cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of the valence of Pr in (Eu1.5-xPrxCe0.5)Sr2Cu2NbO10 superconducting compounds by electron-energy-loss spectroscopy.

The issue of the valence state of praseodymium (Pr) in Pr-containing cuprates is addressed using electron-energy-loss spectrometry (EELS) in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) on (${\mathrm{Eu}}_{1.5\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Pr}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ce}}_{0.5}$)${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{NbO}}_{10}$ compounds. EELS analysis, in reference to Ce ${\mathit{M}}_{4,5}$ edges, clearly indicates that the energy onset, ${\mathit{M}}_{5}$/${\mathit{M}}_{4}$ intensity ratio and the fine structure of the ${\mathit{M}}_{5}$ and ${\mathit{M}}_{4}$ edges of a Pr are consistent with Pr valence of +3. These results eliminate theoretical descriptions on these compounds based upon a Pr +4 valence state and a suppression of carrier states. Localized holes, magnetic interactions, and f-electron hybridization remain viable candidates to explain the lack of superconductivity in Pr-based cuprates. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
A new ultrasound technique to visualize the proximal fetal cerebral ventricle

In routine obstetric scanning of the fetal cranium, the near or proximal portion of the fetal cerebrum is obscured by reverberation caused by overlying cranium. A new technique is described in which the ultrasound probe is angled in relation to the bony calvarium to allow visualization of the more proximal fetal cerebrum, cerebral ventricle, and choroid plexus.
The mediation of the photoelectrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide by ammonium ions

Donnees sur la reduction photoelectrochimique de dioxyde de carbone en presence de CdTe, avec comme intermediaires des ions ammonium, dans un electrolyte constitue de perchlorate de tetrabutylammonium, dans du DMF
Flow measurements in the scrape-off layer of Alcator C-Mod using impurity plumes

Accurate measurements of plasma flows in the scrape-off layer (SOL) are a necessary requirement for understanding the physics of tokamak edge plasmas. A system is being developed on Alcator C-Mod for inferring flows parallel (v 1 ) and perpendicular (v E×B ) to local magnetic field lines from impurity emission patterns ('plumes') generated by local gas injection. Carbon plumes are generated at variable location in the SOL by puffing deuterated ethylene gas (C 2 D 4 ) through the end of a reciprocating fast-scanning probe. Two intensified CCD cameras are used to record C -1 and C +2 emission patterns simultaneously from near-perpendicular views. Plumes are modeled using a Monte Carlo impurity transport code, from which values for the background flows may be extracted. The sensitivity of the plume structure is investigated for a number of code inputs, including radial electric field (E r ) and the neutral launch dynamics. Initial modeling results indicate discrepancies between values of v || and E r extracted from the plumes and measurements obtained from probe data.
Thermoelectric devices: Helping chips to keep their cool.

As the removal of excess heat becomes increasingly important in semiconductor devices, localized thermoelectric cooling might be the answer to the problem of hotspots.
Acute Effect of Oral and Subcutaneous Administration of Monosodium Glutamate on the Arcuate Nucleus of the Hypothalamus in Mice and Rats

RECENT reports by Olney that monosodium glutamate (MSG) can cause acute neuronal necrosis in the developing brain of mice1–3, rats1 and monkeys4, have been the subject of intensive debate5–11. Some people9,11 deny that a single subcutaneous dose of monosodium glutamate can produce any brain damage in infant rats. Although Arees and Mayer10 confirm the existence of a necrotic lesion in both mouse and rat brain they restrict the pathology to “microglial” cells. None of these investigators attempted actually to replicate Olney's methods but used entirely different methods of preservation and staining.
Polymicrobial peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients

We retrospectively evaluated 232 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients entering our program from January 1, 1987, to December 31, 1997, for polymicrobial peritonitis. Polymicrobial peritonitis occurred in 16% of the patients (polymicrobial-peritonitis group), whereas 52% of the patients had peritonitis episodes with only a single organism (single-organism group), and 32% of the patients had no episode of peritonitis. Polymicrobial peritonitis accounted for 8% of the 554 peritonitis episodes, occurred after 23 +/- 20 months on peritoneal dialysis (PD), and was preceded by greater than three episodes of peritonitis in 73% of the patients. Peritonitis rates were greater in the polymicrobial-peritonitis group compared with patients in the single-organism group (1.8 versus 1.2 episodes/patient-year; P: < 0.001). The majority of polymicrobial infections involved gram-negative and/or fungal pathogens, but in 21% of the episodes, only gram-positive organisms were identified. An intra-abdominal process was identified in only 7% of the patients. Catheter loss overall was greatest in the polymicrobial-peritonitis group (65% versus single-organism group, 30% versus patients without peritonitis, 5%; P < 0.001), but only 33% of the polymicrobial infections resulted in catheter loss. At last follow-up, 70% of the patients in the polymicrobial-peritonitis group had permanently transferred to hemodialysis compared with 25% from the single-organism group and 15% from the no-peritonitis group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, polymicrobial peritonitis is an infrequent but serious complication of CAPD that occurs late in the course of PD and is often preceded by recurrent episodes of peritonitis. Polymicrobial peritonitis is rarely the result of a catastrophic intra-abdominal process, and although the majority of patients can be successfully treated without catheter removal, the long-term prognosis is poor, with a high rate of transfer to hemodialysis.
The metaphorical orientation of time in Chinese

