cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Confronting "confounding by health system use" in Medicare Part D: comparative effectiveness of propensity score approaches to confounding adjustment.

Purpose Under Medicare Part D, patient characteristics influence plan choice, which in turn influences Part D coverage gap entry. We compared predefined propensity score (PS) and high-dimensional propensity score (hdPS) approaches to address such “confounding by health system use” in assessing whether coverage gap entry is associated with cardiovascular events or death. Methods We followed 243,079 Medicare patients aged 65+ years with linked prescription, medical, and plan-specific data in 2005–2007. Patients reached the coverage gap and were followed until an event or year's end. Exposed patients were responsible for drug costs in the gap; unexposed patients (patients with non-Part D drug insurance and Part D patients receiving a low-income subsidy) received financial assistance. Exposed patients were 1:1 PS-matched or hdPS-matched to unexposed patients. The PS model included 52 predefined covariates; the hdPS model added 400 empirically identified covariates. Hazard ratios for death and any of five cardiovascular outcomes were compared. In sensitivity analyses, we explored residual confounding using only low-income subsidy patients in the unexposed group. Results In unadjusted analyses, exposed patients had no greater hazard of death (HR = 1.00; 95%CI, 0.84–1.20) or other outcomes. PS-matched (HR = 1.29; 0.99–1.66) and hdPS-matched (HR = 1.11; 0.86–1.42) analyses showed elevated but non-significant hazards of death. In sensitivity analyses, the PS analysis showed a protective effect (HR = 0.78; 0.61–0.98), whereas the hdPS analysis (HR = 1.06; 0.82–1.37) confirmed the main hdPS findings. Conclusion Although the PS-matched analysis suggested elevated but non-significant hazards of death among patients with no financial assistance during the gap, the hdPS analysis produced lower estimates that were stable across sensitivity analyses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The study of metabolic turnover rates by means of isotopic tracers. I. Fundamental relations.

Abstract A formal definition of rate of turnover, in agreement with general usage, has been proposed, and compared with informally defned quantities frequently used. The prerequisites for the calculation of turnover rates from experimental data have been determined. It is found that the calculation of turnover rate for any component of a metabolic network requires a complete knowledge of the structure of that network, as well as experimental study of the concentrations and specific activities of all its components. A reasonably complete time curve for each component must be obtained. The above general definition of turnover rate proves to be inadequate when reactions of order higher than the first occur. When a compound to be labeled with isotope may be labeled in more than one position within the molecule, the various species of labeled molecules must be dealt with separately, both theoretically and experimentally. Only in some specially simple cases is it possible to combine the equations for the various labeled species into a single one for the compound as a whole. These points are illustrated by means of a study of C02 fixation through the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The consequences of these findings are discussed. Particular consideration is given to the problem of systems whose metabolic structure is not completely known. Conditions under which data obtained on such systems may be at least approximately interpreted in terms of metabolic rates are described.
Operational, Reliability, and Maintenance Experience with Photovoltaic Concentrator Arrays

The operational, reliability, and maintenance experience with photovoltaic concentrator arrays in the united States is discussed. Steady progress in performance has resulted over the past 5 years. Concentrator arrays with efficiencies as high as 14–15% have been tested. No un-solvable reliability or maintenance problems are expected. The gap between concentrator and flat plate technology is rapidly closing.
Uptake and subcellular distribution of anti-neoplastic agents in wild and drug-resistant human neuroblastoma cells

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 617 The onset of drug-resistance to specific cancer chemotherapeutic agents has been attributed to their increased export and decreased uptake by neoplastic cells. Alterations in nuclear transport and sequestration of anti-neoplastic drugs in subcellular organelles may also play an important role in this adaptive process. An increased expression of p-glycoprotein (P-gp), multi-drug resistance protein (MRP), and other ATP-dependent transport systems has been observed in many drug-resistant cells. This study compared the effect of verapamil on total cellular, nuclear and cytosolic uptake of C14-doxorubicin (C14-DOX), H3-etoposide (H3-ETOP) and C14-5-fluorouracil (C14-5-FU) in wild human neuroblastoma cells (SKNSH-W) and SKNSH cells made resistant to either 10-6M doxorubicin (-rDOX6), 10-5M etoposide (-rETOP5) or 10-4M 5-fluorouracil (-rFU4). Following a 24 hr incubation with verapamil (10-5M) to inhibit P-gp activity, the total cellular, nuclear and cytosolic uptake of C14-DOX was unaltered in SKNSH-W and -rFU4 cells, nor was any change in cytotoxic activity noted. In contrast, C14-DOX uptake by -rDOX6 and -rETOP5 cells were significantly increased by verapamil. These findings were positively correlated with greater cytotoxic effect and a decrease in the IC50 of DOX. Total cellular and cytosolic uptake of H3-ETOP in all drug-resistant cell lines was moderately but significantly increased by verapamil, and cytotoxic potency enhanced in -rDOX6 and -rETOP5 cells only. Nuclear uptake of H3-ETOP in -rDOX6 and -rFU4 cells was not increased by pretreatment with verapamil, but a significant elevation was noted in -rETOP5 cells. The uptake and cytotoxic activity of C14-5-FU in all resistant cell lines was not altered by verapamil. In conclusion, doxorubicin and etoposide, both substrates for P-gp, and 5-fluorouracil, which is not, differed significantly in total cellular, nuclear and cytosolic uptake kinetics and response to P-gp inhibitors. Drug uptake in wild and resistant tumor cells was agent-specific and correlated positively with cytotoxic activity.
Visualizing Geometric Algorithms - State of the Art

