cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation of Attending-Supervised IPASS Handoffs in the Neuro-ICU (P5.9-056)

Objective: We aim to prove that attending supervision of handoffs is feasible and can improve practitioner perception of transitions of care. Background: Duty hour restrictions, cross coverage, and the growing number of mid-level practitioners has led to an increased number of handoffs. These are well-known points of communication breakdown which can compromise patient safety. Factors contributing to an effective handoff include standardized communication, appropriate training and supervision, and a supportive culture. Design/Methods: In January 2018, attending supervised handoffs were implemented in the Neuro-ICU. On service neurointensivists were either physically or telepresent via the robot during handoffs at 6:30am and 5pm. Handoffs followed standard IPASS format, which providers had previously undergone department-led training in. After 3 months, surveys were administered to providers regarding the change in handoff practice. Results: The survey was completed by 37 providers. Prior to attending supervision, one third (32%) of respondents felt that handoffs never occurred in a quiet space and never followed IPASS format. Afterwards, all but one respondent answered that IPASS format was followed in a quiet environment most or all of the time. The majority (98%) felt that attendings clarified patient information or contingency plans during handoff, and overnight providers reported feeling more prepared after this change. Over 60% agreed or strongly agreed that having attending supervision has led to less miscommunications and improved patient safety. The most significant barrier identified was lack of time (52%). Conclusions: The results of our survey found that after implementing attending supervision, handoffs became more structured and had less interruptions. Overall, respondents felt that there were less miscommunications, better provider preparedness, and improved patient safety. The main barrier to implementing a standardized handoff was lack of time followed by lack of interest. Further work to streamline an efficient handoff and educate providers about its importance is needed. Disclosure: Dr. Cifrese has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gill has nothing to disclose. Dr. Margiotta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dolla has nothing to disclose.
The Importance of Imaging in Nondestructive Characterization of Materials

There is an ancient saying that „A picture if worth a thousand words.“ Never is this more true than when applied to nondestructive characterization of materials. It is also true that it was the very first nondestructive test. After God created the universe, he stopped and „saw that it was good“. It may be difficult for modern research scientists and engineers to believe, but visual inspection is still the non-destructive testing technique most often used in practical applications today. In this paper examples will be given of the vast spectrum of applications where imaging dominates.
Financial Distress and Bank Lending Relationships

We use a unique data set of bank loans to examine the wealth effects on lead lending banks when their borrowers suffer financial distress. We find a significant negative announcement return for the lead lending bank when a major corporate borrower announces default or bankruptcy. Banks with higher exposure to the distressed firm have larger negative announcement-period returns. The existence of a past lending relationship with the distressed firm results in larger wealth declines for the bank shareholders. Finally, financial distress also has a significant negative effect on borrower's returns.
The long game: Evolution of clinical decision making throughout residency and fellowship.

Structured Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to explore the trajectory of autonomy in clinical decision making. Methods We conducted a qualitative secondary analysis of interviews with 45 residents and fellows from the General Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynecology departments across all clinical postgraduate years (PGY) using convenience sampling. Each interview was recorded, transcribed and iteratively analyzed using a framework method. Results A total of 16 junior residents, 22 senior residents and 7 fellows participated in 12 original interviews. Early in training residents take their abstract ideas about disease processes and make them concrete in their applications to patient care. A transitional stage follows in which residents apply concepts to concrete patient care. Chief residents re-abstract their concrete technical and clinical knowledge to prepare for future surgical practice. Conclusions Understanding where each learner is on this pathway will assist development of curriculum that fosters resident readiness for practice at each PGY level.
Spin Susceptibility above the Superfluid Onset in Ultracold Fermi Gases.

Ultracold atomic Fermi gases can be tuned to interact strongly, which produces a display of spectroscopic signatures above the superfluid transition reminiscent of the pseudogap in cuprates. However, the extent of the analogy can be questioned since many thermodynamic quantities in the low temperature spin-imbalanced normal state can be described successfully using Fermi liquid theory. Here we present spin susceptibility measurements across the interaction strength-temperature phase diagram using a novel radio frequency technique with ultracold $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ gases. For all significant interaction strengths and at all temperatures we find the spin susceptibility is reduced compared to the equivalent value for a noninteracting Fermi gas. At unitarity, we can use the local density approximation to extract the integrated spin susceptibility for the uniform gas as a function of temperature, which at high temperatures is generally less than theoretically predicted. At low temperatures, our data lie within the range of theoretical predictions, although we can also describe the entire curve using a very simple one-parameter mean field model with monotonically increasing spin susceptibility.
Unsupervised Online Anomaly Detection to Identify Cyber-Attacks on Internet Connected Photovoltaic System Inverters

