cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of new Medicare enrollment on health, healthcare utilization, and cost: A scoping review

Background More than three million Americans turn 65 each year and newly enroll in Medicare, making this one of the most common insurance transitions. Non-Medicare insurance transitions are associated with changes in health, healthcare utilization and costs. In addition, older Americans have higher morbidity, mortality, healthcare utilization, and healthcare costs than the general population. However, the effect of new Medicare enrollment on these outcomes is unclear. Design We conducted a scoping review to rigorously identify the scope of evidence on the association between new Medicare enrollment and health, healthcare utilization and costs. Setting We included English-language, peer-reviewed, studies cataloged in Medline (PubMed) and EconLit from 1998 to 2018. Participants Individuals newly enrolling in Medicare. Measurements We measured health (e.g., self-reported health), healthcare utilization (e.g., provider visits, preventive care, and hospitalizations) and costs (e.g., patient out-of-pocket and health plan spending). Results We screened 5265 articles and included 20 articles. New Medicare enrollment was found to increase self-reported health and healthcare utilization overall, as well as reduce disparities across racial and socioeconomic strata. Provider visits, preventive care and hospitalizations all increased. However, patient out-of-pocket spending decreased, and health plan spending also decreased, when Medicare's lower prices were accounted for. Few studies compared outcomes among new Medicare Advantage enrollees with new Medicare fee-for-service enrollees. None of the studies specifically evaluated the effect of new Medicare enrollment on adults with multiple chronic conditions. Conclusion New Medicare enrollment improves access overall and reduces access disparities. However, the impact of new Medicare enrollment among subgroups defined by insurance coverage type and number of chronic conditions is less clear. Future work should also evaluate the mechanism for increases in hospitalizations.
Bianchi II and VII$_{h=0}$ Models Revisited Via The Euclidean-Signature Semi Classical Method.

We apply in a novel fashion a modified semi-classical method to the Bianchi II and VII$_{h=0}$ models when a cosmological constant, aligned electromagnetic field and stiff matter are present. Additionally we study the non-commutative quantum Bianchi II models when an aligned electromagnetic field is included. Through the use of the Euclidean-signature semi classical method we find a plethora of new solutions to these model's corresponding Lorentzian signature Wheeler DeWitt equations which we can interpret qualitatively. These new solutions for the aforementioned models involving matter sources reveal some potentially interesting effects that should be chronicled as possible phenomena that a toy model of quantum gravity can induce on the evolution of a quantum universe. Furthermore we find 'excited' states which behave differently from the 'excited' states of the Bianchi IX and Taub models that were previously uncovered using this method. By comparing and contrasting the 'excited' states given by these models we help facilitate a better understating of what constitutes an 'excited' state solution of the Wheeler Dewitt equation. Our results further show the utility of the Euclidean-signature semi classical method for tackling Lorentzian signature problems without having to invoke a Wick rotation. This feature of not needing to apply a Wick rotation makes this method potentially very useful for tackling a variety of problems in bosonic relativistic field theory and quantum gravity.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol Minimizes Intensive Care Unit Utilization and Improves Outcomes Following Pulmonary Resection.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been associated with improved postoperative outcomes but require further validation in thoracic surgery. This study evaluated outcomes of patients undergoing pulmonary resection before and after implementation of an ERAS protocol. Electronic medical records were queried for all patients undergoing pulmonary resection between April 2017 and April 2019. Patients were grouped into pre- and post-ERAS cohorts based on dates of operation. The ERAS protocol prioritized early mobilization, limited invasive monitoring, euvolemia, and non-narcotic analgesia. Primary outcome measures included intensive care unit (ICU) utilization, postoperative pain metrics, and perioperative morbidity. Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of morbidity. Subgroup analyses were performed by pulmonary risk profile and surgical approach. A total of 64 pre- and 67 post-ERAS patients were included in the study. ERAS implementation was associated with reduced postoperative ICU admission (pre: 65.6% vs. post: 19.4%, p < 0.0001), shorter ICU median length of stay (LOS) (pre: 1 vs. post: 0, p < 0.0001), and decreased opioid usage measured by median morphine milligram equivalents (pre: 40.5 vs. post: 20.0, p < 0.0001). Post-ERAS patients also reported lower visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 (pre: 6.3/5.6 vs. post: 5.3/4.2, p = 0.04/0.01) as well as average VAS pain score over POD0-2 (pre: 6.2 vs. post: 5.2, p = 0.005). Implementation of an ERAS protocol for pulmonary resection, which dictated reduced ICU admissions, did not increase major postoperative morbidity. Additionally, ERAS-enrolled patients reported improved postoperative pain control despite decreased opioid utilization.
Longitudinal differences in everyday preferences: Comparisons between people with cognitive impairment and their care partners.

