cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling per capita state health expenditure variation: state-level characteristics matter.

OBJECTIVE In this paper, we describe the methods underlying the econometric model developed by the Office of the Actuary in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to explain differences in per capita total personal health care spending by state, as described in Cuckler, et al. (2011). Additionally, we discuss many alternative model specifications to provide additional insights for valid interpretation of the model. DATA SOURCE We study per capita personal health care spending as measured by the State Health Expenditures, by State of Residence for 1991-2009, produced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Office of the Actuary. State-level demographic, health status, economic, and health economy characteristics were gathered from a variety of U.S. government sources, such as the Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Centers for Disease Control, the American Hospital Association, and HealthLeaders-InterStudy. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS State-specific factors, such as income, health care capacity, and the share of elderly residents, are important factors in explaining the level of per capita personal health care spending variation among states over time. However, the slow-moving nature of health spending per capita and close relationships among state-level factors create inefficiencies in modeling this variation, likely resulting in incorrectly estimated standard errors. In addition, we find that both pooled and fixed effects models primarily capture cross-sectional variation rather than period-specific variation.
Effect of component-relative-entropy on the discrimination of simultaneous tone complexes.

Results are reported from a number of experiments investigating the effects of stimulus uncertainty on the discrimination of simultaneous multitone complexes. With few exceptions the data were well described by a model in which average threshold for the detection of a change in one or more components varies with the components’ relative entropy (CoRE) in the complex [R. A. Lutfi, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 94, 748–758 (1993)]. In different experiments, thresholds for the detection of a change in target level were found to be linearly related to CoRE for manipulations in the number of targets, the number of context tones, and the relative degree of level perturbation on tones from trial to trial. The slopes of the functions did not change with measures taken at different points on the psychometric function, and in most cases were close to the theoretical value of b=−1.0, as predicted by strict application of the model. Also as predicted (but for the exception of one listener) increasing the level of the target beyond that of the context had little or no effect on threshold. A correlational analysis of the trial‐by‐trial data revealed a tendency of listeners to give negative weight to frequencies immediately above the target, and to adjust weights in response to changes in the relative degree of level perturbation. Though inconsistent with the basic premise of the model, the variation in weights was not so great as to materially affect the predictions for mean thresholds.
The role of uranium, with and without irradiation, in the achievement of Jc ≈ 300000 A cm−2 at 77 K in large grain melt-textured Y123

Abstract The addition of uranium to large single grains of Y123 improves J c prior to irradiation, by over 80%. Observations on the U chemistry and microstructure studies are presented. Irradiation with thermal neutrons, to fission the U235 component, results in further increases in J c . Total increases of J c by factors of, e.g. > 30 at 77 K, 0.25 Tesla, and > 20 at 50 K, 10.0 Tesla, result. Values of J c of, e.g. 290000 A cm −2 at 77 K, 0.25 Tesla, and 1 million A cm −2 at 50 K, 0.25 Tesla, result. T c is reduced by 0.5 K and creep rate is increased by 1/5. The chemical and irradiation effects are multiplicative and neither is yet optimized.
11.2.3 Piloting Model Based Engineering Techniques for Spacecraft Concepts in Early Formulation

The JPL Integrated Model-Centric Engineering (IMCE) project is tasked with bringing Model Based Engineering methods, tools and practices into use by systems engineers. Taking a Europa-focused flagship concept proposal as an example of a system that is early in its engineering lifecycle, IMCE piloted architectural elements for an integrated modeling environment. These elements were used together both as a proof-of-concept and to guide development of the methods, tools and practices for flight projects as JPL transitions to model-centric engineering. This paper presents both products of this effort and a variety of insights to guide the future of model-centric engineering techniques. Also, recommendations are made regarding the strengths and weaknesses of existing information models and the Systems Modeling Language (SysML).
Blunt cerebrovascular injuries

Over the past decade, the recognition and subsequent management of blunt cerebrovascular injuries has undergone a marked evolution. Originally thought to be a rare occurrence, blunt cerebrovascular injuries are now diagnosed in approximately 1% of blunt trauma patients. The recognition of a clinically silent period allows for angiographic screening for injuries based upon the mechanism of trauma and the patient's constellation of injuries. Comprehensive screening of patients has resulted in the early diagnosis of blunt cerebrovascular injuries during the asymptomatic phase, thus allowing treatment that could prevent neurologic sequelae. Although the ideal regimen of antithrombotic therapy is yet to be determined, treatment with either antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents has been shown to reduce the blunt cerebrovascular injuries related stroke rate. Blunt cerebrovascular injury is a rare but potentially devastating injury; appropriate angiographic screening in high-risk patients should be performed and prompt treatment initiated to prevent ischemic neurologic events.
2-Aminopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as potent and selective inhibitors of JAK2

