cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial Disparities Across Provider Specialties in Opioid Prescriptions Dispensed to Medicaid Beneficiaries with Chronic Noncancer Pain

Objective Chronic pain affects both psychological and physical functioning, and is responsible for more than $60 billion in lost productivity annually in the United States. Although previous studies have demonstrated racial disparities in opioid treatment, there is little evidence regarding disparities in treatment of chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) and the role played by physician specialty in these disparities. Design A retrospective cohort study. Setting We analyzed North Carolina Medicaid claims data, from July 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010, to examine disparities by different provider specialties in beneficiaries' dispensed prescriptions for opioids. Subjects The population included white and black North Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries with CNCP (N = 75,458). Methods We used bivariate statistics and logistic regression analysis to examine race-based discrepancies in opioid prescribing by physician specialty. Results Compared with white beneficiaries with CNCP (N = 49,197), black beneficiaries (N = 26,261) were less likely (odds ratio [OR] 0.91 [confidence interval {CI}: 0.88–0.94]) to fill an opioid prescription. Our hypothesis was partially supported: we found that race-based differences in beneficiaries' dispensed opioid prescriptions were more prominent in certain specialties. In particular, these differences were most salient among patients of specialists in obstetrics and gynecology (OR 0.78 [CI: 0.67–0.89]) and internal medicine (OR 0.86 [CI: 0.79–0.92]), as well as general practitioners/family medicine physicians (OR 0.91 [CI: 0.85–0.97]). Conclusions Our findings suggest that, in our study population, black beneficiaries with CNCP are less likely than whites to fill prescriptions for opioid analgesics as a function of their provider's specialty. Although race-based differences in patients filling opioid prescriptions have been noted in previous studies, this is the first study that clearly demonstrates these disparities by provider specialty.
Biological effects of incorporation of O6-methyldeoxyguanosine into Chinese hamster V79 cells.

Abstract Analysis of the biological effects of specific DNA alkylations by simple alkylating agents is complicated by the variety of sites involved. It is, therefore, of value to be able to incorporate into cellular DNA nucleosides alkylated in a single position, e.g., O 6 -methyldeoxyguanosine. Such cellular incorporation is particularly difficult to achieve because this nucleoside is rapidly demethylated by adenosine deaminase. We have attempted to achieve such incorporation into the DNA of V79 cells by using coformycin, an inhibitor of adenosine deaminase, and by forcing the cells to depend on exogenous purines by the use of medium containing aminopterin. The DNA of V79 cells exposed to O 6 -methyl-[8- 3 H]deoxyguanosine (2.4 μM, sp. act. 14 500 Ci/mole) showed an incorporation level of 4 × 10 −8 nucleotides. When 1000-fold higher concentrations were employed (3–15 mM, sp. act. 1.6 Ci/mole), significant cytotoxicity and inhibition of DNA synthesis was observed. However, because it was not economically feasible to administer high specific activity O 6 -methyldeoxyguanosine to the cells at these concentrations, we could not determine the amount of labeled nucleoside incorporated into DNA. Examination of the frequency of 6-thioguanine-resistant cells in these treated populations showed no significant increase above the background level. Comparison of the cytotoxic effect of O 6 -methyldeoxyguanosine with deoxyadenosine showed that the toxicity induced by O 6 -methyldeoxyguanosine could have resulted from mimicry of deoxyadenosine, rather than by incorporation of the alkylated nucleoside itself.
Stochastic Stability of Short-Run Market Equilibrium: A Comment

The stability analysis of a short-run market system under random disturbances was initiated by Turnovsky [1968]. Later on, Revankar [1971] observed that the selection of a Liapunov function is incorrect in the stability study of Turnovsky, and he noted that a better selection of a Liapunov function is essential. In this note we propose a suitable Liapunov function that gives the conditions for stability of a short-run market system under random shocks. Consider the short-run equilibrium market equation described by
A Randomized Comparison of a Parker Endotracheal Tube and a Standard Tube Oriented 90° Counterclockwise

Purpose: During oral fiberoptic intubation, advancement of an endotracheal tube (ETT) into the trachea is occasionally impeded by laryngeal structures. The curved flex tip Parker ETT has been shown to improve the likelihood of successful advancement as opposed to a standard ETT that is advanced in neutral orientation. However, a Parker tube has not been compared to a standard ETT oriented 90° counterclockwise from the neutral position. We hypothesize that fiber-optically-guided advancement of an ETT into the trachea will be more successful when using a Parker tube than a 90° counterclockwise-oriented standard ETT. Methods: This unblinded, randomized controlled trial compares the rate of successful advancement of a fiberoptically-guided endotracheal tube into the trachea. Two groups of randomly assigned patients with non-difficult airways are compared: a Parker flex-tip tube (Parker Group; n = 57) versus a standard ETT oriented 90° counterclockwise (Standard Group; n = 58). Our primary outcome is the first pass success rate of advanceing the ETT into the trachea. Results: First pass success occurred in 48 of 57 (84%) patients in the Parker Group vs. 39 of 58 (67%) of patients in the Standard Group (p = 0.0497). Conclusion: When advancing an ETT over an oral fiberoptic scope and into the trachea, a Parker curved flex tip ETT is statistically more likely to be placed successfully on the first pass than is a standard ETT oriented 90° counterclockwise.
Desiderata: towards indigenous models of vocational psychology

