cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Quality Measures Reflect Cost-Effectiveness Evidence?

Objectives Despite its importance of quality measures used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the underlying cost-effectiveness evidence has not been examined. This study aimed to analyze cost-effectiveness evidence associated with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services quality measures. Methods After classifying 23 quality measures with the Donabedian's structure-process-outcome quality of care model, we identified cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) relevant to these measures from the Tufts Medical Center CEA Registry based on the PICOTS (population, intervention, comparator, outcome, time horizon, and setting) framework. We then summarized available incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) to determine the cost-effectiveness of the quality measures. Results The 23 quality measures were categorized into 14 process, 7 outcome, and 2 structure measures. Cost-effectiveness evidence was only available for 8 of 14 process measures. Two measures (Tobacco Screening and Hemoglobin bA1c Control) were cost-saving and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) improving, and 5 (Depression Screening, Influenza Immunization, Colon Cancer Screening, Breast Cancer Screening, and Statin Therapy) were highly cost-effective (median ICER ≤ $50 000/QALY). The remaining measure (Fall Screening) had a median ICER of $120 000/QALY. No CEAs were available for 15 measures: 10 defined by subjective patient ratings and 5 employed outcome measures without specifying an intervention or process. Conclusions When relevant CEAs were available, cost-effectiveness evidence was consistent with quality measures (measures were cost-effective). Nevertheless, most quality measures were based on subjective ratings or outcome measures, posing a challenge in identifying supporting economic evidence. Refining and aligning quality measures with cost-effectiveness evidence can help further improve healthcare efficiency by demonstrating that they are good indicators of both quality and cost-effectiveness of care.
6. CASHING IN ON MANAGERIAL MALFEASANCE: A TRADING STRATEGY AROUND FORECASTED EXECUTIVE STOCK OPTION GRANTS oleh

This study examined the profitability of a trading strategy that exploits the manipulation of stock prices around the grant date of executive stock options. The strategy generates annualized abnormal returns of 1.4–5.2 percent net of transaction costs and is relatively unaffected by the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002.
Stability evaluation of [18F]FDG at high radioactive concentrations

2413 Objectives The objective of our study was to determine the concentration of ethanol, a known radiolytic stabilizer, needed to maintain stability for 12 hours at [18F]FDG concentration of 19.7-22.6 GBq/mL at end of synthesis (EOS). Methods 18F- was formed by the 18O(p, n)18F reaction using 16.5 MeV protons on a PETtrace cyclotron (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI). [18F]FDG was synthesized using the FASTlab platform (GE Healthcare). The final product was formulated in 15 mL citrate buffer. The synthesis took 22 minutes delivering up to 336.7 GBq of [18F]FDG at EOS. A series of 6 runs (19.7-22.6 GBq/mL) were completed. Two runs were doped with 0.1% ethanol, 3 with 0.2% ethanol, and 1 with no ethanol added. The radiochemical purity (RCP) was tested at about 1 hour increments over a 12 hour period. RCP was found by radio-thin layer chromatography (TLC) using aluminum backed silica gel plates and acetonitrile and water 90:10. A FDG standard of 1 mg/mL was used to confirm radiochemical identity. The TLC plates were analyzed on a radio-TLC using a β-detector. Residual solvents were also tested at about 1 hour increments using gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection and a capillary column. Other quality control (QC) measurements done were pH and appearance. Results The 2 runs doped with 0.1% ethanol failed RCP after 5 hours. The 3 runs conducted using an ethanol concentration of 0.2% maintained stability through 12 hours beyond EOS. For these 3 runs, the radiolytic impurities were relatively constant at 6.1±0.7% after 3 hours. The run using no ethanol failed RCP at 1 hour. The pH varied between 5.3 and 6.1. Visual inspection was always clear and particulate free. For the runs with 0.2% and 0.1% ethanol, residual ethanol was 0.21±0.02% and 0.10±0.02%, respectively. Conclusions It was found that with the addition of 0.2% ethanol, [18F]FDG with 19.7-22.6 GBq/mL at EOS kept stability through 12 hours beyond EOS. Each of 3 tested runs passed all stability parameters related to radiolysis, i.e., radiochemical identity and purity, appearance, pH, and residual solvents
Quasi-Newton policy gradient algorithms.

Policy gradient algorithms have been widely applied to reinforcement learning (RL) problems in recent years. Regularization with various entropy functions is often used to encourage exploration and improve stability. In this paper, we propose a quasi-Newton method for the policy gradient algorithm with entropy regularization. In the case of Shannon entropy, the resulting algorithm reproduces the natural policy gradient (NPG) algorithm. For other entropy functions, this method results in brand new policy gradient algorithms. We provide a simple proof that all these algorithms enjoy the Newton-type quadratic convergence near the optimal policy. Using synthetic and industrial-scale examples, we demonstrate that the proposed quasi-Newton method typically converges in single-digit iterations, often orders of magnitude faster than other state-of-the-art algorithms.
Adaptive Control for Smart Water Distribution Systems

