cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organization of ambulatory care provision: a critical determinant of health system performance in developing countries.

Success in the provision of ambulatory personal health services, i.e. providing individuals with treatment for acute illness and preventive health care on an ambulatory basis, is the most significant contributor to the health care system’s performance in most developing countries. Ambulatory personal health care has the potential to contribute the largest immediate gains in health status in populations, especially for the poor. At present, such health care accounts for the largest share of the total health expenditure in most lower income countries. It frequently comprises the largest share of the financial burden on households associated with health care consumption, which is typically regressively distributed. The ‘‘organization’’ of ambulatory personal health services is a critical determinant of the health system’s performance which, at present, is poorly understood and insufficiently considered in policies and programmes for reforming health care systems. This article begins with a brief analysis of the importance of ambulatory care in the overall health system performance and this is followed by a summary of the inadequate global data on ambulatory care organization. It then defines the concept of ‘‘macro organization of health care’’ at a system level. Outlined also is a framework for analysing the organization of health care services and the major pathways through which the organization of ambulatory personal health care services can affect system performance. Examples of recent policy interventions to influence primary care organization — both government and nongovernmental providers and market structure — are reviewed. It is argued that the characteristics of health care markets in developing countries and of most primary care goods result in relatively diverse and competitive environments for ambulatory care services, compared with other types of health care. Therefore, governments will be required to use a variety of approaches beyond direct public provision of services to improve performance. To do this wisely, much better information on ambulatory care organization is needed, as well as more experience with diverse approaches to improve performance.
Regulatory Failure and the Collapse of Japan’s Home Mortgage Lending Industry: A Legal and Economic Analysis

This article analyzes the dynamics of contemporary cooperation and conflict in Japanese financial regulation through the prism of the “jusen problem,” the collapse of Japan’s home mortgage lending industry in the 1990s. The jusen problem is one of the most striking examples of regulatory failure, strategic interest group bargaining, and large-scale dispute resolution in Japanese history.
Evolution and hydraulic resistance of anchor ice on gravel bed

This paper presents a laboratory study on anchor ice evolution and its hydraulic effect in channels with a gravel bed. The study revealed that anchor ice is initiated by frazil ice accumulation on bed gravel from half a gravel diameter below the crown level of the gravel. No in-situ ice growth within the frazil accumulation or downward growth towards the bed was observed. During the initial stage of growth anchor ice grew in the forms of tails, scales, or balls, depending on the flow velocity and Froude number. During the final stage of growth, when the gravel bed was covered by ice, the growth rate increased with the heat loss rate and Froude number, and inversely proportional to the flow depth. The overall hydraulic resistance of anchor ice was smaller for smaller bed gravel sizes and decreases with the increase in flow rate and flow depth. The rate of increase of the gross Manning's resistance coefficient decreases with the increase in Reynolds number. The bed/ice surface roughness first increases with anchor ice growth, then decreases to a minimum value after the initial stage of growth, when anchor ice grew out of the gravel bed.
On SPICE macromodelling of TiO2 memristors

A SPICE macromodel is described which simulates the electrical behaviour of the recently discovered thin-film titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) memristors. The macromodel allows for fast simulation of circuits that include memristors. The accuracy of the macromodel is demonstrated by comparison with the theoretical behaviour.
Open surgical exploration after failed endopyelotomy: a 12-year perspective.

AbstractPurpose: Factors that have a role in endopyelotomy failure have not been fully elucidated but are believed to include high grade hydronephrosis and the presence of crossing vessels at the ureteropelvic junction.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the importance of renal function, hydronephrosis, ureteral stents, surgeon experience and crossing vessels in determining the outcome of endopyelotomy.Results: Of 401 percutaneous antegrade endopyelotomies performed at our medical center during the last 12 years 60 failed and 54 of these patients underwent surgical exploration. Patients with high grade hydronephrosis and poor initial renal function were much less likely to have successful endopyelotomy than those with moderate hydronephrosis or good renal function (success rates 50 versus 96 and 54 versus 92%, respectively, p <0.001). The most common findings at exploration included severe extrinsic fibrosis and intrinsic fibrotic stenosis. Obstructing crossing vessels were present in 13 pa...
Linear or Branched Polyethylenes from Supported Aryloxytitanium(IV)-Cyclopentadienyl Complexes

The reaction of titanium-piano stool complexes (1-4) with poly(styrene-r-4-hydroxystyrene) afforded immobilized aryloxycyclopentadienyl complexes ((5-8), macroligated catalyst). These macroligated catalysts have low solubility in toluene, indicative of chemical cross-linking. The formation of chemical cross-links is attributed to the titanium being ligated with two aryloxy units. Elemental analysis and 13 C NMR have confirmed the presence of the mono- and bis(aryloxy) components in these macroligated catalysts. In conjunction with MAO as the cocatalysts, the macroligated catalysts have been used for ethylene homopolymerization. The resulting polymers were either linear polyethylene or polyethylene having exclusively butyl short chain branches (SCBs). The formation of SCBs was found to be dependent on the cyclopentadienyl substituents, the influence exerted by the polymeric macroligand, and the nature of the cocatalysts. The thermal transitions and apparent crystal sizes as determined by wide-angle X-ray diffraction and 13 C NMR are consistent with polyethylene having butyl short chain branches evenly distributed along the polymer backbone.
Intrasubband 1.55 μm Electrooptical Modulation in SiGe Asymmetric Quantum Well Structures

