cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 174: The Longitudinal Effect of Medicaid Expansion on 30-Day Readmissions for Heart Failure and Acute Myocardial Infarction - Insights from Hospital Compare

Background: The emergency department (ED) is a primary access point for hospital admissions/ readmissions. Recent analyses have found that state-level Medicaid expansion is associated with higher E...
Dead-Load Stress in Model Dams by Method of Integration

For massive structures of gravity dams, dead load stresses form most important fraction of total stress in body; experimental methods to determine dead load stresses in structural models are reviewed: new experimental technique termed method of integration is described; method can be used to study alternative construction procedures to result in desired pattern of dead-load stress.
The Effect of the Presence of an Internet-Connected Mobile Tablet Computer on Physical Activity Behavior in Children

Background: Mobile Internet-connected electronic devices provide access to activities that have traditionally been associated with sedentary behavior. Because they are portable, these devices can be utilized in any environment. Therefore, providing children with access to these devices in environments that typically promote physical activity may result in a reduction in physical activity behavior. Purpose: To assess children’s physical and sedentary (ie, sitting) activity with and without the presence of a mobile Internet-connected tablet computer. Methods: A total of 20 children [6.7 (1.9) y old] participated in 2 simulated recess conditions in a gymnasium on separate days. During each condition, children had free-choice access physical activity options and a table of sedentary activities for 40 minutes. During 1 session, the iPad was present, and in the other session, it was not. Physical activity was monitored via an accelerometer, and sedentary time was monitored via a stopwatch. Results: Children sig...
Against reductive ethical naturalism

This paper raises an objection to two important arguments for reductive ethical naturalism. Reductive ethical naturalism is the view that ethical properties reduce to the properties countenanced by the natural and social sciences. The main arguments for reductionism in the literature hold that ethical properties reduce to natural properties by supervening on them, either because supervenience is alleged to guarantee identity via mutual entailment, or because non-reductive supervenience relations render the supervenient properties superfluous. After carefully characterizing naturalism and reductionism, we will present, explain, and raise objections against each of the main reductionist arguments: (a) that supervenience does not support the claim that ethical properties and their subvenient natural properties are mutually entailing; (b) that reductive views undermine the claim that ethical properties yield resemblance; and (c) that supervenience does not entail that non-descriptive ethical properties are superfluous in the most fundamental sense.
Model Refinement, Integration, Formulation, and Analysis

This chapter provides a general overview of the steps involved in model refinement and formulation. Topics cover both the refinement of qualitative models and general concepts on quantifying models for simulation. Central are the reasons for why one wants to build models in the first place, the role of the expert modeler in community-based system dynamics (CBSD), and approaches to working with both causal maps and simulation models. An emphasis is placed on team-based approaches and developing capacity.
Physical Vapor Deposition; Sputtering

It is necessary in wafer processing to add conductive materials to serve as interconnects, and dielectrics as insulators on the wafer. Two commonly used methods for doing this are: physical vapor deposition (PVD), which involves vacuum evaporation and deposition, and sputtering, which takes place in a gas at low pressure. In contrast to chemical vapor deposition (CVD), these methods usually do not involve chemical reactions for conductors, but they may for certain nonconducting compounds, e.g., silicon dioxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (Si3N4). We consider these deposition methods in this chapter [1].
The Use of Audiovisual Aids for Patient Education in the Interventional Radiology Ambulatory Setting: A Literature Review

Abstract Ambulatory education holds its own unique challenges to patient education. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the effectiveness of audiovisual teaching methodologies used for patient education in the interventional radiology (IR) adult ambulatory population. This literature review included evidence-based literature, peer-reviewed articles, and clinical practice guidelines. The results of the literature review revealed positive outcomes in the use of visual aids during the education process. Individual studies showed improved information retention and increased patient satisfaction when audiovisual aids were used. Further study is needed to broaden the scope of research in the use of audiovisual aids during education in the IR ambulatory setting and best practices on educational tool development.
Engineering Protein–Gold Nanoparticle/Nanorod Complexation via Surface Modification for Protein Immobilization and Potential Therapeutic Applications

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and nanorods (AuNRs) find broad applications due to their unique optical and chemical properties. In biological applications, the contact of AuNPs/AuNRs with proteins is ...
Glaucoma Diagnosis: From the Artisanal to the Defined

In 400BC, Hippocrates wrote the first record of glaucoma. Since then, increasingly objective diagnostic techniques have enabled earlier detection of glaucoma and its progression, providing greater certainty in decision-making and early medical and surgical intervention.
Pancreatic cystosis in patients with cystic fibrosis: A qualitative systematic review.

