cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Liposomal Bupivacaine Intercostal Block Is Important for Reduction of Pulmonary Complications.

Background We have previously demonstrated that Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols are associated with a reduction in pulmonary complications. As a component of enhanced recovery pathways, intercostal nerve blocks with liposomal bupivacaine are increasingly utilized, but the extent to which this element may contribute to such outcomes has not been evaluated. Methods Patients undergoing lung resection for stage I to III non-small cell lung cancer at a single institution from 2006 to 2017 were examined for major postoperative pulmonary morbidity, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory arrest, reintubation, bronchoscopy, or need for discharge with oxygen. Pharmacy records were queried for administration of liposomal bupivacaine via posterior intercostal nerve block. Patients treated with and without liposomal bupivacaine were compared in a logistic regression to determine the impact on pulmonary morbidity. Results A total of 2865 patients were identified, including 860 (30%) who were treated with liposomal bupivacaine via posterior intercostal block. Pulmonary morbidity occurred in 455 (16%). Adoption of liposomal bupivacaine analgesia occurred over several years, beginning in 2012 to full adoption by 2017. Liposomal bupivacaine management was associated with a reduction in pulmonary complications, as compared with nonuse (odds ratio, 0.63; P = .006). Additional factors associated with the occurrence of pulmonary morbidity were age, body mass index, smoking, spirometry values, and operative blood loss. Conclusions As a component of an active enhanced recovery program, liposomal bupivacaine is associated with a reduction in major pulmonary complications, and utilization should be evaluated on a hospital-by-hospital basis.
Energy conditions in the Jordan frame

The null energy condition, in its usual form, can appear to be violated by transformations in the conformal frame of the metric. We propose a generalization of the form of the null energy condition to the Jordan frame, in which matter is non-minimally coupled, which reduces to the familiar form in the Einstein frame. Using our version of the null energy condition, we provide a direct proof of the second law of black hole thermodynamics in the Jordan frame.
Strategic competition and optimal parallel import policy

In a two-country Hotelling type duopoly model of price competition, we show that parallel import (PI) policy can act as an instrument of strategic trade policy. The home firm’s profit is higher when it cannot price discriminate internationally if and only if the foreign market is sufficiently bigger than the domestic one. The key mechanism in the model is that the home firm’s incentive to keep its domestic price close to the optimal monopoly price affects its behavior during price competition abroad. We also analyze the welfare implications of PI policies and show that our key insights extend to quantity competition. JEL classification: F13, F10, F15 Concurrence strategique et politique d’importation parallele optimale. A l’aide d’un modele de duopole avec discrimination par les prix a la Hotelling pour deux pays, on montre que la politique d’importation parallele peut servir d’instrument de politique commerciale strategique. Le profit de la firme domestique est plus eleve quand elle ne peut pas faire de discrimination internationale par les prix, si et seulement si le marche etranger est suffisamment plus grand que le marche domestique. Le mecanisme cle dans ce modele est que l’incitation de la firme domestique a garder le prix pres du prix optimal de monopole affecte son comportement dans la concurrence des prix au plan international. On analyse les implications en termes de bien-etre des politiques d’importation parallele et on montre que les conclusions auxquelles on est arrive tiennent aussi pour la concurrence par les quantites.
Oxidation thermodynamics of Nb-Ti alloys studied via first-principles calculations

Abstract The oxidation thermodynamics of Ti-Nb alloys were studied as a step towards improving our general understanding of the oxidation behavior in complex refractory alloys for high temperature applications. Density Functional Theory (DFT) was utilized and the phonon normal mode frequencies were calculated via the harmonic approximation to analyze the stability of several phases including mixed oxides as a function of both temperature and the oxygen chemical potential. Increasing the chemical potential did not favor the formation of mixed oxides but led to Ti2O3 followed by TiO2, and then Nb2O5. The presence of Ti was shown to favor the formation of TiO2 over Nb2O5 in large regions of the stability phase diagram thereby contributing to enhanced oxidation resistance in Nb-containing alloys. Rutile oxides of the form NbxTi1−xO2 had a larger region of stability than NbxTi1−xO. Finally, the oxygen chemical potential was related to temperature and pressure to facilitate direct application of the results to experiment.
Effects of Prior Exposure to Conflicting Health Information on Responses to Subsequent Unrelated Health Messages: Results from a Population-Based Longitudinal Experiment.

BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that exposure to conflicting health information can adversely affect public understanding of and trust in health recommendations. What is not known is whether prior exposure to such information renders people less receptive to subsequent unrelated health messages about behaviors for which the evidence is clear and consistent. PURPOSE This study tests this "carryover" effects hypothesis, positing that prior exposure to conflict will reduce receptivity to subsequent unrelated health messages, and examines potential affective and cognitive pathways through which such effects might occur. METHODS A three-wave, online, population-based survey experiment (N = 2,716) assessed whether participants who were randomly assigned to view a series of health news stories and social media posts featuring conflict at Times 1 and 2 were ultimately less receptive at Time 3 to ads from existing health campaigns about behaviors for which there is scientific consensus, compared to those who saw the same series of stories and posts that did not feature conflict. RESULTS Structural equation modeling revealed evidence of carryover effects of exposure to conflict on two dimensions of message receptivity: greater resistance to the unrelated ads and lower perceptions of the health behaviors featured in the ads. Modeling indicated that carryover effects were a function of generalized backlash toward health recommendations and research elicited by prior exposure to conflicting information. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that the broader public information environment, which is increasingly characterized by messages of conflict and controversy, could undermine the success of large-scale public health messaging strategies.
Deliberation and Voting: The Effects of Winning and Losing and Empathy on Deliberative Reciprocity

Deliberative democracy offers one of the most fruitful areas for developing connections between normative theory and empirical research, from which the discipline of political science can only benefit (for some examples among the many that available see Barabas 2004; Delli Carpini, Cook, & Jacobs 2004; Gastil 2004; Luskin, Fishkin, & Jowell 2002; Mendelberg 2002; Mutz 2006; Neblo 2005; Rosenberg 2005; Trenel 2009; and Walsh 2004 and 2006). Some democratic theorists have concluded that, theoretically, deliberative democracy has now fully developed (e.g., Chambers 2003), but the empirical question of what contributes to successful deliberation is still an open one. In this paper, I attempt to bring together normative theory and empirical research to gain a better understanding of deliberation. I do so by examining one particular condition that I believe must exist if deliberative publics are to count as deliberative: reciprocity. In the present studies, I examine what influence empathy and winning and losing have on participants’ perceptions of reciprocity and their commitment to further deliberation. Research from social psychology on biases demonstrate how they threaten reciprocity, and thus, successful deliberation. I argue that the process model of empathy I have developed elsewhere (Morrell 2010) offers one of the best models to test whether empathy can help overcome these biases. It also provides a finer understanding of empathy so that we can evaluate its various components. I also posit that winning and losing at the end of deliberation should have a significant effect on perceptions of reciprocity. While there is still much work we must do to discover the best ways to insure reciprocity, I provide an initial assessment demonstrating the empathy and winning and losing have significant impacts on deliberative reciprocity. It is my hope that the findings of these experiments will aid both theorists and empirical researchers in understanding the complex nature of deliberation. This understanding is vital for without reciprocity, deliberation simply cannot exist.
The NELSI Landscape

In the sci-fi world of Neal Stephenson's "The Diamond Age," the nanoscale science and technology challenges being grappled with at present had long been resolved and far surpassed. In this futuristic world, however, nano's ethical, legal, and social implications (NELSI) were still beleaguering humanity. His novel serves as a cautionary tale for today's "nanoethicists," science and technology studies (STS) scholars, nanoscale scientists and technologists, nanoentrepreneurs, nanoinvestors, policymakers, regulators, and society as a whole.At this nascent stage of nanoscale science, technology, and engineering, there is still time (how much, we do not know) to proactively and openly tackle NELSI in tandem with, or even one step ahead of, nanoinnovation. The success of such efforts will depend on a constellation of concomitant factors, including resources, restraint, public engagement, political will international risk governance, creativity, and a healthy dose of realism. While this is a tall order, numerous efforts – albeit rather disparate and disjointed – have commenced. This chapter will analyze those efforts, with a particular focus on those based in the United States, and put forward a framework for NELSI with an eye toward avoiding nanoethics minefields, such as those presented in Stephenson's futuristic, nano-"enhanced" realm.
DESIGN OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: Role of Ownership Structure, Takeovers, and Bank Debt

We examine how different economies would design an optimal corporate governancesystem structured from three of the main mechanisms of corporate governance (managerial ownership, monitoring by banks, and disciplining by the takeover market). We allow for interactions among the mechanisms. The first set of results characterizes the combination of governance mechanisms that can appear in any optimally designed structure: 1) when monitored debt appears in an optimal system it is accompanied by concentrated ownership, and 2) when takeovers appear in an optimal system they are accompanied by diffuse ownership. We show that out of the numerous governance structures that could arise from combinations of the governancemechanisms, only three are candidates for an optimal system. These three endogenously derived governance structures match the prevalent systems (family based, bank based and market based) in the world. The optimal system for a given economy is characterized as a function of the degrees of development of its financial institutions and markets. Our analysis yields several testableimplications.
Small-Area Estimation

