cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accounting for the health-care bill

As a health care attorney with quadriplegia who teaches health policy and law at a large university, my interactions with the health-care system are somewhat unique. However, I also have much in common with millions of other Americans who receive their care under the system. Like many of these people, I live in dread of opening a piece of mail from anyone who may be characterised as a health-care provider. The contents are likely to be a bill that is indiscernible to anyone, with the possible exception of the administrative person responsible for assembling and transmitting it. Actually, the bill is likely to be one of numerous interrelated mailings from several providers and one or more insurance entity, stating what they are and are not entitled to or responsible for. Inevitably, they are entitled to much and responsible for little. Having an extensive education and professional background is by no means a guarantee that one will be able to discern the rationale for the veritable table of random numbers that constitute the health-care bill. Knowledge of the system may prove to be a hindrance in trying to understand what cannot be understood. Of course, the complexity and duplicity of billing paperwork are no news to the millions of Americans who have been subject to these mailings. What is interesting and disturbing is not that it exists, but rather that it persists and appears to be getting worse after over two decades of the so-called “managed care revolution”. The financing and delivery of health-care services are now supposed to be integrated; costs are supposed to be getting under control. One recent experience shows that this is not always happening.
Summary on high p T probes

Results on high-p T probes shown at the Hard Probes 2008 Conference are summarized, with an appreciation of the improvements in precision of the measurements and experimental techniques since the beginning of RHIC operation. Particular attention is given to the latest measurements of the nuclear modification factor of identified particles, photon-hadron correlation measurements, and full jet reconstruction.
An Evaluation of Parallel Eccentricity Estimation Algorithms on Undirected Real-World Graphs

This paper presents efficient shared-memory parallel implementations and the first comprehensive experimental study of graph eccentricity estimation algorithms in the literature. The implementations include (1) a simple algorithm based on executing two-pass breadth-first searches from a sample of vertices, (2) algorithms with sub-quadratic worst-case running time for sparse graphs and non-trivial approximation guarantees that execute breadth-first searches from a carefully chosen set of vertices, (3) algorithms based on probabilistic counters, and (4) a well-known 2-approximation algorithm that executes one breadth-first search per connected component. Our experiments on large undirected real-world graphs show that the algorithm based on two-pass breadth-first searches works surprisingly well, outperforming the other algorithms in terms of running time and/or accuracy by up to orders of magnitude. The high accuracy, efficiency, and parallelism of our best implementation allows the fast generation of eccentricity estimates for large graphs, which are useful in many applications arising in large-scale network analysis.
Molecular beam epitaxy approach to the graphitization of GaAs(100) surfaces

The authors present a method for obtaining graphitized carbon on GaAs(100) surfaces. Carbon-doped GaAs is grown by molecular beam epitaxy before controlled thermal etching within the growth chamber. An AlAs layer beneath the carbon-doped GaAs acts as a thermal etch stop. As the GaAs is etched away, the carbon dopant atoms remain on the surface due to their low vapor pressure. The total number of carbon atoms available is precisely controllable by the doping density and thickness of the carbon-doped GaAs layer. Characteristic phonon modes in Raman spectra from the thermally etched surfaces show that the residual surface carbon atoms form sp2-bonded graphitic crystallites.
PERFORMANCE AND MICROBIOLOGICAL GROWTH IN GROUND MEAT ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF THAWING TRAYS

The study goal was to determine whether trays marketed to hasten thawing of food would perform safely. Three brands of trays (Miracle Thaw, Super Defrost, and Defrost Master 2000) and aluminum skillets were purchased for experiments. Four frozen burgers with thermocouples inserted were placed onto a thawing device to thaw to 2.78C internal temperature. Experiments were replicated. Time and temperature (ambient, surface, internal) were recorded. Prethawing and thawed samples were analyzed for aerobic plate counts. Regression models were developed to identify sources of variation in time to thaw burgers, total bacterial count, and change in count pre/post thawing. All trays and aluminum skillets thawed burgers equally well (P>.05). Meat thawed within two hours (mean 83.6 min, maximum 119 min). Aerobic plate counts did not indicate spoilage of meat (mean 2372 cfu/g, maximum 17600 cfu/g). Emphasis on teaching home food preparers to refrigerate thawed foods within a two-hour period is an educational priority.
Brain Monoamine Concentrations as Predictors of Growth Inhibition in Channel Catfish Exposed to Ammonia