As a result of a relative lack of cross-cultural validity in most current (Western) psychological models, indigenous models of psychology have recently become a popular approach for understanding behaviour in specific cultures. Such models would be valuable to vocational psychology research with culturally diverse populations. Problems facing current psychological models and methods of improving cultural validity are discussed. An integrative model of cross-cultural psychology is reviewed and the relevance of indigenous psychological methods to the advancement of vocational psychology is explained.
Neuroimaging, genetics and the treatment of nicotine addiction

Advances in neuroimaging and genomics provide an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate medication development for nicotine dependence and other addictions. Neuroimaging studies have begun to elucidate the functional neuroanatomy and neurochemistry underlying effects of nicotine and nicotine abstinence. In parallel, genetic studies, including both candidate gene and genome-wide association approaches, are identifying key neurobiological targets and pathways important in addiction to nicotine. To date, only a few neuroimaging studies have explored effects of nicotine or abstinence on brain activity as a function of genotype. Most analyses of genotype are retrospective, resulting in small sample sizes for testing effects of the minor alleles for candidate genes. The purpose of this review is to provide an outline of the work in neuroimaging, genetics, and nicotine dependence, and to explore the potential for increased integration of these approaches to improve nicotine dependence treatment.
The evaluation cycle: In Res evaluation approaches for the eighties

There is a lack of consensus in the literature and in practice regarding evaluation measures for engineering and research projects. The lack of consensus is especially clear when the evaluation focus is on the implementation or in res stage of the evaluation cycle. The absence of a systems-based perspective and a concomitant consideration of six interrelated factors helps to explain the controversy and confusion over project evaluation measures. The six factors are: nature of decision-making tasks, level of managerial decision-making, unit of evaluation, primary and secondary consumers of evaluation, ease of quantification, and elements of general setting (including project technology, political context, coupling pattern among units involved in the project, and reward structure). The discussion of these six factors' impacts upon evaluation makes clear the need for dynamic project evaluation approaches which utilize both qualitative and quantitative data. One such approach is the use of modified ethnographic techniques in constructing project case studies which capture effectively what actually occurs during project implementation.
Reactivity of the Radical NO with a Masked Form of 14 Valence Electron (PNP)Rh: Forming Rh(0, I or II)?

The reaction of NO with [(tBu2PCH2SiMe2)NSiMe2CH2PtBu(CMe2CH2)]RhH, a functional equivalent of “(PNP)Rh,” rapidly forms (PNP)Rh(N2) and (PNP)Rh(NO)(NO2). Detected intermediates include (PNP)Rh(NO), characterized by its NMR, EPR and IR spectra as well as by DFT calculation, as having the neutral NO-centered radical Lewis base donating to RhI. One other intermediate is detected, using a combination of spectroscopic and DFT methods, as containing a nitrite (O–N=O) ligand that is O-bound to Rh, giving an overall Cs symmetry. The overall reaction is thus the disproportionation of NO catalyzed by RhI, and the reaction serves to produce nonradical products from radical NO. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Methods for probabilistic modeling of concentrating solar power plants

Probabilistic modeling of concentrating solar power technologies provides important information regarding uncertainties and sensitivities not available from deterministic models. Benefits of using probabilistic models include quantification of uncertainties inherent in the system and characterization of their impact on system performance and economics. This paper presents the tools necessary to conduct probabilistic modeling of concentrating solar technologies. The probabilistic method begins with the identification of uncertain variables and the assignment of appropriate distributions for those variables. Those parameters are then sampled using a stratified method (Latin Hypercube Sampling) to ensure complete and representative sampling from each distribution. Models of performance, reliability, and/or cost are then simulated multiple times using the sampled set of parameters. The results yield a cumulative distribution function that can be analyzed to quantify the probability of achieving a particular metric (e.g., net energy output or levelized energy cost) and to rank the importance of the uncertain input parameters.
Determination of residual ethylene oxide in catheters by gas-liquid chromatography.

A quantitative method for determining residual ethylene oxide in plastic and rubber catheters using gas–liquid chromatography has been developed. Tests on ethylene oxide stabilized catheters indicated that the amount of ethylene oxide in the catheters decreased as a function of aeration time up to 48 hr. After this period, a steady concentration of ethylene oxide in the catheters appeared to have been reached up to one week's testing.
Early Home Environment and Mental Test Performance: A Structural Analysis.

