cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conflicts of Interest in Medical Technology Markets: Evidence from Orthopedic Surgery

Financial relationships between physicians and industry are vital to biomedical innovation yet create the potential for conflicts of interest in medical practice. I consider an inducement model of the role of financial relationships in health care markets, where consulting payments induce physicians to use more devices of the firms that sponsor them. To test the model, I exploit a policy shock, whereby government monitoring of payments to joint replacement surgeons resulted in declines of over 60% in both total payments and in the number of physicians receiving payments from 2007 to 2008. Using hospital discharge data from three states, I find that the loss of payments leads physicians to switch 7 percentage points of their device utilization from their sponsoring firms' devices to other firms' devices, an effect which is concentrated among surgeons with low switching costs. These results offer support for the inducement model. I also find evidence of an increase in medical productivity following the policy intervention, which suggests conditions under which regulation of financial relationships would be socially beneficial. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SPERM COMPETITION AND THE EVOLUTION OF SEMINAL FLUID COMPOSITION

Male ejaculates include large amounts of seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) that influence male sperm competitive success. In spite of their diverse proximate functions, Sfps involved in sperm competition increase male fitness in one of three ways: (1) "avoidance" proteins help males avoid sperm competition, (2) "defense" proteins help males defend their sperm from displacement by the female's subsequent mate, and (3) "offense" proteins aid males in displacing sperm of preceding males. Here, we present a population genetic model of the evolution of allocation of finite resources by males to the three kinds of Sfps. We analyze the influence of relative efficiencies of different Sfps, of plasticity in resource allocation, and of differences in viability costs of Sfps. We find that in absence of plasticity or different viability costs, equal investment in defense and offense Sfps evolves, irrespective of their relative efficiency. In all cases, males evolve to invest more in avoidance when avoidance proteins are increasingly efficient, and when offense is more efficient than defense. Differences in viability costs result in lower investment in costly proteins, whereas plasticity has complex effects, influencing both the optimal seminal fluid composition and maintenance of variation in investment in these proteins across populations.
Peptides and anxiety: A dose-response evaluation of pentagastrin in healthy volunteers

A large body of data suggest that brain cholecystokinin (CCK) systems are involved in the regulation of anxiety, and numerous studies have demonstrated that CCK-4, a CCKB agonist, reliably induces panic attacks in patients with panic disorder. Recently, pentagastrin, a commercially available CCKB agonist, has been reported to have similar anxiogenic properties. To further explore the utility of pentagastrin as a challenge agent and to determine whether its effects are dose-related, a dose-response study was conducted in ten healthy volunteers. Pentagastrin (0.2 μg kg, 0.6 μg/kg and 1.0 μg/kg) and inactive placebo were infused over one minute on four separate challenge days in a double-blind fashion. Subjects received pentagastrin while participating in a structured social interaction task. Repeated measures of anxiety, blood pressure, pulse, ACTH, and cortisol were taken at baseline and postinfusion. Pentagastrin administration led to increases in anxiety, pulse, ACTH, cortisol and physical symptoms of panic, in a dose-related manner. Participation in the social interaction task led to increases in measures of anxiety as well as increases in pulse and blood pressure. Few differences were found between the 0.2 μg/kg dose of pentagastrin and placebo, or between the 0.6 μg/kg and the 1.0 μg/kg doses of pentagastrin. These findings support the notion that CCK systems are involved in the regulation of anxiety, and suggest that the 0.6 μg/kg dose may be optimal for increasing symptoms of anxiety while minimizing unpleasant side effects. The powerful anxiogenic effects of the social interaction task underscore the importance of contextual variables in challenge studies. Anxiety 1:258–267 (1994/1995). © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.1
Molecular biology of plasminogen activators : What are the clinical implications of drug design ?

Abstract The initial work on thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) focused on intracoronary administration of streptokinase. Continuing research has given rise to the development of both second- and third-generation agents and consequent refinements in thrombolytic regimens. Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminoger, activator (t-PA, or alteplase) proved superior to both intracoronary and intravenous streptokinase with regard to reperfusion efficacy and impact on survival. An accelerated dosage regimen was later devised to allow the administration of t-PA over a shorter period of time. Unfortunately, t-PA failed to lessen the risk of bleeding complications that had plagued the use of streptokinase. The wild-type t-PA molecule has since been modified in an attempt to achieve improved lytic characteristics with less bleeding risk. Among these third-generation agents is reteplase (r-PA); compared with alteplase, reteplase has a prolonged half-life and seems to offer more rapid thrombolysis. Promising results have been obtained in large, randomized trials of reteplase. Another new agent is the TNK mutant of t-PA, which also has a prolonged half-life and seems to produce more rapid and complete thrombolysis, as well as less risk of intracranial bleeding than with alteplase in animal models. Although large, randomized trials have not yet been conducted, encouraging results have emerged from preliminary dose-ranging trials with TNK. A third new agent, n-PA, has an even longer half-life and has shown improved lytic activity in animal models. A dose-ranging trial of n-PA is currently under way. Despite the fact that each of the third-generation drugs has shown considerable potential with regard to improving the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy, the risk of intracranial bleeding remains problematic and will need to be assessed in large, randomized trials. © 1996 by Excerpta Medica, Inc. Am J Cardiol 1996;78(suppl 12A):2–7
Antigenicity of a Carboxymethylcellulose Bovine Serum Albumin Glycoprotein in Conventional and Germ-free Mice