Fingerlings of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus exhibited a significant exposure-dependent decrease in growth (measured by weight gain and increase in total length) and condition factor after 9 weeks of exposure to environmental ammonia. Concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine in the brain decreased significantly whereas the ratio of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) to 5-HT increased significantly in exposure-dependent manners. The brain dopamine concentrations and the 5-HIAA : 5-HT ratio collectively explained 88% of the variation in growth due to ammonia exposure. This study demonstrates the potential to predict ammonia-induced inhibition of growth in channel catfish with physiological changes.
Diffraction and microscopy studies of the atomic structure of grain boundaries

Abstract The structure of grain boundaries and the influence of solute segregation on boundary structure were studied using diffraction and microscopy techniques. The determination of the projected atomic structure of a large angle [001] twist boundary by use of X-ray diffraction techniques was demonstrated. Using an electron diffraction technique it was shown that the local change in plane spacing at a large angle [001] twist boundary was dependent on the type of bond (ionic, metallic, covalent) in the material. It was shown that solute segregation causes a major change in the dislocation content of a small angle [001] twist boundary in Fe containing a small amount of Au. These observations are evidence for the occurrence of a two-dimensional phase transformation in the grain boundary. As a result of these studies, generalizations were made concerning the structure of large-angle twist boundaries and the influence of bond type on boundary structure.
Immunologic basis of transplant-associated arteriosclerosis.

Abstract Although immunosuppressive therapy minimizes the risk of graft failure due to acute rejection, transplant-associated arteriosclerosis of the coronary arteries remains a significant obstacle to the long-term survival of heart transplant recipients. The participation of specific inflammatory cell types in the genesis of this lesion was examined in a mouse model in which carotid arteries were transplanted across multiple histocompatibility barriers into seven mutant strains with immunologic defects. An acquired immune response--with the participation of CD4+ (helper) T cells, humoral antibody, and macrophages--was essential to the development of the concentric neointimal proliferation and luminal narrowing characteristic of transplant arteriosclerosis. CD8+ (cytotoxic) T cells and natural killer cells were not involved in the process. Arteries allografted into mice deficient in both T-cell receptors and humoral antibody showed almost no neointimal proliferation, whereas those grafted into mice deficient only in helper T cells, humoral antibody, or macrophages developed small neointimas. These small neointimas and the large neointimas of arteries grafted into control animals contained a similar number of inflammatory cells; however, smooth muscle cell number and collagen deposition were diminished in the small neointimas. Also, the degree of inflammatory reaction in the adventitia did not correlate with the size of the neointima. Thus, the reduction in neointimal size in arteries allografted into mice deficient in helper T cells, humoral antibody, or macrophages may be accounted for by a decrease in smooth muscle cell migration or proliferation.
Teaching critical consumption of television through analysis of self‐reflexive programming

(1991). Teaching critical consumption of television through analysis of self‐reflexive programming. Communication Education: Vol. 40, No. 4, pp. 401-406.
Teacher Candidates' Changing Perceptions of Urban Schools: Results of a 4-Year Study

Abstract This study investigated changes in teacher candidates' perceptions of teaching in urban schools as they completed a 4-year teacher education program. Candidates were asked to respond in writing to two questions: “What are your concerns about teaching in an urban school?” and “What are the advantages of teaching in an urban school?” Data were collected before and after a freshmen-level tutoring experience in an urban school and at the conclusion of a yearlong internship in an urban school. Participation in the urban field experiences resulted in reduced concerns about student ability, personal safety, cultural conflicts, and language barriers. Candidates also reported an increased commitment to making a positive contribution by teaching in urban schools.
Folinic acid reduces cleft lip [CL(P)] in A/WySn mice.

The A/WySnBk strain of mice displays 25-35% spontaneous CL(P). Pregnant mice were treated with folinic acid continuously delivered via osmotic minipumps at the rate of 7.6 +/- 0.2 microl/ hr (12 mg/ 24 hr) for the period covering gestation day (gd) 8.5-9.5, early in the critical period for formation of the face. Untreated and osmotic minipump-delivered, saline-treated groups served as controls. Individual fetuses were examined for CL(P) and other abnormalities on gd 18. The treatment resulted in a decrease in the frequency of CL(P) from 40.0+/-7.0% among untreated to 10.2+/-3.3% in the folinic acid group (P<.001). The difference between the folinic-exposed group and the saline-filled minipump and surgical control was also significant (P<.029). With respect to mortality, litter size, and fetal weight, the two minipump groups did not differ significantly, nor did they differ from the untreated group. Thus the reduction in CL(P) frequency was due to the presence of folinic acid and not to effects of the surgical procedures. This study provides evidence that administration of folinic acid during pregnancy has an important ameliorating effect on genetically predisposed CL(P).
In-row soil aggregate characteristics for two Iowa soils

