cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Taxing Tobacco in Georgia: Welfare and Distributional Gains of Smoking Cessation

This paper analyzes the welfare and distributional impacts of increasing taxes on cigarettes in Georgia. Increasing taxes on tobacco is an effective measure to reduce smoking. According to some estimates, increasing tobacco taxes could save more than GEL 3.6 billion and 53 thousand lives over a 15-year period. However, concerns over potentially regressive effects on the poor are often raised. An Extended Cost Benefit Analysis (ECBA) is applied to simulate the welfare and distributional impacts of raising prices on cigarettes. Decile-specific price elasticities of demand are estimated to account for heterogenous behavioral responses of different income groups. Empirical estimations confirm that poorer households in Georgia tend to reduce consumption more intensely when faced with higher tobacco prices. The estimated magnitude and distribution of elasticities are comparable to peer countries. The simulations based on household survey data suggest that the long-term net distributional effects of increasing taxes on cigarettes in Georgia are likely progressive. Incorporating the indirect benefits of reduced smoking -- reductions in medical expenses and earnings from adverted premature deaths -- could bring small, albeit positive, income gains for large sectors of the population. The magnitude of those benefits is most significant among lower-income households, potentially contributing to lift them out of poverty.
Passive UHF RFID-Based Knitted Wearable Compression Sensor

One of the major challenges faced by passive on-body wireless Internet-of-Things sensors is the absorption of radiated power by tissues in the human body. We present a batteryless, wearable knitted ultrahigh frequency (UHF, 902–928 MHz) radio frequency identification compression sensor (Bellypatch) antenna and show its applicability as an on-body respiratory monitor. The antenna radiation efficiency is satisfactory in both free-space and on-body operations. We extract radio-frequency (RF) sheet resistance values of three knitted silver-coated nylon fabric candidates at 913 MHz. The best type of fabric is selected based on the extracted RF sheet resistance. Simulated and measured performance of the antenna confirm the suitability for on-body applications. The proposed Bellypatch antenna is used to measure the breathing activity of a programmable infant patient emulator mannequin (SimBaby) and a human subject. The antenna is highly sensitive to respiratory compression and relaxation. Fluctuations in the backscatter power level/received signal strength indicator in both cases range from 6 to 15 dB. The improved on-body read range of the proposed sensor antenna is 5.8 m, about ten times higher than its predecessor wearable knitted strain sensing Bellyband antenna (0.6 m). The maximum simulated specific absorption rate on a human torso model is 0.25 W/kg, lower than the maximum allowable limit of 1.6 W/kg.
Effect of an In Vitro Proximal Gastrointestinal Tract on Viability of Commercially Available Equine Probiotics.

Abstract Probiotics, by definition, are live micro-organisms and should remain viable when they reach the intended site of action which is typically the cecum and/or colon. In humans, probiotics often need enteric protection to survive transit through the proximal gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Typically, equine probiotics do not advertise enteric protection and to the author's knowledge the viability of equine probiotics after exposure to the proximal GI tract has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an in vitro simulation of the equine proximal GI tract on probiotic viability. We hypothesized that the simulated proximal GI tract would adversely effect microbial viability and that the adverse effects would be partially ameliorated by increasing the gastric pH to 4. A total of 11 products were evaluated of which six had at least one micro-organism that was adversely effected by exposure to the proximal GI tract and four of which had at least one micro-organism that was adversely affected when the gastric pH was increased to 4.0. Results from this study indicate that some micro-organisms in equine probiotics do not appear to be adversely affected by exposure to the equine proximal GI tract.
A new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Carolina chickadee (Passeriformes: Paridae), from Oklahoma, USA.

The Carolina chickadee, Poecile carolinensis Audubon is a relatively small songbird belonging to the tit and chickadee family Paridae. Feces from three P. carolinensis from Polk County, Arkansas, USA, and a single P. carolinensis in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA, were collected and examined for coccidia; the latter bird was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora oklahomaensis n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth to slightly-pitted bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 32.1 × 28.3 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; a micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent but a bilobed and refractile polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure 18.4 × 11.8 µm, L/W 1.6; a prominent Stieda body is present as well as a distinct sub-Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum is composed of an irregular mass of granules lying between and dispersed among the sporozoites. This is the first coccidian described from the Carolina chickadee and, most importantly, only the second described from a member of the Paridae, worldwide.
Pure apraxia of speech associated with infarction in premotor cortex (P3.199)

