cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Noninferiority (and Equivalence) for Simple Crossover Trials Using Bayesian Approach

To assess the noninferiority or equivalence of a general drug to a standard one, researchers generally use the odds ratio of patient response rates to evaluate the relative treatment efficacy. In this paper, we use a logistic random effects model to test noninferiority and equivalence based on the odds ratio of patient response rates for crossover trials with binary data. We use Bayesian sampling algorithm, data augmentation, and scaled mixture of normal representation to implement the approach and improve efficiency. The performance of the proposed approach is assessed via simulation and real data examples.
Proliferation resistant plutonium: An updated analysis

Abstract Achieving a proliferation resistant, or possibly even proliferation proof, plutonium is a goal of the nuclear security and safeguards community. Considering that nearly all plutonium is under international safeguards, with the exception of plutonium with greater than 80 at.% 238Pu, reducing the necessity of these safeguards would be beneficial to both those in industry and in national and international security. Due to the 238Pu high decay heat, establishing a technical limit for 238Pu content in which rendering the plutonium useless for weapons purposes may be possible. Following the analysis done by Kessler, the authors analyzed two realistic models for hypothetical nuclear explosive devices seeking to establish this technical limit for 238Pu content. The given plutonium vector used for this analysis was obtained through simulations of the Lightbridge fuel design in a pressurized water reactor. Calculating the temperature profile within the two hypothetical nuclear explosive device models showed that this plutonium vector would render the two models useless by causing the high explosives to undergo self-explosion.
Abstract 1377: PHLPP, a Novel Akt Phosphatase, Expressed and is Regulated in Cardiomyocytes

Akt is known to be a strong survival signaling in various cell types including the heart. Although activation of Akt by PI3K, PDK-1 and a putative PDK-2 has been extensively studied, signals terminating Akt activation have only recently been discovered. Studies by the Newton laboratory identified a novel protein phosphatase, PH domain Leucine-rich repeat Protein Phosphatase, PHLPP, that specifically dephosphorylates the ser-473 site, but not the thr-308 site on Akt. PHLPP expression markedly diminished Akt kinase activity and triggered apoptosis, while PHLPP downregulation selectively increased Akt phoshorylation at ser-473 and prevented apoptosis. The possibility that PHLPP is regulated and contributes to the activation of Akt in cardiomyocytes has not yet been explored. Two isoforms of PHLPP, PHLPP-1 and -2 have been identified and PHLPP-1 mRNA is strongly expressed, while PHLPP-2 shows lower expression in adult mouse ventricular myocytes (AMVMs). Western blotting revealed PHLPP-1 expression in both AMVMs and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs). Immunostaining demonstrated that PHLPP-1 was located not only in the cytosol but also in the nucleus implying that PHLPP-1 can regulate Akt signaling in multiple cellular components. Studies were then carried out to determine whether PHLPP expression was regulated when Akt activity was chronically altered. We found that PHLPP-1 protein was upregulated 2–3 fold in NRVMs treated for 48 hrs with leukemia inhibitory factor an efficacious activator of Akt. Conversely treatment with rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor for 48 hrs, significantly decreased PHLPP expression, consistent with a postulated role of mTOR in regulating Akt activation state. PHLPP was also downregulated in both ES cells and cardiomyocytes from PDK-1 knock out (KO) mice in which Akt activation was severely limited. These data demonstrate that PHLPP expression is regulated to compensate for chronic changes in Akt activity and suggest a potential role for PHLPP in regulating cardiomyocyte survival. Studies are currently in progress using PHLPP-1 adenovirus and PHLPP-1 KO mice to examine the functional importance of PHLPP in regulation of Akt and cardiomyocyte survival in vitro and in response to pathophysiological interventions in vivo.
Transport Properties of a YBa2Cu4O8 Crystal under High Pressure.

Measurements of the temperature dependence of the resistivity ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{a},{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{b}$, resistance ${R}_{c}$, and thermoelectric power ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{a},{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{b},{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{c}$ for a YB${\mathrm{a}}_{2}$C${\mathrm{u}}_{4}$${\mathrm{O}}_{8}$ crystal under high pressure verify that the Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ sheets are oxidized by pressure-induced electron transfer from the Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ sheets to the Cu(1)-O double chains. The anomaly in the Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$-sheet resistivity ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{a}$ at $T\ensuremath{\approx}170\mathrm{K}$, which moves to a higher temperature on oxidation of the Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ sheets, is correlated to a change in the character of ${R}_{c}$. Our data also demonstrate unambiguously the contribution to the transport properties from Cu-O chains.
Definitions in Answer Set Programming

The work described here is motivated by our interest in the methodology of answer set programming (ASP). The idea of ASP is to solve a problem by writing a logic program the answer sets of which correspond to solutions.
Deconstructing the Rules of Corporate Tax

