bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Properties of ZnO Nanorods for Organic-Inorganic Solar Cell Fabricated by Wet Chemical Method
Authors: Jo Soo Jeong , Ban Taeho , Abidov Amir , Lee Jeong Hwan , Lee Dokyung , Park No Jin , Jeong Soon Wook , Ahn Joongho , Kim Sung Jin
Published: August 2011

We made the ZnO nanorods using wet chemical method. it is so simple, economic and suitable for large-scale production, the quality of the arrayed ZnO nanorods fabricated using these methods are not as good as that of nanorods prepared via VLD, CVDand ED method. We demonstrate that the concentration of precursors have influence on the morphology and optical properties, growth density and its distribution of the arrayed ZnO nanorods can be effectively controlled by using suitable conditions. We tried to study suitable ZnO nanorods growth condition to apply to a organic-inorganic hybrid solar cell, and we made the solar cell and investigated the energy conversion efficiency etc.
A Study on the Characteristics of the Polycrystalline Silicon Annealed by the SHG Nd:YAG Laser
Authors: Kim Young Chul , Kim Dae Wook , Kim Ho Seob , Ahn Seong Joon , Ahn Seung Joon
Published: August 2011

We have annealed the thin layer of the amorphous silicon (a-Si) using the Q-swtiched Nd:YAG laser pulses in order to transform the a-Si into polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) and investigated the crystalline structures of the poly-Si. Before illuminating the light to the layer, the frequency of the laser was doubled through the second harmonic generation (SHG) process to enhance the absorption efficiency of the optical energy. When the optical energy was higher than 500 mJ/cm2, we could obtain the micro-crystalline structure with grain size as large as 500 nm.
Fuzzy Logic Control of Rotational Inverted Pendulum
Authors: Dominik Ireneusz
Published: August 2011

The rotational inverted pendulum is a structure that was primarily developed by Katsuhisa Furuta. It is widely used thorough the control laboratories to demonstrate the effectiveness of nonlinear control algorithms. The rotational inverted pendulum is a nonlinear system of fourth order with a single input variable. In this article the full dynamic equations of motion of the rotational inverted pendulum are derived using Lagrangian formulation. Consequently, a comparison of obtained mathematical model with other models described and available in literature is conducted by means of computer simulations. Eventually, a complete energy build-up swing-up algorithm and fuzzy stabilization algorithm for the system are developed. The control algorithm is then implemented on a PLC device in order to control the existing laboratory stand available at the Department of Process Control [1]. The algorithm is implemented with the use of ladder logic and structured text programming language. The robustness of elaborated balancing control is verified by subsequent real-time tests conducted on the laboratory stand.
Cyclophilin A Is a Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecule That Mediates Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Dear James W. , Simpson Kenneth J. , Nicolai Melianthe P. J. , Catterson James H. , Street Jonathan , Huizinga Tineke , Craig Darren G. , Dhaliwal Kevin , Webb Sheila , Bateman D. Nicholas , Webb David J.
Published: August 2011

The immune system is alerted to cell death by molecules known as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These molecules partly mediate acetaminophen-induced liver injury, an archetypal experimental model of sterile cell death and the commonest cause of acute liver failure in the western world. Cyclophilin A (CypA) is an intracellular protein that is proinflammatory when released by cells. We hypothesized that CypA is released from necrotic liver cells and acts as a DAMP to mediate acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Our data demonstrated that mice lacking CypA (Ppia−/−) were resistant to acetaminophen toxicity. Antagonism of the extracellular receptor for CypA (CD147) also reduced acetaminophen-induced liver injury. When injected into a wild-type mouse, necrotic liver from Ppia−/− mice induced less of an inflammatory response than did wild-type liver. Conversely, the host inflammatory response was increased when CypA was injected with necrotic liver. Antagonism of CD147 also reduced the inflammatory response to necrotic liver. In humans, urinary CypA concentration was significantly increased in patients with acetaminophen-induced liver injury. In summary, CypA is a DAMP that mediates acetaminophen poisoning. This mechanistic insight presents an opportunity for a new therapeutic approach to a disease that currently has inadequate treatment options.
The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Production and Cell Migration in Human Immune Cells: Implications for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Shinto Lynne , Marracci Gail , Bumgarner Lauren , Yadav Vijayshree
Published: August 2011

In multiple sclerosis (MS), compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity contributes to inflammatory T cell migration into the central nervous system. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is associated with BBB disruption and subsequent T cell migration into the CNS. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on MMP-9 levels and T cell migration. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy controls were pretreated with two types of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Cell supernatants were used to determine MMP-9 protein and activity levels. Jurkat cells were pretreated with EPA and DHA and were added to fibronectin-coated transwells to measure T cell migration. EPA and DHA significantly decreased MMP-9 protein levels, MMP-9 activity, and significantly inhibited human T cell migration. The data suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may benefit patients with multiple sclerosis by modulating immune cell production of MMP-9.
Kinetics of Hydrogen Evolution on Copper Electrode Involving Organic Acids as Proton Donors
Authors: Survila A. , Kanapeckaitė S. , Pileckienė J. , Būdienė J.
Published: August 2011