Abstract Background Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and a CFTR gene mutation may present with a variety of pancreatic disorders. The presence of multiple macrocysts (>1 cm) replacing the entire pancreatic parenchyma is termed pancreatic cystosis. Lack of clear data makes clinical decision making challenging and controversial. The aim of this review is to perform a qualitative systematic analysis of the literature with intention to evaluate management plans. Methods Electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus were searched for relevant studies, and 19 studies describing patients with pancreatic cystosis were included and analyzed for clinical features and therapy offered. Results The data of 24 patients were collected from included studies. Eight cases (33%) had a documented CFTR gene mutation and 10 (42%) were symptomatic at presentation. Imaging modalities included ultrasound in 18 (75%), CT in 12 (50%), and MRI in 8 (33%) cases. An average size of the largest cyst was 5.4 cm. 6 (25%) patients were offered therapy that described surgical (3), endoscopic (1), or medical therapy (2). Surgeries offered included total pancreatectomy, partial pancreatic resection of uncertain extent, and complex cyst resection. Endoscopic treatment was cystogastrostomy. Novel medical treatment was utilized with Doxepin, Propantheline, and Clonidine, resulting in reduction in cyst size and overall clinical improvement. Conclusion Patients with pancreatic cystosis should not be denied treatment when necessary. This literature review is the most comprehensive thus far of cystic fibrosis and pancreatic cystosis, and it did not provide identification of a definitive treatment plan or demonstrate contraindication to specific therapies.
Using Simulation Modeling Methods to Study Teams Doing Taskwork

Traditional human factors approaches to team research are inherently limited by the time and resources required to conduct laboratory and field studies. Teams can be described as systems, which can...
New Face of Hepatitis C

Chronic hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection continues to carry a high burden of disease despite recent and emerging advancements in treatment. The persistently high prevalence of HCV is attributed to the rising opioid epidemic, with a history of injection drug use as the primary risk factor for infection. As a result, the epidemiology of HCV-infected individuals is changing. Previously a disease of “Baby Boomers,” males, and non-Hispanic blacks, the new generation of patients with HCV includes younger adults from 20 to 39 years of age, both men and women similarly represented, and non-Hispanic whites. Shifting trends in these demographics may be attributed to the use of injection drugs, which also has suggested impact on fibrosis progression in infected individuals. Awareness of the changing face of HCV is necessary to expand and revise recommendations regarding screening, outreach, and care engagement of infected individuals, in order to best identify patients at-risk for infection.
Report of Committee on Dynamics of Streams, 1938–39

All members of the Committee on Dynamics of Streams have been quite active in the field of the Committee's assigned work and in immediately related activities. Individual members are represented on several of the other Committees of the Section of Hydrology of the American Geophysical Union and on Committees on related subjects of other organizations. This has been advantageous in the stimulation of cooperative effort in the field of the Committee's activity. Last year nine reports of the Committee's membership were presented at meetings of the American Geophysical Union and published in its Transactions. Several other persons solicited by the Committee prepared papers for presentation at the Union s meetings. Numerous articles on stream-dynamics by the Committee's membership have also appeared in other publications. There have been no changes in membership of the Committee on Dynamics of Streams during the past year. The membership of the Committee is as follows: K. Hilding Beij, National Hydraulic Laboratory, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C. H. H. Bennett, Director, U. S. Soil-Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Irving B. Crosby, Consulting Geologist, 6 Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts John B. Drisko, 34 West Baltimore Street, Kensington, Maryland H. V. Geib, Division of Research, Soil-Conservation Service, College Station, Texas C. S. Howard, Chemist, U. S. Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. E. W. Lane, Associate Director, Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research, Iowa City, Iowa L. M. Lawson, Commissioner, International Boundary Commission, First National Bank Building, El Paso, Texas W. C. Lowdermilk, Chief, Division of Research, U. S. Soil Conservation Service, Washington, D.C. Gerard H. Matthes, Mississippi River Commission, Box 363, Vicksburg, Mississippi G. W. Musgrave, Experiment Station, Soil-Conservation Service, Washington, D.C. Martin E. Nelson, Associate Engineer, U. S. Engineer Sub-Office, Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research, Iowa City, Iowa M. P. O'Brien, College of Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California R. L. Parshall, Colorado State College, Fort Collins, Colorado G. W. Pickels, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois C. H. Pierce, Senior Engineer, U. S. Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. C. E. Ramser, Watershed and Hydrologic Studies, U.S. Soil Conservation Service, Washington, D.C. William W. Rubey, U.S. Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. Fred C. Scobey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 219 P.O. Building, Berkeley, California Lorenz G. Straub (Chairman), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota Roy N. Towl, Consulting Engineer, 506 South Fifty-seventh Street, Omaha, Nebraska A. C. Trowbridge, Department of Geology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa Herbert D. Vogel, Fort Belvoir, Virginia H. H. Wheaton, Department of Mathematics, Fresno State College, Fresno, California N. E. Winters, State Agricultural College, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Effects of Different Vitamin C-Enriched Collagen Derivatives on Collagen Synthesis.