A theoretical model of early environment action was examined on a sample of 282 infants representing two racial groups (Caucasian, African-American). Children were obtained from three different sites in the United States. The model examined included the following variables: socioeconomic status (SES), early cognitive status (Bayley MDI at 12 months), stimulation within the home environment (subscales from the HOME Inventory at 12 and 24 months), parents use of negative control (subscales from the HOME Inventory at 12 and 24 months), and later cognitive status (36-month Stanford-Binet IQ). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the LISREL software was used to confirm the fit of the model for African-Americans and Caucasians and for males and females separately. The models for males and females had similar structures, but not equal coefficients for all paths in the model. The models showed significant paths from socioeconomic status and early cognitive status to stimulation with the home environment, a sig...
Geology of North-Central Guayana Shield, Venezuela

The geological work for this paper was based on the reconnaissance mapping of more than 8000 square miles of savanna during a period of 7 months by one geologist, who was equipped with a helicopter for a quarter of this time. In the north-central part of the Guayana Shield in Venezuela, the lowest sequence of rocks, referred to as the Imataca Complex, comprises quartz-feldspar gneisses, amphibolite and amphibole-pyroxene gneisses, iron-formation, and migmatite. The grade of metamorphism ranges from almandine-amphibolite to granulite, with granites restricted to areas of lower-grade metamorphism. Overlying the gneisses on the south are strata of the Pastora-Carichapo Assemblage. The Carichapo Formation consists of amphibolite derived from mafic lavas and is interlayered with sedimentary, including manganiferous, strata. Perhaps unconformable above the Carichapo Formation is the Pastora Series, a sequence comprising volcanic wackes, shale, and mafic flows, all in the greenschist facies. On the north side of the Imataca Complex are quartzites, conglomerates, and amphibolites of the Real Corona-El Torno Assemblage. From considerations of metamorphic grade, these rocks undoubtedly overlie the Imataca sequence and from lithologic considerations, may be equivalent to the Pastora-Carichapo Assemblage. The occurrence of aluminous hematitic pebbles in one of the conglomerates suggests that the conglomerates have not been derived from the Imataca terrain. Both elongate, gneissic folds and more equidimensional domes have formed in the Imataca Complex. Some of the folds are strongly overturned but show no consistent regional pattern. The Complex is traversed by the El Pao and the Ciudad Piar-Guri faults, the former associated with as much as 3 km of flaser gneiss and mylonite and the latter with several hundred meters of mylonite. Despite these differences in the widths of cataclastic belts, the El Pao fault has been the locus of less movement, for like a splay from the Ciudad Piar-Guri fault, it disappears in fold structures. From a consideration of structural relationships and isotopic age determinations, it appears that Imataca rocks must have been folded prior to 2.0 b.y. before the present (B.P.), that Imataca and Carichapo rocks were folded together about 2.0 b.y. B.P., and that Pastora strata may have been recrystallized again about 1.3 b.y. B.P. in some places. The Roraima Formation of quartzites and shales delimits a very old, stable, tectonic element to the south. The major lithologic differences and major faults are indicated also by regional gravity and magnetic data.
A fever workup guideline

Fever is a common clinical problem in patients hospitalized with trauma. When an infection is suspected, it is important to identify the source of fever and begin definitive care before more severe morbidity occurs. An undirected approach with "pan cultures" has resulted in a high rate of negative cultures obtained and has increased patient care costs. By developing and using an evidence-based fever workup guideline, this institution was able to evaluate and identify infections and reduce costs.
Patient choice in treatment of vestibular schwannoma.

Abstract Objectives There are options available to patients newly diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma. Our institution employs stereotactic radiosurgery, microsurgical removal, and watchful waiting. There are no studies in the literature examining which of these treatment options patients are choosing. Study design and setting Using retrospective chart review from January 2000 through December 2001, we noted several variables and patients' initial treatment choices. Results During the 24-month study period, 139 patients were seen at our institution with a new diagnosis of vestibular schwannoma and made a clear initial treatment choice. Of these, 32 (23%) patients elected watchful waiting; 51 (36%) underwent stereotactic radiosurgery, and 56 (40%) underwent surgical removal. Surgical excision correlated with younger age and larger tumor size. Conclusions Our initial hypothesis, that patients choosing treatment would choose stereotactic radiosurgery more than 50% of the time, was untrue for the time course studied. Significance This is the first study to examine patient choice in treatment of vestibular schwannoma.
Effect of chemopreventive agents on DNA adduction induced by the potent mammary carcinogen dibenzo[a,l]pyrene in the human breast cells MCF-7.