The U.S. corporate tax system is failing to keep pace with the evolving global economic landscape. The overwhelmingly complex regime rewards aggressive tax planning and creates incentives for corporations to move their capital and tax homes offshore. Calls for fundamental reform are escalating as the current system succumbs to the pressures of declining revenues, ever-emerging loopholes, and the perpetuation of one of the highest national statutory rates in the world. Indeed, President Obama and members Congress have acknowledged these shortcomings and affirmed their commitment to significantly overhaul the corporate tax system. Academics, practitioners, and the White House have proposed any number of reform measures to deal with the problems plaguing the U.S. corporate tax regime, including moving from a worldwide to a territorial-based regime, eliminating deferral, and lowering the statutory rate. However, these solutions involve varying structural and statutory changes, which are in fact extrinsic to the form of the underlying rules themselves. In contrast, this Article argues for an innate form of change to the U.S. corporate tax rules, which would fundamentally affect the way in which tax lawmakers actually draft tax rules and regulations. In particular, it argues that a systemic focus and commitment by lawmakers to a more principles-based approach to regulation would significantly mitigate many of the challenges currently encumbering the U.S. tax regime. Generally speaking, as used herein, principles-based rules are rules in which the principle underlying the rule is actually stated on the face of the rule. In contrast, prescriptive rules are rules for which the lawmaker ex ante prescribes an outcome for a set of anticipated factual situations by applying, but not stating directly, the underlying principle. Unlike the present system, which relies almost exclusively on a complex entanglement of bright-line prescriptive rules, a principles-focused corporate tax regime would help significantly simplify tax provisions, close loopholes, make the system more responsive to a dynamic marketplace, and serve as a gateway to lowering the U.S. corporate tax rate. Thus, the implementation of more principles-based rules should be given consideration in any contemplated tax reform proposals.
Miniature Swine as an Animal Model for Alcohol Research

Because alcoholism is a complex phenomenon, suitable animal models are required for elucidation of the biochemical and physiological consequences of alcoholism. As Cicero (5) pointed out, there is really no complete animal model for alcoholism, but animal models may be established to satisfy certain aspects of alcoholism (14, 20, 33, 36). Some of the criteria for animal model of alcoholism as described by Lester and Freed (28) are: 1. Ethanol should be self-administered or consumed voluntarily by mouth. 2. Oral consumption should produce pharmacologically significant blood alcohol levels. 3. Consumption should be related to the pharmacological effects of ethanol. 4. Ethanol should be positively reinforcing. 5. Consumption should lead to intoxication, tolerance and physical dependence.
Hydrogen Storage Processes and Technologies

Hydrogen storage is a significant challenge for the development and viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Onboard hydrogen storage in the range of approximately 5–13 kg is required to enable a driving range of greater than 300 miles for the full platform of light-duty automotive vehicles using fuel cell power plants. In addition to production and distribution, costs are associated with hydrogen storage. Little public information is available on the cost of bulk gas storage, meaning a significant error margin exists for the assumptions on storage costs given in this chapter. Hydrogen storage is a key enabling technology for the advancement of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in applications such as stationary power, portable power, and transportation. Hydrogen has the highest energy per mass of any fuel; however, its low ambient temperature density results in a low energy per unit volume, requiring the development of advanced storage methods that have the potential for higher energy density.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare disorder that is characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance. This familial disorder has characteristic telangiectasia and other vascular malformations such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) scattered throughout the body that increase with age. Women of childbearing age are usually totally asymptomatic but may have mucocutaneous telangiectasia of the airway and anemia. Pregnancies in mothers that have HHT are labeled high risk, and there exist screening recommendations for pulmonary AVMs, as well as cerebral AVMs in some cases. The incidence of spinal AVMs in women of childbearing age with HHT is 1% or less, but unscreened individuals may be denied neuraxial anesthesia for labor and delivery.
G-protein coupled receptors and ligands that organize humoral immune responses

B-cell responses are dynamic processes that depend on multiple types of interactions. Rare antigen-specific B cells must encounter antigen and specialized systems are needed-unique to each lymphoid tissue type-to ensure this happens efficiently. Lymphoid tissue barrier cells act to ensure that pathogens, while being permitted entry for B-cell recognition, are blocked from replication or dissemination. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells often need to be primed by dendritic cells before supporting B-cell responses. For most responses, antigen-specific helper T cells and B cells need to interact, first to initiate clonal expansion and the plasmablast response, and later to support the germinal center (GC) response. Newly formed plasma cells need to travel to supportive niches. GC B cells must become confined to the follicle center, organize into dark and light zones, and interact with Tfh cells. Memory B cells need to be positioned for rapid responses following reinfection. Each of these events requires the actions of multiple G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their ligands, including chemokines and lipid mediators. This review will focus on the guidance cue code underlying B-cell immunity, with an emphasis on findings from our laboratory and on newer advances in related areas. We will discuss our recent identification of geranylgeranyl-glutathione as a ligand for P2RY8. Our goal is to provide the reader with a focused knowledge about the GPCRs guiding B-cell responses and how they might be therapeutic targets, while also providing examples of how multiple types of GPCRs can cooperate or act iteratively to control cell behavior.
Deception, Materiality, and the Economics of Consumer Protection Comment of the Global Antitrust Institute, Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University

