cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Videographic assessment of cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality in the pediatric emergency department.

Abstract Objective To describe the adherence to guidelines for CPR in a tertiary pediatric emergency department (ED) where resuscitations are reviewed by videorecording. Methods Resuscitations in a tertiary pediatric ED are videorecorded as part of a quality improvement project. Patients receiving CPR under videorecorded conditions were eligible for inclusion. CPR parameters were quantified by retrospective review. Data were described by 30-s epoch (compression rate, ventilation rate, compression:ventilation ratio), by segment (duration of single providers’ compressions) and by overall event (compression fraction). Duration of interruptions in compressions was measured; tasks completed during pauses were tabulated. Results 33 children received CPR under videorecorded conditions. A total of 650 min of CPR were analyzed. Chest compressions were performed at 120/min in 315/714 (44%). Ventilations were 6–12 breaths/min in 201/708 (23%) of epochs and >12/min in 489/708 (70%). During CPR without an artificial airway, compression:ventilation coordination (15:2) was done in 93/234 (40%) of epochs. 178 pauses in CPR occurred; 120 (67%) were Conclusions CPR in a tertiary pediatric ED frequently met recommended parameters for compression rate, pause duration, and compression fraction. Hyperventilation and failure of C:V coordination were very common. Future studies should focus on the impact of training methods on CPR performance as documented by videorecording.
Patterns of Research Productivity in the Business Ethics Literature: Insights from Analyses of Bibliometric Distributions

In any academic discipline, published articles in respective journals represent “production units” of scientific knowledge, and bibliometric distributions reflect the patterns in such outputs across authors or “producers.” Closely following the analysis approach used for similar studies in the economics and finance literature, we present the first study to examine whether there exists an empirical regularity in the bibliometric patterns of research productivity in the business ethics literature. Our results present strong evidence that there indeed exists a distinct empirical regularity. It is the so-called Generalized Lotka’s Law of scientific productivity pattern: the number of authors publishing n papers is about 1/n c of those publishing one paper. We discuss the likely processes that underlie the productivity pattern postulated by the Generalized Lotka’s Law. We find that the value of the exponent c is equal to about 2.6 for the comprehensive bibliometric data across the two leading business ethics journals. The observed research productivity pattern in the business ethics area, a relatively young discipline, is interestingly very consistent with those found in much older, related business disciplines like economics, accounting, and finance. We discuss the general implications of our findings.
Plasma protein binding of phenol in dogs and rats as determined by equilibrium dialysis and ultrafiltration

Abstract Plasma-protein binding of phenol was examined in rats with and without ether anesthesia. Ether anesthesia decreased the percentage of phenol bound by rat plasma. The phenol binding capacities of dog and rat plasma were compared using equilibrium dialysis and ultrafiltration. For the wide range of phenol concentrations studied, dog plasma had a consistently higher binding capacity than rat plasma as demonstrated by both techniques. Higher binding was obtained by ultrafiltration than by equilibrium dialysis in both dog and rat plasma. Dog and rat serum albumins were responsible for 72–73% of the phenol binding in plasma, while bovine globulins either did not bind phenol or had only minimal binding capacities.
Intraoperative and Postoperative Management of Air Leaks in Patients with Emphysema

Air leaks after pulmonary surgery represent a substantial clinical problem. When they persist beyond a few days, air leaks appear to increase complications and costs. Clearly, emphysema patients are those at greatest risk for developing problematic air leaks. This article, after reviewing what is known about the epidemiology and clinical significance of air leaks, discusses the various techniques that may be employed to avoid the development of problematic air leaks and to manage them when they do occur. It reviews the data available on newer and more traditional options for the prophylaxis and management of air leaks and offers the authors' opinions about the optimal approaches in various clinical situations.
ARGUMENTATIVE COMPLEXITY OF ABORTION DISCOURSE

Using integrative complexity theory and its associated coding scheme, this article expores the structure of arguments on abortion articulated by single and multi-issue « pro-choice » and « pro-life » groups between July 1989 and May 1991. A simple random sample of 13 paragraphsized statements representative of each organization's position was rated by two trained coders on a 7-point scale measuring conceptual differentiation and integration. The debate was conducted at a low level of integrative complexity. Both pro-choice and pro-life arguments were characterized by similarly low levels of integrative complexity. Supporting an ideologue hypothesis, the arguments of multi-issue organizations were more integratively complex
Macrophage diversity in cardiac inflammation: a review

Cardiac inflammatory disease represents a significant public health burden, and interesting questions of immunopathologic science and clinical inquiry. Novel insights into the diverse programming and functions within the macrophage lineages in recent years have yielded a view of these cells as dynamic effectors and regulators of immunity, host defense, and inflammatory disease. In this review, we examine and discuss recent investigations into the complex participation of mononuclear phagocytic cells in the pathology of animal models of myocarditis.
Primary Heavy Nuclei

Primary cosmic-ray nuclei of $z\ensuremath{\ge}2$ were observed in a balloon-borne cloud chamber. The chamber was triggered by events with ionization loss \ensuremath{\ge}6 minimum in each of three proportional counters, arranged in a telescope. Proportional counter pulse amplitudes were recorded by a neon bulb system.
Signal transduction: hair brains in bacterial chemotaxis.

