cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maximizing Limited Resources in Reducing Readmission Rates in a Heart Failure Transitional Model

Introduction Reducing heart failure 30-day readmissions can be daunting in current economic conditions. This presentation shows the impact of an advance practice Results After six months, 30-day readmissions for heart failure patients decreased from 23.9% to 18.9%. The nurse practitioner rate for 30-day readmission had the lowest service line readmission rate at 3.9%. Discussion Identification of at risk patients is a critical aspect of appropriate use of the nurse practitioner consult. Using the ACC/AHA guidelines of Conclusions Establishing a relationship with a heart failure advanced practice nurse during hospitalization with six weeks of follow-up care nurse consult system on readmission of patients with heart failure. patient selection for heart failure disease management, patients at highest risk should receive the intervention of the nurse practitioner. However only 31% of the patients identified at risk received a consult for heart failure demonstrated success in reducing 30-day readmission rates. These results also show that the program is economically feasible in times of limited resources. Methods Patients at risk were identified daily using the electronic process of the hospital census Criteria were one hospitalization 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% HMC CHF Readmission Rates (Index = CHF PDX)
Acceleration and inhibition of lipid oxidation by heme compounds.

The acceleration and inhibition of unsaturated fatty acid oxidation by heme compounds was followed in model systems with an oxygen analyzer. The linoleate to heme molar ratios for maximum catalysis were 100 for hemin and catalase, 250 for metmyoglobin, 400 for cytochrome c and 500 for methemoglobin. With heme concentrations of 2 to 4 times the optimum catalytic amount, no oxidation occurred. Rapid heme destruction was observed with catalyzing ratios of lipid to heme, but with inhibitory ratios a stable red compound formed, believed to be a lipid hydroperoxide derivative of the heme. The ratios of lipid to metmyoglobin for maximum acceleration varied with the pH. Linolenate was much less sensitive to heme catalysis than linoleate. Colorless products of heme degradation had a marked antioxidant effect. A possible mechanism for the antioxidant effect of hemes is advanced, based on the formation of stable heme peroxide complexes or stable heme radicals, or both, during the early stages of oxidation. Prooxidant activity is believed to occur only when the peroxide to heme ratio is so high that the oxidation of the hemes goes beyond the initial stages.
The time-course of chromatic facilitation by luminance contours

The threshold for detecting an equiluminant chromatic spot is approximately halved by the presentation of a coincident, suprathreshold luminance pedestal flash. The dynamics of this facilitation were studied by varying the duration and temporal asynchrony of the chromatic test flash and luminance pedestal. Facilitation occurs in a narrow temporal window near the chromatic test presentation; masking may occur when the pedestal is temporally displaced from the test by longer times. The mechanism producing facilitation lags behind the chromatic signal by at least 20 msec.
Cardenolide content and thin-layer chromatography profiles of monarch butterflies,Danaus plexippus L., and their larval host-plant milkweed,Asclepias asperula subsp.Capricornu (woods.) woods., in north central Texas.

This paper is the second in a series on cardenolide fingerprinting of monarch butterflies and their host-plant milkweeds in the eastern United States. Spectrophotometric determinations of the gross cardenolide content ofAsclepias asperula plants in north central Texas indicated wide variation ranging from 341 to 1616 μg/0.1 g dry weight. The mean plant cardenolide concentration (886 μg/0.1 g) is the highest for any milkweed species on which monarch cardenolide profiles have been produced. Forty-one butterflies reared individually on these plants contained a skewed distribution of cardenolide concentrations ranging from 231 to 515 μg/0. 1 g dry weight with a mean of 363μg/0.1 g. The uptake of cardenolide by the butterflies was independent of plant concentration, suggesting that saturation occurs in cardenolide sequestration by monarchs when feeding on cardenolide-rich host-plants. Female monarchs contained significantly greater mean cardenolide concentrations (339 μg/0.1 g) than did males (320 μg/0.1 g). The mean dry weight of the male butterflies (0.211 g) was significantly greater than the female mean (0.191) so that the mean total cardenolide contents of males (675 fig) and females (754 μg) were not significantly different. Butterfly size was not significantly correlated to butterfly cardenolide concentration when differences due to sex and individual host-plant concentration were removed. Thin-layer chrornatograms of 24 individual plant-butterfly pairs developed in two solvent systems resolved 22 individual spots in the plants and 15 in the butterflies.A. asperula plants appear to contain several relatively nonpolar cardenolides of the calotropagenin series which are metabolized to more polar derivatives in the butterflies. Quantitative evaluation of theRf values, spot intensities, and probabilities of occurrence in the chloroform-methanol-formamide TLC system produced a cardenolide fingerprint clearly distinct from those previously established for monarchs reared on otherAsclepias species. Our data support the use of fingerprints to make ecological predictions concerning larval host-plant utilization.A. asperula subsp.capricornu andA. viridis Walt, are the predominant early spring milkweeds throughout most of the south central United States. Cardenolide-rich monarchs reared on these two species may be instrumental in establishing and reinforcing visual avoidance of adults by naive predators throughout their spring and summer breeding cycle in eastern North America.
Decay mechanisms of photoexcitations in conducting polymers probed by picosecond photoinduced absorption