Abstract Over 1500 structurally diverse chemicals have been identified which have potential cancer chemopreventive properties. The efficacy and mechanisms of this growing list of chemoprotective agents may be studied using short-term bioassays that employ relevant end-points of the carcinogenic process. In this study, we have examined the effects of eight potential chemopreventive agents, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), benzylisocyanate (BIC), chlorophyllin, curcumin, 1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T), ellagic acid, genistein, and oltipraz, on DNA adduction of the potent mammary carcinogen dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DBP) using the human breast cell line MCF-7. Bioactivation of DBP by MCF-7 cells resulted in the formation of one predominant (55%) dA-derived and several other dA- or dG-derived DNA adducts. Three test agents, oltipraz, D3T, and chlorophyllin substantially (>65%) inhibited DBP–DNA adduction at the highest dose tested (30 μM). These agents also significantly inhibited DBP adduct levels at a lower dose of 15 μM, while oltipraz was effective even at the lowest dose of 5 μM. Two other agents, genistein and ellagic acid were moderate (45%) DBP–DNA adduct inhibitors at the highest dose tested, while NAC, curcumin, and BIC were ineffective. These studies indicate that the MCF-7 cell line is an applicable model to study the efficacy of cancer chemopreventive agents in a human setting. Moreover, this model may also provide information regarding the effect of the test agents on carcinogen bioactivation and detoxification enzymes.
Spatially correlated precision error in digital particle image velocimetry measurements of turbulent flows

The purpose of the current paper is to describe an experimental study of the spatially correlated precision errors associated with particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements made in turbulent flows. A free jet was used as the base flow for the study. The precision error of time-averaged statistics of the mean and turbulent flowfield is governed by the probability distribution function of the various quantities and the finite sample size of the data sets. Spatial measurements that are separated by a distance that is shorter than the size of the large turbulent scales will not be independent, resulting in a correlated precision error. The characteristics of the precision error for various statistics will be described. It is found that mean vorticity has a correlated precision error that is limited to a much smaller length scale. The results demonstrate the importance of understanding the role of error correlation in the interpretation of PIV data.
Seeing isn’t Believing: Understanding Diversity in the Timing of Strategic Response

There is general consensus in the strategy literature that successful firms alter strategy to address changes in their environments and enact more favourable conditions. Studies of organizational change suggest that this adjustment is not always made in a timely manner. Different beliefs about cause and effect have been established as a plausible explanation for differential responses to environmental change. This exploratory study of six pharmaceutical firms suggests more specifically that multiple concepts associated with environmental changes must be directly linked to organizational performance before new strategies are initiated. The results emphasize the importance of stress as a precursor to strategic response and have implications for the way we conceptualize 'response' when referring to significant changes in strategy.
Design and analysis of data hiding techniques in JPEG-2000 images

Data hiding in JPEG-2000 compressed images is investigated in this research. The challenges of covert communication in this state-of-the-art image codec are analyzed and a steganographic scheme is then proposed to embed high-volume data into the JPEG-2000 bit-stream secretly and reliably. A special mode of JPEG-2000 is employed, and its usage and functions are explained and justified. Experimental results are given to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Why Bayesian Psychology Is Incomplete

Bayesian psychology, in what is perhaps its most familiar version, is incomplete: Jeffrey conditionalization is not a complete account of rational belief change. Jeffrey conditionalization is sensitive to the order in which the evidence arrives. This order effect can be so pronounced as to call for a belief adjustment that cannot be understood as an assimilation of incoming evidence by Jeffrey's rule. Hartry Field's reparameterization of Jeffrey's rule avoids the order effect but fails as an account of how new evidence should be assimilated.
EXTRACTION OF α‐GLUCOSIDASE FROM GERMINATED BARLEY KERNELS

α-Glucosidase activities were extracted from flour of lyophilized, germinated barley seeds. To establish conditions resulting in maximal extraction of α-glucosidase activity from flour of germinated barley, we tested different buffer pH's, extraction times and temperatures, and additions of sulfhydryl reducing reagents, salts, and detergents to the extraction buffer. More enzyme activity was extracted as the extraction buffer pH increased from 3 to 9. The sulfhydryl reagents studied did not significantly increase extractable activity. The extractable activity rose with increased NaCl concentrations up to 2 M. Of the six detergents tested, the zwitterionic detergent CHAPS was most effective in solubilizing α-glucosidase activity, and when combined with NaCl resulted in a doubling in extractable activity as compared with phosphate buffer at pH 8.0. Extraction time and temperature were not critical for the actual solubilization of activity but temperature was quite critical in retaining solubilized α-glucosidase activity in crude extracts.
Numerical calculation of magnetic fields in the vicinity of a magnetic body

Static magnetic fields, resulting from an applied field, are calculated in the vicinity of a magnetic body. Specifically, numerical results are given for a rectangular body of constant permeability. The reduction or shielding of the magnetic fields is calculated in the neighborhood of the body. Integral equations ared eveloped which can bes olved numerically on ac omputer. Typical fields are described for rectangles of different thicknesses, and comparisons with known solutions are shown.
The mechanism for toroidal momentum input to Tokamak plasmas from neutral beams

Abstract The mechanism for transferring toroidal momentum from a neutral beam to a tokamak plasma is shown to be a combination of collisional torque and j × B torque due to fast ion radial motion. For injection into trapped ion orbits, the j × B torque exactly compensates for the lack of bounce-averaged collisional momentum transfer; it appears promptly after the beams are turned on. Injection into untrapped orbits produces a torque which is initially small, and increases to its steady state value in a few slowing down times.
A geometric method in nonlinear programming