The term “small area” typically refers to a population for which reliable statistics of interest cannot be produced due to certain limitations of the available data. Examples of domains include a geographical region (e.g., a state, county or municipality), a demographic group (e.g., a specific age × sex × race group), a demographic group within a geographic region, and so forth. Some of the groundwork in small-area estimation related to the population counts and disease mapping research has been done by the epidemiologists and the demographers. The history of small-area statistics goes back to 11th- century England and 17th- century Canada. See Brackstone (1987) and Marshall (1991).
Enzymes of Nucleic Acid Metabolism from Mung Bean Sprouts II. THE SPECIFICITY OF 3'-NUCLEOTIDASE ACTIVITY AND GENERAL PROPERTIES OF THE 3'-NUCLEOTIDASE-RIBONUCLEASE M2 FRACTION

Abstract The 3'-nucleotidase present in mung bean sprouts was found to hydrolyze the 3'-monophosphates of adenosine, guanosine, uridine, and cytidine in the order 3'-AMP g 3'-GMP g 3'-UMP g 3'-CMP, and also to hydrolyze the 3'-phosphate group of coenzyme A, but showed no significant activity for 2'- or 5'-ribonucleotides or for several non-nucleotide phosphomonoesters. pH optima and the respective Km values for 3'-AMP, 3'-GMP, 3'-CMP, and 3'-UMP were determined. The 3'-nucleotidase and ribonuclease M2 were inactivated reversibly at pH 5 and by dialysis and irreversibly by ethylenediaminetetraacetate. Inactivation of both enzymes at pH 5 could be largely prevented by the presence of Zn++, while several other metal ions were ineffective. The optimal concentrations of Zn++ for preventing inactivation were considerably different for the 3'-nucleotidase and RNase M2. The two enzyme activities were similarly inactivated by heat at pH 5 and 7.5. The pH optimum of RNase M2 was pH 5 with no Zn++ present, but dropped to pH 4.5 in the presence of 5 x 10-5 m Zn++, which also greatly increased its activity in the pH range 3.5 to 4.5. Several lines of evidence suggesting that the 3'-nucleotidase and RNase M2 activities may be due to the same protein are presented.
Differential hepatotoxicity of dietary and DNL-derived palmitate in the methionine-choline-deficient model of steatohepatitis

Saturated fatty acids are toxic to liver cells and are believed to play a central role in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In experimental steatohepatitis induced by feeding mice a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet, the degree of liver damage is related to dietary sugar content, which drives de novo lipogenesis and promotes the hepatic accumulation of saturated fatty acids. The objective of this study was to determine whether dietary palmitate exerts the same toxicity as carbohydrate-derived palmitate in the MCD model of fatty liver disease.
Trace crack in thin CSP molded package and underlying failure mechanism

Trace cracks were observed during the qualification of a new thin Plastic Ball Grid Array (PBGA) package. These occurred in the substrate during the component level air-to-air temperature cycle (AATC) stress test. There were three aspects to the ensuing investigation: failure analysis (FA), finite element method (FEM) simulation and additional AATC testing to confirm the findings. The FA consistently revealed that the underlying failure mechanism was cracking in the substrate core dielectric material which initiated between the bundles of the glass cloth. These epoxy rich regions in the micro-structure were generally the weakest portions of the composite. Parametric simulation using FEM provided guidance on how to reduce the package core stress, including the selection of packaging materials with optimal properties. This included different molding compound materials, die attach materials, solder-mask materials and substrate core materials. FEM simulation also investigated the impact of design parameters, such as core thickness, die attach layer thickness, trace layer thickness, ratio of die/substrate area, molding compound thickness etc. The investigation suggested the use of a core with multiple layers of fiberglass cloth and tighter knitting patterns to improve the core microstructure. AATC tests were then performed using die size, core material and solder-mask material as the variables. These tests were important to validate the underlying failure mechanism. The final material set selection exceeded the temperature cycle requirement.
“Right place at the right time” impacts outcomes for acute intestinal obstruction

Background The purpose of this study was to measure how the duration of nonoperative intervention for intestinal obstruction impacted patient outcomes and whether hospital characteristics influenced the timing of operative intervention. Methods The State Inpatient Database (Florida) of the Health Care Utilization Project and the Annual Survey database of the American Hospital Association were linked from 2006 to 2011. Included were patients ≥18 years of age with a primary diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Patient factors included age, sex, socioeconomic factors, and comorbid conditions. Results A total of 116,195 patients met our inclusion criteria, and 43,079 underwent operative intervention (37.1%). Patients who required operative correction of the intestinal obstruction after the fifth day of hospitalization, compared with patients who underwent an operation on the day of admission, had increases in mortality (6.1% vs 1.8%, P Conclusion Initial nonoperative treatment in patients with uncomplicated intestinal obstruction is an important strategy, but the odds of having an adverse event increase as intestinal obstruction is delayed. Importantly, the presence of surgery residents and increasing bed size are hospital characteristics associated with earlier operative intervention, suggesting a quality benefit for care at large teaching hospitals.
Citizens Divided: Campaign Finance Reform and the Constitution

