cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Surgical Treatments for Zenker Diverticulum: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Importance Zenker diverticulum (ZD) can cause significant dysphagia, and symptoms can return or persist after surgery. This systematic review and network meta-analysis is the first to our knowledge to compare 3 common surgical techniques for ZD. Objective To compare the 3 most common surgical techniques—endoscopic laser-assisted diverticulotomy, endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy, and transcervical diverticulectomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy—in adult patients with ZD. Data Sources The published literature was searched using strategies designed by a medical librarian (search performed September 21, 2018). Strategies were established using a combination of controlled vocabulary terms and keywords and were executed in Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to September 21, 2018), Embase (1947 to September 21, 2018), Scopus (1823 to September 21, 2018), Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Results were limited to English using database-supplied filters, which generated studies from 1997 to 2017. Study Selection Inclusion criteria were cohort studies or randomized clinical trials. Studies that included patients needing revision surgery or undergoing an alternative technique were excluded. Data Extraction and Synthesis The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses–Network Meta-analyses (PRISMA-NMA) checklist was used to report the study findings. Two authors independently reviewed the studies. Main Outcome and Measure The primary outcome measure was the incidence of persistent or recurrent symptoms following surgery. The primary study outcome was planned before data collection began. Results The search generated 529 studies. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 cohort studies remained, consisting of 903 patients treated with either laser-assisted diverticulotomy (n = 283), transcervical diverticulectomy (n = 150), or stapler-assisted diverticulotomy (n = 470). A network meta-analysis was performed. Between endoscopic laser-assisted diverticulotomy and open diverticulectomy, the open approach showed a statistically lower likelihood of persistent/recurrent symptoms following treatment (odds ratio [OR], 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04-0.91). Comparing laser-assisted diverticulotomy with the stapler-assisted technique, there was not a significant difference between the 2 techniques (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.43-1.60). The consistency model for the network meta-analysis was supported (χ21 = 0.12;P = .73). Conclusions and Relevance This systematic review and meta-analysis compared 3 common techniques for treating ZD. The open approach showed a decreased likelihood of persistent or recurrent symptoms following surgery compared with the 2 other techniques.
Nonlinear Trajectory Based Region of Attraction Estimation for Aircraft Dynamics Analysis

Current flight control validation is heavily based on linear analysis and high fidelity, nonlinear simulations. Continuing developments of nonlinear analysis tools for flight control has greatly enhanced the validation process. Many analysis tools are reliant on assuming the analytical flight dynamics but this paper proposes an approach using only simulation data. First, this paper presents improvements to a method for estimating the region of attraction (ROA) of nonlinear systems governed by ordinary differential equations (ODEs) based only on trajectory measurements. Faster and more accurate convergence to the true ROA results. These improvements make the proposed algorithm feasible in higher-dimensional and more complex systems. Next, these tools are used to analyze the four-state longitudinal dynamics of NASA's Generic Transport Model (GTM) aircraft. A piecewise polynomial model of the GTM is used to simulate trajectories and the developed analysis tools are used to estimate the ROA around a trim condition based only on this trajectory data. Finally, the algorithm presented is extended to estimate the ROA of finitely many equilibrium point systems and of general equilibrium set (arbitrary equilibrium points and limit cycles) systems.
THE LINK BETWEEN STAR FORMATION AND ACCRETION IN LINERs: A COMPARISON WITH OTHER ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEUS SUBCLASSES

We present archival high-resolution X-ray imaging observations of 25 nearby LINERs observed by ACIS on board Chandra. This sample builds on our previously published proprietary and archival X-ray observations and includes the complete set of LINERs with published black hole masses and FIR luminosities that have been observed by Chandra. Of the 82 LINERs observed by Chandra, 41 (50%) display hard nuclear cores consistent with an AGN. The nuclear 2-10 keV luminosities of these AGN-LINERs range from ~2 × 1038 to ~1 × 1044 ergs s-1. Reinforcing our previous work, we find a significant correlation between the Eddington ratio, Lbol/LEdd, and the FIR luminosity, LFIR, as well as the IR brightness ratio, LFIR/LB, in the host galaxy of AGN-LINERs that extends over 7 orders of magnitude in Lbol/LEdd. Combining our AGN-LINER sample with galaxies from other AGN subclasses, we find that this correlation is reinforced in a sample of 129 AGNs, extending over almost 9 orders of magnitude in Lbol/LEdd. Using archival and previously published observations of the 6.2 μm PAH feature from ISO, we find that it is unlikely that dust heating by the AGN dominates the FIR luminosity in our sample of AGNs. Our results may therefore imply a fundamental link between the mass accretion rate (), as measured by the Eddington ratio, and the star formation rate (SFR), as measured by the FIR luminosity. Apart from the overall correlation, we find that the different AGN subclasses occupy distinct regions in the LFIR and Lbol/LEdd plane. Assuming a constant radiative efficiency for accretion, our results may imply a variation in the SFR/ ratio as a function of AGN activity level, a result that may have significant consequences for our understanding of galaxy formation and black hole growth.
Aortic enlargement in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) COPD study.

