cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the incident wavelength in Mueller Matrix imaging of cervical collagen

Mueller matrix polarimetry (MMP) can be utilized to determine optical anisotropy in birefringent materials. Many factors must be optimized to improve the quality of information collected from MMP of biological samples. As part of a study of pre-term birth (PTB) that relied on measurement of the orientation and distribution of collagen in the cervix, an optimal wavelength for MMp to allow more accurate characterization of collagen in cervical tissue was sought. To this end, we developed a multispectral Mueller matrix polarimeter and conducted experiments on ex-vivo porcine cervix samples preserved in paraffin. The Mueller matrices obtained with this system were decomposed to generate orientation and retardation images. Initial findings indicate that wavelengths below 560 nm offer a more accurate characterization of collagen anisotropy in the porcine cervix.
The Magic of Matching the Environment to the Needs: A Conversation with Tim Lewis.

Dr. Tim Lewis provides his reflections on his career working as a researcher-teacher to address the issues of children with challenges. Dr. Lewis also provides his advice for those entering the field.
Reduction of Leukocyte Microvascular Adherence and Preservation of Blood-Brain Barrier Function by Superoxide-Lowering Therapies in a Piglet Model of Neonatal Asphyxia.

Background: Asphyxia is the most common cause of brain damage in newborns. Substantial evidence indicates that leukocyte recruitment in the cerebral vasculature during asphyxia contributes to this damage. We tested the hypothesis that superoxide radical ( O 2 ⋅ _ ) promotes an acute post-asphyxial inflammatory response and blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown. We investigated the effects of removing O 2 ⋅ _ by superoxide dismutase (SOD) or C3, the cell-permeable SOD mimetic, in protecting against asphyxia-related leukocyte recruitment. We also tested the hypothesis that xanthine oxidase activity is one source of this radical. Methods: Anesthetized piglets were tracheostomized, ventilated, and equipped with closed cranial windows for the assessment of post-asphyxial rhodamine 6G-labeled leukocyte-endothelial adherence and microvascular permeability to sodium fluorescein in cortical venules. Asphyxia was induced by discontinuing ventilation. SOD and C3 were administered by cortical superfusion. The xanthine oxidase inhibitor oxypurinol was administered intravenously. Results: Leukocyte-venular adherence significantly increased during the initial 2 h of post-asphyxial reperfusion. BBB permeability was also elevated relative to non-asphyxial controls. Inhibition of O 2 ⋅ _ production by oxypurinol, or elimination of O 2 ⋅ _ by SOD or C3, significantly reduced rhodamine 6G-labeled leukocyte-endothelial adherence and improved BBB integrity, as measured by sodium fluorescein leak from cerebral microvessels. Conclusion: Using three different strategies to either prevent formation or enhance elimination of O 2 ⋅ _ during the post-asphyxial period, we saw both reduced leukocyte adherence and preserved BBB function with treatment. These findings suggest that agents which lower O 2 ⋅ _ in brain may be attractive new therapeutic interventions for the protection of the neonatal brain following asphyxia.
Reduction of tricarbonyl(η6-Indole)chromium(0) complexes

Abstract Tricarbonyl( η 6 -indole)chromium(0) complexes substituted at the C2 and/or C3 positions have been reduced to the corresponding indoline complexes by the action of a hydride donor in trifluoroacetic acid. NaBH 3 CN and NaBH 4 were found to be superior to Et 3 SiH as hydride sources. In general, reductions involving the use of NaBH 3 CN were found to occur with greater stereoselectivity as compared to reductions using NaBH 4 . With certain (indole)chromium complexes, this stereoselectivity was a result of preferential hydride addition from the endo face, as revealed by single crystal X-ray analysis.
Noise Analysis of Photonic Modulator Neurons

Neuromorphic photonics relies on efficiently emulating analog neural networks at high speeds. Prior work showed that transducing signals from the optical to the electrical domain and back with transimpedance gain was an efficient approach to implementing analog photonic neurons and scalable networks. Here, we examine modulator-based photonic neuron circuits with passive and active transimpedance gains, with special attention to the sources of noise propagation. We find that a modulator nonlinear transfer function can suppress noise, which is necessary to avoid noise propagation in hardware neural networks. In addition, while efficient modulators can reduce power for an individual neuron, signal-to-noise ratios must be traded off with power consumption at a system level. Active transimpedance amplifiers may help relax this tradeoff for conventional p-n junction silicon photonic modulators, but a passive transimpedance circuit is sufficient when very efficient modulators (i.e., low C and low V-pi) are employed.
Safe Policy Improvement by Minimizing Robust Baseline Regret