The visual nature of geometry makes it a natural area where visualization can be an effective tool in communicating ideas. This is enhanced by the observation that much of the action in computational geometry occurs in 2 and 3 dimensions, where visualization is highly plausible. Given these observations, it is not surprising that there has been noticeable progress during the past few years in the production of visualizations of geometric algorithms and concepts. There is every reason to believe that this will continue and even accelerate in the future. In this note, I briefly survey the current state of the art as well as suggesting new directions that should be pursued in the future. Further details appear in the survey article [HD96].
An Evaluation of Patient Comfort During Acute Psychiatric Hospitalization.

Purpose To assess the difference in the level of comfort between psychiatric inpatients who received a warmed blanket and psychiatric inpatients who did not receive a warmed blanket. Design and Methods A descriptive pilot study from a convenience sample of 37 psychiatric patients aged 18–59. Subject's level of comfort was measured with Kolcaba's verbal rating scale (VRS). Findings Independent t-tests showed that the VRS mean score was lower in the control group (6.81) than the experimental group (7.29). Practice Implications Comfort is central to nursing and there has been little research regarding the effects of warm topical applications in the psychiatric hospital setting. Warmed blankets are not routinely offered to patients in the psychiatric setting. The use of warmed blankets may increase patient comfort.
Musculature of the Head Appendages of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The musculature of the mandibles, maxillae, labium and antennae of T. molitor are described. The muscles of the mouthparts are similar to those found in other tenebrionids and Coleoptera with variations in the origins or the insertions of some muscles. The 3 intrinsic muscles of the antennae are peculiar to T. molitor in that all these muscles originate on the mesial surface of the scape. This study increases the number of muscles described for the head appendages of T. molitor .
Acute epiglottitis in a 79-year-old man

A case of acute epiglottitis in a 79-year-old man is presented describing the airway and anaesthetic management. Early reports of adult epiglottitis advocated observation or tracheostomy for airway management. Recent reports stress early endotracheal intubation. Unlike the paediatric age group adults may present with differing degrees of airway obstruction, epiglottic abscess, and with a more diverse set of medical problems. This can make airway management more variable than in children. A discussion of airway management in adult epiglottitis is presented.
Vitiligo in patients with melanoma: normal tissue antigens can be targets for cancer immunotherapy

Patients with metastatic renal cell cancer and metastatic melanoma treated with high-dose interleukin-2-based immunotherapy were prospectively evaluated for the development of vitiligo. All patients seen in the Surgery Branch, NCI Immunotherapy Clinic, who had been followed for at least 1 year were evaluated. Of 104 patients with metastatic renal cancer none developed vitiligo, though vitiligo was seen in 11 of 74 (15%) patients with metastatic melanoma (p2 = 0.0001). No vitiligo was seen in 27 patients who did not respond to immunotherapy, although vitiligo was seen in 11 of 43 (26%) melanoma patients who had an objective response to IL-2-based immunotherapy (p2 = 0.0002). These findings provide further evidence that the presence of a growing melanoma can sensitize patients to melanocyte-differentiation antigens and that the immune response against these antigens is associated with cancer regression in patients undergoing immunotherapy.
High-Frequency Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Studies of VO2+ in Low-Temperature Glasses

First-derivative electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) absorption spectra of the vanadyl ion (VO2+) in glasses of five different organic−aqueous cosolvent mixtures at 10 K are reported over the 9.4−376 GHz microwave frequency range. Whereas absorption features arising from the g-parallel and g-perpendicular components of the ge tensor are overlapping at low frequencies, it is shown that they are completely separated at microwave frequencies >110 GHz. The analysis of the EPR spectra revealed that line-broadening is due to g-strain over the 9.4−376 GHz range. EPR spectra of VO2+ bound to bovine transferrin in a 1:1 molar ratio were also compared at 9.4 and 110 GHz. The results for the VO2+−transferrin complex showed that absorption features corresponding to the g-parallel and g-perpendicular components of the ge tensor were similarly separated at high frequency and that line-broadening was attributable to g-strain. We show that line-broadening characteristic of g-strain under conditions of low g-anisotropy ...
Straight ray tomography: Synthetic and real data examples