Abstract Background The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm is high in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) population. Emphysema involves proteolytic destruction of elastic fibers. Therefore, emphysema may also contribute to thoracic aorta dilatation. This study assessed aorta dilation in smokers stratified by presence of COPD, emphysema and airway thickening. Methods Aorta diameters were measured on 3D magnetic resonance angiography in smokers recruited from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), the Emphysema and Cancer Action Project (EMCAP), and the local community. COPD was defined by standard spirometric criteria; emphysema was measured quantitatively on computed tomography and bronchitis was determined from medical history. Results Participants (n = 315, age 58–79) included 150 with COPD and 165 without COPD, of whom 56% and 19%, respectively, had emphysema. Subjects in the most severe quartile of emphysematous change showed the largest diameter at all four aorta locations compared to those in the least severe quartiles (all p Conclusions This study showed larger aorta diameter in subjects with COPD and severe emphysema compared to COPD related to chronic bronchitis or bronchial wall thickening.
CD4 T cells mediate brain inflammation and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

α-Synuclein, a key pathological component of Parkinson's disease, has been implicated in the activation of the innate and adaptive immune system. This immune activation includes microgliosis, increased inflammatory cytokines, and the infiltration of T cells into the CNS. More recently, peripherally circulating CD4 and CD8 T cells derived from individuals with Parkinson's disease have been shown to produce Th1/Th2 cytokines in response to α-synuclein, suggesting there may be a chronic memory T cell response present in Parkinson's disease. To understand the potential effects of these α-syn associated T cell responses we used an α-synuclein overexpression mouse model, T cell-deficient mice, and a combination of immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. In this study, we found that α-synuclein overexpression in the midbrain of mice leads to the upregulation of the major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) protein on CNS myeloid cells as well as the infiltration of IFNγ producing CD4 and CD8 T cells into the CNS. Interestingly, genetic deletion of TCRβ or CD4, as well as the use of the immunosuppressive drug fingolimod, were able to reduce the CNS myeloid MHCII response to α-synuclein. Furthermore, we observed that CD4-deficient mice were protected from the dopaminergic cell loss observed due to α-syn overexpression. These results suggest that T cell responses associated with α-synuclein pathology may be damaging to key areas of the CNS in Parkinson's disease and that targeting these T cell responses could be an avenue for disease modifying treatments.
4-Dimensional virtual reality model of Tetralogy of Fallot

Abstract 3D imaging, modeling, and printing of congenital heart disease (CHD) have revolutionized the ability to visualize complex hearts. Printed 3D and virtual computer heart models have a number of limitations, including often lacking valve anatomy and representing only one time point in the cardiac cycle. 3D visualization of the beating heart has been limited to echocardiography, and multi-planar and topographical images from CT and MRI. Presented here are video capture images of a high resolution, dynamic 3D (‘4D’) model from a cardiac MRI study representing the endocardial surface “contracting” throughout the cardiac cycle in a 4 month old infant with Tetralogy of Fallot, double aortic arch, and vertical vein from the left upper pulmonary vein to innominate vein.
Emergence of viscosity and dissipation via stochastic bonds

Abstract “Viscosity is the most ubiquitous dissipative mechanical behavior” ( Maugin, 1999 ). Despite its ubiquity, even for those systems where the mechanisms causing viscous and other forms of dissipation are known there are only a few quantitative models that extract the macroscopic rheological response from these microscopic mechanisms. One such mechanism is the stochastic breaking and forming of bonds which is present in polymer networks with transient cross-links, strong inter-layer bonding between graphene sheets, and sliding dry friction. In this paper we utilize a simple yet flexible model to show analytically how stochastic bonds can induce an array of rheological behaviors at the macroscale. We find that varying the bond interactions induces a Maxwell-type macroscopic material behavior with Newtonian viscosity, shear thinning, shear thickening, or solid like friction when subjected to shear at constant rates. When bond rupture is independent of the force applied, Newtonian viscosity is the predominant behavior. When bond breaking is accelerated by the applied force, a shear thinning response becomes most prevalent. Further connections of the macroscopic response to the interaction potential and rates of bonding and unbonding are illustrated through phase diagrams and analysis of limiting cases. Finally, we apply this model to polymer networks and to experimental data on “solid bridges” in polydisperse granular media. We imagine possible applications to material design through engineering bonds with specific interactions to bring about a desired macroscopic behavior.
A shift from glycolytic and fatty acid derivatives toward one-carbon metabolites in the developing lung during transitions of the early postnatal period.

