cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 20049: Double versus Provisional Stent Strategy for Coronary Bifurcation Using Drug-Eluting Stents: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of coronary artery bifurcation (CAB) has been performed with double stent (DS) strategy or strategy of provision stenting (PS) of side branch. However, the superiority of one strategy over other is not established especially in the era of newer generation drug eluting stenting (DES). To compare the clinical and angiographic outcomes of DS versus PS strategies for CAB lesions, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials using DES. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science databases were searched through June 15th 2014 for RCTs comparing DS versus PS strategy for CAB using DES. Both clinical [cardiac mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), definite stent thrombosis (ST), TVR] & angiographic outcomes (binary restenosis rate of >50%, in-stent late loss) were assessed. Study quality, publication bias, heterogeneity were assessed. Random effect model used for data analysis. Results: Ten RCTs comprising 2585 patients (DS group=1318 PS group=1267) were selected for analysis. Gender (males: DS 78%, PS 77%) & age (DS 63.5, PS 64.3 years) distribution were similar in both groups. Follow up period varied from 6 months to 1 year for all studies. There was no significant difference in overall cardiac mortality (RR 0.87 CI 0.29-2.62, p=0.8) and definite ST (RR: 1.67 CI 0.69-4.07, p=0.25) rates between DS & PS groups. There was a trend towards higher sub-acute ( 50% remained comparable between two groups (MB: p = 0.32, SB: p=0.39). Conclusion: DS strategy significantly reduces TVR & SB related late loss compared to PS during PCI of CAB using DES. DS is also superior in terms of lower MI rates while cardiac mortality & definite ST are comparable to PS strategy.
Measuring Student Perceptions of Blackboard Using the Technology Acceptance Model

Web Enhanced Instruction (WEI) is not intended to replace the traditional classroom setting, but rather to supplement the traditional lecture with course content that can be accessed from campus or the Internet. WEI has the potential to extend the boundaries of traditional classrooms by providing new opportunities for communication and interaction between students and the instructor. While the potential benefits of augmenting the traditional class with WEI have been recognized and discussed, what has remained largely unknown are student reactions to WEI as an addition to the traditional lecture. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been widely used in the Information Systems research to gather user reactions to information systems. The TAM examines users' perceptions of Usage, Usefulness, and Ease of Use. This research applied the TAM to the academic setting to measure student reactions to Blackboard, the WEI tool used in this study. Using several multivariate methods, results suggest that students (n = 692) found that the Blackboard elements which are associated with Course Content (Course Documents, Lectures, Student Tools, Announcements, and Quizzes) are used more often and are seen as more useful than those items that provide Course Support and communication (Discussion Board, External Web Sites, Faculty Information, and E-Mail).
Lipid Composition of Mycoplasma neurolyticum

The total lipid content of Mycoplasma neurolyticum comprises about 14% of the dry weight of the organisms and is about equally distributed between the phospholipid and the neutral-glycolipid fractions. The neutral lipids were identified as triglycerides, diglycerides, and cholesterol. The glycolipid fraction contained 1-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-d-2,3-diglyceride and 1-[O-beta-d-glycopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl]-d-2,3-diglyceride. The latter lipid is structurally identical to the diglucosyl diglyceride which occurs in Staphylococcus aureus. The phospholipids of the organism consist of a fully acylated glycerophosphoryl-glycerophosphoryl glycerol, phosphatidic acid, diphosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidyl glycerol, and amino acyl esters of phosphatidyl glycerol. Phosphatidic acid and phosphatidyl glycerol account for greater than 90% of the phospholipids of organisms in the exponential phase of growth. The predominant fatty acids found in all of the acyl lipids were palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids.
Osteopontin (OPN/SPP1) isoforms collectively enhance tumor cell invasion and dissemination in esophageal adenocarcinoma

// Jules Lin 1 , Amy L. Myers 1 , Zhuwen Wang 1 , Derek J. Nancarrow 1 , Daysha Ferrer-Torres 1 , Amy Handlogten 1 , Kimmy Leverenz 1 , Julia Bao 1 , Dafydd G. Thomas 2 , Thomas D. Wang 3 , Mark B. Orringer 1 , Rishindra M. Reddy 1 , Andrew C. Chang 1 , David G. Beer 1 , Lin Lin 1 1 Section of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 2 Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 3 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA Correspondence to: Lin Lin, e-mail: linlin@umich.edu David G. Beer, e-mail: dgbeer@umich.edu Keywords: OPN/SPP1 isoforms, co-overexpression, collective function, esophageal adenocarcinoma Received: March 11, 2015 Accepted: May 14, 2015 Published: June 01, 2015 ABSTRACT Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, thus understanding the molecular basis for EAC invasion and metastasis is critical. Here we report that SPP1 /OPN was highly overexpressed in primary EACs and intracellularly localized to tumor cells. We further demonstrate that all known OPN isoforms (OPNa, b, c, 4 and 5) were frequently co-overexpressed in primary EACs. Distinct pro-invasion and dissemination phenotypes of isoform-specific OPNb and OPNc stable transfectants were observed. Expression of OPNb significantly enhanced cell migration and adhesion to laminin. In contrast, OPNc cells showed significantly decreased cell migration yet increased cell detachment. Enhanced invasion, both in vitro and in vivo , was observed for OPNb- but not OPNc-expressing cells. Inhibition of RGD integrins, one family of OPN receptors, attenuated OPNb cell migration, abrogated OPNb cell adhesion and significantly reduced OPNb cell clonogenic survival but did not affect OPNc phenotypes, indicating that OPNb but not OPNc acts through integrin-dependent signaling. Differential expression of vimentin, E-cadherin and β-catenin in OPN stable cells may account for the variation in cell adhesion and detachment between these isoforms. We conclude that while all OPN isoforms are frequently co-overexpressed in primary EACs, isoforms OPNb and OPNc enhance invasion and dissemination through collective yet distinct mechanisms.
Voting on official english language referenda in five states: what kind of backlash against spanish-speakers?

