cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gross Motor Skills and Gait Performance in Two- and Three-year-old Children With Developmental Delay Participating in Hippotherapy.

Abstract This study examined the effects of 15 sessions of hippotherapy (HPOT) on gross motor skills in children (aged 2–3 years) with gross motor developmental delay (DD) (n = 11) in comparison with age-based controls without DD (n = 6). Gross motor skills in both groups were assessed with the Battelle Developmental Inventory 2nd Edition, and gait parameters were measured using a computerized gait analysis system prestudy and poststudy. The DD group took part in 15 sessions of HPOT, and the control (CON) group did not participate in any equine activities. The statistical analysis examined preintervention and postintervention data in the DD group and compared testing data at the same intervals in controls. Functional motor skills significantly improved after HPOT intervention. Mean percent motor delay score decreased by 24.1 points from pretest to post-test in the DD group, indicating significantly (P .05) from pre-test to post-est in the DD group after HPOT; however, improvement trends were seen in step width and step length after HPOT. The results suggest that HPOT intervention in young children with DD can improve gross motor skills. These data provide important quantitative information concerning the efficacy of early HPOT intervention for children with DD during this critical stage of child development.
Study of impact and fatigue on 3D printed composites

Abstract When materials are subjected to impacts, the toughness, stiffness and structural integrity of the material are drastically reduced; resulting in catastrophic failure or life-threatening failure of the structure in extreme scenarios. 3D printed composites parts made out of carbon fibre-reinforcement are used in the design and construction of race cars, drones, high performance sporting equipment and many other applications that require lightweight but strong materials to enhance product performance. Fibre reinforced composites (FRPs) are widely used in the aerospace industry e.g. Boeing 787 is made up of 50% of the composites. In the working and service life of an aircraft, the aircraft may undergo a low velocity impact damage (e.g. Small stone impact during take-off, tool drop during servicing). Contrary to the metals, this impact produces damage that start from back side of the composites; which is difficult to inspect. Further, this impact damage grows due to fatigue and can cause catastrophic failure. Taking in consideration of future scope there is possibility of using 3D printed composites for the aircraft. These 3D printed composites may have different type of damage modes compared to the normal composites. The aim of this article is to study the impact damage at low velocity and fatigue failure on 3D printed composites and the mode of damage in the composite, these damages can be detected by using various ‘Non-destructive test’ (NDT) methods like thermography, laser vibrometer etc.
Medicaid home- and community-based services and discharge from skilled nursing facilities.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association between the generosity of Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) and the likelihood of community discharge among Medicare-Medicaid dually enrolled older adults who were newly admitted to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). DATA SOURCES National datasets, including Medicare Master Beneficiary Summary File (MBSF), Medicare Provider and Analysis Review (MedPAR), Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX), minimum data set (MDS), and publicly available data at the SNF or county level, were linked. STUDY DESIGN We measured Medicaid HCBS generosity by its breadth and intensity and described their variation at the county level. A set of linear probability models with SNF fixed effects were estimated to characterize the association between HCBS generosity and likelihood of community discharge from SNFs. We further stratified the analyses by the type of index hospitalizations (medical vs surgical events), age group, and the Medicaid cost-sharing policy for SNF services. DATA EXTRACTION METHODS The final analytical sample included 224 229 community-dwelling dually enrolled older duals who were newly admitted to SNFs after an acute inpatient event between October 1, 2010, and September 30, 2013. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We observed substantial cross-sectional and over-time variations in HCBS breadth and intensity. Regression results indicate that on average, a 10 percentage-point increase in HCBS breadth was associated with a 0.7 percentage-point increase (P < 0.01) in the likelihood of community discharge. Such relationship could be modified by individual factors and state policies: significant effects of HCBS breadth were detected among medical patients (0.7 percentage-point, P < 0.05), individuals aged older than 85 (1.5 percentage-point, P < 0.01), and states with and without lesser-of policies (0.5 and 2.3 percentage-point, respectively, P < 0.05). No significant relationship between HCBS intensity and community discharge was detected. CONCLUSIONS Higher Medicaid HCBS breadth but not intensity was associated with a greater likelihood of community discharge, and such relationship could be modified by individual factors and state policies.
Late evening eating patterns among U.S. adults vary in their associations with, and impact on, energy intake and diet quality: Evidence from What We Eat in America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016.