The Supreme Court's 5-4 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, " which struck down a federal prohibition on independent corporate campaign expenditures, is one of the most controversial opinions in recent memory. Defenders of the First Amendment greeted the ruling with enthusiasm, while advocates of electoral reform recoiled in disbelief. Robert Post offers a new constitutional theory that seeks to reconcile these sharply divided camps.Post interprets constitutional conflict over campaign finance reform as an argument between those who believe self-government requires democratic participation in the formation of public opinion and those who believe that self-government requires a functioning system of representation. The former emphasize the value of free speech, while the latter emphasize the integrity of the electoral process. Each position has deep roots in American constitutional history. Post argues that both positions aim to nurture self-government, which in contemporary life can flourish only if elections are structured to create public confidence that elected officials are attentive to public opinion. Post spells out the many implications of this simple but profound insight. Critiquing the First Amendment reasoning of the Court in Citizens United, "he also shows that the Court did not clearly grasp the constitutional dimensions of corporate speech.Blending history, constitutional law, and political theory, Citizens Divided "explains how a Supreme Court case of far-reaching consequence might have been decided differently, in a manner that would have preserved both First Amendment rights and electoral integrity.
Converter transformer resonant frequencies: measurements and prediction equations

The authors report studies carried out to analyze the first resonant frequencies (natural frequencies) of converter and substation transformers. Many conditions are represented: single- and three-phase transformers, different core designs, high-voltage and low-voltage windings, and different winding types. Prediction equations based on the measurement data are reported and discussed. >
Data‐based output feedback control using least squares estimation method for a class of nonlinear systems

SUMMARY This paper develops a data-based output feedback control method for a class of nonlinear systems, which have unknown mathematical models. The dynamic model of the system is assumed to be smooth, while the corresponding Jacobian matrices are constant matrices in each sampling period. We employ a zero-order hold and a fast sampling technique to sample and measure the output signal. When these measured data contain white noises, we use the least squares method to estimate the corresponding Jacobian matrices. The feedback gain matrix is calculated and adjusted adaptively in real time according to them. Theoretical analysis on the convergence condition is provided, and simulation results are used to demonstrate the feasibility of this method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of theories in biological systematics

Abstract The role of scientific theories in classifying plants and animals is traced from Hennig's phylogenetics and the evolutionary taxonomy of Simpson and Mayr, through numerical phenetics, to present-day cladistics. Hennig limited biological classification to sister groups so that this one relation can be expressed unambiguously in classifications. Simpson and Mayr were willing to sacrifice precision in representation in order to include additional features of evolution in the construction of classifications. In order to make classifications more objective, precise and quantitative, numerical pheneticists limited themselves to representing degrees of phenetic similarity. Finally, present-day cladists can be separated into phylogenetic cladists, who retain much of Hennig's theory of classification, and pattern cladists, who have stripped Hennig's system down to its bare essentials.
Efficient geometry optimization by Hellmann–Feynman forces with the anti-Hermitian contracted Schrödinger equation

An efficient method for geometry optimization based on solving the anti-Hermitian contracted Schrodinger equation (ACSE) is presented. We formulate a reduced version of the Hellmann–Feynman theorem (HFT) in terms of the two-electron reduced Hamiltonian operator and the two-electron reduced density matrix (2-RDM). The HFT offers a considerable reduction in computational cost over methods which rely on numerical derivatives. While previous geometry optimizations with numerical gradients required 2M evaluations of the ACSE where M is the number of nuclear degrees of freedom, the HFT requires only a single ACSE calculation of the 2-RDM per gradient. Synthesizing geometry optimization techniques with recent extensions of the ACSE theory to arbitrary electronic and spin states provides an important suite of tools for accurately determining equilibrium and transition-state structures of ground- and excited-state molecules in closed- and open-shell configurations. The ability of the ACSE to balance single- and mu...
Population viability analysis of Lower Missouri River shovelnose sturgeon with initial application to the pallid sturgeon

Summary Demographic models for the shovelnose (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) and pallid (S. albus) sturgeons in the Lower Missouri River were developed to conduct sensitivity analyses for both populations. Potential effects of increased fishing mortality on the shovelnose sturgeon were also evaluated. Populations of shovelnose and pallid sturgeon were most sensitive to age-0 mortality rates as well as mortality rates of juveniles and young adults. Overall, fecundity was a less sensitive parameter. However, increased fecundity effectively balanced higher mortality among sensitive age classes in both populations. Management that increases population-level fecundity and improves survival of age-0, juveniles, and young adults should most effectively benefit both populations. Evaluation of reproductive values indicated that populations of pallid sturgeon dominated by ages ≥35 could rapidly lose their potential for growth, particularly if recruitment remains low. Under the initial parameter values portraying current conditions the population of shovelnose sturgeon was predicted to decline by 1.65% annually, causing the commercial yield to also decline. Modeling indicated that the commercial yield could increase substantially if exploitation of females in ages ≤12 was highly restricted.
A survey of the payment mechanisms for transportation DBFO projects in British Columbia

