and study their effects.
Challenges to the Global Trading System: Adjustment to Globalization in the Asia-Pacific Region

Peter Petri and Sumner LaCroix, Introduction Challenges to the Global Trading System Scholarly Papers 1. Supachai Panitchpakdi, The Challenge of Policy in the Era of Globalization 2. Douglas A. Irwin, Globalization Fatigue, Not Globalization Backlash 3. Yumiko Okamoto, The Emergence of 'Intra-Mediate' Trade: Implications for the Asia-Pacific Region 4. Yung Chul Park, Shujiro Urata, and Inkyo Cheong, Inha University, The Political Economy of the Proliferation of FTAs 5. Chad Bown and Rachel McCulloch, Welfare and the Political Economy of Trade in Developed Countries: U.S. Trade Policy Toward China 6. Erlinda Medalla, Does Trade Cause an Environmental Race to the Bottom: Another Look at the Issues 7. Justin Lin and Ying-Yi Tsai, What's New About Outsourcing? 8. Sumner La Croix and Denise Eby Konan, Is IP Protection Unfair to Developing Countries? 9. Rong-I Wu, Chyuan-Jenq Shiau and Professor Chi-Chen Chiang, Economic Interdependence and Security in the Asia-Pacific Policy Perspectives 1. Mari Pangestu "Practitioner's Perspectives on Trade and Development" 2. Lisa Coen, "US Trade Strategy and the Asia-Pacific Region" 3. Geir Haarde, "Balancing Regional and Multilateral Commitments: the Case of Iceland" 4. Doug Bereuter, "Globalization and Politics" Business Perspectives 1. Narongchai Akrasanee, "Globalization in the Cyber State" 2. Richard Rosenberg, "California: A Microcosm of Pacific Rim Trade Issues" 3. David McClain, "Globalization at the University of Hawaii" 4. Arthur Goldstein, "Competition and Fairness in the Execution of Globalization" 5. Eng Fong Pang, "International Opportunities and National Choices" Academic Perspectives 1. Peter Drysdale, "Troubling Directions in Trade Negotiations" 2. Hugh Patrick, "Sustaining the Multilateral Trading System" 3. Peter A. Petri, "Adjustment, Compensation and Contingent Protection" 4. Hadi Soesastro, "First- and Second-order Adjustments to Globalization" 5. Kim Song Tan, "Managing Adjustments to Globalization"
Evaluation of pediatric lateral oropharyngeal trauma.

Abstract Objective We reviewed the mechanism of injury, presentation, and evaluation of children with trauma to the lateral oropharynx. Study design and setting We conducted a retrospective review of patients in an urban pediatric emergency department with trauma to the lateral oropharynx over a 5-year period. Results Forty-eight patients were identified with documented injuries of the lateral oropharynx placing the internal carotid artery at risk of injury. The average age was 42 months, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. Seventy-seven percent of patients had a documented neurologic examination. Examinations were normal in all cases. Computed tomography scans were obtained in 14 patients, identifying 3 patients with carotid abnormalities. Angiography subsequently diagnosed intimal injuries in 2 of the 3 patients. There were no known cases of neurovascular compromise. Conclusion Contrast-enhanced computed tomography may be an effective screening examination in this patient population, helping to determine which children should be admitted for angiography and observation.