Objectives Persons with progressive cognitive impairment (CI) increasingly rely on surrogate decision-makers for everyday activities. Yet, little is known about changes in everyday preferences over time or about concordance between persons with CI and their care partners regarding longitudinal changes. Methods The sample included 48 dyads of persons with CI (Clinical Dementia Rating Scale score ≥0.5) and their care partners. The Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory was used to assess importance of preferences among persons with CI at baseline and follow-up (mean 486 days). Care partners separately completed concurrent proxy assessments. Mixed random and fixed effects longitudinal models were used to evaluate changes in ratings and concordance levels between persons with CI and care partners. Results There were significant gender differences regarding importance ratings of "autonomous choice" and "social engagement" preferences over time: women with CI rated these preferences as more important across time as a whole. Higher levels of neuropsychiatric symptoms were associated with less importance of "social engagement" preferences across time as a whole for persons with CI and a more negative discrepancy between persons with CI and care partner proxy assessments as time went on. Conclusion This study yields new insights into predictors of longitudinal change in everyday preferences among persons with CI and their care partners. Although preferences were largely stable over time, there is increasing support for the relationship between differences in "social engagement" preferences and neuropsychiatric symptoms, which may have implications for monitoring and/or treatment in the context of cognitive impairment.
Un)specific Personal Jurisdiction

New York's long-arm statute and constitutional due-process considerations together limit a New York court's power to render a valid judgment against — to exercise so-called "personal jurisdiction" over—an out-of-state product manufacturer. Supreme Court cases teach that due-process considerations permit the court to exercise personal jurisdiction over the manufacturer in two ways: First, the court may exercise "general personal jurisdiction" where the manufacturer is "essentially at home" in New York, and second, it may exercise "specific personal jurisdiction" where "the suit . . . aris[es] out of or relat[es] to the defendant's contacts with" New York. Compared with the question whether the manufacturer is "essentially at home"— determining, in most cases, whether the manufacturer is incorporated or maintains a principal place of business — in New York, the challenges become clear. A plaintiff (or their counsel) can virtually always develop an argument to permit a court to infer that their claims "relate to" the manufacturer's contacts with New York. A majority of manufacturers nowadays will have some contact with New York, whether it's a nationwide marketing campaign directed at consumers in New York, an online website accessible from New York, or a nationwide distribution system through which their product ultimately finds its way into New York. Whatever the contact, it alone is irrelevant, as the dispositive question is whether the plaintiff's claims "relate to" the manufacturer's contact — the marketing campaign, the online website, or the distribution system — with New York. The Court of Appeals' most recent opinion on the topic should provide some comfort to the manufacturer defending product-liability claims in New York court: It held that an Ohio retailer who sold a product to a third party who later resold the product to a New York resident did not purposefully direct its products at New York residents, regardless of whether the Ohio retailer knew the third party intended to resell the product. Two companion product-liability cases, pending before the Court and involving a Ford Motor Co. car design, assembled, and first sold out of state, have the potential to change all this. Many years after Ford first sold them, the cars were at the center of serious accidents, seriously injuring one and leaving another dead. Facing product-liability claims in state court, Ford moved to dismiss the claims, arguing the courts could not exercise personal jurisdiction over Ford because had done nothing in the states to give rise to the claims. The courts disagreed, the appellate courts did too, and the Court granted certiorari. The Court should cease the opportunity to provide much-needed clarity to courts across the country (including in New York) and hold that a court may exercise specific personal jurisdiction over an out-of-state manufacturer where its contact with the state caused the plaintiff's claims. Doing so will end the prolonged inconsistency in this area of law.
On the Nature of Informative Presence Bias in Analyses of Electronic Health Records.