Abstract The conserved cytoplasmic domains of bacterial chemotaxis receptors are a fibrous arrangement of α-helical coiled coils that look a lot like hair. Such bundles of α-helical filaments mediate sensory-motor responses in all prokaryotic cells. How do they work? Very nearly perfectly is probably as good an answer as any.
The kinetics and equilibrium of the gas‐phase reaction CH3CF2Br + I2 = CH3CF2I + IBr the C‐Br bond dissociation energy in 1,1‐difluorobromoethane

The kinetics and equilibrium of the gas-phase reaction of CH3CF2Br with I2 were studied spectrophotometrically from 581 to 662°K and determined to be consistent with the following mechanism: A least squares analysis of the kinetic data taken in the initial stages of reaction resulted in log k1 (M−1 · sec−1) = (11.0 ± 0.3) - (27.7 ± 0.8)/θ where θ = 2.303 RT kcal/mol. The error represents one standard deviation. The equilibrium data were subjected to a “third-law” analysis using entropies and heat capacities estimated from group additivity to derive ΔHr° (623°K) = 10.3 ± 0.2 kcal/mol and ΔHrr (298°K) = 10.2 ± 0.2 kcal/mol. The enthalpy change at 298°K was combined with relevant bond dissociation energies to yield DH°(CH3CF2 - Br) = 68.6 ± 1 kcal/mol which is in excellent agreement with the kinetic data assuming that E2 = 0 ± 1 kcal/mol, namely; DH°(CH3CF2 - Br) = 68.6 ± 1.3 kcal/mol. These data also lead to ΔHf°(CH3CF2Br, g, 298°K) = -119.7 ± 1.5 kcal/mol.
BEYOND SPECIFICITY: EFFECTS OF SEROTONIN AND SEROTONERGIC TREATMENTS ON PSYCHOBIOLOGICAL DYSFUNCTION

Serotonin is a ubiquitous neurotransmitter with widespread projections that provide for the involvement of serotonin in the regulation of many biological and psychological functions. A variety of serotonin receptor subtypes exist that mediate overlapping psychobiological functions and that are targets for a new generation of medications. Although these new generation medications appear to possess great biochemical specificity, their actions extend to many psychiatric disorders, reflecting the many interactions of serotonergic subsystems.
Prostate Specific Antigen After Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: A Reevaluation of Long-Term Biochemical Control and Kinetics of Recurrence in Patients Treated at Stanford University

AbstractPurpose: We evaluated prostate specific antigen (PSA) evidence for control of prostatic cancer after irradiation.Materials and Methods: We studied 110 patients for whom more than 2 PSA measurements were obtained to establish trends and the initial measurement was done between April 1985 and January 1988.Results: A total of 42 patients (38 percent) had stable, normal PSA levels with followup averaging 12.4 years (range 4.4 to 24.8). Increasing clinical stage or Gleason score correlated significantly with risk for PSA relapse, as did pretreatment PSA level. Short PSA doubling times were associated with distant metastasis rather than with local recurrence.Conclusions: We found that irradiation durably controlled 38 percent of prostatic cancers of various stages and grades and is unlikely to accelerate tumor growth.
A psychosocial evaluation process for living liver donors: the University of Rochester model.

OBJECTIVE The donation of livers by living donors entails complex processes, both surgically and psychosocially, potentially involving risks in both domains. Thorough psychosocial evaluation is necessary to minimize those risks, yet little has been written about the donor assessment process. This article describes one such process, utilized by a transplant program in upstate New York. METHOD Donor candidates undergo multiple psychosocial interviews early in the overall transplant evaluation process. Evaluators subsequently meet as a group, along with an independent ethicist, to determine psychosocial candidacy prior to final medical/surgical clearance. RESULTS Between 2003 and 2007, 416 donor candidates initiated and/or underwent full evaluation, resulting in a 17.5% surgery and 55.5% exclusion rate among those individuals. Of those ruled out, 20.8% were for (medical or psychosocial) reasons associated with the recipient, and 8.7% were for donor-related psychosocial issues. CONCLUSION Given the primacy ofpsychosocial and ethical issues in living liver donor candidate evaluation, the multiple interview process, followed by team discussion and overseen by an ethicist removed from other transplant program functions, has advantages as a donor assessment model.
Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides bind in a non sequence-specific manner to the nucleolar protein C23/nucleolin

To design optimal strategies for intracellular delivery of antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, it may be useful to understand their interaction with cellular macromolecules. Nuclear extracts from LOX amelanotic myeloma cells were studied for protein binding to phosphorothioate oligonucleotides using a Southwestern protocol. Multiple nuclear proteins bound to the phosphorothioate oligonucleotides but no detectable protein binding was found to phosphodiester oligonucleotides. The protein with the strongest binding signals was shown by immunoprecipitation to be nucleolar C23/nucleolin, a 110 kDa protein. With glutathione S-transferase/nucleolin fusion protein constructs, the region of nucleolin containing the RNA recognition motifs had binding activity to phosphorothioate oligonucleotides.
Effect of the fat content of diets on blood sugar.