Often machine learning applications rely on batch learning for training, but a complete set of network communications data may not be readily available. Therefore, this work evaluates the potential for an online learning and detection method that uses an Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) artificial neural network to protect internet connected photovoltaic (PV) inverters. The methodology involves an initial anomaly detection step to see if the ART algorithm recognizes the behavior. If not, the distance between the nearest ART template (or memory category) is computed and compared with a user defined threshold. Distances that exceed the threshold are flagged while smaller distances designate the data as normal and thus included in the neural network training. It is evident, through experimental tests, that the proposed approach recognizes normal activity and appropriately identifies adversary reconnaissance and denial-of-service actions.
Ripensare la Rationalita: La Crescita di Signficato e I Limiti del Formalismo (Reconceptualizing Rationality: The Growth of Meaning and the Limits of Formalism)

Italian Abstract: Man mano che la nostra conoscenza e la nostra esperienza crescono, i concetti assumono un significato nuovo e piu ricco. La filosofia del linguaggio recente (post-Fregeana) hanno p.restato poca attenzionea questo fenomeno; e filosofi radicali come Feyerabend e Ro.rty diedero per scontato che il cambiarrtento di significato fosse una minaccia alla razionalita. Ma i pensatori nella tradizio.ne pragmatica classica- Peirce nella filosofia della scienza e, piu implicit am en te, Holmes nella teoria giu.ridica- riconobbero l'importanza della crescita di significato e capiro.no come questa potesse contribuire al progresso della scienza e all'adattamento di un sistema giuridico al cambia re delle circostanze. Questo articolo sviluppa queste intuizioni e le illustra con riferimenco (t) alla crescita del significato di "DNA" dall ide:nti·ficazione di "nudeina" alla scoperca di mcDNA quasi un secolo dopo, e (2.) alla crescita di significato di "ist ituz ione di una religione" nel Primo Em end-am en to della Costitm::ione degli Stati Uniti dalla sua ratifica nel 1791 ad oggi. I modelli di razionalita strettamente formali, conclude, non sono adeguati ne al ragionamento scientifico ne a quello giuridico. English Abstract: Narrowly formal models, Haack argues, are inadequate to the cognitive flexibility that real rationality requires .Why is this? As our knowledge and our experience grow, Haack explains, concepts take on new and richer meaning. Unfortunately, recent (post-Fregean) philosophers of language have paid little attention to this phenomenon; and radical philosophers like Feyerabend and Rorty took for granted that meaning-change is a threat to rationality. But thinkers in the classical pragmatist tradition — Peirce in philosophy of science and, more implicitly, Holmes in legal theory — recognized the significance of growth of meaning, and understood how it can contribute to the progress of science and to the adaptation of a legal system to changing circumstances. This paper develops these insights, and illustrates them by reference (1) to the growth of meaning of “DNA” from the identification of “nuclein” to the discovery of mtDNA almost a century later, and (2) to the growth of meaning of “the establishment of religion” in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution from its ratification in 1791 to the present day.
When Will the Gender Gap in Retirement Income Narrow

Among recent retirees, women receive substantially less retirement income from Social Security and private pensions than men. Increases in women's labor market attachment and earnings relative to men over the past 50 years provide some optimism for an improvement in female retirement income, particularly for married women. This study shows that women's income from Social Security and private pensions has improved only slightly relative to men over the past 25 years. Using data on people approaching retirement age over the next 20 years, prospects for future improvement are investigated. One of the main conclusions is that pension income among women (particularly married women) will rise sharply relative to men's over the next few decades, but a substantial gap could remain even if women close the gap in experience and salaries.
Clinical, electrocardiographic and follow-up observations in patients having ventricular fibrillation during Holter monitoring. Role of quinidine therapy

Ventricular fibrillation occurred during Holter electrocardiographic monitoring in 5 of 3,307 consecutive patients. All five patients had Holter studies for evaluation of antiarrhythmic drug therapy; their ages ranged from 51 to 65 years. No patient had acute myocardial infarction; all had congestive heart failure and severe left ventricular dysfunction. One patient had ischemic and four had nonischemic cardiomyopathy. All patients had recently begun treatment with oral quinidine and had plasma quinidine levels of 1.24 to 5.18 microgram/ml. The Holter monitoring revealed that all had a long Q-T interval and that ventricular fibrillation began during frequent ventricular premature beats and was immediately preceded by ventricular tachycardia of the torsade de pointes type. The coupling interval of the ventricular premature beats initiating torsade de pointes was late (440 to 720 ms) and followed long preceding cycles (840 to 1920 ms). Ventricular fibrillation resolved spontaneously in two patients, but two of the remaining three patients died despite attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is concluded that (1) left ventricular dysfunction, chronic ventricular arrhythmias and initiation of quinidine therapy were the common findings in these patients; (2) a long Q-T interval, late coupled ventricular premature beats and long preceding cycles facilitate initiation of ventricular fibrillation in quinidine-treated patients; and (3) direct on-line monitoring should be utilized in the management of these patients.
Cancer Rehabilitation: Do Functional Gains Relate to 60 Percent Rule Classification or to the Presence of Metastasis?

