cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lobectomy Versus Sublobar Resection for Small (2 cm or Less) Non–Small Cell Lung Cancers

Background We evaluated a cohort of patients who underwent resection for small (2 cm or less) non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to determine if there is an association between extent of resection (lobar versus sublobar resection) and local recurrence or survival. Methods We reviewed 468 consecutive patients who underwent resection for small NSCLC at our institution between 2000 and 2005. We excluded patients who had neoadjuvant therapy, active noncutaneous malignancies, pure bronchioalveolar carcinoma, lymph node (n = 53) or distant metastases at diagnosis, or multicentric cancers. Clinicopathologic data, recurrence, and vital status as of June 15, 2010, were retrieved. Overall and recurrence-free survival from surgery rates were assessed. Results Two hundred thirty-eight patients underwent resection for primary solitary small NSCLC. Lobectomy (n = 84) was associated with longer overall ( p = 0.0027) and recurrence-free ( p = 0.0496) survival. Patients who underwent sublobar resection were older ( p p p = 0.1117), there was no difference in distant recurrence. Moreover, when lymph nodes were sampled with sublobar resection, local recurrence rate and overall and recurrence-free survival distributions were similar to those for lobectomy. Conclusions Sublobar resection is reasonable in older patients with limited cardiopulmonary function. For healthy patients, however, lobectomy remains the standard therapy, with sublobar resection with lymph node sampling representing an alternative to consider. These findings support continued effort to conduct a randomized trial of lobar versus sublobar resection, such as CALGB 140503.
Language, Interaction, and Inequality: A Teaching Exercise for the Sociological Classroom

an original active learning exercise that in corporates both referential and constructiv ist perspectives on the role of language in the social world. The exercise encourages students to view language as both a vehicle for transmitting sociologically-relevant con tent (e.g., attitudes, perspectives, justifica tions) as well as a vehicle through which actors construct social relations and social locations in ways that reflect and maintain social inequalities. When language surfaces in the sociologi cal curriculum, it is typically in discussions of culture, stereotypes, individual/group attitudes, and accounts. These approaches tend to center on the representative function of language?that is, what is said and the meanings that are conveyed (Heritage 1984). In addition, language can also be presented in the sociological classroom from a constructivist perspective. In focus ing on linguistic acts as being social prac tices that accomplish a range of social or stylistic functions, Zimmerman (2005) ex
Lipschitz stability for hyperbolic inequalities in octants with the lateral Cauchy data and refocising in time reversal

Hyperbolic equations and inequalities in octants with the lateral Cauchy data at coordinate palnes are consdered.Lipschitz stability estimate is established in the case when both the inhomogeneous right hand side and (unknown) initial conditions at {t = 0} have a finite support. This is the first stability estimate for such a Cauchy problem in an infinite domain. Refocusing of time reversal fields in octants follows. It is shown that the modified Quasi-Reversibility Method can be applied for the numerical solution of such a Cauchy probem including computational time reversal.
Glutenin allelic variation and 1AL.1RS effects on dough mixing properties of wheat grown in irrigated and rainfed environments

Wheat (Triticumaestivum L.) glutenin allelic variation and presence of the 1AL.1RS wheat-rye (Secalecereale L.) translocation play important roles in determining end-use quality. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of high and low molecular weight glutenin alleles and 1AL.1RS on dough mixing properties of 189 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the cross TAM 107-R7/‘Arlin’ grown in irrigated and rainfed Colorado (USA) environments. The results indicated that (1) higher values (P < 0.05) of some dough mixing properties were observed for Glu-A1b versus Glu-A1a, Glu-B1b versus Glu-B1c, Glu-D1d versus Glu-D1a, and non-1AL.1RS versus 1AL.1RS; (2) no differences in Mixograph properties were found for Glu-A3c versus Glu-A3e, Glu-B3e versus Glu-B3g, or Glu-D3a versus Glu-D3b; (3) although variation at some glutenin loci had little effect on Mixograph properties, pairwise combinations of glutenin loci or a glutenin locus combined with 1AL.1RS affected most Mixograph traits; and (4) in general, the effects of glutenin alleles and 1AL.1RS on dough mixing properties did not differ greatly between the irrigated and the rainfed environment. These results will be useful for assessing potential wheat quality and directing wheat breeding efforts in Colorado and similar environments.
The calcified zone (basal layer) of articular cartilage of rabbits