Summary1. Diets containing high fat rations and restricted amounts of carbohydrates increase the postabsorptive (fasting) blood sugar level. 2. This change takes place in healthy and diabetic individuals alike, with the difference that it is much more accentuated and obvious in the diabetic organism. Thus, the physiologic processes in the healthy and in the diabetic individual are qualitatively identical, but in the diabetic they are greatly exaggerated (Claude Bernard); in other words, the difference between the normal and the diabetic individual, in regard to the physiologic process described, is only of degree but not of kind.
Sensitivity of p-3He scattering to meson exchange currents and NN phase shifts

Abstract Elastic p- 3 He scattering is calculated with a microscopic momentum space potential including full spin dependences. High sensitivity is found to the removal of meson exchange currents from the nuclear densities and to the choice of input NN phase shifts.
Protides of the Mustelidae: comparative study of plasma lactate dehydrogenases.

Abstract 1. 1. Plasma LDH levels are described for fifteen species of Mustelidae and two Viverridae. All species except Lutra canadensis had LDH activities two to four times higher than the human plasma control. 2. 2. Conepatus leuconotus (Mustelidae) and Arctictis binturong (Viverridae) were the only species examined with an LDH-1 mobility different from the human LDH-1, at 94 and 60 per cent of the control, respectively. 3. 3. The LDH-5 mobility of all of the carnivores was the same, and greater than that of the human control. 4. 4. Plasma LDH of L. canadensis and Aonyx cinerea were almost entirely in the form of LDH-1 isozyme. 5. 5. Some species had a unique LDH isozyme composition which easily distinguished them from other species of the family.
Efficacy of reflective insulation in reducing heat stress on dairy calves housed in polyethylene calf hutches

The objective of this study was to determine the ability of radiant insulation hutch covers to moderate the effect of ambient temperature and radiant energy on calves housed in polyethylene hutches. The insulation had a double layer of polyethylene bubble film laminated between a layer of aluminum foil and white polyethylene (reflectance = 95 %, R value (ft2 · °F ·h/Btu) = 2.7). In each of two experiments (exp.), hutches were either uninsulated (control) or covered with reflective insulation across the top and sides of the hutch leaving the front, back, and pen exposed. Each hutch had a 1.2 × 1.8-m attached outdoor wire pen. In both exp., rate of increase of interior hutch temperature relative to ambient temperature was lower in insulated hutches (P 0.21). Insulating calf hutches with reflective insulation moderated hutch microclimate, and improved calf comfort, but did not translate to improvements in economically relevant variables such as ADG.
The Adsorption and Decomposition of NH3 on Si(100) - Detection of the NH2(a) Species

The dissociative adsorption of NH3 on Si(100)-(2 × 1) has been studied using accurate surface coverage measurements, temperature programmed desorption. Auger spectroscopy and digital ESDIAD/LEED methods. It has been found that NH2 surface species (amino species) are produced to a saturation coverage of 1 NH2/Si dimer at 120 K. This is accompanied by the production of a Si-H surface species. Digital ESDIAD measurements of the H+ angular distribution from NH2(a) species indicate that torsional oscillations about the Si-NH2 bond are responsible for the characteristic elliptical H+ pattern whose long axis is perpendicular to the Si-Si dimer bond direction. It has been shown that NH, dissociatively adsorbs with unity sticking probability at 120 K up to 86% of full coverage, indicative of a mobile precursor adsorption mechanism. The preadsorption of atomic H onto the Si dangling bond sites reduces the adsorptive capacity of the Si(100) surface, and 1 H/Si completely passivates the surface for NH3 chemisorption. The NH2(a) species, produced by adsorption at 120 K are stable up to about 600 K, where decomposition occurs to produce N(a) and H(a). A minor reaction channel involving NH2(a)+ H(a) to produce recombined NH3(g) is observed in the temperature range 600–700 K. Above 700 K, surface N(a), produced from NH2(a) decomposition, enters into the Si(100) lattice.
The soybean peptide lunasin promotes apoptosis of mammary epithelial cells via induction of tumor suppressor PTEN: similarities and distinct actions from soy isoflavone genistein