Abstract Background Literature supporting the benefits of inpatient rehabilitation for cancer patients is increasing. Many cancer patients, however, do not qualify for inclusion in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 60% rule and consequently may not receive services. The benefit of inpatient rehabilitation in this specific cancer group has not been investigated and is the focus of this study. Objective To investigate functional gains made during inpatient rehabilitation by patients impaired by cancer, and to compare the functional gains made during inpatient rehabilitation for patients impaired by cancer in relation to the presence or absence of metastatic disease and compliance or noncompliance with the Medicare 60% rule. Setting Freestanding university-affiliated rehabilitation hospital. Participants A total of 176 adult patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation due to cancer. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation with deficits identified related to cancer. Main Outcome Measures Demographic data including cancer type, presence of metastasis, age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, length of stay (LOS), discharge destination, and transfer to acute care. Functional status including admission and discharge Functional Independence Measure Score (FIM), total, motor, and cognitive FIM gains, total, motor, and cognitive FIM efficiency for the study sample, for patients with and without a diagnosis compliant with the 60% rule and for patients with and without metastatic disease. Results In all, 176 cases met inclusion criteria. An admission coded diagnosis that was compliant with the 60% rule was present in 97 cases (55.1%). In 153 cases, the presence or absence of metastatic disease was known. Metastatic disease was present in 69 cases (45%). All groups (total sample, metastatic versus nonmetastatic, compliant versus noncompliant) made significant functional gains. Patients with a diagnosis noncompliant with the 60% rule had higher admission total FIM ( P = .001), discharge total FIM ( P = .014), admission motor FIM ( P = .005), admission cognitive FIM ( P = .008), and discharge cognitive FIM ( P P = .026) and admission ( P = .001) and discharge ( P = .02) cognitive FIM scores than patients with nonmetastatic disease. There were no significant differences between groups regarding total, motor, or cognitive FIM gains or total motor or cognitive FIM efficiencies. Differences in age, length of stay, and admission motor and discharge FIM scores between groups were related to cancer types and source of impairment. Conclusion Patients with functional limitations resulting from cancer or its treatment made significant functional gains in inpatient rehabilitation. There were no significant differences in functional gains made by those with or without metastatic disease or those compliant versus noncompliant with the 60% rule. The presence of metastatic disease or a diagnosis not compliant with the 60% rule does not preclude cancer patients from making significant functional gains.
Effect of Unsignaled Delay to Reinforcement on Within-Session Responding

The present study determined if altering the unsignaled delay to reinforcement would alter the within-session pattern of responding. In both Experiments 1 and 2, 4 rats pressed a lever for reinforcers delivered by a variable-interval schedule during 50-min sessions. Across conditions, the value of the variable-interval schedule was either 15 or 60 s and the unsignaled delay to reinforcement was 0.04, 0.20, 1.00, 5.00, or 25.00 s. Food-pellet reinforcers were delivered in Experiment 1 and 5% liquid-sucrose reinforcers were delivered in Experiment 2. Increasing the delay to reinforcement altered both response rates and response patterns, except when sucrose reinforcers were delivered by a variable interval 60-s schedule. These results may pose problems for some theories of delayed reinforcement. Perhaps more importantly, they indicate that procedural aspects can potentially influence conclusions made about the effect of delayed reinforcement.
Dust Plasma Interactions at Jupiter

This is a review of recent in situ and remote sensing observations, and theoretical advances of our understanding dust plasma interactions in Jupiter’s magnetosphere. Dust grains exposed to plasmas and UV radiation collect electrostatic charges and their dynamics can be altered due to electric and magnetic fields. Hence, magnetospheric effects can shape the size and spatial distributions of micron sized and smaller dust grains. The ring/halo region, the dust streams and the captured ring at Jupiter are recent examples where dust plasma interaction effects can best explain the observations.
Was Japan’s real interest rate really too high during the 1990s? The role of the zero interest rate bound and other factors

Japan’s more than a decade long “Great Recession” has presented a disconcerting case of what could happen if interest rates are bounded by zero and deflation sets in. Since Krugman (1998), the commonplace observation is that the deflationary situation combined with the zero nominal interest rate has caused elevated real interest rates, thereby nullifying monetary policy. This paper investigates this oft -cited claim and examines whether it is associated with anomalies in the way real interest rates are determined by employing an error correction model (ECM) based on the time-varying parameter model with Markov-switching variances. Using this model it is revealed that during the 1980s both ex ante and ex post rates were often lower than the equilibrium rates, indicating strong and persistent optimism among agents. However in the 1990s the ex ante real interest rate was persistently higher than the equilibrium, indicating the pessimistic expectations among agents. The time-varying speed of convergence to the equilibrium appears to slow down considerably in 1996-99, making the misalignment in the real interest rate process last twice as long as in the 1980s. In addition the analysis using the Smooth Transition Regression (STR) model shows a regime shift in the real rate process in mid-1995, three years before the implementation of the zero interest rate policy. This result suggests that a situation with an extremely low nominal interest rate, even before it reaches the zero bound, may create anomalies or nonlinearity in the effectiveness of monetary policy.
Abstracting the Later McLuhan: Television's Cool Role in the Creation of the Global Village

