cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medicare reimbursement policy for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: A qualitative analysis of public comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is considered the best means of diagnosing hypertension. However, it is rarely used and is reimbursed only under narrow conditions. We sought to gain insight into the perceived value of ABPM among stakeholders who responded to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) request for comments to inform the first revision of ABPM reimbursement policy in over 15 years. We found that most comments were classifiable in two main themes, current coverage and future coverage. Individuals and institutions representing multiple disciplines and specialties were highly supportive of expanding the current CMS coverage of ABPM, including for a wide range of clinical indications and populations. It is clear from the comments reviewed that there is wide support for expanding CMS coverage for ABPM. Broad support for a change in ABPM reimbursement policy may lead to changes in the way this technology is used in the United States.
Direct differentiation of whole blood for forensic serology analysis by thread spray mass spectrometry

Direct analysis of whole blood on bloodstained textiles is achieved with thread spray mass spectrometry (MS). This capability satisfies investigators' first priority in crime scene investigations, which is determining if a stain is blood. This thread spray method explores the use of evidentiary fabric threads for rapid determination of hemoglobin directly from whole blood within textiles without prior extraction steps. The multiplicity of information that can be derived from the thread spray MS method distinguishes it from the current presumptive Bluestar® method, by enabling the detection of hemoglobin (both α- and β-chains), the heme co-factor and lipids all from a single blood sample. Lipid composition was found to differ for blood samples originating from human, canine, and horse species. The robustness of the thread spray MS method as a forensic analytical platform was evaluated in three ways: (1) its successful applicability to samples previously tested by the Bluestar® presumptive method, offering a confirmatory test without prior sample pre-treatment, (2) successful detection of heme from previously washed fabrics, which demonstrated the unprecedented sensitivity of the thread spray method, and (3) the ability to analyze samples stored under ambient conditions for up to 30 days. These results attest to the potential capabilities of the thread spray MS platform in forensic serology, and its application for direct analysis of evidentiary garments, which confer the advantages of rapid analysis and the reduction of the false positive and negative identification rates for blood on textiles.
Outcomes of Medicaid home- and community-based long-term services relative to nursing home care among dual eligibles.

OBJECTIVE To provide the first plausibly causal national estimates of health outcomes for older dual-eligible recipients of Medicaid HCBS relative to nursing home care and to explore possible mechanisms for the effect. DATA SOURCES We use 2005 and 2012 Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX), a national compilation of Medicaid claims, merged with Medicare claims to identify hospital admissions, our main outcome variable. STUDY DESIGN We model the effects of HCBS using a longitudinal instrumental variables framework. To address the endogeneity of HCBS receipt, we instrument for it using the county percentage of nonelderly long-term care users who receive HCBS. The percentage of nonelderly users is highly predictive of HCBS use for an elderly beneficiary, but because the instrument was derived from a separate population, the exclusion restriction is unlikely to be violated. POPULATION STUDIED 1,312,498 older adults (65+) dually enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare and are using long-term care. We also examine heterogeneity of effects by race/ethnicity and the presence of dementia. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS HCBS users have 10 percentage points higher (P < .01) annual rates of hospitalization than their nursing home counterparts when selection bias is addressed; rates of potentially avoidable hospitalizations are 3 percentage points higher (P < .01). These differences persist across races, dementia status, and intensity of HCBS spending. CONCLUSIONS Shifting Medicaid long-term care funding for older adults from nursing homes to HCBS, while well-motivated, results in the unintended consequence of substantially higher hospitalization rates for older dual eligibles. The quality and/or quantity of services may be inadequate for some HCBS recipients. Hospitalizations are costly to Medicare but also to the HCBS recipient in terms of stress and risks. Although consumer preferences to remain at home may outweigh poor outcomes of HCBS, the full costs and benefits need to be considered. HCBS outcomes-not just expansion-need more attention.
The Relationship Between Country of Origin and Performance on the USMLE

The USMLE exams play an important role in international medical graduates’ (IMGs) ability to obtain and complete residency training in the United States. Performance on these exams varies significantly based on an individual’s country of origin. In this chapter, we first describe the differences in USMLE performance by country of origin. Next, we discuss some of the factors that influence country-level performance on Step 1. Third, we discuss the implications of using the USMLE to screen IMG applicants to residency. Specifically, we discuss how IMGs, performances on the USMLE may or may not be predictive of clinical outcomes during residency training. Finally, we discuss upcoming changes to the USMLE, including a new requirement for school accreditation and changes to the grading of Step 1.
Anterior cingulate cortex is necessary for spontaneous opioid withdrawal and withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia in male mice.

