cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Latitudinal displacement from main moisture source controls δ 18 O of snow in coastal Antarctica

δ18O in polar precipitation is usually correlated with the condensation temperature1,2. Here, observations of the oxygen isotopic composition of coastal Antarctic precipitation at Syowa Station3,4 during 1974 are re-evaluated, and it is demonstrated that monthly average δ18O is more closely associated with the preceding month's mean temperature than that at the time of sampling. Linear regression indicates that the lag between temperature and isotopic ratio occurs because sea ice extent is a dominant factor for δ18O values in Antarctic precipitation (Fig. 1). The annual growth and decay of Antarctic sea ice parallels the migration of the primary moisture source region which is located in the vicinity of the 0 or 1 °C sea surface isotherm We conclude that the meridional distance from the primary moisture source is the main determinant of δ18O values in coastal Antarctic precipitation.
Defective Esterase and Kinin-Forming Activity in Human Fletcher Trait Plasma: A Fraction Rich in Kallikreinlike Activity

Fletcher trait plasma failed to generate kinin and developed only a small amount of arginine esterase activity at an abnormally slow rate following surface activation. Neither defect was due to a deficiency of Hageman factor (HF, factor XII) or kininogen or to an excessively rapid inactivation of evolving kinin. Pyrex pretreated with Fletcher trait plasma did not generate kinin normally in fresh normal plasma. Fractions rich in prekallikrein prepared from normal, HF-deficient, or plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA)-deficient plasma developed kallikrein activity by direct activation during incubation with trypsin or HF fragments formed by digesting partially purified HF with trypsin. In contrast, identical fractions of Fletcher trait plasma did not develop this activity. Although this finding suggested that Fletcher trait plasma was deficient in prekallikrein, materials eluted from Celite that had been incubated in Fletcher trait plasma contained both esterase and kinin-generating activities. Celite eluates prepared from normal and Fletcher trait plasma released kinin from partially purified kininogen equally well. This release was blocked by soybean trypsin inhibitor but not by lima-bean trypsin inhibitor. Therefore, although unfractionated Fletcher trait plasma appears to be functionally and antigenically deficient in normal prekallikrein, it may actually contain a different prekallikrein which is activated by exposure to Celite but not by exposure to activated HF or trypsin.
Bird Species and Numbers of Birds in Oak Savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands Region Including Effects of Burning

ABSTRACT Oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands region provide food, cover, and sites for nesting, roosting, and perching for a diversity of bird species. The results of a five-year (2003–2007) study of bird species, numbers of birds, and their diversities in the naturally occurring (unburned) oak savannas of the region are reported in this paper. Effects of cool-season and warm-season prescribed burning treatments and a wildfire on bird species and numbers of birds sighted on the same study area after these burning events are also presented. These effects were difficult to isolate, however, because of the large variability in the tallies of bird species and numbers of birds obtained throughout the study.
Cloning and expression of the bovine 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-2

The bovine 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme (11beta-HSD-2) cDNA was cloned from three overlapping PCR fragments using primers based on the human and ovine 11beta-HSD-2 cDNA sequences. Both cDNA ends were obtained by a modified RACE (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends) method. The bovine 11beta-HSD-2 cDNA is 1878 bp long, excluding the poly(A) tail. It consists of a 5'-untranslated region of 133 bp, an open reading frame of 1215 bp and a 3'-untranslated region of 530 bp. Bovine 11beta-HSD-2 cDNA is highly homologous to that of the sheep (92%) and less related to the human (67%), rabbit (65%), rat (52%) and mouse (45%) cDNA. The predicted bovine 11beta-HSD-2 protein contains 404 amino acid residues with a calculated mol wt of 43,985. It is homologous to the sheep (98%) and human (88%) protein, and less related to that of the rabbit (76%), rat (80%) and mouse (77%). The cloned 11beta-HSD-2 cDNA was transfected into CHOP cells and the enzymatic characteristics determined. The enzyme functions primarily as an oxidase, uses NAD(+) and is more active with corticosterone as a substrate than with cortisol or dexamethasone. It is expressed in high concentrations in kidney, adrenal and colon, and in small concentrations in liver, heart and lung. In conclusion, the 11beta-HSD-2 enzyme of cattle is very similar to that of other species in its structure and enzymatic characteristics.
High-performance millimetre-wave GaAs power MESFET prepared by gas source molecular beam epitaxy

A state-of-the-art GaAs power MESFET prepared by gas source molecular beam epitaxy is described. The device showed DC transconductance of 180mS/mm and generated power density of 0–6W/mm at 35 GHz, with 5dB gain and 28% power-added efficiency.
LARGE‐SCALE INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE TO IMPLEMENT AN URBAN UNIVERSITY MISSION: Portland State University