DURING the course of studies on the biological properties of synthetic glycoproteiris it seemed desirable to obtain information as to their antigenic properties. Micheel and co-workers showed that a number of compounds in which carbohydrate was covalently bound to protein were antigenic in their entirety when injected into rabbits1,2. Good antibody response to Pneumococcal Type III polysaccharide, the components3 of which are structurally similar to those found in carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), has been shown in mice4. Since little is known with respect to the antibody response of germ-free animals in general and since mice are one of the easiest animal species to raise under germ-free conditions, it was hoped that this investigation would provide information with respect to the immunological responses of gnotobiotic mice in addition to the antigenic properties of CMC.
Aspect Ratio of Thermal Diffusion Chambers.

Abstract The supersaturation distribution inside thermal diffusion chambers of cylindrical symmetry with a linear vertical temperature gradient on the wall was computed with various aspect ratios using the vapor pressure field. The results were compared with previous works. It was shown that the effect of the wall on the supersaturation inside the chamber is much reduced when a linear temperature gradient is maintained on the wall instead of an isothermal condition.
Improved predictions of neutron detection efficiency resulting from new measurements of 12C(n,p) and 12C(n,d) reactions at 56 MeV☆

Abstract We have obtained new data for the 12C(n, p) and 12C(n, d) reactions at 56 MeV and used these to obtain improved predictions of neutron detection efficiency for a plastic scintillator. Previously reported discrepancies between efficiency data and the predictions of Stanton's and Kurz's codes in the energy region 6 to 41 MeV are now largely resolved. The prime culprit, applying equally to Stanton's, Kurz's and the O5S codes, is the treatment of the 12C(n, p) reactions. Alterations have also been made to the cross sections and to the scintillation light output function assumed by Stanton and Kurz. Following these changes, agreement between data and predictions for a 4.2 MeV threshold improved from the order of 10% to the order of 3%.
Photodarkening in bulk, glassy As2S3

Abstract The photodarkening (PD) effect has been studied in bulk, glassy As 2 S 3 with an irradiation energy of 2.41 eV. It is shown that the commonly observed saturation of PD effect is an apparent saturation. The time dependence of PD as a function of irradiation intensity shows that the PD rate is proportional to the intensity. At lower temperatures, the time dependence of PD (near 2.2 eV) suggests two inducing processes. A transient component of the PD has been observed in these stoichiometric samples.
Use of the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) to characterize changes in functioning for individuals with traumatic brain injury who participated in a post-acute rehabilitation programme

Objective : Evaluate changes in community integration for survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) who participated in a post-acute rehabilitation programme. Design : Cohort, prospective study investigating change from admission to post-discharge. Participants : Individuals, the majority of whom were diagnosed with severe TBI, were placed into one of two groups as follows: (1) admitted for treatment less than 1 year post-injury (L1Y) or (2) admitted for treatment between 1-5 years post-injury (G1Y). Measure : The Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ). Results : Both groups showed significant improvements from admission to follow-up; however, some CIQ findings were more pronounced for the L1Y group. Reliable change (RC) methodology was used to assess individual change. Results of this approach were consistent with group results, but tempered the perception of degree of change. Conclusions : Findings cannot simply be attributed to neurological recovery and individual factors are important to examine wh...
Symmetry and gauge freedom

The classical field theories that underlie the quantum treatments of the electromagnetic, weak, and strong forces share a peculiar feature: specifying the initial state of the field determines the evolution of some degrees of freedom of the theory while leaving the evolution of some others wholly arbitrary. This strongly suggests that some of the variables of the standard state space lack physical content---intuitively, the space of states of such a theory is of higher dimension than the corresponding space of genuine physical possibilities. The structure of such theories can helpfully be characterized in terms of the action of symmetry groups on their space of states; and the conceptual problems surrounding their strange behavior can be sharpened in light of the observation that it is usually possible to eliminate the redundant variables associated with these symmetries---which turn out to be precisely those variables whose evolution is unconstrained by the dynamical laws of the theory. This paper discusses this approach, uses it to frame questions about the interpretation of classical gauge theories, and to reflect (pessimistically) on our prospects of reaching satisfactory answers to these questions.
Clinical predictors of response to antidepressants in Elderly patients