A new, fast, intrasubband 1.55 µm electrooptic modulator in the SiGe/Si/CaF2-on-Si stepped- quantum-well system is proposed and analyzed. At electric fields of ±8 V/µm, resonant 1–3 conduction intrasubband absorption is predicted to give 18 dB of optical extinction for narrow-linewidth transitions. We expect this field effect modulator to have microwave response, plus compatibility with Si-based optoelectronic integration.
Writing, Teaching, and Researching: An Interview With René Saldaña, Jr

Rene Saldana, Jr., an assistant professor at Texas Tech University, is a writer of short stories, poetry, and novels. In order to get his storytelling right, he has relied on his memory when writing memoir and consulted popular culture and family when writing fiction. In order to get his university teaching right, he reads seminal texts on teaching and literacy then recounts stories to put a face on the abstract ideas and theories. His commitment to Mexican American literature began when he discovered it only after completing a master's degree in English رناي صلدانا الابن أستاذ مساعد في جامعة تكساس للتقنية وكاتب القصص القصيرة والشعر والروايات. ومن أجل أن يحكي الحكاية على الصواب فإنه قد اعتمد على ذاكرته حين كتب مذكراته وقد استشار الثقافة الشعبية والعائلة حين كتب القصص الخيالية. ومن أجل جعل تعليمه في الجامعة على الصواب فإنه يقرأ النصوص المبدعة ذات التأثير بشأن التعليم والتعلم ثمة يحكي حكايات لتوضيح الأفكار والنظريات الغامضة. وبدأ إخلاصه للأدب الأمريكي المكسيكي لدى اكتشافه فقط بعد إكمال شهادة الماجستير في الإنكليزية. 美国德州技术大学的助理教授 Rene Saldana, Jr. 是一位作家，他写作短篇故事、诗歌及小说。为求说故事正确，他写回忆录时是凭着他的记忆来写，写小说时则查询大众文化及请教家人。为求在大学的教学正确，他阅读有关教学与读写文化的重要文献后，便以重述故事方式讲解其内容，使抽象的概念和理论变得较为容易接受。打从修毕英国语言硕士后发现了墨西哥美国文学开始，他便致力于这方面的研究。 Rene Saldana Jr est maitre de conferences a l'universite Texas Tech, auteur de nouvelles, de poesie et de romans. Pour ecrire de bonnes histoires, il s'appuie sur ses souvenirs quand il ecrit des memoires et se refere a la culture populaire et a la famille quand il ecrit de la fiction. Pour faire un bon enseignement a l'universite, il lit des textes phare sur l'enseignement et la litteratie, puis raconte des histoires pour illustrer les idees abstraites et les theories. Son interet pour la litterature mexico-americaine a commence quand il a l'a decouverte juste apres avoir fini son master en anglais. Читателям предлагается интервью с Рене Салданья мл., который преподает в Техасском Техническом университете и, одновременно, является автором стихов, рассказов и романов. Мемуарную прозу он пишет, полагаясь на свою память, а создавая вымышленные художественные произведения, обращается к семейным и народным преданиям. Для самосовершенствования в качестве преподавателя вуза он читает серьезные тексты по педагогике и развитию грамотности, а затем пересказывает этот абстрактный материал студентам в доступной форме. Интересно, что мексиканской американской литературой он увлекся, уже будучи взрослым – получив диплом магистра английской филологии. Rene Saldana, Jr, profesor asistente en Texas Tech University, es escritor de cuentos cortos, poesia y novelas. Para narrar sus cuentos correctamente, ha contado con sus recuerdos para escribir memorias y ha consultado con la cultura popular y con su familia para escribir ficcion. Para ensenar sus cursos universitarios correctamente, ha leido textos seminales sobre la ensenanza y la lectura y luego ha narrado cuentos para darle una cara a las ideas y teorias abstractas. Su compromiso con la literatura mexicano americana no empezo hasta descubrirla despues de completar su maestria en ingles.
Tilted CO on metal surfaces; CO/Pt(110), CO/Ni(110) and CO/Cu(100)

Tilting of CO at coverages greater than half a monolayer is considered as a mechanism for reducing the CO-CO repulsion. Qualitative agreement with the experiment for CO/Pt(110) is found, and a slightly smaller tilt for CO/Ni(110) is predicted. For CO/Cu(100), it is found that a bend of about 10 deg greatly reduces the repulsion.
Sensing for autonomous vehicle navigation