Electronic health records (EHRs) offer unprecedented opportunities to answer epidemiologic questions. However, unlike in ordinary cohort studies or randomized trials, EHR data are collected somewhat idiosyncratically. In particular, patients who have more contact with the medical system have more opportunities to receive diagnoses, which are then recorded in their EHRs. The goal of this paper is to shed light on the nature and scope of this phenomenon, known as informative presence, which can bias estimates of associations. We show how this can be characterized as an instance of misclassification bias. As a consequence, we show that informative presence bias can occur in a broader range of settings than previously thought, and that simple adjustment for the number of visits as a confounder may not fully correct for bias. Additionally, where previous work has considered only under-diagnosis, investigators are often concerned about over-diagnosis; we show how this changes the settings in which bias manifests. We report on a comprehensive series of simulations to shed light on when to expect informative presence bias, how it can be mitigated in some cases, and cases in which new methods need to be developed.
Nationwide Readmissions Analysis of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Ventral Hernia Repair: A Retrospective Population-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION Minimally invasive ventral hernia repair (MISVHR) has been performed for almost 30 years; recently, there has been an accelerated adoption of the robotic platform leading to renewed comparisons to open ventral hernia repair (OVHR). The present study evaluates patterns and outcomes of readmissions for MISVHR and OVHR patients. METHODS The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) was queried for patients undergoing OVHR and MISVHR from 2016 to 2018. Demographic characteristics, complications, and 90-day readmissions were determined. A subgroup analysis was performed to compare robotic ventral hernia repair (RVHR) vs laparoscopic hernia repair (LVHR). Standard statistical methods and logistic regression were used. RESULTS Over the 3-year period, there were 25 795 MISVHR and 180 635 OVHR admissions. Minimally invasive ventral hernia repair was associated with a lower rate of 90-day readmission (11.3% vs 17.3%, P < .01), length of stay (LOS) (4.0 vs 7.9 days, P < .01), and hospital charges ($68,240 ± 75 680 vs $87,701 ± 73 165, P < .01), which remained true when elective and non-elective repairs were evaluated independently. Postoperative infection was the most common reason for readmission but was less common in the MISVHR group (8.4% vs 16.8%, P < .01). Robotic ventral hernia repair increased over the 3-year period and was associated with decreased LOS (3.7 vs 4.1 days, P < .01) and comparable readmissions (11.3% vs 11.2%, P = .74) to LVHR, but was nearly $20,000 more expensive. In logistic regression, OVHR, non-elective operation, urban-teaching hospital, increased LOS, comorbidities, and payer type were predictive of readmission. CONCLUSIONS Open ventral hernia repair was associated with increased LOS and increased readmissions compared to MISVHR. Robotic ventral hernia repair had comparable readmissions and decreased LOS to LVHR, but it was more expensive.
General Surgery Resident Case Logs: Do They Accurately Reflect Resident Experience?

Introduction Operative experience during residency lays the foundation for independent practice and additional specialty training following general surgery residency. The aim of this study was to examine operative experience of general surgery residents and detail the results of an intervention aimed at improving resident record keeping in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case log system to better reflect their experience. Methods Residents were asked to characterize variances in recorded operative experience identified through an audit of operative logs. Based on the results of the audit, an intervention was designed to prompt timely record keeping by residents. The intervention included education and discussion of survey audit results, weekly presentation of graphs detailing operative experience, and possible missed cases in the ACGME logs and addition of a first assistant column in morbidity and mortality (M&M) logs. Results The audit of case logs identified discrepancies in 24.2% of the 636 cases examined. Chief residents were significantly more accurate (95.9%) in recording operative experience in ACGME case logs, whereas 50.3% of junior resident case logs contained variances. Residents characterized discrepancies as "forgot to log" (9.6%), "staff did the case" (5.2%), "another resident did more of the case" (3.6%), "other" (3.6%), a "more advanced resident was present for the case" (1.6%), "not present for case" (0.6%), and "left for consult" (0.3%). Over the 4-week intervention period, residents logged between 72.7% and 94.0% of cases. A month following the intervention period, we observed a 13.3% increase in recorded cases compared with the intervention period. Review of first assistant case logging following inclusion of a "first assistant" column in M&M logs demonstrated a 70.5% increase in first assistant cases logged into the ACGME system compared with the same time period a year ago. Conclusions Based on our results, we found that weekly displays of cases improved resident record keeping in the ACGME case log system, especially by junior residents. We believe that the addition of first assistant column on M&M lists, periodic audits reviewed at conferences, and semiannual evaluations will help junior residents more accurately report their experience during training.
Technology-delivered adaptations of motivational interviewing for health-related behaviors: A systematic review of the current research.

Abstract Objectives The aims of this paper were to describe and evaluate the methods and efficacy of technology-delivered motivational interviewing interventions (TAMIs), discuss the challenges and opportunities of TAMIs, and provide a framework for future research. Methods We reviewed studies that reported using motivational interviewing (MI) based components delivered via technology and conducted ratings on technology description, comprehensiveness of MI, and study methods. Results The majority of studies were fully-automated and included at least one form of media rich technology to deliver the TAMI. Few studies provided complete descriptions of how MI components were delivered via technology. Of the studies that isolated the TAMI effects, positive changes were reported. Conclusion Researchers have used a range of technologies to deliver TAMIs suggesting feasibility of these methods. However, there are limited data regarding their efficacy, and strategies to deliver relational components remain a challenge. Future research should better characterize the components of TAMIs, empirically test the efficacy of TAMIs with randomized controlled trials, and incorporate fidelity measures. Practice implications: TAMIs are feasible to implement and well accepted. These approaches offer considerable potential to reduce costs, minimize therapist and training burden, and expand the range of clients that may benefit from adaptations of MI.
The Impact of Prescription Drug Black Box Warnings on College Students’ Risk Perceptions and Information Processing