In traditional project delivery systems, payment mechanisms provide compensation for the work performed using construction capital payments. In the alternative public–private partnership (PPP) systems, payment mechanisms follow the selected PPP system. For example, the build–operate–transfer system provides compensation based on project demand using real‐tolls usage payments; the design–build–finance–operate (DBFO) system provides shadow‐tolls usage payments; and the performance‐based DBFO system provides compensation based on contractor's performance using service availability payments. Designing the payment structure is an important task where several factors have to be considered. This paper analyses the implementation of payment mechanisms in a number of DBFO transportation projects in BC, Canada, in terms of payment structure, payment types and characteristics, determination and funding. The analysis provides insights for the design of payment mechanisms. The analysis shows that more payment types ar...
Amyloid-containing odontogenic tumors of man

Abstract Four types of odontogenic tumor in man are presented and compared for their amyloid content by means of various histochemical techniques for identifying this material in tissue sections. Results indicate that the ameloblastoma, adenoameloblastoma, and Pindborg tumor contain amyloid, while the ameloblastic odontoma is negative. Comparison with a known case of amyloid in the tongue supports this view. Congo red birefringence, thioflavin T fluorescence, and the p-DMAB nitrite reaction demonstrate the presence of amyloid intermixed with collagen fibers in the stroma. The possibility that this fibrillar extracellular material represents amyloid is discussed briefly, as are the accepted methods of its production in tumors. Some doubt is cast on the thioflavin T method as a reliable test because of the danger of false positive staining.
Polymer- and carbon nanotube-based MEMS accelerometer with modified organic electronics and thin film transistor

Polymer based MEMS is rapidly gaining momentum due to their potential for conformability and other special characteristics not available with silicon microsystems. The polymer based nano- and micro-devices are flexible, chemically and biologically compatible, available in many varieties, and can be fabricated in truly 3-D shapes. The conceived devices thus are cheap and disposable. However, in order to conceive fully functional microsystems, necessary electronics have to be integrated. A modified organic thin film TFT is used for such integration. Although the existing technology of organic TFTs can not rival the well-established silicon semiconductor technology, especially in terms of speed, they are still useful in displays, disposable devices, and sensors. Although organic TFT and polymeric MEMS have several common features that make them compatible with each other, to the best of our knowledge, no serious attempt has been made thus far for combining these technologies. This paper is aimed at bridging this gap. Examples of potential microsensors and systems, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes derived from polymer with functionalised carbon nanotubes are presented. A sensor-in-shoe demonstration will be performed at the Conference. Many issues and challenges in the design and development of polymer-based sensors with organic electronics are also addressed.
The oxidative-rearrangement of nitrogen heterocycles with lead tetraacetate and t-butyl hypochlorite

Mechanisms for the lead tetraacetate and t-butyl hypochlorite oxidation of 1,4-dihydro-3(2H)-cinnolinones and 1-amino-2-indolinones are discussed. Evidence for the lack of a nitrene intermediate is given.
Comparative morphology of monocot pollen and evolutionary trends of apertures and wall structures

Data on pollen aperture and wall ultrastructure are reviewed for the monocots. New ultrastructural data on 30 taxa representing 18 monocot families are also presented. The evolutionary trends of apertures and pollen wall structure are discussed and it is proposed that the evolutionary trends of pollen apertures and wall structure in the monocots parallel those proposed by Walker for the dicots. However, the importance of these trends differ for monocots, suggesting that the selective pressures affecting pollen wall and aperture evolution in dicots and monocots have been similar, but with different emphasis.
Micropuncture study of urate transport by superficial nephrons in avian (Sturnus vulgaris) kidney.

Tubule fluid samples from proximal tubules of superficial, reptilian-type nephrons of the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) were obtained by micropuncture and, along with plasma samples, were analyzed for urate by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, as well as for the elements sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium by electron microprobe analysis. All proximal tubules sampled showed net secretion of urate, but the magnitude of transport was highly variable. Mean fractional delivery of urate to the point of micropuncture was 4.04±0.37 (mean±SE,n=40 tubules). Fractional delivery of urate could not be correlated with fractional delivery of any of the measured elements or with relative fluid absorption. Samples collected from surface segments of cortical collecting ducts suggest that, although much net secretion of urate occurs early within the proximal tubule of superficial nephrons, some additional secretion may occur in more distal segments. Fractional excretion of urate at the level of the cloaca averaged 4.72±0.97 for nine birds, confirming the result of overall net secretion of urate previously reported for other avian species. These results clearly demonstrate the presence of significant secretory transport of urate in the proximal tubule of superficial reptilian-type nephrons, but do not rule out the possibility of additional secretory or reabsorptive fluxes at other sites.
Factors predicting prolonged hospital stay for infants with bronchiolitis.