Abstract: Television, for many, is still the ultimate in electric progress. If it is bringing the changes hypothesized by McLuhan, how exactly is it achieving these ends? How does participation in the medium of television effect changes in viewers, and therefore society? How does the involvement necessary to "fill in the gaps'' lead to changes in behaviour at a level most are not even aware of ? This paper attempts to answer those questions as follows: first, by ascertaining how the global village may actually be developing by relying on the ideas of Joshua Meyrowitz, Erving Goffman, and Edward Hall; second, by drawing a link between watching television and interpersonal interaction; and, finally, by explaining why viewers pay attention to television in the first place. Resume: Pour plusieurs, la television demeure l'exemple ultime de progres electrique. Si elle est en train d'inaugurer les changements anticipes par McLuhan, comment precisement est-elle en train d'atteindre ce but? Comment la participation au medium qu'est la television change-t-elle les telespectateurs et, par extension, la societe? Comment l'implication necessaire de la part des spectateurs pour "combler les trous televisuels" mene-t-elle a des changements de comportement dont la plupart ne sont meme pas conscients? Cet article essaie de repondre a ces questions de la maniere suivante: d'abord, en evaluant comment le village global est en train de se developper, recourant pour ce faire aux idees de Joshua Meyrowitz, Erving Goffman et Edward Hall; deuxiemement, en reliant l'activite de regarder la television et l'interaction personnelle; et enfin, en expliquant pourquoi les spectateurs portent attention a la television en premier lieu.
New species of Eleutherodactylus of Colombia (Amphibia: Leptodactylidae) II: Four species from the cloud forests of the western cordilleras

Frogs of the genus Eleutherodactylus constitute a great part of the Colombianfauna. Following Frost (1985), there are approximately 430 species of frogs and toads known from Colombia (Cochran and Gain, 1970, had reported 212 species). In the neotropical region, the genus Eleutherodactylus is dominant in humid zones. This genus has more than 400 described species (Frost, 1985) of which 94 are recorded for Colombia (following Frost). In addition, there are 14 species described by Lynch (1984), Lynch and Rniz (1985), and Rivero (1984) or recently found in Colombia (E. anatipes, E. lythrodes, and E. sulcatus)".
Turf Tripping Troubles: Liability Associated with Temporary Floor Installations

This case identifies several areas that sport administrators should consider in the management of their facilities, especially in facilities where temporary flooring surfaces are installed.
Public Perceptions of Recessive Carrier Testing in the Preconception and Prenatal Periods.

Abstract Objective To explore public perceptions of preconception and prenatal recessive carrier testing. Design Qualitative, descriptive. Setting Chat rooms located in four websites targeted to those who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Participants Anonymous comments (N = 1925) in online chat rooms. Methods The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Analytic validity, Clinical validity, Clinical utility, Ethical, legal, social implications Model Process (ACCE) for evaluating a genetic test guided this deductive-inductive content analysis. Results Participant perceptions of the clinical utility of recessive carrier screening with universal carrier panels are multidimensional. Data analysis revealed four a priori deductive themes present in the data. Secondary inductive analysis produced 20 themes, which exceeded the scope of the CDC's ACCE Model Process for assessing the clinical utility of a genetic test. Conclusion Participant perceptions of carrier testing are important to consider in the clinical utility of carrier testing. Participant perceptions of clinical utility vary from those of the CDC's ACCE Model Process and should be considered in evaluation of the clinical utility of recessive carrier testing in the preconception and prenatal populations.
Assessment of Escherichia coli reactivation after photocatalytic water disinfection using flow cytometry: comparison with a culture-based method

The photocatalytic process generates highly reactive oxidative species, such as hydroxyl radicals, which enable mineralization of cellular compounds. Microorganisms often tend to lose their culturability after disinfection, but could remain viable to proliferate under optimum conditions. Estimation of bacterial counts using culture-based methods pose limitations in differentiating viable, non-viable, and viable but non-culturable (VBNC) cells. Presence of viable and VBNC state cells in disinfected water could pose a potential health risk and accurate estimation of these cells through a molecular method is critical. Assessment of live/dead states of an indicator waterborne pathogen, Escherichia coli (ATCC ® 10798) after disinfection was conducted using flow cytometry. Photocatalysis was carried out under low pressure ultraviolet (LP UV) radiation alone and at four titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) concentrations (1, 0.75, 0.5 and 0.1 g/L). During the repair period, flow cytometry showed 4–5 log 10 higher cell counts than the culture-based method. Photocatalysis using 0.1 g/L TiO 2 resulted in 50% cells with intact cell membrane during the repair period and lowered the repair rate of the ATCC ® 10798, E. coli after disinfection.
Tension/compression strength asymmetry in a simulated nanocrystalline metal

We explore asymmetries in the plastic deformation of idealized nanocrystalline nickel through static molecular simulations. We find that both the yield and flow stresses of these materials are higher in compression than in tension. This result is discussed in the context of earlier work on metallic glasses, and it is suggested that very similar atomic-level mechanisms control yield in both of these materials classes.
A review: carbon nanofibers from electrospun polyacrylonitrile and their applications