Linear potential sweep (LPS) voltammetry was applied to study the kinetics of hydrogen evolution in solutions containing glycolic, malic, tartaric, and gluconic acids. The CE mechanism of hydrogen evolution was analyzed invoking the 2nd Fick's law equations supplemented by terms that account for chemical interactions between diffusing particles. Acids are considered as components that are capable of releasing hydrated protons taking part in the charge-transfer step. Current peaks observed on LPS voltammograms are in linear dependence onν(νis the potential sweep rate). They obey well-known relationships obtained for simple redox processes, provided that the concentration of oxidant is treated as total concentration of proton donors. Determination of surface concentrations as current density functions makes it possible to transform LPS voltammograms into linear Tafel plots normalized with respect to the surface concentration of hydronium ions. Similar kinetic parameters (α≈0.6andi0≈10 μA cm−2) obtained at pH 3 for all OA solutions indicate that the nature of OA has no noticeable influence on the charge-transfer process.
Abnormalities of the First Three Steps of Gait Initiation in Patients with Parkinson's Disease with Freezing of Gait
Authors: Okada Yohei , Fukumoto Takahiko , Takatori Katsuhiko , Nagino Koji , Hiraoka Koichi
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate abnormalities of the first three steps of gait initiation in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with freezing of gait (FOG). Ten PD patients with FOG and 10 age-matched healthy controls performed self-generated gait initiation. The center of pressure (COP), heel contact positions, and spatiotemporal parameters were estimated from the vertical pressures on the surface of the force platform. The initial swing side of gait initiation was consistent among the trials in healthy controls but not among the trials in PD patients. The COP and the heel contact position deviated to the initial swing side during the first step, and the COP passed medial to each heel contact position during the first two steps in PD patients. Medial deviation of the COP from the first heel contact position had significant correlation with FOG questionnaire item 5. These findings indicate that weight shifting between the legs is abnormal and that medial deviation of the COP from the first heel contact position sensitively reflects the severity of FOG during the first three steps of gait initiation in PD patients with FOG.
Comparing the Support-Efficacy Model among Centenarians Living in Private Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Nursing Homes
Authors: Randall G. Kevin , Martin Peter , MacDonald Maurice , Margrett Jennifer , Bishop Alex J. , Poon Leonard W.
Published: August 2011

We investigated the influence of social relations on health outcomes in very late life by examining the support-efficacy convoy model among older adults who resided in three different residential environments (centenarians in private homes,n=126; centenarians in assisted living facilities,n=55; centenarians in nursing homes,n=105). For each group, path analytic models were employed to test our hypotheses; analyses controlled for sex, mental status, education, perceived economic sufficiency, and activities of daily living. The hypothesized relationships among the models' variables were unique to each of the three groups; three different models fit the data depending upon residential environment. The direct and indirect effects of social relations assessments were positive for the mental and physical health of very old adults, suggesting that participants welcomed the support. However, residential status moderated the associations between the assessments of social relations, self-efficacy, and both outcomes, physical and mental health.
From the Bench to Bedside: Biological and Methodology Considerations for the Future of Companion Diagnostics in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Dimou Anastasios , Harrington Kevin , Syrigos Kostas N.
Published: August 2011

Companion diagnostics are an emerging and exciting field in the care of oncology patients. These tests accompany standard diagnostic investigations in cancer patients and function as an aid in treatment decision making. A great number of new compounds are under clinical and laboratory testing in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As the variety of therapeutic options expands in the various settings of the disease, it becomes apparent that specific and sensitive molecular tests are necessary to define the subsets of patients who are going to derive clinical benefit. Testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) somatic mutations for the appropriate administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors is just the beginning. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion protein detection and molecular histology classification are promising candidate predictors for clinical benefit from crizotinib and pemetrexed, respectively. This paper summarizes such diagnostics and discusses unanswered questions concerning underlying biology and standardization issues.
Effects of Supraphysiological Doses of Levothyroxine on Sleep in Healthy Subjects: A Prospective Polysomnography Study
Authors: Kraemer Susanne , Danker-Hopfe Heidi , Pilhatsch Maximilian , Bes Frederik , Bauer Michael
Published: August 2011