This comment is submitted in response to the United States Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) hearing on Consumer Privacy as part of the Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century. We submit this Comment based upon our extensive experience and expertise in consumer protection, antitrust law, and economics.
Generation of broadband correlated photon-pairs in short thin-film lithium-niobate waveguides

An efficient source of quantum-correlated photon-pairs that is integrable with existing silicon-electronics fabrication techniques is desirable for use in quantum photonic integrated circuits. Here we demonstrate signal-idler photon pairs with high coincidence-to-accidental count ratios of over 103 on a coarse wavelength-division-multiplexing grid that spans 140 nm by using a 300-μm-long poled region in a thin-film periodically-poled lithium-niobate ridge waveguide bonded to silicon. The pairs are generated via spontaneous parametric downconversion pumped by a continuous-wave tunable laser source. The small mode area of the waveguide allows for efficient interaction in a short length of the waveguide and, as a result, permits photon-pair generation over a broad range of signal-idler wavelengths.
Beef and Pork Marketing Margins and Price Spreads during COVID-19.

COVID-19-related disruptions led to a historic rise in the spread between livestock and wholesale meat prices. Concerns about concentration and allegations of anticompetitive behavior have led to several inquiries and civil suits by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Justice, with increases in price differentials serving as a focal point. This article notes the difference between price spreads and marketing margins, outlines corresponding economic theory, and describes the empirical evidence on wholesale meat and livestock price dynamics in the wake of COVID-19 disruptions. At one point during the pandemic, beef and pork packers were both operating at about 60% of the previous year's processing volume. We explore how such a massive supply shock would be expected to affect marketing margins even in the absence of anti-competitive behavior. Moreover, we document how margin measurements are critically sensitive to the selection of data and information utilized. Finally, we conclude with some discussion around policy proposals that would pit industry concentration against industry coordination and economies of scale.
Sleep apnea 20/20: a 20-year cohort that continues to inform the next 20 years.

Citation:Patel SI, Combs D, Parthasarathy S. Sleep apnea 20/20: a 20-year cohort that continues to inform the next 20 years. J Clin Sleep Med. 2020;16(suppl_1):27S–28S.
Bodies, Authenticity, and Marcelian Problematicity

Gabriel Marcel, the first French existentialist, was influenced by the idealism of Hegel, Fichte, and Schopenhauer. Though Marcel ultimately rejected idealism because he believed it deconstructed unified systems only to replace them with others, he admitted throughout his career that his own views were often a response to idealism or his early commitment to it. Especially important was the idealist relationship between existence and the self’s knowledge of the self as an object in the world. That epistemic moment grounded Marcel’s “ethical self,” the self that can break free of the limits of facticity and primary reflection to create and sustain existential meaning. This essay explores Marcel’s philosophical evolution, the “ethical self,” and strengthens its ideological debt to German Idealism.
Solutions of Problems: Trigonometric and Inverse Trigonometric Functions

In this chapter, the problems of the 11th chapter are fully solved, in detail, step-by-step, and with different methods.
Urgent Inpatient Colectomy Carries a Higher Morbidity and Mortality than Elective Surgery.

ABSTRACT Background Emergency colorectal surgery confers a higher risk of adverse outcomes compared to elective surgery. Few studies have examined the outcomes after urgent colectomies, typically defined as those performed at the index admission, but not performed at admission in an emergency fashion. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of adverse outcomes following urgent inpatient colorectal surgery. Materials and Methods All adult patients undergoing colectomy between 2013 and 2017 in the ACS NSQIP were included in the analysis. Patients were grouped into Elective, Urgent and Emergency groups. The Urgent group was further stratified by time from admission to surgery. Baseline characteristics and 30 day outcomes were compared between the Elective, Urgent and Emergency groups using univariable and multivariable analyses. Results 104,486 patients underwent elective colorectal resection. 23,179 underwent urgent while 22,241 had emergency resections. Patients undergoing urgent colectomy presented with increased comorbidities, and experienced higher mortality (2.5-4.1%, AOR 2.3 (1.9 – 2.8)) compared to elective surgery (0.4%). Urgent colectomy was an independent risk factor for the majority of short term complications documented in NSQIP. Moreover, patients undergoing urgent colectomy more than a week following admission had an increased risk of bleeding, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, and prolonged hospitalization. Conclusion Urgent colectomies are associated with a greater risk of adverse outcomes compared to elective surgery. Urgent status is an independent risk factor for post operative mortality and morbidity. Further characterization of this patient population and their specific challenges may help ameliorate these adverse events.
Trading-Off Reproductive Technology and Adoption: Does Subsidizing in Vitro Fertilization Decrease Adoption Rates and Should it Matter?