ABSTRACT Background Evening eating has been associated with higher energy intake and lower nutrient density. However, these qualities may not characterize all late evening (LE) eating patterns. Objective We sought to characterize U.S. adults' LE eating patterns on a given day and identify differences, if any, in pattern-specific associations with, and impact on, daily energy intake and total diet quality. Design LE eating patterns, energy intakes, and HEI scores were identified using Day-1 dietary recall data from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016. Participants/setting The sample included adults age ≥20 years (n=9,861). "LE reporters" were respondents who consumed foods/beverages between 20:00 h and 23:59 h on the intake day. Main outcome measures Energy intake and HEI-2015 scores by LE status/pattern and the impact of LE consumption on these measures. Statistical analyses Cluster analysis assigned individuals to LE eating patterns based on the LE energy contribution of food/beverage groups. Regression models estimated energy intake and HEI-2015 scores; estimates were compared between LE reporters and non-reporters. Similarly, LE's contribution to total energy and the difference in total HEI inclusive versus exclusive of LE consumption were estimated and compared among patterns. Results Among U.S adults, 64.4% were LE reporters. Eleven LE patterns were identified; the six most prevalent patterns (representing 89% of LE reporters) were further analyzed. Daily energy intake in all prevalent patterns except the fruit pattern exceeded that of non-reporters by ≥268 kcal (unadjusted; p Conclusions Late evening food/beverage consumption is common among U.S. adults, and LE patterns are not monolithic in their associations with, and impact on, total energy intake and dietary quality.
Comprehensive reliability and aging analysis on SRAMs within microprocessor systems

Abstract A framework is proposed to analyze the impact of both Front End of the Line (FEOL) and Back End of the Line (BEOL) wearout mechanisms on memories embedded within state-of-art microprocessors. Our methodology finds the detailed electrical stress and temperature of each SRAM cell within a memory by running a variety of standard benchmarks. Combining the stress/thermal profiles and the wearout models, the performance degradation of SRAM cells for each wearout mechanism is studied. The lifetimes of the SRAM cells are then obtained when the performance metric degrades to a predefined threshold. The proposed work introduces a method to deal with the large volume of SRAM cells whose stress is non-uniform by partitioning the SRAM cells into different stress states, and generates the lifetime distribution of the memory system due to each wearout mechanism by combining the lifetimes of the cells, whose distributions vary with the stress received. Seven wearout mechanisms have been studied, namely, negative bias temperature instability (NBTI), positive bias temperature instability (PBTI), hot carrier injection (HCI), gate oxide breakdown (GOBD), backend dielectric breakdown (BTDDB), electromigration (EM), and stress-induced voiding (SIV).
Does Correlation Matter in Pricing Caps and Swaptions

This paper studies the effect of forward rate correlations on caplet and swaption prices. A two-factor HJM lognormal model of forward rates that implies a realistic covariance matrix of forward rates is constructed. A one-factor lognormal model, with the same forward rate volatilities as the two-factor one, is employed for comparison purposes. The one- and two-factor models price European caplets identically. The one-factor model overprices European swaptions as expected. But the magnitude of overpricing is surprisingly small, less than three percent for at-the-money swaptions on five-year semi-annual swaps. The overpricing is less for shorter swap lengths. The surprising result is that the one-factor model underprices both American caplets and American-type swaptions. Five-year at-the-money American caplets on six-month rates are underpriced by as much as twelve percent and three-year at-the-money constant maturity Bermudan swaptions on two-year semi-annual swaps by as much as ten percent. The underpricing is relatively low for six-month and one-year options but increases with option maturity and forward rate decorrelation. Unlike constant maturity Bermudan swaptions, regular Bermudan swaptions are overpriced by the one-factor model by more than four percent in the case of three-year maturity swaptions. An intuitive explanation for the underpricing of American options under the one-factor model is offered. This explanation implies that American options on any type of interest rate security would be underpriced if perfect correlation across the forward rate term structure is assumed.
The all-sky X-ray foreground - Outstanding issues

Future prospects for observing the cosmic x‐ray background to determine its foreground anisotropy and dipole moments are discussed. An all sky survey of the X‐ray luminosity from Active Galactic Nuclei is also discussed and may determine how supermassive black holes trace the overall underlying mass distribution responsible for the peculiar velocity of the local group. (AIP)
Stereological analysis of mammalian skeletal muscle. II. White vastus muscle of the adult guinea pig.

A quantitative analysis of the fast-twitch-glycolytic fibers of the adult guinea pig muscle has been made using the methods of stereology. This allows correlations with biochemical and physiological data to be made. The structural components involved in oxidative metabolism are found in small amounts, namely the volume fraction of blood vessel is 0.8 ± 0.3%; that of lipid droplets is 0.012 ± 0.006%; and that of mitochondria is 1.91 ± 0.18%. The entire sarcoplasmic reticulum is extensive as expected for a fast-twitch fiber, the volume being 4.59 ± 0.29% and the surface area being 132.4 ± 7.7 μm 2 /100 μm 3 of the fiber volume. The sarcolemma has a surface area of 9.7 ± 0.7 μm 2 /100 μm 3 which is more than half the T system surface area of 14.6 ± 0.6 μm 2 /100 μm 3 . The volume fraction of the T system is 0.27 ± 0.02%. The Z line width is narrow, being 610 ± 10 . Other measured parameters include nuclear volume, fiber, and myofibril diameters.
The Role of Biodiversity in Agronomy