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is implicated in many pathologies, including depression, anxiety, substance-use disorders, and pain. There is also evidence from brain imaging that the ACC is hyperactive during periods of opioid withdrawal. However, there are limited data contributing to our understanding of ACC function at the cellular level during opioid withdrawal. Here, we address this issue by performing ex vivo electrophysiological analysis of thick-tufted, putative dopamine D2 receptor expressing, layer V pyramidal neurons in the ACC (ACC L5 PyNs) in a mouse model of spontaneous opioid withdrawal. We found that escalating doses of morphine (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/kg, i.p. on days 1-5, respectively) injected twice daily into male C57BL/6 mice evoked withdrawal behaviors and an associated withdrawal-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Brain slices prepared 24 h following the last morphine injection showed increases in ACC L5 thick-tufted PyN-intrinsic membrane excitability, increases in membrane resistance, reductions in the rheobase, and reductions in HCN channel-mediated currents (IH). We did not observe changes in intrinsic or synaptic properties on thin-tufted, dopamine D1-receptor-expressing ACC L5 PyNs recorded from male Drd1a-tdTomato transgenic mice. In addition, we found that chemogenetic inhibition of the ACC blocked opioid-induced withdrawal and withdrawal-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. These results demonstrate that spontaneous opioid withdrawal alters neuronal properties within the ACC and that ACC activity is necessary to control behaviors associated with opioid withdrawal and withdrawal-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. The ability of the ACC to regulate both withdrawal behaviors and withdrawal-induced mechanical hypersensitivity suggests overlapping mechanisms between two seemingly distinguishable behaviors. This commonality potentially suggests that the ACC is a locus for multiple withdrawal symptoms.
Design, Modeling and Validation of a Flexible Strain Sensor Based on Moire Patterns and Image Processing

This paper reports a new flexible strain sensor using the moire pattern as the transducing signal, which can be used to map the strain/stress on a planar surface or a curved surface. Different from our previously reported flexible strain sensor based on the nanopore thin film, which uses the reflected optical signal as the transducing signal. This type of strain sensor has the following unique features: one grating (G1) is fabricated on a flexible substrate, the other grating (G2), which has a slightly different pitch, is simply stored in a computer. Images of G1 under different strains/stresses are taken using a smartphone camera. Then moire patterns are formed by superimposing the images of the two gratings (G1 and G2) in a computer. Finally, the strain/stress is determined by feature extraction of the moire patterns using image processing.
DIGISEW: Anisotropic Stitching for Variable Stretch in Textiles

The textile industry touches many aspects of our daily lives, with clothing, furniture, vehicle interiors and covers, as well as a plethora of medical, sports, and leisure-driven specialized products. This research aims to expand the types of fabric properties that are available for design and manufacturing by introducing methods for modifying material stiffness and tensile characteristics. Specifically, this paper introduces a technique to incorporate anisotropic stitching to control direction and strength of a fabric’s stretch through the use of an embroidery machine and computer-driven stitch design and planning. The contributions of this paper include: a method for specifying and controlling direction in stitch planning; a sequential stitch planner that incorporates both density and direction; and a showcase of results that support the value and uniqueness of this new process of manufacturing for textile artifacts.
The Emperor and the World: Exotic Elements and the Imaging of Middle Byzantine Imperial Power, Ninth to Thirteenth Centuries C.E.

Byzantine imperial imagery is commonly perceived as a static system. In contrast to this common portrayal, this book draws attention to its openness and responsiveness to other artistic traditions. Through a close examination of significant objects and monuments created over a 350-year period, from the ninth to the thirteenth century, Alicia Walker shows how the visual articulation of Byzantine imperial power not only maintained a visual vocabulary inherited from Greco-Roman antiquity and the Judeo-Christian tradition, but also innovated on these artistic precedents by incorporating styles and forms from contemporary foreign cultures, specifically the Sasanian, Chinese and Islamic worlds. In addition to art and architecture, this book explores historical accounts and literary works as well as records of ceremonial practices, thereby demonstrating how texts, ritual and images operated as integrated agents of imperial power. Walker offers new ways to think about cross-cultural interaction in the Middle Ages and explores the diverse ways in which imperial images employed foreign elements in order to express particularly Byzantine meanings.
When Should Asset Appreciation Be Taxed?: The Case for a Disposition Standard of Realization

The realization requirement is one of the most basic elements of the United States income tax. Due to this requirement, any increase in the value of a person’s property is not taxed when it occurs. Rather, the tax on asset appreciation is deferred until the occurrence of a realization event; i.e., the property is transferred in exchange for money or other consideration. By contrast, all other forms of income (e.g., salary, rents) are taxed immediately.The realization requirement is inequitable because it causes asset appreciation to be taxed more favorably than other forms of income, thereby violating the normative goal of taxing all forms of income alike. The realization requirement is also inefficient because it favors investments generating economic returns in the form of asset appreciation (as opposed to periodic returns), thereby violating the normative goal of imposing taxes that do not distort investment decisions. In addition, the realization requirement adds complexity to the tax system and sacrifices potential tax revenue due to the deferral it confers.In light of the inequity, inefficiency and complexity of the realization requirement, the requirement should be modified. Reformers have long argued that asset appreciation should be taxed as it occurs under a mark-to-market system. However, taxing asset appreciation as it occurs presents serious administrative problems because it requires an annual assessment of the value of every taxpayer’s assets. In addition, strong political resistance exists to taxing “paper gains.” For these reasons, it is unlikely that a comprehensive mark-to-market system will ever be adopted.Due to the dim prospect of a mark-to-market system, this Article proposes the adoption of a “disposition” standard of realization. That standard would treat every transfer of property as a realization event regardless of whether the transferor receives consideration for the transferred property. Unlike current law, the disposition standard would tax lifetime gifts, as well as testamentary transfers, of appreciated property.A disposition standard is a second-best alternative to a mark-to-market system. This new standard would curtail the inequity and inefficiency of the current realization requirement while posing less significant administrative and political problems than a mark-to-market system. In addition, the disposition standard would simplify existing law by substituting a clear and administrable set of rules for the current ambiguous and anachronistic system. Finally, a disposition standard should help to generate much needed tax revenue.
Oral Tradition and Civic Education in Africa