Abstract The dynamics of picosecond photoinduced absorption (PA) in a host of conducting polymers with varying degrees of ground-state degeneracy are compared for low-density excitation (⩽ 10 18 carriers/cm 3 ). The results are consistent with dispersive recombination associated with the 1-D diffusion of the photoexcited species on chain segments distributed in length in the polymers polythiophene, trans -polyacetylene, and in polydiacetylene at high pressure. We find that, within the 5 ps time resolution of the experiment, the transient electronic response is approximately independent of probe wavelength in the range 1.2 to 2.1 eV for all polymers except polydiethynylsilane. In that material recombination occurs within 1.4 ps after photoexcitation at all energies except those between 1.8 and 2.0 eV, coincident with a narrow band in the PA spectrum that is linked to thermal modulation of the absorption edge.
A CONTEXT FOR CAREER DECISION MAKING

A context is proposed that not only focuses career exploration in a logical way, beginning with the decision maker and moving to occupations, but also helps organize the process of decision making. Decision makers are seen as part of the context, for they have values, aptitudes, and.resources that are .relevant to . choices of occupations. For career decisiormakine, occupations are construed along dimensions that are most useful to the.decision maker. These dimeaSions are the ones that, in fhe'occupation, correspond to the values, aptitude's, and resource.dimensions of the decision makers. They are rewards; requisites, and investments. The goal of the decision, then, is the maximiiatiom of values satisfaction within the limits of aptitudes.and resources. Information also requires a-place in the decision-making pr,ocess, since decision makers require two claSses of informationinformation about occupations and information about themselves. Applications of., the context include development of a curriculUm for career decision, making, improvement of occupational information, and improved decision making: '.(YLB)
Penny for Your Thoughts? Campaign Spending in California Trial Court Elections, 1976-1982

S INCE Alexander Heard (1960) published his seminal work on political finance, scholars have been interested in understanding more about the role of money in election campaigns. As with other kinds of electoral research, attention focused initially upon the costs of presidential campaigns (Alexander 1962, 1966, 1971), followed thereafter by analyses of spending in U.S. senatorial and congressional elections and state gubernatorial and legislative elections (Adamany 1969, 1972; Owens 1973). To date, however, there has been almost no research on the amounts of money spent by candidates seeking elective judicial positions (see Berg 1980; Slead 1981; Schotland 1985). Although there is now a fairly substantial body of literature on various other aspects of judicial elections (see Volcansek 1982), very little systematic evidence has been collected on how much judicial candidates spend and even less is known about what factors influence those spending levels.1 Although knowing how much and why campaigns cost what they do has been important for understanding the role of money in elections generally, this knowledge is especially critical for an assessment of the role of money in judicial elections. In the first place, in states where recent judicial campaigns have been hotly contested, such as California, it is widely believed that judicial campaign costs have become prohibitively high for most candidates and growing higher with each year. Such reports naturally limit electoral competition by discouraging prospective candidates even if campaign finance levels have not in fact escalated sharply. As Adamany (1972) has noted, campaign fundraising for many candidates becomes a barrier to office "because expectations are pegged to the highest expenditures in previous campaigns and because the information about such expenditures is elusive and often inflated" (p. 34). Another aspect of the role of money that has drawn recent attention has been the reported heavy reliance upon lawyers for the contributions required to finance judicial campaigns. This reliance troubles many observers who foresee the potential for a real or perceived conflict of interest (see Schotland 1985: 61-65, 90-96). As one California judge put it, "What would you think if you were a litigant in my court and you knew the op-
Magnetic phase diagram of the stage-1 CoCl 2 graphite intercalation compound: Existence of metamagnetic transition and spin-flop transitions

The H-T phase diagram of a stage-1 CoCl 2 graphite intercalation compound has been determined from measurements of the ac magnetic susceptibility, dc magnetization, and in-plane resistivity in the presence of an external magnetic field along the c plane perpendicular to the c axis. This compound undergoes two magnetic phase transitions at T c u (=T N =9.9 K) and T c l (=7.7 K) at H=0. A metamagnetic transition occurs at a critical point (T 3 877 K, H 3 270 Oe). A spin-flop transition occurs at the critical point (T 2 6.8 K, H 2 80 Oe) due to a competition between weak antiferromagnetic interplanar interactions and in-plane anisotropic interactions. Two lines H. and H above T N are due to ferromagnetic short-range fluctuations.
Bees of India (Apoidea), their Behaviour, Management and a Key to the Genera