This paper introduces GM's research efforts on sensing technologies for autonomous vehicle navigation with an example of a novel LIDAR-based lane-marker detection on GM-CMU's entry Boss, the autonomous vehicle that won the DARPA Urban Challenge.
Pertussis hospitalizations among infants in the United States, 1993 to 2004

OBJECTIVE. We sought to describe the rates of pertussis hospitalization among infants by using databases that do not rely on passive reporting and compare with results obtained from the passive national surveillance system. METHODS. The incidence of infant pertussis hospitalization in 1993 to 2004 was determined by using 2 national hospitalization discharge databases (Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Kids’ Inpatient Database) and the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System/Supplemental Pertussis Surveillance System. Rates were determined for separate age groups among infants RESULTS. In 1993 to 2004, the pertussis hospitalization rates for infants ≤2 months of age were generally stable, by the discharge databases. The incidence of infant pertussis hospitalization obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Kids’ Inpatient Database was ∼2 times greater than that obtained from the passive reporting system. Infants 1 to 2 months of age had the highest incidence (239 hospitalizations per 100000 live births in the 2003 Kids’ Inpatient Database). An annual average of 2678 hospitalizations occurred in 2000 and 2003; 86% occurred in infants ≤3 months of age. Among those with ages provided, 95% of infants who required mechanical ventilation and all of those who died were ≤3 months of age. CONCLUSIONS. Pertussis hospitalization incidence rates among the youngest infants were generally stable in 1993 to 2004 and were highest for infants 1 to 2 months of age. The impact of the new adolescent and adult tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccines on infant pertussis should be monitored through such discharge databases. Additional vaccination strategies should be evaluated to protect infants as early in life as possible.
Cbl-b and Itch: Key Regulators of Peripheral T-cell Tolerance

E3 ligases Cbl-b and Itch have emerged as dominant "tolerogenic" regulators of T cells because their deficiency results in severe autoimmune diseases. Cbl-b and Itch ligase activity regulate T-cell anergy and development of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in the periphery by modulating key components of T-cell receptor (TCR) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling. Manipulation of Cbl-b and Itch activities may provide unique opportunities to develop future therapies for immune disorders such as autoimmunity and cancer.
Delamination prediction in lead frame packages using adhesion measurements and interfacial fracture modeling

A combined adhesion characterization and fracture mechanics based modeling methodology has been developed to predict delamination in lead frame packages. This methodology allows experimental data from a simple adhesion test such as button shear test to be used along with the finite element model to ultimately predict whether a particular interface will fail in reliability testing. The methodology was validated using existing package reliability data across several package types, materials and package interfaces. In each case, the delamination prediction was compared to the actual occurrence of delamination post reliability testing. The validation showed that delamination could be predicted with 80–90% accuracy, depending on the interface and the temperature condition considered.
Perspectives on the Evolution of Simulation

Simulation is introduced in terms of its different forms and uses, but the focus on discrete event modeling for systems analysis is dominant as it has been during the evolution of the technique within operations research and the management sciences. This evolutionary trace of over almost fifty years notes the importance of bidirectional influences with computer science, probability and statistics, and mathematics. No area within the scope of operations research and the management sciences has been affected more by advances in computing technology than simulation. This assertion is affirmed in the review of progress in those technical areas that collectively define the art and science of simulation. A holistic description of the field must include the roles of professional societies, conferences and symposia, and publications. The closing citation of a scientific value judgment from over 30 years in the past hopefully provides a stimulus for contemplating what lies ahead in the next 50 years.
Infectious etiologies of chronic diseases: focus on women.

Infections can directly or indirectly cause chronic conditions through progressive pathology (e.g., chronic infection, inflammation, immunity, malignant transformation), sudden permanent insults (e.g., West Nile virus poliomyelitis paralysis), or by predisposing people to noninfectious sequelae (e.g., neurologic consequences of preterm birth). Bacteria, parasites, prions, viruses, and fungi may be the single or one of several factors contributing to chronic disease; one organism can cause more than one syndrome, and diverse pathogens produce similar syndromes as pathways to disease converge (1). Certain potential outcomes disproportionately affect women (e.g., autoimmune diseases), and in some settings, detection, prevention, or treatment efforts (e.g., ocular trachoma, underdiagnosed genital infections) may marginalize women. Women's activities can also increase exposures to chronic disease pathogens (e.g., schistosomiasis attributable to chores or agriculture), and gender can affect transmission (e.g., increased male-to-female transmission of human T-cell leukemia virus–1). Preventing maternal infections may further minimize chronic disease and neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring.
Behavior of Composite-Beam to Column Joints

The results of several investigations into the extension of plastic design theory to include continuous composite steel-concrete beams are applicable only to beams subjected to gravity loads. They are not generally applicable to continuous composite beams in unbraced multi-story frames where the frames are subjected to combined gravity and lateral wind loads. A pilot investigation was conducted at Lehigh University to explore the ultimate strength behavior of unbraced frames with steel columns and composite steel-concrete beams under combined load conditions. Two full-size joint assemblies were constructed and loaded to simulate the combined load conditions at the exterior and interior joints. The results of this investigation indicated that plastic design methods which have been developed for unbraced frames could be extended to include unbraced frames with continuous composite beams.
Rigorous coupled-wave analysis for multilayered grating structures

A numerically stable and systematic implementation of the rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) for the general multilayered grating structures is presented for both TE and TM modes. Numerical results of the approach are shown for the diffraction-based optical device as an example and are compared with the scalar diffraction method to illustrate the limited applicability of the scalar analysis.
Maxillary sinus radiographs in children with nonrespiratory complaints.