Constitutive activation of the EPO/JAK2 signaling cascade has recently been implicated in a variety of myeloproliferative disorders including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and myelofibrosis. In an effort to uncover therapeutic potential of blocking the EPO/JAK2 signaling cascade, we sought to discover selective inhibitors that block the kinase activity of JAK2. Herein, we describe the discovery and structure based optimization of a novel series of 2-amino-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines that exhibit potent inhibition of JAK2.
Analysis of Magnetoresistance and Hall Coefficient in p -Type Indium-Antimonide and p -Type Germanium

Existing theory on the variation of resistivity and Hall coefficient with magnetic field in semiconductors has been extended to the case of arbitrary concentrations of the electrons and holes. Equations are developed for the magnetoresistance $\frac{\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\rho}}{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{H}}$ and the Hall coefficient ${R}_{H}$, as functions of parameters such as temperature, magnetic-field strength, and impurity concentration. For $p$-type InSb, theory and experiment are in agreement on the following observations: (1) a shift to higher temperatures of the Hall coefficient crossover, magnetoresistance maxima, and Hall coefficient maxima with increasing magnetic field, (2) a decrease in magnitude of the Hall coefficient maxima with increasing magnetic field, (3) the occurrence of the largest effects in the transition region between extrinsic and intrinsic conductivity, (4) magnetoresistance maxima occurring at about the same temperature as Hall coefficient maxima.For $p$-type germanium, however, the effects are not even qualitatively explained. The observed magnetic-field dependence of the Hall coefficient in the temperature region of the crossover is opposite to that predicted by the theory. Furthermore, no magnetoresistance maximum has been observed in the temperature region of the Hall coefficient maximum. Hence, it appears that a basic revision of existing treatments of $p$-type germanium is necessary.
Antigen-dependent heterogeneity of human migration inhibitory factor

Human migration inhibitory factor (MIF) produced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with purified protein derivative, tetanus toxoid, streptokinase-streptodornase, or Candida albicans antigen was analyzed by gel filtration and isoelectrofocusing. In all cases, supernatants harvested after a 24-hr exposure of the mononuclear cells to the antigen yielded only one MIF species with an isoelectric point of 5. In contrast, isoelectrofocusing of supernatants obtained from cells exposed to the antigen for an additional 24 hr demonstrated that different antigens induce the elaboration of different MIF species. Streptokinase-streptodornase and tetanus toxoid induced the production of one MIF species with an isoelectric point of 5 (pH 5-MIF). Stimulation of cells with Candida antigen elaborated a MIF species with an isoelectric point of 3 (pH 3-MIF). In contrast, stimulation of cells with purified protein derivative induced the production of both pH 3-MIF and pH 5-MIF.
Isolation and Characterization of Pleurocidin, an Antimicrobial Peptide in the Skin Secretions of Winter Flounder

Antimicrobial peptides are found in both myeloid cells and mucosal tissues of many vertebrates and invertebrates. These peptides are predicted to operate as a first-line host defense mechanism exerting broad-spectrum activity against pathogenic bacteria, fungi, parasites, and enveloped viruses. We report the characterization of a novel 25-residue linear antimicrobial peptide found in the skin mucous secretions of the winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus). This peptide was purified through multiple chromatographic methods to obtain a single peak by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. This purified peptide, which we named pleurocidin, exhibited antimicrobial activity againstEscherichia coli in a bacterial cell lysis plate assay. Mass spectrometry and amino acid sequence analysis indicated that it is 25 amino acids in length. Pleurocidin is predicted to assume an amphipathic α-helical conformation similar to many other linear antimicrobial peptides. There is a high degree of homology between pleurocidin and two antimicrobial peptides, ceratotoxin from the Mediterranean fruit fly and dermaseptin from the skin of a hylid frog. The minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration of pleurocidin were determined against 11 different Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Immunohistochemistry locates pleurocidin in the epithelial mucous cells of flounder skin. Pleurocidin represents a novel antimicrobial peptide found in fish and may play a role in innate host defense.
Second prize: simple method for achieving renal parenchymal hypothermia for pure laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Purpose: We describe the development of an innovative device and simple technique for achieving renal parenchymal hypothermia during temporary renal-vascular occlusion for pure laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: The experiment was conceived in four phases: phase 1: design, manufacture, and testing of the cooling coil; phase 2: proof of concept in nonsurvival porcine surgery; phase 3: experimental porcine survival surgery; and phase 4: human trials. Results: Phase 1 testing confirmed that the coil cooled adequately. During phase 2, the average time required for the renal parenchyma to cool to 15°C was 10.7 minutes, providing an average hypothermic window (15°–24°C) of 30.3 minutes. When recooling was required (parenchymal temperature 24°C), temperatures returned to below 15°C in 3 minutes. The core body temperature dropped an average of 1.48°C. Phase 3 demonstrated an average parenchymal temperature of 11.7°C after a mean cooling time of 9.3 minutes. Temperatures remained below 24°C f...
The impact of constitutional structures and collective and competitive veto points on income inequality in industrialized democracies