Abstract Chemical and physical characteristics of soil aggregates from Clarion loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic Typical Hapludoll) and Edina silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argialboll) soil were evaluated to compare two alternate farming practices. Aggregate size distribution was measured for the 0‐to‐3 mm and 0‐to‐76 mm fractions collected from within existing ridges to a soil depth of 0.15 m prior to planting corn (Zea mays L.), after the first cultivation, at anthesis, and after harvest in 1990. Selected physical and chemical properties were determined for air‐dry aggregates in six size classes (0‐to‐0.5, 0.5‐to‐1.0, 1.0‐to‐2.0, 2.0‐to‐3.0, 3.0‐to‐4.0, and 4.0‐to‐5.0 mm) collected from the two Iowa soils prior to planting. Temporal changes in aggregate size distribution were observed for both soils, presumably because of combined rainfall and crop management effects. Physical and chemical properties of soil aggregates showed large differences between locations and within size fractions whe...
HIV treatment-as-prevention research at a crossroads.

In light of changing WHO guidelines for HIV treatment, Till BA¤rnighausen and colleagues consider how large-scale HIV treatment-as-prevention trials can be adapted so that they can remain viable. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary
Taphonomy of a late Eocene microvertebrate locality, Wind River Basin, Wyoming (U.S.A.)

Abstract The taphonomic history of a late Eocene micromammal assemblage (Badwater Locality 20, Wind River Basin, Wyoming) is examined using methods of data collection and analysis designed to elucidate three taphonomic processes; death and initial accumulation, transport and burial, and postburial alteration. The disarticulated fragmentary nature of the fossils and the low percentage of teeth and jaws in the taphonomic sample suggests that much of the assemblage was initially accumulated in predator scats or pellets. Nonpredator agents of mortality were responsible for an additional “attritional” component. There is evidence that the bones were exposed for a short period of time before burial and that the assemblage represents a time-lag soil accumulation. There is no evidence, either from orientation and surface characteristics of the bones or from the sediments, that the fossils were hydraulically transported and deposited. Postburial alteration included breakage of small bones due to mechanical stress. The greatest information loss occurred during initial accumulation. Little additional information was lost during burial or through postburial alteration. This information loss primarily concerned the relative abundance structure of the mammalian community. In contrast, information concerning species richness appears to be only slightly altered.
A gel eluter for recovery of proteins separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Abstract An apparatus for the electrophoretic elution of proteins from polyacrylamide gel slices is described. The eluter is inexpensive, easy to build, and can be constructed to fit many available slab-gel apparatuses. A high yield of protein, concentrated in a small volume of solution, can be electrophoretically separated and recovered within a 24-h period.
A record of hydrocarbon input to San Francisco Bay as traced by biomarker profiles in surface sediment and sediment cores

San Francisco Bay is one of the world's largest urbanized estuarine systems. Its water and sediment receive organic input from a wide variety of sources; much of this organic material is anthropogenically derived. To document the spatial and historical record of the organic contaminant input, surficial sediment from 17 sites throughout San Francisco Bay and sediment cores from two locations—Richardson Bay and San Pablo Bay—were analyzed for biomarker constituents. Biomarkers, that is, `molecular fossils', primarily hopanes, steranes, and n-alkanes, provide information on anthropogenic contamination, especially that related to petrogenic sources, as well as on recent input of biogenic material. The biomarker parameters from the surficial sediment and the upper horizons of the cores show a dominance of anthropogenic input, whereas the biomarker profiles at the lower horizons of the cores indicate primarily biogenic input. In the Richardson Bay core the gradual upcore transition from lower maturity background organics to a dominance of anthropogenic contamination occurred about 70–100 years ago and corresponds to the industrial development of the San Francisco Bay area. In San Pablo Bay, the transition was very abrupt, reflecting the complex depositional history of the area. This sharp transition, perhaps indicating a depositional hiatus or erosional period, dated at pre-1952, is clearly visible. Below, the hiatus the biomarker parameters are immature; above, they are mature and show an anthropogenic overlay. Higher concentrations of terrigenous n-alkanes in the upper horizons in this core are indicative of an increase in terrigenous organic matter input in San Pablo Bay, possibly a result of water diversion projects and changes in the fresh water flow into the Bay from the Delta. Alternatively, it could reflect a dilution of organic material in the lower core sections with hydraulic mining debris.
Higher-order four-wave mixing and its effect in WDM systems

Higher-order four-wave mixing effects are evaluated in WDM systems. Calculated and measured results show that higher-order FWM crosstalk, though small compared to the first-order FWM crosstalk, could be significant in unequal channel-spacing WDM systems where the first-order FWM is not a problem.
Structure and Orientation of Sarcolipin in Lipid Environments