BACKGROUND: Prior prediction models for length of stay (LOS) in bronchiolitis have focused more on birth- and disease-related risk factors than on early hospital course factors, particularly common clinical markers including respiratory status and caloric intake. OBJECTIVES: 1) Study the associations of various clinical markers and LOS; and 2) develop a LOS prediction model. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. PATIENTS: Inclusion criteria were: age <365 days old; admission between November 1, 2004 and April 15, 2005; final diagnosis of bronchiolitis; placement on the bronchiolitis treatment protocol; and lack of concurrent condition impacting LOS. RESULTS: During the study period, 272/347 infants admitted with bronchiolitis met inclusion criteria. On hospital day 2, infants in the prolonged LOS group (≥108 hours) had a significantly greater number of hours on supplemental oxygen, maximum supplemental oxygen use, minimum supplemental oxygen use, maximum respiratory rate, mean respiratory score, and number of times suctioned. They had significantly lower minimum oxygen saturation and caloric intake. Recursive partitioning demonstrated five variables (hours of supplemental oxygen, maximum respiratory rate, minimum supplemental oxygen use, gestation, and caloric intake) to predict short or prolonged LOS with an area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve of 0.89/0.72 in the learning/test trees; sensitivity, 0.85; and specificity, 0.82. CONCLUSIONS: There are important differences between infants with bronchiolitis having short and prolonged hospital stays, including several clinical markers identifiable on hospital day 2. This model may be a useful prediction tool for targeting early interventions for high-risk infants. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Density functional theory study of first-layer adsorption of ZrO2 and HfO2 on Ge(100)

Density functional theory was used to performed a survey of transition metal oxide (MO"2=ZrO"2, HfO"2) ordered molecular adsorbate bonding configurations on the Ge(100)-4x2 surface. Surface binding geometries of metal-down (O-M-Ge) and oxygen-down (M-O-Ge) were considered, including both adsorbate and displacement geometries of M-O-Ge. Calculated enthalpies of adsorption show that bonding geometries with metal-Ge bonds (O-M-Ge) are essentially degenerate with oxygen-Ge bonding (M-O-Ge). Calculated electronic structures indicate that adsorbate surface bonding geometries of the form O-M-Ge tend to create a metallic interfaces, while M-O-Ge geometries produce, in general, much more favorable electronic structures. Hydrogen passivation of both oxygen and metal dangling bonds was found to improve the electronic structure of both types of MO"2 adsorbate systems, and induced the opening of true semiconducting band gaps for the adsorbate-type M-O-Ge geometries. Shifts observed in the DOS minima for both O-M-Ge and M-O-Ge adsorbate geometries are consistent with surface band bending induced by the adsorbate films, where such band bending extends much further into the Ge substrate than can be modeled by the Ge slabs used in this work.
Linker-assisted attachment of CdSe quantum dots to TiO2: Time- and concentration-dependent adsorption, agglomeration, and sensitized photocurrent.

We have characterized the concentration and time dependences of the attachment of colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) to 16-mercaptohexadanoic acid (MHDA)-functionalized nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films. The amount of QDs and the extent of their agglomeration on MHDA-functionalized TiO2 films were characterized by transmission- and reflectance-mode UV/vis absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Optically transparent films with spatially homogeneous coloration and minimal agglomeration of QDs were prepared from 2.2 and 5.0 μM toluene dispersions of QDs at short reaction times (<5 h). In contrast, prolonged exposure of MHDA-functionalized TiO2 films to 22 μM dispersions of QDs yielded relatively opaque QD-functionalized films with spatially inhomogeneous coloration and substantial agglomeration of QDs. Agglomeration of QDs decreased the absorbed photon-to-current efficiencies of QD-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) by almost 3-fold. These results highlight the profound influence of agglomeratio...
Authoritative Knowledge, the Technological Imperative and Women’s Responses to Prenatal Diagnostic Technologies

Theories about authoritative knowledge (AK) and the technological imperative have received varying levels of interest in anthropological, feminist and science and technology studies. Although the anthropological literature abounds with empirical considerations of authoritative knowledge, few have considered both theories through an empirical, inductive lens. Data extracted from an earlier study of 30 women's responses to termination for fetal anomaly are reanalyzed to consider the women's views of, and responses to, prenatal diagnostic technologies (PNDTs). Findings indicate that a small minority embrace the societal portrayal of technology as univalently positive, while the majority have nuanced and ambivalent responses to the use of PNDTs. Further, the interface of authoritative knowledge and the technological imperative suggests that AK derives not only from medical provider status and technology use, but also from the adequacy and trustworthiness of the information. The issue of timing and uncertainty of the information also are interrogated for their impact on women's lives and what that can illuminate about the theories of AK and the technological imperative.
Greenhouse-gas emissions from solar electric-and nuclear power : A life-cycle study