In response to calls for accountability and effectiveness, public universities are reviewing their missions and are adopting measurable mission-specific goals. An emerging distinctive institutional...
Mössbauer-effect and infrared-absorption study of the radiolysis products of potassium trisoxalatoferrate(III)

Abstract Mossbauer-effect and infrared studies on the radiolysis products of potassium trisoxalatoferrate(III) are reported. The principal radiolysis products are identified as cis and trans isomers of potassium bisoxalatobisaquoferrate(II). Room temperature measurements of the quadrupole splittings are: ϵcis = (2·58±0·03) mm/sec ϵtrans = (3·90±0·04) mm/sec; and of the chemical shifts with respect to sodium nitroprusside: δcis = (1·48±0·03) mm/sec. δtrans = (1·42±0·03) mm/sec. Evidence is also seen for as many as three additional compounds, either in irradiated samples of potassium trisoxalatoferrate(III) or in synthesized KFe(II)-C2O4 complexes. One of these is identified as potassium bisoxalatobisaquoferrate(III) with ϵ = (0·69±0·03) mm/sec and δ = (0·66±0·03) mm/sec. Possible assignments for the others are discussed.
HOLOGRAPHIC CRYSTALLOGRAPHY FOR SURFACE STUDIES: A REVIEW OF THE BASIC PRINCIPLES

In this paper, we review the basic principles of the technique of holographic crystallography (HXT) for surface studies. We discuss the appropriateness of the use of the term "holography" in this field in the light of its relation to other branches of that subject. We compare the effects of multiple scattering and the anisotropies of the reference and object waves on the computer reconstruction of images in HXT. We note that the twin-image problem of conventional holography is a direct consequence of the fact that the hologram is recorded on a two-dimensional surface. Like optical volume holography, which overcomes this problem by recording a diffraction pattern on a thick photographic emulsion, multienergy HXT does so by recording the pattern in a volume of reciprocal space. We consider the relative merits of different reconstruction algorithms, particularly proposals for reducing the deleterious effects of the anisotropies of the reference and object waves. We urge the use of techniques of modern computer graphics to render to full effect the striking 3D images reconstructed.
Comparison of the metabolism of 3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamine and mescaline in humans

Abstract 3,4-Dimethoxyphenylethylamine, mescaline, and placebo were administered at weekly intervals to eight subjects. More than 77 percent of the 3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamine administered was recovered as 3,4-dimethoxyphenylacetic acid. In contrast, mescaline in considerable amount was not recovered as either unmetabolized compound or acid metabolite. The administered mescaline that was recovered was found in somewhat large measure as unchanged material. A lesser amount was recovered as 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenylacetic acid.
Fluorocarbon Resin Piston Rings and Overbraided Hose Give Good Service

Abstract> Describes new uses of tetrafluoroethylenefluorocarbon resins as piston rings and rod packings on compressors and in wire overbraided flexible hose. Briefly outlines developement of these piston rings made of resins blended with various materials such as glass fibers, graphite, and carbon black. Explains advantages of piston rings of TFE resins and gives several case histories showing their performance. Also describes applications of TFE resin hose overbraided with wire in steam and chimical service. Case histories are given to show the hose's performance under specific environments.
Ockham's Razor, Truth, and Information

In science, one faces the problem of selecting the true theory from a range of alternative theories. The typical response is to select the simplest theory compatible with available evidence, on the authority of \Ockham’s Razor". But how can a flxed bias toward simplicity help one flnd possibly complex truths? A short survey of standard answers to this question reveals them to be either wishful, circular, or irrelevant. A new explanation is presented, based on minimizing the reversals of opinion prior to convergence to the truth. According to this alternative approach, Ockham’s razor does not inform one which theory is true but is, nonetheless, the uniquely most e‐cient strategy for arriving at the true theory, where e‐ciency is a matter of minimizing reversals of opinion prior to flnding the true theory.
Performance behavior of unmanned vehicle aided mobile backbone based wireless ad hoc networks

We introduce unmanned vehicles (UVs) to aid the operation of the mobile backbone based wireless ad hoc networks, and serve to significantly enhance the construction of a capable backbone network. We consider two types of UVs: unmanned airborne vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The UAVs may orbit at different layers (and altitudes), communicating to ground access stations. They serve to connect distant isolated sub-networks and may act as relays for non-time-sensitive traffic flows. We position fixed UGVs in the operational area at advantageous positions to offer both high coverage of mobile units as well as to contribute to the formation of a capable high capacity backbone. Their location is selected based on observed mobility behavior (over the operational area of interest) statistics of the system's mobile stations. They also serve to maintain the network connectivity, mobile unit coverage and add needed capacity and spatial connectivity needed to provide quality of service (QoS) guarantees and to support real-time streams and critical messaging flows. In this paper, we present extensive performance results concerning the operation of a dynamic backbone based ad hoc wireless network that employs UVs. We also study three different node movement models that affect the performance of such networks.
Physics of compact stellarators