This paper presents the first systematic, empirical examination of the impact of constitutional structures on income inequality among eighteen OECD countries. Our pooled time series/cross-sectional panel analysis (n = 18, t = 2) reveals that consensual political institutions are systematically related to lower income inequalities while the reverse is true for majoritarian political institutions. We also make a crucial distinction between 'collective' and 'competitive' veto points. Our multiple regression results provide strong evidence that collective veto points depress income inequalities while competitive veto points tend to widen the inequality of incomes. Thus, some institutional veto points have constraining effects on policy while others have 'enabling' effects.
The Role of Domestic Animosity in Consumer Choice: Empirical Evidence from Germany

SUMMARY The paper argues that specific choice and preference constructs previously only applied in international research may explain certain domestic phenomena better than those concepts typically used in domestic choice and preference studies. The animosity model of foreign product purchase is employed within the German consumer market. Results suggest that the previously uninvestigated notion of domestic animosity is responsible for a recent cross-segmental preference reversal in the eastern part of the nation. The outcome of the study has implications for internal trade in countries across the globe, as well as for scientific marketing research.
Single-machine scheduling problems with past-sequence-dependent setup times

Abstract This paper studies single-machine scheduling problems with setup times which are proportionate to the length of the already scheduled jobs, that is, with past-sequence-dependent or p-s-d setup times. The following objective functions are considered: the maximum completion time (makespan), the total completion time, the total absolute differences in completion times and a bicriteria combination of the last two objective functions. It is shown that the standard single-machine scheduling problem with p-s-d setup times and any of the above objective functions can be solved in O(nlog n) time (where n is the number of jobs) by a sorting procedure. It is also shown that all of our results extend to a “learning” environment in which the p-s-d setup times are no longer linear functions of the already elapsed processing time due to learning effects.
Assessment of a Metal−Organic Framework Membrane for Gas Separations Using Atomically Detailed Calculations: CO2, CH4, N2, H2 Mixtures in MOF-5

Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a fascinating alternative to more traditional nanoporous materials. Although hundreds of different MOF structures have been synthesized in powder form, little is currently known about the potential performance of MOFs for membrane-based separations. We have used atomistic calculations to predict the performance of a MOF membrane for separation of various gas mixtures in order to provide information for material selection in membrane design. Specifically, we investigated the performance of MOF-5 as a membrane for separation of CO2/CH4, CO2/H2, CO2/N2, CH4/H2, N2/H2, and N2/CH4 mixtures at room temperature. In every case, mixture effects play a crucial role in determining the membrane performance. Although the membrane selectivities predicted for MOF-5 are not large for the mixtures we studied, our result suggest that atomistic simulations will be a useful tool for considering the large number of MOF crystal structures that are known in order to seek membrane ...
A protease-resistant protein is a structural component of the Scrapie prion

Fractions purified from scrapie-infected hamster brain contain a unique protein, designated PrP. It was labeled with N-succinimidyl 3-(4-hydroxy-5-[125I]-iodophenyl) propionate, which did not alter the titer of the scrapie prion. The concentration of PrP was found to be directly proportional to the titer of the infectious prion. Both PrP and prion infectivity were resistant for 2 hr at 37 degrees C to hydrolysis by proteinase K under nondenaturing conditions. Prolonging the digestion resulted in a concomitant decrease in both PrP and the scrapie prion. When the amino-acid-specific proteases trypsin or SV-8 protease were used instead of proteinase K, no change in either PrP or the prion was detected. The parallel changes between PrP and the prion provide evidence that PrP is a structural component of the infectious prion. Our findings also suggest that the prion contains only one major protein, namely PrP.
Central respiratory stimulation produced by thyrotropin-releasing hormone in the cat.

Abstract Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) was administered intracerebroventricularly and it's effects on respiration were evaluated in the alpha-chloralose anesthetized cat. Respiratory activity was measured using a Fleisch pneumotachograph to monitor tracheal airflow. TRH (0.28–28 nmol) caused an elevation in respiratory minute volume which was due to an increase in respiratory rate with no effect on tidal volume. The site of TRH-induced tachypnea was in the hindbrain as both injections into the cisterna magna and the fourth ventricle produced similar effects. No changes in respiratory activity were seen when TRH injection was restricted to the lateral and third ventricles (forebrain). Furthermore, systemic administration of TRH (28 nmol) produced no significant respiratory effects. The active analogue, [3-Me-His 2 ]-TRH (2.7 nmol) produced the same respiratory effects as TRH. The inactive analogue, TRH free acid (28–280 nmol), caused no significant change in respiratory activity. The data suggest that TRH interacts with a specific receptor in the hindbrain of the cat to affect respiration.
The Effects of Feeding Tomatoes on the Incidence of Lymphomatosis in Chickens