An attempt was made to determine the frequency of abnormal maxillary sinus radiographs in a group of unselected children having diagnostic skull radiographs performed for indications unrelated to respiratory infection. An occipitomental, or Water's, view was obtained in every case in order to evaluate the maxillary sinuses. Prior to performance of the radiographs, a history of recent respiratory symptoms was obtained and a physical examination of the ears, nose, and throat was performed. An abnormal maxillary sinus radiograph was defined as one that revealed an air-fluid level, partial or complete opacification, or mucous membrane thickening of 4 mm or greater. Fifty-nine (53%) of 112 presumably "normal" children had evidence of recent respiratory inflammation by history or at physical examination. In 50 subjects less than 1 year of age, abnormal maxillary sinus radiographs were common, irrespective of respiratory symptoms and signs. In contrast, eight of 14 children (57%) aged 1 to 16 years with both symptoms and signs of respiratory inflammation had abnormal maxillary radiographs, compared with only two of 31 children (7%) with neither symptoms nor signs (P less than .005). Crying alone was not associated with abnormal radiographs in the older age group. In children more than 1 year of age, abnormal maxillary sinus radiographs are infrequent and are generally related to inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
Clinical Responses to EGFr-TKI’s characterized by drug-induced cell death in human NSCLC primary cultures

18184 Background: Small molecule inhibitors of the EGFr have proven effective in advanced NSCLC but response rates in unselected populations remain low. Certain subsets of patients appear favored including females, non-smokers and Asians. Molecular profiles suggest that gene amplification or EGFr mutations (codons 19–21) may underlie responses. Our prior observations (Proc. AACR 2002, Abs.3902) indicated that gefitinib and erlotinib induced cell-death in human tumor microspheroids isolated from surgical specimens of some NSCLC patients, suggesting programmed cell death to be an important mechanism of action for these molecules. As part of an IRB-approved clinical trial, patients whose tumors were found sensitive to the EGFr-TKI’s by laboratory analysis, received 1st line single agent oral erlotinib at 150 mg/day. Methods: Following informed consent, NSCLC patients participating in the trial provided tissue for analysis as previously described (J Clin Oncol, 2000 18: 2245–2249). Dose response curves provid...
Alcohol and Trauma

Alcohol usage is an integral causal factor in all types of trauma. Additionally, both the acute and to a much greater extent chronic usage of alcohol impair the body's normal physiologic responses to injury. Emergency physicians are painfully aware of the relationship between alcohol and trauma. However, we occasionally fail to appreciate the body's altered response and physical state due to alcohol. We frequently fail to use this opportunity to confront patients with the fact that they have a problem and refer them appropriately to rehabilitation programs.
Shifting Structure of One National Disaster Management Network in the Caribbean

This research investigates a cross-sector national disaster management network in the Caribbean. It seeks to provide a better understanding of the evolution of a network structure and how that structure affects operations and member relations. Data collected for this case study from interviews with network participants reveal that the network constitutes a dynamic system that shifts its structure based to some extent on the disaster management cycle. The findings indicate that the network is most productive when it employs a hybrid governance structure in the preparedness and response stages and is least productive when it assumes a lead organization-governed form during the recovery and mitigation stages.
Managing Harvest Time to Control Pod Shattering in Oilseed Camelina

Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) is an oilseed crop with the potential for dryland crop production in the Great Plains. However, pod shattering may cause significant yield losses. We determined the impact of different harvest times on camelina seed yield (SY), water use efficiency, protein and oil content, and estimated biodiesel yield. Spring (Blaine Creek) and winter (BX WG1) camelina cultivars were harvested at three different stages, corresponding to the three-digit Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scales of 805 (early harvest; 50% ripe pods), 807 to 808 (mid-harvest; 70–80% ripe pods), and 809 (late harvest; >90% ripe pods). In addition, different harvest methods were assessed to identify and quantify other sources of yield loss. Seed moisture contents at early, mid, and late harvests were 14.2, 9.8, and 6.8%, respectively. On average, the SY of early harvest was 9.5 and 23.6% greater than the mid- and late harvests, respectively. Total seed loss incurred during direct-combine harvest was 11.7%, which was attributable to the mechanical disturbance imposed on the pods and the combine settings. Camelina seed oil content was greatest at mid-harvest, but the estimated biodiesel yield was not significantly different between the early and mid-harvests. In general, direct combining when 75% of camelina pods are ripe will provide a balance between SY loss and the seed protein and oil contents.
Tolerance limits under Poisson regression based on small-sample asymptotic methodology