Objective: NA Background: Apraxia of speech (AOS) is an articulation disorder distinct from dysarthria and aphasia as a disorder of motor speech planning, also called aphemia in its most severe form. Various lesions have been associated with AOS in studies that are limited in precise localization due to variability in size and type of pathology. We present a case of pure AOS and discuss lesion evidence in support of dPMC in speech planning and coordination. Design/Methods: A 60-year-old right-handed man presented with sudden onset of slurred speech with right face and arm weakness. MRI of the brain showed acute infarction in left dorsal premotor cortex and left motor cortex. Initially mute, he slowly recovered with a severely “garbled” speech with delayed initiation, slow rate, halting output along with groping oral movements with silently voiced phonemes, segmentation of syllables, sound distortions, distorted substitutions, trial-and-error articulatory movements, decreased coordination of the respiratory-phonatory subsystems, irregular rhythm and stress, final consonant deletions, phonemic substitutions, articulation errors especially with the fricative phonemes, as well as consonant clusters, and increased difficulty with increased length and complexity of utterances were all present in his output. Confrontational naming, auditory comprehension, repetition, grammar, syntax, reading, and writing was normal. Results: dPMC is an integral part of the dorsal stream in the dual-stream model of speech processing, where the speech signals from posterior temporal lobe are translated into articulatory representations in the dPMC by the maintenance of sublexical representations in an active state during the performance of the task like phonetic discrimination i.e. “sound to action”. The role of dPMC is further supported by hierarchical state feedback control model as the controller. Conclusions: AOS is a distinct articulation disorder. By virtue of its connections, dPMC plays a crucial role in speech planning and processing. A lesion in dPMC can lead to pure AOS. Disclosure: Dr. Patira has nothing to disclose.
Significance and Function of Neuropeptides in Cerebrospinal Fluid

Although the mammalian anterior pituitary gland lacks a direct nerve supply from the brain, it is now well established that the central nervous system (CNS) exercises control over the secretion of each adenohypophyseal hormone through “releasing factors” synthesized and secreted by peptidergic neurons in the hypothalamus.13,85 As postulated over 30 years ago (”portal vessel chemotransmitter hypothesis”), the hypothalamus secretes into the portal capillaries of the median eminence (ME) specific pituitary regulatory substances that are transported to the anterior pituitary by the portal vessels of the pituitary stalk47 (see Fig. 1). The isolation and synthesis of three of these hypothalamic hypophy-siotropic hormones, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH), and growth-hormone-release-inhibiting hormone (somatostatin) (Fig. 2), have provided powerful tools for the investigation of hypothalamic-pituitary function and have permitted the development of specific radioimmunoassays for the measurement of these substances at low concentrations.120,153 An unanticipated outcome of these methodological developments was the finding that most of neural TRH and somatostatin are located in regions of the CNS outside the hypothalamus.59,60 Even more surprising was the discovery that both TRH60,86 and somatostatin are present in anatomical locations outside the nervous system altogether. Further, these hypothalamic hormones are present in primitive species wherein no pituitary occurs.61 The functional significance of the widespread phylogenetic distribution is not known for sure, but it has been postulated that these substances may initially have evolved as primitive neurotransmitters or modulators of neurotransmission and that only late in evolution did they acquire the function of regulating anterior pituitary hormone secretion.60
Multi-modal assessment of on-road demand of voice and manual phone calling and voice navigation entry across two embedded vehicle systems

One purpose of integrating voice interfaces into embedded vehicle systems is to reduce drivers' visual and manual distractions with 'infotainment' technologies. However, there is scant research on actual benefits in production vehicles or how different interface designs affect attentional demands. Driving performance, visual engagement, and indices of workload (heart rate, skin conductance, subjective ratings) were assessed in 80 drivers randomly assigned to drive a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox or Volvo XC60. The Chevrolet MyLink system allowed completing tasks with one voice command, while the Volvo Sensus required multiple commands to navigate the menu structure. When calling a phone contact, both voice systems reduced visual demand relative to the visual-manual interfaces, with reductions for drivers in the Equinox being greater. The Equinox 'one-shot' voice command showed advantages during contact calling but had significantly higher error rates than Sensus during destination address entry. For both secondary tasks, neither voice interface entirely eliminated visual demand. Practitioner Summary: The findings reinforce the observation that most, if not all, automotive auditory-vocal interfaces are multi-modal interfaces in which the full range of potential demands (auditory, vocal, visual, manipulative, cognitive, tactile, etc.) need to be considered in developing optimal implementations and evaluating drivers' interaction with the systems. Social Media: In-vehicle voice-interfaces can reduce visual demand but do not eliminate it and all types of demand need to be taken into account in a comprehensive evaluation.
Leak Point Pressure Testing