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Diet and lifestyle are major contributing factors to increased breast cancer risk. While mechanisms underlying dietary protection of mammary tumor formation are increasingly elucidated, there remains a dearth of knowledge on the nature and precise actions of specific bioactive components present in foods with purported health effects. The 43-amino acid peptide lunasin (LUN) is found in soybeans, is bioavailable similar to the isoflavone genistein (GEN), and thus may mediate the beneficial effects of soy food consumption. Here, we evaluated whether LUN displays common and distinct actions from those of GEN in non-malignant (mouse HC11) and malignant (human MCF-7) mammary epithelial cells. In MCF-7 cells, LUN up-regulated tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted in chromosome ten (PTEN) promoter activity, increased PTEN transcript and protein levels and enhanced nuclear PTEN localization, similar to that shown for GEN in mammary epithelial cells. LUN-induced cellular apoptosis, akin to GEN, was mediated by PTEN, but unlike that for GEN, was p53-independent. LUN promoted E-cadherin and β-catenin non-nuclear localization similar to GEN, but unlike GEN, did not influence the proliferative effects of oncogene Wnt1 on HC11 cells. Further, LUN did not recapitulate GEN inhibitory effects on expansion of the cancer stem-like/progenitor population in MCF-7 cells. Results suggest the concerted actions of GEN and LUN on cellular apoptosis for potential mammary tumor preventive effects and highlight whole food consumption rather than intake of specific dietary supplements with limited biological effects for greater health benefits.
Recovery-Based Error Estimator for Interface Problems: Conforming Linear Elements

This paper studies a new recovery-based a posteriori error estimator for the conforming linear finite element approximation to elliptic interface problems. Instead of recovering the gradient in the continuous finite element space, the flux is recovered through a weighted $L^2$ projection onto $H(\mathrm{div})$ conforming finite element spaces. The resulting error estimator is analyzed by establishing the reliability and efficiency bounds and is supported by numerical results. This paper also proposes an adaptive finite element method based on either the recovery-based estimators or the edge estimator through local mesh refinement and establishes its convergence. In particular, it is shown that the reliability and efficiency constants as well as the convergence rate of the adaptive method are independent of the size of jumps.
Meiotic and Mitotic Recombination in Meiosis

Meiotic crossovers facilitate the segregation of homologous chromosomes and increase genetic diversity. The formation of meiotic crossovers was previously posited to occur via two pathways, with the relative use of each pathway varying between organisms; however, this paradigm could not explain all crossovers, and many of the key proteins involved were unidentified. Recent studies that identify some of these proteins reinforce and expand the model of two meiotic crossover pathways. The results provide novel insights into the evolutionary origins of the pathways, suggesting that one is similar to a mitotic DNA repair pathway and the other evolved to incorporate special features unique to meiosis.
Gender Differences in the Functional and Structural Neuroanatomy of Mathematical Cognition

Despite ongoing debate about the nature of gender differences in mathematics achievement, little is known about gender similarities and differences in mathematical cognition at the neural level. We used fMRI to compare brain responses in 25 females and 24 males during a mental arithmetic task involving 3-operand addition and subtraction. We also used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to examine gender differences in brain structure. Although females and males did not differ in accuracy or response times (effect size d 1.1). Males showed greater dorsal stream activation in the right intra-parietal sulcus areas important for numerical cognition, and angular gyrus regions of the default mode network that are typically deactivated during complex cognitive tasks, as well as greater ventral stream activation in the right lingual and parahippocampal gyri. VBM revealed an opposite pattern of gender differences-compared to males, females had greater regional density and greater regional volume in dorsal and ventral stream regions where males showed greater fMRI activation. There were no brain areas where females showed greater functional activation than males, and no brain areas where males showed greater structural density or volume than females. Our findings provide evidence for gender differences in the functional and structural organization of the right hemisphere brain areas involved in mathematical cognition. Together with the lack of behavioral differences, our results point to more efficient use of neural processing resources in females.
The use of spherical harmonics in suboptimal estimator design

The state estimation problem for bilinear stochastic systems evolving on spheres is considered. The problem is motivated by some applidimensions. Then the theory of harmonic analysis on spheres is used to define assumed density approximations which result in implementable suboptimal estimators for the state of the bilinear system.
Influence of calcium-perturbing agents on schistosomes: Comparison of effects of praziquantel and verapamil on worm tegument

A “slow calcium channel” blocking agent, Verapamil (VPL), induces tegumental disruption in schistosomes. The response of worms to VPL was compared to that caused by a widely used antischistosomal drug, Praziquantel (PZQ), whose mode of action has been related to a rapid influx Ca++. Scanning microscopy of worms exposed to micromolar concentrations of either PZQ or VPL in vitro revealed a striking similarity of tegumental damage. At high dosage (10−5 M × 1 h), both compounds cause extensive surface bleb formation, which can proceed to shredding and denudation of the tegument. Early VPL-induced changes in male Schistosoma mansoni appear to consist of small intertubercular lesions, as well as head and neck microblebs and bullae. After longer exposure, the bleb formations develop into large lesions, which after fixation for scanning microscopy, appear as flower-like outgrowths on and around the tubercles. Females show much less surface disruption than males. Physiologically, PZQ typically causes quick contraction of worm pairs into a tight, agonal coil. While VPL also induces spasm and clonic jerking, worms soon lengthen into a gentle coil. Both drugs kill the parasites in vitro. The findings suggest that both PZQ and VPL have a surface target, whose disruption can be noted visually as lipoidal oozing and eventual tegumental blebbing. The inference drawn is that a direct affect on worm internal calcium metabolism, or on calcium channel activities, can lead to pathological changes which are grossly indistinguishable. These two drugs have markedly dissimilar structures, and thus probably different mechanisms of action. Yet, they result in similar final pathological events. These studies raise the possibility that various calcium-perturbing agents might be useful candidates in a search for alternative or synergistic chemotherapeutic agents against trematodes and cestodes.
Magnetic properties of cobalt and manganese aluminosilicate glasses