The rationalization of energy and water consumption is becoming increasingly important. Water distribution systems require energy to operate, and a consumption trade-off became a necessity. Existing water distribution systems still rely on traditional feedback control that is reactive and sub-optimal. The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) provides a myriad of opportunities to achieve new levels of optimization for water distribution systems. This paper presents the design and simulation of a water distribution testbed currently under construction at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). The simulation results show the superiority of IoT-based adaptive control schemes over existing control approaches, with no additional cost. The paper provides a roadmap for IoT-based system design and advanced control to minimize the consumption under user convenience constraints.
HIV-Negative Partnered Men's Willingness to Use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Associated Factors Among an Internet Sample of U.S. HIV-Negative and HIV-Discordant Male Couples

Abstract Purpose: Research on male couples' willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is critically lacking. Methods: A cross-sectional 2011 Internet survey collected dyadic data from 275 HIV-negative and 58 HIV-discordant male couples to describe 631 HIV-negative partnered mens' willingness to use PrEP and associated couple-level demographic and behavioral factors with multivariate multilevel modeling. Results: Fifty-three percent were very to extremely likely to use PrEP. Willingness was positively associated with being in a mixed race and behaviorally non-monogamous relationship, and with amyl nitrate use with sex outside the relationship. Willingness was negatively associated with having a college education. Conclusion: Prevention efforts should educate male couples about the potential benefits of PrEP.
Optimal Consumption and Investment with Bankruptcy

Foreword Harry M. Markowitz. Preface. Part I: Introduction. 1. Consumption/Investment Problems. Part II: Models with Constant Market Parameters and Nonnegative Consumption. 2. Explicit Solution of a General Consumption/Investment Problem. 3. A Note on Merton's `Optimum Consumption and Portfolio Rules in a Continuous-Time Model'. 4. Infinite-Horizon Investment Consumption Model with a Nonterminal Bankruptcy. 5. Risk-Aversion Behavior in Consumption/Investment Problems. Part III: Models with Constant Market Parameters and Positive Subsistence Consumption. 6. Explicit Solution of a General Consumption/Portfolio Problem with Subsistence Consumption and Bankruptcy. 7. Distribution of Bankruptcy Time in a Consumption/Portfolio Problem. 8. Risk-Aversion Behavior in Consumption/Investment Problems with Subsistence Consumption. 9. Consumption Behavior in Investment/Consumption Problems. 10. Equivalence of Objective Functionals in Infinite Horizon and Random Horizon Problems. 11. A Contribution to the Micro Foundation for Keynesian Macroeconomic Models. Part IV: Models with More General Markets and Positive Subsistence Consumption. 12. The Consumption-Investment Problem with Subsistence Consumption, Bankruptcy, and Random Market Coefficients. Part V: Models with Constant Market Parameters, Positive Subsistence Consumption and Borrowing/Shortselling Constraints. 13. Optimal Dynamic Consumption and Portfolio Planning in a Welfare State. 14. Optimal Consumption and Investment Policies Allowing Consumption Constraints, Bankruptcy and Welfare. 15. A Martingale Formulation for Optimal Consumption/Investment Decision Making. Part VI: Conclusions. 16. Concluding Remarks and Open Research Problems. Author Index. Copyright Permissions.
Turbulence and Collapse in Star-Forming Molecular Clouds

We review developments in our knowledge of interstellar turbulence, and star-forming gravitational collapse. The turbulent motions in interstellar line widths are supersonic, by a factor exceeding ∼ 10 on size scales ∼ 1 pc, and are progressively smaller on smaller size scales, becoming subsonic by a factor ∼ 10 for low-mass dense cores of size ∼ 0.1 pc. Line width-size relations Δυ ∼ Rl/2 in a single line over a wide range of cloud sizes probably reflect little more than virial balance. Line width-size relations over several lines within a cloud vary from low-mass to massive cores, and probably reflect the structure of the density and magnetic field within the cloud. Searches for infall in star-forming clouds rely on line broadening, line asymmetry, spatial variation of the line centroid, and red-shifted absorption. Early claims of infall based on CO lines, coarse angular and spectral resolution, and distant sources were sensitive only to large-scale homologous collapse. More recent observations are sensitive to “inside-out” collapse over sizes 0.01 pc and velocities 0.05 km s−1, and appear consistent with gravitational infall in several well-studied low-mass sources.
Religious Diversity in the Workplace

This chapter discusses the effect of accommodation of religious and spiritual practices in the workforce from three approaches: a legal approach, one that focuses on preventing discrimination; a faith-friendly approach, one in which leadership may positively emphasize the importance of faith in the workplace; and one of respectful pluralism in which employees develop religious competency as needed. This latter approach borrows from healthcare. Religious competencies are learned skills and attitudes which help us understand religious values, both similarities and differences, and ease communication between and among customers, volunteers, and employees. I conceive of the quality of work life being increased by religious competency when the necessary ingredients to create respectful religious pluralism are in the workplace: support from upper management, recognition, and integration of religious groups in the workplace; partners in the community who can educate the workforce; a culture of respect; and measurement of a culture of respect.
GAP ANISOTROPY IN BI2SR2CACU2O8+DELTA BY ULTRAHIGH-RESOLUTION ANGLE-RESOLVED PHOTOEMISSION