Carbon nanofibers with diameters that fall into submicron and nanometer range have attracted growing attention in recent years due to their superior chemical, electrical, and mechanical properties in combination with their unique 1D nanostructures. Unlike catalytic synthesis, electrospinning polyacrylonitrile (PAN) followed by stabilization and carbonization has become a straightforward and convenient route to make continuous carbon nanofibers. This paper is a comprehensive and state-of-the-art review of the latest advances made in development and application of electrospun PAN-based carbon nanofibers. Our goal is to demonstrate an objective and overall picture of current research work on both functional carbon nanofibers and high-strength carbon nanofibers from the viewpoint of a materials scientist. Strategies to make a variety of carbon nanofibrous materials for energy conversion and storage, catalysis, sensor, adsorption/separation, and biomedical applications as well as attempts to achieve high-strength carbon nanofibers are addressed.
Seizure Prophylaxis in Patients with De Novo Glioblastoma: Should AAN Guidelines Be Revisited? (P04.185)

Objective: To characterize current incidence and treatment patterns of tumor associated epilepsy (TAE) in glioblastoma. Background AAN guidelines from 2000 recommended against seizure prophylaxis in patients with brain tumors due to AED toxicity but did not include patients receiving 2nd generation AEDs. No studies have sufficiently evaluated the benefit of 2 nd generation AEDs for prophylaxis of TAE. Design/Methods: We performed an IRB approved retrospective study of newly diagnosed GBM patients at the University of Rochester between 7/1/07 and 4/15/11. Records were reviewed to describe demographics, seizure incidence, time-to-first seizure, occurrence of status epilepticus, AED use and toxicity. Results: 175 patients with newly diagnosed GBM were identified. 94 (54%) developed TAE. 55 (31.4%) had early onset TAE (EOTAE), defined as having a seizure prior to diagnosis. 119 patients were seizure-naive at diagnosis: 39 (32.5%) developed late onset TAE (LOTAE), 71 (59.6%) remained seizure free and 9 patients were lost to follow up. 72 seizure-naive patients received an AED peri-operatively. 37 (51.4%) were weaned off AEDs and 32 (44.4%) were continued. Incidence of LOTAE and time to first seizure were comparable in AED-treated and untreated patients. 4 LOTAE patients presented with status epilepticus (SE), all in non AED-treated cases. In 10 patients, AEDs were withdrawn due to toxicity: 9 on phenytoin, with 1 case of toxic epidermal necrolysis and 1 on levetiracetam from depression. Conclusions: There is a high incidence of LOTAE in GBM. Prophylactic AED therapy did not reduce LOTAE but may have prevented SE. Minimal toxicity was observed with 2nd generation AEDs. The high burden of epilepsy in this population and tolerability of newer AEDS suggest that AAN guidelines should be revisited. A prospective study evaluating seizure prophylaxis with newer generation AEDs in glioblastoma is warranted. Disclosure: Dr. Wychowski has nothing to disclose. Dr. Buniak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Serventi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Henry has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mohile has nothing to disclose.
Information and opinion change on ballot propositions

This paper examines mobilization and conversion perspectives of opinion change during election campaigns. We demonstrate that opinion volatility during ballot proposition contests often reflects mobilization of awareness more than conversion of opinions. Furthermore, we find little support for the hypothesis that media spending affects opinions on the propositions examined here. An examination of other information sources suggests that many voters are able to use cues other than advertising when making decisions.
Expectations About Numerical Events in Four Lemur Species (Eulemur Fulvus, Eulemur Mongoz, Lemur Catta and Varecia Rubra)

Although much is known about how some primates—in particular, monkeys and apes—represent and enumerate different numbers of objects, very little is known about the numerical abilities of prosimian primates. Here, we explore how four lemur species (Eulemur fulvus, E. mongoz, Lemur catta, and Varecia rubra) represent small numbers of objects. Specifically, we presented lemurs with three expectancy violation looking time experiments aimed at exploring their expectations about a simple 1+1 addition event. In these experiments, we presented subjects with displays in which two lemons were sequentially added behind an occluder and then measured subjects’ duration of looking to expected and unexpected outcomes. In experiment 1, subjects looked reliably longer at an unexpected outcome of only one object than at an expected outcome of two objects. Similarly, subjects in experiment 2 looked reliably longer at an unexpected outcome of three objects than at an expected outcome of two objects. In experiment 3, subjects looked reliably longer at an unexpected outcome of one object twice the size of the original than at an expected outcome of two objects of the original size. These results suggest that some prosimian primates understand the outcome of simple arithmetic operations. These results are discussed in light of similar findings in human infants and other adult primates.
Über die aufnahme, chemische umsetzung und ausscheidung des schwefelkohlenstoffes durch den menschlichen körper