An important problem in sequential decision-making under uncertainty is to use limited data to compute a safe policy, i.e., a policy that is guaranteed to perform at least as well as a given baseline strategy. In this paper, we develop and analyze a new model-based approach to compute a safe policy when we have access to an inaccurate dynamics model of the system with known accuracy guarantees. Our proposed robust method uses this (inaccurate) model to directly minimize the (negative) regret w.r.t. the baseline policy. Contrary to the existing approaches, minimizing the regret allows one to improve the baseline policy in states with accurate dynamics and seamlessly fall back to the baseline policy, otherwise. We show that our formulation is NP-hard and propose an approximate algorithm. Our empirical results on several domains show that even this relatively simple approximate algorithm can significantly outperform standard approaches.
Becoming right-wing citizens in contemporary Japan

ABSTRACTThis article explicates the process through which individuals become right-wing citizens in contemporary Japan. By incorporating insights from the sociology of emotion, this article complem...
Using Polymers and Pigments to Produce Laser Interference Rings

When a laser of sufficient intensity is shined into a pigmented transparent medium, the partially absorbed laser light can heat and change the refractive index of the medium in the path of the beam. This altered medium will in turn cause the transmitted laser light to thermally defocus into a series of concentric rings. Some solvents such as 2-propanol and a variety of polymers such as polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polydimethylsiloxane can be pigmented with a variety of colors. Samples of various colors can be used to spectacularly demonstrate characteristics of light absorption. For example, a 2-propanol solution containing methyl red in red acidic form will absorb a green laser and produce interference rings, but a solution of methyl red in yellow basic form will not. As another example, a red laser beam will pass unaffected through a red pigmented film, but the beam will heat a green film (e.g., from a green pigmented polyethylene terephthalate soda bottle) to produce interference rings....
Chapter 9 – ASYMPTOTICS

Publisher Summary There are basically two methods for determining asymptotic formulas for graphs. The choice of method depends on whether or not the graphs, or structures to be enumerated, are treelike. This chapter explains the methods for determining the asymptotic number of graphs and digraphs. These methods can be applied successfully to various classes of graphs. The development of asymptotic formulas for digraphs is similar to that for graphs. From the general methods and results provided in the chapter, it is possible to determine the scarcity or preponderance of various classes of graphs. Polya determined asymptotic formulas for the saturated hydrocarbons and other chemical compounds by treating the generating functions as ordinary analytic functions so that the coefficients could be estimated by means of the Cauchy integral formula.
Correlates of Life Satisfaction Among Middle-Aged and Older Black Adults.

This study examines satisfaction across life domains (condition of the home, city of residence, daily life/leisure, family life, current financial situation, total household income, health, and life as a whole) among Black adults. The study also explores the association between satisfaction in each life domain and sociodemographic, personality, and mental/physical health measures. A community-dwelling sample of Black adults (n = 93, age range = 55–80) residing in the Tampa, FL area, completed a life satisfaction scale and measures of sociodemographic factors, personality, and mental/physical health between October 2014 and June 2016. Better life satisfaction was observed in the oldest-old (80+) compared with the middle-aged (55–64; p < .05). Less education, less financial strain, lower depressive symptoms, and better self-rated physical health were associated with higher satisfaction although the pattern of results varied by domain. Our findings suggest that the evaluation of life satisfaction domains may be a useful approach for identifying specific individual needs, which may inform age-friendly community initiatives.
Prior Knee Arthroscopy Increases the Failure Rate of Subsequent Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background In selected patients, knee arthroscopy is performed prior to unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to treat symptomatic mechanical pathology, delay arthroplasty, and assess the knee compartments. The purpose of this study was to determine if knee arthroscopy prior to UKA is associated with increased rates of UKA failure or conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Data was collected from the Humana insurance database from 2007-2017. Patients who underwent knee arthroscopy within two years prior to UKA were identified and matched with controls based on age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index, smoking status, and obesity. Rates of conversion to TKA and failure for various causes were compared between cohorts. Results Prior to propensity matching, 8353 UKA patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 1079 patients (12.9%) underwent knee arthroscopy within two years of UKA and were matched to 1079 patients (controls) who did not undergo knee arthroscopy in the two years preceding UKA. No differences in demographics/comorbidities existed among cohorts. Compared to controls, the knee arthroscopy cohort was more likely to experience failure for aseptic loosening (2.4% vs 1.1%; OR 2.166; P = .044) and significantly more likely to require conversion to TKA (10.4% vs 4.9%; OR 2.113; P Conclusion Knee arthroscopy within two years of UKA is associated with an increased rate of UKA conversion to TKA and a higher rate of UKA failure from aseptic loosening. Although clinicians should be mindful of this association when performing knee arthroscopy in patients who may be indicated for future UKA, further research is needed to better characterize these findings.
Unpacking the learning on consultant-led ward rounds: Lessons from ethnography in paediatrics