Ultrahigh-resolution (DELTAE up to 10 meV) angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy on single crystals of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta (Bi-2212) show a highly anisotropic superconducting energy gap: the gap is minimized, with a value close to zero, along the GAMM
Characterization of Vanilla Taste Preference

Consumer taste preference for vanilla determines the value of manufactured products. This study created a method for measuring vanilla taste preference. In double blind fashion, subjects (19.3±2.6 years) tasted artificial vanilla (A) and pure vanilla ethanol extracts (B) and (C) in sugar water (1.5% vanilla; 3.5% sugar), 2% milk (1.5% vanilla), and icing (0.42% vanilla) on a graham cracker. On a preference scale (1-low to 10-high) A, B, and C in icing ranked 6.65±2.06, 6.59±1.93, and 6.48±2.15 (p= 0.7260); A, B, and C in milk ranked 5.56±2.11, 5.28±2.18, and 4.67±2.00 (A>C, p=0.0010; B>C, p=0.0382); A, B and C in sugar water ranked 6.20±2.04, 4.12±1.79, and 4.55±2.27 (A>C, p= B, p= <0.0001). Vanilla flavor word choices for A, B and C were bitter, caramelized, floral, fruity, hay-like, honey, rummy, sweet, and woody (1-weak to 5-strong). Top icing flavors for A were caramelized (3.08±1.28), honey (3.05±0.97), and sweet (4.00±0.98); for B were caramelized (3.03±0.99), honey (3.05±1.09), and sweet...
Strategic Planning Amidst Massive Uncertainty in Complex Adaptive Systems: the Case of Defense Planning

In this paper I describe certain core problems of defense planning (Section 2), which have much in common with more general planning problems that arise in dealing with complex adaptive systems (CAS) characterized by unpredictability. I then describe concepts and methods that my colleagues and I have brought to bear with not-inconsiderable success. The concepts relate to managing risk and uncertainty (Section 3). These involve portfolio management and an emphasis on building blocks and at-the-time assembly of building blocks. The methods use measures of effectiveness focused on achieving flexibility, robustness, and adaptiveness. They involve exploratory analysis in large scenario spaces, and multi resolution modeling to facilitate such analysis. Such models often need adaptive agents. Human gaming, as part of a family-of-models approach, can also be helpful and even essential.
Feline glaucoma--a comprehensive review

Cats with glaucoma typically present late in the course of disease. It is likely that glaucoma in cats is under-diagnosed due to its insidious onset and gradual progression, as well as limitations of some commonly used tonometers in this species. Treatment of glaucoma in feline patients presents a clinical challenge, particularly as glaucoma is often secondary to other disease processes in cats. In this review, we consider the clinical features, pathophysiology, and classification of the feline glaucomas and provide current evidence to direct selection of appropriate treatment strategies for feline glaucoma patients.
Role of wake-promoting basal forebrain and adenosinergic mechanisms in sleep-promoting effects of ethanol.

Background: Ethanol intake has significant impact on sleep. However, the cellular substrates responsible for sleep promotion following ethanol intake are unknown. The purine nucleoside, adenosine, is responsible for mediating many neuronal and behavioral responses to ethanol. Studies performed in cell cultures suggest that ethanol inhibits equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 to block the reuptake of adenosine resulting in increased extracellular adenosine. Adenosine also has a pivotal role in sleep regulation. Adenosine acts via A1 receptor to inhibit the wake-promoting neurons of the basal forebrain (BF) resulting in the promotion of sleep. Is ethanol-induced sleep associated with the inhibition of the BF wake-promoting neurons? Do adenosinergic mechanisms in the BF have a role in sleep-promoting effects of ethanol? Methods: To address these questions, we performed 3 experiments in Sprague–Dawley rats. First, we verified the effect of ethanol on sleep promotion. Second, we evaluated the effect of ethanol on c-Fos expression (a marker of neuronal activation) in the BF wake-promoting neurons and third we monitored the effects of A1 receptor blockade in the BF on ethanol-induced sleep. Results: Significant increase in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep with a concomitant decrease in wakefulness was observed during the first 12 hours postethanol. REM sleep remained unaffected. Ethanol administration caused a significant decrease in the number of BF wake-promoting neurons with c-Fos immunoreactivity. Bilateral microinjections of a selective A1R receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine into the BF significantly attenuated sleep-promoting effects of ethanol. Conclusion: These results suggest that the inhibition of BF wake-promoting neurons by adenosinergic mechanism may be responsible for the sleep promoting effects of ethanol. We believe our study is the first to investigate the cellular mechanisms responsible for the somnogenic effects of ethanol.
Hepatitis viral C

Hepatitis C virus is transmitted by direct contract with blood of an infected person. Most patients do not present symptoms during the acute or chronic phases. After two or three decades some patients progress to compensated cirrhosis, still asymptomatic. Antibodies in a blood test often come as a surprise because there is no association with the episode of contagion. Pregnancy brings the possibility of adverse effects to the mother or child. Current therapy does offer certainty of cure, depending on the viral genotype, and provokes adverse effects that might be severe. Decompensated cirrhosis causes most of the deaths associated with this infection; few patients develop hepatocellular carcinoma. Viral reproduction causes viral particles different from the original, characteristic that has prevented the development of vaccines. Current prevention consists in avoiding contact with infected blood. This article reviews infection with hepatitis C virus including the most recent progress in treatment. There is need to educate the general public about the effects of this virus on public health.
Search for resonant electron-transfer-double excitation in Kr34+ + H2 collisions