Disrupted sleep is prevalent in both mood and thyroid disorders. Given the emerging use of thyroid hormones in the treatment of mood disorders, we investigated the effects of supraphysiological doses of levothyroxine (L-T4) on sleep. In an open-label design, 13 healthy subjects received up to 500 μg/day for an eight-week period. A baseline night was polysomnographically recorded (PSG) followed by PSG under the maximum tolerated dose of L-T4. All subjects developed hyperthyroxinemia. The heart rate and respiration rate increased significantly with treatment; a significant increase in body temperature was observed in men but not in women. Surprisingly, treatment with supraphysiological doses of L-T4 did not cause significant effects on sleep architecture. However, the increase in body movements and REM density was close to reaching statistical significance. Here, we report on the sleep data, thyroid hormone levels, and physiological parameters during sleep. We conclude that experimentally induced hyperthyroidism does not profoundly change the sleep structure in healthy individuals underlining the good tolerability of treatment with supraphysiological doses of L-T4 in patients with mood disorders.
Cholinergic Degeneration and Alterations in the TrkA and p75NTR Balance as a Result of Pro-NGF Injection into Aged Rats
Authors: Fortress Ashley M. , Buhusi Mona , Helke Kris L. , Granholm Ann-Charlotte E.
Published: August 2011

Learning and memory impairments occurring with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are associated with degeneration of the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs). BFCNs extend their axons to the hippocampus where they bind nerve growth factor (NGF) which is retrogradely transported to the cell body. While NGF is necessary for BFCN survival and function via binding to the high-affinity receptor TrkA, its uncleaved precursor, pro-NGF has been proposed to induce neurodegeneration via binding to the p75NTR and its coreceptor sortilin. Basal forebrain TrkA and NGF are downregulated with aging while pro-NGF is increased. Given these data, the focus of this paper was to determine a mechanism for how pro-NGF accumulation may induce BFCN degeneration. Twenty-four hours after a single injection of pro-NGF into hippocampus, we found increased hippocampal p75NTR levels, decreased hippocampal TrkA levels, and cholinergic degeneration. The data suggest that the increase in p75NTR with AD may be mediated by elevated pro-NGF levels as a result of decreased cleavage, and that pro-NGF may be partially responsible for age-related degenerative changes observed in the basal forebrain. This paper is the firstin vivoevidence that pro-NGF can affect BFCNs and may do so by regulating expression of p75NTR neurotrophin receptors.
Management of Hypertension among Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Olafiranye Oladipupo , Zizi Ferdinand , Brimah Perry , Jean-louis Girardin , Makaryus Amgad N. , McFarlane Samy , Ogedegbe Gbenga
Published: August 2011

Evidence suggests that coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common outcome of hypertension. Hypertension accelerates the development of atherosclerosis, and sustained elevation of blood pressure (BP) can destabilize vascular lesions and precipitate acute coronary events. Hypertension can cause myocardial ischemia in the absence of CHD. These cardiovascular risks attributed to hypertension can be reduced by optimal BP control. Although several antihypertensive agents exist, the choice of agent and the appropriate target BP for patients with CHD remain controversial. In this succinct paper, we examine the evidence and the mechanisms for the linkage between hypertension and CHD and we discuss the treatment options and the goals of therapy that are consistent with the report of the seventh Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) and American Heart Association scientific statement. We anticipate changes in the recommendations of the forthcoming JNC 8.
Structure and Function of the Small MutS-Related Domain
Authors: Fukui Kenji , Kuramitsu Seiki
Published: August 2011

MutS family proteins are widely distributed in almost all organisms from bacteria to human and play central roles in various DNA transactions such as DNA mismatch repair and recombinational events. The small MutS-related (Smr) domain was originally found in the C-terminal domain of an antirecombination protein, MutS2, a member of the MutS family. MutS2 is thought to suppress homologous recombination by endonucleolytic resolution of early intermediates in the process. The endonuclease activity of MutS2 is derived from the Smr domain. Interestingly, sequences homologous to the Smr domain are abundant in a variety of proteins other than MutS2 and can be classified into 3 subfamilies. Recently, the tertiary structures and endonuclease activities of all 3 Smr subfamilies were reported. In this paper, we review the biochemical characteristics and structures of the Smr domains as well as cellular functions of the Smr-containing proteins.
Factors Associated with Use of Guideline in Home Management of Malaria among Children in Rural South West Nigeria
Authors: Akerele Adekunle , Yusuf Oyindamola B. , Falade Catherine O. , Ajayi Ikeoluwapo O. , Pagnoni Franco
Published: August 2011

The dosage regimen for artemether-lumefantrine which is the standard of care for malaria in most of Sub-Saharan countries requires use of treatment guidelines and instructions to enhance caregivers' performance in the treatment of malaria. As part of a larger study evaluating its effectiveness in a rural local government area in southwestern Nigeria, 552 caregivers whose children had fever two weeks preceeding the survey were recruited. Information was collected with interviewer administered questionnaire. A multilevel logistic regression model was fitted using the gllamm approach in Stata to determine the factors associated with use of guideline. Age and educational background of caregiver were significantly associated with guideline use. Caregivers aged 26–30 years were 4 times more likely to use guideline than those aged >40 years. Caregivers with primary education were 4 times more likely to use guideline compared with caregivers with no formal education. Between-village variance was 0.00092 ± 0.3084. Guideline use reduced with increasing age and lower education.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Childhood Is Associated with Cognitive Test Profiles in the Geriatric Population but Not with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Ivanchak N. , Abner E. L. , Carr S. A. , Freeman S. J. , Seybert A. , Ranseen J. , Jicha G. A.
Published: August 2011