ABSTRACTThis article explores the calculation of tolerance limits for the Poisson regression model based on the profile likelihood methodology and small-sample asymptotic corrections to improve the coverage probability performance. The data consist of n counts, where the mean or expected rate depends upon covariates via the log regression function. This article evaluated upper tolerance limits as a function of covariates. The upper tolerance limits are obtained from upper confidence limits of the mean. To compute upper confidence limits the following methodologies were considered: likelihood based asymptotic methods, small-sample asymptotic methods to improve the likelihood based methodology, and the delta method. Two applications are discussed: one application relating to defects in semiconductor wafers due to plasma etching and the other examining the number of surface faults in upper seams of coal mines. All three methodologies are illustrated for the two applications.
Abstract A42: Adherence to cancer screening tests among Appalachian women

Purpose. Appalachian populations suffer from higher rates of cancer incidence and mortality than non-Appalachian populations. Research has documented disparities in the receipt of recent cancer screening tests for each test individually (ie, mammography (MA), Pap Test (PT) and colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy or FOBT (CRC)), however, no study has documented disparities in the receipt of multiple screening tests in this population. Methods. As part of a larger study on community-based participatory research strategies to reach Appalachian community members about the need for CRC screening, we surveyed 644 women aged 51-75 who completed a phone survey after being randomly selected from commercially available lists for 12 Appalachian Ohio counties. The survey included questions about the receipt of PT (within last year), MA (within the last year), and CRC (last year for FOBT, last 5 years for FS and last 10 years for colonoscopy). The frequencies of each test, as well as the total number of tests reported (0,1,2,3), were calculated. Analysis of factors associated with being in guidelines by test and by number of tests was also conducted. Results. About 2/3 of the women (67%) had not had a recent PT, 46% had not had a recent MA, and 46% were not within guidelines for CRC. Only 19% of the women were within guidelines for all 3 tests, with 27% reporting not being within guidelines for any of the 3 tests. Predictors of adherence to the screening tests will be presented. Conclusions. Many women in Appalachia Ohio have not received recent cancer screening tests. The PT appears to be the most underused, which may explain the higher cervical cancer mortality rates in this region of the country. A quarter of the women were not adherent to any of the 3 tests, which suggests that interventions should focus on improving multiple screening behaviors to reduce high cancer rates in this underserved population. Citation Format: Electra D. Paskett, Gregory Young, Michael Pennell, Mira L. Katz, Paul L. Reiter. Adherence to cancer screening tests among Appalachian women. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A42. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-A42
Asymptomatic Bilious Ascites After Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiogram: A case report

Abstract An elderly patient underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography during an evaluation of obstructive jaundice. After the procedure, bilirubin levels fell and ascites slowly accumulated. This ascitic fluid was later shown to be due to an asymptomatic bile leak produced by the procedure. This previously unreported complication of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography may delay the appropriate diagnosis of obstructive jaundice.
Quantitation of NM23 Expression in Human Prostate Tissues

The NM23 gene family (nm23-H1 and nm23-H2) has been reported as a measure of metastatic potential. The goal of this study was to discriminate nm23-H1 and nm23-H2 gene expression in benign and malignant human prostate tissue and to determine the relationship of their expression to tumor stages. Specimens included 5 benign prostatic hyperplasias (BPH), 11 primary prostate adenocarcinomas (CaP) (5 stage B, 5 stage C and 1 stage D1), 2 pelvic lymph nodes with metastases and 3 prostate cancer cell lines derived from metastatic lesions. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of mRNA (RNA/PCR) was used to amplify transcripts of both NM23 genes and a normalizing gene (c-N-ras) to determine the relative levels of expression. A significant difference was shown between the BPH specimens and the cell lines from metastatic prostate cancer for nm23-H2 expression (p = 0.037) and the nm23-H1/nm23-H2 gene expression ratio (p = 0.037). The nm23-H1/nm23-H2 ratio increased significantly (p = 0.026, tau-b = 0.377) from BPH, through the CaP stages, to the cell lines. The expression of nm23-H2 decreased significantly (p = 0.002, tau-b = -0.517) from BPH, through the CaP stages, to the cell lines. Thus, while nm23-H2 appears to be significant for characterizing stages of CaP, an understanding of the metastatic phenotype will require further analysis of both NM23 genes.
Quality quandaries: A gentle introduction to Bayesian statistics

We provide a gentle introduction to this powerful analysis method that can handle complex data and modeling situations.
Multiple affinities for binding of cholinergic ligands to a particulate fraction of Torpedo electroplax.