In the mammalian embryo, the articular end of a long bone consists of a mass of fetal cartilage which undergoes transformation into two types of tissue as the animal ages: The hyaline cartilage surface of the adjacent joint; and the bone of the ossific nucleus of the epiphysis. The junction of these two areas, the calcified zone (or basal layer) of the articular cartilage, was studied in the distal femur of 110 albino rabbits of various ages by: tritiated thymidine autoradiography; routine histologic staining and mitotic counts; special stain for glycogen; and special stain for calcium (murexide). In the immature rabbit (under two months) the cartilage cells are arranged in columns and there is evidence of active proliferation. In its most basal portion adjacent to the vascular tufts of the epiphyseal nucleus, the cells are hypertrophic and contain glycogen. The intervening matrix bars are calcified. It is apparent that, at this age, endochondral ossification, indistinguishable from that at the epiphyseal plate, is occurring. In the older rabbit (age four months) proliferation, columniation, and glycogen content are minimal, and the basal layer of cartilage is diffusely calcified. Proliferation is intense in and about the capillary loops and a thin layer of bone surrounds the capillary. In the adult (over six months) rabbit, calcification and ossification predominate. No proliferative activity is noted. Apparently growth has ceased completely or is so slow as to be unmeasurable by available techniques.
Alpha-Particle Bombardment of Neon, Calcium and Argon and Masses of Light Nuclei

Under bombardment by ThC\ensuremath{'} alpha-particles neon and calcium have been found to emit protons while argon does not. The maximum energies of the protons have been measured: the nuclear energy changes are for the neon reaction -${2.6}_{4}$ Mev and for calcium -${4.2}_{3}$ Mev. In each case only one group was found. Using Aston's recent value for the mass of ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{20}$ we deduce that the mass of ${\mathrm{Na}}^{23}$ is 22.9972. Data from a number of transmutations are used together with mass spectrographic values to give a table of isotopic masses from ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{20}$ to ${\mathrm{A}}^{40}$ with four exceptions.
Fully quantum-mechanical dynamic analysis of single-photon transport in a single-mode waveguide coupled to a traveling-wave resonator

We analyze the dynamics of single-photon transport in a single-mode waveguide coupled to a micro-optical resonator by using a fully quantum-mechanical model. We examine the propagation of a single-photon Gaussian packet through the system under various coupling conditions. We review the theory of single-photon transport phenomena as applied to the system and we develop a discussion on the numerical technique we used to solve for dynamical behavior of the quantized field. To demonstrate our method and to establish robust single-photon results, we study the process of adiabatically lowering or raising the energy of a single photon trapped in an optical resonator under active tuning of the resonator. We show that our fully quantum-mechanical approach reproduces the semiclassical result in the appropriate limit and that the adiabatic invariant has the same form in each case. Finally, we explore the trapping of a single photon in a system of dynamically tuned, coupled optical cavities.
Driving and the Elderly

Although the elderly make up just 12% of the American population, they constitute 29% of all accidental deaths. Motor vehicle crashes (MVC) are the leading cause of accidental death for all Americans until they reach approximately 75 years of age. MVCs then rank second to falls as the killer of very old Americans. This article examines motor vehicle accidents among the elderly and some of the issues surrounding driving and older persons, the special responses of older trauma patients, and assessment strategies for protecting the safety of older drivers.
Osteochondral Allografting for Knee Lesions in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population

Objectives: Osteochondral allografting is a useful reconstructive procedure for large ostechondral lesions of the knee. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of osteochondral allografting in pediatric and adolescent patients.
Game, farming, and interethnic relations in Northeastern Luzon, Philippines

Data on hunting success, game habits, and vegetational cover in one area of the Philippines indicate that as farmers expand the area under cultivation, they create on the growing forest-field ecotone the biotope upon which some game animals are dependent. This accounts in part for the distribution of hunting populations on the peripheries of farming settlement. Contrary to the usual interpretations of Southeast Asian prehistory and of the distribution of contemporary populations, agricultural expansion may, because of edge effect, support a higher density of game, and consequently may be conducive to the persistence of a hunting-gathering way of life.
Combined controller-observer design for uncertain systems: using necessary and sufficient conditions

The problem of stabilizing a class of linear uncertain systems by using estimated state feedback is discussed. The system possesses uncertainty which is time-varying. The uncertainty is unknown, but lies within a prescribed set (hence it is bounded). No statistical information about the uncertainty is imposed. The estimated state is constructed via an observer. Necessary and sufficient conditions for quadratic stabilizability are formulated. The controller synthesis and stability analysis are investigated by a two-level optimization process. The inner level searches for the minimum and can be achieved by checking a finite number of vertices if the bounding set is a hyperpolyhedron. The outer level can reach the global maximum. The result is believed to be practical (in the sense that it can be implemented for nontrivial physical systems) and nonconservative. >
Comparison of Corrosion Protection Provided by a Non-Volatile Organic Compound Epoxy and a Marine Epoxy Primer

Abstract An epoxy resin formulation completely free of organic solvent was applied to carbon steel coupons using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) as the volatile solvent. Steel coupons coated in this manner were compared to coupons coated with a standard military specification marine primer (MIL-P-24441) during exposure to aerated 0.5 M sodium chloride (NaCl). The solvent-free coating protected the steel from corrosion in this environment as well, if not better than, the solvent-based primer.
Lithium During Pregnancy Drug Effects and Their Therapeutic Implications