Abstract This paper studies the metaphorical time orientation in Chinese along its horizontal and vertical axes. It will focus, however, on the controversy over its horizontal axis, readdressing the issue regarding whether the Chinese ego faces toward the future or past in metaphorical orientation of time. It is interesting to note that there exist three different views on this issue. To reinforce the view that future is in front of ego and past is behind ego in Chinese, the paper argues that in analyzing data it is important to make two crucial distinctions. The first distinction, extensively discussed in the literature, is between Ego-Reference-Point (Ego-RP) and Time-Reference-Point (Time-RP). The second related distinction, which has been largely ignored, is between Time-Referent (Time-R) and Human-Referent (Human-R). The study shows that once these two distinctions are made, the seemingly contradictory linguistic data will fall into places that form a coherent metaphorical system. The purpose of making these distinctions is to avoid confusion between past and future on the one hand and anteriority and posteriority on the other. It is hoped that this study contributes to the recent efforts to build a comprehensive framework of temporal reference frames applicable to the study of spatial construal of time in languages and cultures in general.
SULFATE FORMATION IN URBAN PLUMES

Results are summarized for large-scale field studies aimed at determining the magnitude of sulfate formation and the presence of other air pollutants in composite urban plumes. The studies were carried out by using networks of nonurban sampling stations throughout the eastern U.S. by making measurements over the ocean downwind of the entire urbanized northwestern U.S., and by comparing sulfate concentrations in nonurban Northern and Southern Hemisphere locations. It is found that: (1) the sulfate formed in the urban plumes of eastern U.S. cities is obscured by a high nonurban sulfate background due to the combined effect of all anthropogenic sulfur oxide sources in the region, (2) the time period for appreciable SO/sub 2/ conversion to sulfates may be comparable to that required for plume transport over tens to hundreds of kilometers, (3) a significant amount of urban pollution is transported, 1000 km of more from land over the North Atlantic, (4) SO/sub 2/ may be converted to sulfate over the ocean, and (5) sulfate concentrations in the urban plumes may vary during transport, owing to both chemical and dynamic processes.
Large‐Scale Temperature‐Induced Synchrony of Cell Division in Euglena gracilis*

SYNOPSIS. Temperature-induced patterns of synchronous cell division and cell size were obtained with Euglena gracilis. The alga was cultured in a glutamate-sucrose medium in 6-liter quantities. Synchrony was induced by non-lethal shifts of temperature between 14.5 and 28.5 C. Three liters of cells containing 2 × 106 cells/ml were harvested in each 24-hour cycle.
A Piezoelectric Parametric Frequency Increased Generator for Harvesting Low-Frequency Vibrations

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and testing of a piezoelectric parametric frequency increased generator for harvesting low-frequency non-periodic vibrations. The generator incorporates a bulk piezoelectric ceramic machined using ultrafast laser ablation. The electromechanical transducer is designed as a clamped-clamped spiral beam in order to decrease the stiffness within a limited footprint. An internal mechanism up-converts the ambient vibration frequency to a higher internal operation frequency in order to achieve better electromechanical coupling and efficiency. To gain maximum power output, the optimum width and thickness values of a spiral up-conversion unit are computed via multi-physics finite-element analysis simulations. The fabricated device generated a peak power of 100 μW and an average power of 3.25 μW from an input acceleration of 9.8 m/s2 at 10 Hz. The device operates over a frequency range of 24 Hz. The internal volume of the generator is 1.2 cm3.
Electron spin resonance studies of a mixed phenoxy - nitroxide biradical

Abstract The ESR spectrum of a mixed phenoxy-nitroxide biradical has been investigated. Spectra were observed from both strongly and weakly coupled conformers. The biradical was found to be in equilibrium with a paramagnetic dimer which contained two nitroxide ends.
Fluvial morphology in terms of slope, abrasion, and bed‐load

Fluvial morphology may be defined as the science of the forms of river-beds, their shapes in plan and in profile. There seems to be no satisfactory explanation of the cause of lateral migration of streams, that is, of the phenomenon of serpentining or meandering; and this is also true of the rhythm of change of the profile as seen in the downstream-progression of its pools and concomitant shoals. Extant knowledge is generally qualitative; if quantitative, it is usually of empiric origin and applicable.only to a particular stream. Still there are some universal quantitative principles of fluvial morphology that have been developed theoretically. The purpose of this paper is to present, first, a very brief statement of some of the qualitative observations and, second, a more detailed statement of several quantitative laws and their use.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Spontaneously Express Neural Proteins in Culture and Are Neurogenic after Transplantation