Introduction: Consultant-led ward round education in a busy paediatric setting is a complex process and is often ad hoc. We aimed to observe ward rounds to better understand the education opportunities available. Methods: Drawing on Argyris and Schon's (1974) theory of action, we used an ethnographic approach to observe 30 general medical ward rounds over a 3-month period, from September to December 2016. For this study we analysed the learning opportunities and the content that is explicitly taught in relation to the domains of professional practice that we espouse to teach. Results: There were many layers of learning potential observed in ward round practice. These included clinical learning, communication, professional skills and identity and institutional cultural context. Clinical learning was prioritised; however, other learning domains remained implicit and were often ignored. Discussion: Our findings highlight great complexity in ward round learning and teaching. There was significant missed educational potential in the ward round environment as well as a need for a major shift in educational focus from clinical to other professional domains. Following Argyris and Schon (1974), it is necessary to examine what we espouse against our actual educational practice. This can inform a planned or structured approach to exploit the maximum potential of ward round learning and teaching. Conclusions: Ward round education is a priority that benefits from observation, reflection and development of new models of practice. If we are not conscious of what we are teaching on rounds, and how this is occurring, we risk losing opportunities to draw on all of the learning potential available.
Water vapor retrieval using the Airborne Multiangle SpectroPolarimetric Imager

Abstract The Airborne Multiangle SpectroPolarimetric Imager (AirMSPI) acquires radiance measurements in eight spectral bands centered at 355, 380, 445, 470*, 555, 660*, 865*, and 935 nm, three of which also measure linear polarization (denoted by asterisks). A two-step retrieval approach is developed to retrieve total precipitable water vapor (PWV) abundance: a) the first step is a fast estimate of water vapor obtained by comparing the ratio of observed radiance in the near-infrared (NIR) bands L935nm/L865nm at multiple view angles against pre-calculated lookup table values as a function of PWV abundance, on the assumption of no aerosols and a moderately bright land surface; (b) the second step refines the estimated solution by accounting for aerosol loading, particle properties, and surface reflection, which are retrieved from AirMSPI measurements in its ultraviolet to NIR aerosol bands. Our retrieval is tested using 27 AirMSPI datasets with low to moderately high aerosol loadings and PWV up to about 3.5 cm, acquired during four NASA field campaigns plus one AirMSPI engineering test flight. Comparison of the retrieved total PWV amount against AERONET reference data shows a mean percentage difference 8.6%. The quantities that inform the second step of the PWV retrieval—namely, aerosol optical depth (AOD), aerosol single scattering albedo (SSA), and aerosol effective radius—are also compared to the AERONET reference data. The mean absolute differences (MADs) are less than 0.0253 and less than 0.036 for AOD and SSA in the visible, respectively. The MADs are 0.036 μm and 1.232 μm for the effective radius of fine and coarse mode aerosols, respectively. Comparison to data from the Cloud Physics Lidar places the MAD of aerosol layer height at about 360 m.
Evolution and Impact of Oxygen Inclusions in 316L Stainless Steel Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

The evolution of nano-scale oxide inclusions in 316L austenitic stainless steel (SS) manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) was investigated. The parts were heat treated at different temperature for same time, the size, morphology and chemistry of oxide inclusions were characterized. After heat treatment, oxide inclusions were found be maintain their chemistry. Statistical analysis was done by analyzing backscattered electron (BSE) images, it was found that the inclusion size increases with temperature and inclusion number decreases with temperature which indicates the Ostwald ripening coarsening mechanism behind.
A Personalized, Dynamic Physical Activity Intervention Is Feasible and Improves Energetic Capacity, Energy Expenditure, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Purpose: Despite survival and quality of life benefits associated with physical activity, many breast cancer survivors remain inactive. Effective, sustainable interventions must account for individual differences in capability, motivation, and environment. Here, we evaluate the feasibility, mechanics, and efficacy of delivering an individualized, dynamic intervention to increase energetic capacity and energy expenditure. Methods: Stage 0-III breast cancer patients who had completed primary treatment were enrolled. Prior to the intervention, detailed movement data was collected with a wearable GPS and accelerometer for 3 weeks to establish baseline activity. Movement data was collected continuously throughout the 12- week intervention, during which patients received electronically- delivered, tailored, dynamic activity “prescriptions,” adjusted based on demonstrated individual capability, daily movement in their environment, and progress. Results: Of 66 enrolled, 57 participants began and completed the intervention. The intervention resulted in significant improvements in average steps (+558 steps/day, p = 0.01), energetic capacity measured by power generation on a stationary bicycle (1.76 to 1.99 W/kg lean mass, p<0.01), and quality of life (FACT-B TOI, 72.8 to 74.8, p=0.02). The greatest improvement in functional energetic capacity was seen in the lowest performing tertile at baseline (0.76 to 1.12 W/kg, p<0.01). Discussion: Wearable technology delivery of personalized activity prescriptions based on individual capability and movement behaviors demonstrates feasibility and early effectiveness.. The high variability seen in baseline activity and function, as well as in response to the intervention, supports the need for future work in precision approaches to physical activity (NCT03158519).
Identification of Potent Small Molecule Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Entry

Abstract The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 responsible for COVID-19 remains a persistent threat to mankind, especially for the immunocompromised and elderly for which the vaccine may have limited effectiveness. Entry of SARS-CoV-2 requires a high affinity interaction of the viral spike protein with the cellular receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Novel mutations on the spike protein correlate with the high transmissibility of new variants of SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the need for small molecule inhibitors of virus entry into target cells. We report the identification of such inhibitors through a robust high-throughput screen testing 15,000 small molecules from unique libraries. Several leads were validated in a suite of mechanistic assays, including whole cell SARS-CoV-2 infectivity assays. The main lead compound, calpeptin, was further characterized using SARS-CoV-1 and the novel SARS-CoV-2 variant entry assays, SARS-CoV-2 protease assays and molecular docking. This study reveals calpeptin as a potent and specific inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 and some variants.
Intraventricular brain allografts and xenografts: studies of survival and rejection with and without systemic sensitization.