The leak point pressure is defined as the threshold bladder pressure necessary to cause urinary leakage during increases in intra-abdominal pressure. It acts as a global assessment of the integrity of urinary sphincteric function. Urethral closure pressure is a measurement of the intraurethral force generated by the muscular, elastic and vascular components of the urethra and surrounding pelvic floor musculature; it does not assess factors such as mucosal coaptation which contributes to the continence mechanism. The leak point pressure acts as a measure of urethral opening pressure, the pressure necessary to force urine out of the bladder into the urethra. It is an easy test to perform but its reproduceability may be limited unless the investigator is compulsively consistent in performing this test.
Self-sensing cantilevers with integrated conductive coaxial tips for high-resolution electrical scanning probe metrology

The lateral resolution of many electrical scanning probe techniques is limited by the spatial extent of the electrostatic potential profiles produced by their probes. Conventional unshielded conductive atomic force microscopy probes produce broad potential profiles. Shielded probes could offer higher resolution and easier data interpretation in the study of nanostructures. Electrical scanning probe techniques require a method of locating structures of interest, often by mapping surface topography. As the samples studied with these techniques are often photosensitive, the typical laser measurement of cantilever deflection can excite the sample, causing undesirable changes electrical properties. In this work, we present the design, fabrication, and characterization of probes that integrate coaxial tips for spatially sharp potential profiles with piezoresistors for self-contained, electrical displacement sensing. With the apex 100 nm above the sample surface, the electrostatic potential profile produced by our coaxial tips is more than 2 times narrower than that of unshielded tips with no long tails. In a scan bandwidth of 1 Hz–10 kHz, our probes have a displacement resolution of 2.9 A at 293 K and 79 A at 2 K, where the low-temperature performance is limited by amplifier noise. We show scanning gate microscopy images of a quantum point contact obtained with our probes, highlighting the improvement to lateral resolution resulting from the coaxial tip.
Algebra, a graduate course

This book, based on a first-year graduate course the author taught at the University of Wisconsin, contains more than enough material for a two-semester graduate-level abstract algebra course, including groups, rings and modules, fields and Galois theory, an introduction to algebraic number theory, and the rudiments of algebraic geometry. In addition, there are some more specialized topics not usually covered in such a course. These include transfer and character theory of finite groups, modules over artinian rings, modules over Dedekind domains, and transcendental field extensions. This book could be used for self study as well as for a course text, and so full details of almost all proofs are included, with nothing being relegated to the chapter-end problems. There are, however, hundreds of problems, many being far from trivial. The book attempts to capture some of the informality of the classroom, as well as the excitement the author felt when taking the corresponding course as a student.
Remarks On Surface States And Derivations In String Field Theory

We describe a relation between certain families of surface states and derivations in string field theory.
Thermospheric Dynamics at Low and Mid‐Latitudes During Magnetic Storm Activity

The coupled ionosphere-thermosphere-plasmasphere system is very complex. The study of the interrelationships of these components during geomagnetically disturbed conditions for low- and mid-latitude regions is especially challenging. This is partly because observations of the neutral atmosphere response are sparse and partly because the lack of coordination of satellite observations with ground-based measurements makes the proper identification of temporal and spatial variations in measurements difficult to achieve. In disturbed geomagnetic conditions, thermospheric neutral winds exhibit large deviations from the climatological behavior resulting in large corresponding changes in the ionospheric plasma density, composition, temperature, and electrodynamics. The general outline of the neutral thermosphere response to magnetic storm activity is clear. The midlatitude thermospheric wind response is characterized by enhanced and expanded wind circulation cells in the polar regions (caused by enhanced ion convection) and divergent flows originating at high latitudes (caused by Joule heating/particle heating sources). Increased thermospheric temperatures and significant deviations of zonal and meridional winds from quiet-time climatology behavior are observed for the mid-latitude thermosphere. The low-latitude response of the thermosphere may be significantly less than at mid-latitudes. What remains unclear is the step-by-step sequence of the thermosphere response once the magnetic activity disturbance has been initiated. Also unclear is how this sequence might be modified as the season and the phase of the solar cycle change.
First Results from the Chicago-Fermilab-Michigan Cosmic Ray Magnetic Monopole Detector