Reports of neural transdifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) suggest the possibility that these cells may serve as a source for stem cell-based regenerative medicine to treat neurological disorders. However, some recent studies controvert previous reports of MSC neurogenecity. In the current study, we evaluate the neural differentiation potential of mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs. Surprisingly, we found that MSCs spontaneously express certain neuronal phenotype markers in culture, in the absence of specialized induction reagents. A previously published neural induction protocol that elevates cytoplasmic cyclic AMP does not upregulate neuron-specific protein expression significantly in MSCs but does significantly increase expression of the astrocyte-specific glial fibrillary acidic protein. Finally, when grafted into the lateral ventricles of neonatal mouse brain, MSCs migrate extensively and differentiate into olfactory bulb granule cells and periventricular astrocytes, without evidence of cell fusion. These results indicate that MSCs may be "primed" toward a neural fate by the constitutive expression of neuronal antigens and that they seem to respond with an appropriate neural pattern of differentiation when exposed to the environment of the developing brain.
An exploration of the environmental and rider characteristics associated with disability paratransit trip delay

Over the past two decades, a number of studies have been published on the efficiency of paratransit service for persons with disabilities. Although speed, delay, and pick-up duration can significantly affect overall efficiency of paratransit service, studies that have focused on these performance measures have been rare. This study examines how these performance measures are associated with local environmental characteristics such as density and the characteristics of the trip makers. It uses a dataset containing detailed information on a large volume of trips made by the registered clients of Access Link, a paratransit service operated by NJ TRANSIT for persons with disabilities. To measure speed and delay, network distances for 1.91 million trips were estimated by the ArcGIS Network Analyst extension. Analysis of variance and regression models were used to examine the associations between the performance measures and a set of variables pertaining to trips, passengers, and characteristics of pick-up and drop-off locations. Models for the entire study area as well as specific Access Link regions show that there is a significant association between local environmental and personal characteristics of passengers and the performance measures. Evidence was found that higher density of population, employment, and intersections at the local level may have a significant adverse effect on service efficiency because of lower speed and higher delay. Planning implications of the findings are discussed.
Preparation and Structure of (Cu(pc))3(ReO4)2 and Theoretical Investigation of Cu(pc)(ReO4), Cu(pc)(ReO4)2, and (Cu(pc))3(ReO4)2

The compound (Cu(pc))3(ReO4)2 (pc = phthalocyaninato) has been prepared by electrocrystallization from a p-dichlorobenzene solution of Cu(pc) and [N(n-Bu)4][ReO4]. (Cu(pc))3(ReO4)2 crystallizes with one formula unit in the triclinic space group P1 with cell constants at T = 153 K of a = 12.6202(6) A, b = 13.7596(7) A, c = 14.0294(7) A, α = 64.6376(9)°, β = 64.2570(9)°, and γ = 66.0549(9)°. The molecular structure comprises a stack of three Cu(pc) rings; the Cu center in each peripheral ring has an attached ReO4 ligand, the Cu−O distance being 2.374(5) A. The inter-ring distance is 3.1595(11) A. Density functional theory calculations for Cu(pc)(ReO4) and Cu(pc)(ReO4)2 suggest that the ring-π states are the source of the electron donation to the ligands. Calculations for (Cu(pc))3(ReO4)2 suggest that the charges on the central and peripheral rings are nearly equal. For all three compounds the basic spin distributions are similar to each other and to those of other Cu(pc) systems. For (Cu(pc))3(ReO4)2 a loc...
Age estimation of the Deccan Traps from the North American apparent polar wander path

It has recently been proposed that flood basalt events, such as the eruption of the Deccan Traps, have been responsible for mass extinctions. To test this hypothesis, accurate estimations of the ages and duration of these events are needed. In the case of the Deccan Traps, however, neither age nor duration of emplacement is well constrianed; measured ages range from 40 to more than 80 Myr, and estimates of duration range from less than 1 to 67 Myr. To make an independent age determination, paleomagnetic and sea-floor-spreading data are used, and the associated errors are estimated. The Deccan paleomagnetic pole is compared with the reference apparent polar wander path of North America by rotating the positions of the paleomagnetic pole for the Deccan Traps to the reference path for a range of assumed ages. Uncertainties in the apparent polar wander path, Deccan paleopole position, and errors resulting from the plate reconstruction are estimated. It is suggested that 83-70 Myr is the most likely time of extrusion of these volcanic rocks.
Adolescent Male Chimpanzees at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda Have Decided Dominance Relationships