The frequency of ADHD in the aging population and its relationship to late-life cognitive decline has not been studied previously. To address this gap in our understanding, the Wender-Utah ADHD Rating scale (WURS) was administered to 310 geriatric subjects with cognitive status ranging from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment to overt dementia. The frequency of WURS-positive ADHD in this sample was 4.4%. WURS scores were not related to cognitive diagnoses, but did show nonlinear associations with tasks requiring sustained attention. The frequency of ADHD appears stable across generations and does not appear to be associated with MCI or dementia diagnoses. The association of attentional processing deficits and WURS scores in geriatric subjects could suggest that such traits remain stable throughout life. Caution should be considered when interpreting cognitive test profiles in the aging population that exhibit signs and symptoms of ADHD, as attentional deficits may not necessarily imply the existence of an underlying neurodegenerative disease state.
Three Types of Striational Antibodies in Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Suzuki Shigeaki , Utsugisawa Kimiaki , Nagane Yuriko , Suzuki Norihiro
Published: August 2011

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is caused by antibodies that react mainly with the acetylcholine receptor on the postsynaptic site of the neuromuscular junction. A wide range of clinical presentations and associated features allow MG to be classified into subtypes based onautoantibodystatus. Striational antibodies, which react with epitopes on the muscle proteins titin, ryanodine receptor (RyR), and Kv1.4, are frequently found in MG patients with late-onset and thymoma. Antititin and anti-RyR antibodies are determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or immunoblot. More recently, a method for the detection of anti-Kv1.4 autoantibodies has become available, involving 12–15% of all MG patients. The presence of striational antibodies is associated with more severe disease in all MG subgroups. Anti-Kv1.4 antibody is a useful marker for the potential development of lethal autoimmune myocarditis and response to calcineurin inhibitors. Detection of striational antibodies provides more specific and useful clinical information in MG patients.
Paediatric Stroke: Review of the Literature and Possible Treatment Options, including Endovascular Approach
Authors: Ciceri Elisa F. , Cuccarini Valeria , Chiapparini Luisa , Saletti Veronica , Valvassori Luca
Published: August 2011

Stroke is among the top 10 causes of death in childhood. More than half of the surviving children have long-term neurological sequelae. Ischemic stroke (IS) includes arterial ischemic stroke and cerebral venous thrombosis with venous infarction. Haemorrhagic stroke (HS) includes intracerebral haematoma or subarachnoid haemorrhage. Risk factors for stroke are different in children and in adults. 10–30% of IS have no identified risk factors. However, multiple risk factors are recognizable in the majority of stroke in children; thus, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is crucial. Vascular abnormalities, such as arteriovenous malformations, aneurysms, vessel dissection, stenosis, and moyamoya disease, are frequently associated with both IS and HS and lead to high recurrence rates. Endovascular and surgical treatment options are sometimes indicated, performed on the basis of expert opinion, and extrapolated from the adult procedures. In the present paper, we review the recent literature and we discuss the treatment in five cases managed at our institutions.
Human Papillomavirus and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study regarding Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Farshadpour F. , Konings S. , Speel E. J. M , Hordijk G. J. , Koole R. , van Blokland M. , Slootweg P. J. , Kummer J. A.
Published: August 2011

We aimed to determine the role of HPV in the pathogenesis and outcome of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in lifelong nonsmoking and nondrinking patients. A case-case analysis was performed to compare the presence of HPV-DNA in tumor cells of 16 nonsmoking and nondrinking with 16 matched smoking and drinking patients (matching criteria: age at incidence, gender, tumor sublocation, tumor stage). HPV was detected using 2 PCR tests, FISH analysis, and p16INK4A immunostaining. Nonsmoking and nondrinking patients had more HPV-positive tumors than smoking and drinking patients (n=12; 75% versus n=2; 13%; P<0.001). All HPV-positive tumors showed p16INK4A overexpression, and 1 HPV-negative tumor had p16INK4A overexpression, (P<0.001). Overall survival and disease-specific survival were higher for HPV-positive compared to HPV-negative cases (P=0.027, P=0.039, resp.). In conclusion, HPV is strongly associated with OSCC of nonsmoking and nondrinking patients. Specific diagnostic and therapeutic actions should be considered for these patients to achieve a better prognosis.
Conjugate Meningococcal Vaccines Development: GSK Biologicals Experience
Authors: Miller Jacqueline M. , Mesaros Narcisa , Van Der Wielen Marie , Baine Yaela
Published: August 2011