RESUMENReferendum sobre la oficializacioon del ingles en cinco estados:Cual es la reaccion contra los hispanohablantes?Sufragantes de Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado y Florida aprobaron el referendum que hace del ingles su lengua oficial. E1 autor utiliza el voto por condado a favor del ingles (variable dependiente) para defender cinco hipotesis: la racial (los anglos contra los latinos), la etnica (los negros contra los latinos), la economica (la clase de menores ingresos contra los latinos), la politica (los republicanos contra los latinos), y la cultural (el indigenismo contra los latinos). Como variables independientes el autor incluye por cada estado los porcentajes de poblacion latina, negra, con education universitaria, por debajo de la linea oficial de pobreza, y rural, el ingreso medio familiar y el total de poblacion de cada una de ellas, ademas del voto por Ronald Reagan en 1984. Las hipotesis racial y cultural no son validas; la rivalidad etnica emerge solo en Alabama; la hipotesis de clases esta sostenida por relaciones negativas con el nivel cultural. Pero es la hipotesis politica la que ofrece la explication mas convincente, ya que el apoyo a Reagan da el pronostico mas seguro para el voto por la oficializacion del ingles a traves de los cinco estados.RESUMOVoĉdonado en kvin statoj en referendumoj pri oficialigo de la angla lingvo:kia reago kontraŭ hispanparolantoj?Vocdonantoj en Alabamo, Arizono, Florido, Kalifornio kaj Kolorado aprobis referendumojn, kiuj igis la anglan ilia oficiala lingvo. La autoro uzas la lauprovincan vocnombron subtenan al la angla (dependa varianto) por provi kvin hipotezojn: rasa (angla kontraŭ hispana), etna (nigra kontraŭ hispana), ekonomia (malaltklasa kontraŭ hispana), politika (respublikana kontraŭ hispana), kaj kultura (indigenisma kontraŭ hispana). Kiel nedependajn variantojn la aŭtoro enmetas: la procentaĵon en ciu provinco kiu estas hispana, nigra, universitatnivele klerigita, sub la nivelo de malriceco, kaj kampara; la mezan familian enspezon; la kompletan nombron de enloĝantoj; kaj la nombron de vocoj por Ronald Reagan en 1984. La rasaj kaj kulturaj hipotezoj ne validigas; etna rivaleco aperas nur en Alabamo; la klasa hipotezo estas apogata de negativa rilato kun la kleriga nivelo. Sed la politika hipotezo proponas la plej konvinkan klarigon en tio, ke subteno al Reagan estas la plej konsekvenca prognozanto de vocdonado por oficialigo de la angla trans ciuj kvin statoj.
Accommodation and presbyopia in the human eye. 1: Evaluation of in vivo measurement techniques.

As part of a cross-sectional study of aging of the human accommodative apparatus, unaccommodated anterior chamber depth, unaccommodated lens thickness, and accommodative amplitude were each determined by two or more independent techniques in 100 normal emmetropic subjects, age 18-70 yr. For anterior chamber depth, the order of accuracy seemed to be: optical pachymetry > slit-lamp Scheimpflug photography > Ascan ultrasonography, although there was good agreement among all three methods. For lens thickness, slitlamp Scheimpflug photography seemed more accurate than A-scan ultrasonography when the generally accepted lenticular sound velocity of 1641 m . s(-1) was used for the ultrasonographic calculation. The agedependent divergence allowed calculation of a putative relationship between lenticular sound velocity and age, indicating that velocity decreased by ~3 m . s(-1) . yr(-1). Accommodative amplitude declined with age, reaching a minimum, by age 50 yr, of 0.5 diopters as measured by coincidence refractometry. This residual 0.5 diopters may represent the inherent focal depth of the eye's optical system, rather than active accommodation. Maximum accommodative amplitude based on the subject's ability to clearly visualize a target through minus lenses was always 1.50 diopters greater than the refractometrically measured maximum, regardless of age. This difference presumably represents increased depth of field provided by pupillary constriction, rather than active accommodation.
Probabilistic Interpretations of Integrability for Game Dynamics