During postnatal lung development, metabolic changes that coincide with stages of alveolar formation are poorly understood. Responding to developmental and environmental factors, metabolic changes ...
Isaiah's Christ in Matthew's Gospel

Matthew's Jesus is typically described as the humble, compassionate messiah. This 2002 book argues that this is, however, only half the story. Matthew's theologically rich quotation of Isaiah 42.1–4, traditionally considered one of the four servant songs, underscores that manifest in Jesus' powerful message and deeds, particularly his healings and inclusion of the marginalized, is the justice that was thought to accompany the arrival of the kingdom of God. The study explores modifications to the text-form of the Isaianic citations, their relationship to the surrounding context, and the rhetorical force of the final form. It argues that the quotations are bi-referential, functioning on both a narrative and theological level, and also explores the issues surrounding the troublesome 'extraneous' content. It arrives at the conclusion that this citation was central to Matthew's understanding of Jesus' life and mission. All totalled, this study offers a refreshing exploration of Matthew's high, ethical Christology.
An Examination of the Relationship Between the Work–School Interface, Job Satisfaction, and Job Performance

This study provides a comprehensive examination of how the work–school interface relates to work outcomes such as task performance and job satisfaction. Additionally, this study builds upon past research by examining a range of work- and school-related resources and demands that collectively influence the work–school interface. Data were obtained from 170 working undergraduate students at multiple time points over the course of a semester, as well as from participants’ supervisors at the organizations in which the students work. The strongest antecedent of job satisfaction, interpersonal facilitation, and job performance was work–school facilitation. Demands in one role create pressures in the other. Contrary to expectations, job demands positively related to work–school facilitation, while school demands positively related to school–work facilitation. For practitioners, this study highlights the need to better understand the interplay between school and work roles for employees at a time when continuing education is emphasized. Employers benefit from the performance gains and positive attitudinal shifts that stem from experiences of facilitation between roles. From a theoretical perspective, this study reveals a unique pattern of results that adds to our understanding of the dynamics involved in the integrated work–school routines of working students. This is one of the first studies to investigate the relationships between four bi-directional forms of the work–school interface and subsequent multi-source assessments of organizational outcomes. As such, it offers an examination of how conflict and facilitation from both the work and school domains relate to work outcomes.
Vulnerabilities in Emerging Southeastern Europe - How Much Cause for Concern?

While large inflows of capital into Southeastern Europe (SEE) have raised incomes, this has increased vulnerability to financial risks, which, if realized, can lead to costly adjustments. Traditional vulnerability indicators in SEE have reached levels that in other countries have not been sustainable, and sectoral analysis shows rising imbalances and raises questions about efficient use of the inflows. While factors related to EU integration mitigate these vulnerabilities, weaker institutions reduce these benefits in SEE compared to more advanced European emerging markets. To insure against setbacks to income convergence, SEE policymakers should take measures to reverse the buildup of vulnerabilities.
Early intervention in autism: Joint attention and symbolic play

Summary In both intervention case examples, substantial gains were made in the targeted goals in a very short period of time, 31 intervention sessions for Child A and 21 intervention sessions for Child B. Therefore, in reference to our first question of whether joint attention and symbolic play skills can be taught, our answer is yes. Evidence exists that—at least in these two cases—children with autism can indeed be successfully taught skills related to their core deficits. Our second question concerned the specificity of our intervention. Although each child improved on his targeted goals over the course of the intervention, neither child improved in the nontargeted skills of joint attention and symbolic play. Moreover, the control child did not change in either play or joint attention skills. Thus, we have some evidence that changes were made only in the targeted developmental skills. When replicated across the 60 children we will have in our intervention project, we will be able to better assess the specificity of our direct teaching approach. Third, both intervention children made some significant language gains over the course of intervention, whereas our control child did not change. Thus, based on these initial two children, there does not appear to be a specific effect on language based on the type of intervention—joint attention or symbolic play, but there are changes in language. A test of the benefit of these gains will be in the longitudinal data that we are currently collecting and the replication of randomized children in each of the interventions. Finally, an important caveat is in order. The cases presented are merely examples and must be replicated over a number of children with similar pretreatment characteristics. Indeed, all three boys had mental ages just over 20 months, some limited joint attention skills, few behavior problems, and a general interest in objects. Thus, our intervention may be most effective with children who share these pretreatment characteristics. Indeed, this is one line of questioning we will be addressing in our continued data collection. Since we are randomizing children to different treatments, we will ultimately include children who function lower and higher than those described here. These data will be critical in determining who benefits most from which treatment and whether there are long-term effects of treatment.
Ontogeny of the fused tentacles in three species of ommastrephid squids (Cephalopoda, Ommastrephidae)