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that oral literature, which is an aspect of the oral tradition, has functioned historically as a vital medium of moral and civic education in non-literate societies the world over. Through the ages, oral literature has performed this function by presenting its various genres as forms of entertainment that are designed to inculcate in listeners the social mores and world view of their communities. It follows, therefore, that modern African nations can adapt their oral traditions to current realities and utilise them as effective instruments of civic education, especially these days when the entire world has been transformed into a global village. Oral tradition, civic education, Africa, literature
Risk sensitive stabilization policies in commodity markets: A simulation study

Abstract By assuming the agents to be risk averse in commodity markets, stabilization policies are analysed here in respect of risk sensitivity. The commodity model used allows supply uncertainty through random shocks and the policy maker's objective function incorporates asymmetry through non-linear specifications. An empirical model of world cocoa is econometrically estimated and then used for illustrative purposes to simulate the time profile of cocoa prices under various specifications of stabilization policy.
Novel DICER1 mutation as cause of multinodular goiter in children.

Background To present a rare case of an adolescent with multinodular goiter (MNG) found to have a DICER1 mutation.
Humor and Healing in College Counseling

Humor is an often neglected but potentially powerful tool in college counseling center interventions. In this article we review potential benefits and hazards of using humor in a college mental health setting along with perspectives on humor’s mechanism of action and distinctions between types of humor. Therapist and client-specific considerations, such as culture and identity, are discussed in relation to the judicious use of humor in individual therapy. Based on our experience employing these techniques at an urban, private university counseling center, we make specific recommendations for the application of humor in therapy, the counseling center environment, and outreach materials.
Making database optimizers more extensible

Query optimizers are fundamental components of databased management systems (DBMSs). An optimizer consists of three features: a search space, a cost model, and a search strategy. The experience of many researchers has shown that hard-wiring these features results in an optimizer that is very inflexible and difficult to modify. Rule-based optimizers have been developed to alleviate some of the problems of monolithic optimizers. Unfortunately, contemporary rule-based optimizers do not provide enough support to enable database implementors (DBI) to fully realize the potential of open systems. We have identified four requirements that a rule-based optimizer should satisfy to address these needs. First, rules should be specified using high-level abstractions, insulating the DBI from underlying implementation details. Second, rule sets should be easily extensible, with a minimum of reprogramming required. Third, rule sets should be easily reconfigurable, that is, changeable to meet a variety of user needs, interfaces, database schemas, etc. Fourth, rule-based optimizers should be fast, that is, performance should not be sacrificed for the sake of high-level specifications. In this dissertation, we describe Prairie, an environment for specifying rules for rule-based optimizers that satisfies all four of the above requirements. The Prairie specification language is presented and we show how it allows a DBI to design an easily extensible rule set for a rule-based optimizer. Experimental results are presented using the Texas Instruments Open OODB optimizer rule set to validate the claim of good performance using Prairie. Finally, a building blocks approach of constructing rule sets is presented; this results in easily reconfigurable rule sets whose features are changeable simply by assembling the blocks in various ways.
BBAT: bunch and bucket analysis tool

BBAT ['bat] is a graphical package, written in C, tcl/tk and BLT, to analyze bunch and bucket properties in the longitudinal phase space for a single and double RF system (Dr. BBAT) interactively. Its usage is detailed fully.
Regulation of skeletal muscle UCP-2 and UCP-3 gene expression by exercise and denervation