The Food and Drug Administration’s application of black box warnings to several high profile medications has heightened the attention surrounding the risks of prescription drugs and the role of warning labels. Previous research indicates that the issuance of a black box warning to a prescription drug is often followed by a significant decline in the drug’s sales, raising concerns that some consumers overreact and may fail to use an otherwise appropriate medication. Using a lab experiment with college students (n=279), this study examines consumer responses to the presence of a black box warning relevant for this population. The results indicate that the presence of a black box warning significantly increases the consumer’s awareness of the risks of taking the drug but has no effect on the consumer’s hypothetical willingness to begin taking the drug.
The quantum mind

When did consciousness arise? Basically there are three possibilities for theorigin of consciousness in the universe. Number one, which is the most popularI would say amongst scientists, certainly, consciousness emerged as a propertyof biological complexity at some point during the course of evolution. And wecan argue about when. [...]
QR Out of a Tensed Clause: Evidence from Antecedent‐Contained Deletion

This paper presents an argument based on evidence from experiments featuring Antecedent-Contained Deletion (ACD) sentences situated in carefully-manipulated discourse contexts, that covert movement is not grammatically constrained by tense. ACD is a form of Verb Phrase Ellipsis in which ellipsis is embedded in its antecedent. Under an account appealing to Quantifier Raising, the quantificational phrase containing the ellipsis site raises to a VP-external position, allowing the VP to become the antecedent. When ACD is embedded in a non-finite clause, such sentences are ambiguous, since multiple VPs can serve as an antecedent. However, when ACD is embedded in a finite clause, the range of interpretations has been claimed to be restricted, because of an independent ‘clause-bounded’ movement constraint on Quantifier Raising. However, there are exceptions to this generalization. I present evidence from an experimental investigation of finite-clause-embedded ACD sentences, relying on Cecchetto (2004), to demonstrate that under the right discourse conditions, the supposedly unavailable Matrix reading surfaces robustly, at a percentage that is surprising if the constraint were rooted in the grammar. I argue that these results call into question the source of this locality restriction, and propose that it has nothing to do with an arbitrary grammatical constraint on movement.1
Polyketide Biosynthesis: Modular Polyketide Synthases

Polyketides constitute a large class of microbial and plant-derived secondary metabolites that displays a vast array of structural diversity. These organic molecules vary in molecular weight, functional group modification, and include linear, polycyclic, and macrocyclic structural forms. Currently, polyketide natural products find clinical use as antibiotics, antiparasitic agents, antifungals, anticancer drugs, and immunosuppressants. Given these impressive and wide-ranging pharmacologic activities, an ever-increasing demand is placed on natural products research to uncover novel polyketide metabolites for the benefit of human and animal health. Modular polyketide synthases are nature's platform for the expansion of chemical diversity. This review provides new perspectives on important biosynthetic mechanisms that contribute to this variety. This includes control of double-bond configuration and regiochemistry, introduction of β-branching during polyketide chain assembly, and other processes that contribute to introduction of unique chemical functionality into these fascinating systems.
Low profile UHF RFID antenna design with EBG structures

A low profile UHF RFID antenna is designed using Electromagnetic Bang Gap (EBG) structures with high permittivity materials. The effect of dielectric permittivity constant, dielectric thickness, feed location, feed types such as probe-fed and inset-fed on antenna gain, bandwidth, and return loss when matching to the feed point has been done using transmission line and cavity models which have been studied extensively with 3D electromagnetic simulator, HFSS. The optimum microstrip patch antenna design method to have an increased reading distance with low profile is presented in detail. The results have been compared with existing results and improvement has been demonstrated.
The natural history of isolated ventricular septal defect. A serial physiologic study.

Forty patients with isolated ventricular septal defect were studied physiologically two or more times before they underwent surgical treatment. Utilizing baselines obtained by heart catheterizations of normal infants and children, we grouped patients with ventricular septal defect according to the magnitude of the total pulmonary resistance, pulmonary blood flow, and pulmonary arterial pressure, and according to changes in these values over time. The patients with small defects (less than 1 cm. per M.2 of body surface area) were easily separable on the basis of physiologic findings. Patients with large ventricular septal defects (greater than 1 cm. per M.2 of body surface area) exhibited one of three possible initial responses to the stress of high pulsatile pulmonary flow and increased pulmonary artery pressure: (1) normal regression of total pulmonary resistance; (2) delayed fall in total pulmonary resistance; (3) failure of the total pulmonary resistance to decrease with age. These physiologic response...
Conceptualizing ‘interaction’ in interpersonal pragmatics: Implications for understanding and research

Abstract Studying interaction between persons is central in the emerging sub-discipline of interpersonal pragmatics. Following Krippendorff (1970) , the particular metaphor, model, or theory one employs in conceptualizing interaction both affords and constrains not only one's theorizing, but also one's research on language use between persons. This paper examines metaphors and models commonly employed in studying interaction, arguing that their entailments are deeply consequential in framing one's understanding, as well as one's choices in observing, generating and analyzing data, and interpreting the results of research. These issues are exemplified in examining the implications of conceptualizing interaction in terms of the common encoding/decoding model of language use, versus in terms of an interactional achievement model of human communication.
The relationship of ussing's flux-ratio equation to the thermodynamic description of membrane permeability