Abstract A NUMBER of poultry producers have reported from time to time a decrease in lymphomatosis, or “fowl paralysis,” among chickens when tomatoes were supplied as a supplementary feed. However, a review of the literature fails to reveal any research with tomatoes either as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent in the control of lymphomatosis. An exploratory project was initiated cooperatively in June 1947 by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and the Regional Poultry Research Laboratory to determine if a diet consisting in part of tomatoes would influence the incidence of lymphomatosis. This paper gives the results of these investigations. MATERIAL AND METHODS Inbred lines of White Leghorn chickens which have been selected for resistance and susceptibility to lymphomatosis, as described by Waters (1945), were used. Experiments were conducted over a period of two succeeding years. In each of the two experiments, the chicks used were hatched together in one hatch and . . .
Forest Management for Greenhouse Gas Benefits: Resolving Monitoring Issues Across Project and National Boundaries

Demand for new environmental services from forests requires improved monitoring of these services at three scales: project-, regional-, and national-level. Most forest management activities are organized at the project scale, while the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) recognizes the nation as the party to the agreement. Hence, measurement and monitoring issues are emerging at the intersections of the project and national scales, referred to here as monitoring-domain edge effects. The following actions are necessary to improve existing monitoring capabilities and to help resolve project/national edge effects: (1) consensus on standard methods and protocols for monitoring mitigation activities, their off-site greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts, the fate of forest products and their relation to national GHG inventories (baselines); (2) a global program for collecting land use, land cover, biomass burning, and other data essential for national baselines; (3) the development of new nested-monitoring-domain methods that allow projects to be identified in national GHG inventories (baselines), and permit tracking of leakage of GHGs and wood product flows outside project boundary and over time; and (4) presentation of a set of credible, carefully designed, and well-documented forest mitigation activities that resolve most of the current issues.
The dendritic architecture of the visual pretectal nuclei of the rat: A study with the Golgi‐cox method

The dendritic architecture of the neurons of the visual pretectal nuclei in the rat was studied with the Golgi-Cox method. The olivary pretectal nucleus (PO) is characterized by distinctive neurons with a gnarled, tufted, richly branched dendritic arbor forming a dense neuropil within the nucleus. The distinct dendritic morphology of the olivary pretectal neurons enables this nucleus to be identified at all levels of the pretectum in Golgi-impregnated preparations. Rostromedially, the PO is surrounded by peripheral neurons whose dendrites wrap around the surface of the PO. The nucleus of the optic tract (NTO) contains three types of cells: (1) superficial horizontal cells whose dendrites extend out transversely; (2) large multipolar neurons whose dendrites spread out predominantly in a transverse plane, and (3) small to medium multipolar neurons with varying dendritic architecture. The posterior pretectal nucleus (PP) is composed predominantly of (1) multipolar cells with horizontally and vertically oriented dendrites extending out transverse to the optic axons; (2) piriform cells with dendrites extending dorsally toward the brachium; and (3) small multipolar neurons. The presence of superficial horizontal and large multipolar neurons in the NTO distinguishes the NTO from the PP in Golgi preparations. The horizontally oriented dendrites of many of the multipolar neurons in the PP give this nucleus an appearance distinct from that of the NTO. The differences in dendritic morphology between the visual pretectal nuclei in the rat permit identification of these nuclei at all levels within the pretectum. The boundaries of these nuclei, as determined in the Golgi-Cox preparations, correlate quite well with the boundaries defined by studying retinal projections (Scalia and Arango, '79).
Effects of denaturants at low concentrations on the reversible denaturation of staphylococcal nuclease.

Abstract Three very unstable mutant forms of staphylococcal nuclease were used to quantitate the change in the apparent equilibrium constant for reversible denaturation (Kapp) as a function of denaturant concentration for a variety of different denaturing solutes. The value of this equilibrium constant in the absence of denaturant (Kapp,0) was determined by renaturation of the mutant proteins with a combination of glycerol and calcium ion, the latter of which binds at the active site in the native conformation. Because Kapp,0 fell in the easily measurable range between 0.1 and 1, the change in Kapp, and thus the change in free energy (ΔGapp), at very low concentrations of denaturants could be accurately measured. With guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl), the rate of change of the apparent free energy of denaturation with respect to denaturant concentration ( d( Δ G app ) dC GuHCl or mGuHCl) was found to be remarkably constant down to zero denaturant concentration, even though this value was different for each of the three proteins. Unlike GuHCl, urea exhibited a slightly reduced value of d Δ G app dC urea at low concentrations. Results with a number of thiocyanate, perchlorate, and iodide salts confirmed that the Hofmeister series holds for concentrations below 0.1 m ; that is, with regard to efficacy as a denaturant SCN− . ClO4− > I− and Li+, NH4+ > Na+, K+. However, all of the chaotropic salts analyzed exhibited markedly increased values of d( Δ G app ) dC salt at concentrations below 0.2 m . One possible explanation for these large deviations from a linear relationship between ΔGapp and salt concentration is that weak binding or adsorption of chaotropic anions is occurring at a saturable number of sites in hydrophobic regions of the denatured state.
Variation in Nuclear-Matter Binding Energies with Phase-Shift-Equivalent Two-Body Potentials