Dominance relationships are common among primates, and are usually the result of resource competition. Adult male chimpanzees have pronounced dominance relationships, and can be ranked relative to one another in dominance hierarchies. Adult male chimpanzees achieve, and maintain, high rank through a combination of physical size, strength and political ability. Dominance in male chimpanzees has very real benefits as high-ranking males have priority access to resources and potential mates, and father more offspring than do low-ranking conspecifics. Previous research has suggested that adolescent male chimpanzees do not have dominance relationships with each other. Here, I report the first evidence of decided dominance relationships and a linear dominance hierarchy in adolescent male chimpanzees from an unusually large community of wild chimpanzees at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda.
The Factor Structure of the Work—Family Conflict Multidimensional Scale: Exploring the Expectations of College Students

Work-family conflict (WFC) has been examined from a unidimensional approach, yet recent research has revealed three types (i.e., time, strain, and behavior) and two directions of work— family conflict. Previous researchers suggested that college students are unable to discern between the multiple-facets of WFC, thus measured anticipated WFC addressing only the bidirectional component. This approach assumes that college students have not fully considered each facet of work—family balance. The current study is the first to examine the use of measuring anticipated work—family conflict with college students from a multidimensional perspective. We investigated anticipated levels of three types and two directions of WFC of 295 college students by examining the factor structure of a modified version of the Multidimensional Work—Family Conflict Scale. Participants discerned between the three types of WFC yet were unable to differentiate between the directions of behavior and strain-based conflict. Implications fo...
Recurrent and persistent hyperthyroidism.

THE writer's earliest years in surgical training and practice were during a period when the classic operation for bilateral goiter was a bilateral, partial resection, then improperly labeled “subtotal.” Perusal of operative records of such cases regularly reveals such estimates as “twothirds of one lobe and five-sixths of the other were removed.” The inadequate results of such a procedure were late in being evaluated, as in the case of gastro-enterostomy or limited resection of the stomach for duodenal ulcer. That the results were far from ideal was shown by the unwillingness of many internists to use the word “cure” to describe the usual sequelae of partial thyroidectomy. Surgeons were still unaccountably influenced by Kocher's earlier dictum that postoperative hypothyroidism should be feared and was to be classed as a complication of thyroidectomy in the same undesirable category as nerve injury or hypoparathyroidism. This attitude was maintained despite the fact that the ability of desiccated thyroid s...
An oscillation-based test structure for timing information extraction

Technology scaling introduces many sources of variability and uncertainty that are difficult to model and predict [3]. The result of these uncertainties is a degradation in our ability to predict the performance of fabricated chips, i.e., a lack of model-to-hardware matching. The prediction of circuit performance is the result of a complex hierarchy of models starting at the basic MOSFET device model and rising to full-chip models of important performance metrics like power, frequency of operation, etc. The assessment of the quality of such models is an important activity, but it is becoming harder and more complex with rising levels of variability, as well as with the increase in the number of systematic effects observed in modern CMOS processes. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a special-purpose test structure that specifically focuses on ensuring the accuracy of gate timing models. The certification of digital design correctness (the so-called signoff) is based largely on the results of performing a Static Timing Analysis (STA) [15], [18], which, in turn, is based entirely on the gate timing models. Our test structure compares favorably to alternative approaches; it is far easier to obtain the desired results than direct delay measurement, and it is much more general than simple ring oscillator structures. Further, the structure is specified at a high level, allowing it to be synthesized using a standard ASIC place-and-route flow, thus capturing the systematic local layout effects which can sometimes be lost by simpler (e.g., ring oscillator) structures. Experimental results show the structure can play an important role in identifying mismatches between timing models and observed hardware.
A dynamic ion cooling technique for FTICR mass spectrometry.

A fast dynamic ion cooling technique based upon the adiabatic invariant phenomenon for Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR) is presented. The method cools ions in the FTICR trap more efficiently, within a few hundred milliseconds without the use of a buffer gas, and results in a substantial signal enhancement. All performance aspects of the FTICR spectrum, e.g., peak intensities, mass resolution, and mass accuracy, improve significantly compared with cooling based on ion—ion interactions. The method may be useful in biological applications of FTICR, such as in proteomic studies involving extended on-line liquid chromatography (LC) separations, in which both the duty cycle and mass accuracy are crucially important.
The Good Society

The Good Society is a critical text in the history of liberalism. Initially a series of articles published in a variety of Lippmann's favorite magazines, as the whole evolved, it became a frontal assault against totalitarian tendencies within American society. Lippmann took to task those who sought to improve the lot of mankind by undoing the work of their predecessors and by undermining movements in which men struggle to be free. This book is a strong indictment of programs of reform that are at odds with the liberal tradition, and it is critical of those who ask people to choose between security and liberty. The Good Society falls naturally into two segments. In the first, Lippmann shows the errors and common fallacies of faith in government as the solution to all problems. He says, "from left to right, from communist to conservative. They all believe the same fundamental doctrine. All the philosophies go into battle singing the same tune with slightly different words." In the second part of the book, Lippmann offers reasons why liberalism lost sight of its purpose and suggests the first principles on which it can flourish again. Lippmann argues that liberalism's revival is inevitable because no other system of government can work, given the kind of economic world mankind seeks. He did not write The Good Society to please adherents of any political ideology. Lippmann challenges all philosophies of government, and yet manages to present a positive program. Bewildered liberals and conservatives alike will find this work a successful effort to synthesize a theory of liberalism with the practice of a strong democracy. Gary Dean Best has provided the twenty-first century reader a clear-eyed context for interpreting Lippmann's defense of classical liberalism.
Micro-optic fabrication with subdomain masking