Publisher Summary An understanding of the immunological properties of the brain ventricular system is important for understanding the possible forms of brain grafting procedures, which can be applicable clinically. This chapter describes a series of experiments, and examines: (1) the survival of allografts and xenografts in the lateral ventricle, (2) the vulnerability of established brain allografts to rejection following systemic immunization, and (3) the histochemical features of the immune response to intraventricular allografts and xenografts. When brain allografts are left in place for more than one year, there is little or no evidence of graft destruction. However, sensitization by subcutaneous implantation of skin or adult brain tissue can provoke a partial immune response, including the appearance of cells with immunoreactivity to immune response gene-associated antigen (Ia) and helper T antigen. The immune response to xenografts includes accumulation of both Ia and helper T immunoreactive cells. The immunological privilege for allografts can be abrogated by systemic immunological sensitization. The data presented in the chapter suggests that intraventricular brain tissue grafts are afforded immunological privilege at least in part because of the unusual properties of the brain ventricular system.
Performance modeling and analysis of emergency message propagation in vehicular adhoc networks

Reliability and timeliness are two critical requirements of vehicle safety-related communication services in VANETs. In this paper, we develop an analytical model to analyze the packet reception rate and end-to-end delay of emergency message delivery operation in a VANET environment when multihop broadcast communications are used. The model is applied to derive closed-form expressions of the end-to-end delay of two popular multihop message propagation methods, that is, the farthest-distance method and the counter-based method. Extensive simulations are conducted to validate the correctness of the theoretic results and compare the performance of the two message propagation methods. Observations are provided for the design of efficient and robust emergency message propagation methods for vehicular wireless communication networks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a Rigorous Standard for the Good Faith Acquisition of Antiquities

When antiquities are acquired without a rigorous due diligence process, that acquisition defrauds our heritage by distorting the archaeological record; causing potential harm to other legitimate acquisition of antiquities; perverting the important role museums play in society; and ultimately warping the understanding of our common cultural heritage. Fraud occurs when a defendant intentionally deceives another. Given the flood of scandals plaguing museums, collectors, and dealers, we can state now with some confidence that many of these individuals have committed a fraud on our collective human heritage. Combating this fraud is particularly difficult. Though an existing body of law prohibits and punishes a variety of activities which further the illicit trade, these measures are severely hampered by the mystery surrounding antiquities transactions. With increased scrutiny and a more rigorous and diligent title enquiry by buyers and sellers, these legal measures will become far more effective. At present, details regarding authenticity, title, or even more basic questions such as the origin of an object are intentionally hidden and disguised from public view.Good faith has been used to merely promote commercial convenience and economic efficiency. This article proposes a new theoretical foundation for increased scrutiny of the antiquities trade by constructing a broad basis for the recognition of good faith as a mechanism for eliminating the illicit trade in antiquities. This article articulates three ways in which good faith can play a meaningful role in the trade and transfer of antiquities by examining fraud, limitations periods, and public pressure generally. A strong case for reform can be made if we consider that a family of art forgers living in modest public housing in Bolton, England can easily fool some of the World's leading cultural institutions.
Extraretinal signals for congenital nystagmus.

PURPOSE Despite incessant to-and-fro oscillations of the eyes, persons with congenital nystagmus rarely report oscillopsia. This study evaluated the possibility that extraretinal signals of eye position are available to cancel the retinal image motion produced by nystagmus eye movements. METHODS To assess the extraretinal signal for nystagmus, subjects pointed in the perceived direction of a target that was flashed for 2 msec in total darkness at various phases of the nystagmus waveform. RESULTS All four subjects (two with jerk nystagmus and two with pendular nystagmus) made pointing errors that varied systematically according to what point in the nystagmus waveform the target was presented. In general, pointing errors varied in counterphase with changes in eye position, and amounted to approximately 25% of the nystagmus amplitude. CONCLUSION These results indicate that extraretinal signals represent approximately 75% of the changes of eye position that occur in congenital nystagmus and therefore are potentially useful in preventing oscillopsia.
Yeast Eps15-like endocytic protein, Pan1p, activates the Arp2/3 complex