For any given two-body Hamiltonian, there exists a large class of unitarily equivalent Hamiltonians that lead to the same scattering phase shifts at all energies. The purpose of this paper is to exhibit typical saturation curves for reasonable equivalent potentials. The binding energy per particle changes by several MeV in either direction, and the saturation minimum shifts to higher or lower density as the binding increases or decreases. Softening the potential increases the binding. The separation approximation for the reaction matrix provides qualitative insight into these effects. Our exact calculations start with simple local $s$-wave potentials with either a hard core or a Yukawa core. The binding energy per particle is calculated in the Brueckner approximation with self-consistent single-particle energies below the Fermi level. For our examples we use unitary transformations that differ from the identity by a short-range operator of rank 2 and transformations induced by distortions of the radial scale. The latter class of transformations alters the core radius and produces potential terms that are linear in the square of the momentum.
Hindered Axial−Equatorial Carbonyl Exchange in an Fe(CO)4(PR3) Complex of a Rigid Bicyclic Phosphine

Variable-temperature 13C NMR spectra for a series of Fe(CO)4(PR3) complexes ligated by phosphatri(3-methylindolyl)methane (1), phosphatri(pyrrolyl)methane (2), P(N-3-methylindolyl)3 (3), and P(N-pyrrolyl)3 (4) are reported. Ligand 2 was prepared by reaction of tri(pyrrolyl)methane with PCl3 in THF and Et3N. Compound 2 is stable to methanolysis, hydrolysis, and aerial oxidation at room temperature. Reactions of 2 with selenium powder and Rh(acac)(CO)2 yield phosphatri(pyrrolyl)methane selenide (5) and Rh(acac)(CO)(2) (6), respectively. The carbonyl stretching frequency in the IR spectrum of 6 and the magnitude of 1JSe-P in the 31P NMR spectrum of 5 indicate that 2 is a strong π-acid and a weak σ-base, commensurate with its lack of reactivity with CH3I. The trend in the decreasing basicity of 2 and related phosphines and phosphites was determined to be P(NMe2)3 > 3 > 4 > 1 > P(OPh)3 > 2. IR data for a series of Rh(acac)(CO)(PR3) complexes indicate the trend in decreasing π-acceptor ability to be 2 ≈ 1 > 4 >...
Rethinking the cognitive revolution from a neural perspective: how overuse/misuse of the term 'cognition' and the neglect of affective controls in behavioral neuroscience could be delaying progress in understanding the BrainMind.

Words such as cognition, motivation and emotion powerfully guide theory development and the overall aims and goals of behavioral neuroscience research. Once such concepts are accepted generally as natural aspects of the brain, their influence can be pervasive and long lasting. Importantly, the choice of conceptual terms used to describe and study mental/neural functions can also constrain research by forcing the results into seemingly useful ‘conceptual’ categories that have no discrete reality in the brain. Since the popularly named ‘cognitive revolution’ in psychological science came to fruition in the early 1970s, the term cognitive or cognition has been perhaps the most widely used conceptual term in behavioral neuroscience. These terms, similar to other conceptual terms, have potential value if utilized appropriately. We argue that recently the term cognition has been both overused and misused. This has led to problems in developing a usable shared definition for the term and to promotion of possible misdirections in research within behavioral neuroscience. In addition, we argue that cognitive-guided research influenced primarily by top-down (cortical toward subcortical) perspectives without concurrent non-cognitive modes of bottom-up developmental thinking, could hinder progress in the search for new treatments and medications for psychiatric illnesses and neurobehavioral disorders. Overall, linkages of animal research insights to human psychology may be better served by bottom-up (subcortical to cortical) affective and motivational ‘state-control’ perspectives, simply because the lower networks of the brain are foundational for the construction of higher ‘information-processing’ aspects of mind. Moving forward, rapidly expanding new techniques and creative methods in neuroscience along with more accurate brain concepts, may help guide the development of new therapeutics and hopefully more accurate ways to describe and explain brain-behavior relationships.
Genetic programming as a means for programming computers by natural selection

Many seemingly different problems in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and symbolic processing can be viewed as requiring the discovery of a computer program that produces some desired output for particular inputs. When viewed in this way, the process of solving these problems becomes equivalent to searching a space of possible computer programs for a highly fit individual computer program. The recently developed genetic programming paradigm described herein provides a way to search the space of possible computer programs for a highly fit individual computer program to solve (or approximately solve) a surprising variety of different problems from different fields. In genetic programming, populations of computer programs are genetically bred using the Darwinian principle of survival of the fittest and using a genetic crossover (sexual recombination) operator appropriate for genetically mating computer programs. Genetic programming is illustrated via an example of machine learning of the Boolean 11-multiplexer function and symbolic regression of the econometric exchange equation from noisy empirical data.
Effect of persistent left superior vena cava on hemodynamic calculations