Abstract Ussing 's flux-ratio equation was derived from the phenomenological equations of irreversible thermodynamics. The assumptions necessary for this derivation have been interpreted in terms of frictional coefficients defined by Kedem and Katchalsky . the flux-ratio equation was also derived from Kedem and Katchalsky 's equation for solute flow across a membrane in a two-component system. This gave RT ln ( J in J out ) = J v ( i - α)/ω . The data available in the literature appear to uphold this relation. The coefficient of J v should include a term v /L p in addition to the resistive cross coefficient if hydrostatic (but not osmotic) pressure is used to induce volume flow. For many membranes v /L p is small compared to (1-σ)/ω. The flux-ratio equation was also obtained for active transport as defined by Kedem .
Geostatistics and GIS: Tools for Characterizing Environmental Contamination

Geostatistics is a set of statistical techniques used in the analysis of georeferenced data that can be applied to environmental contamination and remediation studies. In this study, the 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) contamination at a Superfund site in western Maryland is evaluated. Concern about the site and its future clean up has triggered interest within the community because residential development surrounds the area. Spatial statistical methods, of which geostatistics is a subset, are becoming increasingly popular, in part due to the availability of geographic information system (GIS) software in a variety of application packages. In this article, the joint use of ArcGIS software and the R statistical computing environment are demonstrated as an approach for comprehensive geostatistical analyses. The spatial regression method, kriging, is used to provide predictions of DDE levels at unsampled locations both within the site and the surrounding areas where residential development is ongoing.
RITODRINE EXPOSURE IN UTERO: EFFECTS ON FETAL RATS

Beta-sympathomimetics used for tocolysis have been shown to cause changes in fetuses and neonates. Ritodrine (R) (5mg/kg, sc, q12h) was given to rats on days 10-19 of pregnancy. Control (C) rats received saline alone. On day 20 the animals were anesthesized and the fetuses were delivered via abdominal incision. (R) and (C) exhibited no significant differences in fetal or placental weight, placental glycogen content, or fetal and maternal blood glucose values. The following significant fetal results were obtained: Our findings that (R) causes cardiac muscle hypertrophy without affecting cardiac glycogen deposition are in agreement with reports of cardiovascular effects of the drug. The increase in liver glycogen content may indicate a hyperglycemic state which has also been linked to (R) therapy. Maternal heart weights and liver glycogen also increased in the (R) group, similar to the fetal changes. Unlike the fetuses, maternal cardiac glycogen content and pituitary weights were increased in the (R) group. These results suggest that cardiovascular and metabolic side effects be considered in infants born to mothers on (R).
Rethinking Resistance and the Cultural Politics of Occupy

This article examines the cultural politics of organizing in the Occupy LA movement. Utilizing ethnographic methods and the analysis of digital media sources produced by a variety of Occupy activists, this study focuses on how members of Occupy LA, in the post camp eviction period, made efforts to infuse a new kind of class politics among members of the newly and structurally dispossessed in the Los Angeles area. It focuses mainly on their efforts to build bridges among a variety of community based social movements during specific actions such as May Day 2012 and their efforts to ally themselves with organizations fighting the gentrification of Downtown Los Angeles and Skid Row in particular. Utilizing the theoretical lens of David Harvey's notion of “accumulation by dispossession” it concludes that Occupy LA has helped to open up new opportunities for rethinking the concept of “class consciousness” and its relationship to the structural dispossession of black and Latino communities. It also concludes tha...
The maturation of the pituitary-adrenal axis in the newborn rat.

the maturation of the pituitary-adrenal axis in the newborn rat The administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) results in an immediate fall in the ascorbic acid and cholesterol concentration of the adult rat and guinea pig adrenal gland (Sayers, Sayers, Fry, White and Long (1944); Sayers, Sayers, Liang and Long (1946)). The decline of ascorbic acid content becomes manifest within an hour after the injection of ACTH. There is also evidence that the fall in concentration of these substances is correlated with adrenal cortical secretion as shown by an increase in liver glycogen and lymphopenia. Selye (1937) had previously demonstrated that the administration of noxious substances resulted in adrenal hypertrophy in normal animals but not in hypophysectomized ones. He postulated that exposure to stress resulted in the release of ACTH by the animal’s pituitary gland. Long and Fry (1945); Sayers and Sayers (1948); Ludewig and Chanutin (1947); Levin (1945) and others have shown that the adadministration...
Vitamin D Requirements of Growing Chicks as Affected by the Calcium Content of the Ration