Abstract Most people know the honey bees, Apis mellifera, and perhaps also the big black carpenter bees, Xylocopa spp., so conspicuous on the plains and favourite subjects for romantic poetry. As early as Vedic times, several sorts of bees were generally recognized. The “bhramara,” “bhowra” or carpenter bees (Xylocopa) were apparently used to carry messages, as homing pigeons are used today. These bees can return to their nests when released as far away as four kilometres, and they are large enough to carry small pieces of paper glued to the thorax. An ingenious technique was used by thieves, who kept some of these bees in a small box “bhramara-karandaka,” from which they were released at night, to fly into and extinguish lamps in the houses to be robbed (Monier-Williams, 1899). In ancient and modern poetry, these insects symbolize a libertine, lover or bearer of love messages; their beauty is also appreciated, for instance, “In Chet, agreeable is the Spring and beautiful the bhowra” (Sri Guru Granth Sahi...
Harmonic domain modeling of transformer nonlinear characteristic with piece-wise approximation

Power system devices such as transformers, generators, and reactors have nonlinear characteristics because of the magnetic material used for their construction. Hence, understanding how the harmonics affect the power system requires explorations of the harmonic characteristics of each nonlinear component including the transformers. Thus, particular models need to be developed for the power system and machines design, and harmonic power flow analysis. Regarding the modeling of transformer nonlinearity, including hysteresis, there are many numerical methods that have been applied and many models have been developed. The nonlinearity of these devices cannot be correctly represented unless the hysteresis is included. Although the developed model can be used for other devices such as reactors, generators and motors, we are primarily focused on modeling of the transformers. There are many models developed for nonlinear transformer characteristics from various aspects, but none address the influences of the actual mechanical stresses on the magnetic materials. Mechanical stress modifies the nonlinear characteristics of the transformer and consequentially influences the operation of the transformers generating higher level of harmonics, increasing both losses and transformer noise. Our goal was to develop an accurate model and expressive formulas that can be used for practical engineering applications in transformer design and power system analysis based on minimal measured data requirements. The excitation characteristics of the transformer are presented with two piecewise approximated functions. The Harmonic Balance Method - Describing Function is used to obtain the harmonic magnitude and phase angles of the excitation current. The proposed model has been verified with experimentally obtained results for the transformer excitation current.
Use of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) to reduce phytotoxicity and promote humification of pre‐composted olive oil mill wastewater

BACKGROUND: Olive mill wastewaters (OMWW) contain a high recalcitrant organic load and an associated toxicity that make their treatment necessary before environmental application. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of promoting the valorization and reducing the phytotoxicity of OMWW through a pre-composting process together with straw-chip bulking materials followed by the application of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) in the presence of oat seedlings (Avena sativa L.) seedlings. RESULTS: After 3 months, the pre-composted material showed properties similar to a partially digested compost with some significant amelioration of chemical-physical and biochemical properties. The application of earthworms permitted a significant decrease in chemical (total organic carbon, water-extractable organic carbon, total nitrogen) and biological parameters (dehydrogenase enzyme activity), and an increase in humic substances and available nitrogen forms. In the presence of plants a higher C/N ratio and a lower content of nitrates were observed. In addition, the reduction in phenolic compounds observed in treatments with earthworms caused a decrease in phytotoxicity by about 50% with respect to the pre-composted material, which results in an increase in germination index. CONCLUSION: The utilization of earthworms, in particular in the presence of plants, may be an ecologically sound and economically feasible technology to obtain a non-toxic, high-value product useful for agricultural purposes.
Seropositivity to Chlamydia pneumoniae Is Associated With Risk of First Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— Serologic evidence of infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae has been associated with cardiovascular disease, but its relationship with stroke risk remains uncertain. The objective of this study is to determine whether serological evidence of C pneumoniae infection is associated with risk of ischemic stroke. Methods— A population-based case-control study was performed in an urban, multiethnic population. Cases (n=246) had first ischemic stroke, and controls (n=474) matched for age, sex, and race–ethnicity were derived through random-digit dialing. Titers of C pneumoniae–specific IgG and IgA antibodies were measured using microimmunofluorescence, and positive titers were prospectively defined. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs adjusting for medical, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. Results— Mean age among cases was 72.3±9.7 years; 50.8% were women. Elevated C pneumoniae IgA titers were associated with increased risk of ischemic st...
The Fabric of Meaning in a Junior High School.

(1979). The Fabric of meaning in a junior high School. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 18, The Complex Classrooms: A Research Focus, pp. 152-157.
In vivo effect of coronary laser angioplasty on atherosclerotic plaques: histopathologic analysis.

Abstract Information from histopathologic examination of coronary arterial atherosclerotic plaques treated with in vivo laser energy is sparse. Directional atherectomy provides biopsies for study of tissue changes (injury) due to coronary arterial debulking devices, including laser. Sixteen patients who presented with acute ischemic coronary syndromes underwent debulking of a total of 17 obstructive intracoronary lesions with pulsed-wave holmium:YAG laser (2.1 μm wavelength). Laser was performed with the “pulse and retreat” technique which incorporates slow catheter advancement (0.5–1 mm/s) with controlled emission of energy. Immediately postlasing, directional atherectomy was utilized to obtain irradiated plaque tissue for pathologic examination. Extent of laser-induced tissue injury to plaques was graded as 0 (no tissue damage), 1 (small foci or charring and vacuoles), 2 (large amount of charring, edge disruption and vacuoles) and 3 (extensive tissue damage). Angiographically and clinically, all 17 lesions were successfully debulked with the laser energy (mean 47±25 pulses), with a reduction of target lesion percent diameter stenosis from 92±6% to 47±25%. Adjunct balloon dilations further reduced the target lesions to a final of 10±10% stenosis. The histopathologic examination of the lased specimens demonstrated that 13 lesions (76%) had no evidence of laser-induced injury (Grade 0). Four lesions had low-level injury (Grade 1), and none had evidence of Grade 2 or 3 laser-induced trauma. Therefore, a laser debulking technique, which incorporates slow catheter advancement with controlled emission of pulses, does not cause significant injurious effects to the irradiated plaque.
Elementary School Campuses and New Teachers A Multiyear Study