Abstract When comparing means, there is no difference between right and left SVC saturations, and the difference does not affect cardiac output calculations. Because of the wide variability between right and left SVC saturations and their calculated cardiac output within patients, along with the higher correlation of left versus right SVC saturation with pulmonary artery saturation, the Fick-derived cardiac index calculation should be interpreted with caution when a left SVC is present. A prospective study with nearsimultaneous sampling in all vessels should be undertaken.
Chromosomal mapping of cell death proteases CPP32, MCH2, and MCH3

Apoptosis may involve a specialized proteolytic cascade catalyzed by interleukin-1β-converting enzyme-like proteases. We have recently identified three new members of this family (CPP32, MCH2, MCH3) and shown that they play an important role in promoting cell death. Here we report the chromosomal mapping of CPP32 to 4q34, MCH2 to 4q25, and MCH3 to 10q25.
Light-dependent reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate by chromatophores of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides

Abstract The light-dependent reduction of NADP by NADH and photoactive chromatophores of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides has been examined with specifically labeled NADH-[ 3 H]. The study has shown that hydrogen is transferred directly from the A-locus of NADH to the B-locus of NADP without any exchange with the medium. These results suggest that the reaction proceeds via an energy-linked transhydrogenase similar to that of mitochondria.
Observation of phase transitions on the (111) and (100) surfaces of Si near 1000 K with He atom diffraction

He diffraction has been used to study structural phase transitions on the (111) and (100) surfaces of Si. The seventh‐order peaks of the Si(111)‐7×7 reconstructed surface observed at room temperature first decreased with increasing temperature and then disappeared near 1140 K. A sharp decrease in the specular intensity and a sharp increase in the diffuse scattering were also observed near 1140 K, but there was no broadening of the peaks as the temperature increased. We confirm earlier evidence that the 7×7 to ‘‘1×1’’ phase transition at 1138±7 K on the Si(111) surface is an order–disorder one. The He scattering from the Si(100)‐2×1 reconstructed surface stable at room temperature was also measured as the temperature increased. There was a change in the Debye–Waller slope at 930±20 K which is evidence for the structural phase transition expected from theoretical calculations and deduced from earlier experiments in this laboratory on the desorption kinetics of alkali atoms from this surface. These experimen...
Does the philosophy of religion rest on two mistakes

Il est remarquable que les philosophes de la religion discutent rarement de la definition de la religion. Pourtant, cela a des consequences importantes. La premiere erreur de la philosophie de la religion est de tracer une ligne autour de la religion et des religions parmi la totalite des conceptions du monde. Lorsqu'on envisage la discipline comme la philosophie des conceptions du monde, on a un grand changement. La seconde erreur a propos de la religion est que meme a l'heure actuelle, la philosophie de la religion semble peu concernee par les religions mais plutot par la notion de philosophie transculturelle
An investigation of excitation-arc phenomena in mercury-pool valves

The behaviour of the excitation are of two different designs of industrial-type mercury pool valves with anchored cathode spot was systematically investigated, and it was found that: (a) Mean-value measurements of are voltage and current give a falling characteristic in the low-current range because the are fluctuates between two different modes of operation, the mode at a lower current having a higher are voltage than the mode at a higher current. (b) Spontaneous extinction of the excitation are at a current below a critical value in the absence of any main-anode current is caused by a randomly occurring simultaneous failure of the regeneration mechanism for all emission centres which together form the cathode spot. (c) Any extinction of the excitation are as a consequence of a main-anode current pulse is a random phenomenon which always occurs at the end of the main-anode current pulse and which arises when the excitation current is below a critical value, the magnitude of which is dependent on various parameters of valve design and operation.
Approval of social security disability appeals: analysis of judges’ decisions

This article is an empirical analysis of decisions by judges regarding requests by individuals for disability benefits. Applicants for disability benefits who are twice denied through the normal process can appeal to one of the Social Security Administration’s administrative law judges, who hold appointed positions. The data for this study are taken from decisions made by approximately 1000 judges for cases heard from 2010 through 2012. Using each judge as a unit of observation, the data reveal the number of cases heard and the number of approvals granted. We augmented the data with additional information on the presiding judge, and with data from the state in which the court resides. The purpose of the study is to determine whether a simple model can explain, first, the volume of decisions rendered at the judge level and, second, the proportion of approvals. Results indicate that the volume of decisions can be explained in part by the judge’s recent record of leniency. Evidence also supports the hypothes...
Developments in powder metallurgy (PM) materials

Abstract Some of the developments in PM materials presented at the International Conference, ‘PM 88’, held in Orlando, Florida in June 1988 are discussed. Particular attention is given to the use of PM parts in automotive engineering, metal cutting applications and soft magnetic materials produced by metal injection moulding (MIM). The winning entries in the 1988 PM Part of the Year competition are described.
Wafer bonding technique based GaN/Quantum Dots/GaN system