An innovative fabrication technique is introduced that is based on multiple-exposure techniques for micro-optics fabrication. This approach is compatible with conventional lithography systems used in integrated circuit manufacturing and can be applied to thick and thin photoresists and is based on additive lithographic techniques introduced elsewhere [Appl. Opt. 41, 6176 (2002)]. We chose a simple subdomain basis set to transform the two-dimensional basis patterns into a family of various three-dimensional micro-optic elements using exposure control to modulate the third dimension. We demonstrate the capability to sculpt the photoresist into a variety of three-dimensional micro-optic elements by performing multiple exposures using elements from the subdomain basis set, without resorting to multiple etching steps.
Rate constants for the gas‐phase reaction of OH radicals with a series of ketones at 299 ± 2 K

Relative rate constants for the reaction of OH radicals with a series of ketones have been determined at 299 ± 2 K, using methyl nitrite photolysis in air as a source of hydroxyl radicals. Using a rate constant for the reaction of OH radicals with cyclohexane of 7.57 × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, the rate constants obtained are (× 1012 cm3 molecule−1 s−1): 2-pentanone, 4.74 ± 0.14; 3-pentanone, 1.85 ± 0.34; 2-hexanone, 9.16 ± 0.61; 3-hexanone, 6.96 ± 0.29; 2,4-dimethyl-3-pentanone, 5.43 ± 0.41; 4-methyl-2-pentanone, 14.5 ± 0.7; and 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptanone, 27.7 ± 1.5. These rate constants indicate that while the carbonyl group decreases the reactivity of CH bonds in the α position toward reaction with the OH radical, it enhances the reactivity in the β position.
A surface-enhanced Raman study of N-methylquinolinium tricyanoquinodimethanide adsorbed on Ag nanospheres: Determination of molecular orientation and order.

Abstract Quinolinium tricyanoquinodimethanides are among the most promising molecules for electronic applications. Disorder can be detrimental to the desired electronic properties of a monolayer, and as such, a reliable method to characterize a monolayer without destroying or creating defects is paramount to determining potential applications. Here, the normal and surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra of N-methylquinolinium tricyanoquinodimethanide (CH3Q–3CNQ) on silver coated nanosurfaces have been obtained and analyzed. Theoretical treatment of CH3Q–3CNQ was performed. Optimization and frequency search was conducted using the B3LYP functional with the 6-31G(d) basis set. A complete list of frequencies and assignments for the molecules are presented. The spectroscopic evidence points to the fact that a monolayer of CH3Q–3CNQ can be formed through the self-assembly process, and the SERS data indicate that the monolayer attaches to the silver surface through the nitrile groups.
Racial Inequality and Salience: An Examination of Blau's Theory of Social Structure

Hypotheses derived from Blau's theory of social structure are tested with his 1970 data set. Rates of interracial marriage are inversely associated with various measures of racial inequality across the largest SMSAS. Racial inequality is associated with racial salience, the predominance of ingroup relations, in the positive direction. The concept of salience is explicitly incorporated in the examination of a theoretical paradox in Blau's theory. This paper discusses and examines the relationship between racial inequality and salience-a collective preference for ingroup association. Salience is defined and used as a behavioral measure, rather than an attitudinal one, indicating the extent to which individuals are more likely to interact with individuals who are similar to themselves. Measures of macrosocial structure-in particular, race consolidation or inequality-are used to explain the variability of racial salience. Earlier findings (Blau et al.) and a theoretical paradox in Blau's theory of social structure are discussed while explicitly incorporating the concept of salience. Two complementary approaches to the study of social structure are considered and the relation between them is examined. One approach describes the network structure of role relations or social associations from a positional perspective (see Burt for a discussion of various approaches to studying network structure), and explicitly treats the distribution of positions or attributes as logically prior to social relations. The second approach is Blau's quantitative conception of macrosocial structure as the distribu
Comparison of nonintensified and intensified CCD detectors for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

The performance and sensitivity of an intensified CCD array system and a nonintensified CCD array detector system are compared for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). LIBS measurements were recorded in a calcium-based aerosol-seeded gas stream at ambient pressure. The signal-to-noise ratio based on the 393.37-nm calcium emission line was calculated as a function of detector delay with respect to the plasma-initiating laser pulse. Both ensemble-averaging and single-shot spectral analyses were performed. For all conditions, the intensified CCD system provided an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio compared with the nonintensified CCD system.
Hospital Quality and Selective Contracting: Evidence from Kidney Transplantation