Crosswell tomography is a viable tool for determining detailed P-wave velocity structure in the vertical plane between two wells. Seismic data from a West Texas oil field are processed for this purpose. Several geologically significant models are created for testing the accuracy of the method. Synthetic traveltimes corresponding to these models are generated and then inverted for the best image. An iterative straight-ray imaging algorithm is employed for establishing the subsurface velocity distribution. A curved-ray solution provided a basis for comparison. The assumption of straight-ray propagation in a medium with low velocity contrasts and horizontally oriented target zones provided satisfactory results. However, in the presence of strong velocity anomalies or abrupt lateral velocity variations, the reconstructed image was distorted due to severe ray bending. When applied to field data with high velocity contrasts, straight-ray and curved-ray tomograms displayed similar subsurface features, although the latter had better resolution and image quality.
Immunologic treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The recent report by Schenk et al.1 raises the hope of a vaccine for Alzheimer's disease. This report has justifiably received wide attention in both the scientific and lay media. It describes an initial study in transgenic mice, which had been developed as an animal model to test potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Scientifically, the paper is straightforward and impressive. The authors studied transgenic mice that overexpress a mutant form of the human amyloid precursor protein. The cerebral amyloidosis that develops in these animals is similar to that in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease.1 Cerebral amyloidosis was largely . . .
Mobile analysis of large temporal datasets for exploration and discovery

The increasing power and decreasing size of mobile devices and tablets provide a compelling new platform for mobile field geographic information system (GIS) operations with geospatial datasets. As these data sets become increasingly larger and more dynamic, it introduces the need for real time analysis and data collection in the field. Successful field research in the digital age requires computing power, functionality, and mobility. Location aware mobile computing devices enable new methods of knowledge synthesis by merging physical and virtual data layers. The geospatial dataset in this study is both large in scale and quickly transforms on a daily basis, requiring innovative strategies for effective application. This paper presents the novel combination of mobile tablets, GIS, and geospatial data to direct ground exploration and discovery of cultural heritage sites in Mongolia.
The benefits of being different

The initial Internet worm attack in 1988 occurred at a key point in the network's development.
Correction of large dynamic aberrations by real-time holography using electro-optical devices and nonlinear optical media

ABSTRACT "Real-time holography compensates for severely aberrated primary mirrors in large aperture telescope systems. A prototypeoptically addressed liquid-crystal spatial light modulator device developed for this application is demonstrated with shortresponse times, 6OO psec, and high diffraction efficiencies approaching 40%."Keywords: Aberration compensation, Spatial light modulators, Holographic recording materials, and Adaptive optics. 2. ETRODUCTION Real-time holographic (RTH) phase subtraction is capable of compensating hundreds of waves of aberration" 2 and is potentially useful in applications requiring compensation for severe aberrations such as large lightweight deployable space-based telescope systems. The technique makes use of a surface interferogram projected onto a real-time optical recordingmedium to generate a diffraction hologram with spatially varying grating periodicity. Upon diffraction from the hologram,local wavefront tilts are removed from the aberrated wavefront as shown in Fig la. In contrast, conventional deformable
The Effect of Flow Coefficient on the Self Noise Generated by a Ducted Rotor

Sound generation in low Mach number turbomachines is typically dominated by unsteady fluid forces on rigid surfaces. As a result, the radiated sound is closely related to the unsteady flow field. The present study focused on the self noise that is generated by a ducted rotor separate from the effect of noise due to inflow turbulence. The flow rate through the rotor was independently varied in order change the mean lift on the blades. Measurements of the flow field around a ducted rotor were found to provide insight to the various mechanisms of sound that are present at different mean loading conditions. At lower flow rates the blades were partially stalled, resulting in significantly increased noise levels. The measurements included rotor wake measurements using hot-wire anemometry and far field sound. A simple model to predict the radiated self noise based on the hot-wire measurements is presented.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Presentations of the principal subspaces of the higher-level standard sl(3)ˆ-modules

Abstract Using the theory of vertex operator algebras and intertwining operators, we obtain presentations for the principal subspaces of all the standard sl ( 3 ) ˆ -modules. Certain of these presentations had been conjectured and used in work of Calinescu to construct exact sequences leading to the graded dimensions of certain principal subspaces. We prove the conjecture in its full generality for all standard sl ( 3 ) ˆ -modules. We then provide a conjecture for the case of sl ( n + 1 ) ˆ .
The Initiation of Ventricular Tachycardia and Fibrillation in Isolated Hearts by Potassium Chloride

An accelerating tachycardia ending in fibrillation can be initiated in isolated hearts by injections of KCl after the administration of epinephrine, but not in untreated hearts. KCl acts in two ways to do this. First, it causes an A-V block that enables epinephrine to cause a paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia. Secondly, it causes the latter to accelerate by delaying the recovery of excitability so that at least one premature systole can fall into the recovery phase of a preceding impulse. This event is necessary and sufficient for the initiation of a self-sustaining accelerating tachycardia that can end in fibrillation.
Attention Problems Mediate the Association Between Severity of Physical Abuse and Aggressive Behavior in a Sample of Maltreated Early Adolescents