Introduction 486 I. Background on Reproductive Technologies and Adoption 489 A. Infertility and IVF in the United States 489 B. Adoption in the United States 493 II. The Policy Debate Over State-Level Insurance Mandates Covering IVF: Do States Have an Obligation to Improve Access to Reproductive Technologies Even If It Decreases Adoptions? 500 A. The Prima Facie Case for Improving Access to Reproductive Technologies 500 B. Arguments Against Expanding Access to Reproductive Technologies Through Mandates ......... 505
5 GHZ wireless channel characterization for vehicle to vehicle communications

We provide channel modeling results based upon measurements of the vehicle-to-vehicle (VTV) mobile channel, taken in the 5 GHz frequency band. Our measurements pertain to three types of areas: large cities, open highway areas, and small cities. A spread-spectrum stepped correlator technique was used, with omnidirectional antennas either atop or inside the vehicles. We provide measured and analytical results in the form of power delay profiles and frequency correlation function estimates. Delay spread statistics for these environments, as well as approximate amplitude fading distributions are also provided. The largest values of root-mean-square delay spreads, on the order of 1 microsecond, were obtained in urban areas with dense vehicle traffic, corresponding to coherence bandwidths of as low as 1-2 MHz. Fading amplitude statistics are best fit with a Nakagami-m distribution. Fading channel statistics for an example 10 MHz channel bandwidth are also provided.
DDB2 modulates TGF-β signal transduction in human ovarian cancer cells by downregulating NEDD4L

The expression of DNA damage-binding protein 2 (DDB2) has been linked to the prognosis of ovarian cancer and its underlying transcription regulatory function was proposed to contribute to the favorable treatment outcome. By applying gene microarray analysis, we discovered neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 4-Like (NEDD4L) as a previously unidentified downstream gene regulated by DDB2. Mechanistic investigation demonstrated that DDB2 can bind to the promoter region of NEDD4L and recruit enhancer of zeste homolog 2 histone methyltransferase to repress NEDD4L transcription by enhancing histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) at the NEDD4L promoter. Given that NEDD4L plays an important role in constraining transforming growth factor β signaling by targeting activated Smad2/Smad3 for degradation, we investigated the role of DDB2 in the regulation of TGF-β signaling in ovarian cancer cells. Our data indicate that DDB2 enhances TGF-β signal transduction and increases the responsiveness of ovarian cancer cells to TGF-β-induced growth inhibition. The study has uncovered an unappreciated regulatory mode that hinges on the interaction between DDB2 and NEDD4L in human ovarian cancer cells. The novel mechanism proposes the DDB2-mediated fine-tuning of TGF-β signaling and its downstream effects that impinge upon tumor growth in ovarian cancers.
Type inference for action semantics

In a series of papers [11,12,13,14,15,25,26], Mosses and Watt defme action semantics, a metalanguage for high level, domain-independent formulation of denotational semantics definitions. Action semantics was designed to support readability, abstraction, modularity, and modifiability of language definitions [13,15]. In our recent work [5], we studied a combinator-based version of action semantics. We developed a typing system for actions based on types and k/nds. The types within a kind are partially ordered to reflect subtyping. We then defined a category-sorted algebra model [18,20] for the system where actions are natural transformations over interpretation functors (which map the type names and their ordering to predomains and coercion functions). Thus, an action is a family of continuous functions that behave consistently with respect to the subtyping relation. Coercion functions-even nonembeddings-disappear. The typing system and its interpretation support an ML-style type inference algorithm for action expressions. Type inference must respect the subtyping laws, so we encounter the problems discovered by Mitchell [10], Fuh and Mishra [6], and Wand [24] regarding constraints sets. But action notation and its model are formulated so that the major problems regarding constraints are "restricted away." In particular, the monotonic behavior of actions with respect to the subtyping ordering keeps the cardinality of constraints sets small and makes constraints on record types unnecessary, even in the presence of record union and concatenation operations. This paper presents our variant of action semantics and its typing system. We give the type inference algorithms, state properties that action semantics expressions satisfy, give soundness and completeness properties and explain why they hold for type inference on action semantics expressions. We also present a small example.
Unsupervised rank aggregation with domain-specific expertise

Consider the setting where a panel of judges is repeatedly asked to (partially) rank sets of objects according to given criteria, and assume that the judges' expertise depends on the objects' domain. Learning to aggregate their rankings with the goal of producing a better joint ranking is a fundamental problem in many areas of Information Retrieval and Natural Language Processing, amongst others. However, supervised ranking data is generally difficult to obtain, especially if coming from multiple domains. Therefore, we propose a framework for learning to aggregate votes of constituent rankers with domain specific expertise without supervision. We apply the learning framework to the settings of aggregating full rankings and aggregating top-k lists, demonstrating significant improvements over a domain-agnostic baseline in both cases.
A Unique RNA Fold in the RumA-RNA-Cofactor Ternary Complex Contributes to Substrate Selectivity and Enzymatic Function