A group of 42 patients, ages 55 and above, suffering from major depression were examined in an attempt to isolate clinical variables that would predict response to antidepressants. These patients were part of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study and were given either nortriptyline or phenelzine for 5-7 weeks. There was no significant difference in response rates between patients subclassified as endogenous or nonendogenous by either RDC or Newcastle criteria. No difference in response rates was found between the DSM-III melancholic and nonmelancholic subtypes. Neither drug preferentially treated a subtype. None of the 21 variables representing symptoms, demographic traits, or characteristics of the depressive illness were found to be significant predictors of antidepressant response.
EHL of Coated Surfaces: Part I—Newtonian Results

A complete solution for the Newtonian elastohydrodynamic lubrication of coated surfaces in line contact is introduced in this paper. The formulation is based mainly on solving the Reynolds equation coupled with the elasticity equations of the multilayered elastic halfspace. The effects of pressure inside the lubricated conjunction on the lubricant viscosity and density are considered. The mathematical model for this problem is a nonlinear one, and an iterative Newton-Raphson scheme is used for numerical solutions. The effects of coating material and coating thickness on the pressure profiles and the film shapes are presented. Two different coating materials (molybdenum disulfide as a soft coating and titanium nitride as a hard coating) are considered
Evidence-Based Practice in Adapted Physical Education.

(2010). Evidence-based Practice in Adapted Physical Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 81, No. 4, pp. 50-54.
Erratum to: “Smooth metric measure spaces, quasi-Einstein metrics, and tractors”

The original version of the article was published in Central European Journal of Mathematics, 2012, 10(5), 1733–1762, DOI: 10.2478/s11533-012-0091-x. Unfortunately, it contains a typographical error in display of (27). Here we display the correct version of the equations.
Extrinsic foot muscle forces when running in varus, valgus and neutral wedged shoes

The role of the extrinsic foot muscles in controlling the foot during the period of eversion is not well understood. The major extrinsic muscles are: tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, gastrocnemius, peroneals, soleus and extensor digitorum longus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the extrinsic foot muscles in running in response to perturbations caused by neutral, varus and valgus wedged footwear. Twelve healthy, college aged males ran with a heel–toe footfall pattern at 3.6 m s−1± 5% in the specially constructed footwear. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were collected and used in a Newton–Euler inverse dynamics calculation to determine 3D joint moments. We used a static optimization approach which employed the ankle joint moments and a minimization cost function to determine the individual muscle forces. Of the six extrinsic foot muscles, only the extensor digitorum longus (dorsiflexor) and the peroneals (evertor) resulted in force differences among footwear cond...
Energy Expenditure in Animal Locomotion

A wide variety of data on the energy expended by animals in running, flying, or swimming can be accounted for by the simple hypothesis that all animals require the same quantity of energy to carry a unit of their own body mass one "step." For running locomotion this is approximately 3 x 10-4 calorie per gram per step.
Neurocognitive enhancement for the treatment of chronic pain

Abstract Chronic pain remains at epidemic levels in the United States, affecting approximately 20% of the population ( Breivik et al., 2006 ). At present, treatments generally target symptom relief and seldom address improvements in quality of life and overall healing. Recent insights in neurobiology have demonstrated that chronic pain is a degenerative disease of cortical and sub-cortical structures ( Tracy, 2008 ). Thus, treatments can be designed to enhance specific areas of the brain affected by chronic pain and, thereby, improve patients' cognitive and emotional abilities. For example, specific treatments can be designed that normalize function of frontal lobe areas negatively affected by the effects of chronic pain.
Inhibitory effects of desvenlafaxine on gastric slow waves, antral contractions, and gastric accommodation mediated via the sympathetic mechanism in dogs.

Desvenlafaxine succinate (DVS; Pristiq) is a new antidepressant, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Antidepressants have been widely used for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal ...
Micromachined GC columns for fast separation of organophosphonate and organosulfur compounds.

This article demonstrates how to prepare microfabricated columns (microcolumns) for organophosphonate and organosulfur compound separation that rival the performance of commercial capillary columns. Approximately 16 500 theoretical plates were generated with a 3 m long OV-5-coated microcolumn with a 0.25 µm phase thickness using helium as the carrier gas at 20 cm/s. Key to the advance was the development of deactivation procedures appropriate for silicon microcolumns with Pyrex tops. Active sites in a silicon−Pyrex microcolumn cause peak tailing and unwanted adsorption. Experimentally, we found that organosilicon hydride deactivation lowers adsorption activity in microcolumns more than silazane and silane treatments. But without further treatment, the phosphonate peaks continue to tail after the coating process. We found that heat treatment with pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid (PMP) eliminated the phosphonate peak tailing. In contrast, conventional resilylation employing N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide, ...
CAN SEMANTICS BE SYNTACTIC

The author defends John R. Searle’s Chinese Room argument against a particular objection made by William J. Rapaport called the ‘Korean Room’. Foundational issues such as the relationship of ‘strong AI’ to human mentality and the adequacy of the Turing Test are discussed. Through undertaking a Gedankenexperiment similar to Searle’s but which meets new specifications given by Rapaport for an AI system, the author argues that Rapaport’s objection to Searle does not stand and that Rapaport’s arguments seem convincing only because they assume the foundations of strong AI at the outset.
Kolmogorov complexity and random graphs

Abstract A new proof is offered of the fact that almost every labeled tree on n vertices has maximum degree O(log n /log log n ). This result is shown using Kolmogorov complexity. A similar result is reached for random mappings.
The availability of H2O2 and O3 for aqueous phase oxidation of SO2. The question of linearity.