Meningococcal diseases are serious threats to global health, and new vaccines specifically tailored to meet the age-related needs of various geographical areas are required. This paper focuses on the meningococcal conjugate vaccines developed by GSK Biologicals. Two combined conjugate vaccines were developed to help protect infants and young children in countries where the incidence of meningococcal serogroup C or serogroup C and Y disease is important: Hib-MenC-TT vaccine, which offers protection againstHaemophilus influenzaetype b andNeisseria meningitidisserogroup C diseases, is approved in several countries; and Hib-MenCY-TT vaccine, which addsN. meningitidisserogroup Y antigen, is currently in the final stages of development. Additionally, a tetravalent conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-TT) designed to help protect against four meningococcal serogroups is presently being evaluated for global use in all age groups. All of these vaccines were shown to be highly immunogenic and to have clinically acceptable safety profiles.
Successful Aging and Longevity in Older Old Women: The Role of Depression and Cognition
Authors: Paulson Daniel , Bowen Mary Elizabeth , Lichtenberg Peter A.
Published: August 2011

Based in successful aging theory and terminal cognitive drop research, this paper investigates cerebrovascular burden (CVB), depressive symptoms, and cognitive decline as threats to longevity. A subsample of stroke-free women over the age of 80 was identified in the Health and Retirement Survey (years 2000–2008). Mortality at 2, 6, and 8 year intervals was predicted using CVB (diabetes, heart disease, hypertension), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), and cognitive decline (decline of 1 standard deviation or more on the 35-point Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status over 2 years). At most waves (2002, 2004, and 2006) mortality was predicted by CVB, depressive symptoms, and cognitive drop measured 2 years prior. CVB and depressive symptoms at the 2000 wave predicted mortality at 6 and 8 years. Older women with the greatest longevity had low CVB, robust cognitive functioning, and few depression symptoms, supporting successful aging theory and terminal cognitive drop.
Cranioplasty: Review of materials and techniques
Authors: Aydin Seckin , Kucukyuruk Baris , Abuzayed Bashar , Aydin Sabri , Sanus Galip Zihni
Published: August 2011

Cranioplasty is the surgical intervention to repair cranial defects. The aim of cranioplasty is not only a cosmetic issue; also, the repair of cranial defects gives relief to psychological drawbacks and increases the social performances. Many different types of materials were used throughout the history of cranioplasty. With the evolving biomedical technology, new materials are available to be used by the surgeons. Although many different materials and techniques had been described, there is still no consensus about the best material, and ongoing researches on both biologic and nonbiologic substitutions continue aiming to develop the ideal reconstruction materials. In this article, the principle materialsand techniques of cranioplasty are reviewed.
Giant primary ossified cavernous hemangioma of the skull in an adult: A rare calvarial tumor
Authors: Tyagi Devendra K , Balasubramaniam Srikant , Sawant Hemant V
Published: August 2011

Primary intraosseous cavernous hemangiomas (PICHs) of the cranium are rare benign vascular tumors that account for about 0.2 % of all bone tumors and 10 % of benign skull tumors. They generally present as osteolytic lesions with honeycomb pattern of calcification. Completely ossified cavernous hemangioma of the calvarium in an adult has not been reported previously. A 28-year-old female presented to us with a large right parietal skull mass that had been present since the last 15 years. Total resection of the lesion was performed. Pathological examination was suggestive of cavernous hemangioma of the skull bone. Cavernous hemangioma should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis in any case of bony swelling of the calvarium so that adequate preoperative planning can be made to minimize blood loss and subsequent morbidity.
Head injury management guidelines for general practitioners
Authors: Ganz Jeremy C.
Published: August 2011

A complete examination of a head injured patient in the hospital requires a number of instruments. These include a stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, ophthalmoscope, otoscope, cotton wool, safety pin, tuning fork, reflex hammer and a small key to test the plantar response. Few of these are required at the accident scene. This is because, in the hospital, the aim is optimal definitive treatment. At the accident scene, the aim is prevention of secondary injury, rapid recording of the most important findings and safe efficient transport to the hospital. This short paper reviews how the local doctor should undertake a neurosurgical assessment of traumatic brain injury patients. Moreover, the primary management at accident scenes is described and the rationale behind the approach is outlined
Calculation of almost all energy levels of baryons
Authors: De Souza Mario Everaldo
Published: August 2011

It is considered that the effective  interaction between any two quarks of a baryon can be approximately described by a simple harmonic potential. The problem is firstly solved in Cartesian coordinates in order to find the energy levels irrespective of their angular momenta. Then, the problem is also solved in polar cylindrical coordinates in order to take into account the angular momenta of the levels. Comparing the two solutions, a correspondence is made between the angular momenta and parities for almost all experimentally determined levels. The agreement with the experimental data is quite impressive and, in general, the discrepancy between calculated and experimental values is below 5%. A couple of levels of $\Delta$, $N$, $\Sigma^{\pm}$, and $\Omega$ present discrepacies between 6.7% and 12.5% ($N(1655)$, $N(1440)$, $N(1675)$, $N(1685)$, $N(1700)$, $N(1710)$, $N(1720)$, $N(1990)$, $N(2600)$, $\Delta(1700)$, $\Delta(2000)$, $\Delta(2300)$, $\Sigma^{\pm}(1189)$, $\Lambda(1520)$, $\Omega(1672)$ and $\Omega(2250)$).Received: 6 June 2011, Accepted: 13 July 2011; Edited by: D. Restrepo; Reviewed by: J. H. Muñoz, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia and Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Fisica; DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4279/PIP.030003Cite as: M. E. de Souza, Papers in Physics 3, 030003 (2011)
Markets for Individual Health Insurance: Can We Make Them Work with Incentives to Purchase Insurance?
Authors: Swartz Katherine
Published: August 2011