Sarcolipin (SLN) is a 31 amino acid integral membrane protein that regulates Ca-ATPase activity in skeletal muscle. Here, we report the three-dimensional structure and topology of synthetic SLN in lipid environments, as determined by solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. 2D solution NMR experiments were performed on SLN solubilized in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles. We found that SLN adopts a highly defined R-helical conformation from F9 through R27, with a backbone RMSD of 0.65 A and a side chain RMSD of 1.66 A. The N-terminus (M1 through L8) and the C-terminus (S28 through Y31) are mostly unstructured. The orientation of the SLN was determined using one-dimensional 15 N NMR solid-state spectroscopy. The protein was incorporated into phospholipid bilayers prepared from a mixture of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine. The 15 N chemical shift solid-state spectra from selectively labeled SLN samples indicate that SLN orients perpendicularly to the plane of the membrane bilayers. These results support the proposed mechanism of Ca-ATPase regulation of SLN via protein-protein intramembranous interactions between the highly conserved transmembrane domains of the Ca-ATPase and the conserved transmembrane domain of SLN.
Role of sensory nervous system vasoactive peptides in hypertension

The goal of the present research was to elucidate the roles and mechanisms by which the sensory nervous system, through the actions of potent vasodilator neuropeptides, regulates cardiovascular function in both the normal state and in the pathophysiology of hypertension. The animal models of acquired hypertension studied were deoxycorticosterone-salt (DOC-salt), subtotal nephrectomy-salt (SN-salt), and Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension during pregnancy in rats. The genetic model was the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) are potent vasodilating neuropeptides. In the acquired models of hypertension, CGRP and SP play compensatory roles to buffer the blood pressure (BP) increase. Their synthesis and release are increased in the DOC-salt model but not in the SN-salt model. This suggests that the mechanism by which both models lower BP in SN-salt rats is by increased vascular sensitivity. CGRP functions in a similar manner in the L-NAME model. In the SHR, synthesis of CGRP and SP is decreased. This could contribute to the BP elevation in this model. The CGRP gene knockout mouse has increased baseline mean arterial pressure. The long-term synthesis and release of CGRP is increased by nerve growth factor, bradykinin, and prostaglandins and is decreased by alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonists and glucocorticoids. In several animal models, sensory nervous system vasoactive peptides play a role in chronic BP elevation. In the acquired models, they play a compensatory role. In the genetic model, their decreased levels may contribute to the elevated BP. The roles of CGRP and SP in human hypertension are yet to be clarified.
Visualization Databases for the Analysis of Large Complex Datasets

Comprehensive visualization that preserves the information in a large complex dataset requires a visualization database (VDB): many displays, some with many pages, and with one or more panels per page. A single display using a specific display method results from partitioning the data into subsets, sampling the subsets, and applying the method to each sample, typically one per panel. The time of the analyst to generate a display is not increased by choosing a large sample over a small one. Displays and display viewers can be designed to allow rapid scanning. Often, it is not necessary to view every page of a display. VDBs, already successful just with off-the-shelf tools, can be greatly improved by research that rethinks all of the areas of data visualization in the context of VDBs.
The future of cardiac surgery: a history lesson.

Advances in health technology have increased exponentially over the last decade. This progress has enabled all medical specialties to better treat patients and holds the promise of improving outcomes and perhaps, moving beyond palliation to cure and eventually prevention. However, while some embrace progress, others view change with fear and trepidation. Notably, in our field of cardiac surgery, there is concern of increasing competition from cardiology, as newer catheter based innovations, such as drug eluting coronary stents, rapidly increase in use. This has some predicting a limited future for cardiac surgery, as the melding of diagnostic and therapeutic catheter approaches has become the driving force in treating coronary disease, relegating cardiac surgery to the status of a safety net. Many have further suggested that innovations in interventional cardiology, combined with decreasing reimbursements are partially responsible for the decrease in interest in cardiac surgical residency training. However, this myopic view is counterproductive and a more enlightened outlook befits our heritage. Cardiac surgeons by nature and tradition are innovators, problem solvers and decision makers and we only need to take a history lesson to see the future.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Path Following for Target Observation in Wind

This work provides flight-path geometry, guidance laws, and synchronous camera angles to observe a ground target from an unmanned aerial vehicle. The observation of the target is affected by wind, aircraft performance, and camera limits. Analytic expressions are derived for paths that result in constant line-of-sight orientation of the target relative to the aircraft body frame. Using minimal heuristics, a guidance law based on “good helmsman” behavior is developed and implemented, and stability of its integration with aircraft dynamics is assessed. An observer estimates wind data, which are used to orient path geometry about the target. Results are demonstrated in high-fidelity simulation. Nomenclature a = helmsman sensitivity parameter c(·) = cos(·) d = distance Fb = body-fixed frame Fs = Serret‐Frenet frame g = gravity constant r = radius s = arclength position along desired path s(·) = sin(·) t(·) = tan(·)
High-resolution SQUID imaging of octupolar currents in anisotropic cardiac tissue