The factors that regulate gene expression of uncoupling proteins 2 and 3 (UCP-2 and UCP-3) in skeletal muscle are poorly understood, but both genes are clearly responsive to the metabolic state of the organism. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that denervation and acute and/or chronic exercise (factors that profoundly affect metabolism) would alter UCP-2 and UCP-3 gene expression. For the denervation studies, the sciatic nerve of rat and mouse hindlimb was sectioned in one leg while the contralateral limb served as control. Northern blot analysis revealed that denervation was associated with a 331% increase (P < 0.001) in UCP-3 mRNA and a 200% increase (P < 0. 01) in UCP-2 mRNA levels in rat mixed gastrocnemius (MG) muscle. In contrast, denervation caused a 53% decrease (P < 0.001) in UCP-3 and a 63% increase (P < 0.01) in UCP-2 mRNA levels in mouse MG. After acute exercise (2-h treadmill running), rat UCP-3 mRNA levels were elevated (vs. sedentary control) 252% (P < 0.0001) in white gastrocnemius and 63% (P < 0.05) in red gastrocnemius muscles, whereas UCP-2 levels were unaffected. To a lesser extent, elevations in UCP-3 mRNA (22%; P < 0.01) and UCP-2 mRNA (55%; P < 0.01) levels were observed after acute exercise in the mouse MG. There were no changes in either UCP-2 or UCP-3 mRNA levels after chronic exercise (9 wk of wheel running). These results indicate that acute exercise and denervation regulate gene expression of skeletal muscle UCPs.
Eine verbesserte Synthese des γ-Pyridylessigsäure- äthylesters sowie Herstellung einiger Derivate des γ-Pyridylessigsäure-hydrazids

Es wird uber eine verbesserte Synthese des γ-Pyridylessigsaure-athylesters berichtet. Von diesem ausgehend, werden verschiedene Derivate des γ-Pyridylessigsaure-hydrazids synthetisiert. Diese Verbindungen zeigen keine tuberkulostatische Wirkung.
Symmetry-Preserving Lattice Vector Quantization for Reversible Half-Sample Symmetric FIR Filter Banks

Linear phase FIR filter banks form an integral part of the ISO/IEC JPEG 2000 image coding standard. One feature they enable is lossless subband coding based on reversible filter bank implementations. While this meshes well with symmetric boundary-handling techniques for whole-sample symmetric (odd- length) linear phase filters, there are obstructions with half- sample symmetric (even-length) filters, a fact that influenced the JPEG 2000 standard. We show how these obstructions can be overcome for a class of half-sample symmetric filter banks by employing lattice vector quantization to ensure symmetry- preserving rounding in reversible implementations.
On the Identit(ies) of Mathematics Education

This critical notice reviews sections of three recently published Handbooks of relevance to the community of educational psychology, cognitive science, and mathematics education researchers. In particular it examines (a) the overlap between the historic foundations of cognition, mathematics education, and educational psychology; (b) the shared problem of identity; (c) areas of consonance and dissonance, particularly the need to bring in socio-political issues; and (d) the complexity of understanding and modeling human cognition.
The impact of surgical adjuvant thoracic radiation therapy for patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma with ipsilateral mediastinal lymph node involvement

BACKGROUND Previous nonsmall cell lung carcinoma studies have shown that patients with ipsilateral mediastinal (N2) lymph node involvement who underwent surgical resection have a greater local recurrence rate than those with less lymph node involvement (N0, N1). Therefore, it was hypothesized that complete surgical clearance of subclinical lymph node disease is difficult in N2 patients and that adjuvant postoperative thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) may be beneficial. METHODS A retrospective review was performed to determine the local recurrence and survival rates for patients with N2 disease undergoing complete surgical resection with or without adjuvant TRT. Between 1987 and 1993 at the Mayo Clinic, 224 patients underwent complete resection of N2 nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. More than one mediastinal lymph node station was sampled in 98% of patients; 39% then received adjuvant TRT (median dose, 50.4 grays). RESULTS The median follow-up time was 3.5 years for the patients who were alive at the time of the analysis. The surgery alone versus surgery plus TRT groups were well balanced with respect to gender, age, histology, tumor grade, number of mediastinal lymph node stations dissected or involved, and involved N1 lymph node number. There were slightly more patients with right lower lobe lesions (compared with other lobes), patients with multiple lobe involvement, and patients with only one N2 lymph node involved in the surgery alone group. After treatment with surgery alone, the actuarial 4-year local recurrence rate was 60%, compared with 17% for treatment with adjuvant TRT (P < 0.0001). The actuarial 4-year survival rate was 22% for treatment with surgery alone, compared with 43% for treatment with adjuvant TRT (P = 0.005). On multivariate analysis, the addition of TRT (P = 0.0001), absence of superior mediastinal lymph node involvement (P = 0.005), and fewer N1 lymph nodes involved (P = 0.02) were independently associated with improved survival rate. CONCLUSIONS This study, which to the authors' knowledge is the largest evaluating adjuvant TRT in N2 nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, suggests that adjuvant TRT may improve local control and survival. Cancer 1997; 80:1399-408. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Rock mass strength and slope stability of the Hilina slump, Kīlauea volcano, Hawai'i