Empirical evidence has accumulated documenting an association between childhood physical abuse and aggressive behavior. Relatively fewer studies have explored possible mediating mechanisms that may explain this association. The purpose of the current study was to examine whether caregiver- and youth-reported attention problems mediate the association between physical abuse severity and aggressive behavior. A sample of 240 maltreated early adolescents (ages 9-11) and their caregivers were interviewed within 14 months of being removed from the home. Results from multiple regression analyses indicated that caregiver- and youth-reported attention problems were partial mediators of the association between physical abuse severity and aggressive behavior. These associations were significant even after controlling for children's intellectual functioning, sex, age, and severity of other maltreatment types. Possible explanations for the detrimental impact of physical abuse on behavior are discussed, along with the implications of the current study's results for interventions aimed at reducing early adolescent aggressive behavior.
An accurate X-ray diffraction study of Vaska's compound, trans-IrCl(CO)(PPh3)2, including resolution of the carbonyl/chloride disorder problem

Abstract Vaska's compound, trans-IrCl(CO)(PPh3)2, crystallizes in the centrosymmetric triclinic space group P 1 , (C1i; No. 2) with a 9.2076(10), b 9.6458(16), c 10.4601(11) A, α 72.290(11), β 89.597(10), γ 69.568(11)°, V 824.17(18) A 3 and Z = 1. A complete shell of data for 2θ 4.5–50.0° (Mo-K α radiation) was collected on a Syntex P21 automated four-circle diffractometer and the structure was solved and refined to RF 1.7% and RwF 2.1% for 2920 independent data. The trans-IrCl(CO)(PPh3)2 molecule lies at a site of Ci( 1 ) symmetry and thereby suffers from disorder of CO and Cl ligands; the crystal is isomorphous with trans-Ir(CH3)(CO)(PPh3)2 and presumably with trans-RhCl(CO)(PPh3)2. The chloride ligand and atoms of the CO ligand have been clearly resolved; metal-ligand distances are IrP 2.330(1) A, IrCl 2.382(3) A and IrCO 1.791(13) A, with CO 1.161(18) A and IrCO 175.1(12)°.
Full field flow visualization and computer-aided velocity measurements in a bank of cylinders in a wind tunnel

The full field flow tracking (FFFT) method that is presented in this paper uses a laser-generated, mechanically strobed planar sheet of light, a low luminosity TV camera coupled with a long distance microscope, and a computer-controlled videorecorder to study non-intrusively and qualitatively the flow structures in a bank of cylinders that are placed in a wind tunnel. This setup simulates an upscale version of the geometry of internal cooling passageways characteristic of small air-cooled radial turbines. The qualitative images supplied by the FFFT system are processed by means of a computer-integrated image quantification (CIIQ) method into quantitative information, trajectories and velocities, that describes the flow upstream of and within the bank of cylinders. The tracking method is lagrangian in concept, and permits identification and tracking of the same particle, thus facilitating construction of time dependent trajectories and the calculation of true velocities and accelerations. The error analysis evaluates the accuracy with which the seed particles follow the flow and the errors incurred during the quantitative processing of the raw data derived from the FFFT/ CIIQ method.
Biological Responses to Contrasting Hydrology in Backwaters of Upper Mississippi River Navigation Pool 25

Water level management in Mississippi River Pool 25 differentially influences off-channel habitats in the mid-pool and lower pool. Hydrologic models indicate lower pool off-channel habitats dry with greater frequency and duration compared to similar habitats at mid-pool. We examined the influence of this contrasting hydrology on substrate characteristics, organic matter, macroinvertebrate, and fish communities in off-channel habitats during 2001–2003. Benthic organic matter standing stocks were stable in mid-pool habitats but lower pool values were variable because of annual differences in moist-soil vegetation production. Generally, small-bodied and multivoltine invertebrate taxa had high community biomass and dominated lower pool habitats, whereas longer-lived and large-bodied taxa were more abundant and had higher community biomass in mid-pool habitats having longer hydroperiods. Fish communities were dominated by cyprinids in both habitats, and mid-pool habitats tended to be higher in overall species richness. Unique fish taxa were collected in each pool, with primarily rheophilic forms in mid-pool habitats and limnophilic forms in lower pool habitats. Results indicate that contrasting hydrology associated with a mid-pool control point directly and indirectly influences biological communities in off-channel habitats. Further, management regimes that promote hydrologic diversity in off-channel habitats may enhance biological diversity at larger spatial and temporal scales.
Teaching pathology in the 21st century: assessment of required student use of interactive videodiscs designed to teach basic pathology.