A differential geometric approach to the constrained function maximization problem is presented. The continuous analogue of the Newton-Raphson method due to Branin for solving a system of nonlinear equations is extended to the case where the system is under-determined. The method is combined with the continuous analogue of the gradient-projection method to obtain a constrained maximization method with enforced constraint restoration. Detailed analysis of the global behavior of both methods is provided. It is shown that the conjugate-gradient algorithm can take advantage of the sparse structure of the problem in the computation of a vector field, which constitutes the main computational task in the methods.
Perception of Odor and Nasal Pungency from Homologous Series of Volatile Organic Compounds

We tested nasal detection thresholds for airborne chemicals in a group of anosmics (i.e., subjects lacking a functional sense of smell) and in a group of age-, gender-, and smoking-status-matched normosmics (i.e., subjects with normal olfaction). Anosmics provided odor unbiased nasal pungency (irritation) thresholds. Normosmics provided odor thresholds. Homologous series of alcohols, acetates, and ketones served as stimuli. Eye irritation thresholds were also measured for selected acetates. Most substances evoked pungency (i.e., were detected by the anosmics). All sensory thresholds decreased systematically with carbon chain length. The gap between pungency and odor grew larger with increasing carbon chain length. Pungency thresholds — but not odor thresholds — showed a uniform linear relationship of slope close to unity with saturated vapor concentration, irrespective of chemical functionality or carbon chain length. This suggests that pungency from nonreactive airborne chemicals rests heavily on a relatively unspecific physical interaction with a susceptible biophase. Of relevance to indoor environments, such an interaction opens the possibility for a high degree of sensory addition of pungency from individual components of complex mixtures resulting in noticeable irritation even when each component is at a level well below threshold.
Contact reaction between Si and rare earth metals

Reactions between Si and thin films of rare‐earth metals (Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, plus Y and La) in the temperature range of 275–900 °C have been studied by using x‐ray diffraction and ion backscattering spectrometry. The disilicides of these metals are apparently the first phase to form, forming rapidly within a narrow temperature range (325–400 °C), and are stable up to 900 °C. The growth does not follow a layered growth mode.
Modeling of the pH-sensitive behavior of an ionic gel in the presence of diffusion

Abstract In this paper, we develop a model for swelling of an ionic gel in a solvent of varying pH and diffusion of the solvent through the swollen gel by applying a variational method originally presented by Baek and Srinivasa (Int. J. Nonlinear Mech. 39 (2004) 201). The approach presented here, based on the balance laws of a single continuum with mass diffusion and ionic chemical reactions, delivers system equations and boundary conditions by assuming two constitutive scalar functions for the free energy of the system and the rate of dissipation, instead of assuming osmotic pressure, electrostatic repulsive force, etc. In the equilibrium case, the model describes pH-dependent behavior and the effect of other counterions on the swelling of ionic gels. In the non-equilibrium case, it accounts for the pH-dependent mass flux through ionic gels. Moreover, the model shows that the mass flux can be induced by the gradient of chemical potential, the concentration of the mobile species and ionic charges. This model is applied to a typical carboxylated copolymer gel, and compared with an experiment for equilibrium swelling, and predicts the pH-dependence for a pressure-induced mass flux.
Examining the societal impacts of nanotechnology through simulation: NANO SCENARIO

This article describes a university-sponsored experiential-based simulation, the NANO SCENARIO, to increase the public's awareness and affect attitudes on the societal implications of nanoscience and nanotechnology by bringing together diverse stakeholders' perspectives in a participatory learning environment. Nanotechnology has the potential for massive societal effects across all sectors, globally. Thus, new forms of education are needed to prepare members of society for making complex decisions about policy, governance, and values. Here, the authors examine the theoretical and conceptual framework of the simulation, which uses improvised role-play and perspective-taking to engage the public in a transformative learning experience. As part of this examination, they describe the uses and constraints of simulations with open-ended goals and without competition and prescribed rules. They believe educational role-play scenarios with active participation of the public can serve as a dynamic method for civic engagement across a range of complex, interdisciplinary topics and new technological dilemmas.
Translational and electronic energy dependence of the reaction of Mn+ with ethane

Abstract The reaction of Mn + with ethane has been studied using guided ion beam mass spectrometry. The electronic energy of the Mn + ion is varied by altering the ionization technique. The dominant reaction is the formation of MnCH + 3 . Ground state Mn + reacts very inefficiently and behaves in accord with an impulsive, pairwise reaction model. The 5 S and 5 D excited states are found to react with much higher efficiency, the latter in an exothermic process. The threshold for the 5 S state is interpreted to yield a bond dissociation energy for Mn + -CH 3 of 2.23 ± 0.17 eV (51.5 ± 3.9 kcal mol −1 ).
Theoretical study of the absorption spectra of the sodium dimer