Abstract Gas phase hydrogen peroxide measurements were made at two mountaintop sites in the eastern U.S. Calculations performed for cloud and gas phase conditions typical of those found at the summits of Whiteface and Whitetop Mountains during the summer months indicated that oxidation of dissolved SO2 by H2O2 proceeds at a rate almost three orders of magnitude faster than oxidation by ozone. An examination of the clear-air [ SO 2 ] [ H 2 O 2 ] ratios provided an estimate of the degree of nonlinearity that should be anticipated in these areas. This ratio was found to exceed unity most of the hours during the monitoring periods at both sites. The [ SO 2 ] [ H 2 O 2 ] ratio was found to vary seasonally and spatially with fall ratios exceeding summer and higher ratios were measured at the southern site.
Effect of free-stream turbulence on boundary layer transition

This paper is concerned with the transition to turbulence in flat plate boundary layers due to moderately high levels of free-stream turbulence. The turbulence is assumed to be generated by an (idealized) grid and matched asymptotic expansions are used to analyse the resulting flow over a finite thickness flat plate located in the downstream region. The characteristic Reynolds number R λ based on the mesh size λ and free-stream velocity is assumed to be large, and the turbulence intensity e is assumed to be small. The asymptotic flow structure is discussed for the generic case where the turbulence Reynolds number eR λ and the plate thickness and are held fixed (at O (1) and O (λ), respectively) in the limit as ![Graphic][1] and e →0. But various limiting cases are considered in order to explain the relevant transition mechanisms. It is argued that there are two types of streak-like structures that can play a role in the transition process: (i) those that appear in the downstream region and are generated by streamwise vorticity in upstream flow and (ii) those that are concentrated near the leading edge and are generated by plate normal vorticity in upstream flow. The former are relatively unaffected by leading edge geometry and are usually referred to as Klebanoff modes while the latter are strongly affected by leading edge geometry and are more streamwise vortex-like in appearance. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Oxidative stress induces angiogenesis by activating TLR2 with novel endogenous ligands

Reciprocity of inflammation, oxidative stress and neovascularization is emerging as an important mechanism underlying numerous processes from tissue healing and remodelling to cancer progression. Whereas the mechanism of hypoxia-driven angiogenesis is well understood, the link between inflammation-induced oxidation and de novo blood vessel growth remains obscure. Here we show that the end products of lipid oxidation, ω-(2-carboxyethyl)pyrrole (CEP) and other related pyrroles, are generated during inflammation and wound healing and accumulate at high levels in ageing tissues in mice and in highly vascularized tumours in both murine and human melanoma. The molecular patterns of carboxyalkylpyrroles are recognized by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), but not TLR4 or scavenger receptors on endothelial cells, leading to an angiogenic response that is independent of vascular endothelial growth factor. CEP promoted angiogenesis in hindlimb ischaemia and wound healing models through MyD88-dependent TLR2 signalling. Neutralization of endogenous carboxyalkylpyrroles impaired wound healing and tissue revascularization and diminished tumour angiogenesis. Both TLR2 and MyD88 are required for CEP-induced stimulation of Rac1 and endothelial migration. Taken together, these findings establish a new function of TLR2 as a sensor of oxidation-associated molecular patterns, providing a key link connecting inflammation, oxidative stress, innate immunity and angiogenesis.
Altered glutamate protein co-expression network topology linked to spine loss in the auditory cortex of schizophrenia.

Background Impaired glutamatergic signaling is believed to underlie auditory cortex pyramidal neuron dendritic spine loss and auditory symptoms in schizophrenia. Many schizophrenia risk loci converge on the synaptic glutamate signaling network. We therefore hypothesized that alterations in glutamate signaling protein expression and co-expression network features are present in schizophrenia.
Imprinting as an independent variable in the modeling of a low-probability behavior in chicks

The purpose of the present study was to examine observational learning in chicks as a function of the use of an imprinted vs. a nonimprinted model. Chicks imprinted on other chicks and chicks imprinted on a red tennis ball were exposed to one of three conditions. These were: (1) observing the imprinted model solve an umweg problem, (2) observing the nonimprinted model solve an umweg problem, and (3) attempting to solve the umweg problem with no exposure to a model. Chicks exposed to a model solved the umweg problem significantly faster than control chicks. Furthermore, chicks imprinted on red tennis balls were faster in solving the problem than chicks imprinted on other chicks.
Imported Versus U.S.‐Produced Apparel: Consumer Views and Buying Patterns