Abstract A series of 11 computer-controlled optical videodisc modules in basic medical pathology was developed to be used as self-study materials. There are approximately 70 medical schools in the United States, Canada, the Philippines, and Europe currently participating in field testing this series. In the fall of 1988, second-year medical students at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine used five of these modules in place of traditional lectures during the pathology course. A pretest was administered to students prior to use of the modules. Each student then used the interactive modules for individual study. Each module presented a brief pretest, an interactive study lesson, and a posttest, each of which generated a score for the student. In addition, after completion of all five modules, students were given a posttest which was included in their first scheduled course examination. At the end of the course, questions concerning the videodisc material were presented on the final exam to test long-term retention. Students also completed attitudinal questionnaires about their experience using the videodisc modules. Results of the data collected indicate significant improvement in knowledge base by students using these interactive videodisc modules. Analysis of student attitudinal reactions was also positive. Optical videodisc computer-directed learning appears to be well-suited for medical student instruction in pathology.
Growing a New Generation of Music Teachers.

music teachers, Martin Bergee's 2001 survey | of MENC collegiate members revealed that a ! majority of music education majors decided i to become music teachers while still in high school and 14 percent during their elemen| tary or middle school years.3 j Bergee's findings showed what influenced i these college students to become music | educators: • The most influential person was their high school music teacher. • The most influential experiences were high school instrumental and choral ensembles. • The most influential events were participating in solo/ensemble festivals and honor groups, such as all-states.4
Die Geschwindigkeit der Reduktion von Merkurichlorid durch phosphorige Säure

1. Nach OSTWALDS „Methode der Isolation” wurde gezeigt, das die Reaktion zwischen Merkurichlorid und phosphoriger Saure in bezug auf Merkurichlorid von der ersten Ordnung ist.
The Impact of Hyperemesis Gravidarum on Maternal Role Assumption

Objectives To describe what it is like to have hyperemesis gravidarum and explore its impact on the assumption of the maternal role during the perinatal period. Design Qualitative descriptive design. Participants Eight women who had been diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum were recruited through private prenatal clinics using a snowball technique. Participants were interviewed about their experiences with hyperemesis gravidarum in their homes or other suitable sites selected by them . Main Outcome Measures Transcribed interviews were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. A core category and subcategories were determined. Results Hyperemesis gravidarum is a disorder that alters the usual response to pregnancy and birth. Participants in this study described it as so debilitating that they had little concern for anything else, including the fetus. After symptoms subsided, the participants reported that they were able to regain control over their lives and made an effort to make up for lost time in becoming attached to the baby . Conclusion Women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum may not benefit from the usual prenatal education efforts. Additional support following deliv ery may be needed as the woman attaches to her infant and learns to provide care.
Evidence for the absence of a functional role for muscarinic M2 inhibitory receptors in cat trachea in vivo: contrast with in vitro results.

Summary 1 . The effect of the selective muscarinic M2 receptor antagonist, gallamine and the selective M2 receptor agonist, pilocarpine, on airway constriction induced by vagal stimulation was studied in anaesthetized cats. In addition, the effect of gallamine on contraction of cat isolated tracheal and bronchi preparations induced by electrical field stimulation was also investigated. 2 . In in vivo experiments, extrathoracic airway constriction was measured with an electromechanical caliper that was attached to the outer surface of tracheal ring 4. Intrathoracic airway constriction was determined by measuring the changes in total lung resistance and dynamic compliance during vagal stimulation. 3 . Intravenous gallamine (0.1, 1, and 10 mg kg−1) augmented the rise in total lung resistance induced by vagal stimulation in a dose- and frequency-dependent manner. At stimulation frequencies of 8 and 12 Hz the fall in dynamic compliance provoked by vagal stimulation was also significantly increased by gallamine (10 mg kg−1). Gallamine was without effect on airway constriction induced by acetylcholine. 4 . Vagal stimulation at 4 Hz produced significant tracheal constriction, but the amount of constriction did not change following injection of increasing doses of gallamine. Similarly, there was no difference in tracheal constriction at any frequency of stimulation (0.5–16 Hz) when frequency-response curves before and after gallamine injection (10 mg kg−1) were compared. 5 . Pilocarpine (0.01–10 μg kg−1, i.v.) diminished changes in total lung resistance and dynamic compliance induced by vagal stimulation, an effect that was reversed by gallamine (10 mg kg−1, i.v.). Vagally-induced tracheal constriction was not significantly affected by any dose of pilocarpine, nor was it modified by gallamine (10 mg kg−1) given subsequently. 6 . Atropine (0.5 mg kg−1) completely blocked tracheal constriction induced by vagal stimulation, indicating that the changes in tracheal ring diameter provoked by stimulation were mediated by muscarinic receptors and that intravenous drugs could reach the cervical trachealis muscle. 7 . In vitro tissue bath studies demonstrated a significant leftward shift of the frequency-response curve to electrical field stimulation in both tracheal strips and bronchial rings following gallamine (10−1m) administration. 8 . Although the functional presence of muscarinic M2 autoreceptors was demonstrated in feline isolated tracheal and bronchial preparations, a corresponding functional role was not detected in cat trachea in vivo. This was despite repeated demonstration of muscarinic M2 receptor-mediated limitation of airway constriction of intrathoracic airways in vivo.
Dynamic allocation of bandwidth in multichannel metropolitan area networks