Beim Einatmen CS2-haltiger Luft wurde die Absorption des CS2 in der Lunge aus dem Unterschied der CS2-Gehalte in der Ein- und Ausatmungsluft bestimmt. Hierbei ist zu berucksichtigen, das zu Beginn die CS2-Konzentration in der Ausatmungsluft verhaltnismasig sehr gering ist, weniger durch Absorption, sondern hauptsachlich durch Verdunnung mit der Lungenluft. Bei fortlaufender Einatmung steigt durch den Austausch der Lungenluft gegen die Ausenluft der CS2-Gehalt der Lungenluft schnell an, bis nach einigen Minuten ein Gleichgewichtszustand erreicht wird. Dieser Anstieg oder der Abfall beim Ausatmen des CS2 der Lungenluft verlaufen nach einer geometrischen Reihe.
The Political Context of Competition: Lynching and Urban Racial Violence, 1882–1914

This research tests arguments that political challenges and economic competition shaped regional and temporal variation in lynchings and urban violence against blacks during the volatile period 1882 through 1914. The fundamental hypothesis is that rates of racial violence rose when interracial competition intensified because of immigration, urbanization of blacks, economic contractions, and political challenges to white supremacy in the South. Event-history and time-series analyses show that economic slumps, particularly those that affected the least-skilled workers, increased rates of both lynching and urban racial violence, as did rising competition from immigration. Lynching also appears to have been sensitive to factors affecting the Southern region directly. In particular, lynching was affected by Populist challenges to one-party rule as well as by changing fortunes of the cotton economy. Results suggest that theories that take both political and economic dimensions of competition into account at the same time hold promise for explaining diverse forms of racial violence.
TASK channels are not required to mount an aldosterone secretory response to metabolic acidosis in mice.

The stimulation of aldosterone production by acidosis enhances proton excretion and serves to limit disturbances in systemic acid-base equilibrium. Yet, the mechanisms by which protons stimulate aldosterone production from cells of the adrenal cortex remain largely unknown. TWIK-related acid sensitive K channels (TASK) are inhibited by extracellular protons within the physiological range and have emerged as important regulators of aldosterone production in the adrenal cortex. Here we show that congenic C57BL/6J mice with genetic deletion of TASK-1 (K2P3.1) and TASK-3 (K2P9.1) channel subunits overproduce aldosterone and display an enhanced sensitivity to steroidogenic stimuli, including a more pronounced steroidogenic response to chronic NH4Cl loading. Thus, we conclude that TASK channels are not required for the stimulation of aldosterone production by protons but their inhibition by physiological acidosis may contribute to full expression of the steroidogenic response.
Geo-location of heroin and cocaine by stable isotope ratios

Analyses of the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in heroin and cocaine samples obtained from different geographic regions indicated stable isotope ratio combinations that were strongly correlated with geographic location. Further analyses of the isotope ratios of morphine derived from the deacetylation of heroin exhibited more pronounced isotopic differences among regions, increasing its potential as a tool for geo-location and for sample-to-sample comparison.
Altered cytokine balance in the tear fluid and conjunctiva of patients with Sjögren's syndrome keratoconjunctivitis sicca

PURPOSE. To compare epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentration in tear fluid and levels of inflammatory cytokines in the conjunctival epithelium of patients with Sjogren's syndrome keratoconjunctivitis sicca with those of normal controls. METHODS. Schirmer 1 tear testing, corneal fluorescein staining and conjunctival impression cytology for quantitation of goblet cell density were performed in ten patients with Sjogren's syndrome-associated keratoconjunctivitis sicca and ten asymptomatic normal controls. ELISA was used to detect the concentration of EGF in tear fluid and interleukin 6 in lysates of conjunctival cytology specimens obtained from all subjects. The levels of RNA transcripts encoding inflammatory cytokines [interleukin 1a_(IL-1a), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor a_(TNF-a), and transforming growth factor s1 (TGF-s1)] as well as a housekeeping gene (G3PDH) were evaluated in conjunctival cytology specimens taken from all subjects by semiquantitative competitive ...
Intravascular ultrasound profile analysis of ruptured coronary plaques.

Angiographic studies have shown that lesions preceding nonfatal acute events are usually not hemodynamically significant. This has led to the concept that plaque ruptures occur at minimal disease sites. We used intravascular ultrasound to create a prerupture "profile" of unstable (vulnerable) plaques. We analyzed 112 ruptured plaques detected by intravascular ultrasound. Reference and lesion external elastic membrane (EEM) and lumen areas were measured to calculate prerupture estimates of plaque area, plaque burden (plaque/EEM area), eccentricity, area stenosis, and remodeling. The narrowest coefficients of variance were for lesion EEM area, maximum plaque thickness, and plaque burden, reference lumen area, and remodeling index (coefficients of variance 0.29, 0.25, 0.12, 0.29, and 0.18, respectively); conversely, there was great variability in measurements of calcification and lumen compromise (minimum lumen area and area stenosis). When using the 5 variables with the narrowest coefficient of variance, we found that 67% of ruptured plaques fit all of following 10th or 90th percentile parameters (>14.3 mm 2 lesion EEM area, >8.1 mm 2 reference lumen area, >1.6 mm maximum lesion plaque thickness, >0.63 lesion plaque burden, and >0.87 remodeling index). Further, 89% of ruptured plaques fit 4 of 5 parameters and 96% fit 3 of 5 parameters. In conclusion, plaque ruptures do not occur at minimal disease sites. Rather, vulnerable (rupture-prone) plaques predictably have significant plaque accumulation and remodeling and occur in larger arteries. It is only the degree of lumen compromise that is variable and often insignificant.
Intercalate layer structure in graphite-alkali metal compounds