Simple income-based incentives to purchase health insurance (tax credits or deductions, or subsidies) are unlikely to succeed in significantly reducing the number of uninsured because income is not a good predictor of the extent to which individuals use medical service. Proposals to provide incentives to low-income people so they will purchase individual health insurance need to address the inherent tension between the interests of low-risk and high-risk people who rely on individual coverage. If carriers are forced to cover all applicants and to community rate premiums, low-risk people will drop coverage or not apply for it because premiums will exceed their expected need for insurance. Concern for people who currently have access to individual coverage calls for careful examination of options to permit incentive programs to succeed with the individual insurance markets. In particular, attention should focus on using alternatives to simple income-based subsidies to spread the burden of high-risk people's costs broadly, rather than impose the costs on low-risk people who purchase individual coverage. This paper describes three such alternatives. One uses risk adjustments and two rely on reinsurance so that carriers are compensated for the higher costs of covering high-risk people who use incentives to buy insurance. One alternative also permits risk selection by insurance carriers.
Private Purchasing Pools to Harness Individual Tax Credits for Consumers
Authors: Curtis Richard E. , Neuschler Edward , Forland Rafe
Published: August 2011

While health insurance tax credits could help people who otherwise could not afford to purchase coverage, many might still find individual coverage too expensive and its marketplace dynamics bewildering. As an alternative, this paper outlines an approach using private purchasing pools for tax-credit recipients. The objective is to offer these individuals and families a choice among competing health plans, and provide many of the same advantages enjoyed by workers in large employer groups, such as relatively low administrative costs, no health rating, and an effective “sponsor.” Some express optimism that private pools will emerge naturally and thrive as an option for individual tax-credit recipients. However, adverse selection and other individual health insurance market forces make this a dubious prospect. The approach presented here gives purchasing pools the same tool employer groups use to maintain stability and cohesion—a significant contribution that cannot be used elsewhere. The ability to offer health plans exclusive access to a sizable new, previously uninsured clientele—tax-credit recipients—would enable purchasing pools to attract health plan participation and thus overcome one major reason several state-directed pools for small employers have failed. To avoid other pitfalls, the paper also suggests private pool structures, as well as federal and state roles that seek to balance objectives for market innovation and choice with those for coverage-source stability and efficiency.
Allowing Small Businesses and the Self-Employed to Buy Health Care Coverage through Public Programs
Authors: Rosenbaum Sara , Borzi Phyllis C. , Smith Vernon
Published: August 2011

The large number of uninsured working Americans and the extent of public support enjoyed by employment-based health insurance argues for a coverage initiative that fosters access to affordable benefits through employment. This proposal, which reflects models in both Massachusetts and Michigan, entails the development of publicly organized and subsidized group health insurance for small firms with low-wage workers. States would provide overall administration and subsidies to both employers and employees. Employers would enroll workers, select insurers, pay premiums, and report data on employment status. The program would be a legislative extension of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), with federal financing to participating states at each respective SCHIP rate. Anti-crowd-out provisions would be included. This program is both administratively and politically feasible. It is also consistent with current thinking regarding public/private partnerships and the desirability of preserving a voluntary employer-sponsored health insurance system.
Challenges and Options for Increasing the Number of Americans with Health Insurance
Authors: Glied Sherry A.
Published: August 2011

This paper provides an overview of the issues confronting policymakers who want to develop programs to help working Americans obtain health insurance. It sets the stage for the following 10 articles, which detail a variety of proposals to offer subsidies and financial incentives to people so they will purchase health coverage. This paper examines challenges to covering the uninsured, describes principles that should be used in assessing policy proposals aimed at this purpose, and evaluates the main strategies for coverage expansions. The evaluation of proposal categories also provides estimates of the costs and consequences of specific proposals described in the other papers.
Designing Employer Health Benefits for a Heterogeneous Workforce: Risk Adjustment and its Alternatives
Authors: Encinosa William E. , Selden Thomas M.
Published: August 2011

Many health economists recommend that employers provide employees with a risk-adjusted choice among competing health insurance plans. However, formal risk adjustment is rarely if ever used by employers. This paper examines a range of health benefit design options available to employers, focusing attention not only on risk adjustment but also on its alternatives. We argue that while formal risk adjustment is rare, employers commonly use strategies that accomplish some of the same objectives at less cost.
A Demand-Side View of Risk Adjustment
Authors: Feldman Roger , Dowd Bryan E. , Maciejewski Matthew
Published: August 2011