Abstract Stability of the Hilina slump, on the south flank of Kīlauea volcano, Hawai'i, is investigated using slope stability analyses based on rock mass mechanics. The Hilina slump is an active example of the giant landslides that are observed around submarine flanks of ocean island volcanoes. Based on edifice topology, along with derived rock mass strength and deformability parameters, slope stability analyses predict that the geometries of present-day failure surfaces of the Hilina slump are shallow, located at less than ∼3.5 km depth below the upper surface of the edifice. The failure surfaces at the base of the Hilina slump are predicted to be structurally independent from a previously interpreted subjacent detachment at the contact between the Kīlauea edifice and the oceanic crust. Based on these model results, the Hilina slump is envisioned to ride atop the south flank of Kīlauea as it spreads seaward along this slipping basal detachment. Under present-day slope and sea-level configurations, local horizontal ground accelerations greater than ∼0.4–0.6 g are predicted to cause slip along failure surfaces within Hilina slump. Therefore, dynamic stress changes due to slip along the subjacent detachment may potentially trigger slip along failure surfaces of the Hilina slump. Model-derived stability and failure surface geometries can account for the distinct observed distribution of slip along specific Hilina faults following the M fa 7.9 1868 Ka'u and M s 7.2 1974 Kalapana earthquakes. Further, the spatial distribution of south flank aftershocks > M 1.5 recorded between 1950 and 1976 are consistent with the predicted distribution of potential earthquake-induced slip of the Hilina faults.
Generating complex waveforms

A wide variety of complex waveforms can be generated by approximating the desired analog waveform from an array of digital values. Some basic properties of these digital approximations are discussed in terms of pulse amplitude modulation and sampling theory. The waveforms are generated by transferring the digital values to a digital-to-analog converter followed by a low-pass filter. This usually requires the dedicated use of a computer. We have built a device, incorporating solid state memory, that can store, time, and transfer previously computed digital values, so that a computer is no longer necessary to generate the waveforms. Specifications of the digital-to-analog converter and appropriate settings of the filter are discussed, along with a simplified procedure for calculating waveforms that have line spectra. An adaptation of this procedure enables the device to be used as a high-speed programmable pure-tone source.
Observations on the Chromosomes of One Chicken (Gallus Domesticus)

Abstract The karyotype of chicken, Gallus domesticus consists of 2n=78 chromosomes. However, 12 chromosomes or 6 pairs are called microchromosomes and the remaining 66, or 33 pairs of chromosomes are called microchromosomes. Ohno (1961) has discussed extensively the problems connected with determining the exact diploid chromosome number of this species and concluded from his own observations on three hens and two roosters that it has a fixed chromosome number somewhere in the upper 70’s. Owen (1965) later concluded from observing cells from spleen, thymus and bone marrow cultures that there are 78 chromosomes, thus agreeing with the early observations of Oguma (1938). In the summer of 1965 one bird of White Leghorn breed, who reportedly was undergoing sex reversal, was referred to us for evaluation. This bird was reared as a hen but was developing plumage of a rooster. Repeated attempts to culture leukocytes by whole blood culture technique failed in…
Timed Daily Administrations of Hormones and Antagonists of Neuroendocrine Receptors Alter Day-Night Rhythms of Allograft Rejection in the Gulf Killifish, Fundulus Grandis1

Immune activity during scale allograft rejection, measured by melanophore destruction, is two to three times greater at night (12-hr scotophases) than during the day (12-hr photophases) in gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis). In the present study of killifish, hormones and antagonists of neuroendocrine receptors were administered daily at 0800 or 2000 hr during either 12-hr photoperiods (light onset: 0800 hr) or continuous light to examine possible neuroendocrine regulation of the allograft rejection rhythm. Immune activity peaked 0-12 hr after the time of daily growth hormone injections (0800 or 2000 hr) in fish held under continuous light and examined twice daily (0800 and 2000 hr) for melanophore breakdown. Immune activity peaked 12-24 hr after the time of day when cortisol-supplemented meals were provided (light onset or light offset) whether fish were treated throughout the days of melanophore examinations or pretreated for 3 days only prior to melanophore examinations. Daily rhythms of immune activity were not observed in fish treated with propranolol or naloxone at light offset only, growth hormone or atropine at light onset only, or prolactin at either light onset or light offset; these timed-treatments also reduced (prolactin or growth hormone) or prolonged (propranolol or naloxone) the length of time needed to destroy all melanophores within an allograft compared with controls. These results demonstrate that neuroendocrine factors can modulate a daily rhythm of immune function in fish.
An improved method to increase the predictive accuracy of the ECR technique

The technique of electrical conductivity relaxation (ECR) is a widely utilized method for obtaining oxygen chemical surface exchange (k) and bulk diffusion (D) coefficients for mixed ionic electronic conductors. Although the technique is conceptually simple, its practical application does not frequently produce reliably accurate values of k and D, and many examples of poor agreement can be found in the published literature. In this present paper, methods for enhancing the accuracy of the ECR technique relative to data processing are described in detail. Physically accurate determination of the actual starting time (t{sub 0}) and improved methods for data fitting of ECR measurements are discussed. To test the methods described, generated relaxation data sets are analyzed by using non-linear-least-square (NLLS) methods. The results showed that fixing t{sub 0} based on an ideally stirred reactor model improves the fitted results compared to treating t{sub 0} as a fitted parameter. Additionally, evaluation of the global minimum in the fitted error is made by analyzing multiple samples of varying thickness, which improves parameter evaluation compared to analysis of a single relaxation data set. The improved accuracy of the computed values of k and D is described in comparison to conventional methods.
The relationship between returns and unexpected earnings: A global analysis by accounting regimes