In this study, the researchers examined the five most recent years of data (2003-2004 through 2007-2008) from the Academic Excellence Indicator System of the State of Texas regarding new teachers o...
Recent studies in East Asian communication

Study on Chinese communication behaviors, by Guo-Ming Chen, Hong Kong, China, China Review Academic Publishers, 2010, 2+2+313 pp., HK$120.00 (paperback), ISBN 978-988-8051-12-0 Japanese culture and...
The electrochemical oxidation of sulfite on gold: UV-Vis reflectance spectroscopy at a rotating disk electrode

Abstract Certain aspects of the electrochemical oxidation of sulfite in buffered, mildly acidic aqueous solutions (pH 5.23) have been examined using in situ near normal incidence UV-Vis reflectance spectroscopy (NNI-UVRS) at a Au rotating disk electrode (RDE). The dependence of the limiting current, i lim , on the rotation rate of the RDE was found to display classical Levich behavior up to potentials well within the range in which Au forms a surface oxide in the neat (sulfite-free) supporting electrolyte. However, simultaneous in situ NNI-UVRS measurements performed at λ =500 nm during sulfite oxidation failed to show any evidence for the presence of oxide on the Au surface within that entire potential range. Polarization of the Au RDE at more positive potentials led to a sudden drop in i lim , ca. an order of magnitude, which correlated with an abrupt decrease in the intensity of the reflected light, consistent with formation of (one or more forms of) Au oxide on the surface. On the basis of these and other observations a model has been proposed in which sulfite reacts chemically with adsorbed oxygen on the surface (oxygen atom transfer) in the region that precedes partial inhibition. As the potential is increased, adsorbed oxygen undergoes Au–O place exchange forming two-dimensional nuclei on the surface, which undergo rapid (autocatalytic) growth, covering an area large enough to block significantly sulfite oxidation.
Effect of variable energy input on nitrogen fixation in instantaneous linear discharges

The reported analysis implies that the number of molecules of NO produced per joule of discharge varies with input energy. The calculations assume a cylindrical symmetry but the results are consistent with equivalent calculations using spherical symmetry. If NO yield does vary with input energy, extrapolation of laboratory experiments using small sparks is not as straightforward as has previously been assumed. Calculated curves for the yield of NO as a function of discharge energy are presented and are compared with experimental values and other theoretical values.
The Crowd and Collective Behavior: Bringing Symbolic Interaction Back In

Presented as the Distinguished Lecture at the annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in August 2005, this article's objective is to illustrate the importance of symbolic interaction in the formation of temporary gatherings, in the dynamic alternation between individual and collective actions that comprise those gatherings, and in the dispersal processes that bring such gatherings to an end. In reviewing the phenomena to be explained, I also call attention to the limitations of the concepts of “the crowd” and of “collective behavior.” Finally, to make sense of the dynamic variation and alternation between individual and collective actions, and the variation in the latter, I champion and extend G. H. Mead's theory of the act as a closed-loop, negative-feedback model of purposive action. No lesser model of agency and action is adequate to the challenge of understanding and explaining the phenomena in question.
Analysis and design of high efficiency inductive power-links using a novel matching strategy

One of the major factors that limit the powering distance in any RF energy scavenging sensor is the intrinsic threshold of the voltage-multiplier or voltage-boosting circuits. In this paper we present a passive matching network that overcomes the threshold-voltage limitation by enhancing the quality-factor of the voltage-multiplier front-end. We first derive the figures-of-merits comparing the theoretical improvements that can be achieved by the proposed matching network over a conventional parallel matching network. Using measured results from prototypes fabricated in a 0.5-µm CMOS process we show that for a fixed transmission power, the proposed approach significantly increases the powering distance of a 13.56MHz RF scavenging sensor.
Involuntary outpatient treatment: the data and controversy

Involuntary Outpatient Commitment, also referred to as Assisted Outpatient Treatment or Community Treatment Orders, are controversial civil court procedures whereby judges may order non-adherent mentally ill individuals to comply with treatment. This presentation will summarize the data and controversy about these procedures and put them in the context of the larger debate about the use of coercion in mental health treatment.
On coding for real-time streaming under packet erasures