In models of evolution and learning in games, a variety of proofs of convergence rely on the assumption that the players’ choice functions are integrable. This assumption does not have an obvious game-theoretic interpretation. We address this question by introducing probability models defined in terms of piecewise-smooth closed curves through \(\mathbb{R}^{n}\); these curves describe cycles in the performances of the available actions. We establish that a choice function is integrable if and only if in the probability model induced by each such curve, the rate at which players switch to a randomly drawn action is uncorrelated with a certain binary signal. The binary signal specifies whether the performance of the randomly drawn action is improving or worsening, and can also be interpreted as a signal about the performances of actions other than the one randomly drawn.
Hydrogen Desorption Behavior of Nickel-Chloride-Catalyzed Stoichiometric Li4BN3H10

Quaternary Li−B−N−H hydrides with the α-phase crystal structure form over a range of compositions between Li3BN2H8 and Li4BN3H10 and have up to 11.9 wt % hydrogen capacity. Previous work has focused on the nonequilibrium Li3BN2H8 composition created by high energy ball milling because this composition shows maximum hydrogen release and minimum NH3 cogeneration. Here we report the hydrogen and NH3 release characteristics of α-phase material having the equilibrium Li4BN3H10 composition. In the absence of a dehydrogenation catalyst, this composition simultaneously releases H2 and NH3 in roughly equal quantities by weight (or about 10% NH3 by volume) at temperatures above 240 °C. When Ni in the form of NiCl2 is added as a dehydrogenation catalyst, the H2 release temperature is reduced by 122 °C. NH3 release, in contrast, still occurs only at the higher temperature. As a result, decomposition occurs in two steps separated in temperature, dominated by H2 gas at low temperature and NH3 release at high temperatur...
The Role of Economics in the BEC National Curriculum

The Business Education Council (BEC) National course introduced in 1978/9 has made certain improvements on the courses it replaced. The benefits which could follow will be lost, however, if the problems of the new curriculum are ignored. This article considers one area where revision is urgently required.
Lymphangiosarcoma in late-onset hereditary lymphedema: Case report and nosological implications

Hereditary lymphedemas that are not associated with other malformations usually affect the lower limbs and are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. These non-syndromic hereditary lymphedemas are categorized by their age of onset, being either congenital (Milroy disease) or having an onset in childhood or around puberty (Meige disease). We describe a family in which three individuals in three generations had unusually late onset of lymphedema in their mid-twenties or thirties. The proband additionally developed a very rare lymphangiosarcoma. This tumor, usually associated with post-mastectomy lymphedema, has not been described in late-onset hereditary lymphedema. Because of an unusually high incidence of multiple primary tumors in association with lymphangiosarcoma in the literature (approximately 10%) and the proband's own familial cancer background, we speculate that an inherited predisposition to malignancy may underlie the development of lymphedema-associated lymphangiosarcoma.
The Quest for Identity: International Relations of Southeast Asia

This text seeks to provide an understanding of Southest Asia as a region, the problems of statehood faced by the individual countries, and the search for regional order, peace and stability. It also explores Southeast Asia's adaptation to the changing world order, and long-term changes in terms of economic, political, and security implications. The book is intended for students of Southeast Asian studies , political science and economics.
The effect of a right-sided aortic arch on outcome in children with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula.

Abstract During repair of an esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF), a right-sided aortic arch (RAA) presents a technical challenge. We reviewed our experience with EA/TEF focusing on the impact of RAA. Methods A retrospective review of patients with EA/TEF at our institution from 1990 to 2004 was performed. Of 61 patients, 53 had a left aortic arch (LAA) and 8 had RAA. Results The mean gestational age and birth weight were similar between patients with LAA and RAA. There were more vascular rings in patients with RAA than with LAA (37.5% vs 3.8%, P = .009). A preoperative echocardiogram correctly identified the location of the arch in all with LAA but only 62.5% of those with RAA. Operative complications occurred in 25% of patients with RAA and 11% of patients with LAA. Conclusions Management of a child with RAA and EA/TEF is technically challenging. Preoperative identification of the great vessel anomalies may impact operative decision making. Therefore, careful diagnostic evaluation of a patient with an aortic arch that cannot be easily defined by ECHO should be considered before definitive repair.
Extended capability for automated design of frame-stiffened, submersible, cylindrical shells

Abstract This paper presents a procedure and computer program for the minimum weight design of circular, cylindrical, ‘T’ frame (ring) reinforced, submersible shells where all metal thicknesses may be confined to specified gage thickness values. Using the designer specified parameters defining shell radius shell length, eccentricity, operating depth, design factors of safety, construction materials properties and when used, the specified gage thickness values, the program will generate those values of skin thickness stifiener web and flange thicknesses, stiffener web depth and flange width, and if desired, stiffener spacing that will produce the smallest shell weight to liquid weight displaced ratio. Experience with the program has demonstrated that there is usually little weight penalty associated with the use of discrete metal thickness values when the stiffener spacing can be optimized. This weight penalty can, however, be significant where the number of stiffeners is held fixed.
Pain: Nocistatin spells relief