Abstract Numerous studies have documented a long-term association between earnings and returns. Surprisingly, few attempts have been made to internationally examine market reactions to earnings releases over return windows less than 12 months. This paper globally explores the market reaction to unexpected earnings defined by both the change in earnings per share (EPS) and analyst forecast errors (AFE) using a 1-month return window. First, the existence of the earnings–returns relationship is examined using a sample of firms from 32 countries grouped into accounting regimes. Accounting regimes represent groups of countries that exhibit similarities in accounting standards, stock market characteristics, corporate governance mechanisms, and economic conditions. Thus, similar reactions to earnings are expected within regimes. Next, the incremental information content of analyst forecasts, a proxy for investors’ earnings expectations, is examined. Finally, changes in the structure of the earnings–returns relationship over time are investigated. Results support the existence of a relationship between earnings and returns in all accounting regimes. In addition, analyst forecast errors appear to be incorporated into earnings expectations in most developed countries. Finally, evidence suggests that the significance and explanatory power in the earnings–returns relationship has increased in recent years.
Soviet State and Society between Revolutions, 1918-1929

Preface and acknowledgements Russian terms and abbreviations Introduction 1. Bequeathals of the Revolution, 1918-20 2. The crisis of 1920-21 3. The perils of retreat and recovery 4. Living with NEP 5. Dangers and opportunities Epilogue and conclusions Bibliography.
DNA synthesis in Rana catesbeiana tadpole liver during spontaneous and triiodothyronine-induced metamorphosis.

Abstract The incorporation of 3H-thymidine into the DNA of Rana catesbeiana tadpole liver was studied in vivo during spontaneous and 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3)-induced metamorphosis. Some early macromolecular responses occurring in the liver of T3-treated tadpoles were elucidated by an improved technique for the fractionation of tadpole liver organelles. There is a transitory stimulation in the rate of 3H-thymidine and 14C-lysine incorporation into nuclear DNA and protein occurring 2–4 hours after T3 administration. An enhanced rate of 3H-thymidine incorporation into liver mitochondrial DNA began 1 hr after hormone treatment of the tadpole and persisted for 3 days; thereafter the rate of incorporation declined to the control level. An increased rate of 3H-thymidine incorporation into tadpole liver nuclear DNA occurs 4 days after T3 treatment and between stages XVII and XX in spontaneous metamorphosis. An increase of the thymine components in the acid-soluble pool of the liver coincides with the increased rate of 3H-thymidine incorporation. In both spontaneous and T3-induced metamorphosis, the synthesis of tissue-specific proteins is preceded by, or coincides with, the enhanced nuclear DNA biosynthesis.
Near-limit downward propagation of hydrogen and methane flames in oxygennitrogen mixtures

Abstract Measurements are reported on nitrogen concentrations required to prevent downward propagation of hydrogen oxygen and methane oxygen flames in open tubes of 2.5 and 5.1 cm diameter. Limits plotted as functions of the fuel oxygen ratio show that quenching is most difficult the fuel-lean side for hydrogen flames and near stoichiometric for methane flames. Cellular patterns were observed near flammability limits, and near-limit flame speeds were measured. Results are interpreted mainly in terms of conductive losses from cellular flames since alternative mechanisms appear to produce qualitatively inconsistent predictions.
Reconfigurable solar photovoltaic battery charger using a switch matrix

This paper presents a reconfigurable solar photovoltaic (PV) battery charger. A traditional PV charger either utilizes a DC/DC converter between the PV array and load, or it connects the battery directly to the PV array without any power conversion. Different from these approaches, our proposed PV charger avoids conventional DC/DC converters by using a reconfigurable switch matrix. This switch matrix can configure the PV array automatically into optimal series-parallel configuration to charge batteries with different voltage ratings.
Antibiotic susceptibility profile of group B streptococcus acquired vertically

Abstract Objective: To determine the contemporary antibiotic susceptibility profile of vertically acquired group B streptococcal isolates. Methods: Susceptibility to ampicillin, penicillin G, erythromycin, clindamycin, cefazolin, and gentamicin was assessed by two methods, minimal inhibitory concentration and disc diffusion. Results: The susceptibility profiles of 119 colonizing and eight invasive strains of group B streptococcus isolated from January 1996 to September 1997 at two hospitals in Birmingham, Alabama–-University of Alabama at Birmingham and Cooper Green–-were studied. Minimal inhibitory concentration determinations indicated that all colonizing strains were susceptible or moderately susceptible to ampicillin and penicillin G. Resistance was noted by at least one strain to each of the other antibiotics; all were resistant to gentamicin, whereas 27 (21%) were resistant to erythromycin, five (4%) to clindamycin, and one (1%) to cefazolin. All of the eight invasive strains were susceptible or moderately susceptible to ampicillin, penicillin G, clindamycin, and cefazolin; one (13%) was resistant to erythromycin, and all were resistant to gentamicin. Disc diffusion results generally were concordant with minimal inhibitory concentration results, although by disc diffusion fewer isolates were classified as susceptible, and more as moderately susceptible, to ampicillin and penicillin G than by minimal inhibitory concentration. Conclusion: Universal susceptibility of group B streptococcus to members of the penicillin family supports the continued use of penicillin G or ampicillin for early onset neonatal group B streptococcal disease prevention. For patients allergic to β-lactam agents, clindamycin (4% resistance) may be a better alternative than erythromycin (21% resistance).
28th International Review of Progress in Applied Computational Electromagnetics (ACES) Conference, April 10–14, 2012 Columbus, Ohio [ACES Corner]