. The tentacles of ommastrephid squids fuse during embryonic development and remain fused as they grow through hatching, but eventually separate to become two fully functional adult tentacles. The external anatomy of individuals at several post-hatching ontogenetic stages of three species of ommastrephid squids (Ommastrephes bartramii, Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis, and Hyaloteuthis pelagica) was examined using scanning electron microscopy and morphometrics. The fusion of the transverse muscle mass of the tentacles was examined using light microscopy. Five ontogenetic stages of tentacle separation were defined based on landmark features such as the extent of the fusion and the presence of suckers or sucker buds at the distal tip. The total tentacle length and fused tentacle length reached a maximum when the dorsal mantle length (ML) equaled 3–4 mm (H. pelagica) or 4–6 mm (O. bartramii, S. oualaniensis), and then decreased with increasing ML. The average split length (measured from the base of the tentacles to the point of tentacle fusion) increased gradually with increasing ML, and the separate tentacle diameter was roughly half the diameter of the fused portion at all sizes. In all three species, separation of the fused tentacles began earlier in development (2–3-mm ML) and was more advanced at smaller sizes than previously reported. The sizes presented here are conservative because excess epithelium at the location of the split may disguise the actual site of separation. Post-separation tentacles were much shorter than the arms, and the carpal region appeared torn in 2 of the 4 specimens of S. oualaniensis examined. Finally, none of the original distal tip suckers were retained on the post-separation tentacles of S. oualaniensis. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the tentacles separate gradually then rupture at the “wrist” (presumptive carpus), and argue against the possibility of prey capture by the fused tentacles.
Estimating the Intensity of a Poisson Process.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses ways to estimate the intensity of a Poisson process. It discusses the simplicity and unity of a number of statistical and mathematical methods. If the chances that an event occurs or does not occur in a smaller interval (t,t+dt) are given by λ(t)dt, and1–λ(t)dt, respectively, independently of what happened before t, then the number of events N(t) in (0,t) is said to follow a nonhomogeneous Poisson process. The numbers of events in nonoverlapping intervals are independent and have Poisson distributions whose means are the integrals of λ(t) over the relevant time intervals. Classical examples are deaths due to horse kicks in the Prussian Army and clicks of a Geiger counter.
TAKING THE ‘HIGH ROAD’: DOES PUBLIC SERVICE MOTIVATION ALTER ETHICAL DECISION MAKING PROCESSES?

Although public administration scholars have long been interested in promoting administrative ethics, recent lapses in judgment by government employees make the study of ethics even more pressing. Yet, we know relatively little about how public values and publicly oriented motives influence the ethical obligations employees reference when confronting organizational problems. We employ Perry's (2000) process model of public service motivation to connect public values, public service motivation, and employees' understanding of their ethical obligations. Using data collected from over 1,400 managers in United States municipal governments, we present findings that suggest that public service motivation appears to be positively correlated with ethical obligations rooted in virtue and integrity, or high road ethics, for less professionalized employees. Further, broader constellations of public values encourage increased application of high road ethics for the same employees, but only to the extent that they foster public service motivation.
A method to increase scintillation lifetime measurement rates using a multi-hit TDC

Summary form only. A method for using a modern TDC (time-to-digital converter) to increase the scintillation lifetime measurement rate by a factor of over 300 is discussed. It uses the delayed coincidence method, where a start photomultiplier tube (PMT) provides a signal synchronized to the excitation of the specimen and a stop PMT samples the resulting fluorescent lifetime spectrum. Typical data acquisition rates are low because the light collection efficiency of the stop PMT is artificially limited to in approximately=0.001 fluorescent photons per start signal to reduce the probability of detecting >1 photon per excitation. Some modern TDCs can detect whether additional stop signals occur during the sampling period and thus reject events in which >1 stop photons are present. This allows in to be increased to 1, which maximizes the data acquisition rate at a value over 300 times higher. Multi-hit TDCs can digitize the arrival times of n stop signals per start signal, which allows in to be increased to approximately=n. Since multiple photon events, which usually bias the data, are eliminated or measured, this method also improves the measurement accuracy. >
ANALYZING SELF‐ORGANIZED LOCAL GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES: ARE THERE INSIGHTS FOR DECENTRALIZATION REFORMS?

SUMMARY In spite of the great enthusiasm and arguments supporting decentralization in Africa, its performance has frequently fallen well below expectations. However, a number of self-initiated, local governance efforts have been quite successful. The article finds that all governance initiatives face a number of collective action problems that they must overcome to succeed. These include issues of collective choice, free riding, principal–agency, and constitutional design. The article explores two cases of locally initiated self-governance initiatives where smaller population size, the ability to focus on only a few services, and the ability flexibly to redesign their institutions were important in their success in overcoming these governance challenges. In one case, challenge by and negotiation with formal governance institutions furthered their success. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediate proliferation and cytokine release in airway smooth muscle cells of patients with COPD