Resonant electron transfer and double excitation (RT2E) is a correlated three‐electron process which is expected to occur in an ion‐atom collision when electron capture is accompanied by the simultaneous excitation of two inner‐shell electrons. RT2E is similar to resonant transfer excitation (RTE) in which only a single electron is excited. RT2E was investigated experimentally for 38–42 MeV/u Kr34+ + H2 collisions by observing x‐ray emission associated with single‐electron capture. No events associated with Kr K x rays (near 13 keV) were observed; however, events do occur at about twice (≳22 keV) the Kr K x‐ray energy. Several possible sources of these latter x rays have been considered.
The reaction of nucleotides with aqueous hypochlorous acid

Abstract It has been found that the rate of consumption of hypochlorous acid by the nucleotides cytidine monophosphate (CMP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) increases with decreasing pH. At pH 5.6, CMP and AMP are the primary consumers of free chlorine; at pH 7.6 guanosine monophosphate (GMP), as well as CMP and AMP, react readily with hypochlorous acid. At pH 10, the only consumer of hypochlorite is GMP. A parallel was found between the rate of inactivation of virus and the rate of consumption of free chlorine by two of the nucleotides; both the rate of virus inactivation and the rate of consumption of chlorine by AMP and CMP increase with decreasing pH. Under conditions of virus disinfection, uridine monophosphate (UMP) is quite unreactive with aqueous hypochlorous acid.
An update on attitudes and use of image-guided surgery.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare 2010 access to, usage of, and attitudes toward image-guided surgery (IGS) for endoscopic sinus surgery and anterior skull-base surgery to those in 2005. Methods: A mail survey of American Rhinologic Society (ARS) members was performed in January 2010. Results were compared to results from the same survey mailed in January 2005. Results: Significantly more respondents in 2010 had access to IGS compared to 2005 (94.6% vs 86%, p = 0.002). Compared to 2005, IGS was used in a greater percentage of cases in 2010 (p < 0.0001). More respondents in 2010 felt that IGS is indicated for primary anterior ethmoidectomy, revision anterior ethmoidectomy, primary total ethmoidectomy, Lothrop procedure, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repair, tumor surgery, orbital decompression, and optic nerve decompression (all p < 0.05). Similar to 2005, region, residency completion date, and availability of IGS in residency had no measureable effect on attitudes toward IGS. As in 2005, availability of IGS was associated with a greater feeling of its necessity in 2010. Conclusion: IGS availability has grown significantly and nearly all ARS members now have access. Estimates of use by respondents have also increased over the last 5 years, particularly for ethmoid and advanced procedures. Revision surgery and advanced procedures continue to be chief indications for IGS use. As in 2005, the results of this survey reflect the opinion of the respondents, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ARS or of practicing otolaryngologists in general. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
Death Due to Complications of Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia

Ectodermal dysplasia comprises a group of disorders affecting ectodermal tissues. Severity depends on the genetic aberration; hyperpyrexia secondary to absence of sweat glands is a common complication. Treatment is supportive. This case report describes a 1-month, 27-day-old male infant with a diagnosis of X-linked recessive anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. On the day of his death, his mother swaddled him in a blanket and placed him on the couch at 5:30 am. When she picked him up at 8:00 am, he was unresponsive. At the emergency department, his rectal temperature was 40°C. Postmortem blood culture was positive for group B streptococcus, a possible etiology for fever. It is vital to teach parents that close monitoring of children with ectodermal dysplasia is necessary, as an increase in body temperature can become life threatening.
A nonlinear equivalent circuit for IMPATT diodes

Abstract A lumped nonlinear equivalent circuit is developed for Read-type IMPATT diodes, using the carrier transport equations for the device. The validity of this circuit is not restricted to sinusoidal signal waveforms. It can be used for quantitative calculations of device performance as well as for qualitative predictions of the general features of IMPATT diode behavior. The general equivalent circuit is further simplified for the case of sinusoidal excitation and its application is demonstrated by simple examples.
How To Create a Corporate Competitive Intelligence System

Virtually all managers acknowledge the importance of understanding their competition in the marketplace. As a result, interest has grown rapidly in formalizing competitive intelligence activities within companies seeking the competitive edge. Almost any business information can be termed competitive intelligence, depending on how it is used. Most typically, it means any of several different kinds of valuable data on the competition’s finances, manufacturing processes, product lines, promotional budgets, key personnel, and so forth. It also involves and integrates areas like marketing research, strategic planning, technical research, and legal developments.
CAG repeat size and clinical presentation in Huntington's disease