A single base (U1939) within E. coli 23S ribosomal RNA is methylated by its dedicated enzyme, RumA. The structure of RumA/RNA/S-adenosylhomocysteine uncovers the mechanism for achieving unique selectivity. The single-stranded substrate is "refolded" on the enzyme into a compact conformation with six key intra-RNA interactions. The RNA substrate contributes directly to catalysis. In addition to the target base, a second base is "flipped out" from the core loop to stack against the adenine of the cofactor S-adenosylhomocysteine. Nucleotides in permuted sequence order are stacked into the site vacated by the everted target U1939 and compensate for the energetic penalty of base eversion. The 3' hairpin segment of the RNA binds distal to the active site and provides binding energy that contributes to enhanced catalytic efficiency. Active collaboration of RNA in catalysis leads us to conclude that RumA and its substrate RNA may reflect features from the earliest RNA-protein era.
Lower molecular weight fibrinogen and non-clottable fibrinogen derivatives in diabetes mellitus

The distribution of clottable protein into high (HMW) and lower molecular weight (LMW, LMW1) fractions, unclottable fibrinogen derivatives (FDP) and blood fibrinolytic activity was measured in 64 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and in 50 matched control subjects. The proportion and concentration of the LMW and LMW1 fractions as well as FDP was significantly (p<0.001) greater whereas fibrinolytic activity was inhibited in DM. Those patients with macro or microvascular disease had the highest levels of LMW and LMW1 fractions but had significantly (p<0.05) lower levels of FDP suggesting that different proteolytic mechanisms are involved in the elaboration of clottable and unclottable fibrinogen derivatives. This conclusion is consistent with previous observations in patients with advanced liver disease and in volunteers in whom fibrinolytic activity was stimulated by exercise or venous occlusion. It is postulated that fibrinogen degradation in contrast to fibrin degradation takes place in the extravascular space and that the enhanced degradation of HMW to LMW and LMW1 fibrinogen in DM is due to the increased vascular premeability which is associated with this disease.
Migraine and functional impairment.

Migraine is a leading cause of disability worldwide; approximately half of those affected have such severe attacks that they cannot function normally in routine daily activities. Research is beginning to focus upon the burden of migraine between attacks, referred to as interictal burden. This burden encompasses worry and expectation of future attacks that consequently may be associated with limitations in social and family interactions, as well as work capacity. This review aims to increase physician awareness of the degree and scope of functional impairment associated with migraine. Physicians are in a position to assess the true impact of migraine in their patients using techniques such as open-ended questions during visits, and paper-based migraine assessment tools such as the Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire. Eliciting such information on interictal burden may help the physician prescribe the most appropriate therapy based on their patients’ degree of impairment. This article also describes the instruments most widely used for measuring migraine-related functional impairment, summarizes studies assessing the effects of migraine on indicators of health-related quality of life and presents data on how preventive migraine treatment may beneficially influence migraine-related functional impairment.
Prediction of the energy value of ewe milk from amount and composition characters.

Abstract Multiple regression analyses determined the relationship among certain independent variables (milk production, freezing point and total solids, fat and protein percentages) and kilocalories per gram and total 3-hour milk kilocalories. The most practical equation for predicting kilocalories in milk is: Kcal/g = −.33550 + 0.08641 (total solids, %), due to the relatively small standard error of estimate (0.054 kcal/g), high multiple correlation (0.94) and the ease with which total solids is determined. For predicting total 3-hour milk kilocalories, the most practical and accurate equation is: Total kcal=−308.10456 + 1.22524 (3-hour production, g) + 16.51300 (total solids, %), with a relatively small standard error of estimate (21.83kcal) and high multiple correlation (0.97).
Eleven-year-old male with high-voltage electrical injury and premature ventricular contractions

We present a case of a boy with potential high-voltage electrical injury. The patient sustained electrical injuries after his kite became entangled in a high-power electrical line. He presented to the emergency department with minor external electrical burns and frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). The patient's clinical course is outlined. A discussion of the epidemiology of high-voltage electrical injury in children and the clinical management of electrical-injury-induced cardiac complications is provided. Although cardiac abnormalities are found in a significant proportion of high-voltage electrical injuries, the vast majority are evident within 12 h, resolve spontaneously within a few days, and cause little or no long-term sequelae. A small proportion of normal children have clinically benign PVCs.
Influences on patients’ ratings of physicians: Physicians demographics and personality