Tissue or nerve injury can dramatically alter the transmission of sensory stimuli by spinal cord neurons, so that a light touch produces pain. The discovery that peptide products of prepronociceptin processing either facilitate or inhibit these mechanisms suggests novel approaches to treating these conditions.
Counting strategies and semantic analysis as applied to class inclusion

Abstract This study examined strategic and semantic aspects of the answers given by preschool children to class inclusion problems. The Piagetian logical model for class inclusion was contrasted with an alternative, problem processing model in three experiments. A major component of the alternative model is an enumeration strategy which is advantageous for learning reliable counting skills. The counting strategy was found to explain the inclusion errors of young children better than did the logic of the task. It was also found that young children understand the semantics of inclusion but are unable to coordinate their semantic knowledge with their counting strategy. Methodologically, one of the experiments suggested a fruitful extension of task analysis ( Simon, 1969 ) to experimental design.
Dopant segregation in crystal pulling with bottom melt replenishing

Abstract The conventional Czochralski process for crystal growth was modified to allow melt replenishing and hence reduction of dopant segregation, by extending the crucible well below the heater during crystal growth. Dopant segregation in this modified crystal growth process was studied using Pb-doped Sn as a model material. Single crystals were grown from: (1) the melt, (2) a shaper floating on the melt, and (3) a crucible floating in the melt. Segregation control was very effective in cases 2 and 3, but less effective in case 1. The crystal diameter was very uniform in case 2.
Equivalence of adaptive time reversal and least squares for cross talk mitigation

A recent paper [H. C. Song et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 127, EL19–EL22 (2010)] demonstrated adaptive time reversal (ATR) using at-sea experimental data which significantly suppressed the cross talk among users (or transmitters) over conventional time reversal. In this letter, the ATR approach is shown essentially equivalent to the least squares solution to an over-determined system.
Characterization of the graphs of the Johnson schemes G(3k, k) and G(3k + 1, k)

Abstract The graphs of the Johnson schemes G(3k, k) and G(3k + 1, k) are characterized by their parameters. In particular this finishes the characterization of the tetrahedral graphs G(n, 3).
Radiation necrosis of the mandible: A 10 year study. Part I. Factors influencing the onset of necrosis

Abstract Of 404 patients who were irradiated for cancer in the oral region between 1971 and 1975, 19.1 % developed radiation necrosis of the mandible. Three main effects, anatomic tumor site, tumor dose, and dental status, were found to have a statistically significant effect on incidence of necrosis. Necrosis was also found to occur more frequently in association with an implant than with treatment administered by an external radiation source alone. The T-stage of the tumor did not appear to affect the incidence of necrosis. Necrosis incidence was also studied over two time periods- 1966-1%9 (study I) and 1971–1975 (study II). Differences between the two periods were found in the primary etiological groupings. Necrosis attributed to spontaneous or unknown cause increased in the second study, while that associated with dental extractions before irradiation decreased. Fewer teeth were extracted before radiation therapy in study If than in study 1. Less necrosis followed mandibular surgery for recurrent disease in study II than study 1.
Interaction Between Statins and Rituximab in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

TO THE EDITOR: I read with interest the editorial by Carver et al in Journal of Clinical Oncology on the approach to doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in the elderly patients treated for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The authors stated they have a “low threshold to add statins in light of the possible protective effect of this drug class on anthracylcine cardiotoxicity.” However, I would caution the authors (and readers) to consider recent data before adopting this practice. In a laboratory study, statins were found to significantly decrease rituximab-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of B-cell lymphomas. These studies suggested that statins, through cholesterol depletion, induced conformational changes in CD20 that result in impaired binding of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. It is firmly established that rituximab has a major beneficial impact in the outcome of patients with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma. Impairing the binding of rituximab to the tumor cells by adding a statin may negate some of the benefit of this drug, and needs to be weighed against any potential cardiac benefit derived from this approach as outlined by the authors. Furthermore, although there are no clinical data to support holding statins during rituximab administration, it may be prudent to consider doing so, even in patients already on this class of drug. Patients could be restarted on their statin one or two half-lives after the last dose of rituximab has been administered. At the very least, physicians should discuss this potentially negative interaction with their patients.
“If Death is Just, What is Injustice?” Illicit Rage in “Rostam and Sohrab” and “The Knight's Tale”

This is a comparative study of anger and narrative control in two tragic stories cast in an epic-heroic register, the “Tale of Rostam and Sohrab” of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh and “The Knight's Tale” of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. The narrators of both stories are heavily invested in upholding a certain normative interpretation of the events they recount, a fatalistic worldview that justifies itself through the necessarily agnostic optimism that these senseless catastrophes gain meaning when situated within a greater order that is beyond the capacity of man to comprehend. The emotional responses of outrage and grief therefore have no legitimate place in this worldview, and must be submitted to a process of rationalization and violent suppression in order to be kept in check. However, this same process also reveals the underlying aporias of its own normative logic, producing a subtextual counter-narrative that resists and undermines the dominant voice of the text. The resulting fragmentation and narrative collap...
Methamphetamine-induced alteration in the physical state of rat caudate tyrosine hydroxylase.