The specific mutation in Huntington9s disease (HD) is an expansion of the unstable CAG trinucleotide repeat in the IT 15 gene in chromosome 4p. We examined the relationship between the CAG repeat size and clinical presentation in 36 patients with suspected diagnosis of HD. Twelve patients had no relatives with documented HD, and five of them failed to show the expanded (>37) CAG repeats. The remaining 31 patients, including seven patients with atypical clinical features for HD (three without and four with family history of documented HD), were heterozygotes for the CAG repeat expansion. There were large CAG repeats (50 copies) in paternally transmitted HD cases with early onset (age 30 or earlier). The rate of disease progression was faster in paternally transmitted cases regardless of the CAG repeat length or age of onset. We conclude that (1) patients lacking the family history of HD frequently show no expansion of the CAG repeats, and (2) the sex of the affected parent influences both the CAG repeat size and the phenotypic expression of the HD gene in the offspring.
Relativistic continuum wavefunction solver

Abstract Relativistic Dirac-Fock equations are set up and solved numerically for continuum wavefunctions within the framework of the program of Grant et al. [Comput. Phys. Commun. 21 (1980) 207].
Intersection properties of finite sets

Abstract Let X 1 , X 2 , …, X m be finite sets. The present paper is concerned with the m 2 − m intersection numbers | X i ∩ X j | ( i ≠ j ). We prove several theorems on families of sets with the same prescribed intersection numbers. We state here one of our conclusions that requires no further terminology. Let T 1 , T 2 , …, T m be finite sets and let m ⩾ 3. We assume that each of the elements in the set union T 1 ∪ T 2 ∪ … ∪ T m occurs in at least two of the subsets T 1 , T 2 , …, T m . We further assume that every pair of sets T i and T j ( i ≠ j ) intersect in at most one element and that for every such pair of sets there exists exactly one set T k ( k ≠ i , k ≠ j ) such that T k intersects both T i and T j . Then it follows that the integer m = 2 m ′ + 1 is odd and apart from the labeling of sets and elements there exist exactly m ′ + 1 such families of sets. The unique family with the minimal number of elements is {1}, {2}, …, { m ′}, {1}, {2}, …, { m ′}, {1, 2, …, m ′}.
Congruence properties of q-analogs

Abstract Using group actions and generating functions, we derive various arithmetic properties of the q -binomial coefficients and q -Stirling numbers. These include recurrence relations and computation of residues modulo a cyclotomic polynomial. We also obtain periodicity and non-periodicity results.
Density Functional Theory Study of Methanol Decomposition on the CeO2(110) Surface

Methanol decomposition on the stoichiometric CeO2(110) surface has been investigated using density functional theory slab calculations. Three possible initial steps to decompose methanol by breaking one of three bonds (O-H, C-O and C-H) of methanol were examined. The relative order of thermodynamic stability for the three possible bond scission steps is: C-H > O-H > C-O. We further isolated transition state and determined activation energy for each bond-breaking mode using the nudged elastic method. The activation barrier for the most favorable dissociation mode, the O-H bond scission, is 0.3 eV on the (110) surface. An even lower activation barrier ( C-O > C-H. Our results are consistent with the previous experimental observation that methoxy is the dominant surface species after a stoichiometric CeO2 surface was exposed to methanol. The experimentally observed methanol chemistry was determined bymore » the kinetics of initial dissociation steps rather than the thermodynamic stability of product states. Surface coverage of methanol was found to affect the relative stability between molecular and dissociative adsorption modes. Dissociative adsorption modes are preferred thermodynamically for methanol coverage up to 0.5 ML but only molecular adsorption was stable at full monolayer coverage. This work was supported by a Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The computations were performed using the Molecular Science Computing Facility in the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), which is a U.S. Department of Energy national scientific user facility located at PNNL in Richland, Washington. Computing time was made under a Computational Grand Challenge “Computational Catalysis”. Part of the computing time was also granted by the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC).« less
Building a Micro Foundation for Industrial Ecology

: Industrial ecologists study phenomena at several distinct scales, and linking the resulting insights could advance the field. The disciplines of ecology and economics have each attempted, with partial success, to accomplish this by building a behavioral micro foundation, and industrial ecology should do the same. These fields all study evolving systems made up of autonomous individuals who operate in a largely self-interested manner, exhibit diverse behaviors, and self-organize many higher-level structures such as communities or sectors in a bottom-up fashion. Industrial ecologists should explicitly attempt to integrate empirical and normative views about agency, and more carefully distinguish between two types of agents—firms and individual humans.
Role of mRNA Stability in Growth Phase Regulation of Gene Expression in the Group A Streptococcus