Most private health insurers offer a limited network of providers to enrollees. Critics have questioned whether selective contracting benefits patients. Plans counter that they take quality into account when choosing providers. Using data on five plans’ networks for kidney transplant hospitals, this study shows that in-network hospitals have better outcomes than out-of-network facilities. Conditional logit estimates using patient level data confirm this result: compared to Medicare patients, privately-insured patients are more likely to register at hospitals with higher survival rates. Restricting choice has the potential to improve patient welfare if plans steer uninformed patients to high quality hospitals and physicians.
Extracting geometric structures and a region of interest for man-made object detection

A computational framework is presented to extract geometric structures and a region of interest from a monochrome image for the detection of man-made objects in a non-urban scene. The framework is based on the principles of perceptual organization. Several new techniques are developed to implement this framework. Examples using real complex images are presented to show the effectiveness of the approach.
Direct reconstruction of the dark energy scalar-field potential

While the accelerated expansion of the Universe is by now well established, an underlying scalar-field potential possibly responsible for this acceleration remains unconstrained. We present an attempt to reconstruct this potential using recent SN data, under the assumption that the acceleration is driven by a single scalar field. Current approaches to such reconstructions are based upon simple parametric descriptions of either the luminosity distance or the dark energy equation of state. We find that these various approximations lead to a range of derived evolutionary histories of the dark energy equation of state (although there is considerable overlap between the different potential shapes allowed by the data). Instead of these indirect reconstruction schemes, we discuss a technique to determine the potential directly from the data by expressing it in terms of a binned scalar field. We apply this technique to a recent SN data set, and compare the results with model-dependent approaches. In a similar fashion to direct estimates of the dark energy equation of state, we advocate direct reconstruction of the scalar-field potential as a way to minimize prior assumptions on the shape, and thus minimize the introduction of bias in the derived potential.
Effect of pentabarbital dependence on adenylate cyclase activity and calmodulin levels in rat cerebral cortex

Abstract The effect of calcium (Ca 2+ ) on the adenylate cyclase activity and calmodulin level of cerebral cortex was determined in pentobarbital dependent rats and age matched controls. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were made dependent and maintained on pentobarbital by eating a mixture of pentobarbital and rat chow (350 mg pentobarbital/30 g chow). Ca 2+ activated then inhibited the adenylate cyclase activity associated with a 20,000 x g particulate fraction from pentobarbital dependent and age matched control rats. The values for one-half maximal stimulation and inhibition by Ca 2+ did not differ significantly in either cortical preparation. However, the ability of Ca 2+ to activate adenylate cyclase from pentobarbital dependent animals was significantly decreased (p −4 − 10 −3 ) added to particulate fractions from naive control rats did not alter the ability of Ca 2+ to activate adenylate cyclase. The calmodulin levels in the particulate fraction from pentobarbital dependent animals (30.2 ± 6.7 ng calmodulin/mg protein) did not differ significantly when compared to control (33.0 ± 4.7 ng/mg). By contrast, the calmodulin levels (37.9 ± 5.9 ng/mg) in the 20,000 x g supernatant from cortex of pentobarbital dependent animals was significantly greater than the level in the supernatant from control animals (28.6 ± 2.6 ng/mg). The ability of forskolin, dopamine, GTP or forskolin plus GTP (all at a concentration of 100 μM) to activate adenylate cyclase was significantly decreased in particulate preparations from pentobarbital dependent animals. In summary, our data show that alterations in calmodulin levels and a decreased responsivity of adenylate cyclase occur in animals physically dependent on pentobarbital.
Screen reader/2: access to OS/2 and the graphical user interface

Screen Reader/2 is IBM's access system for OS/2, providing blind users access to the graphical user interface (GUI) of Presentation Manager, to Windows programs running under OS/2, and to text mode DOS and OS/2 programs. Screen Reader/2 is a completely redesigned and rewritten follow-on to IBM's Screen Reader Version 1.2 for DOS.There has been considerable discussion about the technical challenges, difficulties, and inherent obstacles presented by the GUI. Not enough time and energy has been devoted to the successes in GUI access, in part because the developers of GUI access software have had their hands full trying to solve very difficult problems.This paper will describe how IBM Screen Reader makes the GUI accessible.
Insight for Creativity, Expression for Impact

Albert Einstein met Charlie Chaplin while visiting Los Angeles and the California Institute of Technology. Apparently Chaplin befriended Einstein and even took him to the opening of the movie, Modem Times. They arrived at the show in a limousine, and the car was quickly surrounded by fans. Though he was at this point somewhat of a public figure, Einstein was not accustomed to the crowd that was drawn to Chaplin on opening night, and he asked his friend, "What does it mean?!" To this Chaplin replied, "~o th in~ . " ' What does acclaim mean? At a minimum it means that an individual has convinced some audience of the value of his or her work, be it scientific research, acting, or leadership. And clearly the process by which acclaim is earned is an interesting one, in part because it is dependent on attributions, judgments, and perhaps even outright bias. Kasof (this issue) takes us closer to an understanding and prediction of acclaim and its correlates, including achievement, impact, and reputation. That being said, I must quickly add that I do not think Kasof has helped us understand creativity per se. In fact, I fear he has contributed to a trend that is taking us away from clear understanding of the creative process. The reasons for this are detailed in this commentary. My emphasis is on the need to distinguish between the mechanisms that underlie creativity and those involved in the expression and reception of the resulting insights.
urbanization, plural marriage, and family size in two African cities1