The 28th International ACES conference was held during April 10—14, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus, Ohio. It was co-chaired by Profs. Jin-Fa Lee and Kubilay Sertel from The Ohio State University. This yearly conference, organized by the Applied Computational Electromagnetics Society, brings together hundreds of researchers, academics, practitioners, and exhibitors to discuss new trends and techniques for solving real-life problems, encompassing all aspects of electromagnetic waves. It also showcases the latest applications of established techniques and commercially available software packages. This year's meeting was a great success, with over 260 attendees from all around the world. The program included four plenary sessions and 28 parallel technical sessions. A summary of the contributions from the 24 participating countries in the 28th International ACES Conference activities is given below.
Rectal epithelial cell proliferation in a group of young adults. Influence of age and genetic risk for colon cancer.

Twenty-one medical students with an average age of 23.3 +/- 1.5 years and no family history of large bowel cancer had a rectal biopsy taken for in vitro incorporation of tritiated thymidine (3HTdR). The number and position of labeled epithelial cells in this group was compared with an older control group of 12 and two groups of individuals at high risk for colon cancer. The latter were (1) 18 young asymptomatic individuals from familial colon cancer families without polyposis with a 50% risk for colon cancer, average age 24.1 +/- 3.7; and (2) 17 older individuals with the same genetic background and risk factor, average age 53.8 +/- 10.2 years. A group of 20 young individuals from cancer-free branches of familial colon cancer kindreds with a 25% risk for colon cancer, average age 23.1 +/- 3.6, also was studied. No overall differences in labeling index (LI) were found among the young groups, i.e., the control versus the low risk or high risk. The range of LI values was narrow regardless of risk. However age was associated with a significant increase in LI as observed among older controls and the 50% risk group as compared to younger persons; the range of LI values was wider among the older groups regardless of risk. Concerning the distribution of DNA-synthesizing cells, young controls had significantly more S-phase cells in the lower third of the crypts than either young high-risk or low-risk groups (P less than 0.05). Similarly, young controls had significantly fewer labeled cells in the middle third than the young high-risk group and young controls had significantly fewer S-phase cells in the upper third than did young low-risk or high-risk groups. When young and old members of the same group were pooled, the control group had the highest percentage of labeled cells in the lower third of the crypt (62.5%) which was significantly higher than both the low-risk (53.7%) and the pooled high-risk groups (51.6%). For the upper third of the glands, the low-risk (7.6%) and the pooled high-risk groups (6.8%) were significantly different from the controls (3.3%). Thus initial risk for colon cancer is more related to the distribution of S-phase cells than to their number, i.e., LI. Risk appears to be related to more DNA-synthesizing cells in the upper crypt, an indication that relatively early on in life the DNA switch-off mechanism shows signs of being defective.
Linked-cluster expansion for the Green's function of the infinite-U Hubbard model

We implement a highly efficient strong-coupling expansion for the Green's function of the Hubbard model. In the limit of extreme correlations, where the onsite interaction is infinite, the evaluation of diagrams simplifies dramatically enabling us to carry out the expansion to the eighth order in powers of the hopping amplitude. We compute the finite-temperature Green's function analytically in the momentum and Matsubara frequency space as a function of the electron density. Employing Pade approximations, we study the equation of state, Kelvin thermopower, momentum distribution function, quasiparticle fraction, and quasiparticle lifetime of the system at temperatures lower than, or of the order of, the hopping amplitude. We also discuss several different approaches for obtaining the spectral functions through analytic continuation of the imaginary frequency Green's function, and show results for the system near half filling. We benchmark our results for the equation of state against those obtained from a numerical linked-cluster expansion carried out to the eleventh order.
Department of Defense, Inc.: The DoD's Use of Corporate Strategies to Manage U. S. Overseas Military Bases

This paper examines the Department of Defense’s use of corporate strategies to manage U.S. overseas military bases and concludes that the Department of Defense’s continued use of these corporate strategies— which have negatively impacted the United States’ relationship with host nations—depends on the Department of Defense’s ability to successfully strike a balance between efficiency and diplomacy.
Teeth grinding: Is Emotional Stability related to bruxism?