Longstanding evidence supports a role for actin in endocytosis; an intact actin cytoskeleton is required for endocytosis in yeast, and drugs that inhibit actin polymerization inhibit endocytosis in both yeast and mammalian cells. The yeast Arp2/3 complex is required for the internalization step of endocytosis. In addition, some early endocytic events in mammalian cells are associated with the formation of actin tails similar to those generated by activated Arp2/3 complex. However, until now no Arp2/3 complex activator has been identified among proteins known to mediate early steps in endocytosis. Here we show that the yeast endocytic protein Pan1p binds to and activates the Arp2/3 complex. Genetic interactions between PAN1 and mutants of Arp2/3 subunits, or of the Arp2/3 activator LAS17, provide evidence for this activity in vivo. We suggest that Pan1p forms the core of an endocytic complex and physically couples actin polymerization nucleated by the Arp2/3 complex to the endocytic machinery, thus providing the forces necessary for endocytosis.
SIX-YEAR FOLLOWUP OF NEONATAL RENOVASCULAR (NRH) HYPERTENSION

Neonatal hypertension is often associated with renal artery thrombosis after use of umbilical artery catheters. Although infants with NRH usually respond to medical therapy, their prognosis is unclear; longterm followup of 11 infants is presented. Mean birthweight was 2914 gm; pre-treatment blood pressure, 161/100 mmHg, and age of onset, 7.8 days. 9 of 11 infants had umbilical artery catheters. A renal abnormality was noted on renal scan or angiography in 9 of 11 infants. 7 of 10 infants studied had elevated peripheral plasma renin activity (PRA). All infants became normotensive with diuretic and/or antihypertensive agents and remained so when weaned off drugs. 2 infants died at 3 months of age of SIDS and pneumonia. The remaining have been followed for 5.5 to 7.5 years. 2 children, neither small for gestational age, have heights and weights below the 5th percentile for age. One child has a creatinine clearance of 62 ml/min/1.73 m2. PRA in 8 children studied is normal. Renal ultrasound, intravenous pyelography, and renal scan demonstrate persistent renal abnormalities in 7 of 9 children. Neonates with NRH responded well to antihypertensive medication, remained normotensive off medications, but had significant abnormalities in renal size and function which persisted over a 6 year period. Because their ultimate prognosis is unclear, longterm followup of infants with NRH is indicated.
The Photochemistry of Planetary Atmospheres

Recent theoretical and observational investigations of photochemical processes in the atmospheres of the planets and their satellites are reviewed. Particular attention is given to the CO2-dominated atmospheres of Mars and Venus, the hydrogen-dominated atmospheres of the Jovian planets, the SO2 atmosphere of Io, and the massive atmospheres of Titan and Triton. The principal reaction paths involved are listed and briefly characterized, and numerical data on atmospheric compositions are given in tables.
Allergenicity of Mycobacterial Ribosomal and Ribonucleic Acid Preparations in Mice and Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs were injected subcutaneously with mycobacterial ribosomal fraction incorporated in Freund's incomplete adjuvant and tested 6 and 12 weeks later by the intradermal injection of 0.5 mug (25 TU) of Purified Protein Derivative. No evidence of delayed-type hypersensitivity could be detected in these animals, although large necrotic reactions were obtained in guinea pigs sensitized with living, attenuated mycobacterial cells. Mice also were vaccinated by the intraperitoneal injection of mycobacterial ribosomal fraction or ribonucleic acid (RNA) and tested for sensitivity to tuberculin at various subsequent times. No evidence of true tuberculin hypersensitivity could be detected at any time, although what appeared to be small Arthus type reactions were seen in mice given the largest vaccinating doses. Attempts to recall tuberculin sensitivity in vaccinated mice by the intravenous injection, 4 weeks after vaccination of living cells, of either the virulent or attenuated mycobacterial strains were unsuccessful. Instead, when the virulent cells were injected, a suppression of footpad reactivity was noted in animals made sensitive to tuberculin by the previous intraperitoneal injection of viable attenuated mycobacterial cells. Both guinea pigs and mice, vaccinated as described above, were also skin tested or footpad tested, respectively, with 2 mug of the ribosomal fraction or RNA used for vaccination. No evidence of true tuberculin hypersensitivity could be obtained; instead, in guinea pig skin very small dermonecrotic areas were noted, and in mice swelling and redness of the footpad occurred to an equal extent in both vaccinated and nonvaccinated mice. The possible role of tuberculin hypersensitivity in acquired immunity to tuberculosis is discussed, and the conclusion is reached that its part, if any, is minor.
NURSExpert: an integrated expert system environment for the bedside nurse

NURSExpert, a comprehensive expert system which integrates several specialized knowledge-based systems into a single tool for organizing patient care, is described. NURSExpert is composed of several highly specialized components that work together in the patient care activity. N-CAREPLAN BUILDER assists in the development of patient care plans. N-INSTRUCT is a computer-based learning system that extends nurse education to the bedside. N-INTERACTION assesses the possibility of interactions between various aspects of a patient's course of treatment (i.e. drug-drug, drug-IV, drug-lab, and drug-food). N-ACUITY assists in determining unit staffing requirements based on required patient care needs. NURSExpert is designed to be integrated into the computing environment of the typical hospital information system. In such a design, critical patient data including admissions, discharges, transfers, laboratory test results, and pharmacy orders can be made available to NURSExpert for use in its decision-making process. >
Rhetoric and Economics in the Estate Tax Debate