The binding of four radioactive cholinergic ligands to a particulate fraction of Torpedo electroplax was measured by equilibrium dialysis at ligand concentrations ranging from l0-9 to l0-4 M. Multiple affinities for the four ligands were found, two each for muscarone, nicotine, and dimethyl- d -tubocurarine, and three for decamethonium. Binding was reversible in every case. The two agonists, muscarone and nicotine, each showed two kinds of binding, a low-affinity type of approximately 0.5 nmole/g, and a high-affinity type of approximately 0.1 nmole/g. Binding occurred to Phospholipoproteins or to a phospholipid-protein complex, as judged from sensitivity to hydrolases. The antagonist dimethyl- d -tubocurarine also showed two kinds of binding. The low-affinity type was insensitive to hydrolases, however, and therefore probably was to a different macromolecule; it was almost 10 times more extensive: 3.6 nmoles/g of electroplax. Decamethonium showed three kinds of binding, all sensitive to the hydrolases, amounting to 0.6, 1.4, and 3.2 nmoles/g. It is suggested that muscarone and nicotine bind to two diffenennt sites, which exhibit binding properties similar to the acetylcholine receptor, and that decamethonium and dimethyl- d -tubocurarine bind to other distinct sites and perhaps also to the sites binding muscarone and nicotine. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The authors are grateful to Professor H. Howland for devising the program for computer analysis, according to the Scatchard equation.
Quantification of Azaserine-Induced Carboxymethylated and Methylated DNA Lesions in Cells by Nanoflow Liquid Chromatography-Nanoelectrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry Coupled with the Stable Isotope-Dilution Method.

Humans are exposed to N-nitroso compounds through environmental exposure and endogenous metabolism. Some N-nitroso compounds can be metabolically activated to yield diazoacetate, which is known to induce DNA carboxymethylation. DNA lesion measurement remains one of the core tasks in toxicology and in evaluating human health risks associated with carcinogen exposure. In this study, we developed a highly sensitive nanoflow liquid chromatography-nanoelectrospray ionization-multistage tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-nESI-MS3) method for the simultaneous quantification of O6-carboxymethyl-2′-deoxyguanosine (O6-CMdG), O6-methyl-2′-deoxyguanosine (O6-MedG), and N6-carboxymethyl-2′-deoxyadenosine (N6-CMdA). We were able to measure the levels of these three lesions with the use of low-microgram quantities of DNA from cultured human skin fibroblasts and human colorectal carcinoma cells treated with azaserine, a DNA carboxymethylating agent. Our results revealed that the levels of O6-CMdG and O6-MedG increased when th...
Sequence Organization in Interaction: A Primer in Conversation Analysis

Much of our daily lives are spent talking to one another, in both ordinary conversation and more specialized settings such as meetings, interviews, classrooms, and courtrooms. It is largely through conversation that the major institutions of our society - economy, religion, politics, family and law - are implemented. This book Emanuel Schegloff, the first in a series and first published in 2007, introduces the findings and theories of conversation analysis. Together, the volumes in the series constitute a complete and authoritative 'primer' in the subject. The topic of this first volume is 'sequence organization' - the ways in which turns-at-talk are ordered and combined to make actions take place in conversation, such as requests, offers, complaints, and announcements. Containing many examples from real-life conversations, it will be invaluable to anyone interested in human interaction and the workings of conversation.
A Microgrid-based Telecom Power System using Modular Multiple-Input DC-DC Converters

This paper presents a telecom power plant that uses local distributed generation resources and the utility grid as power inputs to the system. The microsources are connected to a high voltage main dc bus using multiple-input dc-dc converters. Additional converters are used in the secondary power distribution frames. The proposed architecture reduces the energy storage requirements and is more reliable than a traditional power plant. The system configuration is highly flexible and cost effective. This paper also introduces a topology for the multiple-input dc-dc converters and explains some control approaches. The analysis is supported by simulation and experimental results
Nucleic Acid Extraction in Diagnostic Virology

Nucleic acid (NA) extraction is a critical step used in molecular biology and molecular diagnostics (1–5). Successful extraction of NA depends on the quantitative recovery of pure molecules of RNA and DNA in an undegraded form. Salts, for example, are common impurities in NA samples, and it is important that they are removed from NA before any downstream processes and analyses can be performed (1). Therefore, single or multiple separation and/or purification steps are needed to desalt the sample containing the NA. The process of extraction and purification of NA also removes a variety of inhibitors of downstream NA amplification procedures. The first step of NA extraction and purification involves cell lysis to liberate NA from cell nuclei or pathogens. Effective NA extraction methods include reagents that inactivate nucleases (DNase and RNase) to preserve the NA in an intact state. The final steps involve separation and recovery of the NA free of cellular debris, proteins, and various potential inhibitors of downstream assays (1–5).
The Pharmacologic Management of Voiding Dysfunction, Stress Incontinence and the Overactive Bladder in Men and Women Who Have Had Prior Treatment for Pelvic Malignancies With Surgery or Radiation Therapy

Purpose of Review This review seeks to enlighten the reader on the pharmacologic management of stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder after surgery or radiation therapy for pelvic malignancy.
Semiautomatic Determination of Arterial Input Function in DCE-MRI of the Abdomen