Background: The inflammatory response in COPD is accompanied by small airway remodelling, with increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass, as a result of ASM cell (ASMC) hyperplasia. Oxidative stress, a key mediator of inflammation and remodelling in COPD, triggers mitochondrial dysfunction and increased ROS levels in ASMCs from healthy subjects. Mitochondrial ROS release is more pronounced in ASMCs from patients with COPD suggesting an inherent mitochondrial dysfunction. We hypothesised that mitochondrial ROS may trigger the hyperproliferative ASMC phenotype observed in COPD. Aims and Objectives: The role of mitochondrial ROS in mediating proliferation and inflammatory mediator release from ASMCs of patients with COPD was investigated. Methods: ASMCs were isolated from bronchoscopic biopsies of healthy non-smokers and patients with COPD. Cell proliferation was measured as rate of BrdU incorporation and total cellular DNA. The role of mitochondrial ROS was studied using the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ (1µM) and the mitochondria-permeable antioxidant Tiron (0.1-10mM). Results: Foetal bovine serum (FBS; 2.5%) and TGF-β (1ng/mL) increased the proliferation of ASMCs from healthy subjects (∼30-fold; p
Propositional Dynamic Logic with Program Quantifiers

We consider an extension QPDL of Segerberg-Pratt's Propositional Dynamic Logic PDL, with program quantification, and study its expressive power and complexity. A mild form of program quantification is obtained in the calculus @mPDL, extending PDL with recursive procedures (i.e. context free programs), which is known to be @P"1^1-complete. The unrestricted program quantification we consider leads to complexity equivalent to that of second-order logic (and second-order arithmetic), i.e. outside the analytical hierarchy. However, the deterministic variant of QPDL has complexity @P"1^1.
Sertoli cells isolated from adult 2,5-hexanedione-exposed rats exhibit atypical morphology and actin distribution.

Abstract Sertoli cells were isolated from 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD)-exposed, cryptorchid and 21-day-old rats in order to examine alterations in in vitro Sertoli cell transferrin secretion, germ cell adhesion, in vitro morphology, and cytoskeletal organization which might be involved in the irreversibility of 2,5-HD-induced testicular injury. Sertoli cells isolated from 21-day-old, cryptorchid and 2,5-HD-exposed rats exhibited similar transferrin scretion as measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Germ-cell adhesion was measured using [ 3 H]leucine-labeled immature rat germ cells and revealed similar levels of germ-cell binding in Sertoli cell cultures isolated from the three groups of rats. Differential interference contrast microscopy demonstrated that Sertoli cells isolated from 2,5-HD-exposed rats possessed an atypical spindle shape and long cytoplasmic processes. The immunofluorescent distribution of tubulin and vimentin corresponded with the morphological appearance of the cells with well-defined microtubule and intermediate filament networks which, in the cells isolated from 2,5-HD-exposed rats, extended into the cytoplasmic processes. Rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin-labeled actin stress fibers were decreased in density within the 2,5-HD-exposed rat Sertoli cells. The altered morphology and distribution of actin filaments within Sertoli cells isolated from adult 2,5-HD-exposed rats may reflect an underlying insult which is involved in the irreversible nature of 2,5-HD intoxication.
Childhood vesicoureteral reflux studies: Registries and repositories sources and nosology

Despite several recent studies, the advisability of antimicrobial prophylaxis and certain imaging studies for urinary tract infections (UTIs) remains controversial. The role of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) on the severity and re-infection rates for UTIs is also difficult to assess. Registries and repositories of data and biomaterials from clinical studies in children with VUR are valuable. Disease registries are collections of secondary data related to patients with a specific diagnosis, condition or procedure. Registries differ from indices in that they contain more extensive data. A research repository is an entity that receives, stores, processes and/or disseminates specimens (or other materials) as needed. It encompasses the physical location as well as the full range of activities associated with its operation. It may also be referred to as a biorepository. This report provides information about some current registries and repositories that include data and samples from children with VUR. It also describes the heterogeneous nature of the subjects, as some registries and repositories include only data or samples from patients with primary reflux while others also include those from patients with syndromic or secondary reflux.
Matrix factorizations, exterior powers, and complete intersections

Let R be a commutative ring with multiplicative identity, let Rn be a direct sum of n copies of R and let R, be the ring of n x n matrices over R. We begin with the investigation of conditions on the ring R which will imply that A, ,..., A, E R, have a common right factor having determinant r, a non-zerodivisor. Set 2f = xi=, R,A, , and define the norm of 9l by N(2l) = Ca.~ (det A)R. An obvious necessary condition for the existence of such a factor is that N(%) C rR. If the condition N(%) C rR (resp. N(‘%) = rR) suffices to imply the existence of such a factor, R, is said to have norm-induced factorization (resp. weak norminduced factorization). Initially, our interest in matrix factorization stemmed from the Morita correspondence between submodules of R” and left ideals in R, . A basic observation is the equivalence of the two conditions: “for PC Rn, A”P N R implies P N R”” and “N(N) N R implies % is a principal left ideal” (see Corollary 1, Section 2). Each of these conditions in turn are equivalent to weak norminduced factorization in R, (Proposition 1). If this factorization condition is present in R% for all n > 1, then the Grothendieck group SK,,(R) = 0 and stably free projective modules are free modules ([2, Prop. 3.7, Chap. 91 and Corollary 1, Section 2). It is also possible to conclude, in the case the zero divisors of R are contained in a finite union of prime ideals, that finitely generated maximal ideals locally having two generators must in fact be generated by two elements (Theorem 3). Thus weak norm-induced factorization in R, (n = 2 suffices) and R regular imply that maximal ideals of height 2 are complete intersections. If R is regular of dimension at most 2 then finitely generated projectives over the polynomial ring R[x] are extended from R (see [23]). We have then an elementary proof of the fact that if R is a regular local ring of dimension at most 2 then maximal ideals in R[x] are complete intersections (Corollary 1 of Theorem 3).
Mapping soil micronutrients