The design and performance of a prototype detector with two 60 cm diameter superconducting loops is presented. During one month of data-taking, no candidate events are observed and an upper limit on the flux of cosmic ray magnetic monopoles Fm ≲ 6.9 × 10−11 cm−2 s−1 sr−1 is set. This exposure corresponds to 21 times the original exposure of Cabrera.1 The detector demonstrates the possibility of large, high-ambient-field inductive detectors.
Urinary Tryptophan Metabolites and Cancer of the Bladder In Humans

Urinary excretion of six aromatic amine metabolites of tryptophan was compared between a group of 30 patients with bladder cancer and a group of 33 controls selected from the general population of the study area. Measurements were based on a single overnight urine specimen collected at home by each subject, without a "loading" does of L-tryptophan. For each metabolite, both the distribution and the mean amount excreted were nearly identical for cases and controls. The small cases-control differences in mean values were virtually unchanged by adjustment for age, sex, and smoking status. Generally, excretion levels were higher for females than for males. Excretion levels also tended to be higher for older than for younger subjects and for smokers compared to nonsmokers. However, most of these differences also were small.
The impact of myelination on axon sparing and locomotor function recovery in spinal cord injury assessed using diffusion tensor imaging

The dysmyelinated axons of shiverer mice exhibit impaired conduction characteristics similar to early postnatal axons before myelination, while the patterns of neuronal activity and connectivity are relatively comparable to those of wild-type myelinated axons. This unique dysmyelination pattern is exploited in the present study to determine the role of compact myelin on the loss and recovery of function following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). We applied in vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and post-mortem immunohistochemistry analysis to examine changes in myelin and axonal integrity and evaluated these changes in concert with analysis of locomotor function from 1 to 4 weeks following a mid-thoracic contusion injury in homozygous shiverer and heterozygous littermate mice. The DTI biomarkers, axial and radial diffusivities, are noninvasive indicators of axon and myelin integrity in response to SCI of both myelinated and dysmyelinated spinal cord. We show that myelin is critical for normal hind limb function in open field locomotion. However, when the functional outcome is limited during chronic SCI, the extent of recovery is associated with residual axonal integrity and independent of the extent of intact myelin at the lesion epicenter.
Synonymical notes on Neotropical Mutillidae (Hymenoptera)

Synopsis The synonymy of certain species of the mutillid genera Dasymutilla, Ephuta, Leuco-spilomutilla, Pseudomethoca, Ptilomutilla, Sphaeropthalma, Talliwn and Traumatomutilla is discussed and reasons are given for the changes now proposed.
Understanding market characteristics from aggregated brand switching data by the method of spectral decomposition

Abstract This paper discusses a technique called spectral decomposition which can be effectively used to gain insights into interbrand/product competition. The technique is based on singular value decomposition of a transition matrix. If the assumption of stationary first-order Markov process is made for brand switching, the first component of the spectral decomposition gives us the steady state solution and the magnitude of the second eigenvalue determines the speed at which the steady state solution is reached. This technique is compared to a more popular technique, correspondence analysis. The results show that spectral decomposition provides similar insights as correspondence analysis, but has the additional advantage of providing a clue to the time required to reach steady state equilibrium. This information could be important when a new brand is launched.
Cation-electron interactions in metal solutions - from solvated electrons to alkali metal anions

Abstract The solvent has a pronounced effect on the nature of species formed by solvated electrons and alkali metal cations. Neutral species form, which can be described as solvent-shared and contact ion-pairs. However, short-range “core” repulsions characteristic of normal contact pairs are absent so that a continuum of states with varying atomic character exists depending upon the solvent, the metal, and the temperature. In addition to cation-electron interactions, electron-electron interactions occur which stabilize singlet ground states. The cation can play a major role in this process, retaining its own solvation in a good donor solvent such as ammonia or forming a genuine alkali metal anion with two electrons in the outer s orbital in poorer donor solvents. Intermediate states such as contact triple-ions may also form but there is no direct evidence for such species.
Integrated microfluidic systems.

Microchips: Multistep reactions may be catalyzed by enzymes immobilized on microbeads trapped inside microfluidic channels. Large integrated microfluidic circuits can be created by using multilayer soft lithography in poly(dimethylsiloxane). These circuits (see schematic representation) can be used to perform hundreds of different reactions simultaneously, and can be applied to a range of problems, from enzymatic assays to crystallization of proteins.
Phase-Stable Oscillators for Space Communications, including the Relationship between the Phase Noise, the Spectrum, the Short-Term Stability, and the Q of the Oscillator