Abstract Objective There is considerable interest in the influences on patients’ ratings of physicians. Methods In this cross-sectional study, patients (n = 4616; age range: 18–65 years) rated their level of satisfaction with their primary care physicians (n = 96). Patients and physicians were recruited from primary care practices in the Rochester, NY metropolitan area. For analytic purposes, length of the patient–physician relationship was stratified (≤1, 1–4, ≥5 years). Principal components factor analysis of items from the Health Care Climate Questionnaire, the Primary Care Assessment Survey and the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire yielded a single factor labeled “Satisfaction” that served as the sole dependent variable. Higher scores mean greater satisfaction. Predictors of interest were patient demographics and morbidity as well as physician demographics and personality, assessed with items from the NEO-FFI. Results Patients treated by a physician for 1 year or less rated male physicians higher than female physicians. This gender difference disappeared after 1 year, but two physician personality traits, Openness and Conscientiousness, were associated with patients’ ratings in lengthier patient–physician relationships. Patients report being more satisfied with physicians who are relatively high in Openness and average in Conscientiousness. Older patients provide higher ratings than younger patients, and those with greater medical burden rated their physicians higher. Conclusion Patients’ ratings of physicians are multidetermined. Future research on patient satisfaction and the doctor–patient relationship would benefit from a consideration of physician personality. Identifying physician personality traits that facilitate or undermine communication, trust, patient-centeredness, and patient adherence to prescribed treatments is an important priority. Practice implications Learning environments could be created to reinforce certain traits and corresponding habits of mind that enhance patient satisfaction. Such a shift in the culture of medical education and practice could have implications for patient care.
EVALUATION OF FLOAT TRAYS WITH HIGH CELL NUMBERS ON STAND COUNTS AND YIELDS IN A CLOSE-GROWN TOBACCO PRODUCTION SYSTEM

Abstract New applications for tobacco plants as manufacturing systems for medical and industrial products are in a sufficiently advanced stage of development that attention is now being directed at the efficiency and cost effectiveness of crop production. The greenhouse costs associated with raising transplants are an important factor, partly because the high planting density of these new tobacco crops in the field will greatly increase the number of transplants needed per unit area of production, and thus the overall cost of the crop, and partly because the transgenic transplants that will be used in some strategies will need to be raised in more stringently quarantined greenhouse facilities according to governmental regulations. Thus minimizing the square footage of greenhouse space for the production of transplants is a desirable objective. The float-bed system that is now widely used to produce tobacco transplants can physically accommodate a higher transplant density than is conventionally employed, ...
Medical Fears Following Alleqed Child Abuse

PROBLEM: This study profiled children's and adult guardians' pediatric anogenital exam worries. METHODS: Forty-seven girls (mean = 11.57, SD = 2.14) and their guardians rated their anticipatory exam worries in a pediatric clinic setting. RESULTS: A substantial minority of children reported elevated concern about their lack of exam knowledge, the staff's unfamiliarity, someone inspecting their private parts, and their health. Most adults reported elevated concern about their lack of exam knowledge and their children's health. A substantial minority of adults also reported elevated concern about their children's distress and the exam's potential painfulness. Child's age but not prior exam experience was correlated with some of these concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Participants approached the exam with specific concerns. These data may inform interventions aimed at minimizing distress and facilitating adjustment. Language: en
Energy barrier for electron penetration into helium

The Galitskii approach to the calculation of self-energies is used to find the energy barrierΔE opposing the penetration of electrons into He, Ne, and Ar. To second order in thes-wave scattering lengtha, it is found that $$\Delta {\text{E = (2}}\pi \hbar ^2 {\text{na/m)}}\left\{ {{\text{1 + 2a}}\pi ^{{\text{ - 1}}} \int_0^\infty {{\text{dk[1 - S(k)]}}} } \right\}$$ wheren is the fluid number density,m is the electron mass, andS(k) is the fluid static structure factor. Typical barrier energies for4He and3He are 0.97 and 0.67 eV.
Assessing the impact of systematic reviews on future research: two case studies.

Aims: To evaluate the impact of systematic reviews on research funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) through Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs), and to identify barriers to and facilitators for the effects of these documents on future research. Methods & materials: Two AHRQ systematic reviews were selected as case studies to evaluate their impact on future research. Key citations generated by these reports were identified through ISI Web of Science and PubMed Central and traced forward to identify effects on subsequent studies through citation analysis from updated systematic reviews on the topics. Requests for applications and program announcements from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts website were reviewed and dissemination data were obtained from AHRQ. Finally, interviews were conducted with 13 key informants to help identify short-, medium- and long-term impacts of the EPC reviews. Results: The measurable impact of the two EPC reviews is demonstrably greater on shor...
Sequential tissue response and recovery after orthodontic tooth movement in hamsters.