In this article we examine the degree to which two facets of traditional familial arrangements, plural marriage and familism (as measured by number of children), continue to be closely interrelated in the African urban context. We demonstrate that urbanization is, in effect, associated with changes in the number of choices available to male urban residents with regard to their familial life-style, but not necessarily with changes in the nature of such choices. We show that male exposure to urban forces (as measured by educational and occupational attainments or by migratory experiences) is not necessarily accompanied by a decline in the incidence of polygyny or in the number of children attached to a household. Nor does it necessarily lead to a decline in the association between these variables. Further, we also examine whether the interaction between types of marriage and number of children varies with the characteristics of the immediate surroundings in which these individuals live, notably with their relative isolation from ethnic peers, or with the housing facilities that they use. Finally, we show that the responses of men and women to the problems of urbanization are not alike and that the functions performed by monogamous and polygynous wives are increasingly divergent. We conclude that the effect of urbanization on traditional life-style is not necessarily unidirectional.
SINGLE-POINT INVERSION OF THE CORONAL MAGNETIC FIELD

The Fe XIII 10747 and 10798 A lines observed in the solar corona are sensitive to the coronal magnetic field in such a way that, in principle, the full vector field at a point on the line of sight can be inferred from their combined polarization signals. This paper presents analytical inversion formulae for the field parameters and analyzes the uncertainty of magnetic field measurements made from such observations, assuming emission dominated by a single region along the line of sight. We consider the case of the current Coronal Multi-channel Polarimeter (CoMP) instrument as well as the future Coronal Solar Magnetism Observatory (COSMO) and Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) instruments. Uncertainties are estimated with a direct analytic inverse and with a Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm. We find that (in effect) two components of the vector field can be recovered with CoMP, and well recovered with COSMO or ATST, but that the third component can only be recovered when the solar magnetic field is strong and optimally oriented.
Neuritic plaques in Alzheimer disease originate from neurofibrillary tangles

Abstract Amyloid β-protein is a major focus in efforts to understand the etiology of Alzheimer disease yet there is little known about the mechanism of its deposition in plaques. I propose deposition of amyloid in neuritic plaques depends on the remains of neurofibrillary tangles after neuronal death. The interaction of these two lesions means neuritic plaques are not only dependent on neurofibrillary tangles and neuronal death but also dependent on their concurrence.
Thermodynamic properties of potassium metasilicate (K2SiO3)

Abstract The standard enthalpy of formation of potassium metasilicate (K 2 SiO 3 ), determined by hydrofluoric acid solution calorimetry, was found to be Δ H o f,298 = −363.866±0.421 kcal mol −1 (−1522.415±1.762 kj mol −1 ). The standard enthalpy of formation from the oxides was found to beΔ H o 298 = −64.786±0.559 kcal mol −1 (−271.065±2.339 kJ mol −1 ). These experimentally determined data were combined with data from the literature to calculate the Gibbs energies of formation and equilibrium constants of formation over the temperature range of the literature data. The standard enthalpies of formation and Gibbs energies of formation are given as functions of temperature. The standard Gibbs energy of formation is Δ G f,298.15 0 = −341.705 kcal mol −1 (−1429.694 kJ mol −1 ).
Ionic charge on phospholipids and their interaction with the mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase

The activity of the lipid-depleted, oligomycin-sensitive mitochondrial ATPase has been measured in the presence of liposomes prepared from mixtures of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol lysine. Enzyme activity increased linearly with an increase in the negative charge of liposomes prepared from the phosphatidylglycerol-phosphatidylglycerol lysine mixtures. The electrophoretic mobility and activating capacity of liposomes of several other phospholipids were determined. A linear relationship between electrophoretic mobility of the liposomes and oligomycin-sensitive activity was again apparent. These observations demonstrate that the activity of the ATPase is directly proportional to the ionic charge on phospholipid activators if the acyl chain composition of the phosphoglycerides is relatively constant.
MARKETING AND THE DEMOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE

Demographic data have proven quite useful in the structuring of some marketing strategies. However, the development of a demographic perspective, which would extend the use of what marketers call demographics, has not been forthcoming. This article offers both an explanation of the demographic perspective—how it differs from demographics—along with examples of how this perspective can make demographic data more useful to marketers.
PAIN OUTCOMES AFTER THORACOTOMY: LUMBAR EPIDURAL HYDROMORPHONE VERSUS INTRAPLEURAL BUPIVACAINE