Highly phase-stable, crystal-controlled oscillators are playing an increasingly important role in extending the range of deep-space communications. For example, during a recent radar experiment with the planet Venus, then at a range of 35-million miles, real-time detection was accomplished with a receiver bandwidth of 5 cps and a search frequency of 2388 Mc. Spectral measurements of the Venus-reflected signal indicated at times a spectrum of only a few cycles in width. The ability to resolve such narrow phenomena was gained through the use of extremely phase-stable oscillators combined with extremely precise predicted control of the frequency of the receiver local oscillator. The purpose here is to discuss oscillator phase noise, its origin, and techniques for its observation and measurement. Relationship between the phase noise, the spectrum, the short-term stability, and the Q of the oscillator is established.
Acquisition of cognitive compiling

Abstract Language involves both structure and process. Giving each its due, we present a cognitive process model and show how its empirical success is related to claims about syntactic structure. Innate constraints on syntax are a central issue in linguistic theory, so it is a matter of concern that a widely accepted view of phrase structure constraints (X-bar theory) appears to be violated in some recent comprehension experiments with children. However, what is directly observed in the experiments is not a syntactic structure but the execution of a plan. We present a language of process for representing such plans and thereby provide a unified explanation of several developmental phenomena, including the results of the above experiments and of new experiments suggested by our approach. The explanation is in terms of the cognitive resources required to formulate and execute a plan. Since the explanation is based on nonsyntactic processing, the children's syntax need no longer be held faulty. This conclusion invigorates the claim that the range of phrase structures available to children is biologically constrained.
Lipids in the haemolymph of the cricket, Acheta domesticus

Abstract The total lipid content of cricket haemolymph ranges from 1·5 per cent in the mature larvae to 2·7 per cent in the young adults. Cholesterol is the principal sterol. Phosphatidyl ethanolamine is the most abundant of the phospholipids. Fatty acids with carbon chains from C-12 to C-20 were identified with palmitic acid predominating. Esterified sterols were not detected in the haemolymph and probably play no significant role in transport.
Tumor-targeted Delivery of siRNA by Self-assembled Nanoparticles

We have developed a self-assembled nanoparticle (NP) that efficiently delivers small interfering RNA (siRNA) to the tumor by intravenous (IV) administration. The NP was obtained by mixing carrier DNA, siRNA, protamine, and lipids, followed by post-modification with polyethylene glycol and a ligand, anisamide. Four hours after IV injection of the formulation into a xenograft model, 70–80% of injected siRNA/g accumulated in the tumor, ∼10% was detected in the liver and ∼20% recovered in the lung. Confocal microscopy showed that fluorescent-labeled siRNA was efficiently delivered into the cytoplasm of the sigma receptor expressing NCI-H460 xenograft tumor by the targeted NPs, whereas free siRNA and non-targeted NPs showed little uptake. Three daily injections (1.2 mg/kg) of siRNA formulated in the targeted NPs silenced the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the tumor and induced ∼15% tumor cell apoptosis. Forty percent tumor growth inhibition was achieved by treatment with targeted NPs, while complete inhibition lasted for 1 week when combined with cisplatin. The serum level of liver enzymes and body weight monitoring during the treatment indicated a low level of toxicity of the formulation. The carrier itself also showed little immunotoxicity (IMT).
Connective Power: Solar Electrification and Social Change in Kenya

Summary Market-based rural electrification with solar energy is increasingly common in developing countries. This article revolves around three main claims about solar electrification in Kenya’s unsubsidized market: (1) The benefits of solar electrification are captured primarily by the rural middle class. (2) Solar electricity plays a modest role in supporting economically productive and education-related activities, but “connective” applications such as television, radio, and cellular telephone charging often receive a higher priority. (3) Solar electrification is more closely tied to increased television use, the expansion of markets, more rural–urban communication, and other processes that increase rural–urban connectivity than to poverty alleviation, sustainable development, or the appropriate technology movement.
Estimating the Lipophilicity of Natural Products using a Polymeric Reversed Phase HPLC Method

The integration of physicochemical profiling screens such as Log P into natural products drug discovery programs is emerging as an approach to front-load drug-like properties of natural product libraries for high-throughput screening. In this study a fast-gradient HPLC method using a polystyrene-divinylbenzene PRP-1 column was developed to estimate the lipophilicity of marine natural products. An excellent correlation was found between the results of the experimental determined and the literature log P values for a diverse set of commercially available drugs using the PRP-1 column. The log P of a series of 24 marine natural products were evaluated using the new method and a good correlation was observed between the experimentally determined and software calculated log P values. Some discrepancies were observed between the measured value of log P and the software calculations of the natural products containing halogens atoms. The method is rapid, insensitive to impurities, and requires very little compound...
GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY AND THE COMING CONCEPTUAL SYNTHESIS