Recent progress in the theoretical understanding and design of compact stellarators is described. Hybrid devices, which depart from canonical stellarators by deriving benefits from the bootstrap current which flows at finite beta, comprise a class of low aspect ratio A<4 stellarators. They possess external kink stability (at moderate beta) in the absence of a conducting wall, possible immunity to disruptions through external control of the transform and magnetic shear, and they achieve volume-averaged ballooning beta limits (4%–6%) similar to those in tokamaks. In addition, bootstrap currents can reduce the effects of magnetic islands (self-healing effect) and lead to simpler stellarator coils by reducing the required external transform. Powerful physics and coil optimization codes have been developed and integrated to design experiments aimed at exploring compact stellarators. The physics basis for designing the national compact stellarator will be discussed.
The GC factor regulates the expression of the insulin‐like growth factor‐I receptor

We have transfected a plasmid expressing the transcriptional regulator GC Factor (GCF) into cell lines and have found that the GCF: 1 causes a decrease in the levels of insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) mRNA; 2 causes a decrease in the number of IGF-IRs; and 3 represses the activity of the IGF-IR promoter. In addition, we show that the regulation of IGF-IR expression by GCF plays a physiological role in the control of cellular proliferation in vitro.
Survival and growth responses of eight Everglades tree species along an experimental hydrological gradient on two tree island types.

Questions: How are the early survival and growth of seedlings of Everglades tree species planted in an experimental setting on artificial tree islands affected by hydrology and substrate type? What are the implications of these responses for broader tree island restoration efforts? Location: Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment (LILA), Boynton Beach, Florida, USA. Methods: An experiment was designed to test hydrological and substrate effects on seedling growth and survivorship. Two islands – a peat and a limestonecore island representing two major types found in the Everglades – were constructed in four macrocosms. A mixture of eight tree species was planted on each island in March of 2006 and 2007. Survival and height growth of seedlings planted in 2006 were assessed periodically during the next two and a half years. Results: Survival and growth improved with increasing elevation on both tree island substrate types. Seedlings’ survival and growth responses along a moisture gradient matched species distributions along natural hydrological gradients in the Everglades. The effect of substrate on seedling performance showed higher survival of most species on the limestone tree islands, and faster growth on their peat-based counterparts. Conclusions: The present results could have profound implications for restoration of forests on existing landforms and artificial creation of tree islands. Knowledge of species tolerance to flooding
Alpha4 subunit-containing GABAA receptors in the accumbens shell contribute to the reinforcing effects of alcohol.

The α4βδ gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAR) has been proposed to mediate the rewarding effects of low-to-moderate concentrations of alcohol (ethanol) that approximate those achieved by social drinking. If this is true, then this receptor should be necessary for the reinforcing effects of ethanol as assessed in an instrumental self-administration procedure in which rats are trained to lever press for oral ethanol. We used viral-mediated RNA interference to transiently reduce expression of the α4 GABAAR subunit in the shell region of the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We found that responding for ethanol was significantly reduced after α4 reductions in the NAc shell, but not NAc core. This reduction was specific to ethanol, as responding for sucrose was not altered. The presence of ethanol was also required as unreinforced responding for ethanol in subjects previously trained to respond for ethanol (i.e. responding during an extinction test) was not altered. In addition, responding during reinforced sessions was not altered during the initial 5 minutes of the session, but decreased after 5 minutes, following multiple reinforced responses. Together, these findings indicate that the α4 GABAAR subunit in the NAc shell is necessary for the instrumental reinforcing effects of oral ethanol, further supporting a role for α4-containing GABAARs in the rewarding/reinforcing effects of ethanol. Possible pharmacological and non-pharmacological explanations for these effects are considered.
Overweight, Diet, Physical Activity, and Hypertension in Low-Income School-Aged Children

The purpose of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to examine overweight as an independent risk factor for hypertension (HTN) in children, as well as associations among body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, diet, and physical activity. Study participants included 1,284 students in grades five to eight in three school districts in rural northern California. Analysis of variance was used to test for differences in BMI and blood pressure based on diet and physical activity. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the relationships among blood pressure, BMI, dietary, and physical activity variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for BMI and systolic blood pressure. Forty-four percent of the students were > 85th percentile BMI-for-age. With one blood pressure reading, 28% met the criteria for either pre-hypertension or hypertension using standardized criteria for age, gender, and height. HTN rates were significantly higher for overweight vs. normal weight children (p=.001). Fruit and vegetable intake decreased significantly by grade (р =.001). Regression results showed that soda consumption was an independent risk factor for BMI (p =.001) and that BMI was an independent risk factor for HTN (p=.001). Findings support the need for nutrition education and physical activity promotion programs in these three school districts.
Care of the infant with type I diabetes mellitus.