The goal of this study was to develop a semiautomatic segmentation technique of the abdominal aorta to determine the arterial input function (AIF). A total of 24 patients having therapy naive abdominal cancers were imaged using DCE-MRI on a 3T MR scanner. DCE-MRI continued for 4.2 minutes with 2.1 seconds temporal resolution (120 acquisitions). Gadoteridol (0.1 mmol/kg) was infused intravenously at 30 seconds after starting DCE-MRI, and flushed with 20-ml saline (2 ml/s). Patients were instructed to hold breath after maximal inhalation, and repeat as needed to full inspiration. The location of the abdominal aorta was manually identified, but its segmentation and motion tracking were automatically implemented. AIFs determined in the aortic region with and without tracking motion were statistically compared. The aortic region was further segmented into multiple smaller regions, and the AIF change according to the size of the region of interest (ROI) was examined. The displacement of the abdominal aorta during DCE-MRI was 3.4±2.3 (mean±SD) mm. The root mean square error (RMSE) of AIF from the best fitting curve was 0.110±0.010 mM after motion correction, which was significantly smaller than that before motion correction (0.134±0.016 mM; p<0.001). The amplitude of AIF varied up to 15% according to the ROI size. However, when the radius of ROI was reduced more than 3 mm, the variation in AIF amplitude was less than 5%. Therefore the ROI having smaller radius than that of aorta will need to be used to determine a reliable AIF in abdominal DCE-MRI.
Pricing, concentration & public policy: The U.S. automobile market

Abstract The U.S. automobile market experienced dramatic changes in concentration over the six decades after World War II. In addition to dynamic changes in market structure, the U.S. automobile market experienced significant public policy changes in the form of price and export controls. This experience provides a unique opportunity to test the effect of changing concentration on prices and the effectiveness of controls in a highly visible, dynamic industry. We identify a threshold concentration level below which prices converge to competitive equilibrium. Above this threshold, pricing is essentially consistent with monopoly pricing. Price controls appear to have reduced automobile prices while export controls had little discernible overall effect.
Epiphyseal Growth Plate Fractures

Hamlet A. Peterson. Heidelberg: Springer; 2007. 914 pages. $449.00. ISBN: 978-3-540-33801-7. In 1898, Poland published his book Traumatic Separation of the Epiphysis, which was the most complete discussion of the knowledge of these fractures at that time. It is unfortunate that the orthopaedic community has had to wait 109 years for another all-encompassing work on physeal fractures to be published. However, the wait has been worth it. Dr. Peterson's book is superb in all aspects. He has made the study of these fractures his life's work. The orthopaedic community is indeed fortunate that he created an all-encompassing book to share the knowledge that he accumulated over the many years of his illustrious career. The book is truly a masterpiece on this subject. Most modern orthopaedic textbooks are composed of a compilation of the works of multiple authors. These contributions are then edited and combined by an individual editor or a group of editors to produce a textbook that is supposedly the last word on the subject being covered. The remarkable aspect of this textbook is that it represents the efforts of a single author, Dr. Peterson, and that all of the cases presented are his own. In addition, each reference was reviewed by Dr. Peterson. Thus, in this …
P172 Examination of the roll of DTT and/or molecular weight spin columns in evaluating positive antibody screens and positive flow corss matches in heart transplantation

Aim To study the short and long term effects of transplanting hearts over positive B-cell flow crossmatches to patients with positive DSAs that become negative when DTT or molecular weight spin columns are used. Methods Recipient and donor HLA typing was performed by rSSO-Luminex. Anti-HLA class-I and II antibodies by Single Antigen ((SAB) LABScreen Single Antigen Class-I and II) with and without molecular weight spin columns (MWSCs) or DTT. For identification of complement-fixing anti-HLA antibodies, the C1q test was used. Donor crossmatching was performed within 24 h of transplantation by flow cytometry (FXM) using serum drawn immediately before transplant. Patient allograft heart biopsy results and patient health were followed. Results Nine heart allograft recipients between 2012 and 2017 were identified that had either positive FXM and/or positive SAB I/II results that became negative when either DTT/MWSC were used (Table 1). In most, at least one of the antibodies identified was DSA. In 8, the DSA was also known to be a cryptic antigen. Some of the MFI values for DSA were below our cut-off of 3000 MFI. Patients were followed for rejection. Only one patient died from unrelated causes and never had any signs or biopsy results of cellular or antibody mediated rejection (AMR). The remaining patients are all alive and doing well. No patients ever had any biopsied signs of AMR. Several did have some cellular rejection that resolved with treatment however, rejection was not higher than in other heart transplant patients. This phenomenon was also observed in kidney transplantation. Conclusions The use of MWSCs to evaluate positive FXM, SAB1, SAB2, and DSA in heart transplant candidates is effective in eliminating interference and cryptic antigens as well as determining which antibodies are “real” and pose a risk to the recipient. Here we show that use of MWSCs allows clarification of test results and gives one additional data on which to decide to transplant across DSA. Notably, all patients did well following transplant with no AMR. Download : Download high-res image (411KB) Download : Download full-size image
A wireless power receiver with an on-chip antenna for millimeter-size biomedical implants in 180 nm SOI CMOS