Publisher Summary As long as human exploitation of the land and its biotic resources was restricted to small enclaves, the surrounding expanses of relatively undisturbed natural ecosystems could remain intact, with their biodiversity preserved. But, as the extent and intensity of human exploitation of the terrestrial domain increased, along with the increase of population, natural habitats were reduced and fragmented. Entire biomes are now threatened and numerous ‘‘wild’’ species have already been eliminated. Projections indicate that biodiversity loss will continue into the future, as expressed in declines in populations of wild species and reduction in area of wild habitats. All the plants whose products are utilized by humans, either directly or indirectly, were derived originally from biological diversity; that is to say, from wild ancestors. Traditionally, agricultural breeding has been done with the close genetic relatives of the relevant organisms. Genetic diversity is often considered a resource for future crop improvement. Agriculture depends on biodiversity through pollinators, birds, insect pests, disease control, and cultivated plants, and wild relatives. Numerous species in soil are directly involved in ecosystem processes and ecological services that contribute to sustaining agriculture. Soil biodiversity is determined by multiple factors: vegetation, soil physical and chemical properties, climate, and the interactions among soil organisms. N agro-ecosystem approaches strive to integrate farming and food production units into the larger environmental domain, which recognizes and preserves the role of native fauna and flora in their natural habitats. The potential impacts of climate change and climate variability on biodiversity need to be more fully characterized, because both agricultural and natural ecosystems will thereby be affected. The formulation and implementation of biodiversity policies is a global priority. National and international policies are needed to encourage the adoption on a wide scale of the agro‐ecosystem paradigm and thus the conservation of biodiversity in food-producing systems.
Characterization of Vitamin B12-Binding Proteins Isolated from Human Milk and Saliva by Affinity Chromatography

Abstract Human tissues and body fluids contain a number of immunologically related R type vitamin B12-binding proteins that can often be distinguished from one another by the use of ion exchange chromatography, electrophoresis, and gel filtration. The single major vitamin B12-binding proteins present in human milk and saliva are included in this group of proteins and have been isolated in homogeneous form with the use of affinity chromatography on vitamin B12-Sepharose. Both proteins bind approximately 20.5 µg of vitamin B12 per mg of protein and are indistinguishable in terms of absorption spectra, immunodiffusion with rabbit antihuman milk and anti-human saliva vitamin B12-binding protein sera, molecular weight (61,000 to 63,000) as determined by sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugation, total amino acid composition, migration on disc gel electrophoresis, and sequence of the first 13 NH2-terminal amino acids (Glu-Ile-Ser-Glu-Val-Ser-Glu-Glu-Asn-Tyr-Ile-Arg-Leu). Both proteins contain fucose, galactose, mannose, galactosamine, glucosamine, and sialic acid residues, although the saliva vitamin B12-binding protein contains more fucose and galactose and has a higher total carbohydrate content (39.9%) than the milk protein (34.5%). Elevated values for molecular weight were obtained for both proteins with the use of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel filtration, although the respective values obtained for the saliva protein (95,000 and 148,000) were significantly greater than those obtained for the milk protein (90,000 and 136,000). These studies suggest that differences among the various human R type vitamin B12-binding proteins may be due to differences in carbohydrate content rather than to differences in amino acid composition or sequence.
Essentials of WAIS -III Assessment

Foreword. Series Preface. Overview. How to Administer the WMS--III. How to Score the WMS--III. How to Interpret the WMS--III. Strengths and Weaknesses of the WMS--III. Clinical Applications of the WMS--III. Illustrative Case Reports. Appendix A: Administrative Checklist for the WMS--III. Appendix B: WMS--III Interpretation Worksheet. References. Annotated Bibliography. Index.
Order-incompleteness and finite lambda models

Many familiar models of the type-free lambda calculus are constructed by order theoretic methods. This paper provides some basic new facts about ordered models of the lambda calculus. We show that in any partially ordered model that is complete for the theory of /spl beta/- or /spl beta//spl eta/-conversion, the partial order is trivial on term denotations. Equivalently, the open and closed term algebras of the type-free lambda calculus cannot be non-trivially partially ordered. Our second result is a syntactical characterization, in terms of so-called generalized Mal'cev operators, of those lambda theories which cannot be induced by any non-trivially partially ordered model. We also consider a notion of finite models for the type-free lambda calculus. We introduce partial syntactical lambda models, which are derived from Plotkin's syntactical models of reduction, and we investigate how these models can be used as practical tools for giving finitary proofs of term inequalities. We give a 3-element model as an example.
T Cell Epitope Specificity and Pathogenesis of Mouse Hepatitis Virus-1–Induced Disease in Susceptible and Resistant Hosts