We consider a real-time streaming system where messages created at regular time intervals at a source are encoded for transmission to a receiver over a packet erasure link; the receiver must subsequently decode each message within a given delay from its creation time. We study a bursty erasure model in which all erasure patterns containing erasure bursts of a limited length are admissible. For certain classes of parameter values, we provide code constructions that asymptotically achieve the maximum message size among all codes that allow decoding under all admissible erasure patterns. We also study an i.i.d. erasure model in which each transmitted packet is erased independently with the same probability; the objective is to maximize the decoding probability for a given message size. We derive an upper bound on the decoding probability for any time-invariant code, and show that the gap between this bound and the performance of a family of time-invariant intrasession codes is small in the high reliability regime.
Uniformly non-1 n /(1) Orlicz spaces

A characterisation of uniformly non-1n/(1)Orlicz space is obtained intrinsically in terms of the Young function determining the Orlicz space. It is shown that a uniformally non-1n/(1)Orlicz space is reflexive.
Interference of eluates from octadecyl cartridges with an angiotensin II radioimmunoassay

Variable values for angiotensin II were obtained when a radioimmunoassay was performed after extraction of biological samples on octadecyl cartridges. Dried residues of eluates from the cartridges were found to decrease the binding of the tracer to the antibody in assay tubes, causing high blank values. When the tubes used for the standard curve contained dried residues of eluates extracted in the same fashion as the unknowns, the interference and the high blanks were eliminated.
Attachment of cutters and couplings; spanner‐wrenches

Cutter-joints—During the past year, at the request of Dr. Church and Mr. Elges, I have conducted a number of experiments and tests on two methods, other than the one now used, of joining the sections and cutters of the sampler-tubes. This work was carried out in the Mechanic Arts Shops and Civil Engineering Laboratory of the University of Nevada. The purpose of these experiments was to develop a joint between the aluminum tube and steel cutter that would make the replacement of the cutter possible in case of damage under conditions encountered in the field.
Amino Acids in Plasma of Fasting Fat Prairie Dogs and Lean Martens

Protein catabolism was compared between fasted martens ( Martes americana ) and white-tailed prairie dogs ( Cynomys leucurus ). Amino acids in plasma decreased in white-tailed prairie dogs during fasting, but elevated in martens with a simultaneously reduced excretion of urea, thus suggesting the martens may have a higher turnover of proteins, but concomitantly greater recycling of nitrogen.
Regulation of the apolipoprotein AI gene by ARP-1, a novel member of the steroid receptor superfamily

Apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) is a lipid-binding protein that participates in the transport of cholesterol and other lipids in the plasma. A complementary DNA clone for a protein that bound to regulatory elements of the apoAI gene was isolated. This protein, designated apoAI regulatory protein-1 (ARP-1), is a novel member of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily. ARP-1 bound to DNA as a dimer, and its dimerization domain was localized to the COOH-terminal region. ARP-1 also bound to a thyroid hormone-responsive element and to regulatory regions of the apoB, apoCIII, insulin, and ovalbumin genes. In cotransfection experiments, ARP-1 downregulated the apoAI gene. The involvement of ARP-1 in the regulation of apoAI gene expression suggests that it may participate in lipid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis.
THE INDENTATION OF A NEWTONIAN FLUID IN A FINITE CYLINDRICAL CONTAINER BY A RIGHT CIRCULAR CYLINDER

The indentation of the free surface of a Newtonian fluid in a finite cylindrical container by a right circular cylinder is considered. It is assumed that weight and inertia effects are negligible compared to viscous effects.
Memory and Musical Expectation for Tones in Cultural Context

WE EXPLORED HOW MUSICAL CULTURE SHAPES ONE9S listening experience.Western participants heard a series of tones drawn from either the Western major mode (culturally familiar) or the Indian thaat Bhairav (culturally unfamiliar) and then heard a test tone. They made a speeded judgment about whether the test tone was present in the prior series of tones. Interactions between mode (Western or Indian) and test tone type (congruous or incongruous) reflect the utilization of Western modal knowledge to make judgments about the test tones. False alarm rates were higher for test tones congruent with the major mode than for test tones congruent with Bhairav. In contrast, false alarm rates were lower for test tones incongruent with the major mode than for test tones incongruent with Bhairav. These findings suggest that one9s internalized cultural knowledge may drive musical expectancies when listening to music of an unfamiliar modal system.
Temperature dependence of the aminoacylation of tRNA by Bacillus stearothermophilus aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.