This paper analyzes the efficient allocation of consumers to health plans. Specifically, we address the question of why employers that offer multiple health plans often make larger contributions to the premiums of the high-cost plans. Our perspective is that the subsidy for high-cost plans represents a form of demand-side risk adjustment that improves efficiency. Without such subsidies (and in the absence of formal risk adjustment), too few employees would choose the high-cost plans preferred by high-risk workers. We test the theory by estimating a model of the employer premium subsidy, using data from a survey of large public employers in 1994. Our empirical analysis shows that employers are more likely to subsidize high-cost plans when the benefits of risk adjustment are greater. The findings suggest that the premium subsidy can accomplish some of the benefits of formal risk adjustment.
The Financial Experience of Hospitals with HMO Contracts: Evidence from Florida
Authors: Young Gary J. , Burgess James F. , Desai Kamal R. , Valley Danielle
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we report results from the first study to systematically examine trends in the financial experience of hospitals with health maintenance organization (HMO) contracts. The longitudinal analysis (1990 through 1997) focused on hospitals in Florida. Hospital operating margins for HMO contracts grew tighter toward the end of the study period when the median margin was less than 1%. Teaching hospitals had operating margins that on average were below that of their nonteaching counterparts. The continued growth of HMOs and other managed care entities may have important implications for the future financial viability of U.S. hospitals.
Risk Selection among SSI Enrollees in TennCare
Authors: Hill Steven C. , Thornton Craig , Trenholm Christopher , Wooldridge Judith
Published: August 2011

The issue of risk selection is especially important for states that enroll blind and disabled beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Medicaid managed care. SSI beneficiaries have persistent needs for care, have a wide variety of chronic conditions, and often need atypical and complex services. Risk selection occurs when the health care needs of beneficiaries enrolled in a specific plan differ systematically from the needs of the overall beneficiary population and payments do not reflect those needs. We assess the extent of risk selection among managed care plans for SSI beneficiaries over the first three years of Tennessee's Medicaid managed care program, TennCare. Using claims data containing fee-for-service expenditures prior to enrollment in managed care, we find substantial evidence of persistent risk selection among plans. Results are robust to most alternative measures of risk selection for most plans.
Building upon Our Values: Health Care's Promises to its Patients and Communities
Authors: Warden Gail L.
Published: August 2011

Originally presented as an endowed lecture, this paper outlines the values that have always driven health care management and how those values can be used to confront today's challenges. The challenges are discussed in a way that clearly calls for promises to build upon the values that will improve the health care environment and the obligations that health care managers have to fulfill those promises.
Nonprofit Health Systems: A Promising New Class of Corporate Citizen
Authors: Longest Beaufort B.
Published: August 2011

Leading nonprofit health systems are demonstrating that communities can benefit from the emergence of this new class of corporate citizens. Just as the business sector has produced many good corporate citizens to the great advantage of American society, health systems with sufficient financial and organizational gravitas increasingly are assuming these roles, and in so doing, are making positive differences in their communities. More system leaders, however, must find compelling reasons to assume these demanding roles. They also must learn how to play citizenship roles more fully and effectively if the potential social good available through health systems' corporate citizenship is to be realized.
Welfare Leavers' Use of Medicaid Transitional Medical Assistance in California, 1993–1997
Authors: Mauldon Jane , Nayeri Kamran , Dobkin Carlos
Published: August 2011

Using administrative and survey data, we estimate participation rates in Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA) for the period 1993–97 by California welfare leavers during their first six months post-welfare. We find that although many welfare leavers were eligible for TMA (35% to 47% of exiters), only 26% of eligible people were enrolled in the TMA program. Another 14% were covered by non-TMA Medicaid for the entire six months. Most TMA-eligible exiters had Medicaid coverage (all of it non-TMA) for less than six months (49%) or no Medicaid coverage at all (11%). Supplementary analyses using data from the National Survey of America's Families indicate that if fully implemented, TMA could have substantially reduced uninsurance among welfare leavers.
Hospital Cost Efficiency and System Membership
Authors: Carey Kathleen
Published: August 2011

Using a recently developed taxonomy of hospital organizations, this paper estimates a stochastic frontier cost function to test for inefficiency differences among system hospitals having common strategic and/or structural characteristics. System hospitals that centralized around physician arrangements and insurance products display the smallest deviations from the least cost locus. This suggests efficiency benefits from organization of physician and insurance activities at the system level, with discretion over the array of service offerings left to individual members. Policymakers should be mindful of potential efficiency gains from hospital consolidations and be aware that common ownership alone may be too general a rubric for evaluating those gains usefully.
Antecedents of Hospital Ownership Conversions, Mergers, and Closures
Authors: Sloan Frank A. , Ostermann Jan , Conover Christopher J.
Published: August 2011