Intranasal mouse hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1) infection of susceptible mouse strains mimics some important pathologic features observed in the lungs of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus-infected humans. The pathogenesis of SARS remains poorly understood, although increasing evidence suggests that immunopathology could play an important role. We previously reported that the adaptive immune response plays an important protective role in MHV-1-infected resistant B6 mice and that both CD4 and CD8 T cells play a significant role in the development of morbidity and lung pathology following intranasal MHV-1 infection of susceptible C3H/HeJ and A/J mice. In this study, we have identified novel CD4 and CD8 epitopes in MHV-1-infected susceptible and resistant strains of mice. Susceptible C3H/HeJ mice mount robust and broad MHV-1-specific CD4 T cell responses, whereas in resistant B6 mice, Ag-specific CD8 T cell responses dominate. We also show that previously immunized susceptible C3H/HeJ mice do not develop any morbidity and are completely protected following a lethal-dose MHV-1 challenge despite mounting only a modest secondary T cell response. Finally, we demonstrate that the resistance displayed by B6 mice is not solely accounted for by the elaboration of a broad and vigorous MHV-1-specific CD8 T cell response, as MHV-1 infection of C3.SW-H2(b)/SnJ mice, which mount an equally robust CD8 T cell response of the same specificity, is still associated with significant morbidity. Thus, identification of novel CD4 and CD8 T cell epitopes for MHV-1 permitted high-resolution analyses of pulmonary T cell responses in a mouse model of SARS.
Profile of the regions of acetylcholine receptor α chain recognized by T-lymphocytes and by antibodies in eamg-susceptible and non-susceptible mouse strains after different periods of immunization with the receptor

C57BL/6 (B6) mice develop a neuromuscular disease, experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG), after two or more immunizations with Torpedo californica acetylcholine receptor (AChR). To determine whether EAMG is related to recognition of particular region(s) on the main extracellular domain of the alpha chain (residues alpha 1-210) in prolonged immunization, we have examined the differences in the antibody and T cell recognition profiles of B6 and SJL (a strain that does not develop EAMG) mice after different periods and a number of immunizations with Torpedo AChR. In a given strain, antibodies and T cells recognized immunodominant regions, which may coincide or may be uniquely B cell or T cell determinants. Both B6 and SJL exhibited similar antibody recognition profiles after the second and through the fourth immunizations with AChR. Major differences between the two strains were found in their T cell recognition of regions in the second part (residues 100-210) of the main extracellular domain of the alpha chain. T cells of SJL recognized consistently only one region (111-126) within this part of the alpha chain, whereas in B6, T cell recognition of three peptides (111-126, 146-162 and 182-198) and next neighbor regions to them persisted throughout the period. Of these three peptides, 146-162 was an immunodominant peptide unique to B6, as the other two peptides (111-126 and 182-198) were also recognized by either T cells or antibodies in SJL. To study the role of the T cells recognizing region 146-162 in EAMG, a T cell line was generated against this region and the cells transferred into B6 mice followed by one Torpedo AChR injection. Enhancement of antibody production toward alpha chain peptides was observed as an influence of T cell transfer compared to profiles at 1 week. In addition, one out of three mice examined showed signs of EAMG. These results suggest the importance of T cells recognizing residues 146-162 in EAMG. It is concluded that the presence of persistent T cell responses to the second half (residues (100-210) of the main extracellular domain of the alpha chain is associated with the development of EAMG in B6 mice, while absence of these responses in SJL mice may enable them to escape the disease. The preservation of the immunodominance of peptide 146-162 in the T cell recognition of B6 is probably most important for the pathogenesis of EAMG in this strain.
The Development and Personality of Engineers

An analysis of engineers and engineering making use of a scheme of the gratifications that work can offer and of theories of personality development. Using previous analyses of the activities of engineers and psychometric and interview studies, the following characteristics were found: (a) concentrates on material products and practical outcomes; (b) adopts a clear masculine role and exhibits a strong identification with authority: (c) prefers the planful, orderly, and objective; (d) through specialization finds travel and adventure, shows daring, satisfies mainly impersonal curiosities, augments his physical powers, and acts in manners derivative of the male role. Concerning developmental influences some support is found for: (a) his father and mother being clearly differentiated in sex role; (b) vigorous enforcement of clear-cut rules; (c) a close relationship between father and son: (d) an early emphasis on self-reliance and achievement.
Prostaglandins and steroid hormones in plasma and ovarian follicles during the ovulation cycle of the domestic hen (Gallus domesticus).