Abstract Solar- and nuclear-electricity-generation technologies often are deemed “carbon-free” because their operation does not generate any carbon dioxide. However, this is not so when considering their entire lifecycle of energy production; carbon dioxide and other gases are emitted during the extraction, processing, and disposal of associated materials. We determined the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, namely, CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O, and chlorofluorocarbons due to materials and energy flows throughout all stages of the life of commercial technologies for solar-electric- and nuclear-power generation, based on data from 12 photovoltaic (PV) companies, and reviews of nuclear-fuel life cycles in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Previous GHG estimates vary widely, from 40 to 180 CO 2 -eq./kWh for PV, and 3.5–100 CO 2 -eq./kWh for nuclear power. Country-specific parameters account for many of these differences, which are exacerbated by outdated information. We conclude, instead, that lifetime GHG emissions from solar- and nuclear-fuel cycles in the United States are comparable under actual production conditions and average solar irradiation, viz., 22–49 g CO 2 -eq./kWh (average US), 17–39 g CO 2 -eq./kWh (south west) for solar electric, and 16–55 g CO 2 -eq./kWh for nuclear energy. However, several factors may significantly change this picture within the next 5 years, and there are unanswered questions about the nuclear fuel cycle that warrant further analyses.
Experimental Investigation of Thread Formation in Form Tapping

In form tapping, the generation of unfinished thread forms results in the appearance of split crests. An experimental technique is developed to study the nature of split crest formation. Custom tools are modeled after tap tooth geometry to perform the forming process in a vertical milling machine. Single-tooth experiments replicate the initial deformation stages and determine the tap geometry and tapping process parameters that significantly affect ridge size and shape. This method is then expanded to consider two axially consecutive tap teeth and the interaction of consecutive ridges to create the final thread form. It is found that certain tap geometrical characteristics are important to the final thread form and, therefore, determine the size and shape of the resulting split crest.
Gfi-1 regulates the erythroid transcription factor network through Id2 repression in murine hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Growth factor independence 1 (Gfi-1) is a part of the transcriptional network that regulates the development of adult hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Gfi-1-null (Gfi-1−/−) mice have reduced numbers of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), impaired radioprotective function of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), and myeloid and erythroid hyperplasia. We found that the development of HPCs and erythropoiesis, but not HSC function, was rescued by reducing the expression of inhibitor of DNA-binding protein 2 (Id2) in Gfi-1−/− mice. Analysis of Gfi-1−/−;Id2+/− mice revealed that short-term HSCs, common myeloid progenitors (CMPs), erythroid burst-forming units, colony-forming units in spleen, and more differentiated red cells were partially restored by reducing Id2 levels in Gfi-1−/− mice. Moreover, short-term reconstituting cells, and, to a greater extent, CMP and megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor development, and red blood cell production (anemia) were rescued in mice transplanted with Gfi-1−/−;Id2+/− bone marrow cells (BMCs) in comparison with Gfi-1−/− BMCs. Reduction of Id2 expression in Gfi-1−/− mice increased the expression of Gata1, Eklf, and EpoR, which are required for proper erythropoiesis. Reducing the levels of other Id family members (Id1 and Id3) in Gfi-1−/− mice did not rescue impaired HPC function or erythropoiesis. These data provide new evidence that Gfi-1 is linked to the erythroid gene regulatory network by repressing Id2 expression.
Central nervous system involvement from malignant mixed Müllerian tumor (MMMT) of the uterus.

The central nervous system is traditionally considered as an uncommon site for metastatic disease from the female genital tract, and cerebral metastasis as the primary manifestation of an occult gynecological malignancy is even more rare. Here, we report the case of a 61-year-old female who presented with neurological symptoms of confusion, headache, cerebellar ataxia and right-sided weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed two solid lesions in the frontal lobe and the left cerebellar hemisphere. Endometrial biopsy of a uterine mass detected during search for the primary lesion showed malignant mixed Mullerian tumor (MMMT). The patient refused surgery. Cranial radiotherapy for progressive cerebral disease led to resolution of her neurological symptoms. Two months after the diagnosis of MMMT the patient died from local complications of advanced pelvic disease. At autopsy, only the epithelial component of the tumor had metastasized to the brain. Attention should be paid to possibility of unusual distant metastases associated to MMMT in order to avoid delay in diagnosis and treatment of these patients.
Physician Resistance to Innovations: The Case of Contract Medicine