Valine specific transfer RNA (tRNAVal) was isolated from Bacillus stearothermophilus and Escherichia coli by chromatography on benzoylated DEAE–cellulose (BD–cellulose). Likewise isoleucine specific transfer RNA (tRNAIle) was isolated from B. stearothermophilus and from Mycoplasma sp. Kid. The thermal denaturation profiles (melting curves) of the two tRNAVal species in the presence of Mg+ + were nearly identical. However, the Tm for the Kid tRNAIle was about 10°C lower than that for the B. stearothermophilus tRNAIle. A nuclease and tRNA-free aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (AA-tRNA synthetase) preparation from B. stearothermophilus was able to function efficiently at temperatures up to 80°C in the aminoacylation of all four tRNA species. Determination of the amino acid-acceptor activity of each tRNA species as a function of temperature of the aminoacylation reaction showed in each case a strong correlation between the loss of acceptor activity and the thermal denaturation profile of the tRNA. Evidence is presented that the loss in acceptor activity is most likely due to a change in structure of the tRNA as opposed to denaturation of the enzyme. These results further support the idea that correct secondary and/or tertiary structure must be maintained for tRNA to be active as a substrate for the AA-tRNA synthetase.
Value Modeling for a Space Launch System

Abstract Spacecraft and launch systems are examples of complex products which require a careful balance between competing concerns, such as performance, weight, and reliability, to serve their mission. This paper proposes that an economic analysis of all parties to spacecraft launch and operation can be used to construct a top-level value function on the launch system attribute space. A baseline value model was developed for a scenario involving a Lunar Helium-3 (He 3 ) mining business venture, based on the potential for He 3 as a source of fusion energy, and initial results show the model's viability. Continued effort on the model will determine the relationship between the attributes of a space launch system and overall value. These relationships will be captured on a response surface, identifying the direction of maximum value. This space launch system value model has implications for use in system trade studies, technology evaluation, and design optimization.
Relationships between m-sequences over GF(q) and GF(q/sup m/)

It is shown that m-sequences over GF(q/sup m/) of length q/sup nm/-1 corresponding to primitive polynomials in GF(q/sup m/,x) of degree n can be generated from known m-sequences over GF(q) of length q/sup nm/-1 obtained from primitive polynomials in GF(q,x) of degree mn. A procedure for generating the m-sequences over GF(q/sup 2/) from m-sequences over GF(q) was given which enables the generation of m-sequences over GF(p/sup 2n/). In addition it was shown that all of the primitive polynomials in GF(q,/sup m/,x) can be obtained from a complete set of the primitive polynomials in GF(q,x). >
Regrowth of high-quality AlGaAs and AlGaInP layers and quantum well structures on Se-doped AlGaAs by MOVPE

We demonstrate that high-quality AlGaAs and AlGaInP epilayers and AlGaAs/GaAs multi-quantum well (MQW) structures can be regrown directly on AlGaAs by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). The quality of regrown layers and structures was significantly improved when they were grown on Se-doped AlGaAs substrate-layers compared to on undoped AlGaAs substrate-layers. The full width of half maximum (FWHM) of the bound exciton (BE) peak of Al 0.13 Ga 0.87 As grown on Se-doped Al 0.26 Ga 0.74 As was as low as 4.5 meV measured by low temperature (15 K) photoluminescence (PL). In addition, the PL emissions from an AlGaAs/GaAs quantum well structures which were grown directly on Se-doped AlGaAs was observed for the first time. Other characterization results also show that the quality of layers grown on Se-doped AlGaAs substrate-layers is almost identical to that of layers grown on GaAs substrates.
Ad hoc QoS on-demand routing (AQOR) in mobile ad hoc networks

We introduce a resource reservation-based routing and signaling algorithm, Ad hoc Qos on-demand routing (AQOR), that provides end-to-end quality of service (QoS) support, in terms of bandwidth and end-to-end delay, in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). The increasing use of MANETs for transferring multimedia applications such as voice, video and data, leads to the need to provide QoS support. To perform accurate admission control and resource reservation in AQOR, we have developed detailed computations that allow us to estimate the available bandwidth and end-to-end delay in unsynchronized wireless environment. AQOR also includes efficient mechanisms for QoS maintenance, including temporary reservation and destination-initiated recovery processes. The performance of AQOR is studied in detail by simulation using OPNET Modeler. The results validate that AQOR provides QoS support in ad hoc wireless networks with high reliability and low overhead.
The creation and destruction of Nilotic Africa

This brief essay addresses the historical development of an important sub-field in modern anthropology-the ethnology of Nilotic Africa. It is likewise concerned with the political circumstances now confronting Nilotic peoples. In this regard I am particularly concerned with the manner in which contemporary nation-states effect the political and legal rights of indigenous peoples, and how these emergent policies question the value and relevance of the time honored stance and moral presumptions of "cultural relativism" in the anthropological tradition.
Death and Deterrence: Notes on a Still Inchoate Judicial Inquiry

This article examines the impact of the social science literature on the death penalty and deterrence on court decisions in capital punishment cases. The article examines two highly influential statistical studies, one done by sociologist Thorsten Sellin in 1959 and the other by economist Isaac Ehrlich in 1975 and uses both studies to illustrate the kinds of questions the courts can and should ask of quantitative studies in this area.
Thermal analysis of electrode heating and melting due to a spark