Abstract The concentrations of prostaglandins E and F (PGE, PGF), estradiol (E 2 ), estrone (E 1 ), and progesterone (P) were determined by sensitive and specific RIAs in the plasma and ovarian follicular tissue collected from the same hens which were killed at frequent intervals during the ovulatory cycle. Plasma levels of both PGE and PGF peaked at the time of oviposition/ovulation (OP/OV) with PGE showing a second peak 5 hr before these events. Plasma E 1 and E 2 began to rise 7 hr prior to OP/OV reaching maximum levels just before OP. Plasma P rose to a broad preovulatory peak 2–6 hr before OP falling abruptly at OP. The concentration of PGs in the two largest postovulatory follicles (POF-1, POF-2) were similar, both fluctuating considerably during the cycle (10–220 ng/g). On the other hand, a sharp 20-fold increase in PGF levels of the largest preovulatory (PRF) was observed shortly after OP/OV. PGE concentrations in this follicle were relatively low during most of the ovulatory cycle with the exception of a significant peak 5–7 hr before OP/OV. P levels in PRF, ranging from 13.2 to 165.5 ng/g, were also higher than those in the POFs, particularly between 2 to 6 hr prior to OP/OV. E 1 concentrations in all three follicles peaked between 6 and 9 hr after OP/OV and fell to a nadir 17 hr after these events. E 1 then began to rise in the preovulatory phase of the cycle with E 2 , which reached a significant peak 6 hr before OP/OV. The increase in plasma PGs at the time of OP gives further evidence that these substances are involved in this process. It is suggested that the plasma PGE increase may be related to the preovulatory LH surge and ovarian PGs may play a role in the establishment of the follicular hierarchy.
Concurrent query processing for logic inference using the connection graph

Abstract Some logic program may have to process a sequence of asynchronously arriving concurrent queries. We provide a tagging scheme for resolution in the Connection Graph that allows later queries to reuse the work done for earlier or concurrent queries. The scheme can be used either by a sequential or a parallel logic inference system that uses the Connection Graph proof procedure. Our scheme is justified in terms of multiplexing multiple virtual Connection Graphs on one physical data structure. The tagging scheme is presented as a set of rules which are proved to be correct. An important characteristic of the Connection Graph procedure is the ability to delete clauses containing pure literals. In the proposed scheme, it is necessary to weaken it. Given some information about the form of incoming queries, we can strengthen this capability. If earlier links are allowed to be reconstructed, then the ability can be regained fully, via a caching scheme.
Regional and aggregate economic impact of withdrawing alternative pesticides from cotton production

This report discusses a model developed to estimate regional and national effects of specified pesticide withdrawals from cotton production. In addition,the Delphi technique, which was the method used to establish much the model input data, such as regional per acre yield and production cost responses to pesticide withdrawal, is presented along with some model results.
Early Cancer Diagnosis Using Quantitative Spectroscopic Imaging: A Feasibility Study

We have extended quantitative spectroscopy from a single pixel, contact probe to a wide area, non-contact imaging system. Quantitative Spectroscopic Imaging is used to distinguish high grade from low grade dysplasia and non-dysplastic tissue.
Critical review of the epitaxial growth of semiconductors by rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Rapid thermal processing, which was originally developed for implant annealing, has been extended to the epitaxial growth of semiconductors. Early work in this field featured the homoepitaxial growth of silicon. Abrupt doping profiles have been demonstrated for both boron and arsenic doped layers using conventional dichloro silane (DCS)/hydrogen chemistries. Minimum doping concentrations approaching 10 12 cm −3 have been demonstrated when growing over lightly doped substrates. Gas phase autodoping limits the minimum dopant concentration over more heavily doped substrates. Due to the temperature difference between the wafer and the walls, rapid thermal epitaxy has also been used to demonstrate the in-situ production of integrated device structures such as MOSFETs. Numerous authors have demonstrated the heteroepitaxial growth of strained layers of GeSi on Si, normally from the DCS/germane/hydrogen chemistry. The presence of germane dramatically increases the growth rate. This may be related to the ability of germane to produce reactive sites on the epi surface. The presence of arsine in the growth ambient shifts the growth activation energy back toward that of pure silicon. Numerous devices have been demonstrated with these films. Most common are the NPN heterojunction bipolar transistor and enhanced mobility p-channel FETs. These devices are natural applications of the technology because of the large valence band discontinuity. Growth of layers on strain relieved GeSi have led to the demonstration of PNP and n-channel devices. Optoelectronic devices have also been demonstrated, but the devices are not direct gap. Finally carbon incorporation can be used to reduce the strain. To some extent this provides the ability of decoupling strain and germanium mole fraction. The addition of small amounts of carbon dramatically increases the critical layer thickness.
Effect of interlayer coupling in layered Heisenberg ferromagnets

Abstract Nonlinear spin-wave theory is used to study the effect of interlayer coupling on the magnetic properties of layered Heisenberg ferromagnets. Magnetization and specific heat are calculated numerically as functions of temperature and the interlayer coupling strength, and compared with the results on the linear spin-wave theory. At low temperatures, according to the extent the interlayer coupling suppresses the two-dimensional spin fluctuations, we define a characteristic temperature and use it to divide the low-temperature region into two new ones. We give the asymptotic expressions of magnetization, internal energy and specific heat in each low-temperature region using asymptotic expansions of Bessel functions instead of the long-wavelength approximation. The features of dimensional crossover for physical quantities are shown, and a comparison between theory and experiments is made.
Outpatient endoscopy possibilities for the office