Abstract Physicians' assessments of contract medicine arrangements such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are considered in light of innovation diffusion theory and changing professional relations in medical care. Data from a national sample of physicians reveal that physicians practicing in HMOs differed from others in that they were more likely to be primary-care practitioners and politically liberal; they were also more likely to have thought that a physician surplus was emerging and that HMOs offered better working conditions. They did not differ from other physicians in job satisfaction. After considering differences between the two groups, the research examines how physicians, who did not practice in HMOs, viewed such contract medicine arrangements. Findings indicate that physicians in fee-for-service (FFS) practices felt that working conditions and service quality in HMOs are highly related and are better in FFS practices than in HMOs. In addition, physicians who anticipated heightened com...
Densification of raw coke powder compacts

The effects of grinding on densification of a petroleum raw coke were examined. The compact of the powder ground for a short time showed large puffing during calcination below 400 °C, and no densification by subsequent heat treatment. It was found that the puffing could be suppressed by long grinding of the powder. In the compact of the powder subjected to prolonged grinding, the pore volume decreased in two temperature ranges of calcination, at 400–500 and 600–700 °C. The first decrease seems to be attributed to softening and volume reduction due to carbonization of quinoline-soluble components among the coke grains. The second decrease suggests that the sintering due to solid state material transport, such as viscous flow and plastic deformation, takes place in addition to gas-phase material transport. The increase in bulk density at temperatures over 1000 °C was mainly due to contraction of constituent grains in which micropores decreased, not a decrease in pore volume of the compact. The most remarkable effect of grinding on densification of the raw coke was the suppression of puffing during the calcination process.
Ecology and Society: a Lesson for Organization Theory, from the Logic of Economics

Recent work on organizational ecology has helped to clarify the discussion of organiza tion-environment relations by providing a precise analytical distinction between the organization and its environment. However, the clarity of the distinction also exposes serious problems in the population perspective on organizations. The fact that ecology has been wedded to evolutionism cripples it in dealing with some of the central issues of organizational analysis.This paper looks at ways in which the precision of ecology may be combined with social and economic theories other than evolutionism to provide a powerful analysis of the organization in its social environment. Neoclassical economics serves as a model for the sort of theory that can be used to replace evolutionism. The paper concludes by examining the underlying axiomatic structure of neoclassical economics and outlining the general logic required to link ecological and social theories for the purposes of organizational analysis.
Sacramento Learns from Bangladesh: A New Twist on Economic Development

Church bulletins often carry inserts describing various development projects in Third World nations which church members can assist. Favored projects include cooperative ventures such as village-owned wells or farms in sub-Saharan Africa or craft co-ops for oppressed women in South Asia. By making generous contributions to special denominational offerings, church members, sitting in their pews in this most developed of countries, can help poor unfortunate individuals in some backward Third World country.
Modeling the Effects of Reinforcements on the Crystallization of Polymers

An approach for modeling the isothermal crystallization of reinforced polymers is presented. It is based on the classical phase change model of Avrami and uses expressions for the volume of intersection between the spherulites and the reinforcements. The cases of cylindrical (fibers) and spherical (particles, bubbles) inclusions are particularly of interest, since they are encountered in a variety of composites. The evolution of the crystallinity can be computed for various nucleation processes. The effects of surface-nucleated spherulites on the overall crystallization process can also be incorporated and the influence of parameters such as the reinforcement volume fraction and radius and the nucleation density are also discussed.
Oxidation-Reduction Determinations at the Mud-Water Interface1

An uncomplicated technique for determining oxidation—reduction potentials of the mud—water interface region in aquatic systems is presented. Laboratory and field observations of the oxidation and reduction of hypolimnetic water and lake sediment are reported.
Electronics comes of age

JUST 50 years ago, in the year 1897, Professor J. J. Thomson made the pronouncement, based on clear-cut experimental evidence, of the separate existence of elementary negatively charged particles — electrons. It was in the same year that Guglielmo Marconi succeeded in radio transmission across the Bristol Channel, a distance of nine miles. These events, in a tangible way, highlighted the foundations on which electronics was to be erected: namely, the elementary particles upon which it is based and the external forces or fields produced by these particles in motion. The phenomenal developments in electronics in the intervening years mark the emergence of the science and the associated nation-wide industry of electronics with all the privileges and responsibilities which go with maturity, privileges and responsibilities which have been acquired with growth and expansion
Planetary Nebula He 2-36: Still Enigmatic, But Getting Less So

IUE spectra of He 2-36 indicate that the stellar C IV λ1549 doublet varies in intensity by a factor of 2.5 during a one-year interval. Detection of [Ne IV] λ2424, plus previously known He II and C IV, argue for a hot companion to the cool A2 III nucleus. The C IV emission shows a split profile that strongly resembles the profile (reprocessed in the NEWSIPS format) of the stellar C IV emission of NGC 2346 near phase 0.0 of its well-established 16-day period close binary nucleus. The physical cause for the bifurcation is examined. Numerous other emission lines have been identified in the IUE spectrum of He 2-36.