This study assesses the determinants of conversions in hospital ownership from 1986 through 1996. To place such changes in context, we also analyze causes of hospital mergers and closures, which are often alternatives to hospital ownership conversion. A consistent result from our analysis is that an important antecedent of ownership conversions is a low profit margin. Conversions from private nonprofit or government ownership to for-profit status are preceded by chronically low margins and high debt-to-asset ratios. By contrast, conversions from for-profit ownership occur quickly following declines in margins. Many mergers seem motivated by a desire to increase market power—a consideration not evident for conversions.
Utilization of Services by Chronically Ill People in Managed Care and Indemnity Plans: Implications for Quality
Authors: Davidson Stephen M. , Davidson Harriet , Miracle-McMahill Heidi , Oakes J. Michael , Crawford Sybil , Blumenthal David , Valentine Daniel P.
Published: August 2011

Because incentives for managed care organizations favor cost containment, concerns have been raised that quality of care has suffered, especially for chronically ill people. This study compares utilization rates of managed care and indemnity patients with three chronic conditions, using five years of claims records (1993–97) from private plans and Medicare in one market. Findings show that for all three conditions, managed care patients were more likely to see both primary care physicians and specialists within a year, but less likely to use a hospital emergency department or to be an inpatient. Assuming that patients with these illnesses should see a physician annually and that good primary care reduces the need for emergency and inpatient services, it appears that the patterns of care used by chronically ill managed care patients in this market do not reflect lower quality than that received by similar indemnity patients.
The ABCs of Children's Health Care: How the Medicaid Expansions Affected Access, Burdens, and Coverage between 1987 and 1996
Authors: Banthin Jessica S. , Selden Thomas M.
Published: August 2011

The Medicaid poverty expansions were among the major health policy initiatives of the late 1980s. This paper examines changes over a nine-year period in access, burdens, and coverage among children eligible for Medicaid through the expansions. Among eligible children, the Medicaid expansions reduced rates of uninsurance, increased access to physicians, and reduced families' risk of bearing a heavy financial burden. Gaps remain, however, and expansion-eligible children are more likely than never-eligible children to have been uninsured, to have gone without a physician office visit, and to have lived in a family that spent at least 20% of family income on medical care.
The Effects of CON Repeal on Medicaid Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Expenditures
Authors: Grabowski David C. , Ohsfeldt Robert L. , Morrisey Michael A.
Published: August 2011

Certificate-of-need (CON) and construction moratorium laws are used widely by states as a potential mechanism for constraining Medicaid nursing home expenditures. However, there is only limited empirical work examining whether these policies are effective at lowering Medicaid spending. Using aggregate state-level data from 1981 through 1998, this study found that states that repealed their CON and moratorium laws had no significant growth in either nursing home or long-term care Medicaid expenditures. In the context of declining occupancy rates within the nursing home market, this study provides strong evidence that states have little to fear in terms of increased expenditures with the repeal of CON and moratorium laws.
Impact of the National Practitioner Data Bank on Resolution of Malpractice Claims
Authors: Waters Teresa M. , Studdert David M. , Brennan Troyen A. , Thomas Eric J. , Almagor Orit , Mancewicz Martha , Budetti Peter P.
Published: August 2011

Policymakers and commentators are concerned that the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) has influenced malpractice litigation dynamics. This study examines whether the introduction of the NPDB changed the outcomes, process, and equity of malpractice litigation. Using pre- and post-NPDB analyses, we examine rates of unpaid claims, trials, resolution time, physician defense costs, and payments on claims with a low/high probability of negligence. We find that physicians and their insurers have been less likely to settle claims since introduction of the NPDB, especially for payments less than $50,000. Because this disruption appears to have decreased the proportion of questionable claims receiving compensation, the NPDB actually may have increased overall tort system specificity.
Do “Any Willing Provider” and “Freedom of Choice” Laws Affect HMO Market Share?
Authors: Morrisey Michael A. , Ohsfeldt Robert L.
Published: August 2011

This study examines the effects of “any willing provider” (AWP) and “freedom of choice” (FOC) laws on the market share of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) in metropolitan statistical areas over the period 1989–95. We use pooled cross-section time-series regression techniques with year and state fixed effects. HMO market share is hypothesized to be a function of state laws, market characteristics, and state preference for managed care regulation. AWP and FOC laws are characterized by three alternative measures of regulatory intensity. The results suggest that FOC laws have a greater impact on market share than do AWP laws. More comprehensive regulation has a bigger impact than less encompassing laws, and laws limiting selective contracting with physicians are more effective in reducing HMO market share than are laws covering hospitals or pharmacies.
Guide to Using Masked Design Variables to Estimate Standard Errors in Public Use Files of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey
Authors: Hing Esther , Gousen Sarah , Shimizu Iris , Burt Catharine
Published: August 2011

Until recently, sample design information needed to correctly estimate standard errors from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) public use files was not released for confidentiality reasons. In 2002, masked sample design variables were released for the first time with the 1995–2000 NAMCS and NHAMCS public use files. This paper shows how to use masked design variables to compute standard errors in three software applications. It also discusses when masking overstates or understates “in-house” standard errors, and how masking affects the significance levels of point estimates and logistic regression parameters.