Susceptibility measurements over a wide range of temperatures on concentrated amorphous transition-metal aluminosilicate glasses (11.8-33.5-at.% Co, 12.3-41.7-at.% Mn) are reported. In the high-temperature regime (g\ensuremath{\sim}50 K), these glasses show Curie-Weiss behavior with large negative paramagnetic Curie temperatures, indicating the presence of strong antiferromagnetic exchange interactions. The slope of ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ vs $T$ curves shows a slight dependence on the transition-metal concentration, implying that the local environment of the magnetic ions is concentration dependent. The magnitude as well as the concentration dependence of the magnetic moments, as determined from the high-temperature data, can be understood for the cobalt glasses by appealing to the solidus surface diagram (which gives information concerning the local environment of the cobalt ions) of the glass system. In the low-temperature regime ($1lTl50$ K), the susceptibility of both systems is enhanced and furthermore exhibits an anomalously sharp peak below \ensuremath{\sim}10 K. The magnitude of this peak decreases with increasing magnetic-ion concentration, while the position at which it occurs shifts to higher temperatures. This low-temperature behavior can be explained satisfactorily by assuming that these glasses contain small (\ensuremath{\sim}50 \AA{}) regions of relatively high cobalt or manganese concentration (monodomains) which are ordered antiferromagnetically, and which are separated from one another by paramagnetic areas of lesser magnetic-ion content. Each monodomain has a net magnetic moment which freezes in the direction of its anisotropy field at the so-called blocking temperature, giving rise to the peak in the susceptibility. By calculating the susceptibility of the monodomains and properly averaging over the random directions of their anisotropy fields, remarkable agreement with the low-temperature data is obtained. The values of the anisotropy constants needed to fit the data are consistent with values found in various cobalt and manganese compounds.
Unique activation of extracellular striato-pallidal neurotransmitters in rats following acute risperidone.

The present study investigated the effects of the putative atypical antipsychotic drug (APD), risperidone, on striatal monoamine and pallidal gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) function using dual probe in vivo microdialysis. Risperidone (0.03, 0.3, 3 mg/kg) or vehicle was injected (s.c.) into female, Sprague-Dawley rats fitted with dual microdialysis probes in the striatum and the globus pallidus (GP). In the striatum, risperidone increased extracellular levels of dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) at all doses and the serotonin (5-HT) metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), at the highest dose. The increase in striatal DA was most pronounced at the lowest dose of risperidone; however, DOPAC showed a dose dependent increase. Risperidone at the medium and high doses significantly reduced extracellular GABA levels in the GP. Simultaneous measurement of limb rigidity during microdialysis showed that risperidone dose-dependently produced significant increases in horizontal bar test catalepsy and fore- and hindlimb paw retraction latencies. The current results suggest novel effects of risperidone on striatal DA release, while the pallidal GABA changes are similar to previous results obtained with the atypical antipsychotic drug, clozapine. Additionally, the behavioral results predict the clinical expression of extrapyramidal motor side effects at high doses. Overall, these results support an atypical profile of risperidone when compared with typical APDs, yet one with unique neurochemical and behavioral properties.
The Effect of Medicaid Status on Weight Loss, Hospital Length of Stay, and 30-Day Readmission After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Patients with Medicaid are much less likely to undergo bariatric surgery compared to those with commercial insurance. The aims of this study were to compare outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) for patients covered by Medicaid, other (non-Medicaid) government insurance, and commercial insurance. This was a retrospective cohort study of all eligible patients who underwent LRYGB between July 2004 and October 2011 at a single university hospital (n = 450). Multivariable regression analysis was used to compare percent weight loss (PWL), absolute weight loss (AWL), hospital length of stay (LOS) ≥3 days, and 30-day readmission rates. Analyses were adjusted for appropriate covariates. There was a nonsignificant increase in PWL in Medicaid patients at 2 months (p = 0.08), 6 months (p = 0.09), and 12 months (p = 0.17) compared to commercial insurance patients. Similarly, there was a nonsignificant increase in AWL in Medicaid patients at 2 months (p = 0.054), 6 months (p = 0.08), and 12 months (p = 0.14) compared to commercial insurance patients. Medicaid patients had similar PWL and AWL compared to those with other government insurance (p ≥ 0.29 at all time points). Medicaid patients were more likely to have a hospital LOS ≥ 3 days (OR 2.03; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.09–3.77) and a hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge (odds ratio (OR) 2.84; 95 % CI 1.15–6.96) compared to commercial insurance patients. These data should be considered as states expand Medicaid and make decisions regarding treatment of severe obesity. Interventions to decrease hospital LOS and the 30-day readmission rate, particularly in Medicaid patients, should be explored.
Influence of spatial autocorrelation on a fixed-effect model used to evaluate treatment of oil spills