Lithium is used as a primary treatment or augmentation therapy for several psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar depression, mania and unipolar depression. For many patients with bipolar disorder, it is the most effective mood stabiliser.
Chemical-Cue Preferences of Newborn Snakes: Influence of Prenatal Maternal Experience

Newborn garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) responded similarly to worm and fish surface extracts regardless of whether the mothers were fed exclusively on fish or worms during the gestation period. Worm extract was the more effective. This result is in contrast with the easy modifiability of chemical-cue preferences in young snakes after birth. The initial stimulus control of the attack response in newborn snakes thus seems relatively unmodifiable.
Dynamic animation: interaction and control

The use of the dynamics equations of motion offers a means of constraining animated motion to physical reality.Dynamic simulation treats objects as masses acting under the influence of forces and torques. Motion is derived by solving the dynamics equations of motion, rather than being exactly specified by an animator. Though dynamic simulation can create complex motion with less user input than strictlykinematic (Position-based) methods, it is also computationally expensive and difficult to control. The equations of motion are, in themselves, not difficult to program, but adding constraints for controlled motion is complex. The control issues are now being further explored. These include: low-level control issues such as collision response, elasticity, friction, joint limits, damping, and general motion constraints; user-interface issues such as interface design, menu options, and integration into a general animation system; and high-level control issues such as the automatic generation of coordinated, goal-directed motion. This paper concentrates on the first two of these areas, and describes an animation system,Kaya, developed to explore them.
Aging and mental health. Distinguishing myth from reality.

Older adults are generally perceived as more psychologically distressed and/or depressed than younger adults. The validity of this perception is examined by (1) reviewing epidemiological studies an...
T‐S diagram for gadolinium near the Curie temperature

The magnetocaloric effect in polycrystalline Gd was measured at temperatures from 190 to 370 K in applied fields from 1 to 7 T. The magnetocaloric temperature changes were combined with existing zero‐field specific heat data to construct a T‐S diagram for Gd near the Curie point. Experimental values of ΔT were also compared with values calculated from a simple mean field theory, which predicts rather well both the general shape of the magnetocaloric curve and the relative magnitudes of the temperature changes in various measuring fields. The maximum ΔT with applied field was about 14 K at 7 tesla, and maxima in all applied fiels occurred near 292 K. The relatively large magnetocaloric effect in Gd near room temperature is attractive for potential magnetic refrigeration applications, and the experimental T‐S diagram may now be used to refine estimates of the performance of Gd as a solid magnetic refrigerant.
Remarks on the Visuddhimagga, and on its treatment of the Memory of Former Dwelling(s) (pubbenivāsānussatiñāṇa)

The first western edition of the Visuddhimagga (hereafter Vism) was published by the Pali Text Society (PTS) under the general editorship of C. A. F. Rhys Davids in 1920-1921. She described it as 'a rough makeshift... put together by amateur hands so that we should no longer have to digest the contents through the unfamiliar medium of the scripts of further India' (1975 [1921], p. 764). It was superseded by the Warren and Kosambi (1950) version (see below) but it remains useful and necessary, not only because many modern authors continue to cite the text using the PTS page numbers, but also because of its indices: while that of Names and Subjects has now been largely superseded by Ousaka and Yamazaki (2004, using the PTS page numbers), the Index of Quotations remains unique. Of the work of preparing the indices Rhys Davids wrote:
The Roles of Wind Shear and Thermal Stratification in Past and Projected Changes of Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Activity

Abstract Atlantic tropical cyclone activity has trended upward in recent decades. The increase coincides with favorable changes in local sea surface temperature and other environmental indices, principally associated with vertical shear and the thermodynamic profile. The relative importance of these environmental factors has not been firmly established. A recent study using a high-resolution dynamical downscaling model has captured both the trend and interannual variations in Atlantic storm frequency with considerable fidelity. In the present work, this downscaling framework is used to assess the importance of the large-scale thermodynamic environment relative to other factors influencing Atlantic tropical storms. Separate assessments are done for the recent multidecadal trend (1980–2006) and a model-projected global warming environment for the late 21st century. For the multidecadal trend, changes in the seasonal-mean thermodynamic environment (sea surface temperature and atmospheric temperature profile ...
In Vivo Kinematics of the Trapeziometacarpal Joint During Thumb Extension-flexion and Abduction-adduction