In this paper, we evaluate and critique ten principal claims made in recent debates on the estate tax, distinguishing five types of statements: facts, rhetoric, value judgments, economic reasoning, and informed speculation. Economics cannot fully resolve policy debats because economic knowledge is inconclusive and because value judgments help determine optimal policy choices. Nevertheless, economic analysis can contribute substantially to informing these debates, and we show that many of the claims on both sides are incorrect or incomplete, given what is known.
Altered expression of P(2) receptor mRNAs in the basilar artery in a rat double hemorrhage model.

Background and Purpose—Extracellular ATP might induce cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage through P2 receptor. To investigate the roles of P2 receptor subtypes in vasospasm, we examined the changes in mRNA expression of P2 receptor subtypes in basilar arteries from double cisternal blood injection rat models. Methods—One hundred male Sprague-Dawley rats, each weighing 350 to 400 g, were divided into 2 groups of 50. In the first group (n=50), the autologous arterial blood (0.2 to 0.3 mL) was injected into the cisterna magna on days 0 and 2. The rats were killed on day 3, 5, or 7 (n=10 in each group). In the sham group (n=10), the rats were injected with saline (0.3 mL) instead of blood. Ten rats were killed without blood or saline injection and served as control. The basilar arteries from rats in each group were used for reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction. In another group of 50 rats, the same experiment was conducted, and the basilar arteries were collected for transmission e...
State-led Industrialisation: The Evidence on Paraguay, 1852–1870

From I85 Z on, free circulation on the river Parana permitted a rapid increase of exports, mostly under state control. The resources thus freed were devoted to the development of the modern manufacture of industrial goods and plant: iron and steel, engineering, shipbuilding, brickmaking, etc. A railway and a telegraph were installed without incurring an external debt. The experiment was nevertheless spoiled by the war with the 'Triple Alliance' (1864-1870), which opposed Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay to Paraguay, and resulted in the demographic and economic collapse of the country.l
Optimal Bayesian classification and its application to gene regulatory networks

A recently proposed Bayesian theory of classification can incorporate prior knowledge in the model to facilitate optimization and analysis for both classifier design and error estimation. Rather than rely on heuristic algorithms, this work is inspired by Wiener filtering in that it clearly states modeling assumptions and uses these to find optimal operators. The theory also gives rise to a sample-conditioned MSE, a new and useful tool for validating a proposed classifier. Herein, we summarize the theory and present an example classifying between normal and mutated gene regulatory networks based on the observed state of several genes. Partial prior knowledge is built into a discrete model, resulting in an optimal Bayesian classifier that can significantly outperform the popular discrete histogram rule.
A Note on Auction Quotas with a Foreign Duopoly

A country importing a good from foreign duopolists may improve its welfare by imposing a quota on the good at the free trade quantity and giving a fraction of the quota licences to the duopolists while auctioning off the rest.
The game of 3-Euclid

In this paper we study 3-Euclid, a modification of the game Euclid to three dimensions. In 3-Euclid, a position is a triplet of positive integers, written as (a,b,c). A legal move is to replace the current position with one in which any integer has been reduced by an integral multiple of some other integer. The only restriction on this subtraction is that the result must stay positive. We solve the game for some special cases and prove two theorems which give some properties of 3-Euclid's Sprague-Grundy function. They provide a structural description of all positions of Sprague-Grundy value g with two numbers fixed. We state a theorem which establishes a periodicity in the P positions (i.e., those of Sprague-Grundy value g=0), and extend some results to the misere version.
Impact of interacting functional variants in COMT on regional gray matter volume in human brain.

Abstract Background Functional variants in the catechol- O -methyltransferase ( COMT ) gene have been shown to impact cognitive function, cortical physiology and risk for schizophrenia. A recent study showed that previously reported effects of the functional val158met SNP (rs4680) on brain function are modified by other functional SNPs and haplotypes in the gene, though it was unknown if these effects are also seen in brain structure. Methods We used voxel-based morphometry to investigate the impact of multiple functional variants in COMT on gray matter volume in a large group of 151 healthy volunteers from the CBDB/NIMH Genetic Study of Schizophrenia. Results We found that the previously described rs4680 val risk variant affects hippocampal and dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC) gray matter volume. In addition, we found that this SNP interacts with a variant in the P2 promoter region (rs2097603) in predicting changes in hippocampal gray matter volume consistent with a nonlinear effect of extracellular dopamine. Conclusions We report evidence that interacting functional variants in COMT affect gray matter regional volume in hippocampus and DLPFC, providing further in vivo validation of the biological impact of complex genetic variation in COMT on neural systems relevant for the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and extending observations of nonlinear dependence of prefrontal neurons on extracellular dopamine to the domain of human brain structure.
Previous Breastfeeding Practices and Duration of Exclusive Breastfeeding in the United States