In this paper, we present a biphasic RF power harvesting system for biomedical wireless implantable applications that operates in low-GHz frequency range. The design includes an on-chip loop antenna, a six-stage voltage rectifier, a low dropout voltage regulator, a power management unit (PMU), and an array of low-noise differential amplifiers for sensing bio potentials. The system is fabricated in a 180 nm SOI CMOS technology with a total area of 1.6×1.6 mm2 including a 1.2 nF on-chip storage capacitor. A power management unit with an average current consumption of 10 nA, which is 8x smaller than the state-of-the-art, divides the operation of the system into two different phases. The system is capable of delivering 1.21 mW to an external load that is fed by an on-chip voltage regulator.
Physikalische Gesetzlichkeit und Kausalität

Nachdem wir nun die primitive Auffassung uber das mathematische Denken sowie uber die physikalische Forschung gelautert haben, wollen wir von dem gewonnenen Standpunkt einige bestimmte, mehr philosophische Fragen untersuchen. Als erste Frage will ich behandeln: Physikalische Gesetzlichkeit und Kausalitat.
An integrated design method of Engineered Geopolymer Composite

Abstract Strain-hardening ductile fiber-reinforced geopolymer composite, named Engineered Geopolymer Composite (EGC), is a promising material for achieving green and durable civil infrastructure. Despite increasing attentions of the unique material, inefficient trial-and-error approaches are often employed in the material design, which slows the research and development. This paper proposed a new design methodology of EGC that integrates three design techniques: Design of Experiment (DOE), micromechanical modeling, and Material Sustainability Indices (MSI). The mix design of a preliminary version of EGC was optimized to achieve higher compressive strength, maintain high tensile ductility, and enhance the material greenness simultaneously. With the aid of the systematic design process, an optimized EGC with improved compressive strength of 43.1 MPa and high tensile ductility of 4.7% was developed, while achieving 11% less embodied energy and 55% less CO2 equivalent emissions compared with a standard Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC). Therefore, the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed design method were successfully demonstrated.
Editorial Commentary: Which Came First, the Patella or the Trochlea? Morphological Relationships in Patients With Patellar Instability.

Abstract Trochlear dysplasia and patella alta are known risk factors for patellar instability, yet the relation between the two has not been well understood. Morphologic abnormalities such as trochlear dysplasia and patella alta are known to alter patellofemoral kinematics, whereas altered contact pressures, in turn, have been associated with the development of trochlear dysplasia. As our current treatments aim to correct these deformities through increasingly complex procedures such as trochleoplasty and tuberosity distalization, we should consider this relation and the potential for changing the course of developing such morphologic abnormalities earlier in life. Further studies on the developmental cause of this disorder may help guide future treatments in the management of patellar instability.
Herd-level infectious disease surveillance of livestock populations using aggregate samples

All sectors of livestock production are in the process of shifting from small populations on many farms to large populations on fewer farms. A concurrent shift has occurred in the number of livestock moved across political boundaries. The unintended consequence of these changes has been the appearance of multifactorial diseases that are resistant to traditional methods of prevention and control. The need to understand complex animal health conditions mandates a shift toward the collection of longitudinal animal health data. Historically, collection of such data has frustrated and challenged animal health specialists. A promising trend in the evolution toward more efficient and effective livestock disease surveillance is the increased use of aggregate samples, e.g. bulk tank milk and oral fluid specimens. These sample types provide the means to monitor disease, estimate herd prevalence, and evaluate spatiotemporal trends in disease distribution. Thus, this article provides an overview of the use of bulk tank milk and pen-based oral fluids in the surveillance of livestock populations for infectious diseases.
Virtually Augmented Classroom Curriculum

This poster will detail step-by-step instructions for building a virtually augmented classroom curriculum for an undergraduate college course. Information will be provided on choosing a virtual environment, defining the parameters of a virtual course assignment, training students and instructors on using a virtual environment, setting up the virtual environment (e.g., installing applications, running a private or public server, hosting solutions, etc.), and grading a virtual assignment. Best practices will be discussed and the results of a qualitative study using undergraduate students and a virtual course assignment will be presented.
State of the Art: Pancreatic Transplantation

Pancreas transplants have been performed at the University of Minnesota since 1966 [1]. The results of the first series of 14 transplants, ending in 1973, have been reported in detail [2, 3]. In 1978 pancreas transplants were resumed at the University of Minnesota [4], first in diabetic patients who already had kidney transplants, then in nonuremic non-kidney transplant patients [5–7], and finally in uremic or preuremic recipients of simultaneous kidney transplants [8]. The grafts have been procured from living related and cadaver donors [9]. We have tested a variety of surgical techniques [6, 10] and immunosuppressive regimens [6, 8]. This paper summarizes our overall, initial, and most recent results according to multiple variables.