Abstract Methamphetamine was found to induce a shift of a portion of rat striate (and not midbrain) tyrosine hydroxylase activity from the 11,000 g supernatant to the “synaptosomal” and “mitochondrial” particulate fractions with no change in total measurable enzyme activity, although the particulate enzyme demonstrated a greater affinity for the synthetic cofactor, 6,7-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin (DMPH4). The magnitude of this shift appeared dose-related up to 5 mg/kg. It demonstrated a shortest latency of 10 min and a longest duration of 8 hr. It could not be produced in vitro by homogenizing the striate area in varying concentrations of methamphetamine or catecholamines. The effect could not be abolished by pretreatment with cycloheximide or intraventricular colchicine. It could not be induced by the administration of imipramine, footshock, electroconvulsive shock, or behaviorally activating intraventricularly-infused norepinephrine (NE). However, this change could be produced by the administration of α-methyltyrosine and reserpine. The ressrpine-induced change differed in that in addition to the shift of activity from the soluble to the particulate fraction, there was an increase in total measurable enzyme activity as well. It was suggested that a drug-induced reduction in intraneuronal catecholamines may be the common stimulus for the observed relative increase in rat caudate particulate tyrosine hydroxylase. The particulate state of caudate tyrosine hydroxylase generally resisted narrow clearance homogenization, hypotonic shock and sonication but varied in a complex way with varying ion concentrations (especially Ca2 and Mg2) in vitro. Varying membrane binding of soluble tyrosine hydroxylase via the manipulation in vitro of divalent cations led to apparent decreases in the specific activity of tyrosine hydroxylase. However, other recent studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that membrane binding of tyrosine soluble hydroxylase activates the enzyme allosterically for DMPH4 binding as well as for the competitive inhibition of the affinity of this cofactor site by dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE). It is within this context that the amphetamine-induced alteration in physical state of tyrosine hydroxylase assumes potential regulatory significance.
A confirmatory factor analysis of the hendrick‐hendrick love attitudes scale: We may not yet have an acceptable model

Loving is a fundamental aspect of being human. Freud himself argued that the inability to love leads to illness, and some empirical research appears to support his view. Yet our knowledge of the nature of love remains primitive, because until recently it was not considered scientifically respectable to investigate love phenomena. This study used confirmatory factor analytic methods to test the fit of various models to data provided by 499 subjects on the 1990 version of the Hendrick and Hendrick Love Attitudes Scale. The results suggest that counselors and researchers should not treat the love styles delineated by Lee as discrete or uncorrelated entities. The results also suggest that the traditional model regarding this measure, positing (a) six factors (b) that are uncorrelated, may not provide a very good fit to data from the Love Attitudes Scale.
Reply to the comments by H.E. James on our paper “Relevance of surgical strategies for the management of pediatric Chiari type I malformation”

Dear Editor: We thank Dr. James, for his comments on our article [1] and for sharing his experience in the treatment of pediatric Chiari type I malformation. We disagree with Dr. James’ interpretation, and in fact, our paper shows that the outcome of the different surgical procedures described in the paper is not similar. The tonsillar reduction group had a significantly better outcome with respect to syrinx reduction and clinical symptoms compared to simple bony decompression. Further, this corroborated with those results of the meta-analysis. While our series showed that foramen magnum decompression with duraplasty was superior to only bony decompression in symptomatic Chiari group, this difference did not reach significance in the meta-analysis. It is important to recognize that our series did include a large number of patients with hydrocephalus and other cerebral dysgenesis. While we recognize that certain complications like cerebrospinal fluid leakage are going to be higher in patients who have a duraplasty, it is also important to realize that these patients had a fewer number of second surgeries for persistence syrinx or failure of symptoms to resolve. Whether this paper adds controversy rather than elucidation to the unending debate of tonsillectomy vs nontonsillectomy will be decided in further prospective, randomized multicenter studies, and more important, with specific inclusion criteria. What we have realized so far is that Chiari malformation is a spectrum of clinical and radiological manifestations far more complicated other than simple cerebellar tonsillar herniation.
On the theory of Polaron-Polaron interaction

Abstract The Hamiltonian of an exciton in a polar semiconductor contains four correction terms accounting for the nonparabolicity of the dispersion laws and for the zero point fluctuations of the phonon field: -(3α e , h/160 m 2 e , h ω o) p 4 e , h and (π α e , h e 2 /12 m e , h ω o ϵ s) δ ( r ) respectively. It is assumed that the particle-phonon and the electron-hole couplings are weak.
Electrical signal transmission and gap junction regulation in a bone cell network: a cable model for an osteon