Purpose The primary aim of this study was to determine whether the in vivo kinematics of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint differ as a function of age and sex during thumb extension-flexion (Ex-Fl) and abduction-adduction (Ab-Ad) motions. Methods The hands and wrists of 44 subjects (10 men and 11 women with ages 18–35 y and 10 men and 13 women with ages 40–75 y) with no symptoms or signs of TMC joint pathology were imaged with computed tomography during thumb extension, flexion, abduction, and adduction. The kinematics of the TMC joint were computed and compared across direction, age, and sex. Results We found no significant effects of age or sex, after normalizing for size, in any of the kinematic parameters. The Ex-Fl and Ab-Ad rotation axes did not intersect, and both were oriented obliquely to the saddle-shaped anatomy of the TMC articulation. The Ex-Fl axis was located in the trapezium and the Ab-Ad axis was located in the metacarpal. Metacarpal translation and internal rotation occurred primarily during Ex-Fl. Conclusions Our findings indicate that normal TMC joint kinematics are similar in males and females, regardless of age, and that the primary rotation axes are nonorthogonal and nonintersecting. In contrast to previous studies, we found Ex-Fl and Ab-Ad to be coupled with internal-external rotation and translation. Specifically, internal rotation and ulnar translation were coupled with flexion, indicating a potential stabilizing screw-home mechanism. Clinical relevance The treatment of TMC pathology and arthroplasty design require a detailed and accurate understanding of TMC function. This study confirms the complexity of TMC kinematics and describes metacarpal translation coupled with internal rotation during Ex-Fl, which may explain some of the limitations of current treatment strategies and should help improve implant designs.
Screening and Imputed Prevalence of ADHD in Adult Patients with Comorbid Substance Use Disorder at a Residential Treatment Facility

AbstractBackground: Although attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a common comorbidity in individuals who are diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD), little data currently exist on the utility of screening tools in large samples of adults with SUD in inpatient treatment and the prevalence of ADHD in this population. The aims of this study were to assess the screen positive rate on the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale (ASRS) v.1.1 Screener in a large sample of adults being treated for SUD in a residential treatment facility (RTF) and to establish the imputed prevalence of adult ADHD. Methods: Adults with SUD who were either newly admitted (abstinent for < 1 week) or in treatment in the RTF (abstinent < 3 months) were administered the ASRS v.1.1 Screener. Adults who screened positive on the ASRS v1.1 Screener (≥ 4/6 significant items) were then administered the Adult Clinician Diagnostic Scale (ACDS) v.1.2 to establish a diagnosis of ADHD and the positive predictive value (PPV) in this populati...
Session-based overload control in QoS-aware Web servers

With the explosive use of the Internet, contemporary Web servers are susceptible to overloads and their services deteriorate drastically and often cause denial of services. In this paper, we propose two methods to prevent and control overloads in Web servers by utilizing the session-based relationship among HTTP requests. We first exploited the dependence among session-based requests by analyzing and predicting the reference patterns. Using the dependency relationships, we have derived traffic conformation functions that can be used for capacity planning and overload prevention in Web servers. Second, we have proposed a dynamic weighted fair sharing (DWFS) scheduling algorithm to control overloads in Web servers. DWFS is distinguished from other scheduling algorithms in the sense that it aims to avoid processing of requests that belong to sessions that are likely to be aborted in the near future. The experimental results demonstrate that DWFS can improve server responsiveness by as high as 50% while providing QoS support through service differentiation for a class of application environment.
Acronym Expansion Via Hidden Markov Models

In this paper, we report on design and implementation of a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) to extract acronyms and their expansions. We also report on the training of this HMM with Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) algorithm using a set of examples. Finally, we report on our testing using standard recall and precision. The HMM achieves a recall and precision of 98% and 92% respectively.
The Group Algebra

The simplest meaningful object we can construct out of a field F and a group G is a vector space over F, with the elements of Gas basis.
Unpacking Alliances: Deterrent and Compellent Alliances and Their Relationship with Conflict, 1816–2000

Do alliances deter aggression? I develop a typology of deterrent and compellent military alliances to better define the possible conditions for intervention and use new data from 1816 to 2000 to analyze the relationship between alliances and conflict. First, unconditional compellent alliances, a category that represents a minority of alliances, are associated with a 249% increase in the likelihood of conflict when the prospective initiator is an alliance member. Such alliances are especially associated with violent conflict. Second, conditional compellent alliances exhibit no discernible relationship with conflict. Third, deterrent alliances contingent upon the adversary’s attack are associated with an 18% decrease in the likelihood a third party will initiate a conflict with an alliance member. Minor powers holding such alliances with major powers are unlikely to be attacked violently. Fourth, other categories of deterrent alliances do not deter violent conflict. In fact, deterrent alliances that permit ...
The Relationship of Age to Personal Network Size, Relational Multiplexity, and Proximity to Alters in the Western United States