Absorption of radiation from sodium dimer molecular states correlating to $\mathrm{Na}(3s)\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Na}(3s)$ is investigated theoretically. Vibrational bound and continuum transitions from the singlet $X{}^{1}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{g}^{+}$ state to the first excited $A{}^{1}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{u}^{+}$ and $B{}^{1}{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{u}$ states and from the triplet $a{}^{3}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{u}^{+}$ state to the first excited $b{}^{3}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{g}^{+}$ and $c{}^{3}{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{g}$ states are studied quantum-mechanically. Theoretical and experimental data are used to characterize the molecular properties, taking advantage of knowledge recently obtained from ab initio calculations, spectroscopy, and ultracold atom collision studies. The quantum-mechanical calculations are carried out for temperatures in the range from 1000 to 3000 K, and are compared with previous calculations and measurements where available.
Interleukin-1: an important mediator of inflammation

Abstract The host response to infections, inflammatory, toxic and immunologically-mediated diseases includes the synthesis of a polypeptide now called interleukin-1(IL-1). In this review, Charles Dinarello describes its properties, IL-1 is a potent inducer of several metabolic and immunological changes which can be considered components of the response to inflammation. Some of these responses have a beneficial role in the resolution of many disease states, while others may be harmful in promoting continued host processes of chronic inflammation.
Diffusion of sulfur 35 in single crystals of lead sulfide as a function of stoichiometry and doping additions

Abstract Self-diffusion of sulfur 35 in single crystals of lead sulfide has been studied as a function of temperature, sulfur pressure and foreign atom additions. The primary conclusions of these studies are: (a) sulfur diffuses as rapidly as or more rapidly than lead in single crystals of PbS, (b) sulfur does not diffuse via jumps into sulfur vacancies. In addition sulfur was inferred to diffuse via several simultaneous mechanisms, the predominant one depending on the experimental variables. The probable predominant mechanisms in undoped PbS are : (1) In crystals with an excess of sulfur, sulfur diffuses as an atomic rather than as an ionic species, by an interstitial mechanism, or via electrically neutral vacancies in the lead sublattice.; (2) In crystals with an excess of lead, sulfur diffuses via a neutral defect pair. Sulfur diffuses through lead sulfide heavily doped with the acceptor silver by the same mechanisms that are predominant in undoped PbS. This is evidenced by the lack of influence of silver concentration on diffusivities in the temperature range 500–750°C, which serves to substantiate the neutral electrical nature of the defects responsible for diffusion in undoped PbS. For lead sulfide doped with the donor bismuth, sulfur diffusion at 700°C occurs by the same mechanisms as are predominant in undoped PbS over the entire homogeneity range for the compound. At lower temperatures, jumps of sulfur into ionized lead vacancy acceptors, such as V' Pb may contribute appreciably to the total diffusion.
A novel vessel segmentation algorithm in color images of the retina

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) occurs in patients who have had diabetes for at least five years. Diseased small blood vessels in the back of the eye cause a leakage of protein and blood in the retina. Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy at early stage can be done through detection of blood vessels of retina. Blood vessel segmentation is a helpful tool in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Many studies have been carried out in the last decade in order to get an accurate blood vessel detection and segmentation in retinal images since vascular anomalies are one of the strongest manifestations of DR. Here, we propose a ruled-based algorithm called Star Networked Pixel Tracking to decide whether a processed pixel is a part of a vessel or not. The complement of the gray scale of the green channel from the original image is used. The blood vessels are enhanced by applying a strong adaptive histogram equalization algorithm locally and globally. Morphological operations are implemented in designing a background image to generate a normalized retinal image. In order to enhance the vessels' contrast, mathematical and morphological operations are applied. Noise artifacts that look like small vessels is filtered by the proposed eight-direction network pixel tracking algorithm. The proposed method is evaluated on 20 images of well known public domain DRIVE database. We achieved an accuracy of 95.83%. This is the highest accuracy among the ruled-based methods reported for the DRIVE database.
A conditional least squares estimation procedure for a disequilibrium market model with autocorrelated errors

Abstract Maximum likelihood estimation of parameters in a market disequilibrium model with unknown sample separation and autocorrelated errors is computationally intractable [Quandt (1981) and Lee (1984)]. This paper presents a computationally convenient conditional least squares procedure for estimation of parameters in this model.
Vibrational assignments of 3-alkyl-3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-2H-1,3-benzoxazines in the fingerprint region

Abstract Fundamental vibrational assignments of a series of 3-alkyl-3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-2H-1,3-benzoxazines are made by analysis of the fingerprint region (2000-500 cm−1) of their infrared and Raman spectra. The linear amine group is varied from methyl to amyl which alters the position of the peaks resulting from the oxazine ring but has little influence on the benzene ring vibrations. To aid in the peak assignments, 3,4-dideutero-3,6-dimethyl-2D-1,3-benzoxazine has also been synthesized. The structures of the compounds are verified by 1H and 13C NMR.
Diffusion of new antiretroviral drugs in CSF

An aim of the presentation will be to review the relative importance of ARV penetration into the central nervous system (CNS) for optimizing virological response and minimizing cognitive deficits. A brief summary of clinical studies addressing the importance of ARV penetration will be included. A focus of the discussion will be on pharmacological factors driving CNS penetration (e.g. protein binding, lipophilicity and interaction with membrane transporters). The talk will summarize current knowledge for the most widely prescribed ARVs. Methodological approaches will be discussed in that studies addressing CNS penetration often rely on sparse PK measurements within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) coupled with population PK modelling. Few studies include intensive pharmacokinetic (PK) measurements in both CSF and plasma for estimating the CSF/plasma exposure ratio. Pharmacodynamic studies assessing the importance of CSF PK exposure for virological response will be reviewed with an emphasis on the newer ARVs including raltegravir. Raltegravir achieves CSF concentrations providing adequate HIV inhibition in the majority of patients. Results for additional new ARVs will also be presented.
Temperature dependence of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) pharmacokinetics in rainbow trout.