Abstract Electron diffraction and real space imaging provide important tools for the study of in-plane structure of graphite intercalation compounds because of the small size of the electron beam in an electron microscope. Good agreement is obtained between measurements made by electron diffraction and other techniques for the transition temperatures T1 and Tu for stage 2 graphite-K and graphite-Rb compounds and for the q vectors for the prominent diffraction peaks in the various temperature regimes. Analysis of the real space images and the electron diffraction patterns provide strong evidence for the coexistence of multiple phases in these stage 2 compounds. The use of X-ray intensity measurements to yield information on the in-plane density and the intercalate layer stacking order is indicated.
Shades of blue: the negotiation of limited codes by medical residents.

Abstract One of the most difficult decisions facing physicians in contemporary medical practice is whether to initiate or withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for patients who are critically ill. Because of the problems surrounding these decisions, hospital guidelines have recently been developed for the appropriate use of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders. Despite the establishment of these guidelines, problems with the application of DNR orders remain. This study examines one strategy used by internal medicine resident physicians to cope with the problematic nature of decisions regarding resuscitation—the use of partial or slow resuscitation attempts, known as ‘limited codes.’ It analyzes how these code efforts play a role within the context of resident work by enabling residents to circumvent ethical and practical dilemmas created by the circumtances of their clinical practice.
Optical characterization of silicon and sapphire surfaces as related to SOS discrete device performance

Abstract Specular reflectance measurements were used in the quantitative characterization of sapphire and silicon film surfaces. Residual polishing damage in sapphire surfaces can be readily detected by infrared multiple reflectance measurements in the lattice-band region of sapphire at about 600 cm-1. Specular reflectance measurements in the ultraviolet, at a photon energy of about 4.3 eV (corresponding to the X4−X1 silicon transition), were used for the surface characterization of silicon films on sapphire. The reflectance methods were applied to the characterization of variously polished sapphire surfaces and to the characterization of heteroepitaxial silicon films grown on the substrates. The results of these measurements were correlated with various parameters of silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) devices fabricated in the silicon films. Measured device parameters include drain current, extrapolated threshold voltage, leakage current, and drain breakdown voltage. Most device data were automatically recorded on test patterns and statistical data were computed for the various device parameters.
Linking Laboratory and Field Responses of Fish Populations to Acidification

To increase understanding of mechanisms by which fish populations respond to water chemistry changes resulting from acidification, it is necessary to link the results of laboratory studies of the effects of pH, Al, and Ca on the survival, growth, and reproduction of individual fish to responses of fish populations in the field. Our framework for achieving this goal is based on the types of data commonly available from both laboratory and field studies. One of the models (PHALCA) in this framework estimates the number of fish surviving as a function of time, given pH, Al, and Ca levels. A second model (FISHEGGS) evaluates the reduction in reproductive potential of a fish population attributable to the effects of pH, Al, and Ca on the survival of young-of-the-year and older fish and on fecundity. Preliminary results from these two models are presented, and the entire framework will be applied and tested over the next year using data for brook trout and lakes in the Adirondacks. The framework and models are a complementary alternative to the statistical analysis of survey data on water chemistry and on presence or absence of a fish species.
Modeling the Flow and Distribution of Nanoparticles in Friction Stir Processed Polymeric Composite Materials

Friction stir processing is an advanced manufacturing process in which a specially designed rotating pin is first inserted into the adjoining edges of the materials to be processed with a proper tool tilt angle and then move all along the adjoining edges. The pin produces frictional and plastic deformation heating in the processing zone. As the tool pin moves, materials are forced to flow around the pin. Material flows to the back of the pin, where it is extruded and forged behind the tool, consolidated and cooled under hydrostatic pressure conditions. The primary research about friction stir processing has been focused on aluminum alloys. In recent years many researchers have been trying to apply this technology for processing other alloys and materials including stainless steels, magnesium, titanium, and copper. In addition, this technology has been used to modify the microstructure of reinforced metal matrix composite materials. However, friction stir processing polymeric based materials are much less studied. Friction stir processing has the advantage of reducing distortion and defects in materials. It has potential to be used in manufacturing nanoparticle-reinforced polymeric composite materials. In this work, modeling the flow pattern and the distribution of nanoparticles in friction stir processed polymeric composite materials was performed. The internal pressure in friction stir processed composite materials was also derived, which may be used to predict the residual stress state in the nanocomposite material joint. It is found that the pressure in the joint is a function of radial position from the tool pin. The magnitude of the pressure is related to the tool geometry and the welding conditions such as tool rotating speed etc.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The Effect of D-Penicillamine on Protein-Bound Homocyst(e)ine in Homocystinurics