T he bulk of the existing literature dealing with tissue analysis related to orthodontic tooth movement is empirical in nature. Experimental studies utilizing microscopy have been restricted almost exclusively to histomorphologic evaluations. Only three prior investigations utilized histochemical procedures.l-” The present study was undertaken in order to evaluate histologic and histochemical changes induced in the supporting tissues by experimental tooth movement. The study focused particularly on the initial changes subsequent to tooth movement and the recovery that occurred, with time, when active tooth movement was discontinued.
Regiospecific Construction of Polyoxygenated 9,10-Anthraquinones. Total Synthesis of Islandicin and Digitopurpone

Abstract Current interest3 in a practical synthesis of the antibiotic adriamycin4 1 prompts us to report some consequences of the photochemical5 versus the Friedel-Crafts6 approaches in the construction of unsymmetrical polyhydroxy-anthraquinones. These two complementary methods have now been exploited in the preparation of the natural coloring matters islandicin,7 2, and digitopurpone,8 3.
Hardware implementation and characterization of a low density parity check (LDPC) decoder

The hardware implementation of a low complexity Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) decoder is described. The design of the LDPC decoder optimized on minimizing the amount of hardware resources necessary for implementation. In addition to implementation details, design tradeoffs considered in the development of the LDPC decoder are discussed. The intended application of the LDPC decoder is a nonlinear satellite communications channel. The nonlinearities and communications signal perturbations include Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN), phase noise, phase imbalance, and a model satellite high power amplifier nonlinearity. The LDPC decoder performance is then characterized in the satellite channel.
Differential effects of ethanol on plasma catecholamine levels in rats

Abstract Acute ethanol administration (1–4 g/kg, i.p.) had no effect on plasma catecholamine levels in nonstressed animals except at the highest dose where levels of both catecholamines increased. In animals stressed for 30 min, the higher doses had a biphasic effect on plasma catecholamines; at earlier times during stress a reduction in stress-induced increases in both catecholamines was seen, whereas later during stress or after release from stress an increase was noted. Semi-chronic ethanol administration (0.5 and 2 g/kg/day, i.p.) had no significant effect on plasma catecholamine levels in nonstressed rats. In stressed rats, ethanol reduced stress-induced catecholamine increases but these reductions were less than those seen after acute administration. Although ethanol reduced the gross behavioral stress response, no correlation between gross behavioral and biochemical responses was detected. These data show that ethanol can indeed reduce the behavioral and biochemical stress responses in rats but that effects seen depend on the state (nonstressed vs stressed) of the animal, the dose of ethanol (low vs high) used, the length of ethanol administration (acute vs semi-chronic), and the time of measurement of the catecholamine level after ethanol administration.
Test of Runoff Increase Due to Precipitation Management for the Colorado River Basin Pilot Project

Abstract The problem of detection of an increase in runoff due to precipitation management is considered. Classical methods of detection are reviewed and their shortcomings are discussed. The concept of grouping of observations is introduced. The paper answers two fundamental questions: Given a region consisting of B basins in which changes are suspected and given that (economic, or financial, or other) constraints limit to b the number of basins where measurements can be obtained, which basins should he selected? How should the measurements in individual basins be combined? The answers are obtained by a constrained optimization procedure. When applied to the Colorado River Basin Pilot Project area the power of the test, expressed in years needed for detection, is increased by a factor of 2.
25 years of HIV.

Reflecting on how far we have come scientifically since isolating HIV in 1983, Anthony S. Fauci urges a renewed commitment to the far greater challenges ahead, especially that of vaccine development.
Rotterdam model versus almost ideal demand system: will the best specification please stand up?

The Rotterdam model and the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) are often applied in consumer demand systems modeling. Using Monte Carlo techniques, we determine which model performs best in recovering the true elasticities of demand. The AIDS model is usually used in linearized form. Since the Rotterdam model is also linear in a very similar form, comparison of the Rotterdam model and the AIDS model has been the subject of much speculation in the literature. We not only compare the linearized AIDS model with the Rotterdam model, but also with the full nonlinear AIDS. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transforming Educational and Business Practices in Belarus: Collaborative Learning at a Distance.

Abstract The Bryant College Collaborative Learning at a Distance (CLD) Program in Belarus was designed to promote collaboration across diverse cultural, political, and philosophical boundaries. CLD programs can assist the Newly Independent States (NIS) in meeting the political, social, and economic challenges associated with the transition from a centralized, administrative command economytoa more democratic and diversified society. Cost-effective, collaborative distance learning projects can help to address the problem of limited educational resources and prepare faculty, undergraduates, entrepreneurs, and NGO leaders for better understanding the role of civic responsibility as a foundation for western business practices. The ongoing Internet-based, Bryant College CLD Program, including educational institutions, research facilities and business firms, focuses on a non-hierarchical model, emphasizing reciprocal, interactive learning and problem-solving. Components include Web-based courses, International ...
Soviet subsidization of Eastern Europe: The primacy of economics over politics?