Abstract THE vitamin D requirements of chickens has been a subject of investigation since the work of Bethke, Record, and Kennard (1) who concluded that the chick required for normal calcification 18.9 International units of vitamin D from cod liver oil per 100 grams of ration. Murphy, Hunter, and Knandel (4) reported that the chick required a minimum of 17 International units of vitamin D from cod liver oil per 100 grams of ration from hatching time till 24 weeks of age. Carver, Robertson, Brazie, Johnson, and St. John (2) found that the chick required 17 International units of vitamin D from cod liver oil per 100 grams of ration for satisfactory calcification and growth. Russell, Taylor, and Wilcox (5) reported that normal bone ash and body weight were obtained in chickens at eight weeks of age when 14.9 International units of vitamin D from cod liver oil per 100 grams . . .
The effects of background illumination on the photoresponses of red and green cones

1. The photoresponses of light- and dark-adapted red and green cone photoreceptors were recorded intracellularly in the retina of the turtle, Pseduemys scripta elegans. Background illumination produced similar effects on both types of cones. 2. In response to the onset of a prolonged, steady background illumination the cone initially hyperpolarized to a peak which then sagged back to a steady-state polarization that was typically about one half the initial peak amplitude. This sag was observed for all backgrounds studied (dim as well as bright). 3. A resensitization was observed concomitantly with this sag; both the maximum increment and decrement responses grew in amplitude as light-adaptation proceeded. After about 2--3 min of background illumination, the amplitudes of these responses stabilized. 4. The dark-adapted cone produced graded responses to test pulses over a range of intensities spanning about 3.5 log units. The amplitudes of these responses were well fit by the relationship V = I.Vm/(I + sigma). 5. After 2--3 min of background illumination, 500 msec test pulses either brighter or dimmer than the background intensity were substituted for the background. The light-adapted intensity-response curves constructed from this data were similar to the dark-adapted curve but were shifted horizontally and slightly vertically, so that they still spanned about 3.5 log units of intensity. Thus, in the light-adapted cone, graded responses were elicited by a range of bright test pulses which would have produced saturated responses when delivered to the dark-adapted cone. 6. The 'off response' observed at the offset of the background became faster as the background intensity was increased. It also became faster with time following the onset of any particular background intensity. 7. It was concluded that cone sensitivity during any state of light-adaptation is determined by two mechanisms; response compression resulting from the instantaneous non-linearity between 'internal transmitter' concentration and membrane potential and a more active 'cellular adaptation' mechanism which is manifest as a shift in the intensity-response curve. In the steady-state condition of light-adaptation, most of the sensitivity changes are a result of the cellular adaptation mechanism. 8. Photopigment bleaching caused by the backgrounds, negative feed-back from horizontal cells and voltage dependent mechanisms in the cones could not account for this cellular adaptation. These effects of background illumination were interpreted in terms of the 'internal transmitter' hypothesis of phototransduction.
The experience of positive emotion is associated with the automatic processing of positive emotional words

The current study examines the relationship between attention bias for positive emotional words and self-reported emotional experience. Previous research suggests that the experience of positive emotion momentarily broadens cognitive processes, potentially allowing individuals to build an array of enduring personal resources. However, it is unknown whether the experience of positive emotion also broadens emotional information processing. Participants included 60 healthy undergraduate students who completed measures of psychopathology, self-reported emotional experience, and an emotional Stroop task designed to measure attentional bias to positive and negative emotional information. Results indicate significant associations between reaction times for high-intensity happiness words and self-reported high levels of positive emotion and low levels of negative emotions. These associations were not present for low intensity happiness words. Findings suggest that individuals who experience high levels of positiv...
Coupled electron-transfer and spin-exchange reactions

Abstract Electron-transfers accompanied by a change in metal atom spin-state occur widely in chemistry and biology. An appropriate framework for interpreting such behavior is an electrochemical scheme of squares consisting of two one-electron electrode reactions and two spin-equilibrium steps. The presence of coupled electron-transfers and spin-exchanges is reflected in the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of such events. Oxidation–reduction potentials and electron-transfer rate constants depend on the positions of the spin-state equilibria in the two oxidation states. Electrochemical activation parameters exhibit significant contributions from the large enthalpic and entropic differences that characterize spin-exchange reactions. The entropy of an electrochemical half-reaction, Δ S ° rc , coupled to a spin-exchange reflects the increases in vibrational and electronic entropy that accompany low- to high-spin conversion. Electrochemical enthalpies and entropies of activation, Δ H ‡ and Δ S ‡ , are influenced by the temperature dependence of the accompanying spin-state transitions and are useful in mechanism diagnosis. The present review describes examples from the literature and our own laboratory regarding Fe(III/II) (d 5 /d 6 ) and Co(III/II) (d 6 /d 7 ) couples that exhibit the above behavior.
The gem-Dimethyl Effect Revisited

Computation of the ring strain energy of 1,1-dimethylcyclobutane with a variety of methods reveals that there is no significant enthalpic component of the gem-dimethyl effect as measured by the ring strain energy.
Biosensors for environmental pollutants and food contaminants.