As part of the movement of medical procedures from the inpatient setting to the outpatient setting, there has been a definite trend for routine gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures to be performed in freestanding ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and in physician office facilities. Improvements in technology and techniques, cost control, and an increasing number of accepted indications for GI procedures, most notably colonoscopy as a colon neoplasm screening tool, has driven this phenomenon. Based on recent Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) reimbursement policy, it seems that the Medicare program accepts GI endoscopy as an office-based procedure. Through the 1998 establishment of a ‘‘site-of-service differential payment,’’ which pays a higher professional fee in the office setting, the HCFA policy is encouraging physicians to perform these procedures in an office setting rather than in a Medicare-certified facility. A careful cost analysis, however, warns otherwise. This analysis is presented later in this article. A physician may make a decision to perform endoscopic procedures in his or her office for a number of reasons, including greater control of scheduling, equipment, personnel, safety, and patient expense [4]. The scheduling control alone may allow the physician to become significantly more efficient. Elimination of time spent waiting for the completion of registration, transportation of patients, completion of another physician’s case, and so forth allows much more to be accomplished in a workday. One of the first major differences from outpatient hospital endoscopy that the author noticed after establishing an endoscopy unit in 1986 was the effective scheduling of procedures at 30-minute intervals rather than at the 1-hour intervals commonly in practice at the hospitals where he practiced at the time. Having an office-based endoscopy unit can significantly diminish travel frequency and travel time for the physician. The additive value of all these time savers can translate into a more productive day and possibly less time at work.
A feature‐preserving volumetric technique to merge surface triangulations

Several extensions and improvements to surface merging procedures based on the extraction of iso-surfaces from a distance map defined on an adaptive background grid are presented. The main objective is to extend the application of these algorithms to surfaces with sharp edges and corners. In order to deal with objects of different length scales, the initial background grids are created using a Delaunay triangulation method and local voxelizations. A point enrichment technique that introduces points into the background grid along detected surface features such as ridges is used to ensure that these features are preserved in the final merged surface. The surface merging methodology is extended to include other Boolean operations between surface triangulations. The iso-surface extraction algorithms are modified to obtain the correct iso-surface for multi-component objects. The procedures are demonstrated with various examples, ranging from simple geometrical entities to complex engineering applications. The present algorithms allow realistic modelling of a large number of complex engineering geometries using overlapping components defined discretely, i.e. via surface triangulations. This capability is very useful for grid generation starting from data originated in measurements or images. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Norm asymptotics of orthogonal polynomials for general measures

Let p. be a fixed positive unit Borel measure with infinite support in the unit disk. A carrier of I~ is any Borel subset B of the support for which /~(B)= 1, and another such measure v is carrier-related to i.t when it has the same carriers as tz. Let p,,(z, v) be the monic orthogonal polynomial of degree n for u. We describe the possible asymptotics for the sequences {(~IP,,(-', v)I 2 du)t/2"},,~-i which are associated to the set of measures carrier- related to tz.
Increasing the chemical potential of the germ-line antibody repertoire

Abstract To augment the chemical potential of the immunological repertoire, a metal ion-binding light chain has been introduced into the murine genome. Mice containing the transgene were subsequently immunized with a fluorescein conjugate. The transgenic light chain was found at a high frequency in the anti-fluorescein memory B-cell compartment. This general method should be applicable to other cofactors and small molecules and should lead to generation of antibodies with unique catalytic activities.
Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Determination by the Hydrogen Clearance Technique and Comparison With Oxygen Availability in the Rabbit

Hydrogen clearance using the tissue polarographical electrode appears to be a potentially useful technique for intermittent measurements of rCBF in relatively small areas. Both chronic and acutely implanted electrodes were placed at different depths in rabbit cerebrum including cortex and subcortical gray and white matter. Polarographical electrodes, oppositely charged, sensing oxygen availability (O2a) also were implanted proximately for comparison of both rCBF response and O2a under conditions of normocapnia and hypercapnia. No functional difference was discerned between chronic and acute electrodes. Generally rates of blood flow were faster in gray matter than in white. Both monoexponential and biexponential curves, representing one and two compartments of blood flow, respectively, were observed in both gray and white matter. Some three-compartment curves also were seen. Hypercapnia generally induced faster rCBF in all compartments as well as increased O2a. Occasionally a change in compartmentalization...
Acute psychosis after amantadine overdose

Amantadine is an antiviral agent that is also used in the treatment of parkinsonism and neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms. Toxic effects of amantadine relate primarily to the central nervous system and range from mild symptoms to disorientation and hallucinations. Anti-cholinergic agents may exacerbate these effects. We report a case of unsuspected amantadine overdose in a previously healthy 35-year-old woman who presented with acute psychosis manifested by delirium and visual hallucinations. Concomitant use of diphenhydramine contributed to the clinical presentation. Amantadine toxicity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of altered mental status in patients known to be taking the drug or with conditions commonly treated with amantadine.
The Economic Value of Changing Mortality Probabilities: A Decision-Theoretic Approach