Abstract The level and distribution of Soviet subsidies to various East European countries, which Marrese and Vaňous attribute in their book Soviet Subsidization of Trade with Eastern Europe: A Soviet Perspective to political considerations, are explained here as, for the most part, the normal outcomes of the economic integration of a bloc with relative resource endowment differing from those obtaining in the rest of the world. The statistical methods used by Marrese and Various to calculate the subsidies are also criticized.
Individual differences in monitoring failures of automation

Abstract Subjects included 24 non-pilots who performed simulated flight-related tasks of tracking, fuel-management, and system monitoring. Tracking and fuel management were performed manually, whereas system monitoring was automated. Subjects were required to detect system malfunctions not detected by the automation (automation failures). The reliability of the automation remained constant or varied over time. Subjects detected significantly fewer automation failures in the constant-reliability automation condition than in the variable-reliability condition. Inefficiency in monitoring for automation failure was examined in relation to three individual-difference measures: the Complacency Potential Rating Scale, the Eysenck Personality Inventory (introversion-extraversion), and a modified version of Thayer's Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List (energetic arousal). These measures were not significantly intercorrelated, suggesting their relative independence. For subjects with high-complacency-poten...
Albino mutation rates in red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle L.) as a bioassay of contamination history in Tampa Bay, Florida, USA

We assessed the sensitivity of a viviparous estuarine tree species,Rhizophora mangle, to historic sublethal mutagenic stress across a fine spatial scale by comparing the frequency of trees producing albino propagules in historically contaminated (n=4) and uncontaminated (n=11) forests in Tampa Bay, Florida, USA. Data from uncontaminated forests were used to provide estimates of background mutation rates. We also determined whether other fitness parameters were negatively correlated with mutagenic stress (e.g., degree of outcrossing and numbers of reproducing trees km−1). Contaminated sites in Tampa Bay had significantly higher frequencies of trees that were heterozygous for albinism per 1000 total reproducing trees (FHT) than uncontaminated forests (mean ± SE: 11.4 ± 4.3 vs 4.3 ± 0.73, P 25 yrs of subsequent recruitment and tree replacement may have allowed an initial elevation in the FHT to decay. Patterns of FHT were not explained by distance from the bay mouth or the degree of urbanization. However, there was a significant positive relationship between tree size and FHT (r=0.83, P<0.018), which suggests that forests with older or larger trees provide a more lasting record of cumulative mutagenic stress. No other fitness parameters correlated with FHT. There was a difference in FHT between two latitudes, as determined by comparing Tampa Bay with literature values for Puerto Rico. The sensitivity of this bioassay for the effects of mutagens will facilitate future monitoring of contamination events and comparisons of bay-wide recovery in future decades. Development of a database of FHT values for a range of subtropical and tropical estuaries is underway that will provide a baseline against which to compare mutational consequences of global change.
Analysis of chimpanzee history based on genome sequence alignments

Population geneticists often study small numbers of carefully chosen loci, but it has become possible to obtain orders of magnitude for more data from overlaps of genome sequences. Here, we generate tens of millions of base pairs of multiple sequence alignments from combinations of three western chimpanzees, three central chimpanzees, an eastern chimpanzee, a bonobo, a human, an orangutan, and a macaque. Analysis provides a more precise understanding of demographic history than was previously available. We show that bonobos and common chimpanzees were separated ∼1,290,000 years ago, western and other common chimpanzees ∼510,000 years ago, and eastern and central chimpanzees at least 50,000 years ago. We infer that the central chimpanzee population size increased by at least a factor of 4 since its separation from western chimpanzees, while the western chimpanzee effective population size decreased. Surprisingly, in about one percent of the genome, the genetic relationships between humans, chimpanzees, and bonobos appear to be different from the species relationships. We used PCR-based resequencing to confirm 11 regions where chimpanzees and bonobos are not most closely related. Study of such loci should provide information about the period of time 5–7 million years ago when the ancestors of humans separated from those of the chimpanzees.
Judge- versus attorney-conducted voir dire: An empirical investigation of juror candor.

Broeder (1965) found that potential jurors frequently distort their replies to questions posed during the voir dire. Considerable controversy has arisen over whether more honest, accurate information is elecited by a judge or by an attorney. The experiment manipulated two target (judge-versus attorney-conducted voir dire) and two interpersonal style variables (personal versus formal). The dependent measure was the consistency of subjects' attitude reports given at pretest and again verbally in court. One-hundred-and-sixteen jury-eligible community residents participated. The results provide support for the hypothesis that attorneys are more effective than judges in eliciting candid self-disclosure from potential jurors. Subjects changed their answers almost twice as much when questioned by a judge as when interviewed by an attorney. It was suggested that the judge's presence evokes considerable pressure toward conformity to a set of perceived judicial standards among jurors, which is minimized during an attorney voir dire.
Aimé Césaire: poetics and politics

‘Poetic knowledge is born in the great silence of scientific knowledge’ (Aime Cesaire) Sociologist Mimi Shiller (2003, p. 1) cogently argued that the: Caribbean lies at the heart of the western hem...