Abstract Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) acclimated at 6, 12, or 18°C received 400 μg [14C]DEHP/kg as an intraaortic bolus. DEHP disappeared rapidly from plasma, with an estimated 50% of the dose eliminated after 5 hr. Plasma concentration-time data were analyzed using a three-compartment model and by the statistical moment method; both analyses yielded similar parameter estimates. The apparent steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) and the apparent volume of the deep peripheral compartment (V3) increased exponentially with increasing temperature (log V proportional to temperature) while the volumes of the central (V1) and shallow peripheral (V2) compartments were not systematically affected. The total body clearance of DEHP increased linearly with increasing temperature, while the capacity to hold DEHP increased more rapidly, resulting in the biological persistence and potential for bioaccumulation of DEHP to increase with increased temperature. Both the terminal elimination half-life and the mean residence time increased exponentially with increasing temperature; the half-life increased from 79.5 to 130 hr between 6 and 18°C. Simulations with the model indicated that the distribution of DEHP was temperature sensitive; this finding may have important implications for the temperature sensitivity of DEHP toxicity or carcinogenicity.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Clinical Cardiology: Physician Update: Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease”

To the Editor: We appreciate Nunes' interest in our article, “Clinical Cardiology: Physician Update: Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease.”1 We agree with some of the points Nunes highlighted; however, we think the letter suggests a misinterpretation of the intended main teaching points in our article. We do not advocate that all patients with erectile dysfunction undergo stress testing and coronary angiography. Instead, because erectile dysfunction has been documented to precede angina by 2 to 3 years and adverse cardiovascular events by 3 to 5 years, we agree with The Second Princeton Consensus Conference guidelines that all patients with erectile dysfunction should undergo a cardiovascular risk factor evaluation. Identifying, treating, and ultimately controlling …
GENE FLOW AND INEFFECTIVE ANTIPREDATOR BEHAVIOR IN A STREAM-BREEDING SALAMANDER.

Predators often feed on prey that show ineffective antipredator behavior. Gene flow among populations may constrain evolution of effective antipredator ability in larvae of the streamside salamander, Ambystoma barbouri, a species that occupies distinctly different habitats with conflicting selection pressures. Some streams are ephemeral, where larvae should be active to feed and reach metamorphosis before stream drying. In contrast, other streams are more permanent and contain pools with predatory fish, where larvae should remain inactive to avoid fish predation. Feeding rates and predator escape behavior were assayed for laboratory-reared larvae from 15 populations. Larval survival was also compared among populations in artificial streams with natural predators. Five populations represented streams subjected to fish predation along a gradient of genetic and geographic isolation from populations without fish; the remaining 10 populations were ephemeral and without fish. Individuals from populations with fish had significantly stronger behavioral responses to fish (i.e., decreased feeding rate associated with the presence of fish and increased escape response) than individuals from fishless populations. Larvae from populations containing fish that were more isolated from fishless populations showed stronger antipredator responses than less isolated populations. Further, larvae from more isolated populations survived longer in the predation experiment, indicating that the behaviors measured were related with survival. These results suggest that gene flow between populations with conflicting selection pressures limits local adaptation in some salamander populations with fish. While previous studies have typically focused on the role of gene flow in pairs of populations, the results of this study suggest that gene flow is acting to swamp local adaptation across several populations.
Die Synthese von Boraziten mit Hilfe Chemischer Transportreaktionen