In the current controversy over limitation of imported apparel products into the U.S., con sumers have had little opportunity to be heard. This study sought to determine consumers' views of imported versus U.S.-produced apparel, to determine the product qualities which influence the consumer to buy one over the other and to examine consumer views toward imported apparel in relation to various purchasing practices and demographic variables. A structured telephone interview schedule was used by trained callers in a survey of 408 con sumers chosen randomly from telephone directories in 10 selected areas of the Eastern U.S. In general, consumers did not appear indifferent or apathetic to the issue of whether the apparel they buy has been produced in the U.S. or another country. A majority of the consumers took notice of whether clothing was imported and preferred to have domestically produced apparel, primarily because they perceived garments produced in other countries as being of poorer quality. A summary of the relationships between consumers' views toward imported apparel and some of the demographic variables and purchasing practices of the respondents indicated that in many ways concern over imported apparel appears to be a middle-socioeconomic class phenomenon.
Case Study: GPU-based implementation of sequence pair based floorplanning using CUDA

We demonstrate that runtime of VLSI Computer-aided design (CAD) applications can be successfully reduced with parallel programming in conjunction with Graphic Processing Units (GPUs). Particularly, we apply GPU-based computing to the sequence pair based floorplanning algorithm. In addition to reducing runtime, we focus on the minimization of changes in code structure in order to reduce programming efforts. With less than 16 percent of the original program modified, the runtime of the floorplanning algorithm shows an average speedup of 13.5 without performance degradation.
Molybdenite-leaching: Use of a high-temperature microbe☆

Abstract A high-temperature, chemoautotrophic microorganism was studied to establish its capability for leaching molybdenite and to ascertain its response to soluble molybdenum. Experimental results confirm that the organism can tolerate 2000 ppm hexavalent molybdenum and can grow when the concentration of soluble molybdenum is 750 ppm. A molybdenite concentrate is leached at a maximum rate of 6.6 mg Mo solubilised/1./day; this rate is maximised by supplementing the medium with 0.02% yeast extract and 1% iron(II) sulphate. Batch reactor-leaching suppresses the rate of molybdenum solubilisation; the original leaching rate can be re-established by periodic replacement of the suspending medium. Some organic compounds enhance the leaching rate, but combinations of these compounds are not additive. Sulphur is inhibitory to molybdenite leaching; pyrite suppresses molybdenum solubilisation if the concentration of pyrite exceeds 50% of the total solid substrate. Molybdenite ore is successfully leached. Molybdenite waste and tailings contain acid-consuming gangue and lime, respectively, which raise the pH well above optimum for biogenic leaching. Hence, biogenic leaching of waste and tailings is not successful by the technique employed herein. Direct observations of the high-temperature microorganism on molybdenite fines illustrate colonial growth and developmental characteristics in a microbial—mineral interaction. The organism responds to hexavalent molybdenum by reducing this metal to the pentavalent state in aerobic and nitrogen gas atmospheres.
Gastrointestinal Surgery in Patients with Ovarian Cancer

Abstract Objectives. The objectives were to assess indications for and outcome and morbidity of gastrointestinal surgery in patients with ovarian cancer. Methods. We reviewed 364 patients with ovarian cancer who underwent a total of 491 operations including a gastrointestinal procedure over a 10-year period. The 491 operations comprised 180 primary surgical procedures (37%), 44 second-look laparotomies (9%), and 267 procedures for recurrence or palliation (54%). Results. Debulking of disease was the indication for bowel surgery for 87, 45, and 62% of cases in the three groups, respectively. Bowel obstruction was an indication in 14% of patients at primary surgery and in 34% at secondary surgery ( P P = 0.01). Conclusion. Gastrointestinal surgery is frequently indicated during operations for ovarian cancer. Gynecologic cancer surgeons should be trained accordingly. Patients with possibly malignant ovarian masses should receive preoperative bowel preparation and be counseled that bowel surgery may be needed but colostomy is not frequently required.
SU‐FF‐T‐202: Effect of Motion On Dosimetry in IMRT Fields