A monopolar stimulus electrode triggered depolarization in a 1-mm-thick slice of canine ventricular myocardium, maintained in a thermally regulated, oxygenated chamber. Five hundred milliseconds of data at 2 kHz were recorded with a MicroSQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) magnetometer at 1-mm intervals over a 23-mm*23-mm area, centered on the stimulus site. Without averaging, a signal-to-noise ratio of better than 100:1 was achieved, and the field maps provided evidence of a propagating wavefront of activity. Application of an inverse Fourier filter yielded current density images that consisted of four expanding circular current paths, in agreement with predictions of the bidomain model. The ability to image action currents in a DC to 2-kHz bandwidth should prove useful for understanding the complex anisotropy of cardiac tissue and how it is altered by pharmacological interventions. >
An approach to optimal control of switched systems with internally forced switchings

Provides an approach to optimal control of switched systems with internally forced switchings (IFS). Many practical problems only involve optimization where the number of switchings and the sequence of active subsystems are specified. This is the stage 1 optimization we study in this paper. In previous papers, we proposed an approach for optimal control problems for switched systems with externally forced switchings (EFS). Here we extend such an approach to problems with IFS. The approach first transcribes a stage 1 problem into an equivalent problem and then the values of the derivatives of the optimal cost with respect to the switching instants are obtained based on the solution of a two point boundary value differential algebraic equation formed by the state, costate, stationarity, boundary equations and the equations for the state and the costate at the switching instants, along with their differentiations. With the knowledge of the derivatives, nonlinear optimization methods can be applied to find the implicitly-generated optimal switching instants along with the corresponding continuous input.
Development of a human performance modeling tool for user interface evaluation in next generation spacecraft: an empirical approach

Computational models of human performance hold considerable promise for streamlining design/test/redesign cycles for crew interfaces on next-generation space vehicles. To fulfill that promise, however, the models will have to be able to simulate and predict human performance in a highly complex operational environment. We describe an empirical approach to aid model development, which is based on analyses of the oculomotor behavior of human operators during a fault management task in a part-task shuttle cockpit simulator. For each operator, each of the eye fixations involved in the fault management task was classified as belonging to one of nine information acquisition categories (e.g. reading text, checking systems parameters, monitoring an action). For each category, we combined the fixation data across the operators and two levels of automation to produce a well populated distribution of fixation latencies, each of which was well fit by a gamma function. We then performed simulations in which, for each operator, the duration of each fixation involved in the fault management task was repeatedly stochastically sampled from the appropriate gamma distribution. The average of these samples was then substituted for the actual duration of each fixation, and the sum of the model-based fixation durations was then compared to the actual fault management completion time obtained from each observer. The model-derived task completion times were highly predictive of both the mean and variance in operators' actual finishing times. The next steps in generating model-based behavior are discussed.
Rapid Testing Using the Verigene Gram-Negative Blood Culture Nucleic Acid Test in Combination with Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention against Gram-Negative Bacteremia

Rapid identification of microorganisms and antimicrobial resistance is paramount for targeted treatment in serious bloodstream infections (BSI). The Verigene Gram-negative blood culture nucleic acid test (BC-GN) is a multiplex, automated molecular diagnostic test for identification of eight Gram-negative (GN) organisms and resistance markers from blood culture with a turnaround time of approximately 2 h. Clinical isolates from adult patients at the University Maryland Medical Center with GN bacteremia from 1 January 2012 to 30 June 2012 were included in this study. Blood culture bottles were spiked with clinical isolates, allowed to incubate, and processed by BC-GN. A diagnostic evaluation was performed. In addition, a theoretical evaluation of time to effective and optimal antibiotic was performed, comparing actual antibiotic administration times from chart review ("control") to theoretical administration times based on BC-GN reporting and antimicrobial stewardship team (AST) review ("intervention"). For organisms detected by the assay, BC-GN correctly identified 95.6% (131/137), with a sensitivity of 97.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.7 to 98.4%) and a specificity of 99.5% (95% CI, 98.8 to 99.8%). CTX-M and OXA resistance determinants were both detected. Allowing 12 h from Gram stain for antibiotic implementation, the intervention group had a significantly shorter duration to both effective (3.3 versus 7.0 h; P < 0.01) and optimal (23.5 versus 41.8 h; P < 0.01) antibiotic therapy. BC-GN with AST intervention can potentially decrease time to both effective and optimal antibiotic therapy in GN BSI.
Semantic development in Spanish-English bilingual children: effects of age and language experience.