The conceptual synthesis of the accepted bodies of knowledge in a culture provides a sense of meaning in existence, a viable image of the future, and individual and collective motivations. In our age, the dominant bodies of knowledge are fragmented and, although they are more accurate than ever before in limited domains, they fail to guide the imagination and inspire purposive action. To rectify this situation we need to develop a coherent and explicit conceptual synthesis that is based on science but extends beyond the current range of validated scientific theories, overcoming the noxious separation of the factual and the moral, the empirical and the mystical, the sensate and the affective. General systems theory, a metadiscipline created specifically for the purpose of integrating scientific research and theories, is a highly qualified instrument for promoting the required science‐based conceptual synthesis. Efforts in this direction are aided by the intrinsic tendency within science to correct for overspecialization and fragmentation through a search for integrative general theories, and by the rising perception of societal need for integrated bodies of knowledge, capable of coping with the increasing complexity of contemporary problems.
Quantitative nonisotopic nitrocellulose filter binding assays: bacterial manganese superoxide dismutase-DNA interactions.

Abstract Nitrocellulose filter binding assays (NCFBAs) have been used for many years to qualitatively and quantitatively determine protein–nucleic acid affinities. While this technique can be robust thermodynamically and fairly simple to perform, the requirement of radiolabeled nucleic acids (typically 32 P) has several major drawbacks. Some disadvantages are the short half-life of 32 P, the inherent safety concerns, and the cost of working with radioisotopes. Another drawback is that over time the beta emissions cause fragmentation of the nucleic acids. We have modified standard NCFBAs by developing a quantitative nonisotopic chemiluminescent method using biotin-labeled DNA and a dual-filter format. The biotin tag is detected on both nitrocellulose and positively charged nylon membranes by conventional streptavidin-conjugated alkaline phosphatase recognition systems. Quantitation of the photon emissions is simplified by use of a cooled charge-coupled device camera, although exposure to X-ray film and quantitation by densitometry could also be employed. The binding affinity of bacterial manganese superoxide dismutase to nonsequence-specific DNA has been quantitated previously by standard NCFBAs. We have replicated parts of a published binding study using identical solution conditions and the nonisotopic method that we have developed. We provide quantitative agreement between the isotopic and the nonisotopic methods.
Alcohol intoxication/dependence, ethnicity and utilisation of health care resources in a level I trauma center

Abstract Objective To evaluate the potential influence of acute intoxication and dependence to alcohol on extra-utilisation of health care resources by ethnic minority trauma patients in a level I trauma center. Methods We analysed the data of 1493 patients enrolled in a study that evaluated the effectiveness of brief alcohol intervention among ethnic minority trauma patients. The database included detailed demographic, injury-related and drinking-related characteristics (including acute intoxication and alcohol dependency status). Patients were categorised into the following groups: non-intoxicate/non-dependent (NI/ND), non-intoxicated/dependent (NI/D), intoxicated/non-dependent (I/ND) and intoxicated/dependent (I/D). We compared utilisation of several diagnostic and therapeutic procedures among these four categories. We placed special emphasis on ethnicity as a potential effect modifier. Results Relative to NI/ND trauma patients, I/ND patients (relative risk (RR): 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.8) and I/D patients (RR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.6–3.6) had significantly higher chance of being evaluated by abdominal ultrasound during the first 24 h of hospital arrival. Similar pattern was observed for head CT scan (with the corresponding RRs of 2.1 and 2.6, respectively). Chance of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) was not associated with intoxication/dependence status. Length of hospital stay was negatively associated with drinking status with the shortest length of stay for I/D. Including ethnicity in the models, did not change the results and conclusions. Discussion Acute intoxication and dependence to alcohol are both associated with more frequent utilisation of selected health care resources and the utilisation pattern was not associated with patient ethnicity. This emphasises on the importance of routine screening for drinking problems among all trauma patients, regardless of their blood alcohol level in the ED.
Stochastic Analysis of Constellation Performance and Mass Margins

A new method for analyzing margins in the Constellation program is described and applied to the performance and mass margins for the integrated transportation system returning humans to the lunar surface. The approach treats the Ares-V Earth-departure-stage gross payload-delivery capability and the translunar injection masses of Orion and Altair as random variables. For various vehicle requirements, vehicle control masses, and design reference missions, a Monte Carlo simulation estimate is used to estimate the critical probability that the delivery capability exceeds that injected mass. This critical probability can be used to establish program performance and mass margins and, in conjunction with other measures, to manage vehicle selection and trades at the program level.
Localized alopecia at the site of erythema migrans.