The incidence of Type I diabetes mellitus in children less than two years of age appears to be on the increase. Management of this age group is ex tremely challenging. Education and management should be individualized and needs to focus specifically on this developmental stage.This article will describe normal de velopmental milestones for the child less than two years of age and present the approach used at The Children's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts in the management of Type I diabetes occurring in this age group.
Pol: specification-driven synthesis of architectural code frameworks for platform-based applications

Developing applications that use complex platforms for functionalities such as authentication and messaging is hard. Model-driven engineering promises to help, but transformation systems are themselves hard to produce. We contribute a new approach using constraint-based synthesis of partial code frameworks that developers complete by hand without the need for hand-coded transformation systems. Rather, synthesis is driven by formal, partial specifications of target platforms and application architectures, and by design (code) fragments encoding application-specific platform us-age patterns. We present results of an early evaluation using the case study method to test hypotheses of feasibility and potential industrial utility, using a laboratory model of a nationwide health information network as a subject system.
Plans for precision RF controls for FERMI@ELETTRA

FERMI@ELETTRA is a 4th generation light source under construction at Sincrotrone Trieste. It will be operated as a seeded FEL driven by a warm S-band Linac presently serving as the injector for the ELETTRA storage ring. Operation as an FEL driver places much more stringent specifications on control of the amplitude and phase of the RF stations than in its present operation. This paper describes a conceptual design of new RF controls to achieve these specifications. The system consists of a stabilized distribution of the master oscillator signal providing a reference to local digital RF controllers. The RF controller is based on recent improvements on modern digital systems, using a 16-bit high speed digitizer in combination with an FPGA and high speed DAC.
Quantifying antiarrhythmic drug blocking during action potentials in guinea-pig papillary muscle.

Abstract This report examines the blocking effects that several antiarrhythmic drugs have on rapid upstroke velocities of action potentials recorded from guinea-pig papillary muscle. A mathematical analysis is developed that measures an effective ‘blocking rate’ that acts during the action potential with the purpose being to compare these blocking rates for different drug structures. There is a systematic, inverse relationship observed between the concentration of amide-linked drug that must be applied in order to produce a given blocking effect and the lipid distribution capability of each drug. Ether-linked drug structures are relatively more potent than amide-linked drugs in this context.
Diagnosing Developmental Problems in Children: Parents and Professionals Negotiate Bad News

Objective: To examine how parents and professionals engage in a process of negotiation over what labels to use and what developmental meaning to ascribe to those labels when Imparting a diagnosis of mental disability to parents of young children. Method: We performed a soclollnguistic analysis of 10 feedback sessions with parents whose children had been diagnosed by a clinical team as developmental^ disabled. Results: Professionals shied away from explicit use of labels; they preferred to describe children's deficits with rate descriptors (e.g., "slow"). Parties to the sessions see-sawed between optimistic and pessimistic statements. That is, when parents seemed despairing, professionals would try to hold out hope; when parents were unrealistic, professionals gave more blunt statements. Parents who received the most ambiguous Interpretations seemed left with diagnostic questions still unanswered; those who received more forthright information appeared better able to move on to issues of prognosis. Conclusions: Diagnoses of developmental disabilities are Jointly constructed by parents and professionals. We recommend larger and more controlled studies on the relationship between negotiation and labeling In diagnostic feedback interviews and the impact of these processes on parental satisfaction and adaptation.
Laser-plasma generated electron beams for radiographic applications

We investigate use of laser-accelerated electron beams for high resolution long standoff, radiographic applications and detection of shielded dense materials. For first time, radiographs with sub-millimeter resolution; embedded gaps in dense materials are presented.
A 576 K 3.5-ns access BiCMOS ECL static RAM with array built-in self-test

An experimental 576 K BiCMOS emitter-coupled-logic (ECL)-compatible SRAM that achieves 3.5-ns access and cycle is discussed. The SRAM is fully self-testable using less than 1 K on-chip logic gates to assist characterization, wafer testing, and package testing. The I/O is also transistor-transistor-logic (TTL) programmable with the first-metal mask. >
Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Including Group Quarters Residents With Household Residents Can Change What We Know About Working-Age People With Disabilities

Information about residents of institutional and noninstitutional group quarters (GQ), particularly those with disabilities, has been limited by gaps in survey data, and statistics based on data that exclude some or all GQ residents are biased as estimates of total population statistics. We used the 2006 and 2007 American Community Survey (ACS) to identify the distribution of working-age populations with and without disabilities by major residence type and to assess the sensitivity of disability statistics to GQ residence. Our findings show that (1) of those with disabilities, about 1 in 13 males and 1 in 33 females live in GQ; (2) GQ rates are higher for individuals reporting mental, self-care, or go-outside-the-home disabilities than for those reporting sensory, physical, or employment disabilities; (3) younger males with disabilities are more likely to reside there, particularly at institutional GQ, reflecting their relatively high incarceration rate; (4) individuals with and without disabilities who are black, American Indian, were never married, or have less than a high school education have higher GQ residence rates; (5) 40% of male and 62% of female GQ residents have a disability; (6) adding GQ residents to household residents increases estimated disability prevalence for males by 6%, and the estimated difference between disability prevalence rates by gender nearly disappears; and (7) inclusion of the GQ population substantially lowers employment rate estimates for young males, blacks, and American Indians.
Evaluation of a Rapid Latex-Agglutination Test for Detection of α1-Fetoprotein