Objective: To evaluate postthoractomy analgesia in patients receiving lumbar epidural hydromorphone versus intrapleural bupivacaine. Design: A randomized, prospective, double-blind study. Setting: A university-affiliated medical center. Participants: Twenty patients undergoing lateral thoracotomy for either pulmonary wedge resection, lobectomy, or pneumonectomy. Intervention: Nine patients received epidural hydromorphone, and 11 patients received intrapleural bupivacaine in the postoperative period. Measurements and Main Results: Severity of pain was assessed using a visual analog pain scale (VAPS) (0 to 100 mm) at 1, 3, and 5 hours. Patients receiving epidural hydromorphone had a statistically significant improvement in VAPS scores. Patients who received intrapleural bupivacaine did not achieve a significant reduction in pain scores. Nine of 11 patients in the intrapleural bupivacaine group had “failed” postoperative analgesia as defined by a VAPS greater than 30. Only 3 of 9 patients in the continuous epidural hydromorphone group had “failed” analgesia. Conclusion: Epidural hydromorphone is superior to intrapleural bupivacaine in achieving satisfactory pain outcomes during the first 5 hours after thoracotomy.
The Aesthetics of Thorstein Veblen Revisited

The aesthetics of Thorstein Veblen (1857-1929) have been evaluated by aestheticians and social scientists of various ideological persuasions. Because of Veblen's stature as an American critical theorist and the debate which has ensued over the nature of his aesthetics, further efforts to both clarify and extrapolate from them are self-justificatory. The focus here is on (1) Veblen's view of aesthetic experience, (2) the nature of the non-invidiously beautiful in his aesthetics, (3) his distinction between pure and applied art forms and its importance to the common person and (4) the social basis and artistic consequences of the non-invidious as exemplified in the painting of the American artist Winslow Homer (1836-1910). Problematic areas in Veblen's social theory and aesthetics are addressed and a non-invidious aesthetic of countervailence articulated using Homer's work.
Inversion-layer width, electron-electron interactions, and the fractional quantum Hall effect

The current understanding of the fractional quantum Hall effect is based on the incompressible quantum fluid state proposed by Laughlin [Phys. Rev. Lett. 50, 1395 (1983)]. For a two-dimensional electron gas with Coulombic electron-electron interactions this proposal has been justified by demonstrating that Laughlin's state is lower in energy than the charge-density-wave state of the same system. In an actual inversion layer, the effective electron-electron interaction is strongly modified when the electron-electron separation becomes comparable with the inversion layer width. In this Rapid Communication we demonstrate that this modification results in a substantial reduction in the energy of both Laughlin and charge-density-wave states, but nevertheless leaves Laughlin's state lower in energy.
A plastic-viscoelastic constitutive equation to represent the rheological behavior of concentrated suspensions of small particles in polymer melts☆

Abstract The rheological properties of concentrated suspensions of small particulates in polymer melts are critically discussed. These systems give the appearance of a yield value in steady shear flow but also show many typical responses of a viscoelastic fluid. A tensor constitutive equation is developed to represent the behavior of such systems which combines a tensor yield criterion with a non-linear viscoelastic model. The response of this model is considered in both simple shear flow and uniaxial elongational flow.
Liquid crystals nonlinear optics — CW to femtoseconds all-optical signal processing

We present an overview of recent results obtained in pure and nano-dopant modified liquid crystals which possess extraordinarily ultrafast nonlinear nonlinearities for all-optical processing with lasers of wide ranging temporal and spectral characteristics.
The Relation of Hostile Nonverbal Communication Styles to Popularity in Preadolescent Children

Some assumptions of interpersonal theory were tested among a population of preadolescent children. Children were videotaped while interacting with a same-sex peer, and their verbal and nonverbal communications were judged by other peers who were not participants in the study. Children rated as socially unattractive by their peers had communication styles characterized by nonverbal visual hostility. These results support the assumption that negative nonverbal communications are associated with relationship difficulties.
Genetic counseling impacts decision for prophylactic surgery for patients perceived to be at high risk for breast cancer

Abstract Background: This study addresses the impact a comprehensive genetic counseling program had on women considering prophylactic mastectomy or oophorectomy. Methods: Sixty patients underwent detailed family evaluation and risk was estimated. Recommendations were made regarding testing. Ramifications of testing were discussed in detail. Results: Thirty-one women (37%) were considering prophylactic surgery believing themselves to be at high risk. Of these, 23 had testing recommended. Seven patients proceeded with prophylactic surgery based solely on high-risk assessment. Ten women were tested; five were positive. Three patients proceeded with prophylactic surgery despite a negative test. One decided against surgery despite a positive test. After counseling, prophylactic surgery was performed in just over half the initial candidates. Conclusions: Breast cancer risk estimation and genetic evaluation can be complex. Comprehensive genetic risk assessment programs can play a significant role in the management of patients considering prophylactic surgery for perceived high risk.