Integration of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots with epitaxial semiconductor materials offers the possibility of a wide variety of new device structures. In this work, wafer bonding processes for layered GaN/Quantum Dots/GaN structures are described. Bonding is achieved by thermal reorganization of bidentate ligand thiophenethiol which initially caps the CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots. Annealing temperature dependent bond strength feature is characterized. Maximum bond strength is achieved after annealing at 350°C. Effect of annealing on quantum dot photoluminescence is also investigated.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic wastes to glucose

Abstract Conversion of cellulose to glucose for the production of food, fuel, and chemicals can be accomplished by acid hydrolysis or by enzymatic processes. Enzyme complexes derived from the fungus Trichoderma viride have been found effective in the conversion of cellulosic wastes into glucose syrups. Trichoderma viride, a fungus found in nature, is the only fungus known that produces a specific enzyme which is capable of reacting with the crystalline fraction of the cellulose molecule. This paper discusses the production and mode of action of the cellulase complex produced during the growth of Trichoderma viride, and the application of such enzymes for the conversion of various municipal, agricultural and industrial cellulosic wastes to glucose sugar. Included in the discussion are process variables, such as substrate pretreatment, slurry concentration and enzyme activity, as they affect process conversion rates.
942-43 Papillary Fibroelastoma: A Review of Echocardiographic Criteria for Diagnosis with Pathologic Correlation

Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a rare, benign cardiac tumor, diagnosis (dx) usually made at autopsy. Consistent experience with echo analysis is not available. With availability of high resolution echocardiography (echo), dx is being made more frequently clinically. From 1988–1994 13 pts had pathologic confirmation (path) of PFE and an echo performed. Echo made the dx of PFE in 11/13 (85%) pts. Echo analysis of these 11 pts showed the PFE characteristics to be: relatively small tumors (mean 12.2 × 8.6 mm), homogeneous frond-like echodensity, usually pedunculated, attached to the endocardial surface, mobile, with a characteristic vibration or shimmer in the blood flow. A total of 47 pts had a diagnosis of PFE made by echo found in the absence of endocarditis, with a total of 54 PFE (5 pts had multiple PFE). In 25 the diagnosis was possible by transthoracic echo (TIE) and confirmed by transesophageal (TEE) in 9. In 15 the diagnosis was uncertain by TIE and made by TEE. In 7 only the TEE was available for diagnosis. The location of the PFE was valvular endocardium in 48/55 (87%) (mitral 21, aortic 21, tricuspid 5, and pulmonary 1) and nonvalvular endocardium in 6. The stalk of attachment was seen in 36/54 (67%). Concomitant valvular disease was seen in 17/47 pts (31%) but usually was mild and not due to the PFE. Embolic phenomena occurred in 8/47 pts (17%), and neurologic in 6/8. We conclude that: (1) Echo can make a dx of PFE in a high percentage of pts with PFE; (2) the incidence of embolism is relatively high, suggewting PFE may be a source of embolism, (3) there is an incremental value of TEE over TTE in diagnosis; (4) most cases were incidental findings without valvular dysfunction.
Pulmonary embolism without deep venous thrombosis.

Background To identify patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) without deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and to compare them with those with an identifiable source on upper (UED) and lower-extremity venous duplex scans (LED). Methods We performed a retrospective review of 2700 computed tomography angiograms of the chest between January 2008 and September 2010 and identified 230 patients with PE. We then evaluated the results of UED and LED and divided the patients into four groups based on the results of their duplex studies. We compared patients with PE and DVT with those with PE and no DVT in terms of age, gender, size and location of PE, critical illness, malignancy, and in-hospital mortality. Results We identified 152 women and 78 men (mean age, 68 years) with PE. One hundred thirty-one patients had a documented source of PE (group 1). Fifty-three patients had negative LED results, but did not undergo UED (group 2). Thirty-one patients did not undergo either LED or UED (group 3). Seven men and eight women had no documented source of PE on UED and LED (group 4). Ten of 15 patients in group 4 had a documented malignancy listed as one of their diagnoses. Because patients in groups 2 and 3 did not undergo complete duplex studies, we excluded them from our analysis. We then reviewed the discharge summaries of patients in groups 1 and 4. There was no statistically significant difference in age and gender distribution, size and location of PE, critical illness, smoking status, cardiovascular disease, trauma, and in-hospital mortality between patients in group 1 and 4. Patients in group 4 had a statistically significant increased prevalence of malignancy (67% vs. 40%, P = 0.046). Patients in group 4 also had a higher percentage of active cancer than those in group 1 (47% vs. 24%, P = 0.084), although not statistically significant. We defined active cancer as either a metastatic disease or a malignancy diagnosed shortly before or after the diagnosis of PE. Patients who were undergoing treatment for cancer at the time of diagnosis of PE were also considered to have active cancer. Conclusion We demonstrated a statistically significant increased prevalence of malignancy in patients with PE without DVT. However, pathophysiology and clinical significance are the aspects that remain to be understood after accrual of more patients and further research. Possibilities such as de novo thrombosis of pulmonary arteries, complete dislodgement of thrombi from peripheral veins, or false-negative venous duplex need to be explored.
Data Assimilation and Initialization of Hurricane Prediction Models