A study was conducted during 1989 by the EPA to evaluate the effectiveness of two methods of nitrogen fertilizer application to treat the Exxon oil spill on beaches of Alaska. The current study, using the data, was to determine the spatial relationship of oil residue on these beaches and to evaluate the influence of spatial autocorrelation on the power of a fixed-effect model used by EPA investigators. The distribution of residual dry weight (mg oil residue/kg of beach material), was found to be spatially independent on individual beaches and for individual sampling times. The presence of spatial autocorrelation resulted in an overestimation of treatment means and an underestimation of their respective standard errors. In turn, an increase in the significance of differences in individual treatments and in the power of the test resulted. A spatial autoregressive model was used to correct for the presence of spatially autocorrelated residuals and the model was used to obtain the best linear unbiased estimates of parameters. Analysis of variance showed that oil residue concentration was significantly higher on the control beach (Raven Beach) than on either of the beaches fertilized with two different nitrogen treatment applications (Kittiwake Beach or Tern Beach). These results also showed that the two fertilizer treatments reduced the concentration of oil residue significantly faster than would have occurred without treatment. The power of the experimental design, a randomized block design used by the EPA, adequately detected significant differences among treatments. A fixed-effect model was used to analyze the data. Furthermore, the current study also found that increasing the sampling intensity or replicating the experimental design could have decreased the power of the test because of the presence of spatially autocorrelated data. In general, the power of the fixed-effect model for the design to detect a significant difference among treatments increased over time. In contrast, the power of the fixed-effect model to detect a specified difference across all times decreased over time because of decreases in means and their associated standard errors.
The role of the poisson progeny distribution in population genetic models

Abstract The Markoff chain binomial sampling model of S. Wright has been widely used in genetic studies of finite populations under the influence of mutation, migration, and selection. It is shown that implicit in the model is the assumption that the progeny distributions are Poisson distributions.
Notes on Grobner bases

Abstract We present a self-contained exposition of the theory of the Grobner basis and its applications.
The effect of flaw orientation on the integrity of PWR pressure vessel at the events of pressurized thermal shock

Abstract The reactor pressure vessel (RPV) is the most critical component in nuclear power plants, housing the reactor core and serving as a part of the primary system pressure boundary. Because of its proximity to the reactor core, the RPV is subjected to high fast neutron flux, losing ductility and fracture toughness. At the events of pressurized thermal shock (PTS), highly embrittled RPV may not have a sufficient safety margin for fast fracture. The US NRC PTS rule requires that the reference temperature ( RT PTS ) should be limited to ensure sufficient safety margins against PTS. RT PTS =270°F was defined as the screening criterion for axial welds based on extensive quantitative evaluation of associated risks. For circumferential welds, a technical margin of 30°F was added to account for the effects of flaw orientation without same level of quantitative analysis. In this paper, the validity of the technical margin for circumferential welds is examined by comparing the quantitative risks depending on the flaw orientation. First, the result of the original work on axial welds was reproduced. Then, the risk associated with circumferential flaws was evaluated at the identical condition except for flaw orientation. The difference in screening criteria due to flaw orientation was at least 55°F, suggesting that current PTS screening criteria for circumferential flaws do not represent the same level of associated risks as that for axial flaws.
The hard penile circumferential fold as the presenting finding in primary syphilis: Report of six cases

Background: Six patients with firm circumferential folds located in the balanic sulcus of the penis were studied. Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the origin of the lesions. Methods: These patients were examined clinically, with dark-field examination when possible and with a serologic test for syphilis. Results: All patients had reactive serologic tests for syphilis and had enlarged, firm, nontender, inguinal lymph nodes. Conclusion: Although we were unable to prove with certainty that the origin of these folds was syphilitic, all patients had clinical and serologic findings that supported the diagnosis of primary syphilis.
Small forest landowner preferences for working forest conservation contract attributes: A case of Washington State, USA

In Washington State, small forest landowners (SFLO) play an important role in maintaining forest cover on the landscape as well as associated ecosystem services. This paper examines landowner preferences for the attributes of working forest conservation contracts (WFCC) using a choice experiment. The attributes examined are contract duration (from 10 years to perpetuity), forest management requirements, and the extent of forestland covered under the contract. We find that contract attributes are valued very differently depending on landowner objectives and harvesting behavior. Landowner characteristics and forestland spatial characteristics including distances to development and large public forestlands were found to significantly influence the likelihood of contract acceptance. While a significant portion of preference heterogeneity remains unobserved, we identify several key sources of landowner preference heterogeneity which allows for a better understanding of which landowners are likely to enroll in voluntary forest conservation contracts and may have implications for improved targeting of contracts.
Recruitment, Representation, and Political Values: The 1976 Democratic National Convention Delegates