A cable model is formulated to estimate the spatial distribution of intracellular electric potential and current, from the cement line to the lumen of an osteon, as the frequency of the loading and the conductance of the gap junction are altered. The model predicts that the characteristic diffusion time for the spread of current along the membrane of the osteocytic processes, 0.03 sec, is nearly the same as the predicted pore pressure relaxation time in Zeng et al. (Annals of Biomedical Engineering. 1994) for the draining of the bone fluid into the osteonal canal. This approximate equality of characteristic times causes the cable to behave as a high-pass, low-pass filter cascade with a maximum in the spectral response for the intracellular potential at approximately 30 Hz. This behavior could be related to the experiments of Rubin and McLeod (Osteoporosis, Academic Press, 1996) which show that live bone appears to be selectively responsive to mechanical loading in a specific frequency range (15-30 Hz) for several species.
Esophagectomy volume threshold as a criterion for centers of excellence: causation or cause, strategy or strategem?

PROLOGUE Outcomes ranking, number of stars received, and designation of excellence by a host of watchdog organizations, government agencies, insurers, and national societies have captivated and captured every hospital, program, and department chair. The cause is to promote higher-quality, yet lower-cost, medical care (value). The pivotal target of this cause was hospital mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting—a high-cost, commonly performed, rather uniform, routine operation. Esophagectomy is, in contrast, uncommon, complex, and performed for a spectrum of esophageal diseases, both benign and malignant. Groups such as Leapfrog believe that esophagectomy should not be a cottage industry but rather regionalized, much like surgery for congenital heart disease. Their strategy to effect change in surgical practice is to set a threshold (lower bound) for number of operated cases that must be performed each year to qualify for the coveted designation ‘‘Center of Excellence.’’ They promote their strategy as ‘‘evidencebased hospital referral.’’ It is important to recognize that implicit in this strategy is a direct cause-and-effect relation (causation) between patient outcome and number of cases performed in a hospital or by a surgeon per year, and not merely an association between hospital mortality and volume. The theory behind the strategy is that regionalization will further increase the volume of Centers of Excellence and, thereby, decrease mortality (we have called this neutralization of the effect of low volume). Although this theory may turn out to be fact, and in any event, regionalization may be philosophically compelling for good reasons, Meguid and colleagues in this issue of the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery question the fundamental evidence for this volume threshold, challenging the theory behind the strategy. Implicit in their discussion is that a volume threshold for esophagectomy as a criterion for a Center of Excellence is a strategem.
Phosphoinositide-Dependent Kinase-1 and Protein Kinase Cδ Contribute to Endothelin-1 Constriction and Elevated Blood Pressure in Intermittent Hypoxia

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with cardiovascular complications including hypertension. Previous findings from our laboratory indicate that exposure to intermittent hypoxia (IH), to mimic sleep apnea, increases blood pressure in rats. IH also increases endothelin-1 (ET-1) constrictor sensitivity in a protein kinase C (PKC) δ–dependent manner in mesenteric arteries. Because phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK-1) regulates PKCδ activity, we hypothesized that PDK-1 contributes to the augmented ET-1 constrictor sensitivity and elevated blood pressure following IH. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to either sham or IH (cycles between 21% O2/0% CO2 and 5% O2/5% CO2) conditions for 7 h/day for 14 or 21 days. The contribution of PKCδ and PDK-1 to ET-1–mediated vasoconstriction was assessed in mesenteric arteries using pharmacological inhibitors. Constrictor sensitivity to ET-1 was enhanced in arteries from IH-exposed rats. Inhibition of PKCδ or PDK-1 blunted ET-1 constriction in arteries from IH but not sham group rats. Western analysis revealed similar levels of total and phosphorylated PDK-1 in arteries from sham and IH group rats but decreased protein-protein interaction between PKCδ and PDK-1 in arteries from IH- compared with sham-exposed rats. Blood pressure was increased in rats exposed to IH, and treatment with the PDK-1 inhibitor OSU-03012 [2-amino-N-{4-[5-(2-phenanthrenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-acetamide] (33 mg/day) lowered blood pressure in IH but not sham group rats. Our results suggest that exposure to IH unmasks a role for PDK-1 in regulating ET-1 constrictor sensitivity and blood pressure that is not present under normal conditions. These novel findings suggest that PDK-1 may be a uniquely effective antihypertensive therapy for OSA patients.
Measuring organizational performance in strategic human resource management: Problems, prospects and performance information markets

Abstract A major challenge for Strategic Human Resource Management research in the next decade will be to establish a clear, coherent and consistent construct for organizational performance. This article describes the variety of measures used in current empirical research linking human resource management and organizational performance. Implications for future research are discussed amidst the challenges of construct definition, divergent stake-holder criteria and the temporal dynamics of performance. The concept of performance information markets that addresses these challenges is proposed as a framework for the application of multi-dimensional weighted performance measurement systems. “What are you doing?” inquired the policeman of the drunk crawling on the pavement under the glow of a lamppost. “I am looking for my quarter”, came the reply. “Where did you lose it?” asked the officer helpfully. “I dropped it over there by that payphone”, retorted the drunk. Incredulous, the officer asked, “Then why are you looking in the middle of street?” “Because there is more light over here”, he replied with his nose nearly to the ground.
Comparative field evaluation of permethrin and deet-treated military uniforms for personal protection against ticks (Acari).