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Formation of Hexagonal Coordination Complexes (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 1/2005)

The cover picture shows the hexagonal 2:4 coordination complex formed between 1,3-bis(3′-pyridylethynyl)benzene and copper(II) acetate. The ligand, synthesized by the Sonagashira coupling of 1,3-ethynylbenzene with 3-bromopyridine, was designed to form hexagonal coordination complexes with metals that favor linear coordination geometry. In this example the dimeric copper(II) acetate paddlewheel forms an almost linear connection between a pair of dipyridyl ligands. Details are discussed in the Short Communication by E. Bosch et al. on p. 45 ff.
Accuracy and versatility of the NIST M48 coordinate measuring machine

The NIST Is continuing to develop the ability to perform accurate, traceable measurements on a wide range of artifacts using a very precise, error-mapped coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The NIST M48 CMM has promised accuracy and versatility for many ears. Recently, these promises have been realized in a reliable, reproducible way for many types of 1D, 2D, and 3D engineering metrology artifacts. The versatility of the machine has permitted state-of-the-art, accurate measurements of one meter step gages and precision ball plates as well as 500 micrometer holes and small precision parts made of aluminum or glass. To accomplish this wide range of measurements the CMM has required extensive assessment of machine positioning and straightness errors, probe response, machine motion control and speed, environmental stability, and measurement procedures. The CMM has been used as an absolute instrument and as a very complicated comparator. The data collection techniques have been designed to acquire statistical information on the machine and probe performance and to evaluate and remove any potential thermal drift in the machine coordinate system during operation. This paper will present the data collection and measurement techniques used by NIST to achieve excellent measurement results for gage blocks, long end standards, step gages, ring and plug gages, small holes, ball plates, and angular artifacts. Comparison data with existing independent primary measuring instruments will also be presented to show agreement and correlation with those historical methods. Current plans for incorporating the CMM into existing measurement services, such as plain ring gages, large plug gages, and long end standards, will be presented along with other proposed development of this CMM.
Mindful Learning in Crisis Management

All crises emit warning signals. And yet, organizations do not typically see the warnings in time to learn and adapt to prevent a crisis. This conceptual analysis bridges a theoretical gap by conne...
Hume's Revised Racism Revisited

Critique de l'interpretation que donne J. Immerwahr du racisme de Hume, a partir de la lecture d'une note de l'essai sur «Les caracteres nationaux». Examinant le contexte de la querelle avec J. Beattie sur le fanatisme, l'A. montre que celui-ci n'est pour rien dans les corrections qu'apporte Hume au texte des editions de 1753 et 1770 des «Essais et traites sur divers sujets».
Resource-based niches provide a basis for plant species diversity and dominance in arctic tundra

Ecologists have long been intrigued by the ways co-occurring species divide limiting resources. Such resource partitioning, or niche differentiation, may promote species diversity by reducing competition. Although resource partitioning is an important determinant of species diversity and composition in animal communities, its importance in structuring plant communities has been difficult to resolve. This is due mainly to difficulties in studying how plants compete for below-ground resources. Here we provide evidence from a 15N-tracer field experiment showing that plant species in a nitrogen-limited, arctic tundra community were differentiated in timing, depth and chemical form of nitrogen uptake, and that species dominance was strongly correlated with uptake of the most available soil nitrogen forms. That is, the most productive species used the most abundant nitrogen forms, and less productive species used less abundant forms. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation that the composition of a plant community is related to partitioning of differentially available forms of a single limiting resource.
Nitric oxide-mediated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV activity during hypoxia in neuronal nuclei from newborn piglets.

Abstract The present study tested the hypothesis that hypoxia results in increased Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaM kinase IV) activity and that inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthase by N -nitro- L -arginine (NNLA) prevents the hypoxia- induced increase in neuronal nuclear CaM kinase IV activity in newborn piglets. CaM kinase IV activity was determined in normoxic (Nx), hypoxic (Hx), and NNLA-pretreated Hx piglets. Cerebral hypoxia was confirmed biochemically. There was a significant difference between CaM kinase IV activity (pmoles/mg protein/min) in Nx (285.22±86.12), Hx (494.77±99.79, P P =NS vs. Nx, P
Population Change and Its Driving Factors in Rural, Suburban, and Urban Areas of Wisconsin, USA, 1970–2000