This article has two major objectives. First, it offers an examination of some important characteristics of the delegates to the 1976 Democratic National Convention, and comparisons are made with other recent conventions. Those 1976 delegate characteristics are also placed in the context of recent changes in the delegate selection rules. The second objective is to demonstrate empirically the extent to which the delegate selection rules and/ or the group characteristics of the delegates have a systematic impact on the dele gates' candidate preferences. In addition, several other more "political" variables are examined for their relationship to candidate fortunes. All of this analysis is ultimately addressed to the question of why Jimmy Carter was nominated and elected in 1976.
Isolation of a Δ5 Desaturase Gene from Euglena gracilis and Functional Dissection of Its HPGG and HDASH Motifs

Delta (Δ) 5 desaturase is a key enzyme for the biosynthesis of health-beneficial long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3) via the “desaturation and elongation” pathways. A full length Δ5 desaturase gene from Euglena gracilis (EgΔ5D) was isolated by cloning the products of polymerase chain reaction with degenerate oligonucleotides as primers, followed by 5′ and 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The whole coding region of EgΔ5D was 1,350 nucleotides in length and encoded a polypeptide of 449 amino acids. BlastP search showed that EgΔ5D has about 39 % identity with a Δ5 desaturase of Phaeodactylum tricornutum. In a genetically modified dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid (DGLA, C20:3n-6) producing Yarrowia lipolytica strain, EgΔ5D had strong Δ5 desaturase activity with DGLA to ARA conversion of more than 24 %. Functional dissection of its HPGG and HDASH motifs demonstrated that both motifs were important, but not necessary in the exact form as encoded for the enzyme activity of EgΔ5D. A double mutant EgΔ5D-34G158G with altered sequences within both HPGG and HDASH motifs was generated and exhibited Δ5 desaturase activity similar to the wild type EgΔ5D. Codon optimization of the N-terminal region of EgΔ5D-34G158G and substitution of the arginine with serine at residue 347 improved substrate conversion to 27.6 %.
A fully-integrated mixed-signal neural processing module for implantable multi-channel cortical recording

A 64-channel neural processor has been developed for use in an implantable neural recording microsystem. In the Scan Mode, the processor is capable of detecting neural spikes using programmable positive, negative, or biphasic thresholds. Spikes are tagged with their associated channel addresses and formed into 18 b data words that are sent serially to the external host. In the Monitor Mode, two channels can be selected and viewed at high resolution for studies where the entire signal is of interest. The processor runs from a 3 V supply and a 2 MHz clock, with a channel scan rate of 64 kS/sec and an output bit rate of 2 Mbps.
Disneyfication Of The Metropolis: Popular Resistance in Seattle

Soon after Disneyland opened in 1955, architects and planners began to adapt elements of the Disneyland model to urban design projects. Few recent attempts to revitalize the core of central cities ...
Strain dependence of binding energies for carbon adatoms on the Si(100) surface

Abstract Calculations were carried out to analyze the strain dependence of the binding energy of a carbon adamom deposited on a (2 × 1) dimerized Si(100) surface. Two different low energy binding sites on the reconstructed Si(100) surface were taken into consideration. The lowest energy site is located near the top position of a second layer Si atom; while the second lowest energy site is at the bridge site between two top layer Si atoms forming the dimer. Results indicate that the binding energy for a carbon atom adsorbed in the lowest energy sites is affected most by the esxternal strain. In particular, the effect of a uniaxial strain applied in the direction perpendicular to the surface Si dimers, was found to be quite significant. While a tensile stress in this direction produces an increase in the value of the binding energy, a compressive strain was found to lower the binding energy. In general, strains applied in the direction parallel and perpendicular to Si dimers were found to produce opposing effects on the binding energies.
Characterization of a new class of transcribed repetitive DNA sequence which also exists as a hybrid with HP1 mRNA; potential for site-specific recombination in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract A new class of dispersed repetitive DNA designated as vivi-sequence (VS) has been identified in Drosophila . It is relatively AT rich and is transcribed. The VS transcription is developmentally regulated and generates multiple transcripts. A hybrid transcript, designated fl-cDNA, has been identified in which a small segment of the VS is fused to the 5' end of an unrelated structural gene transcript coding; for the heterochromatin protein HP1. The VS has recombination signal sequences (RSS) characteristic of vertebrate immunoglobulin genes. Such sequences are also present in the HP1 DNA. In both cases the recombination signal sequences are found close to the junction between HP1 and the VS in fl-cDNA. There is additional sequence identity both 5′ and 3′ of the junction between HP1 and the VS in fl-cDNA. We propose that (a) the HP1-VS composite transcript represented by the fl-cDNA may be the product of recombination between the two sequences, (b) that the process is mediated by the RSS and/or the DNA downstream of the junction between HP1 and the VS and (c) that the recombination event may lead to the inactivation of the HP1 gene in a cell and tissue specific manner.
Phonoreception in some Coleoptera infesting stored products