The effectiveness of permethrin-impregnated (PI) versus permethrin-sprayed (PS) military battle dress uniforms was evaluated in protecting soldiers from tick bite. At the same time, an extended-duration formulation of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (deet), when applied to clothing only, was evaluated and compared with the permethrin-treated uniforms. Testing consisted of exposing subjects, clothed in either untreated or the variously treated uniforms, to field populations of ticks during a series of 30-min field trials over a period of 21 d during July and August 1988. Permethrin, applied as either a spray (0.5% [AI]), or as an impregnant (0.125% [AI]/cm2), was more effective than deet (33.25% [AI]) applied to clothing only in protecting individuals from tick bite. The mean numbers of ticks on deet-treated, PI, and PS uniforms were 60, 97, and 98% lower, respectively, than on untreated uniforms against all encountered life stages of Amblyomma americanum (L.), Dermacentor variabilis (Say), and Ixodes dammini Spielman, Clifford, Piesman and Corwin.
Single-spindle aspheric figuring with flexible pads.

The pressure and relative velocity at any point under a polishing pad are shown to be identical to those under the pad center when averaged over a number of cycles. This allows the wear calculations for parameters such as stroke, load, dimensions, rpm, pad, and wear constants to be performed on a hand calculator instead of a large computer.
L fibroblast phospholipid acyl group composition and triacylglycerol levels: response to continuous fatty acid infusion.

AbstractTwo methods of administering fatty acids to cells in culture were compared for their effects on growth, phospholipid acyl group composition, and triacylglycerol formation. Solutions of fatty acid salts were delivered to suspension cultures of L fibroblasts either by infusion at a constant rate over 48 hr, or an amount of fatty acid equal to that infused was added as a single dose complexed to albumin at the start of the 48-hr incubation period. With an initial cell density of 2.5 × 105/ml, 5-18 μmole of Na oleate could be delivered by either method with no adverse effects on the cells. Linoleate (18:2) at the high end of this range, however, decreased culture growth by as much as 50% when the infusion method was employed and 15% when the fatty acid was added as a single dose. At low doses, 5 μmole, 18:2 had little effect on the growth rate. Over a 48-hr period infusion of 5 μmole of 18:2 caused the dienoic acyl group content of phospholipid to increase 22-fold, while the single-dose method increas...
Urinary biopterin and neopterin excretion and pituitary-adrenal activity in psychiatric patients

The urinary excretion of biopterin and neopterin, pterin compounds related to tetrahydrobiopterin, the cofactor for the initial steps in monoamine synthesis, was serially measured in a heterogeneous group of psychiatric patients and compared to excretion in control subjects, to state of illness, and to the results of the dexamethasone suppression test. Patients with major depression had increased excretion of biopterin compared to normal subjects. There was no relationship between biopterin or neopterin excretion and postdexamethasone cortisol levels. Pterin excretion did not significantly change with improvement in mood or with conversion from nonsuppressor to suppressor status. The meaning of increased urinary biopterin is presently unclear, although its relation to hormonal state and sympathoadrenal tone deserves further study.
Simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use among US high school seniors from 1976 to 2011: Trends, reasons, and situations

Abstract Background Simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use raises significant concern due to the potential for additive or interactive psychopharmacological effects. However, no nationally representative studies are available that document prevalence, trends, or related factors in US youth SAM use. Methods Nationally representative cross-sectional samples of 12th grade students surveyed in the Monitoring the Future project from 1976 to 2011 provided data on SAM use. Analyses were conducted in 2012. Results In 2011, 23% of all US high school seniors reported any SAM use. Among seniors reporting any past 12-month marijuana use, 62% reported any SAM use and 13% reported SAM use most or every time they used marijuana. SAM use consistently followed trends for past 30-day alcohol use over time. SAM use showed significant variation by psychosocial and demographic characteristics and was strongly associated with higher substance use levels, but occurred across the substance use spectrum. Certain reasons for alcohol or marijuana use (to increase effects of another drug; I’m hooked) and situations of alcohol or marijuana use (park/beach, car, party) were strongly associated with SAM use. Conclusions A sizable proportion of US high school seniors reported SAM use, and it appeared to occur frequently in social use situations that could impact both the public as well as youth drug users. SAM use appears to be a complex behavior that is incidental to general substance use patterns as well as associated with (a) specific simultaneous reasons (or expectancies), and (b) heavy substance use and perceived dependence, especially on alcohol.
Sedimentation of deoxyribonucleic acid isolated under low hydrodynamic shear.