A thermal analysis has been carried out to estimate the temperature distribution in an electrode and the shape and size of molten metal pool due to heat from a single spark. Analytical solutions for heat conduction in a semi-infinite solid subjected to various boundary heat sources (point source, disk source, and Gaussian source-all instantaneous and semicontinuous) have been compiled and listed. In all cases, but one, the latent heat of melting has been assumed to be zero. The analysis shows that the instantaneous point source results in the largest radius and depth of the molten metal pool, and the highest efficiency of melting (about 61%). The maximum error in the calculated volume of the pool, assuming zero latent heat of melting, is estimated to be less than 15%. A comparison of the calculated radius of the molten metal pool with the crater dimensions of eroded surfaces shows that the point heat source does not satisfactorily account for the crater dimensions. >
Piecewise C/sup 1/ continuous surface reconstruction of noisy point clouds via local implicit quadric regression

This paper addresses the problem of surface reconstruction of highly noisy point clouds. The surfaces to be reconstructed are assumed to be 2-manifolds of piecewise C/sup 1/ continuity, with isolated small irregular regions of high curvature, sophisticated local topology or abrupt burst of noise. At each sample point, a quadric field is locally fitted via a modified moving least squares method. These locally fitted quadric fields are then blended together to produce a pseudo-signed distance field using Shepard's method. We introduce a prioritized front growing scheme in the process of local quadrics fitting. Flatter surface areas tend to grow faster. The already fitted regions will subsequently guide the fitting of those irregular regions in their neighborhood.
Templated one-step catalytic fabrication of uniform diameter MgxBy nanostructures

Direct fabrication of MgxBy nanostructures is achieved by employing Ni–Mg incorporated MCM-41 in the Hybrid Physical–Chemical Vapor Deposition (HPCVD) reaction. Different reaction conditions are tested to optimize the fabrication process. TEM analysis shows the fabrication of MgxBy nanostructures starting at a reaction temperature of 600 °C, and the yield of the nanostructures increases with the reaction temperature. The as-synthesized MgxBy nanostructures have the diameters in the range of 3–5 nm, which do not increase with the reaction temperature. EELS analysis of the template removed nanostructures confirms the existence of B and Mg with minimal contamination of Si and O. NEXAFS and Raman spectroscopy analyses suggested a concentric layered structure for our as-synthesized MgxBy nanotube/nanowire, which is in good agreement with the theoretical calculations. Ni K-edge XAS indicates that the formation of MgNi alloy particles is important for the Vapor–Liquid–Solid (VLS) growth of MgxBy nanostructures with fine diameters, and the presence of Mg vapor not just Mg in the catalyst is crucial for the formation of Ni–Mg clusters. Physical templating by MCM-41 might also help to confine the diameter of the nanostructures. DC magnetization measurements indicate possible superconductive behaviors in the as-synthesized sample.
The impact of gestational weight loss on maternal and neonatal outcomes

Commentary on: A Beyerlein, B Schiessl, N Lack, et al.. Associations of gestational weight loss with birth-related outcome: a retrospective cohort study.BJOG2011;118:55–61.
ERRORS AND UNCERTAINTIES IN PROBABILISTIC ENGINEERING ANALYSIS

The developing field of probabilistic design has matured to the point where several classes of analysis methods have been proven to be useful for engineering analysis of large high fidelity structures with uncertain parameters. However, several barriers still stand in the way of widespread acceptance of probabilistic methods into the design practice. These include lack of data for characterizing probabilistic inputs, lack of understanding of analysis methodologies and associated limitations, lack of commercially available tools for performing probabilistic analysis, and lack of verification and validation examples. As a first step towards developing more computationally robust tools for performing probabilistic analysis and improving user understanding of analysis assumptions and limitations, this paper identifies the various types of error that can be encountered when performing probabilistic analysis and offers some suggestions for mitigating or eliminating them from the analysis.
Comment on Niehans, Multiple discoveries’

(1995). Comment on Niehans, Multiple discoveries’. The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 275-279.
Rare adverse effect of a common drug: nitrofurantoin-induced ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Nitrofurantoin is commonly prescribed to treat urinary tract infections (UTI). Reported adverse effects include gastrointestinal, pulmonary, hepatic and neurological disorders. We report a case of a 67-year-old woman treated for UTI with nitrofurantoin who presented with antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated renal and skin vasculitis 3 days after starting treatment. The symptoms resolved following withdrawal of the drug and treatment with steroids. This is the first reported case of nitrofurantoin causing ANCA-associated vasculitis.
Risk assessment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma related to aristolochic acid.

Background: Aristolochic acid is a toxin found in plants of the genus Aristolochia , to which humans can be exposed either through certain Chinese herbal medicines or through inadvertent commingling with food crops. Our objective was to estimate cumulative exposures of aristolochic acid associated with increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on aristolochic acid-induced upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UUC). Methods: Using epidemiologic studies on aristolochic acid-related disease from multiple different regions of the world, a systematic review was conducted in which relative risks (RR), HRs, and ORs were derived or extracted directly, and a meta-analysis was conducted. One study was used to estimate a benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL) for aristolochic acid-related ESRD. Results: Mean values for risk ratios, ORs, RRs, or HRs, of UUC caused by aristolochic acid ranged from 1 to 49. A meta-analysis of these studies resulted in a pooled OR of 5.97 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.78–12.84] for this aristolochic acid-related cancer. The obtained BMDL for aristolochic acid-related ESRD was 0.42 g cumulative aristolochic acid exposure. Conclusions: Aristolochic acid exposure is significantly associated with an increased risk of UUC, and there is a dose-dependent relationship between cumulative aristolochic acid exposure and ESRD risk. Impact: Individuals who use certain Chinese herbal medicines may significantly increase their risk of developing UUC and/or ESRD, as would individuals who are inadvertently exposed to aristolochic acid through commingling of Aristolochia plants with harvested food crops. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(5); 812–20. ©2013 AACR .
Erratum to: High doses of dextromethorphan, an NMDA antagonist, produce effects similar to classic hallucinogens