A latex-agglutination assay for α-fetoprotein (AFP) has been evaluated and compared to the results obtained by counter-immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP). Both of these tests must be performed on both undiluted and diluted sera, to avoid prozone effects. Agglutination of control latex, coated with normal rabbit gamma globulin, by sera from 8% of hepatoma patients and 18% of patients with other liver diseases makes the test inconclusive in these patients. Nevertheless, there was 88.6% agreement with CIEP in the detection of AFP in a series of 50 hepatoma patients. There were no false positives for sera from 98 patients with other liver diseases or for normal controls. We conclude that latex agglutination is a simple, specific way to screen large numbers of sera for AFP, if all positive results are confirmed by a control latex test and CIEP.
Parameter estimation of random modulated chirp signals

Source or target tracking is an important problem in radar and sonar. If the target is moving with significant velocity, the received signal is nonstationary because of the time-varying delay. Usually the transmitted signal s(t) is narrowband with carrier frequency w, so that the delay does not distort the amplitude but affects only the carrier term. The signal received at the observation sensor is: x(t)=m(t)s(t-/spl phi/(t))+n(t)/spl ap/m(t)s(t)e(jw/sub 0spl phi/(t))+n(t) (1) where, n(t) is the zero-mean, stationary additive noise which models the sensor noise and other ocean interference. The transmitted signal s(t) undergoes random multiplicative transformations m(t) due to platform motion and vibration, ocean effects, and target scintillation. If the target or source is moving with constant acceleration, the time-varying delay is a second-order polynomial /spl phi/(t)=d/sub e/+d/sub l/t+d/sub 2/t/sup 2/, (2) with the coefficients related to its range, velocity, and acceleration. Hence, tracking the target is equivalent to estimating the coefficients of the phase polynomial /spl phi/(t). Such signals also arise in continuous phase modulation and passive array processing with moving sources. The process in (1) is nonstationary and has time-varying second and higher-order moments and cumulants. However, specific higher-order cumulants of it are (almost) periodic with the period being related to the polynomial coefficients. The Fourier Series coefficient of the time-varying correlation called the cyclic cumulant conveys information about the time-variation and can be exploited to estimate the time-varying delay via the coefficients. >
Reductions in cannabis use are associated with mood improvement in female emerging adults

BACKGROUND: Cannabis use and the development of depression symptoms have been linked in prospective research. However, no research has examined how depression symptoms might change relative to reductions in cannabis use. One group at risk for comorbid cannabis-use disorders and clinical depression is female emerging adults (those aged 18-25 years old) as cannabis use peaks during this period, depression is the most common psychiatric disorder among emerging adults, and females are at increased risk for depression relative to males. This study examined the longitudinal association between reductions in cannabis use and existing depression symptoms. METHODS: Secondary analyses from a cannabis intervention trial for 332 female emerging adults were conducted. Changes in depression symptoms (categorized as minimal, mild, and moderate or more severe depression) were assessed in relation to changes in cannabis use at 3- and 6-months postbaseline assessment. RESULTS: After controlling for alcohol use, the association between change in cannabis-use frequency and change in depression (measured by Beck Depression Inventory-II) was significantly stronger for those with mild depression (b = -0.26; 95% CI: -0.44, -0.08; P =.004), and for those with moderate or more severe depression (b = -0.50; 95% CI: -0.68, -0.33; P CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a relationship between reductions in cannabis use and reductions in depression symptoms among female emerging adults who report at least mild depression symptoms. This represents a clinically meaningful effect for clinicians treating patients with co-occurring cannabis use and depressive disorders. Language: en
Dividend Initiations, Analyst Forecasts, and the Cost of Capital

In this paper, I explore the information content of dividends by looking at dividend initiation announcements. While earlier literature has used analyst forecasts to explore the information content of dividends, they have all focused on dividend changes. I show that analysts revise their one-year-ahead (long-run growth) forecasts upwards (downward) one month after the initiation announcement. However, after the fiscal year end in which a firm announced the dividend initiation, both one-year-ahead earnings and long-run earnings growth forecasts are significantly lower than before the firm became a dividend payer. These results suggest dividends are not a signal of good future prospects. Rather, the results indicate that dividend initiations signal that a firm has fewer long-run growth opportunities. They also suggest dividends are a way of reducing the agency problem. I show that the cost of capital decreases significantly one year after the initiation announcement. Thus, it seems that paying dividends helps reduce the agency problem following a decrease in growth opportunities. Finally, my results also suggest that firms do not start paying dividends in order to reduce their cost of capital.
Progressive Increase in the Quantity of Deviation in Congenital Esotropia

. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It was the author's clinical impression that many individuals with congenital esotropia demonstrated an increase in the quantity of deviation measured over time. The present study statistically examines the prevalence and quantity of increase in the amount of deviation measured for a consecutive series of patients with congenital esotropia prior to surgical alignment. . PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients treated during a 5-year period. Data were recorded for the initial and final measurements of the strabismus and the initial and final surgical plans prior to surgery. Also recorded were the age at surgery, length of observation before surgery, refraction, use of patching, and initial motor alignment outcome. . RESULTS: Approximately 50% of 41 patients showed an average increase of 20 prism diopters (PD) in the quantity of the deviation when they were observed for an average of 3 months. The age at initial measurement, age at surgery, length of observation prior to surgery, refraction, or use of patching could not be used to identify patients with the increase in the amount of strabismus. However, in cases where the final surgical plan was based on the measurements made the day before surgery, 90% of the patients showed an initial surgical alignment to within 10 PD or orthotropia by 6 weeks postoperatively. . CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that a significant increase in the amount of preoperative deviation is very prevalent in patients being observed for congenital esotropia. This finding suggests that the timing of preoperative measurements is very important, and that the data collected close to the date of surgery are the most important with which to plan surgery.
Income and Price Policy in Swedish Agriculture Since World War II

Since 1947 Sweden has been following an explicit policy of maintaining a domestic agriculture capable of supplying the country's food needs in case of national isolation. This is an integral part of Sweden's foreign policy of neutrality. At the same time, the aim is to provide the agricultural work force with a standard of living equal to that of "comparable" groups. The policy has mainly been implemented through variable import fees. Three different systems have been used to establish these fees, with varying degrees of success in maintaining both agricultural incomes and some flexibility in production. The government has also aided the modernization of agricultural production. It is estimated that the current cost of supporting agriculture is between $200 and $300 million per year.
Control of acute toxicity with amifostine and pelvic chemoradiotherapy

15058 Background: Amifostine is an FDA approved normal tissue radioprotector for head and neck carcinoma. Several studies have also demonstrated a radioprotective role in pelvic malignancies. Howev...
Hospital charges associated with “never events”: comparison of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, posterior lumbar interbody fusion, and lumbar laminectomy to total joint arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE Beginning in 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) determined that certain hospital-acquired adverse events such as surgical site infection (SSI) following spine surgery should never occur. The following year, they expanded the ruling to include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) following total joint arthroplasty. Due to their ruling that "never events" are not the payers' responsibility, CMS insists that the costs of managing these complications be borne by hospitals and health care providers, rather than billings to health care payers for additional care required in their management. Data comparing the expected costs of such adverse events in patients undergoing spine and orthopedic surgery have not previously been reported. METHODS The California State Inpatient Database (CA-SID) from 2008 to 2009 was used for the analysis. All patients with primary procedure codes indicating anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), lumbar laminectomy (LL), total knee replacement (TKR), and total hip replacement (THR) were analyzed. Patients with diagnostic and/or treatment codes for DVT, PE, and SSI were separated from patients without these complication codes. Patients with more than 1 primary procedure code or more than 1 complication code were excluded. Median charges for treatment from primary surgery through 3 months postoperatively were calculated. RESULTS The incidence of the examined adverse events was lowest for ACDF (0.6% DVT, 0.1% PE, and 0.03% SSI) and highest for TKA (1.3% DVT, 0.3% PE, 0.6% SSI). Median inpatient charges for uncomplicated LL was $51,817, compared with $73,432 for ACDF, $143,601 for PLIF, $74,459 for THR, and $70,116 for TKR. Charges for patients with DVT ranged from $108,387 for TKR (1.5 times greater than index) to $313,536 for ACDF (4.3 times greater than index). Charges for patients with PE ranged from $127,958 for TKR (1.8 times greater than index) to $246,637 for PLIF (1.7 times greater than index). Charges for patients with SSI ranged from $168,964 for TKR (2.4 times greater than index) to $385,753 for PLIF (2.7 times greater than index). CONCLUSIONS Although incidence rates are low, adverse events of spinal procedures substantially increase the cost of care. Charges for patients experiencing DVT, PE, and SSI increased in this study by factors ranging from 1.8 to 4.3 times those for patients without such complications across 5 common spinal and orthopedic procedures. Cost projections by health care providers will need to incorporate expected costs of added care for patients experiencing such complications, assuming that the cost burden of such events continues to shift from payers to providers.
Combined immunotherapy and radiation for treatment of mucosal melanomas of the lower genital tract

Objective To report our experience using ipilimumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CTLA-4, combined with radiation therapy in women diagnosed with mucosal melanoma of the lower genital tract.
The epidemic situation of notifiable infectious diseases in 2007 in Shiyan of Hubei Province