The impressive disease spectrum of Streptococcus pyogenes (the group A streptococcus [GAS]) is believed to be determined by its ability to modify gene expression in response to environmental stimuli. Virulence gene expression is controlled tightly by several different transcriptional regulators in this organism. In addition, expression of most, if not all, GAS genes is determined by a global mechanism dependent on growth phase. To begin an analysis of growth-phase regulation, we compared the transcriptome 2 h into stationary phase to that in late exponential phase of a serotype M3 GAS strain. We identified the arc transcript as more abundant in stationary phase in addition to the sag and sda transcripts that had been previously identified. We found that in stationary phase, the stability of sagA, sda, and arcT transcripts increased dramatically. We found that polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase [encoded by pnpA]) is rate limiting for decay of sagA and sda transcripts in late exponential phase, since the stability of these mRNAs was greater in a pnpA mutant, while stability of control mRNAs was unaffected by this mutation. Complementation restored the wild-type decay rate. Furthermore, in a pnpA mutant, the sagA mRNA appeared to be full length, as determined by Northern hybridization. It seems likely that mRNAs abundant in stationary phase are insensitive to the normal decay enzyme(s) and instead require PNPase for this process. It is possible that PNPase activity is limited in stationary phase, allowing persistence of these important virulence factor transcripts at this phase of growth.
Understanding current guidelines for colorectal cancer screening: A case-based approach

After a polyp or polyps are discovered on colonoscopy, many patients are being told to come back for repeat colonoscopy unnecessarily soon, thus diverting a scarce resource away from patients who may derive the most benefit—those with high-risk polyps and those who have never been screened.
Glucosamine HCl reduces equine articular cartilage degradation in explant culture.

Abstract Objective To determine whether glucosamine inhibits experimentally induced degradation of equine articular cartilage explants. Methods Articular cartilage was obtained from the antebrachio-carpal and middle joints of horses (2–8 years old) killed for reasons unrelated to lameness. Cartilage discs were harvested from the weight-bearing region of the articular surface and cultured. Media were exchanged daily and the recovered media stored at 4°C. Explants were maintained in basal media 2 days prior to the start of four treatment days. On days 1–4 lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10μg/ml) or recombinant human interleukin-1 (rhIL-1, 50ng/ml) were added to induce cartilage degradation. To test the potential protective effects of glucosamine, the compound was added in three concentrations (0.25, 2.5, or 25mg/ml) and treatments were performed in triplicate. Controls included wells without LPS, rhIL-1β, or glucosamine. Nitric oxide, proteoglycan and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) released into conditioned media and tissue proteoglycan synthesis were measured as indicators of cartilage metabolism. Results Maximal nitric oxide production, proteoglycan release, and MMP activity were detected 1 day after the addition of LPS or rhIL-1β to the media. The addition of 25mg/ml of glucosamine prevented the increase in nitric oxide production, proteoglycan release and MMP activity induced by LPS or rhIL-1. Conclusions These data indicate that glucosamine can prevent experimentally induced cartilage degradation in vitro .
The Psychological and Mythic Unity of the God, Ódinn

The picture presented to us of the god 05inn by Snorri Sturluson,l) The Poetic Edda,2) and Saxo Grammaticus3) is complex and manysided to an extreme degree. He is simultaneously god of magic, poetry, and death with affinities to fertility deities, god of war and father of the gods and man, with a reputation for a highly capricious nature. It is little wonder then that he has received a variety of treatments by modern scholarship and that a unified interpretation which does justice to all of his wide range of functions and characteristics is lacking. Davidson4) discusses him primarily in terms of his function as god of war and god of the dead. Turville-Petres) discusses various facets separately, and then states: "O'inn took over the names and functions of other gods."6) Dumezil7) has 05inn share his "first function", the position of priest/king with Tyr, emphasizing 65inn's "magico-religious" aspects at the expense of others, specifically his position as god of war and his affinities with the fertility deities. However, O0inn's position as a war god in the source material is quite clear, and supporting evidence for Dumezil's tripartite social structure is sufficiently lacking
Nonlinear Finite-Element-Based Investigation of the Effect of Bedding Thickness on Buried Concrete Pipe

The pipe-soil interaction is studied by using the finite-element software ABAQUS/CAE Version 6.5-1 as a symmetric model of embankment installation to study the effect of bedding property and thickness on pipe-soil interaction with increase in the height of fill. A three-dimensional (3D) finite-element method (FEM) model of the concrete pipe and surrounding soil is developed. The FEM model is capable of simulating material, geometric, and contact nonlinearities which employs a nonlinear incremental solution algorithm. Several different element types and mesh sizes were tested to obtain the optimum converged mesh. These elements include eight-noded linear brick (C3D8R) and six-noded linear triangular prism (C3D6) for modeling of the concrete pipe and surrounding soil. The behavior of the 3D model is investigated by varying the pipe diameter, backfill height, bedding thickness, and bedding material. Three material constitutive relationships of soil involving in the model are gravelly sand and sandy silt. To study the effect of bedding thickness on the pipe wall, due to the increment of backfill soil depth, contact elements were employed in the interface between each two regions. The lateral boundaries and model length were also studied for the converged solution. A parametric study was conducted to study the effects of bedding thicknesses. The results showed that the increase in bedding thickness reduces tensile stress at crown, spring line, and especially invert of the pipe wall depending on the material property. This means the change in material property and compaction level has a greater effect on the reduction of tensile stresses than the effect from the variation of bedding thicknesses. Also, materials with lower bedding stiffness (high deformability characteristics) cause greater reduction in induced stresses. This study shows that for commonly used bedding material (coarse grained gravelly sand), the effect of the increase in bedding thickness has a minimal effect on stress reduction of the pipes studied.
Palynological evidence of climate change and land degradation in the Lake Baringo area, Kenya, East Africa, since AD 1650