This study examines semantic development in 60 Spanish–English bilingual children, ages 7 years 3 months to 9 years 11 months, who differed orthogonally in age (younger, older) and language experience (higher English experience [HEE], higher Spanish experience [HSE]). Children produced 3 associations to 12 pairs of translation equivalents. Older children produced more semantic responses and code switched more often from Spanish to English than younger children. Within each group, children demonstrated better performance in the more frequently used than the less used language. The HEE children outperformed the HSE children in English and the HSE children outperformed the HEE children in Spanish. These effects of age and language experience are consistent with predictions of the revised hierarchical model of bilingual lexical organization.
Compliance with minimum price and legal age for cigarette purchase laws: evidence from NYC in advance of raising purchase age to 21

Background New York City (NYC) raised the minimum purchase age for cigarettes from 18 to 21 on 1 August 2014. The new law is intended to decrease current smoking rates and smoking initiation among the city9s youth. Assessment of compliance with existing cigarette sales and tax laws could aid in determining what may be needed for successful implementation of the city9s new law. Purpose To assess compliance with minimum sales price and purchase age laws in NYC, before change in law. Methods Ten trained field investigators purchased cigarettes from different types of retailers throughout all five NYC boroughs, resulting in 421 purchases. Investigators noted whether they were asked for identification and the price of their purchase. Multivariable logistic and Ordinary Least Squares regression techniques were used to assess predictors of retailer compliance with sales price and minimum purchase age laws. Results In 29% of purchases, investigators did not have to produce identification (p Conclusions Variation in compliance with existing laws suggests that more active monitoring of compliance with the new minimum legal purchase age will be required in order to realise the new law9s public health potential.
Simultaneous stabilization with almost disturbance decoupling-uniform rank system

Abstract In this paper we study the problem of stabilization with almost disturbance decoupling for a family of linear time-invariant finite dimensional uniform-rank plants with a fixed controller. It is shown that, for a family of minimum-phase plants which have the same order of infinite zeros and have high frequency gain matrices satisfying a certain condition, such a fixed controller exists. The restriction on the high frequency gain matrices is equivalent to requiring that the sign of high frequency gain for SISO plants be known.
Abstract W P237: Overexpression of Soluble Hemopexin as a Therapeutic Tool against Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has the highest morbidity, disability, and mortality rates of any stroke subtype, including ischemic stroke. When a hemorrhagic stroke occurs, the blood-brain barrier is broken and blood components enter the brain. A major cause of morbidity and mortality following ICH is the direct toxicity of blood metabolites, mainly free heme, on adjacent brain tissue. Hemopexin (Hpx) is the endogenous protein responsible for scavenging free heme; thereby, modulating its proxidant and proinflammatory properties. We hypothesized that the specific local overexpression of Hpx within the brain would attenuate anatomical and functional outcomes after experimentally inducing an ICH. We uniquely designed novel adeno-associated viral vectors (and control vectors) to specifically overexpress Hpx locally within the brain of C57BL/6N mice. After experimentally inducing an ICH using the autologous whole blood model, when compared to an identically treated control group, Hpx-overexpressing mice were found to have reduced brain injury volume at 72h post-ICH (p<0.05), as identified by lesion volume quantification of Cresyl Violet stained brain sections (n=7-9/group). Further, these anatomical outcomes were correlated with improved neurologic recovery, as measured by a 24-point neurological deficit scale, at 24h, 48h, and 72h post-ICH (p<0.05). Modulation of hemopexin levels would represent a clinically relevant strategy for the treatment of secondary brain injury following ICH. Further studies are needed in order to evaluate the in vivo utility of hemopexin in attenuating oxidative damage following hemorrhagic brain injury.
Global Piracy and Strategic Responses

This chapter examines piracy and the possible corporate strategies against it, focusing on four topics. First, it explains how IP can lose its market value due to obsolescence, imitation or infringement. Second, piracy as a concept is discussed and a typology of the ever-increasing piracy activities presented. Third, the chapter focuses on the impact of piracy on countries, companies and consumers. Fourth, it explores a combination of reasons derived from political economy, culture, businesses and consumers to explain the causes behind the prevalence of piracy. Finally, it recommends corporate actions and appeals to external assistance for the prevention, cure and alleviation of piracy.
Riemann Integrals as Mappings in Elementary Applications

(1964). Riemann Integrals as Mappings in Elementary Applications. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 37, No. 5, pp. 311-317.
OSTEOPOROSIS: ETIOLOGY AND THERAPY.