Abstract Soils vary widely in their micronutrient content and in their ability to supply micronutrients in quantities sufficient for optimal crop growth. Soils deficient in their ability to supply micronutrients to crops are alarmingly widespread across the globe, and this problem is aggravated by the fact that many modern cultivars of major crops are highly sensitive to low micronutrient levels. Original geologic substrate and subsequent geochemical and pedogenic regimes determine total levels of micronutrients in soils. Total levels are rarely indicative of plant availability, however, because availability depends on soil pH, organic matter content, adsorptive surfaces, and other physical, chemical, and biological conditions in the rhizosphere. Micronutrient availability to plants can be measured in direct uptake experiments, or estimated with techniques that correlate quantities of micronutrients extracted chemically from soils to plant uptake and response to micronutrient fertilization. Rational management of micronutrient fertility and toxicity requires an understanding of how total and plant-available soil micronutrients vary across the land. A variety of approaches have been used to survey and map the geographic distribution of soil micronutrient content and availability at scales ranging from global to sites within single production fields. Soil micronutrient maps covering large areas improve our understanding of the nature and extent of micronutrient problems, and aid in determining their relationships with climate, soil properties, and soil genetic characteristics determined at similar scales, for example, Soil Taxonomy to the order, sub-order, or great group levels. Intermediate scale maps can be useful in delineating specific areas where deficiencies or toxicities are likely for agriculture, and in determining localized soil characteristics that may be associated with such problems. Highly detailed maps of soil micronutrient content and availability in individual fields are being developed for site-specific precision agriculture. Soil micronutrient maps have fostered discovery of relationships between soil micronutrient content and availability and some human and livestock health problems such as goiter, Keshan and Kaschin–Beck diseases, and cancer. Advances including the global positioning system (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry, geostatistics, and precision agriculture facilitate soil micronutrient mapping and provide quantitative support for decision and policy making to improve agricultural approaches to balanced micronutrient nutrition.
Pharmacologic management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Pharmacologic management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) has not enjoyed the same acceptance as invasive therapeutic modalities such as endoscopic cauterization or surgical resection. In patients with a diagnosis of OGIB, the most common cause is vascular ectasia, followed by small bowel tumors and small bowel ulcerations. 1 Patients with vascular ectasia who are not operative candidates are frequently managed with medical therapy, and those patients who have no identifiable source of bleeding are often started on empiric treatment. Unfortunately, a specific diagnosis is not determined in up to 5% of patients with overt gastrointestinal bleeding despite intense evaluation, 2 although this number may change with the advent of wireless capsule endoscopy. Much of the data regarding pharmacotherapy in patients with OGIB or vascular ectasia comes in the form of case reports, case series, or small trials. The lack of large randomized controlled investigations has fueled debate on the efficacy of these types of therapies. Thus the indications for pharmacotherapy are controversial, and consideration for medical therapy is generally reserved for patients with contraindications to endoscopic or surgical management. This review of pharmacotherapy for OGIB will focus on the available data regarding medical management of patients with OGIB secondary to identifiable or presumptive vascular ectasias of the small intestine. Therapies of other specific causes of OGIB, such as tumors or Crohn’s disease are beyond the scope of this review.
A STUDY OF SHEAR DEFORMATION AND WORK HARDENING OF METALS UNDER PRESSURES TO 2100 MPA

Abstract Work-hardening curves have been obtained from thin disks being sheared undirectionally between Bridgman anvils under normal pressures up to 2100 MPa (= 300 000 lbf in−2 + 21 kbar). The materials tested were hard-rolled aluminum, aluminum alloy 2124-T6 and the same alloy reinforced with 20% chopped SiC fibers with the fibers initially both parallel to and normal to the disks. Averaged shear strains in excess of 100, i.e. 104%, were routinely achieved. Selected samples were subsequently examined by scanning electron microscopy. Negative work-hardening rates were observed in the mechanical tests of both the unreinforced matrix alloy and the composite but not the aluminum, and the micrographs showed the concentration of deformation into shear bands which is to be expected from such work softening. The results obtained permit conclusions among others regarding the tribological behavior of these materials. The equivalent coefficients of friction, which would have been observed had these materials been used as solid lubricants, ranged from 0.25 at 700 MPa pressure to 0.14 at 2100 MPa.
ELASTIC-MATERIAL CONSTANTS FOR ISOTROPIC GRANULAR SOLIDS WITH PARTICLE ROTATION