Properties of individual willingness to pay for changes in mortality probabilities are examined using a decision-theoretic model. There is no unique value per life saved. The willingness to pay for a mortality reduction depends not only on the amount of reduction but also on the initial probability level and on whether the valuation is ex ante (e.g. decisions regarding health insurance preventive medicine or environmental health) or ex post (e.g. acute medical care). Several inequalities relating the imputed willingness to pay in various paradigm decision contexts are derived from the model with the addition of few additional behavioral assumptions. (authors)
Discrimination of unitary transformations in the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm: Implications for thermal-equilibrium-ensemble implementations

A general framework for regarding oracle-assisted quantum algorithms as tools for discriminating among unitary transformations is described. This framework is applied to the Deutsch-Jozsa problem and all possible quantum algorithms which solve the problem with certainty using oracle unitaries in a particular form are derived. It is also used to show that any quantum algorithm that solves the Deutsch-Jozsa problem starting with a quantum system in a particular class of initial, thermal equilibrium-based states of the type encountered in solution-state NMR can only succeed with greater probability than a classical algorithm when the problem size n exceeds {approx}10{sup 5}.
Do antibody binding techniques identify polysomes synthesizing a specific protein

Abstract Specific binding of antibody directed against MOPC-21 myeloma protein to MOPC-21 polysomes has been demonstrated. It was also shown that this same antibody bound specifically to the ribosomal subunits of these polysomes, suggesting that the antibody is not binding exclusively to the nascent polypeptide chains on the polysomes. The antibody was bound specifically to polysomes of a nonproducing variant XC1 which had been isolated in the presence of MOPC-21 myeloma protein while the antibody was not bound to XC1 polysomes isolated in the absence of myeloma protein. This suggests that the myeloma protein is adsorbed to the polysomes during the isolation procedure.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of long circulating liposomal formulation of 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine

Abstract The pharmacokinetic profiles and tissue distribution, after single bolus intravenous doses of 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine (ddI) as a solution, a conventional liposomal formulation (without polyethylene glycol) of ddI and a long circulating liposomal formulation of ddI, were determined using rat as the animal model. Total ddI concentrations displayed multicompartment features following the conventional liposome preparation and appeared one compartment after the long circulating formulation. The ddI levels after the non liposomal preparation followed a one compartment model. The conventional liposomes showed a much greater volume of distribution compared to the long circulating liposomes and subsequently a longer t 1/2 . Due to the size of the conventional liposomes, these could not penetrate the fenestrated capillaries of the liver and thus had a lower accumulation in this tissue. Opsonization of these liposomes probably led to higher accumulation of the encapsulated ddI in the spleen, compared to when ddI was administered in a non liposomal form. The long circulating liposomes, on the other hand, provided a barrier to opsonin action and consequently had reduced accumulation in these tissues. The ddI levels in the pancreas were very low compared to the serum concentration after administration of the long circulating liposomes suggesting possible reduction of pancreatitis, an adverse effect of ddI.
Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity: Cytopathology, ultrastructure, and immunocytochemistry

One hundred ninety cardiac patients were prospectively enrolled in an amiodarone protocol. Over a 10-year period, 16 patients developed new or progressive respiratory symptoms while taking amiodarone. These symptoms included dyspnea associated with abnormal chest radiographs or new or worsening abnormalities on pulmonary function testing. Specimens for microscopic examination were obtained by fiberoptic bronchoscopy with transbronchial lung biopsy (TBB), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), open lung biopsy (OLB), or autopsy. Large foamy macrophages with characteristic lamellated cytoplasmic inclusions were noted in all specimens, regardless of other evidence of pulmonary toxicity, suggesting that foamy macrophages represent a routine drug effect. Foamy macrophages were not present in BAL specimens from 53 normal controls and were rarely seen in specimens from 27 patients who had other interstitial lung diseases. When present, the foamy macrophages were less prominent than those seen in specimens from patients receiving amiodarone. Fibrosis was noted in 11 of 16 histological specimens, whereas type II-cell-hyperplasia was observed in 7 of the 16 specimens. Four of the 16 patients with respiratory symptoms died, and their autopsy revealed a combination of foamy macrophages with fibrosis and type II cell hyperplasia reflective of amiodarone pulmonary toxicity. Hyperplastic type II cells were not found in the absence of fibrosis. Immunocytochemistry allowed differentiation between foamy macrophages and type II cells and represents a useful tool for future investigations of the pathogenesis of amiodarone-induced pulmonary disease.
Teletraffic aspects of evolving and next-generation wireless communication networks

The design of cellular and microcellular networks is being influenced or changed by the continuous growth in number of subscribers and traffic volume in mobile telecommunications. The author discusses some important aspects of next-generation wireless networks with their implications for teletraffic. Simple models for homogeneous systems, to serve as approximate solutions, are presented. The author addresses some issues relevant to heterogeneous systems and briefly discuss typical approaches when possible. The reader is presented with a number of references to present and past work in the area.
A bi-directional DC-DC converter with overlapping input and output voltage ranges and vehicle to grid energy transfer capability