This study examines the association between personality traits and bruxism, the repetitive grinding or clenching of teeth. Community-dwelling participants (N = 470) had a comprehensive oral examination by a dentist and completed a dental history and personality questionnaires. Consistent with the literature on state anxiety and depression as antecedents of bruxism, Neuroticism-related traits were associated with self-reported teeth grinding. These traits were also associated with other oral complaints often associated with anxiety (jaw clicks, difficulty chewing food, and dry mouth), but not with more general oral health complaints (unhealthy gums, bleeding gums, and canker sores) or with dentist-assessed occlusal wear or tongue indentations. This study provides evidence for the association between Neuroticism and bruxism and other stress-related oral health symptoms.
Use of microcatheter for intraabdominal survey

Abstract Background Laparoscopy is the most common procedure for minimally invasive intraabdominal surveys. Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) may need an alternate approach because the systemic absorption of carbon dioxide may lead to hypercapnia, acidemia, and increases in systemic and pulmonary pressures. We report a case of intraabdominal survey using a microcatheter trocar (Check-Flo Introducer) in a patient with a large adnexal mass and PHTN. Case An adolescent girl with severe PHTN and multiple cardiac anomalies presented with oligomenorrhea. During the course of workup, an ultrasound revealed an 8-cm simple cyst in the right adnexa, which required removal. The decision was made to proceed with cystectomy. The patient was not a candidate for laparoscopy, and an alternative method was used. The Check-Flo Introducer, a microcatheter trocar; crystalloid fluid infusion; and a 3-mm laparoscopic camera were used to survey the abdominal cavity, revealing a 10-cm simple paratubal cyst that could be safely drained and removed via a minilaparotomy incision. Conclusion The microcatheter trocar is a useful and novel alternative in patients who cannot tolerate increases in intraabdominal pressure.
Sub-Doppler laser absorption spectroscopy of the A2Πi − X2Σ+ (1, 0) band of CN: Measurement of the 14N hyperfine parameters in A2Π CN

Abstract Measurements of multiple rotational lines in the (1, 0) band of the A2Πi − X2Σ+ “red” system of the cyanogen radical (CN) at sub-Doppler resolution are reported. The CN radical was produced by 193 nm photodissociation of NCCN (ethane dinitrile) and detected with a Ti:sapphire ring laser operating near 10 900 cm−1. The sample was exposed to a weak, frequency-modulated probe beam and a strong, counterpropagating bleach laser beam. Demodulated probe laser signals display absorption and dispersion features derived from Doppler-free saturation of the hyperfine components as the laser scans across the central region of a Doppler-broadened rotational line spectrum. Hyperfine-resolved transition frequencies were combined with known ground-state X2Σ hyperfine term values to determine A2Π state hyperfine term values, which were analyzed in terms of an effective Hamiltonian for the A2Π state. All the expected hyperfine and 14N quadrupolar parameters were determined and their values analyzed in terms of a simple molecular orbital picture of the bonding in the radical. Higher sensitivity obtained with 400 kHz amplitude modulation of the bleach laser and additional phase-sensitive detection allowed hyperfine splittings in some rotational lines of 13C14N to be observed in natural abundance. Excited state hyperfine splittings were determined for a selection of rotational states, but not enough to determine the 13C hyperfine parameters.
Serendipitous discovery of a novel protein signaling mechanism in heart failure

A number of protein signaling mechanisms are known to be involved in the progression of heart failure, yet the mechanism(s) by which the heart fails remains poorly understood. Therefore, we undertook a global approach to this question and used an antibody microarray to identify proteins differentially expressed in dysfunctional right ventricles in a bovine model of heart failure and the results were validated using cardiac tissue from both bovine and human heart failure. We found that protein disulfide isomerase 3, PDIA3, a protein that resides in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, is significantly upregulated in both animal and human models of right and left heart failure. Altered expression of this protein has not previously been described in models of heart failure. In our initial microarray analysis, we found that CSK (c-Src kinase) was among the proteins upregulated in failing bovine ventricle. To further elucidate the role of CSK in heart failure, we studied the expression of its downstream target, Src, and found that Src expression and phosphorylation were markedly upregulated in failing ventricles. However, we also noted a smaller immunologically reactive protein that was only seen in experimental animals. In order to positively identify the smaller, Src-reactive protein, we used 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrophotometry. Surprisingly, we identified this protein as PDIA3, a protein that did not belong to the Src family of proteins. Upon sequence examination we found that PDIA3 contains a short C-terminal sequence with strong homology to Src and that it was this short sequence to which the antibody was generated. PDIA3 participates in MHC class I presentation and is implicated in the progression of valvular dysfunction in rheumatic heart disease, as well as calcium modulation in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The molecule resides in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and participates in disulfide bond formation during protein folding by interacting with calnexin and calreticulin. This interaction may indirectly effect SERCA (sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-transport ATPase) activity and by extension contribute to the calcium dysregulation that characterizes progressive heart failure. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role that PDIA3 may play in the progression of heart failure.