This review article provides an overview of the most recent literature on biosensors for environmental pollutants and food contaminants. Due to the large number of publications, only papers published between 2000 and January 2003 were considered. Also, while not all of the published literature could be reviewed here, over 200 references are cited to provide a good overview of research undertaken in the last two years. Older publications are covered by a number of earlier review articles. This article provides an introduction into the field including specific consideration of the application areas, describes the typical biosensor assay format used, and is subsequently structured according to the biorecognition elements used (i.e., nucleic acids, enzymes, whole cells, tissue and whole organisms, antibodies and receptors, and biomimetic materials). In addition, a section on microbiosensing systems is provided. Since only very few microbiosensors with applications in environmental and food systems have been published, enabling technology is also covered in this article.
Critical levels of O2 extraction following hemodilution with dextran or fluosol-DA

We compared the effect of two different blood diluents, dextran (DEX) and a perfluorochemical, on O2 delivery and use during progressive hemorrhage. Two groups of six dogs each were anesthetized, paralyzed, and pump-ventilated. One group was hemodiluted with Fluosol-DA 20% (FDA; Green Cross, Osaka, Japan) and the other with DEX to hematocrits of 26.1%. 1 ± 1.5% and 23.0% ± 2.8% (P > .05), respectively. Cardiac output and O2 uptake were measured as the animals were bled in stages to lower O2 delivery (cardiac output × arterial O2 concentration). Sufficient measurements were made to ascertain the plateau relationship, when O2 uptake was independent of delivery, and the downslope, when it was dependent. The intersection of the two straight lines that fit these parts of the curve was taken as the critical O2 delivery. The O2 extraction fraction at the critical level was significantly higher (P < .01) in the FDA group (0.79 ± 0.02) than in the DEX group (0.60 ± 0.05). Similarly, at the critical level, mixed venous PO2 was significantly lower (P < .05) in the FDA group (24.8 ± 2.5 torr) than in the DEX group (32.3 ± 2.2 torr). Significantly lower mixed venous PO2 and higher O2 extraction fractions at the critical delivery point in the FDA group suggested that FDA promoted the diffusion of O2 between the tissue site of use and RBCs.
Party, Ideology, and Deficits: Provincial Fiscal Policy and the Cameron Thesis, 1966–2009

In a 1985 publication David Cameron reported that historically leftist governments had governed with smaller deficits than rightist governments. The party ideology variable was incorporated into a large body of subsequent research, mainly by economists, to study the growth of public spending and indebtedness. Most agreed with Cameron; some did not. Virtually all studies focused on western European nations (but not subnational governments). This study analyzes provincial deficits or surpluses over the period 1966 to 2009 and determines that rightist parties, despite controls for economic and other political variables, have lower budgetary deficits, a finding which contradicts Cameron but is consistent with five previous studies of provincial spending in Canada.
Is Ideological Coverage On Cable Television An Ethical Journalistic Practice? An Examination of Duty, Responsibility, and Consequence

Ideological coverage is a journalistic practice that abandons objective ideals in favor of opinionated analysis. Although editorialism has always been evident in American journalism, this practice is becoming more frequent among cable broadcasters as the industry responds to growing economic pressures. This essay examines ideological coverage to determine whether it meets journalistic duties, such as veracity, and if it can facilitate a deliberative democracy. Additionally, the essay outlines guidelines that allow for ethical, ideological reporting.
The influence of recruitment order and fibre composition on the force-velocity relationship and fatiguability of skeletal muscles in the cat

Two of the lower leg muscles of the cat were examined to assess the influence of the order in which motor units are recruited (slowest to fastest or fastest to slowest) and the fibre composition on the force-velocity relationship and fatiguability of skeletal muscle. The muscles examined were the soleus, a slow twitch muscle, and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, a predominantly fast twitch muscle of mixed composition. The results of these experiments showed that the force-velocity relationship was a function of both the order of motor unit recruitment and the fibre composition of the muscles. However, at either recruitment order, the ability of the computer to control the velocity of contraction and the resultant fatiguability of the muscle for these contractions was similar.
Local control of oropharyngeal carcinoma after two accelerated hyperfractionation radiation therapy schemes