We examined the influence of duration of exclusive breastfeeding (DEBF) for a mother's earlier children on the DEBF for her later children among multiparous women from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. DEBF was categorized as: never breastfed (NBF) (referent); not exclusively breastfed or exclusively breastfed for <4 months (EBF<4); and exclusively breastfed for ≥4 months (EBF≥4). We examined DEBF using weighted percentages and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) from multinomial logistic regression models, adjusting for maternal factors. About 70% of multiparous women (n=2,149) repeated the duration of exclusive breastfeeding of their first child for their second child; 14% of women repeated EBF≥4. Among multiparous women, the adjusted odds ratio for EBF≥4 for second children was 7.2 (95% CI=4.0-12.9) when first children were EBF<4 and 90.7 (95% CI=45.4-181.4) when first children were EBF≥4, relative to NBF first children. In analyses where DEBF of third children was the outcome, odds of EBF≥4 were more strongly influenced by DEBF of second children while the impact of DEBF of first children was not as strong. Older maternal age and being married were related to an increased DEBF. Being married at second birth predicted a change from NBF for first children to EBF≥4 for second children (OR=6.2, 95% CI=2.7-14.2). In conclusion, mothers generally repeated the DEBF of their previous child. For third children, DEBF of the second child was more likely to be repeated than that of the first child.
Assessing the impact of changes in climate and CO2 on potential carbon sequestration in agricultural soils

[1] Changes in soil management can potentially increase the accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC), thereby sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. However, the amount of carbon sequestered in soils can be augmented or lessened due to changes in climate and atmospheric CO2 concentration. The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of climate and CO2 feedbacks on soil carbon sequestration using a terrestrial carbon cycle model. Model simulations consist of observed adoption rates of no-tillage practices on croplands in the U.S. and Canada between 1981–2000. Model results indicate potential sequestration rates between 0.4–0.6 MgC/ha/yr in the Midwestern U.S. with decreasing rates towards the western, dryer regions of the U.S. It is estimated here that changes in climate and CO2 between 1981–2000 could be responsible for an additional soil carbon sequestration of 42 Tg. This is 5% of the soil carbon estimated to be potentially sequestered as the result of conversion to no-tillage in the U.S. and Canada.
How strictly do dialysis patients want their advance directives followed

Objective. —The Cruzan case and the Patient Self-Determination Act will encourage patients to specify in advance which life-sustaining treatments they would want if they become mentally incompetent. However, strictly following such advance directives may not always be in a patient's best interests. We sought to determine whether patients differ in how strictly they want advance directives followed. Design. —Interview study. Setting. —Seven outpatient chronic dialysis centers. Participants. —One hundred fifty mentally competent dialysis patients. Intervention. —Using a structured questionnaire, we asked the subjects whether they would want dialysis continued or stopped if they developed advanced Alzheimer's disease. We then asked how much leeway their physician and surrogate should have to override that advance directive if overriding were in their best interests. Subjects granting leeway were also asked what factors should be considered in making decisions for them. Results. —Subjects varied greatly in how much leeway they would give surrogates to override their advance directives: "no leeway" (39%), "a little leeway" (19%), "a lot of leeway" (11%), and "complete leeway" (31%). Subjects also varied in how much they wanted various factors considered in making decisions, such as pain or suffering, quality of life, possibility of a new treatment, indignity caused by continued treatment, financial impact of treatment on family members, and religious beliefs. Conclusions. —Strictly following all advance directives may not truly reflect patients' preferences. To improve advance directives, we recommend that physicians explicitly ask patients how strictly they want their advance directives followed and what factors they want considered in making decisions. ( JAMA . 1992;267:59-63)
Photoexcitation properties of infrared active defects induced by neutron irradiation in silicon

Samples of irradiated n-Si with initial resistivity ϱ ≅ 50 Ω-cm (CG), ϱ ≅ 170 Ω-cm (FZ), and ϱ ≅ 300 Ω-cm (FZ) were studied at low temperatures (15 K< T<100 K) using the two-beam method. The samples had been exposed to a neutron fluence of 1022 n/m2 with energies greater than 1 MeV. The divacancy-associated bands and several prominent higher order bands (HOBs) exhibiting electronic defect absorption were subsequently examined. Plots of photoexcitation capture cross section versus excitation energy, capture cross section versus temperature, and excitation/decay times versus temperature were derived from the data. This experimental study extends earlier work to below liquid nitrogen temperatures, and a larger, more complete data set has been compiled. It has been observed that the capture cross section for the divacancy-associated bands remains relatively constant above 35 K but increases significantly below this temperature, while absorption and decay times are temperature dependent. The HOB data indicate single absorption and decay modes similar to the 1048 and 1101 cm−1 bands previously studied. Each display characteristic time constants and are within a factor of two of those observed earlier.
Oxycodone Abuse in Texas, 1998–2004