Abstract Mechanoreceptors that could be phonoreceptive were located and studied in Sitophilus oryzae (L.), with preliminary tests also on Sitophilus granarius (L.). Tribolium confusum (Herbst), Attagenus piceus (Olivier), and Trogoderma inclusum LeC. Various behavioral responses of tethered (mounted) beetles were used as indices of reception of air-borne and solid-borne sounds of known frequencies and pound pressure levels. The probable receptors for air-borne sounds in S. oryzae are the well developed Johnston's organs in the second antennal segments, and tactile hairs on the bodies. Both are primarily sensitive to air movements or contact, and sounds are active only at relatively high intensities or in the near-field. The probable receptors for solid-borne sounds (vibrations) are chordotonal organs of the legs, which have relatively high sensitivity, and possibly the muscle receptor organs of the body wall. These four potential phonoreceptors are described and figured. The low sensitivity to air-borne sounds and high sensitivity to solid-borne sounds is probably related to the specialized habits of these insects.
SLAAP: Stream Location-Aware Alliance Partitioning in Bittorrent Networks for Video-on-Demand Systems

This paper proposes a solution to the colossal needs of VoD by using a modified version of the popular file-sharing protocol BitTorrent. Our technique uses self-adjusting peer groups, called alliances, to cluster peers together that need similar parts of a video. In doing so, it ensures that peers receive the necessary video segments in a timely manner, and that bandwidth utilization is optimized.
Blood trace element analyses fail to predict diagnosis.

The etiology of many developmental disabilities is unknown and, as a consequence, the diagnosis of disorders such as autism, learning disabilities, mental retardation, and emotional disturbances remains controversial. Traditionally, psychologists have relied on the use of psychometric data and clinical observations in order to arrive at a diagnosis and treatment plan for the developmentally disabled child. It is becoming apparent, however, that an array of biological and social factors may contribute to these nuances of human behavior, thus requiring a more sophisticated approach to diagnosis and treatment (Engel, 1977). One perspective that is currently being pursued is the interactive effects of nutritional and environmental factors on the behavior and learning ability of the disabled child. Indices of nutritional status, such as trace element profiles obtained from blood and hair, as well as indicators of exposure to environmental toxicants, such as lead and cadmium, have been examined in a descriptive manner involving learning-disabled (Pihl & Parkes, 1977; Massaro, Raiten, & Zuckerman, 1983), Down's syndrome (Barlow, Sylvester, & Dickerson, 1981), autistic (Shearer, Larson, Neuschwonder, & Gedney, 1982; Massaro et al., 1983), and mildly retarded children (Marlowe, Errera, & Jacobs, 1983), and interpretatively to predict academic achievement, cognitive functioning, and classification of childhood exceptionality and mental retardation (Pihl, Drake, & Varna, 1980; Pihl & Parkes, 1977; Massaro et al., 1983; Marlowe, Moon, Errera, & Stellern, 1983). A lack of consistent subject selection criteria and few attempts to replicate existing findings preclude one from arriving at any conclusions regarding the utility of trace element and heavy metal profiles as indicators of specific disorders and their applicability in a clinical setting.
Prominent Role of P-Selectin in the Development of Advanced Atherosclerosis in ApoE-Deficient Mice

Background—Adhesive interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells are characteristic of the development of atherosclerotic lesions, but the receptors involved remain to be defined. P-selectin is an adhesion receptor expressed on activated endothelial cells or platelets and was shown to be involved in fatty streak formation in LDL receptor–deficient mice on an atherogenic diet. The main purpose of this study is to examine the role of P-selectin in the spontaneous development of advanced atherosclerosis in apoE-deficient mice. Methods and Results—We intercrossed P-selectin–deficient mice with mice lacking apoE and compared lesion development in apoE-deficient mice with P-selectin (apoE−/− P+/+) and without P-selectin (apoE−/− P−/−) that were fed normal mouse chow. At 4 months of age, apoE−/− P−/− mice had 3.5-fold smaller aortic sinus lesions than apoE−/− P+/+ mice. These were limited to fatty streaks in the apoE−/− P−/− mice, whereas 70% of apoE−/− P+/+ lesions contained smooth muscle cells. Signif...
Informativity and Asymmetry in Comparisons

We propose an account of comparison asymmetries based on viewing comparison as a process of structural alignment and mapping. Specifically, we hypothesize that (1) comparison asymmetries result from directional differences in informativity, and that (2) asymmetries can therefore be predicted from the relative degree of systematicity or conceptual coherence of the items being compared. In Experiment 1, we found a clear preference for placing the more systematic of two passages in the base position of a comparison. Experiments 1 and 2 further showed that structural alignability is crucial in obtaining such asymmetries. In Experiment 3, we found that asymmetries are predicted by the relative systematicity of the comparisons items rather than by the relative size of the distinctive feature sets. These results are inconsistent with accounts of asymmetry based on feature contrast or stimulus bias. In Experiments 4 through 6, we tested the functional implications of our account by examining inference projection and perceived informativity across asymmetric comparisons. Critically, comparisons having the more systematic item as the base were more likely to result in inference projection and other forms of target modification and were rated as more informative than reverse comparisons. We conclude by demonstrating that this account can explain comparison asymmetries without positing underlying asymmetries in subjective similarity, and that it offers a unified approach to the directionality of literal comparisons, analogies, and metaphors.