Purpose: The clinical implementation of IMRT, particularly for tumors of the thoracic cavity, may be complicated by the effects of breathing motion. We present an experimental evaluation of the effects of a sinusoidal breathing cycle on the dose delivered by IMRT plans. Method and Materials: A series of phantoms were placed on a wheeled cart connected to a computer‐controlled step motor. The motor was moved with constant angular velocity, causing approximately sinusoidal motion of the phantom in the superior‐inferior direction. The amplitude of the oscillation was 1 cm. The frequency of oscillation was matched to a 4 second breathing cycle. We measured the effects of this motion in open beams and IMRT fields in using films in the transverse and coronal planes, and with an ionization chamber at isocenter. Results: Dose profiles measured in a 10 × 10 cm open beam with a film placed at a depth of 10 cm in the horizontal plane confirm that the dose measured in the moving phantom is accurately modeled by the convolution of the static dose with an analytically determined motion kernel, despite the 20% change in dose induce by the motion in the penumbra region. When IMRT fields are delivered to the moving phantom, the change in the dose at isocenter varies, but is typically less than 5%. The variation at other points in the treatment region, however, is often much larger. The convolution model accurately predicts these changes except for regions dominated by small segments. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that the effects of sinusoidal oscillatory phantom motion on dosimetry in open beams and IMRT fields can be measured experimentally, and can be accounted for using a motion kernel convolution. Motion may lead to significant errors in dose delivery, particularly for tumors in the lung and thoracic cavity.
Evaluating a learning environment for case-based argumentation skills

CAT0 is an intelligent learning environment designed to help &@ting law students learn basic skills of making arguments with cases, through practice in theory-testing and argumentation tasks. CAT0 models ways in which experts compare and contrast cases, assess the significance of similarities and differences between cases in light of general domain knowledge, and use the same general knowledge to organize multi-case arguments by issues. CAT0 communicates its model to students by presenting dynamically-generated argumentation examples and reifying (i.e., making visible) argument structure. Also, the CAT0 Tools reduce some of the distracting complexity of the students’ task. gal education seeks to teach. But they are difficult to learn and time-consuming to teach. If computer-based instruction can help students get some extra practice in basic skills and free up instructor’s time for more advanced topics, much would be gained. We evaluated CAT0 in the context of a second-semester Iegal writing course taught at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. We found that 7.5 hours of CAT0 instruction led to a statistically significant improvement in students’ basic argumentation skills, comparable to that achieved, in the same amount of time, by an experienced legal writing instructor teaching small groups of students in a more traditional way. On a more advanced memo-writing assignment, meant to explore the “frontier” of the CAT0 instruction, students taught by the legal writing instructor did better, indicating that more is needed if CAT0 is to help students to improve their memo-writing skills. CAT0 employs a computational model of case-based argumentation that addresses eight basic argument moves and more elaborate multi-case arguments. The model includes a “Factor Hierarchy,” which represents more nbstract., but still domain-specific, legal knowledge about the meaning of the factors used to represent cases. CAT0 uses the Factor Hierarchy for a number of purposes, among them to organize multi-case arguments by issues and to make arguments about the significance of distinctions. To generate the latter, CAT0 strategically selects alternative interpretations of cases to elaborate a “deeper” (or more. abstract) contrast or parallel between cases.
Surgery for ventricular arrhythmia

Years of frustration of cardiac surgeons attempting to control intractable ventricular arrhythmia finally ended when the team of Harken, Josephson, and Horowitz performed electrophysiologically directed left ventricular endocardial resection and reported their early results 10 years ago. The scientific background for this breakthrough is reviewed and some subsequent modifications of their procedure are described. The current status of arrhythmia surgery since the advent of the automatic internal cardioverter-defibrillator is described: the two methodologies are complementary, not competitive.
“I Can Walk Both Ways” Identity Integration of American Indians in Oklahoma

This article analyzes the identity experience of American Indians in Oklahoma. The state offers a sociocultural milieu in which life activities of Indians closely interface with those of non-Indians in relative harmony. Berry's (1970, 1980, 1990) acculturation model serves as a conceptual template to help locate different modes of Oklahoma Indians' identity experience. Kim's (1988, 1995a, 1995b, in press) communication theory of cross-cultural adaptation provides the basis far offering a multidimensional system far explaining the linkage between identity experience and other facets of cross-cultural adaptation. The analysis uses portions of both the quantitative data and the verbal transcripts obtained through 182 one-on-one interviews during 1988 to 1989 at six research sites in the state. Results show a preponderance of integrative identity mixed with varying degrees of separatist orientation. Evidence is also provided for Kim's theoretical articulation of cultural-intercultural identity continuum. Positive correlations are seen between identity integration, interpersonal engagement with non-Indians, functional fitness, and psychological health.
Simulation of flight‐type engine fan noise in the NASA—Lewis 9×15 anechoic wind tunnel

A major problem in the measurement of aircraft engine fan noise is the difficulty in simulating in a ground‐based facility the noise that occurs during flight. Flight‐type noise as contrasted to the usual ground‐static noise exhibits substantial reductions in (1) the time unsteadiness of tone noise and (2) the mean level of tones calculated to be nonpropagating or cutoff. A model fan designed to have a nonpropagating tone was acoustically tested in the anechoic wind tunnel under both static and tunnel flow conditions. The properties that characterize flight‐type noise were progressively simulated with increasing tunnel flow. The distinctive lobed directivity patterns of propagating duct modes were also observed. The acoustical data with tunnel flow appear uncontaminated by the excess noise attributed to the ingestion of flow disturbances that prevail near most static test facilities. This anechoic wind tunnel appears to be a useful facility for flight applied acoustic research on aircraft engine fans.
Allies in the Cause of Italian Music: Schütz, Prince Johann Georg II and Musical Politics in Dresden