Drugs Drugs and placebo were orally administered in size 0 aquacolored opaque capsules with approximately 200 ml of water. Four identical capsules were administered in each drug session containing lactose monohydrate (Ruger Chemical Company, Linden, NJ, USA) and appropriate quantities of powdered dextromethorphan (Spectrum Chemical, Gardena, CA, USA) or triazolam tablets (Halcion; The Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, MI, USA). Doses of dextromethorphan are expressed as the base.
Radically Healing Black Lives: A Love Note to Justice

This chapter describes how present conditions in Black communities have fostered the development of new modes of youth leadership that focus on hope, love, and joy, and are ultimately restorative and redemptive.
Police Drones: A Legal Studies Case Study

This case offers the students the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, as it applies to the concept of unreasonable search and seizure. With this particular case problem being based on the recent action involving the defendant, Rodney Brossart and the State of North Dakota, wherein an unmanned military grade drone was used by the local police department, for the first time in the United States, to affect an arrest.
Battery performance of 4 intensive care ventilator models.

BACKGROUND: Hospital electrical power failure represents an important challenge in the intensive care unit. Despite the presence of backup generators, total electrical power failure may still occur. Life-support equipment should have a reliable internal battery to ensure patient safety. We tested the duration of operation of the internal battery of 4 intensive care ventilators. METHODS: In our laboratory we evaluated one each of 4 ventilator models available in our facility (Evita XL, Puritan Bennett 840, Avea, and Servo 300), with volume-control and pressure-control ventilation, and with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of zero and 20 cm H2O. We then randomly selected and tested 6 Evita XL and 4 Servo 300 ventilators from our inventory to determine the variability of internal battery duration among ventilators of the same model. The ventilator settings were identical to the previous tests, other than fraction of inspired oxygen, which was set at 0.6, and PEEP was 5 cm H2O. RESULTS: The battery-duration range of the tested ventilators was 20.5170.5 min, and the mean SD battery duration was 80.4 49.3 min. Changes in breath type and PEEP did not significantly impact battery duration. Among the ventilators of the same model, the battery-duration range was 5–69 min and the mean SD battery duration was 28.9 21.4 min. Use of a compressor significantly shortened battery duration. There was no correlation between battery duration and battery age (r 0.263). CONCLUSIONS: The duration of ventilator operation on internal battery ranged widely among the tested devices. Clinicians need to be aware
It’s Written on Your Face: Detecting Affective States from Facial Expressions while Learning Computer Programming

We built detectors capable of automatically recognizing affective states of novice computer programmers from student-annotated videos of their faces recorded during an introductory programming tutoring session. We used the Computer Expression Recognition Toolbox (CERT) to track facial features based on the Facial Action Coding System, and machine learning techniques to build classification models. Confusion/Uncertainty and Frustration were distinguished from all other affective states in a student-independent fashion at levels above chance (Cohen’s kappa = .22 and .23, respectively), but detection accuracies for Boredom, Flow/Engagement, and Neutral were lower (kappas = .04, .11, and .07). We discuss the differences between detection of spontaneous versus fixed (polled) judgments as well as the features used in the models.
Intentionality, Phenomenality, and Light

The light metaphor seems inescapable in our description of the appearing of things in the world. Indeed an elemental sense of things appearing is their coming forth into the light or their becoming visible or luminous. Since ancient times this has motivated an analogy between mind and light. In this paper I want to review some of the issues, especially the special place self-consciousness has in a meditation on appearings and light.
EVERYDAY DISCRIMINATION, FAMILY CONTEXT, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG LATINO ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES

Research suggests that experiences of discrimination can threaten the viabilities of families, which may subsequently affect an individual's mental health. Our study tests the hypotheses that (a) everyday discrimination will be indirectly associated with psychological distress through family cultural conflict and lower family cohesion among Latinos and (b) gender will moderate these relations. The sample included Latinos (N = 2,554) from the National Latino and Asian American Study. Path analysis revealed that among the total sample, greater exposure to everyday discrimination was associated with higher levels of family cultural conflict and, in turn, increased psychological distress. Multiple-group path analysis revealed no effect modification by gender. Results underscore the need to consider sociocontextual mechanisms through which discrimination (a) may impinge on the mental health of Latinos and (b) may have implications for the development of mental health interventions that are culturally informed, thus needing to take into consideration family functioning and the role of contextual factors such as discrimination.