A bi-directional buck-boost DC-DC converter is presented for vehicle charging as well as vehicle to grid (V2G) energy transfer. The chosen cascaded buck-boost topology allows overlapping input and output voltage ranges and a higher intermediate DC bus voltage where the electric drivetrain traction inverter can be connected. The intermediate DC-link capacitor voltage is varied to improve the transient performance of the converter. The reference voltage of this capacitor is set based on the input and output voltage levels, and the power demand. Experimental results have shown that with its modularity, control flexibility and transient performance the converter is a viable candidate for vehicle-to-grid energy transfer.
Understanding racial HIV/STI disparities in black and white men who have sex with men: a multilevel approach.

Background The reasons for black/white disparities in HIV epidemics among men who have sex with men have puzzled researchers for decades. Understanding reasons for these disparities requires looking beyond individual-level behavioral risk to a more comprehensive framework.
Decision dilemmas facing managers: recognizing the value of learning while making sequential decisions

Abstract The paper brings attention to an often neglected factor that can have a significant impact on whether a multi-stage project is worth continuing—the potential for learning in its development process. After explicating the economics of a project's learning potential, the paper explores its implications for the practice of project management and for the design of future experimental studies on managerial behavior in funding multi-stage projects.
Psychopharmacologic treatment of aggressive preschoolers: A chart review

Very young children with severe aggression are a growing focus of care in child psychiatry. Notwithstanding diagnostic uncertainties in this age group, medication, not usually considered a first-line intervention, is becoming a treatment option for a growing number of clinicians in spite of a dearth of research in this area. This chart review assessed the patient characteristics, diagnoses and treatment responses of aggressive preschoolers who were treated in a university child psychiatry outpatient clinic from 2001-2004. The most common diagnoses were Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Disruptive Behavior Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Medication was prescribed for a majority of the children with prominent aggression; atypical antipsychotics were prescribed with the greatest frequency, followed by stimulants and then alpha agonists--treatment response ratings indicated moderate to marked improved in a majority of the preschoolers who received one or a combination of these medications. Findings support the need for controlled trials of medication in preschoolers with severe aggression.
Intracranial injury acutely induces the expression of the secreted isoform of the CNS-specific hyaluronan-binding protein BEHAB/brevican.

Hyaluronan (HA) plays an important role in tissue reorganization in response to injury. The mechanisms by which HA participates in these processes are likely to include HA-binding proteins. Previously, we reported the cloning and initial characterization of a central nervous system (CNS)-specific HA-binding protein, BEHAB (brain enriched hyaluronan binding), which was independently cloned in another laboratory and named brevican. BEHAB/brevican mRNA is expressed in the ventricular zone coincident with the initial proliferation and migration of glial cells and in surgical samples of human glioma, where glial-derived cells proliferate and migrate. To determine whether BEHAB/brevican is also expressed during the cellular proliferation and migration associated with CNS injury, we have examined BEHAB/brevican expression during reactive gliosis. BEHAB/brevican occurs as secreted and cell-surface, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored, isoforms. The secreted, but not the GPI-anchored, isoform is up-regulated in response to a stab wound to the adult rat brain. The temporal regulation and spatial distribution of BEHAB/brevican expression parallel the gliotic response and the expression of the intermediate filament protein nestin. The up-regulation of BEHAB/brevican in response to CNS injury suggests a role for this extracellular matrix molecule in reactive gliosis. Glial process extension, a central element in the glial response to injury, may require the reexpression of both cytoskeletal and matrix elements that are normally expressed during the glial motility seen in the immature brain.
The normalized matching property from the generalized Macaulay theorem

IfA is a family ofk-element subsets of a finite setM having elements of several different types (i.e., amultiset) and ΔA is the set of all (k−1)-element subsets ofM obtainable by removing a single element ofM from a single member ofA, then, according to the well known normalized matching condition, the density ofA among thek-element subsets ofM never exceeds the density of ΔA among the (k−1)-element subsets ofM. We show that this useful fact can be regarded as yet another corollary of the generalized Macaulay theorem.
Electrostatic interactions in the assembly of haemoglobin.

Haemoglobin is the prototype of an allosteric protein in which cooperative behaviour depends on interaction between unlike subunits1–3. Here we present haematological and biochemical evidence that electrostatic interactions are an important determinant of haemoglobin assembly. Individuals heterozygous for positively charged β-globin variants have a significantly lower proportion of abnormal haemoglobin than those with negatively charged variants. Moreover, these differences become more pronounced when α-thalassaemia is also present. Kinetic experiments using isolated chains indicate that the rate of assembly of the heterotetramer is influenced by alterations in surface charge. A simple electrostatic model is proposed in an attempt to explain these haematological and experimental findings.