The epidemic situation of notifiable infectious diseases in 2007 in Shiyan of Hubei Province was analyzed in this paper.The results indicated that the increase of the incidence of this year was mainly attributable to the increase of hepatitis B and tuberculosis, and the key control measures were suggested.
PREPARATION OF ULTRAFINE TUNGSTEN POWDER BY ELECTROLYZING IN MOLTEN SALTS

Under the condition of electrolysis temperature 720 ℃ and catholic current density 250mA/cm~2, the tungsten powders particle of average eqivalance circle diameter 1.2μm can be obtained. The powders were verified by X-ray phase analysis, and the ratio of length size to width size is 1.6. Measurement results for opposing electromotive force of electrolysis reaction showed that W6+ directly discharged and became W at lower cathodic current density, the cathode reaction occurred in two steps at higher cathode current density: first Na+ discharged and became Na, then W6+ was reduced by Na to W. The effects of temperature, cathodic current density and the concentration of Na2WO4 in the molten salt on the current efficiency have been investigated. The results showed that the current efficiency is decreased with increase of temperature,the current efficiency is increased with increase of concentration of Na2WO4 and the maximum of current efficiency can be obtained when the cathode current density is 150mA/cm~2.
Distributed Aggregation in the Presence of Uncertainty: A Statistical Physics Approach.

We present a statistical physics inspired approach to modeling, analysis, and design of distributed aggregation control policies for teams of homogeneous and heterogeneous robots. We assume high-level agent behavior can be described as a sequential composition of lower-level behavioral primitives. Aggregation or division of the collective into distinct clusters is achieved by developing a macroscopic description of the ensemble dynamics. The advantages of this approach are twofold: 1) the derivation of a low dimensional but highly predictive description of the collective dynamics and 2) a framework where interaction uncertainties between the low-level components can be explicitly modeled and control. Additionally, classical dynamical systems theory and control theoretic techniques can be used to analyze and shape the collective dynamics of the system. We consider the aggregation problem for homogeneous agents into clusters located at distinct regions in the workspace and discuss the extension to heterogeneous teams of autonomous agents. We show how a macroscopic model of the aggregation dynamics can be derived from agent-level behaviors and discuss the synthesis of distributed coordination strategies in the presence of uncertainty.
A New Replica Placement Policy for Hadoop Distributed File System

Today, Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) is widely used to provide scalable and fault-tolerant storage of large volumes of data. One of the key issues that affect the performance of HDFS is the placement of data replicas. Although the current HDFS replica placement policy can achieve both fault tolerance and read/write efficiency, the policy cannot evenly distribute replicas across cluster nodes, and has to rely on load balancing utility to balance replica distributions. In this paper, we present a new replica placement policy for HDFS, which can generate replica distributions that are not only perfectly even but also meet all HDFS replica placement requirements.
Vivid birds do not initiate flight sooner despite their potential conspicuousness

The distance from an approaching threat at which animals initiate flight -- flight-initiation distance (FID) -- is a sensitive metric of variation in risk, but the effects on FID associated with the risk of possessing highly detectable external coloration are unknown. We tested whether variation in the degree of plumage vividness in birds explained variation in flight-initiation distance. After controlling for body mass, the distance at which the experimental approach began, and phylogenetic relatedness, plumage vividness was not a predictor of FID. Contrary to the expectation that vividness affects risk, and therefore risk assessment, these results suggest that birds do not compensate for greater visual conspicuousness by fleeing sooner from approaching threats.
The Independent Association of a Short Cervix, Positive Fetal Fibronectin, Amniotic Fluid Sludge, and Cervical Funneling with Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Twin Pregnancies.

Objective To estimate the independent association of a short cervical length (CL), positive fetal fibronectin (fFN), amniotic fluid (AF) sludge, and cervical funneling with spontaneous preterm birth in twin pregnancies. Methods Retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies managed by a single maternal-fetal medicine practice from June 2005 to February 2014. All patients underwent transvaginal sonographic CL and fFN testing. We reviewed all images from the first CL at 22(0/7) to 25(6/7) weeks for the presence of (1) a short CL, which is defined as ≤25 mm, (2) AF sludge, and (3) cervical funneling, and also recorded (4) the fFN result from that time. Image reviewers were blinded to pregnancy outcomes. Patients with cerclage were excluded. Using logistic regression, we calculated the independent association between these four biomarkers and spontaneous preterm birth. Results A total of 635 patients with twin pregnancies were included. The markers independently associated with spontaneous preterm birth <35 weeks were short CL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 10.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.21-35.81), positive fFN (aOR: 3.25; 95% CI: 1.13-9.33), and AF sludge (aOR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.04-4.27). Similarly, these three markers were independently associated with earlier gestational ages at delivery. Cervical funneling was not independently associated with spontaneous preterm birth <35 weeks nor gestational age at delivery. The risk of spontaneous preterm birth increased significantly with the number of positive biomarkers (short CL, positive fFN, and AF sludge). Conclusion In twin pregnancies, a short CL, positive fFN, and AF sludge are independently associated with spontaneous preterm birth. Cervical funneling is not independently associated with spontaneous preterm birth in twins.
Exercise Training for Individuals with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