The etiologic process involved in human osteoporosis (excluding that due to excessive adrenocorticoid excretion) is considered of the idiopathic variety. Studies with radioisotope labeling have indicated that most forms of osteoporosis may be considered a metabolic bone disease resulting in more destruction than formation of bone.Therapy is aimed toward eliminating pain, preventing vertebral fractures, and recalcifying the skeleton.
Perianesthetic development of diaphragmatic hernia in a horse with equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID).

A 21-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with a history of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) presented with priapism of 2 days’ duration. The horse received a caudal morphine epidural and then underwent corpus cavernosum lavage and phallectomy under general anesthesia. The patient’s recovery featured multiple unsuccessful attempts to stand and his respiratory distress persisted for several hours until he acutely developed severe colic and was euthanized. Necropsy findings revealed a pituitary adenoma of the pars intermedia, bilateral adrenal cortical hyperplasia, and diaphragmatic herniation. This report suggests that horses with PPID may present a greater risk for diaphragmatic hernia under general anesthesia or during procedures placing stress on the diaphragm, including anesthetic recovery.
Immunity, herpes simplex virus, and cervical carcinoma.

The major immune findings in cervical cancer have been those associated with herpes simplex virus. These findings are summarized and a brief review of other immunologic research and contemporary cancer immunobiology is provided.
Capabilities, human development, and design thinking: a framework for gender-sensitive entrepreneurship programs

This paper discusses the ways that capabilities and human development theory can guide the creation of entrepreneurship programs, utilizing a framework of human-centered design thinking. It is well known that a variety of institutional factors shape gender outcomes and gender inequality within entrepreneurship, particularly with regard to necessity versus opportunity entrepreneurship and informal versus formal sector entrepreneurship. Failure to understand the diversity of entrepreneurial activity among women, and the connection (or lack thereof) of such activity to human freedom, leads to biased entrepreneurship programs. This paper links social economic theory and practice by: (1) discussing the ways that capabilities and human development theory relate to entrepreneurship programs; (2) demonstrating that human-centered design thinking reflects the capabilities approach; and (3) showing how the design thinking framework would be used to create a gender-sensitive entrepreneurship program.
Differential relationships of somatic and cognitive anxiety with measures of processing speed in older adults

ABSTRACTResearch suggests a reciprocal relationship between late-life anxiety and cognition, particularly attention and executive functions. Whereas evidence supports a conceptual distinction between cognitive and somatic dimensions of anxiety, their differential relationship with cognitive outcomes has not been examined, particularly on tests of attention/executive functions that rely on processing speed. Study goals were threefold: (a) to describe levels of overall, cognitive, and somatic anxiety in a sample of older adults without dementia, (b) to determine if overall anxiety is associated with performance on select measures of attention/executive functions that rely on processing speed, and (c) to determine if a differential relationship exists between cognitive and somatic anxiety and cognitive performance. Participants were 368 community-dwelling older adults. Results showed that elevated levels of somatic, but not cognitive anxiety were associated with poorer performance across measures. Findings s...
BAW filter design method based on intrinsically switchable ferroelectric BST FBARs

A design method for BAW filters based on intrinsically switchable ferroelectric BST FBARs is presented. A complete set of design equations for ladder-type FBAR filters is derived based on the popular filter synthesis method using image parameters. For the first time, a complete analysis is performed that accurately calculates both the image impedance and propagation constant for BAW filters. Closed-form design equations as a function of FBAR and filter specifications are provided. As an experimental verification, a 1.5-stage switchable ferroelectric BST FBAR filter is designed, fabricated, and measured. When a dc bias is applied, a switchable filter is in its on-state and provides an insertion loss of 5.77 dB with a fractional bandwidth of 1.22% at 1.97 GHz. When in its off-state, the filter exhibits more than 22 dB isolation. Circuit-level simulation results are in very good agreement with the measurement results, validating the proposed BAW filter design method.
Cerebellar Structural Abnormalities and Genetics

The etiology and incidence of known metabolic and hereditary disorders associated with unilateral or bilateral structural cerebellar abnormalities, defined by CT and/or MRI, were determined in 78 children examined at the University Hospital Aachen, Germany, and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium.
Exercise during early pregnancy is associated with greater sleep continuity.