Abstract Paleoenvironmental records derived from pollen, fungal spores, and microscopic charcoal from Lake Baringo, Kenya, reveal a largely dry environment in the East African region since AD 1650. The dry environment is punctuated by a succession of centennial- to decadal-scale wet and dry episodes, disjointed by sharp transitions, including two intense dry episodes that led to drying of the lake at ca. AD 1650 and AD 1720 which coincide with the Little Ice Age (LIA) period in Europe. The Baringo record shows that land degradation in the area began prior to the colonial period in East Africa and has persisted to the present. Land degradation and increased soil erosion in the Lake Baringo drainage basin was severe enough to significantly 'age' the lake sediments due to influx of old carbon resulting in the dating inversion.
Phase stability and bonding characteristics of Li-rich Al-Li intermetallic compounds: Al2Li3 and Al4Li9.

The all-electron local-density full-potential linearized augmented-plane-wave method was applied to calculate the total energy and electronic structure of several Li-rich Al-Li compounds including ${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Li}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{Al}}_{4}$${\mathrm{Li}}_{9}$, and ${\mathrm{AlLi}}_{3}$ (with L${1}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{D}0}_{3}$ structure). The ground-state properties are found to be in good agreement with the available experimental data. Based on the calculated heats of formation, both ${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Li}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{Al}}_{4}$${\mathrm{Li}}_{9}$ were found to be stable, whereas both ${\mathrm{AlLi}}_{3}$ compounds are unstable with respect to the mixture of the most stable compounds. The bonding in the stable phases is characterized by its tendency to form stronger, tetrahedra-like Al-Al bonds due to the Al-Al and Al-Li interactions. Based on these results, we propose that the phase stability and the bonding characteristics of the Al-Li alloys can be understood by assuming that the Li atoms basically transfer their valence electrons in between the Al bonds and that the resultant strengthened Al bonds stabilize the Al-Li compounds.
The Nature, Effects, and Relief of Mathematics Anxiety.

Results of 151 studies were integrated by meta-analysis to scrutinize the construct mathematics anxiety. Mathematics anxiety is related to poor performance on mathematics achievement tests. It relates inversely to positive attitudes toward mathematics and is bound directly to avoidance of the subject. Variables that exhibit differential mathematics anxiety levels include ability, school grade level, and undergraduate fields of study, with preservice arithmetic teachers especially prone to mathematics anxiety. Females display higher levels than males. However, mathematics anxiety appears more strongly linked with poor performance and avoidance of mathematics in precollege males than females. A variety of treatments are effective in reducing mathematics anxiety. Improved mathematics performance consistently accompanies valid treatment.
FICTIONAL FORM AND SYMPHONIC STRUCTURE: AN ESSAY IN COMPARATIVE AESTHETICS

It is agreed on all hands that both fictional narratives and the familiar genres of classical music possess an inner structure that both can be perceived and be appreciated aesthetically. It is my argument here that this inner structure plays a crucially different role in fictional narrative than it does in classical music, confining myself here to ‘absolute music’ (which is to say, pure instrumental music without text, programme, dramatic setting, or other ‘extra-musical’ content). The argument, basically, is that whereas the sophisticated listener to the absolute music repertory is keenly, consciously aware of the inner structure, the sophisticated reader of fictional narrative, the principal exemplar being the novel, is not so aware. Therefore, whereas musical structure directly contributes to aesthetic satisfaction, narrative structure contributes only indirectly (which is not to deny that, at times, the reader is consciously aware of narrative structure, and that, at such times, it does contribute directly to aesthetic satisfaction).
MDMA and Impulsivity: A Review

The illicit drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; Ecstasy) has been shown to cause long-term serotonin (5-HT) deficits in rodents and non-human primates, and based on the results of brain imaging studies in frequent Ecstasy users, it appears that MDMA has the potential to affect the human brain in much the same way. Because the 5-HT system is known to take part in the regulation of impulsivity, it has been hypothesized that increased impulsivity may be one of the consequences of MDMA exposure seen in Ecstasy users. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the evidence for a relationship between Ecstasy use and higher levels of impulsivity. Cross-sectional studies that used measures of impulsivity to compare abstinent Ecstasy users to non-users will be summarized, and longitudinal studies that attempted to find changes in impulsivity in Ecstasy users will be examined. In closing, the overall evidence for an association between Ecstasy use and higher levels of impulsivity will be evaluated, and potential explanations for this association will be discussed.
Ozone impacts on cotton: towards an integrated mechanism.