Abstract Techniques are presented that integrate synchronous traffic (real time voice or video) and asynchronous traffic (e.g., file transfers, mail messages) and extend the size of local area networks to distances much greater than 2 km without loss in speed and capacity. The system, Dynamic Resource Allocation in Metropolitan Areas (DRAMA), is based on broadband technology and allows for allocation of bandwidth among clusters of nodes in the total network. DRAMA incorporates both channel allocation and traffic placement protocols. Its channel allocation algorithm is shown to be fair, stable and responsive to dynamic load conditions and reallocates resources in a near optimal manner. The suggested traffic placement protocol is based upon CSMA/CD access; it provides effective integration of synchronous and asynchronous traffic, handles diverse loads and momentary traffic overloads, varying numbers of nodes and modifications to the network structure. With DRAMA, we have extended the advantage off CSMA/CD from low load and medium speed (10 Mbps to high load and high speed networks (> 100 Mbps). These properties are demonstrated through simulation studies.
Estimating hydroxyl radical content in rat brain using systemic and intraventricular salicylate: impact of methamphetamine.

: Free radicals have been implicated in the etiology of many neurodegenerative conditions. Yet, because these species are highly reactive and thus short-lived it has been difficult to test these hypotheses. We adapted a method in which hydroxyl radicals are trapped by salicylate in vivo, resulting in the stable and quantifiable products, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) and 2,5-DHBA. After systemic (100 mg/kg i.p.) or intraventricular (4 µmol) administration of salicylate, the amount of DHBA in striatal tissue correlated with tissue levels of salicylate. After systemic salicylate, the ratio of total DHBA to salicylate in neostriatum was at least 10-fold higher than that observed after central salicylate. In addition, systemic salicylate resulted in considerably higher concentrations of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA in plasma than in brain. Therefore, a large portion of the DHBA present in brain after systemic salicylate may have been formed in the periphery. A neurotoxic regimen of methamphetamine increased the concentration of DHBA in neostriatum after either central or systemic administration of salicylate. The increase in 2,3-DHBA after the central administration of salicylate was significant at 2 h, but not at 4 h, after the last dose of methamphetamine. These results suggest that (1) when assessing specific events in brain, it is preferable to administer salicylate centrally, and (2) neurotoxic doses of methamphetamine increase the hydroxyl radical content in brain in a time-dependent manner.
Lumbopelvic landing kinematics and EMG in women with contrasting hip strength.

Purpose: Hip muscle weakness has been associated with altered lower extremity mechanics and the increased likelihood of receiving treatment for low back problems, although biomechanical injury mechanisms focused on the trunk have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare lumbopelvic kinematic variables and muscle activation of the trunk and gluteal muscles in females with strong and weak hip muscle strength during a demanding single-leg task. Methods: Twenty-two asymptomatic females were categorized into a strong or weak group (11 per group) as determined by isometric hip extension and abduction dynamometry profiles. Participants performed a single-leg landing task during which three-dimensional lumbopelvic kinematics and trunk (lumbar erector spinae, external obliques, and rectus abdominis) and gluteal (gluteus maximus and gluteus medius) muscle activities were recorded. Peak lumbopelvic angular displacement, total angular excursion, and mean and peak angular velocity during the first 0.5 s of landing were reported. Mean normalized EMG and muscle cocontraction index (between the lumbar erector spinae and the external obliques) were also reported. Results: Significant between-group differences existed for each of the following: peak displacement, excursion, velocity, and muscle activity. Differences in peak angular displacement occurred in the frontal plane, whereas excursion differences were observed in all planes. Differences in peak velocity were noted in the sagittal and frontal planes. Weaker subjects showed increased muscle activation (across all muscles except the rectus abdominis) and cocontraction index. Conclusions: Individuals with diminished hip muscle strength exhibit greater lumbopelvic angular displacement, velocity, and muscle activity during the single-leg landing task. Future studies targeting hip strengthening may provide more insight to rehabilitation protocols as well as the relation between hip strength, low back motion, and muscle activity
What Determines The Foreign Ownership Share of A Country's Banking Assets?

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the roles of economic and political factors in explaining the foreign ownership share of a country's banking assets. In particular, our study includes new market-openness and regulation variables. The General Agreement on Trade in Services is an important element that affects financial sector regulation of every current and potential World Trade Organization member country, and opening financial markets is an important goal of this agreement. We find that the market openness index developed by Barth et al. (2010) bears a statistically significant relation to foreign ownership, as expected, and that regulation, rule of law, and profit opportunities are also important determinants of foreign ownership of bank assets.
How do the ends replicate

This year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine goes to Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider, and Jack Szostak for demonstrating the function of telomeres and their maintenance by telomerase. This is a long-awaited and thrilling development; in the best tradition of research into fundamental biological questions, the impacts have reached far beyond the telomere field's humble, even obscure, beginnings.
Structures and Stabilities of Clusters of Si12, Si18, and Si20 Containing Endohedral Charged and Neutral Atomic Species

Electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory and Moller Plesset perturbation theory were performed on three isomers of Si 12 and on the endohedral clusters Si 12 containing neutral or charged atomic species. The existence of endohedral clusters depends on the Si 12 cage shape and the nature of the embedding species. Endohedral clusters of Li 0 ' 1 ' -1 , Na 0,1,-1 and He in Si 12 cages were found. In contrast, K + , Ne, F - , or Cl - do not form endohedral clusters with Si 12 due to their large size. All endohedral clusters that are minima on the potential energy surfaces are stable and have large HOMO-LUMO gaps (>1 eV). The stability order for the lithium and sodium clusters is: anionic clusters > neutral clusters > cationic clusters. The endohedral complex of two Li atoms with the Si 18 cage is lower in energy than the sum of the empty Si 18 cage and two Li atoms. In contrast, doping two Na atoms into the Si 18 cage forms an exohedral Na 2 Si 18 cluster. An endohedral cluster of Li 2 with Si 20 was also investigated and characterized. The stability of the endohedral complexes of two Li atoms in Si 18 and Si 20 suggest that silicon nanotubes, which are unstable, might be stabilized by an internal string of Li atoms.
Using local response analysis to reduce the computational cost of image registration with the hybrid genetic algorithm

The hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) is used to solve image registration problem formulated as an optimization problem of finding components of a parameter vector minimizing the least squared difference between images. Analysis of image local response helps reduce the computational cost of local search, and genetic operations of selection and recombination. Unit variations of the components of the parameter vector are applied to images subject to registration. Corresponding variations of the objective function in small localities form an image response matrix. The reproduction phase of the algorithm includes a two-phase operation of local search and correction performed on the set of the best chromosomes in the reproduction pool. The step size of the local search is modified according to the values of the response matrix in the localities where the search is performed, which reduces the averaged computational cost of the correction over all iterations. The crossover and mutation phases of the HGA are based on the comparison of the response matrices of the images. The operation of correlation is applied to the response matrices of the reference and the registered images. The result serves as the probability matrix reducing the entire search space to subspaces that most likely contain the optimal solution to the problem. The operations of selection and recombination are performed only on those subspaces. Computational experiments with 2D grayscale images show that in some cases the proposed approach can significantly reduce the computational cost of image registration with the hybrid genetic algorithm.
Host-pathogen gene expression profiles during infection of primary bovine mammary epithelial cells with Escherichia coli strains associated with acute or persistent bovine mastitis.

Escherichia coli intramammary infection (IMI) is often acute with local and systemic clinical manifestations that clear within 7 days. However, if not diagnosed early and treated, E. coli IMI could result in generalized systemic reaction and death. Persistent E. coli IMI is characterized by mild clinical manifestations followed by acute episodes of clinical mastitis during lactation. Factors responsible for pathogenesis of E. coli IMI and variation in clinical manifestations are not known. There are studies indicating that the outcome of E. coli IMI is mainly determined by cow factors. However, recent research demonstrated that virulence attributes of E. coli strains have significant impact on the outcome of E. coli IMI. The aims of this study were; (a) to compare gene expression profiles of PBMEC cocultured with strains of E. coli associated with acute or persistent IMI and; (b) to identify genes of E. coli induced during bacterial interaction with PBMEC. Utilizing cDNA we analyzed gene expression patterns of PBMEC cocultured with strains of E. coli using non-treated PBMEC as negative control. We evaluated also expression patterns of virulence associated genes of E. coli after co-culture with PBMEC using qRT-PCR. Our results showed that infection by both strains induced increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and innate immune response and apoptosis related genes. Our qRT-PCR results showed significant up-regulation of ler, eae, flic and iutA genes mainly in the strains of E. coli associated with persistent IMI. The pathogenesis and clinical severity of E. coli IMI may be determined by combined effects of host–pathogen factors.
A lipidomic perspective on inflammatory macrophage eicosanoid signaling.

Macrophages are central to essential physiological processes including the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity, but they are also central to a number of inflammatory disease states. These immune cells also possess remarkable plasticity and display various shades of functionalities based on changes in the surrounding molecular environment. Macrophage biology has defined various phenotypes and roles in inflammation based primarily on cytokine and chemokine profiles of cells in different activation states. Importantly, macrophages are elite producers of eicosanoids and other related lipid mediators during inflammation, but specific roles of these molecules have not generally been incorporated into the larger context of macrophage biology. In this review, we discuss the current classification of macrophage types and their roles in inflammation and disease, along with the practical challenges of studying biologically relevant phenotypes ex vivo. Using the latest advances in eicosanoid lipidomics, we highlight several key studies from our laboratory that provide a comprehensive understanding of how eicosanoid metabolism differs between macrophage phenotypes, along with how this metabolism is altered by changes in membrane fatty acid distribution and varied durations of Toll-like receptor (TLR) priming. In conclusion, we summarize several examples of the benefit of macrophage plasticity to develop accurate cellular mechanisms of lipid metabolism, and insights from lipidomic analyses about the differences in eicosanoid pathway enzyme activity in vitro vs. in cells ex vivo. Examples of new techniques to further understand the role of macrophage eicosanoid signaling in vivo are also discussed.
The Awakening of Magyar Nationalism before 1848