Abstract This paper investigates the problem of initializing operational hurricane models with several types of real data. Imbalances in real data generate inertia-gravity waves with periods that vary strongly in different regions of the hurricane domain. The energy of these waves is removed by propagation out of the domain, by the horizontal diffusion process, and by the truncation errors associated with the Matsuno time-differencing scheme. Several initialization schemes are tested with a symmetric hurricane model. Random and bias errors superimposed on perfect data produce imbalances that lend to significant errors in short-range forecasts. A general dynamic initialization scheme that is suitable for diabatic, viscous models yields very promising results. The dynamic initialization technique is utilized in an effort to determine the types of data that will be most useful in initializing operational hurricane models. In general, observations are most useful near the center of the storm at low levels. Te...
Hgl−xCdxTe Near Surface Characterization using Computer Aided Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry

In this work, we report the use of Rutherford backscattering(RBS) measurements and computer simulations to provide accurate stoichiometry information and semi-quantitative defect densities for the near surface region of Hg1−xCdxTe (MCT). The accuracy of the Hg1−xCdx Te x-values determined by our method is found to be comparable to other commonly used methods, such as FTIR or the electron microprobe. The data obtained as structural defects from RBS channeling measurements are in basic agreement with other techniques, such as chemical etching. The sensitivity of the channeling measurement to uniformly distributed dislocations is found to be about 107−108 cm−2, however, for dislocations forming subgrains, the detectable level of dislocation comes to 105 – 106 cm−2. The depth profiles of lattice disorder resulting from ion implantation into MCT are also extracted from RBS channeling measurements using these simulation programs. These profiles are found to closely match the calculated profiles for the displaced atoms calculated using an implantation modeling program (TRIM). We also report on the use of channeling-in-grazing-angle-out technique for evaluating the stoichiometry of the first few monolayers of the MCT surface.
Laparoscopic colectomy vs. open colectomy for sigmoid diverticular disease.

PURPOSE: The feasibility of laparoscopic colectomy for colon surgery has now been well established. Most of the studies on laparoscopic colectomies include all types of colonic pathologies without discrimination. Our goal was to compare laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy vs. open sigmoid colectomy for simple sigmoid diverticular disease, to assess whether it can be done safely and whether the proposed advantages could be realized. METHODS: We evaluated the differences in outcomes of 66 laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy patients and 88 open sigmoid colectomy patients. We report a five-year outcomes analysis of 154 patients undergoing sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease. We compared age, gender, history of prior abdominal surgery, estimated blood loss, operative time, total conversions with reason for conversion, time until a liquid diet was started, postoperative complications, hospital length of stay, operation costs, and total hospital charges incurred for both laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy and open sigmoid colectomy. RESULTS: Mean age and gender were similar in the two groups. However, the mean estimated blood loss (143 ml vs. 314 ml), time until a liquid diet was started (2.9 vs. 4.9 days), and hospital length of stay (4.8 vs. 8.8 days) were all significantly less in laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy patients. The mean operative time for laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy was 212 minutes as compared with 143 minutes for open sigmoid colectomy (P < 0.05). Conversion rate of laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy to open procedure was 19.7 percent. All laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy patients received a lighted ureteral stent preoperatively, which was removed at the end of surgery. Relevant complications for laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy vs. open sigmoid colectomy were as follows: anastomotic leak in 1 vs. 3 (1.5 vs. 3.4 percent) patients, hematuria in 64 vs. 6 (97 vs. 6.8 percent) patients, with an average duration for 2.93 vs. 3 days, urinary tract infection in 5 vs. 4 (7.6 vs. 4.5 percent) patients, and ureteral injury in 1 vs. 2 (1.5 vs. 2.2 percent) patients. Although the mean operating room charges were greater in the laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy patients ($9,566 vs. $7,306) the mean hospital charges ($13,953 vs. $14,863) were less. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy as the modality of treatment for diverticular disease. Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy seems to be a reliable, safe and efficacious treatment modality with better outcomes for diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon. The operative time for laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy is decreasing as surgeons gain more experience.
A scanning electron microscopic study of the nephron.

Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the ultrastructural morphology of the nephron. Material for observation was taken from rat kidneys which were fixed by vascular perfusion. Different techniques for splitting open the kidney, combined with stereoscopic viewing, provided many instructive views of nephron morphology. In addition, scanning electron microscopy revealed a number of new features including (1) the complex organization and structure of kidney podocytes; (2) the distribution of endothelial pores and the presence of endothelial microprojections and branching endothelial thickenings; and (3) the presence, distribution and morphology of microprojections and cilia on the luminal surfaces of Bowman's capsule and the uriniferous tubules.