Population growth (or decline) is influenced by many factors that fall into the broad realms of demographic characteristics, socioeconomic conditions, transportation infrastructure, natural amenities, and land use and development across space and time. This paper adopts an integrated spatial regression approach to investigate the spatial and temporal variations of these factors' effects on population change. Specifically, we conduct the analysis at the minor civil division level in Wisconsin, USA, from 1970 to 2000. The results suggest that the factors have varying effects on population change over time and across rural, suburban, and urban areas. Their effects depend upon the general trend of population redistribution processes, local dynamics, and areal characteristics. Overall, a systematic examination of population change should consider a variety of factors, temporal and spatial variation of their effects, and spatial spillover effects. The examination should have the flexibility to identify and incorporate influential factors at a given point in time and space, not to adhere to a single set of drivers in all circumstances. The findings have important implications for population predictions used for local and regional planning.
Inhibition of adenosine triphosphatase in sheep red cell membranes by oxidized glutathione.

This paper reports inhibition of Na+ + K+-stimulated, ouabain-inhibited adenosine triphosphatase (S-ATPase) in sheep red cell membranes by oxidized glutathione (GSSG). The results are consistent with the hypothesis that this inhibition depends upon the formation of a mixed disulfide between glutathione and -SH group(s) in the enzyme protein. Thus, inhibition of S-ATPase by GSSG proceeds more rapidly at alkaline than at neutral pH and is reversed by the addition of an excess of a compound containing reduced -SH groups (e.g. dithiothreitol). ATP protects S-ATPase against inhibition by GSSG and this protection depends on both the monovalent and divalent cation composition of the medium. Protection by ATP is more complete in the presence of K+ than in the presence of Na+.
Formation of ion-permeable channels by tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF, cachectin), a protein secreted by activated macrophages, participates in inflammatory responses and in infectious and neoplastic disease states. The mechanisms by which TNF exerts cytotoxic, hormonal, and other specific effects are obscure. Structural studies of the TNF trimer have revealed a central pore-like region. Although several amino acid side chains appear to preclude an open channel, the ability of TNF to insert into lipid vesicles raised the possibility that opening might occur in a bilayer milieu. Acidification of TNF promoted conformational changes concordant with increased surface hydrophobicity and membrane insertion. Furthermore, TNF formed pH-dependent, voltage-dependent, ion-permeable channels in planar lipid bilayer membranes and increased the sodium permeability of human U937 histiocytic lymphoma cells. Thus, some of the physiological effects of TNF may be elicited through its intrinsic ion channel-forming activity.
NUCLEAR REACTIONS IN STARS. BUILDUP FROM HELIUM

The rates are calculated for thermonuclear reactions involving alpha particles, at temperature $T$ of the order of ${10}^{8}$ \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. In particular, the conversion of three alpha particles into a ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ nucleus and ($\ensuremath{\alpha}, \ensuremath{\gamma}$) reactions on ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$, ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$, and ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{20}$ are considered, as well as ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}(\ensuremath{\alpha}, n){\mathrm{O}}^{16}$. Rough estimates are also given for alpha reactions on the other isotopes of N, O, F, and Ne.The reaction rates are used to re-evaluate some characteristic central temperatures ${T}_{c}$ for Hoyle and Schwarzschild's model for the evolution of a population II red giant: for stars "at the tip of the red-giant branch," where helium burning first becomes important, ${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\approx}1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{8}\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K; for stars at the beginning of the "horizontal branch," where helium burning contributes appreciably to the energy production, ${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\approx}1.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{8}\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K. At these temperatures the rates of formation of ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$, ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$, and ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{20}$ are roughly comparable (if the spin and parity of a certain resonance level in ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{20}$ is suitable), but the production rate of ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{24}$ and heavier nuclei is negligible. Of the alpha reactions on the rarer isotopes, by far the fastest is ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}(\ensuremath{\alpha}, n)$ and most of the ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}$ is used up near ${T}_{c}=0.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{8}\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K.
Demyelination during anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy with infliximab for Crohn's disease

Background Inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system may be linked to anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy. Case history A 19-year-old female with Crohn's ileocolitis developed right arm and leg numbness and right hand weakness 4 weeks after the initiation of infliximab. Neurologic examination confirmed upper and lower right extremity sensory and motor deficits. MRI examination of the head and thoracic cord showed multiple gadolinium-enhancing lesions with distribution and configuration most suggestive of multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating process. The infliximab therapy was immediately stopped and follow-up at 8 weeks revealed symptomatic improvement. Conclusion This case report describes the onset of a demyelinating process after the institution of infliximab therapy in a patient with Crohn's disease.