Individuals with advanced CKD exhibit malaise and significantly reduced capacity for virtually any form of exercise apart from self-care. These patients are severely deconditioned, exhibit significant skeletal muscle weakness and have abnormal muscle morphology all of which lead to diminished physical performance, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. As with the general population, exercise training in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) has demonstrated benefits with regard to improving physical performance, reducing risk of adverse events, and improving quality of life. Exercise training and increased physical activity should be a priority in the usual care of patients and should be considered part of routine therapy. Specific guidelines for exercise training in advanced CKD are lacking, but evidence-based medicine recommendations for exercise in healthy young and older individuals and in patients with cardiac and pulmonary disease are available as templates for program design. Additionally, several randomized controlled trials with CKD patients, especially in hemodialysis patients, have employed these guidelines with positive outcomes. This chapter provides the practitioner with a review of basic principles underlying exercise training as well as methods for assessing aerobic function, muscular performance, flexibility, balance, and physical function. The general elements for exercise training program design are given along with specific applications for patients with advanced CKD with the aim of providing guidance to physicians and related healthcare staff for establishing exercise programming for their patients. Additional resources for this purpose are provided. Finally, a renewed call to action for physicians to be more engaged with patients regarding exercise and physical activity is offered with the goal of ensuring that exercise is part of every patient’s treatment plan. A major reorientation is needed in the manner in which patients with CKD engage in physical activity, and evidence suggests that the nephrologist and related staff are the individuals who are best positioned to effect this new direction.
Risk Factors for 30-Day Postoperative Complications Following Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Proximal Ulna Fractures

Purpose Fractures of the proximal ulna are common injuries in the elderly population. These fractures can be managed nonsurgically or with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Whereas nonsurgical management may lead to a relative loss of elbow extension and to nonunion, ORIF carries a risk of complications. Although complications specific to the orthopedic intervention have been reported, few studies have identified postoperative systemic complications in this higher-risk group. The purposes of this study were to determine the rate of systemic complications in patients undergoing surgical fixation of proximal ulna fractures and to determine risk factors for complications. Methods We queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for all cases of proximal ulna fracture ORIF between 2005 and 2013. Demographic, historical, and preoperative laboratory data and 30-day postoperative complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for complications. Results A total of 650 patients met inclusion criteria. Within the 30-day postoperative period, 61 complications occurred in 45 patients (6.9%). Return to the operating room, which occurred in 19 patients (2.9%), was the most common major morbidity. American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or IV and dialysis dependence were independent risk factors for any complication. Conclusions Proximal ulna fracture ORIF has a low rate of systemic complications. The most common morbidities are return to the operating room, blood transfusion, and urinary tract infections. Dialysis and American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or IV are independent risk factors for complications. These complications may be nonspecific and related more to the patient population than procedure. We believe that the relatively low risk of short-term complications makes operative treatment a suitable option even in elderly patients with multiple morbidities. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic II.
Effect of Cortical Screw Diameter on Reduction and Stabilization of Type III Distal Phalanx Fractures: An Equine Cadaveric Study

Objective To compare reduction of type III distal phalangeal fractures using 4.5 and 5.5 mm cortical screws placed in lag fashion and an intact hoof capsule model. Study Design Cadaveric experimental study. Sample Population: Hooves from 12 adult horses (n=24). Methods Sagittal fractures were created in pairs of distal phalanges after distal interphalangeal joint disarticulation and were reduced with either 4.5 or 5.5 mm cortical screws placed in lag fashion. Contralateral phalanges served as non-reduced controls. Fracture reduction following screw placement was assessed by comparing pre-reduction and post-reduction fracture gap measurements from radiographs using paired t-tests. Effects of incremental loading (0, 135, 270, 540, 800, 1070, and 1335 kg) on fracture gaps in 6 phalanges reduced with 4.5 mm screws and 5 phalanges reduced with 5.5 mm screws were measured from fluoroscopic images and assessed by 2-way ANOVA. Significance was set at P<.05. Results Type III distal phalanx fractures were reliably created. Only 5.5 mm cortical screws, not 4.5 mm screws, significantly reduced fracture gaps and constrained fracture gap expansion 3 cm distal to the articular surface. Compressive loading closed the fracture gaps at the articular surface in both non-reduced control groups and those reduced with either 5.5 or 4.5 mm screws. Conclusion The 5.5 mm cortical screws were more effective than 4.5 mm screws in reducing type III distal phalanx fractures and restricting distal fracture gap expansion under load.