Objectives. This study e xamines the association of age and other sociodemographic variables with properties of per sonal networks; using samples of individuals residing in the rural western United States and the City of Los Angeles, we evaluate the degree to which these associations vary with geographical context. For both samples, we test the hypothesis that age is negatively associated with network size (i.e., degree) and positively associated with network multiplexity (the extent of overlap) on 6 different relations: core discussion members, social activity participants, emergency contacts, neighborhood safety contacts, job informants, and kin. We also examine the relationship between age and spatial proximity to alters. Method. Our data consist of a lar ge-scale, spatially stratified egocentric network survey containing information about respondents and those to whom they are tied. We use Poisson regression to test our hypothesis regarding degree while adjusting for covariates, including education, gender, race, and self-reported sense of neighborhood belonging. We use multiple linear regression to test our hypotheses on multiplexity and distance to alters. Results. F or both rural and urban populations, we find a nonmonotone association between age and numbers of core discussants and emergency contacts, with rural populations also showing nonmonotone associations for social activity partners and kin. These nonmonotone relationships show a peak in expected degree at midlife, followed by an eventual decline. We find a decline in degree among the elderly for all relations in both populations. Age is positively associated with distance to nonhousehold alters for the rural population, although residential tenure is associated with shorter egoalter distances in both rural and urban settings. Additionally, age is negatively associated with network multiplexity for both populations. Discussion. Although personal netw ork size ultimately declines with age, we find that increases for some relations extend well into late-midlife and most elders still maintain numerous contacts across diverse relations. The evidence we present suggests that older people tap into an wider variety of different network members for different types of relations than do younger people. This is true even for populations in rural settings, for whom immediate access to potential alters is more limited.
Retrograde BMP Signaling at the Synapse: A Permissive Signal for Synapse Maturation and Activity-Dependent Plasticity

At the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the loss of retrograde, trans-synaptic BMP signaling causes motoneuron terminals to have fewer synaptic boutons, whereas increased neuronal activity results in a larger synapse with more boutons. Here, we show that an early and transient BMP signal is necessary and sufficient for NMJ growth as well as for activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. This early critical period was revealed by the temporally controlled suppression of Mad, the SMAD1 transcriptional regulator. Similar results were found by genetic rescue tests involving the BMP4/5/6 ligand Glass bottom boat (Gbb) in muscle, and alternatively the type II BMP receptor Wishful Thinking (Wit) in the motoneuron. These observations support a model where the muscle signals back to the innervating motoneuron's nucleus to activate presynaptic programs necessary for synaptic growth and activity-dependent plasticity. Molecular genetic gain- and loss-of-function studies show that genes involved in NMJ growth and plasticity, including the adenylyl cyclase Rutabaga, the Ig-CAM Fasciclin II, the transcription factor AP-1 (Fos/Jun), and the adhesion protein Neurexin, all depend critically on the canonical BMP pathway for their effects. By contrast, elevated expression of Lar, a receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase found to be necessary for activity-dependent plasticity, rescued the phenotypes associated with the loss of Mad signaling. We also find that synaptic structure and function develop using genetically separable, BMP-dependent mechanisms. Although synaptic growth depended on Lar and the early, transient BMP signal, the maturation of neurotransmitter release was independent of Lar and required later, ongoing BMP signaling.
Phosphatase action on phosphoglycolic, 3-phosphoglyceric, and phosphoenol pyruvic acids in spinach chloroplast fragments in the presence and absence of high concentrations of methanol

Sonically broken spinach chloroplasts, before and after storage in the frozen state, were checked for their ability to phosphatase 14C-labelled phosphoglycolic, phosphoglyceric, and phosphoenol pyruvic acids, and a variety of sugar phosphates, in aqueous mixtures at room temperature, and in 50% and 80% aqueous methanol at 0°. Only phosphoglycolic acid was found to be hydrolysed rapidly under the conditions examined, except in 80% methanol. The other organic phosphates tested were metabolised in the absence of methanol to a number of other compounds usually built up during photosynthesis; in 50% methanol they were hydrolysed either very slowly (phosphoglyceric and phosphoenol pyruvic acids) or not at all (sugar phosphates); in 80% methanol they remained unchanged.
The Self-Generated Alcohol Expectancies of Puerto Rican Drinkers and Abstainers

Using data from an epidemiological study of mainland Puerto Rican drinking, this work compares the self-generated alcohol expectancies of Puerto Rican drinkers and abstainers. While positive expectancies are more characteristic of drinkers, especially “heavy drinkers,” negative expectancies are more characteristic of abstainers, especially lifetime abstainers. Results are discussed in terms of the cultural influences on alcohol expectancies and the positivity bias in alcohol expectancy research.Utilizando datos de un estudio epidemiologico sobre el consumo de alcohol en la isla de Puerto Rico, este estudio comparo las expectativas auto-generadas sobre el alcohol de un grupo de bebedores y de abstemios puertorriquenos. Las expectativas positivas caracterizaron mas al grupo de bebedores, especialmente bebedores de alto consumo; las expectativas negativas caracterizaron mejor a los abstemios, especialmente abstemios de por vida. Los resultados fueron analizados en terminos de las influencias culturales sobre...
Reconfigurable CMOS image sensor design with built-in correlated double sampling