Abstract The granular material perceived as a collection of particles is modelled as a micropolar continua taking account of particle interaction and microstructure of the material. Explicit expressions of constitutive constants in terms of elastic inter-particle stiffness are derived for granular solids with Isotropie random fabric distribution. Based on the derived expressions for Isotropic material, six material constants are identified instead of two constants used in conventional elasticity. The derived constitutive constants in explicit terms of inter-particle contact properties provide a fundamental understanding of these constants and furnish useful inter-relations among these constants. The physical meaning of these material constants is discussed with emphasis on the role of particle spin. Finite element analysis incorporating these material constants is described and used to obtain solutions for boundary value problems. Examples are given for granular solids under boundary pressure to show the effects of inter-particle properties and material constants on the behavior of stress distribution and deformation in granular material.
Redescription of Ellobiophrya brevipes (Laird, 1959) N. Comb. (Ciliophora, Peritrichia) and the Fine Structure of its Pellicle and Cinctum

. A species of peritrich that attaches to gills of the skate, Raja erinacea, was identified by its original describer as a member of Caliperia, a genus characterized by having a noncontractile skeletal rod within the arms of its cinctum and by not having the cinctal arms bonded to one another at their tips. Our observations of the living ciliates confirmed by protargol impregnation and electron microscopy revealed that their cinctal arms are linked by a bouton and that the cytoskeletal structure within them has the fine structure of a myoneme. These characteristics place this peritrich unequivocally in the genus Ellobiophrya and it is thus renamed Ellobiophrya brevipes (Laird, 1959) n. comb. Clumps of epithelial cells clasped by the cincta of E. brevipes show damage at their bases but not on their luminal surfaces. The known species of Ellobiophrya are compared for significant structural differences that separate species of this genus.
Alzheimer Disease Pathology As a Host Response

Identification of amyloid-beta and tau as the major protein components of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, respectively, led to an exponential increase in investigations of these proteins and their corresponding metabolic pathways in Alzheimer disease (AD). The presumptions inherent in most studies and in the dogma of the amyloid cascade concept are that these hallmark lesions in AD brains contain molecules that drive the disease process, and that the proteinaceous accumulations are themselves toxic. On the other hand, the lesions of AD are, by definition, end-stage, and their relationship to the clinical disease is inconsistent; this has long been known but, generally, has not been acknowledged until relatively recently. Some recent attempts to address the etiology and pathogenesis of AD discard the pathology and focus on the interplay between invisible toxic intermediates, that is, amyloid-beta oligomers and the synapse. The concept that the hallmark lesions may be nontoxic (something we have long suggested) is slowly gaining acceptance. We favor the interpretation that senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles represent a host response to an upstream pathophysiologic process, and that the therapeutic targeting of lesions, including toxic intermediates, will succeed only in the event that the host response is directly deleterious. Therefore, renewed efforts aimed at elucidating fundamental age-related processes such as oxidative stress and/or inflammatory mediators are warranted.
Estimating information value in collaborative multi-agent planning systems

This paper addresses the problem of identifying the value of information held by a teammate on a distributed, multi-agent team. It focuses on a distributed scheduling task in which computer agents support people who are carrying out complex tasks in a dynamic environment. The paper presents a decision-theoretic algorithm for determining the value of information that is potentially relevant to schedule revisions, but is directly available only to the person and not the computer agent. The design of a "coordination autonomy" (CA) module within a coordination-manager system provided the empirical setting for this work. By design, the CA module depends on an external scheduler module to determine the specific effect of additional information on overall system performance. The paper describes two methods for reducing the number of queries the CA issues to the scheduler, enabling it to satisfy computational resource constraints placed on it. Experimental results indicate the algorithm improves system performance and establish the exceptional efficiency---measured in terms of the number of queries required for estimating the value of information---that can be achieved by the query-reducing methods.
Ultraviolet-Ozone Oxidation of Metal Films

Metal oxides such as zirconia and hafnia are being investigated as new materials for application as gate dielectrics in future complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor devices. In this paper, we present results on oxidation of metal films such as Zr, Hf, and Al by the ultraviolet (UV) ozone oxidation method. A nuclear reaction analysis technique, the 16 O(d,α) 14 N nuclear reaction, was used to quantify the oxygen concentration in the dielectric stacks. The method was found to be sensitive to monolayer levels of oxygen. It was found that the oxidation kinetics of the metals increased significantly due to the presence of UV light. The oxidation rate was also found to depend on the oxygen partial pressure. The oxidation rate of Zr was greater than that of Hf, while Al oxidized more slowly than Hf for the UV-ozone oxidation conditions investigated. Possible reasons for the observed oxidation behavior are discussed in detail.
Ex vivo expansion of primitive hematopoietic cells for cellular therapies: An overview.