In October 1979 we started an accelerated hyperfractionation program consisting of 1.6 Gy/fraction, 2 fractions/day for 12 days or 38.4 Gy. Due to acute toxicity, the patients were then given a 2-week break and resumed once daily radiation therapy with 1.8 Gy/fraction up to 65 Gy, designated as the b.i.d.-q.d. program. In August 1982, the program was changed and the latter part of the treatment was continued on the twice daily program with 1.6 Gy/fraction for a total of 64 Gy, designated as the b.i.d.-b.i.d. program. We evaluated the local control rates of 140 patients with squamous cell carcinomas arising from the oropharynx, that is faucial tonsil and base of tongue. After these treatment regimens, the 36 month actuarial local rates for the T1-4 lesions were 56% for b.i.d.-q.d. (52 patients) and 85% for b.i.d.-b.i.d. (88 patients) with a p value of 0.0013. For the T1-2 lesions the corresponding rates were 81% (13 patients) and 97% (44 patients) with a p value of 0.53. The difference was marked for the T3-4 lesions, that is 47% vs 77% respectively with a p value of 0.017, and those patients without nodal metastases, that is 46% vs 93% with a p value of 0.00043. The improvement was probably due to marked shortening of the overall treatment course following b.i.d.-b.i.d. accelerated program--in this case 1 1/2 weeks. Our preliminary data suggests that the b.i.d.-b.i.d. program is superior to the b.i.d.-q.d. program. The seemingly improved local control rates for the treatment of oropharyngeal carcinomas requires a clinical prospectively randomized trial for confirmation, that is b.i.d.-b.i.d. versus b.i.d.-q.d. versus standard fractionation (q.d.) program.
Similarity in the begging calls of nestling Red‐winged Blackbirds

Although individually distinct begging calls may permit parents to recognize their offspring, birds nesting in dense breeding colonies where fledglings intermingle might benefit from additional adaptations. For example, if the calls of all nestlings in a brood were similar, parents would need to recognize only one brood call instead of the identity calls of each nestling. We recorded nestling Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) to determine whether their calls function to identify individuals (identity call hypothesis) or broods (brood call hypothesis). We used spectrogram cross-correlation and dynamic time warping as well as call duration, peak frequency, and frequency range to estimate the similarity of begging calls of nestling Red-winged Blackbirds. We recorded individual nestlings on day 5 and on day 9 of the nestling period to determine whether calls of individuals were more similar than calls of different nestlings, and whether calls of broodmates were more similar than calls of nestlings from different broods. We found that calls of 8-d-old individuals were more similar than calls of different nestlings, but the calls of broodmates were not more similar than those of nestlings from different broods. These results were consistent with the identity call hypothesis. We then compared begging calls of pairs of nestlings recorded separately and together on day 9. We found that the calls of 8-d-old nestlings recorded together were more similar than when they were recorded separately. In addition, using playback of begging calls from normal broods and artificial "broods" constructed from the calls of single nestlings, we found that females returned with food sooner in response to the calls of single nestlings (with enhanced call similarity) than to those of normal broods. Our results suggest that similar begging calls may be beneficial for both nestlings and parents, with broodmates fed at higher rates when their calls are more similar and, after fledging, parents needing to recognize only one brood call instead of the identity calls of each fledgling.
A mild procedure for the rapid release of cytoplasmic enzymes from cultured animal cells

Abstract Rapid release of cytosolic enzymes from animal cells in monolayer culture is achieved by treatment of dispersed cells with digitonin. This mild procedure causes efficient cell lysis (>95%) with minimal organelle disruption. A second procedure suitable for isolation of cytosolic enzymes by direct digitonin treatment of cell monolayers has also been developed.
Sample size bias in judgments of perceptual averages.

Previous research has shown that people exhibit a sample size bias when judging the average of a set of stimuli on a single dimension. The more stimuli there are in the set, the greater people judge the average to be. This effect has been demonstrated reliably for judgments of the average likelihood that groups of people will experience negative, positive, and neutral events (Price, 2001; Price, Smith, & Lench, 2006)and also for estimates of the mean of sets of numbers (Smith & Price, 2010). The present research focuses on whether this effect is observed for judgments of average on a perceptual dimension. In 5 experiments we show that people’s judgments of the average size of the squares in a set increase as the number of squares in the set increases. This effect occurs regardless of whether the squares in each set are presentedsimultaneously or sequentially; whether the squares in each set are different sizes or all the same size; and whether the response is a rating of size, an estimate of area, or a comparative judgment. These results are consistent with a priming account of the sample size bias, in which the sample size activates arepresentation of magnitude that directly biases the judgment of average.
Anisotropic and Passivation-Dependent Quantum Confinement Effects in Germanium Nanowires: A Comparison with Silicon Nanowires

Electronic structures of hydrogen-passivated germanium nanowires (GeNWs) along the [100], [110], [111], and [112] directions are studied by using the density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation. The band gaps of the fully relaxed GeNWs along the [100], [110], and [111] directions are all direct at the smaller sizes, while those of the wires along the [112] direction remain indirect. The magnitude of the band gaps of the GeNWs for a given size approximately follows the order of Eg[100] > Eg[111] > Eg[112] > Eg[110]. Compared with silicon nanowires, GeNWs exhibit stronger quantum confinement effects. Replacement of H by the more stable ethine group is found to lead to a weakening of the quantum confinement effects of GeNWs.