We propose a CMOS image sensor pixel readout method that eliminates the need for external correlated double sampling circuit that is used in existing CMOS active pixel sensor (APS) design. The pixel transistor count in the proposed design is equal to the standard APS thus retaining high fill factor. The design employs reconfigurable differential-input readout amplifier that may be used in both the reset and the readout phases of the image sensor operation. In the proposed method, the DC offset is removed, flicker noise is differentiated, and reset noise is greatly reduced by employing the amplifier in an active reset configuration. Gain related fixed pattern noise (FPN) is also reduced by higher open-loop gain of the differential amplifier. We present analysis and simulations of the proposed reconfigurable active pixel sensor (RAPS) design in a standard 0.35 um CMOS process operating from a 3.3 V power supply.
Effects of Ouabain, Atropine, and Ouabain and Atropine, on A-V Nodal Conduction in Man

The prolongation of A-V transmission time that occurs with increasing rates of right atrial pacing has been used to study the effect of ouabain and of ouabain plus atropine on A-V nodal conduction in 14 patients with normal A-V nodes. Drugs were injected into the superior vena cava or pulmonary artery over a 1- to 2-min period. Atropine in a dose of 0.02 mg/kg shortened A-V conduction time by an average of 0.112 sec; ouabain alone in a dose of 0.01 mg/kg lengthened A-V conduction time by 0.053 sec. Ouabain given after large doses of atropine did not prolong A-V conduction at any paced rate. Thus, in these resting patients with normal A-V nodal function, usual digitalizing dosages of ouabain did not have an extravagal or antiadrenergic effect on A-V nodal conduction.
Acquisition-based simulation

The Army acquisition community requires high-resolution simulations that represent the dismounted infantry soldier in enough detail to conduct an analysis of alternatives (AOA) for individual weapons and equipment. These models must also be capable of assessing future, proposed capabilities and technologies. Previous work established a detailed, representative set of soldier functions which should be modeled, as well as proposed coordination among three different models. This paper describes the technique used for implementing that coordination on behalf of the acquisition community. It does so in two parts. First, we discuss the methodology used to transforming the needs of the acquisition community into analysis needs. Second, we describe how we integrated the soldier functions into those analysis needs to derive simulation requirements. We will conclude with a discussion of how effective the technique has been in practice.
Four-year randomized prospective comparison of percutaneous ePTFE/nitinol self-expanding stent graft versus prosthetic femoral-popliteal bypass in the treatment of superficial femoral artery occlusive disease

Background This is a randomized prospective study comparing the treatment of superficial femoral artery occlusive disease percutaneously with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)/nitinol self-expanding stent graft (stent graft) versus surgical femoral to above-knee popliteal artery bypass with synthetic graft material. Methods One hundred limbs in 86 patients with superficial femoral artery occlusive disease were evaluated from March 2004 to May 2005. Patient symptoms included both claudication and limb threatening ischemia with or without tissue loss. Trans-Atlantic InterSociety Consensus (TASC II) A (n = 18), B (n = 56), C (n = 11), and D (n = 15) lesions were included. Patients were randomized prospectively into one of two treatment groups; a percutaneous treatment group (group A; n=50) with angioplasty and placement of one or more stent grafts, or a surgical treatment group (group B; n=50) with a femoral to above-knee popliteal artery bypass using synthetic conduit (Dacron or ePTFE). Patients were followed for 48 months. Follow-up evaluation included clinical assessment, physical examination, ankle-brachial indices, and color flow duplex sonography at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months. Results Mean total lesion length of the treated arterial segment in the stent graft group was 25.6 cm (SD = 15 cm). The stent graft group demonstrated a primary patency of 72%, 63%, 63%, and 59% with a secondary patency of 83%, 74%, 74%, and 74% at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, respectively. The surgical femoral-popliteal group demonstrated a primary patency of 76%, 63%, 63%, and 58% with a secondary patency of 86%, 76%, 76%, and 71% at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, respectively. No statistical difference was found between the two groups with respect to primary ( P = .807) or secondary ( P = .891) patency. Conclusion Management of superficial femoral artery occlusive disease with percutaneous stent grafts exhibits similar primary patency at 4-year (48 month) follow up when compared with conventional femoral-popliteal artery bypass grafting with synthetic conduit. This treatment method may offer an alternative to treatment of the superficial femoral artery segment for revascularization when prosthetic bypass is being considered or when autologous conduit is unavailable.
Management and outcome of patients with invasive carcinoma arising in colorectal polyps

Abstract Background & Aims: Treatment for invasive adenocarcinoma in colorectal polyps (malignant polyps) is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate our institutional treatment strategy for malignant polyps. Methods: Malignant polyps were designated as having favorable histology (grade I or II carcinoma with at least a 2-mm free margin) or unfavorable histology (grade III invasive adenocarcinoma, invasive adenocarcinoma with an unassessable margin, or a margin of P = 0.03). Conclusions: Endoscopic polypectomy alone is adequate therapy for malignant polyps with favorable histology.
The Case for β-Adrenergic Blockade as Prophylaxis Against Perioperative Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality

Perioperative morbidity and mortality are frequently cardiac in origin. Many studies have prospectively attempted to define risk factors for cardiac ischemic events. Although we can now identify high-risk patients, optimal cardioprotective management strategies remain unclear. Treatment with β-adrenergic antagonists decreases myocardial oxygen consumption and is generally well tolerated. This article reviews the physiologic and clinical basis for using these agents as prophylaxis against cardiovascular events in high-risk surgical patients.
Six-Meter Focal Length Ebert-Type Infrared Spectrograph. Part I. Details of the Spectrograph

A description is presented of a recently constructed Ebert-type vacuum infrared spectrograph. The grating employed is a 73.25 grooves per mm 25.4 × 12.7 cm ruled echelle blazed for an angle of 63°26′. The entire instrument operates in a vacuum. Facilities have been provided to use the spectrograph with tritium-substituted compounds, such as NT3, TF, CT4, etc.
The Evidence for Chronic Lung Disease in Cotton Textile Workers

Abstract This article summarizes the epidemiological evidence that documents the presence of chronic lung disease in cotton textile workers due to cotton-dust exposure in the mills. Historical, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies are discussed. In addition, the authors present results from a recent prospective study of both active and retired cotton textile workers in Columbia, South Carolina, indicating that chronic lung disease is present even in workers no longer exposed to cotton dust.
Systemic effects of biomaterials

Evaluation of the host response to implanted biomaterials usually focuses on the implant site tissue response. This may lead to erroneous conclusions in the same way that examination of battles outside of their historic context does. A broader view discloses a variety of possible and actual systemic effects of carcinogenic, metabolic, immunological and bacteriological nature. Recognition of these effects in patients is hampered by a lack of epidemiological studies.
Cytologic diagnosis of osseous lesions: a review with emphasis on the diagnosis of primary neoplasms of bone.

Fine-needle aspiration has been utilized as the initial diagnostic technique at a large number of body sites for over three quarters of a century. As early as the 1930s, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was used to investigate lesions of the musculoskeletal system. In many early reports, FNA was most frequently and successfully used for the diagnosis of metastatic disease to bone. Less emphasis was placed on its utility for the investigation of primary neoplasms of bone and soft tissue. Current utilization of FNA continues to de-emphasize its application to the diagnosis of primary lesions of the musculoskeletal system. Recent advances in imaging techniques, immunohistochemistry, and molecular diagnostics along with an increasing familiarity among pathologists with the cytologic appearance of primary osseous tumors has led to reevaluation of the technique for investigation of these tumors. The diagnostic accuracy of FNA along with its relatively low cost and high degree of safety makes it a desirable technique for the investigation of primary lesions of the musculoskeletal system. This article reviews issues of diagnostic accuracy, optimal practice procedures, and benefits of the technique including cost reduction. The article will review criteria for selection of appropriate tissue targets for FNA to reduce the number of unsatisfactory specimens. Cytomorphologic features of the more common primary neoplasms of bone will be summarized along with recommendations for the utilization of immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics in the work-up of primary neoplasms of bone. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Parametric decay of radial Alfvén waves in the expanding accelerating solar wind

[1] We study the onset and evolution of the Alfven wave parametric decay instability within the Accelerating Expanding Box model in the framework of a one-fluid description of the plasma. As we are interested in understanding wave propagation and dissipation in the inner heliosphere and solar wind, the expansion of the solar wind itself may not be neglected. In this sense, the Accelerating Expanding Box provides a useful and simple model to mimic the effects that the expansion of the underlying atmosphere has on wave propagation and plasma dynamics. In the simulations, we follow the evolution of Alfven waves along a fast solar wind stream, from the sub-Alfvenic region up to a maximum heliocentric distance of nearly 4 AU. We consider exact solutions of the compressible MHD system given by circularly polarized Alfven waves which propagate in the radial direction, along the mean magnetic field. Both monochromatic waves and a nonmonochromatic wave are considered. Monochromatic waves have periods ranging from a few minutes to a few hours, the latter being stabilized by the expansion. The nonmonochromatic wave has a central period of the order of a few minutes, with a broad spectrum containing frequencies near the threshold of the instability. In this case the Alfven wave partly decays into backward daughter Alfven waves up to the instability saturation, then giving rise to a nonlinear cascade of incompressible and compressible modes.
Perspective of read heads for ultra-high recording densities and associated noise issues

In the paper, the authors review the Current Perpendicular-to-Plane (CPP) read heads for ultra-high recording densities. First the advantages of CPP heads over Current-in-Plane (CIP) heads are presented. Then the technologies including tunnelling magnetoresistance that has been used in read heads are discussed. Last, noise and instability issues in CPP heads associated with the specific technologies are analysed from the angles of understanding the microscopic mechanisms and of optimising the head fabrication process.
Endothelial Protein Kinase C Isoform Identity and Differential Activity of PKCζ in an Athero-Susceptible Region of Porcine Aorta