In the seventeenth century the process of appointing court musicians was often complicated by struggles between conflicting agendas. Recently discovered letters of Saxon Prince Johann Georg II (1613–80) document the nature of the process in Dresden during the tenure of court Kapellmeister Heinrich Schtz, and the attempts of Schutz and the prince to steer Elector Johann Georg I's hiring decisions in a direction that would further their cause: the cultivation of an awareness of the modern Italian style of singing in the Dresden court musicians. The letters reveal the previously unknown collaborative effort of Schutz and the prince to fill the position of vice-Kapellmeister with the ‘right ’ musician (i.e. an Italian or Italian-trained one), and to keep the ‘wrong ’ man out of the job. In the course of this enterprise, the prince participated in the negotiations for several appointments, including that of Christoph Bernhard, whom he then sent to a northern court to study with an Italian singer. Although the ...
Metal-containing ligands for mixed-metal polymers: novel Cu(II)-Ag(I) mixed-metal coordination polymers generated from [Cu(2-methylpyrazine-5-carboxylate)2(H2O)].3H2O and silver(I) salts.

One Cu(II)−containing ligand and two Cu(II)−Ag(I) mixed-metal coordination polymers have been synthesized. [Cu(2-methylpyrazine-5-carboxylate)2(H2O)]·3H2O (1) was obtained as a molecular complex with two uncoordinated nitrogen donors by the reaction of 2-methylpyrazine-5-carboxylate sodium with CuCl2·2H2O in water. Compound 1 crystallized in the triclinic space group P1, with a = 10.498(2) A, b = 11.000(2) A, c = 8.1424(16) A, α = 98.33(3)°, β = 101.83(3)°, γ = 66.68(3)°, and Z = 2. Reactions of 1 with silver(I) salts have been studied. Two Cu(II)−Ag(I) mixed-metal coordination polymers, namely, Ag[Cu(2-methylpyrazine-5-carboxylate)2·(H2O)2](BF4) (2) and Ag[Cu(2-methylpyrazine-5-carboxylate)2·(H2O)2](NO3) (3), have been generated by treating 1 with AgBF4 and AgNO3, respectively. Compound 2 crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a = 25.827(5) A, b = 9.6430(19) A, c = 7.4525(15) A, β = 94.74(3)°, and Z = 4. Compound 3 also crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a = 25.855(5) A...
Effect of Background and Organizational Position on Executive Planning

Abstract This study examines the premise that differences in background and organizational position affect the way decision makers approach planning. A group of 171 executive planners in the United States were asked to indicate how likely they would be to use each of eight planning aids. Demographic and organizational information, including type of planning usually performed, type of organization (service or manufacturing), level in the organization, and gender, was collected and used in a factorial design. The results suggest that background variables influenced how the decision makers approached planning problems.
Experimental and Computational Tests Involving R-11, R-19 and R-30 Fiberglass Insulations:

The attic regions of residential dwellings are important areas with respect to energy conservation. The primary objective of this study is to determine the effective changes in total heat transfer due both to varying the attic insulation thickness from R-11 to R-19 to R-30, and to adding horizontally installed radiant barriers (for R-30). Experimental data (including winter and summer) were collected at an occupied north Mississippi residence, and various profiles such as time histories of temperature, heat flux, and vapor water concentrations are presented to support the experimentally determined effects on the overall heat transfer. A transient, one- dimensional, computational thermal model that incorporates combined conduction and radiation heat transfer and moisture transport is also used to predict the changes in the total heat flux. These predictions are then compared with the experimental results for typical summer and winter days for north Mississippi.
Multiple Small Opacities of Metallic Density in the Lung

A 48-year-old man was brought to the hospital because of obtundation. Vital signs were normal except for a respiratory rate of 25 breaths/min. Chest auscultation revealed faint crackles in the bases. Diagnostic: metallic mercury embolism. The patient subsequently admitted IV injection of elemental mercury for the purpose of «getting high»
World literature as alternative discourse