Vegetation removes tropospheric ozone (O 3 ) mainly through uptake by stomata. O 3 reduces growth, photosynthesis, and carbohydrate allocation. Effects on mesophyll photosynthesis, may reducing carbohydrate source strength and, indirectly, carbohydrate translocation. Alternatively direct translocation, itself, could explain all of these observations. O 3 -reduced root proliferation inhibits exploitation of soil resources and interferes with underground carbon sequestration. Simulations with cotton suggest O 3 -disrupted root development could indirectly reduce shoot photosynthesis. Strong evidence for O 3 impacts on both carbon assimilation and carbon translocation exists, but data determining the primacy of direct or indirect O 3 effects on either or both processes remain inconclusive. Pholoem loading may be particularly sensitive to O 3 . Further research on metabolic feedback control of carbon assimilation and phloem loading activity as affected by O 3 exposure is required.
Hardy Spaces and bmo on Manifolds with Bounded Geometry

We develop the theory of the “local” Hardy space \(\mathfrak{h}^{1}(M)\) and John-Nirenberg space \(\mathop{\mathrm{bmo}}(M)\) when M is a Riemannian manifold with bounded geometry, building on the classic work of Fefferman-Stein and subsequent material, particularly of Goldberg and Ionescu. Results include \(\mathfrak{h}^{1}\) – \(\mathop{\mathrm{bmo}}\) duality, Lp estimates on an appropriate variant of the sharp maximal function, \(\mathfrak{h}^{1}\) and bmo-Sobolev spaces, and action of a natural class of pseudodifferential operators, including a natural class of functions of the Laplace operator, in a setting that unifies these results with results on Lp-Sobolev spaces. We apply results on these topics to some interpolation theorems, motivated in part by the search for dispersive estimates for wave equations.
Effect of nutrient loading on Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) growth rate potential in the Patuxent River

We linked a 2-dimensional water quality model of the Patuxent River with a spatially-explicit model of fish growth to simulate how changes in land use in the Patuxent River Basin would affect the growth rate potential (GRP) of Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus). Simulations of three land-use patterns that reflected current nutrient loadings, increased nutrient loadings, and decreased nutrient loadings were used to drive the water quality model. Changes in nutrient loadings caused changes in the timing and intensity of phytoplankton concentrations and the region of hypoxia increased during summer with increased nutrient loading. The spatial distribution of menhaden GRP was highly correlated with phytoplankton concentrations and localized in the middle on third of the Patuxent River. Menhaden growth rate was highest in early June and late summer. During June, menhaden GRP (and phytoplankton concentration) was lowest at the lower nutrient loading simulation. During late summer, mean menhaden growth rates were inversely proportional to nutrient loading rates and menhaden grew best when nutrient loadings were the lowest. Upriver to mid-river phytoplankton patches drove overall mean calculations. Model results suggest that more research is needed on water quality model predictions of phytoplankton levels at a high level of spatial and temporal resolution, menhaden foraging, and menhaden habitat selection.
Parent-youth teamwork in pediatric asthma management

Abstract Rationale Because the transition of responsibility for asthma management from parent to youth can result in medication non-adherence, we used a randomized clinical trial to examine the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at promoting a teamwork approach and structuring parental supervision of medication use. Methods Participants included 42 rural youth (ages 9-15) who were randomly assigned to the Teamwork Intervention, Asthma Education, or Standard Care condition. The intervention consisted of 4 sessions, scheduled at approximately 2 week intervals across 2 months. A follow-up session occurred 3 months post-treatment. Adherence to inhaled corticosteroids was assessed via MDILog-II device. Outcome data were gathered on adherence and family responsibility for asthma management throughout the study. Data for asthma functional severity, spirometry readings, and parent-adolescent conflict were obtained pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up, while patient satisfaction was measured at follow-up. Results Data were analyzed using a mixed design repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post-hoc comparisons. Results indicated that the Teamwork Intervention group had significantly higher adherence rates (across different calculations) than either the Asthma Education or Standard Care conditions, which were not significantly different from one another. While patient satisfaction was high among the Teamwork Intervention group, increases in adolescent report of maternal-child conflict compared to the other groups were found. No significant group or time effects were obtained for asthma functional severity or lung functioning. Conclusions Overall results support the effectiveness and utility of the Teamwork Intervention as a means of improving medication adherence as youth begin to acquire more responsibility for their asthma management.
A New Type of Charging Belt for Van de Graaff Accelerators

In 1978 Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory acquired a surplus 2.5 million volt High Voltage Engineering (HVEC) Model AK-2000 Accelerator. Several problems with the charging belt were encountered during the course of reconditioning. The machine was received with a standard HVEC rubberized cotton belt. During initial electrical testing the belt was found to experience ''mole-hole'' failures at an alarmingly high rate. This failure mode is characterized by the carbonization of a linen fiber down the length of the belt. The resulting fiber expands leaving a tell-tale bump on the surface of the rubberization, thus the term ''mole-hole.'' This carbonized fiber, when long enough, can provide an electrical leakage path along the belt which can short the terminal to ground. Several belts were destroyed in this manner. Discussions with HVEC centered on the topic of residual moisture left in the carcass of the HVEC style belts. Thus an attempt to remove moisture from the tank was initiated. The effort entailed multiple serial dilutions of the residual moisture by evacuating the tank below 70 microns (with the belt installed) and then back-filling the tank with dry nitrogen to a pressure of 25 PSIG. This procedure was repeated until the dew point of the nitrogenmore » (measured 2 hours after backfilling) was below -70/sup 0/C. The tank was then pressurized with SF/sub 6/ to 70 PSIG. This method reduced the belt failures substantially, but did not totally eliminate the problem.« less