It has been said that Magyar nationalism was the chief disintegrating force in the Habsburg empire. This statement2 obviously refers to the period when integral nationalism was one of the major centrifugal force3 tearing the Dual Monarchy apart. As Hans Kohn has suggested, “Only nineteenth century nationalism stressed the Magyar character of the multiracial kingdom,” since previously the Holy Crown of St. Stephen rather than the Magyar nationality was the symbol of the Hungarian nation.4 Indeed, that often quoted admonition of the founder of the Hungarian state, “unius linguae uniusque moris regnum imbecille et fragile et,”5 can be interpreted in such a way as to place the emphasis on the a priori multinational character of the medieval Hungarian state and feudal nation. It is ironical that a recent school of Hungarian political writers has endeavored to use even the “idea of St.
Pulmonary contusion and hemorrhage--crystalloid versus colloid replacement.

Abstract Animals were subjected to pulmonary contusion and hemorrhage (30 mlg/kg), and blood volume was restored with plasma equal to and three times the blood volume and Ringer's lactate solution in a volume three times the shed blood. Varying rates of infusion of RLS were used. Colloid replacement caused only a moderate increase in lung weight on the contused side with maintenance of a normal p O 2 and plasma protein level. Ringer's replacement at 30 ml/kg/hr caused few changes in p O 2 , plasma protein, or lung weight, while increasing the rate of RLS infusion caused deterioration of oxygenation with low levels of plasma protein. There was marked histologic worsening of the lung contusion with an increase in lung weight and water content. Plasma replacement was superior to RLS for volume replacement after pulmonary contusion, with the rate of RLS infusion being a critical factor in the development of pulmonary insufficiency.
Endoscopic Transthoracic Limited Sympathotomy for Palmar-Plantar Hyperhidrosis: Outcomes and Complications During a 10-Year Period

Abstract OBJECTIVE To review surgical results of endoscopic transthoracic limited sympathotomy for palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis during the past decade. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 155 consecutive patients who underwent surgery from June 30, 2000, through December 31, 2009, for medically refractory palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis using a technique of T1-T2 sympathotomy disconnection, designed for successful palmar response and minimization of complications. RESULTS Of the 155 patients, 44 (28.4%) were male, and 111 (71.6%) were female; operative times averaged 38 minutes. No patient experienced Horner syndrome, intercostal neuralgia, or pneumothorax. The only surgical complication was hemothorax in 2 patients (1.3%); in 1 patient, it occurred immediately postoperatively and in the other patient, 10 days postoperatively; treatment in both patients was successful. All 155 patients had successful (warm and dry) palmar responses at discharge. Long-term follow-up (>3 months; mean, 40.2 months) was obtained for 148 patients (95.5%) with the following responses to surgery: 96.6% of patients experienced successful control of palmar sweating; 69.2% of patients experienced decreased axillary sweating; and 39.8% of patients experienced decreased plantar sweating. At follow-up, 5 patients had palmar sweating (3 patients, CONCLUSION In this series, a small-diameter uniportal approach has eliminated intercostal neuralgia. Selecting a T1-T2 sympathotomy yields an excellent palmar response, with a very low severe compensatory hyperhidrosis complication rate. The low failure rate was noted during 18 months of follow-up and suggests that longer follow-up is necessary in these patients.
Rearrangement of O-acylsalicylamides via intramolecular O-to-N transacylation: rate enhancement by an adjacent carboxylic acid group.

Involvement of the free carboxylic acid group in the rate enhancement of O-to-N transacylation reactions of dicarboxylic acid hemiesters of salicylamide.
Bilateral partial laminectomy: a treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis and midline disc herniation.

Abstract BACKGROUND Lower back pain is extremely common; most patients’ symptoms improve with conservative treatment. This leaves only a small percentage of patients with persistent symptoms that are amenable to surgery. Various decompressions have been performed to remedy compressive conditions of the spine, with a wide range of results. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 152 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis or midline disc herniations surgically treated with bilateral partial laminectomy. Short-term follow-up was available for 138 patients (2 weeks to 2 months) and long-term follow-up was available for 88 patients (1–6 years, mean 3.5 years). Clinical outcome was determined by chart review and the use of a standardized questionnaire. Preoperative and postoperative back and leg pain, ambulation, employment status, and satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS Overall improvement postoperatively was noted in 88% of the spinal stenosis patients and 91% of the midline disc herniations at long-term follow-up. Average hospital stays for the spinal stenosis group and the midline disc herniation group were 3.7 days and 2.8 days, respectively. Only two patients had undergone subsequent fusions of their lumbar spine after bilateral partial laminectomy. CONCLUSION We believe that less radical resection of laminae and spinous processes better preserves the spine’s natural architecture and may contribute to improved postoperative stability. This may reduce the number of patients needing concomitant or subsequent fusion, with its associated morbidity. As surgeons push for less radical or less invasive surgical techniques to obtain the same or better postoperative results, the bilateral partial laminectomy is a good alternative to total laminectomy.