Endothelial protein kinase C (PKC) signaling was investigated in different regions of normal porcine aorta. The locations map to differential atherosclerotic susceptibility and correlate with sites of disturbed (DF) or undisturbed (UF) local flow profiles. Endothelial lysates were isolated from the inner curvature of the aortic arch (DF; athero-susceptible) and a nearby UF region of the descending thoracic aorta (UF; athero-protected), and in some experiments a distant athero-protected UF site, the common carotid artery. Total endothelial PKC activity in the DF regions was 145% to 240% of that in both UF locations (P<0.05), whereas the UF regions were not significantly different from each other. PKC protein isoforms α, β, e, ι, λ, and ζ were expressed in similar proportions in both aortic regions, suggesting that differences of kinase activity were not directly attributable to expression levels. Inhibition of members of the “conventional” and “novel” PKC families had no differential effect on regional kin...
Impact of composted swine manure and tillage on common waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis) competition with soybean

Abstract Use of composted swine manure produced in deep-bedded hoop structures is a promising approach for recycling farm waste products and improving soil fertility, but little is known about its effects on crop–weed interactions. A 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate the effect of compost amendments and tillage on soybean–common waterhemp competition. Experiments were conducted in no-tillage and chisel plow main plots with compost applied to one of two types of subplots. Common waterhemp and soybean growth was measured in sub-subplots accommodating weed-free soybean and soybean with common waterhemp sown at soybean planting, soybean emergence (VE), soybean second-node stage (V2), and soybean sixth-node stage (V6). Soybean heights were not influenced by compost or common waterhemp sowing time. Soybean stem diameters were influenced by year, tillage regime, and an interaction between compost and common waterhemp sowing time. In contrast, common waterhemp heights and basal diameters were greater when sown...
Structural Plasticity Induced by Physical Exercise

Nonhuman animal studies have provided a low-level biological basis for examining the effect of exercise on the human brain. Beginning in 2003, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology started to be used to examine how cardiovascular fitness, physical activity, and exercise were related to volumetric assessments of the brain and its subregions. These studies, at first confined to samples of healthy older adults, have provided convincing evidence that physical activity has the capacity to increase brain volume and offset age-related atrophy of both subcortical and cortical areas.
Reduced exercise capacity in senescent beagles: an evaluation of the periphery

This study investigated the effect of age on peripheral factors involved in the systemic response to maximal exercise. Skeletal muscle was analyzed and regional blood flow distribution was determined at rest and during maximal exercise in senescent (old) and in younger mature (young) beagles. Maximal exercise capacity was significantly reduced (P less than 0.05) in old and was associated with a reduction in cardiac output (CO), as well as a tendency for arteriovenous O2 difference to be reduced, with a concomitant reduction in maximal O2 consumption. In each regional circulation evaluated, resting blood flow was similar in young and old. During exercise, blood flow was similar in young and old to the diaphragm, heart, tongue, and six of seven locomotory muscles. Concomitant blood flow reductions in splanchnic regions tended to be more pronounced in old than in young. Skeletal muscle analyses of triceps, semitendinosus, and gastrocnemius muscles disclosed similar percent fiber type distribution in young and old but a reduction in type II fiber area in old. In addition, both muscle capillary density and capillary-to-fiber ratio were reduced in old. These results demonstrate that age-related changes in blood flow distribution during maximal exercise enable skeletal muscle blood flow to be maintained in old, despite reductions in maximal CO and in muscle capillary density. However, this pattern of blood flow distribution only partially compensates for the combined effects of age-related changes in metabolic potential of the periphery, O2 content of arterial blood, and cardiac function during maximal exercise in old.
Therapies on the Horizon for Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic nephropathy is rapidly becoming the major cause of end-stage renal disease and cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Standard of care therapies include strict glycemic control and blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis. While these treatments slow progression of diabetic nephropathy, they do not arrest or reverse it. Newer therapies targeting multiple molecular pathways involved in renal inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress have shown promise in animal models. Subsequently, many of these agents have been investigated in clinical human trials with mixed results. In this review, we will discuss recent findings of novel agents used in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
What Motivates Banks and Other Financial Services Firms to Merge? An Empirical Analysis of Economic and Institutional Factors 1

With globalization and deregulation, the financial services industry in many areas has consolidated significantly since the mid-1990s. What drove financial services mergers among key segments and geographic regions? This paper uses a comprehensive data set comprising 1,434 mergers in 62 countries from 1995-2011 to explore empirically the motivations behind financial services mergers, examining the factors that impact the deal premium paid to effectuate the merger. We find stronger regulatory environments, especially lower corruption, to have a positive effect on the synergies projected to arise from financial services mergers. In contrast, higher financial freedom levels were found to have a negative impact on the deal premium. Also, higher measured levels of legal protection are associated with higher deal premiums in banking mergers, though the opposite is true for insurance. Acquirers also pay higher premiums to purchase targets that are relatively small and easier to integrate. Finally, there is evidence that acquirers pay more to consummate cross-border versus domestic mergers, a result driven by cross-border, investment banking mergers.