Oxycodone is frequently abused, and this abuse appears to be increasing. The purpose of this study was to describe the patterns of oxycodone abuse identified by Texas poison control centers. All oxycodone calls received by Texas poison control centers during 1998-2004 were identified. Annual trends and geographic distributions were determined for drug identification (ID) calls and abuse calls. The distribution of abuse calls was then compared to the distribution of all other types of human exposure calls for a variety of factors. Both drug ID and abuse calls involving oxycodone increased over the 7-yr period. The numbers of abuse calls were higher than expected in the central part of Texas, while drug ID calls were higher than expected in eastern and central Texas. A higher proportion of oxycodone abuse than other types of oxycodone exposures involved males, adolescents, exposures at other residences and public areas, referral by the poison control center to a health care facility, and some sort of clinical effect. Oxycodone abuse calls in Texas are increasing. The proportion of calls varies by geographic region. Oxycodone abuse calls differ from other types of exposures with respect to both demographic factors and clinical management and outcome.
Temperature-Tuning of Near-Infrared Monodisperse Quantum Dot Solids at 1.5 µm for Controllable Förster Energy Transfer

We present the first time-resolved cryogenic observations of Forster energy transfer in large, monodisperse lead sulfide quantum dots with ground-state transitions near 1.5 µm (0.8 eV), in environments from 160 K to room temperature. The observed temperature-dependent dipole−dipole transfer rate occurs in the range of (30−50 ns)−1, measured with our confocal single-photon counting setup at 1.5 µm wavelengths. By temperature-tuning the dots, 94% efficiency of resonant energy transfer can be achieved for donor dots. The resonant transfer rates match well with proposed theoretical models.
Measurement and the dynamics of party identification

Recent work has questioned the conclusions of the revisionist model of party identification. One central issue concerns the measurement of party identification. According to the critics, the research showing that partisanship is responsive to other political evaluations is in error because of peculiarities of measurement. I test this assertion by considering the effects that changes in measurement have on estimates of the dynamics of party identification. The results strongly support the original revisionist conclusions. The findings of responsiveness of party identification to evaluations of party issue positions are quite robust in the face of alternative measures of party identification.
High spatial resolution mapping of resistivity variations in semiconductors

Abstract A new approach to the mapping of resistivity variations in semiconductors uses probe sites provided by an array of lithographically defined contacts with a density of 60,000 sites cm −2 . One- or two-probe spreading resistance or four-point-probe resistance measurements can be made. Solutions of the Laplace equation and measurements on Si that had been ion-implanted to form abrupt boundaries in resistivity are used to show that the spatial resolution of the technique is determined primarily by the spacing of the measurement sites, not by the spreading of the current from the contacts. The technique has been implemented with resolution of lateral variations in resistivity of 45 μm in extent and ±5% in magnitude from the background resistivity. As an example application, a study of the resistivity variations of a Si boule with pronounced growth striations is presented.
Directions in VLBI technology

Abstract Magnetic tape recording, disc recording, and global electronic networks are advancing rapidly, promising both evolutionary and revolutionary impacts on the way VLBI is conducted. In this paper, we will examine the state-of-the-art technologies that may have application to VLBI and consider the current and projected costs in each of these areas.
Clinical Response Within 12 Weeks as a Predictor of Future Low Disease Activity in Patients with Early RA: Results from the TEAR Trial

Objective. Rapidly predicting future outcomes based on short-term clinical response would be helpful to optimize rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management in early disease. Our aim was to derive and validate a clinical prediction rule to predict low disease activity (LDA) at 1 year among patients participating in the Treatment of Early Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis (TEAR) trial escalating RA therapy by adding either etanercept or sulfasalazine + hydroxychloroquine [triple therapy (TT)] after 6 months of methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Methods. Eligible subjects included in the derivation cohort (used for model building, n = 186) were participants with moderate or higher disease activity [Disease Activity Score 28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS-ESR) > 3.2] despite 24 weeks of MTX monotherapy who added either etanercept or sulfasalazine + hydroxychloroquine. Clinical characteristics measured within the next 12 weeks were used to predict LDA 1 year later using multivariable logistic regression. Validation was performed in the cohort of TEAR patients randomized to initially receive either MTX + etanercept or TT. Results. The derivation cohort yielded 3 prediction models of varying complexity that included age, DAS28 at various timepoints, body mass index, and ESR (area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve up to 0.83). Accuracy of the prediction models ranged between 80% and 95% in both derivation and validation cohorts, depending on the complexity of the model and the cutpoints chosen for response and nonresponse. About 80% of patients could be predicted to be responders or nonresponders at Week 12. Conclusion. Clinical data collected early after starting or escalating disease-modifying antirheumatic drug/biologic treatment could accurately predict LDA at 1 year in patients with early RA. For patients predicted to be nonresponders, treatment could be changed at 12 weeks to optimize outcomes.