Zusammenfassung Es wird ein in Quarzampullen arbeitendes Transportreaktionsverfahren beschrieben, mit dem eine grosse Anzahl von Boraziten (Me3B7O13X, Me = ein zweiwertiges Metall, X = Cl, Br oder J) hergestellt wurde; darunter waren die Cr-Br, Cr-J-, Cu-Cl-, und Cu-Br-Borazite bis jetzt nicht bekannt. Die Verbindungen wurden mieist in Einkristallform erhalten. MeO lasst sich am besten mit Hilfe der reversiblen Reaktion MeO(f) + 2 HX(g) = MeX2(g) + H2O(g) oder MeO(f) + X2(g) = MeX2(g) + 0.5 O2 und CuO uber die Kupfer(I)halogenide transportieren. B2O3 lasst man vorzugsweise als flussigen Film zum wachsenden Kristall diffundieren. Bei hohen HX-und H2O-Drucken bildet sich Borazit unter Beteiligung von B2O3-Transport uber die Gasphase. Es werden thermodynamische Abschatzungen der Lage einer Reihe von Reaktionsgleichgewichten fur den Transport von MeO und B2O3 vorgenommen. Die Ergebnisse werden in bezug auf die beobachteten Kristallisationseigenschaften der Borazite besprochen. Auf Grund von MeO- und B2O3-Transport uber die Gasphase wurden mehrere bekannte und einige neue Uebergangsmetallborate als Borazitnebenprodukt erhalten. In einem orientierenden Versuch konnte Mg-Cl-Borazit bei etwa 150 bis 180°C mittels Transportreaktionen in wassriger Losung dargestellt werden. Die Gitterkonstanten und α-β-Umwandlungstemperaturen der dargestellten Borazite wurden bestimmt. Co-J-Borazit zeigt einen Alexandriteffekt. Die Fe-Cl-, Fe-Br-, Ni-Cl-, Ni-Br-, Ni-J- und Cu-Br-Borazite zeigen Thermochroismus.
Investigations on integration of mossy fiber inputs to Purkynĕ cells in the anterior lobe.

The 275 Purkyně cells identified by the criteria of the previous paper have been investigated with respect to their role as units integrating the input to the anterior lobe from various limb nerves. The discharges from single Purkyně cells have been studied in lightly anesthetized (pentothal) or in decerebrate unanesthetized cats, there being averaging usually of 128 responses in the form of post-stimulus time histograms and cumulative frequency distributions.
Topologically homogeneous power-performance heterogeneous multicore systems

Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS), a widely adopted technique to ensure safe thermal characteristics while delivering superior energy efficiency, is rapidly becoming inefficient with technology scaling due to two critical factors: (a) inability to scale the supply voltage due to reliability concerns; and (b) dynamic adaptations through DVFS cannot alter underlying power hungry circuit characteristics, designed for the nominal frequency. In this paper, we show that DVFS scaled circuits substantially lag in energy efficiency, by 22–86%, compared to ground up designs for target frequency levels. We propose Topologically Homogeneous Power-Performance Heterogeneous multicore systems (THPH), a fundamentally alternate means to design energy efficient multicore systems. Using a system level CAD approach, we seamlessly integrate architecturally identical cores, designed for different voltage-frequency (VF) domains. We use a combination of standard cell library based CAD flow and full system architectural simulation to demonstrate 11–22% improvement in energy efficiency using our design paradigm.
Establishing a portfolio of quality-improvement projects in pediatric surgery through advanced improvement leadership systems.

Formal quality-improvement (QI) projects require that participants are educated in QI methods to provide them with the capability to carry out successful, meaningful work. However, orchestrating a portfolio of projects that addresses the strategic mission of the institution requires an extension of basic QI training to provide the division or business unit with the capacity to successfully develop and manage the portfolio. Advanced Improvement Leadership Systems is a program to help units create a meaningful portfolio. This program, used by the Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, helped establish a portfolio of targeted QI projects designed to achieve outstanding outcomes at competitive costs in multiple clinical areas aligned with the institution’s strategic goals (improve disease-based outcomes, patient safety, flow, and patient and family experience). These objectives are addressed in an institutional strategic plan built around 5 core areas: Safety, Productivity, Care Coordination and Outcomes, Patient and Family Experience, and Value. By combining the portfolio of QI projects with improvements in the divisional infrastructure, effective improvement efforts were realized throughout the division. In the 9 months following the program, divisional capability resulted in a 16.5% increase (5.7% to 22.2%) of formally trained staff working on 10 QI teams. Concurrently, a leadership team, designed to coordinate projects, remove barriers, and provide technical support, provided the capacity to pursue this ongoing effort. The Advanced Improvement Leadership Systems program increased the Division’s efficiency and effectiveness in pursing the QI mission that is integral at our hospital.
R3E+ Carborane Salts of the Heavier Group 14 Elements: E = Ge, Sn, and Pb

The synthetic and structural chemistry of catalytically useful trialkylsilylium salts with weakly coordinating carborane anions, R3Si(CHB11X11), has been extended to the heavier group 14 elements. Et3Ge(CHB11H5Br5) was prepared from Et3GeH and trityl CHB11H5Br6−. Its X-ray crystal structure shows ion-like character very similar to its Si congener. The heavier element analogues, Et3E(CHB11H5Br6) (E = Sn, Pb), were prepared by chloride ion abstraction from Et3SnCl and Et3PbCl, respectively, using Et3Si(CHB11H5Br6). Their crystal structures differ from those of the four-coordinate lighter elements by adopting five-coordinate trigonal-bipyramidal stereochemistries, reflecting the periodic table transition of these elements from semi-metals to metals. The carborane anions are weak, bridging, axial ligands connecting trigonal Et3E+ cation-like moieties in polymeric chain structures. When the less coordinating CHB11Cl11− anion is used, excess germane competes with the carborane anion for coordination to Ge and a...