Summary: There is considerable evidence that homocystine has a direct damaging effect on vascular endothelium and other tissues. The demonstration of the existance of protein-bound homocyst(e)ine has strengthened this hypothesis. In an attempt to remove bound homocyst(e)ine, D-penicillamine was given to three patients with pyridoxine-nonresponsive homocystinuria. Before the clinical trial, it had been demonstrated that 0.1 μmole per ml concentration of D-penicillamine or cysteamine released approximately 50% of the homocyst(e)ine bound to plasma proteins in vitro. Oral D-penicillamine effectively reduced both free and plasma protein-bound homocyst(e)ine in homocystinurics from the second day of treatment. The homocystine excreted in the urine was mainly in the form of homocysteine-penicillamine disulfide. No mixed disulfide was detectable in the plasma, indicating an extremely high renal clearance. These observations suggested that oral D-penicillamine removed a considerable quantity of the bound homocyst(e)ine accumulated in the tissue proteins. Speculation: D-Penicillamine treatment may be used on an experimental basis in pyridoxine-nonresponsive homocystinuric patients when dietary treatment is not practical. It may also be used in pyridoxine-responsive patients when control with pyridoxine is unsatisfactory. In addition, determination of protein-bound homocyst(e)ine should be used for the assessment of the effectiveness of therapy.
Parathyroid function in persistent hyperparathyroidism: Relationship to gland size

The release of parathyroid hormone in experimental animals is related inversely to the plasma calcium concentration. The relevance, though, of these observations to the dynamics of parathyroid function in normal and hyperparathyroid humans is uncertain. We assessed the in vivo parathyroid hormone response to changes in extracellular calcium in 8 normal subjects and 15 patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism following renal transplantation. In 12 hyperparathyroid patients, the hormone response was related to their total gland size measured at the time of their parathyroidectomy. Plasma ionized calcium, magnesium, and parathyroid hormone concentrations were measured in the basal state and during a 2-hr infusion of EDTA (50 mg/kg), and a 4-hr calcium infusion (15 mg/kg). The parathyroid function curves of both groups of subjects (P less than 0.001) fit a log-linear relationship. The slopes of the respective parathyroid function curves were similar, although the hyperparathyroid curve was shifted to the right (P less than 0.0001). Gland size was not predicted by basal PTH levels; however, it did correlate with changes in parathyroid hormone induced by EDTA (P less than 0.001) and calcium (P less than 0.001). We conclude that the in vivo sensitivity of hyperplastic glands to changes in plasma calcium is maintained. The excessive secretion of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone in chief cell hyperplasia primarily reflects total gland mass. Our results indicate that the assessment of the dynamics of parathyroid response, rather than measurements of static plasma parathyroid hormone and calcium concentrations, should be further investigated as a more rational application of radioimmunoassays in the evaluation of the parathyroid axis.
ETFs versus CEFs: Performance in International Equity Investing

Exchange-traded funds have experienced rapid growth in the last twenty years. We compare the performance of these funds to competing closed-end funds in the international equity investment setting. Expense ratios, turnover, risk, and return are examined over a ten year period ending in 2012. The expenses and turnover rates for exchange traded funds were significantly lower. However, closed-end fund returns after deducting expenses were significantly higher both unconditionally as well as on a risk-adjusted basis. Our findings suggest that unless the tax consequences of higher turnover are extreme, investors should forego the much hyped-lower expenses of exchange-traded funds and focus on the higher returns produced by closed-end funds.
Determination of the Kinetic Parameters for the Electroreduction of C60 by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy and Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry

The electroreduction of the fullerene Cm in 1,2-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) and benzonitrile (PhCN) at a Pt electrode was studied by using scanning electrochemical microscopy and fast scan cyclic voltammetry. The former technique was employed for steady-state measurements in a thin-layer cell formed by an ultramicroelectrode tip and mercury pool substrate. The standard heterogeneous rate constants found in both solvents, 0.46 cm/s (ODCB) and 0.12 cm/s (PhCN), appeared to be lower than one would expect for an uncomplicated outer sphere electron-transfer reaction, probably because solvation and ion pairing affect the reaction kinetics. The diffusion coefficient of c60 in ODCB depends strongly on supporting electrolyte (TBABF4) concentration. a Ag wire quasireference electrode were used in the voltammetric ex- periments.
Aspirin alters methotrexate disposition in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Intravenous methotrexate (MTX) (10 mg), either alone or with oral aspirin (ASA) (3,900 mg/day), was administered to 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic and renal clearance of MTX were lower, and the unbound fraction of MTX was higher when patients were also receiving ASA than when taking MTX alone. No acute hematologic, renal, or hepatic toxicity was observed with either treatment. The findings of this study therefore indicate that concomitant aspirin therapy acutely alters the clearance of low-dose MTX in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
A new sea-star from Easter Island

(1963). A new sea-star from Easter Island. Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Vol. 6, No. 68, pp. 461-464.