World literature is often defined in terms of the circulation of works out into languages and cultures beyond their original homeland. But it is also possible to consider an opposite mode of literary worldliness, which occurs when writers draw on foreign literatures in order to intervene within their own culture. This article takes the example of the biblical Book of Job, based on a Babylonian model which it neither imitates nor parodies (the more usual modes of relation of biblical writers to the literary productions of the larger imperial cultures around them). Instead, the poet of the Book of Job selectively draws on Babylonian tradition in order to open up a new mode of understanding of the divine amid the crisis of the Babylonian exile, neither rejecting the surrounding culture nor assimilating to it, portraying a just but unknowable God who has characteristics of a benevolent Mesopotamian tyrant.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Outcomes in Older Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background—Little is known as to whether long-term outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) vary by race/ethnicity. Using the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines–Stroke registry linked with Medicare claims data set, we examined whether 30-day and 1-year outcomes differed by race/ethnicity among older patients with AIS. Methods and Results—We analyzed 200 900 patients with AIS >65 years of age (170 694 non-Hispanic whites, 85.0%; 20 514 non-Hispanic blacks, 10.2%; 6632 Hispanics, 3.3%; 3060 non-Hispanic Asian Americans, 1.5%) from 926 US centers participating in the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke program from April 2003 through December 2008. Compared with whites, other racial and ethnic groups were on average younger and had a higher median score on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Whites had higher 30-day unadjusted mortality than other groups (white versus black versus Hispanic versus Asian=15.0% versus 9.9% versus 11.9% versus 11.1%, respectively). Whites also had higher 1-...
Enhanced biodegradation of creosote-contaminated soil

Bioremediation, a viable option for treatment of cresote-contaminated soil, can be enhanced by the use of surfactant. A study was conducted to investigate the effect of a non-ionic surfactant, Triton X-100, on biodegradation of creosote-contaminated soil. Abiotic soil desorption experiments were performed to determine the kinetics of release of selected polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds. Respirometric experiments were also conducted to evaluate the effect of nonionic surfactant on biodegradation. The N-Con system respirometer was used to monitor the oxygen uptake by the microorganisms. The abiotic experiments results indicated that the addition of surfactant to soil/water systems increased the desorption of PAH compounds. It was also observed that the desorption rate of PAH compounds depended on their molecular weight. The 3- and 4-ring PAH compounds showed higher and faster desorption rates than the 5- and 6-ring PAHs. The respirometric experiments indicated that an increase in soil contamination level from 112.5 to 771.8 mg/kg showed an increase in oxygen uptake. But for a soil contamination level of 1102.5 mg/kg, the oxygen uptake was similar to the contamination level of 771.8 mg/kg. This might be due to toxicity by the surfactant or the solubilized PAHs at high concentration or interference with contaminant transport into the cell or to reversible physical-chemical interferences with the activity of enzymes involved in the PAH degradation. The increase in PAH availability to the microorganisms in the aqueous phase produced an increase in oxygen consumption that is proportional to the biodegradation of organic compounds.
“You’re Going to Do What?” Challenges of Autoethnography in the Academy

This story presents three main challenges faced with creating an autoethnography as a dissertation at a prestigious university. These challenges include (a) finding the author’s voice, (b) negotiating university policies and procedures, and (c) addressing validity concerns for autoethnography. The resulting autoethnographic account captures vulnerable moments and incidents to produce an evocative story about becoming a pioneer. A fusion between social science and screenplay yields a compelling story where effects of reality and human experience come together. These struggles with university’s policies and creating a form of member-checking contribute to the field of “autoethnography” with regard to qualitative methodology. Embarking on the path less traveled while navigating the political system and bureaucracy gives hope to others seeking to publish and/or write their autoethnography.
Nitric oxide donor compounds inhibit the toxicity of oxidized low-density lipoprotein to endothelial cells

Photo-oxidized low-density lipoprotein is cytotoxic to bovine aortic endothelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Total cell killing occurs at a concentration of 600 μmol/l lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH). Selenium deficiency enhances the toxicity of LOOH such that 300 μmol/l LOOH is cytotoxic. This toxicity is inhibited by desferrioxamine, a transition metal ion chelator, and by butylatedhydroxytoluene, a potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation. Toxicity is also inhibited by the nitric oxide donors S-nitrosoglutathione and spermine NONOate but not by reduced or oxidized glutathione and spermine. We propose that nitric oxide, released from these compounds, is inhibiting the toxicity of LOOH to selenium-deficient endothelial cells. Furthermore we hypothesize that the mechanism for this inhibition of toxicity is the scavenging of the propagatory peroxyl and alkoxyl free radicals, by nitric oxide, that are generated during peroxidation of cell membranes.
Thermal contact between powdered CMN and solid 3He below 35 mK

Abstract The thermal relaxation time measurements between powdered CMN and solid 3He show that the thermal boundary resistance is independent of temperature in the range between 4 mK and 35 mK.
Understanding dynamic capabilities

Defining ordinary or ‘zero-level’ capabilities as those that permit a firm to ‘make a living’ in the short term, one can define dynamic capabilities as those that operate to extend, modify or create ordinary capabilities. Logically, one can then proceed to elaborate a hierarchy of higher-order capabilities. However, it is argued here that the strategic substance of capabilities involves patterning of activity, and that costly investments are typically required to create and sustain such patterning—for example, in product development. Firms can accomplish change without reliance on dynamic capability, by means here termed ‘ad hoc problem solving.’ Whether higher-order capabilities are created or not depends on the costs and benefits of the investments relative to ad hoc problem solving, and so does the ‘level of the game’ at which strategic competition effectively occurs. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.