Objectives/background: Pregnant women report disturbed sleep beginning in early pregnancy. Among nonpregnant populations, exercise has been associated with improved sleep; however, research in pregnant samples has been equivocal. We examined whether varying degrees of exercise were associated with better nocturnal sleep among pregnant women during early gestation. Participants: 172 pregnant women. Methods: Self-reported sleep and exercise and objective sleep were collected during early gestation: T1 (10–12 weeks), T2 (14–16 weeks), and T3 (18–20 weeks) from 172 pregnant women. Exercise was categorized into three time-varying groups: 0 metabolic equivalent minutes per week (MET-min/week), 1 to < 500 MET-min/week, or ≥ 500 MET-min/week. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to test hypotheses. Results: A significant main effect for Time (F[2,254] = 9.77, p < 0.0001) and Time*Exercise group interaction were observed for actigraphic sleep efficiency (aSE) (F[4,569] = 2.73, p = 0.0285). At T2, women who re...
Article Deposit Services in Support of Federal Agency Public Access Requirements

INTRODUCTION Academic libraries have experimented with a variety of services to encourage article deposit to institutional repositories, with varying degrees of success. Universities now face the challenge of meeting federal agency public access requirements. Following the White House Office of Science Technology and Policy public access directive in 2013, Oregon State University (OSU) initiated an article deposit service to help faculty meet funding agency requirements and facilitate deposit of articles to both federal agency repositories and the institutional repository. This case study describes the article deposit form developed by the library to encourage article deposits to the institutional repository and federal agency repositories, the processes and people put in place to request and deposit the articles, and the impact of the service on the number of articles deposited to federal agency repositories. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT In the two years since the article deposit service was initiated, a total of 102 articles have been deposited by the library to the PubMed Central or PAGES federal agency repositories. The inclusion of a request for faculty to indicate federal funding in the article deposit form has not resulted in increased article self deposits. Identifying and requesting National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Energy funded articles from faculty for deposit to the institutional repository and to the agency repositories has also not received substantial uptake. The majority of articles that have been deposited to federal agency repositories by the library were received after library staff reviewed bibliographies of grant funded research for compliance with public access policies. NEXT STEPS As a result, the library is now working with the university office of research to promote a service that asks faculty for a bibliography of their articles that result from NIH or DOE funding, identifies those that need to be deposited to the agency repositories, and provides a link to the library’s article deposit form for them to initiate article deposits to the institutional repository and to agency repositories.
Remarkable Differences in Cellular Activation State and Migratory and Proliferative Potential among Clonal Cells Derived from Different Tissues of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients.

Abstract An antigen-independent process that takes place in the bone marrow (BM) leads to the birth of B cells from bone marrow precursors. Cross-talk between components of the microenvironment of BM or secondary lymphoid compartment(s), eg. spleen (SP), nurtures the subsequent evolution of B cells and governs in large part the natural history of normal B cells and B cell malignancies including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). Interaction of B cells with stromal elements confers upon them features enabling their transient sequestration, proliferation and extended survival. In this report we have compared the characteristics of clonal B-CLL cells obtained from paired specimens (peripheral blood, PB with corresponding BM or SP obtained within an interval of less than 1 month of each other) from 17 individual untreated B-CLL patients. These cells were tested by surface immunofluorescence and flow cytometry for their expression of a panel of chemokine receptors (CCR −1, −2, −4, and −7 and CXCR−1, −2, −3, and −4) and markers of cellular activation (CD23, CD62L, CD69, CD71 and HLA-DR). The relative age of the B cells (telomere length) and their ability to maintain telomere length (telomerase activity) were studied in paired BM/SP and PB samples from 15 of these cases. Although PB-, BM- and SP-derived B cells expressed activation markers, specifically, the percentages of cells expressing ZAP-70 and Ki-67 were significantly higher in BM- and SP-derived B cells than those expressed by corresponding PB-derived B cells (p
Thyroid Nodule Size at Ultrasound as a Predictor of Malignancy and Final Pathologic Size

Background: Thyroid-related mortality has remained constant despite the increasing incidence of thyroid carcinoma. Most thyroid nodules are benign; therefore, ultrasound and fine needle aspiration (FNA) are integral in cancer screening. We hypothesize that increased nodule size at ultrasound does not predict malignancy and correlation between nodule size at ultrasound and pathologic exam is good. Methods: Resected thyroids with preoperative ultrasounds were identified. Nodule size at ultrasound, FNA diagnosis by Bethesda category, size at pathologic examination, and final histologic diagnosis were recorded. Nodule characteristics at ultrasound and FNA diagnoses were correlated with gross characteristics and histologic diagnoses. Nodules for which correlation could not be established were excluded. Results: Of 1003 nodules from 659 patients, 26% were malignant. Nodules <2 cm had the highest malignancy rate (∼30%). Risk was similar (∼20%) for nodules ≥2 cm. Of the 548 subject to FNA, 38% were malignant. Dec...