Sources of hematopoietic cells for bone marrow transplantation are limited by the supply of compatible donors, the possibility of viral infection, and autologous (patient) marrow that is depleted from prior chemo- or radiotherapy or has cancerous involvement. Anex vivo system to amplify hematopoietic progenitor cells could increase the number of patients eligible for autologous transplant, allow use of cord blood hematopoietic cells to repopulate an adult, reduce the amount of bone marrow and/or mobilized peripheral blood stem and progenitor cells required for transplantation, and reduce the time to white cell and platelet engraftment. The cloning of hematopoietic growth factors and the identification of appropriate conditions has enabled the development of successfulex vivo hematopoietic cell cultures. Purification systems based on the CD34 marker (which is expressed by the most primitive hematopoietic cells) have proven an essential tool for research and clinical applications. Present methods for hematopoietic cultures (HC) on stromal (i.e. accessory cells that support hematopoiesis) layers in flasks lack a well-controlled growth environment. Several bioreactor configurations have been investigated, and a first generation of reactors and cultures has reached the clinical trial stage. Our research suggests that perfusion conditions improve substantially the performance of hematopoietic reactors. We have designed and tested a perfusion bioreactor system which is suitable for the culture of non-adherent cells (without stromal cells) and readily scaleable for clinical therapies. Eliminating the stromal layer eliminates the need for a stromal cell donor, reduces culture time, and simplifies the culture system. In addition, we have compared the expansion characteristics of both mononuclear and CD34+ cells, since the latter are frequently assumed to give a superior performance for likely transplantation therapies.
Capitation for cardiologists: Accepting risk for coronary artery disease under managed care☆

Patients with chronic disease may be excluded from capitated managed care plans due to higher than average expected costs. In an attempt to remedy this inequity, one type of risk adjustment technique proposes to set separate capitation rates for certain chronic illnesses, including coronary artery disease (CAD). Cardiologists, who increasingly are requested to accept capitation, will benefit from understanding the impact of using clinical factors as opposed to using demographic factors to set capitation rates. Using a 5% national random sample of the 1992 Medicare population, we determined mean annual expenditures and variation in expenditures of individuals with CAD. We compared the use of 2 demographic factors currently used for capitation rate adjustment (age and gender) with 2 factors not currently used--3-digit International Classification of Disease (ICD-9) code (a measure for severity) and Charlson index (a measure for comorbidity). Mean annual expenditures for individuals with CAD were more than double mean annual expenditures for the general Medicare population ($6,944 vs $3,247). Among individuals with CAD, mean expenditures of subgroups defined by both age and gender ranged from $6,205 to $7,724. In comparison, stratifying by measures of severity and comorbidity identified subgroups with lower and higher mean expenditures, producing a range of $1,702 to $19,959. Substantial variation of expenditures for individuals within subgroups defined by severity and comorbidity remained, with few patients having substantially higher expenditures than the rest. When capitation rates are set with the use of demographic factors alone, patients may be subjected to risk selection and physicians to financial loss. Using clinical measures may decrease the incentive for patient risk selection, but substantial financial risk to physicians would remain, because of a relatively few patients with high expenditures (or costs).
Correlation and isospin effects in high energy scattering of hadrons from nuclei

Abstract Correlation effects in high energy hadron-nucleus scattering are considered within the context of multiple diffraction theory. For Pauli and c.m. correlations a simple harmonic oscillator model is used for which the effects can be calculated exactly, even for fairly heavy nuclei. This model is used to test the convergence of a correlation expansion; a truncation of this expansion at pair correlations is found to give good results. Simple prescriptions are given for including these effects in realistic nuclei and are shown to be quite accurate. The effects of dynamical short-range correlations and isospin dependence of nucleon-nucleon interactions are also considered. The corresponding contributions to the second order optical potential are discussed. It is pointed out that neglect of Pauli and c.m. effects in most nuclei can lead to errors in extracting nuclear structure information from the data.
Combgap Relays Wingless Signal Reception to the Determination of Cortical Cell Fate in the Drosophila Visual System

The dorsoventral axis of the Drosophila visual cortex is patterned by nonautonomous signals expressed at its dorsal and ventral margins. wingless (wg) expression at the margins induces decapentaplegic (dpp), optomotor blind (omb), and aristaless in adjacent domains. We show that Combgap, a zinc finger protein, represses Wg target gene expression in the visual cortex. Wg signal reception downregulates combgap expression and derepresses target gene transcription. Combgap participates in a Hedgehog-controlled circuit in the developing wing and leg by regulating the expression of Cubitus interruptus. Combgap is thus a tissue-specific relay between Wingless and its target genes for the determination of cell fate in the visual cortex.