BACTERIOPHAGE deoxyribonucleic acid in solution was recently demonstrated to be degraded by moderate hydrodynamic shear gradients1. This observation provoked the question whether the 6–8,000,000 molecular weight, usually observed in purified preparations of deoxyribonucleic acid from animal or bacterial sources, is in any way indicative of the size of the molecules of the acid in the living cell, since in none of the common methods used for purifying deoxyribonucleic acid are precautions taken to minimize shearing.
Chromogranin a and the autonomic system: decomposition of heart rate variability and rescue by its catestatin fragment.

Chromogranin A (CHGA/Chga) has been implicated in the genesis of systemic hypertension and consequent cardiac abnormalities. Catestatin (CST) (human CHGA352-372) replacement reduces blood pressure elevation and increases baroreflex sensitivity in Chga knockout (KO) mice. Because of the dampened baroreflex sensitivity, we reasoned that KO mice would display altered heart rate variability (HRV). Thus, we evaluated beat-to-beat measurements in HRV in wild-type (WT) and KO mice, before and after CST replacement. HR dynamics were evaluated by bipolar Einthoven electrocardiogram, with deconvolution into time and frequency domains, as well as Lorenz nonlinear return analyses. At baseline, HR was higher [444 ± 24 beats per minute (bpm)] in KO compared with WT (330 ± 18 bpm) mice. The total power in the HRV spectra was substantially diminished in KO animals. CST increased total power but only in KO mice. Each time-domain parameter was substantially lower in KO compared with WT mice, and the CST in the KO group cou...
Monte Carlo Study of the Two-Dimensional Hubbard Model

A two-dimensional model of interacting electrons on a lattice, the Hubbard model, has been studied by means of a numerical simulation technique. Results for the half-filled-band sector are presented for lattices of up to 6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}6 spatial sites, as a function of temperature and electron-electron repulsion $U$. In the ground state, the system is found to exhibit antiferromagnetic long-range order for all values of $U$, although greatly reduced from the mean-field-theory predictions.
Ion Implantation In III–V Compounds

In this review some of the factors which are important in ion implantation doping of III–V compound semiconductors will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the results so far obtained in GaAs. A discussion of the results in other III–V materials will be included as well as some comments on the application of ion implantation to the fabrication of devices in semiconducting III–V compounds.
Aminoethylphosphonic acid (AEP) containing glycoproteins in metridium senile: 14C-AEP incorporation and electron probe microanalyses†

Metridium senile were incubated in sea water containing 14C-aminoethylphosphonic acid and 35S-SO4. Incorporation into protein and lipid was rapid with 14C-AEP and below detectable limits with 35S-SO4. Ultrastructural-electron microprobe x-ray analysis of the mucus granules in the mid-body epidermal cells confirms a high concentration of phosphorus and the absence of sulfur. These experiments confirm previous histochemical and biochemical studies (Bunde et al., '78) and demonstrate the capacity for AEP-glycoprotein biosynthesis by M. senile.
AAEE case report #18: ulnar neuropathy in the distal forearm

A 66-year-old professional golf instructor developed pain, numbness, and weakness in an ulnar distribution, but the lesion could not be localized to either elbow or wrist by routine nerve conduction techniques. Stimulation along serial 1-cm increments in the distal forearm disclosed a point of focal conduction block approximately 7 cm proximal to the ulnar styloid. At surgery, the flexor carpi ulnaris was enlarged, with muscle fibers extending all along the normally tendinous distal portion. A dense fibrovascular band coursed from the ulnar artery to the abnormal muscle, compressing the adjacent ulnar nerve. Intraoperative electroneurography precisely localized the area of conduction abnormality and helped identify the band as the compressing structure. Within 2 months following surgical decompression there was complete resolution of conduction block with excellent clinical recovery.
Intraoperative angioedema induced by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: overview and case report.

B c s t s e p t a m N P ngioedema, a nonpitting edema that occurs in the ace and mucous membranes, can cause clinically ignificant tongue and airway obstruction. Angiodema can be either acquired or, rarely, hereditary. recipitating factors are varied and include trauma, ood sensitivity, food additives, temperature, and edications. Since 1984, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) nhibitors have been implicated as causing between 5% and 39% of reported cases of angioedema. This roblem has been addressed frequently in the otolarngology literature but infrequently in the dental and ral and maxillofacial surgery literature. Health are practitioners must become aware of the possible ink between ACE inhibitors and angioedema beause, as the elderly population increases, an increasng number of patients will be receiving this type of edication. We report a case of intraoperative angioedema reated to ACE inhibitors in a patient receiving surgical reatment for bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) nkylosis. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, idenification, and treatment of ACE inhibitor–induced ngioedema also are reviewed.