Nutritional strategies to improve connective tissue collagen synthesis have garnered significant interest, although the scientific validity of these interventions lags behind their hype. This study...
Supercontinuum Generation from Dispersion Engineered A1N Nanophotonic Waveguide Arrays

We experimentally study the supercontinuum generation from A1N nanophotonic waveguide arrays. By splitting the fundamental TE mode into TE-odd and TE-even modes, dispersion property of the waveguide is greatly improved © 2019 The Author(s)
Safety and Tolerability of Thrombin Inhibition in Scleroderma-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease.

Objective Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) (scleroderma) and the leading cause of scleroderma-related deaths. There exists an unmet need for a new drug therapy for ILD-complicated SSc. Substantial evidence supports an important role for thrombin in the pathogenesis of SSc-associated ILD (hereafter SSc-ILD), and targeting thrombin with a direct thrombin inhibitor could prove to be a novel and effective treatment strategy. As a first step toward designing a clinical trial to test the efficacy of thrombin inhibition in SSc-ILD, we conducted this study to test the safety and tolerability of dabigatran in patients with SSc-ILD. Methods We performed a prospective, single-center, open-label treatment trial with the direct thrombin inhibitor, dabigatran, in patients with SSc-ILD. Any patient with a history of gastrointestinal hemorrhage or gastric antral vascular ectasia was excluded. Blood monitoring was performed monthly, and patient-reported outcomes, pulmonary function tests, and skin scores were obtained at baseline and at 3- and 6-month visits. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed at baseline and at 6 months for measurement of lung thrombin activity. Results Of 15 patients with SSc-ILD, 14 completed 6 months of treatment with dabigatran at 75 mg taken orally twice daily. Adverse events were uncommon and usually mild or unrelated to the study medication. No serious adverse event was observed. Dabigatran was well tolerated, and we observed no significant gastrointestinal, pulmonary, or other safety issues or intolerability. BAL fluid thrombin activity decreased or remained stable in 13 of 14 (92.8%) subjects. Conclusion Dabigatran appears to be safe and well tolerated in patients with SSc-ILD. A larger randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of direct thrombin inhibition with dabigatran can be considered.
Divergent Dilemma: The Reconceptualization and Critical Use of Acculturation in Latinx Health Research

In this chapter, I delineate the historical and theoretical foundations of acculturation in anthropology, sociology, and psychology; identify popular measures of acculturation; and outline their critiques. After this multidisciplinary refresher, I explore how the process of acculturation can be conceptualized and investigated in relation to one health outcome commonly examined in Latinx health: obesity. My approach departs from stereotypes, acknowledges pre-immigration conditions, and captures the host context. My goal is to provide an example of how to conceptualize the process of acculturation specific to distinct health outcomes. I end by arguing that addressing the problems of acculturation in health research and creating new conceptualizations may help us resolve our divergent dilemma and produce research that provides meaningful information about Latinx health inequalities, both in the United States and abroad.
Cardiovascular Risks and Benefits of Medications Used for Weight Loss

Obesity is a complex disease influenced by many neurohormonal pathways that regulate body weight towards homeostasis. Presently, the disease of obesity effects over a billion individuals worldwide, and scalable treatment options are desperately needed. Pharmacologic interventions for obesity have been developed to help promote weight loss in individuals with obesity. This area is rapidly developing, and will only exponentially increase to serve the demand for persons with obesity seeking biologically orientated solutions to treat their disease. Understanding the cardiovascular risks and benefits of these weight loss medications is of particular importance due to obesity’s strong association with cardiovascular (CV) disease risk. Moreover, past experiences with pharmacotherapy agents with weight loss properties have demonstrated an association with adverse CV outcomes, leading to market removal in most cases and concerns over the use of similar medications. To better understand the CV risks and benefits pharmacotherapy agents used for weight loss, this review will discuss medication which are FDA-approved for weight loss, as well as medications commonly used off-label for this indication. The goal is to provide an overview of the risks and benefits many of these medications can offer to help guide clinical decision making and patient education.
Interhemispheric Coupling Mechanisms in the Middle Atmosphere of WACCM6

AbstractSimulations with the Community Earth System Model, version 2, using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model version 6 [CESM2(WACCM6)] configuration, show evidence of dynamical coupling...
Extending Over-the-Air Libraries to Secure ESP8266 Updates

The ESP8266 is a popular Arduino-compatible SoC chip that has been adopted by many IoT (Internet of Things) device manufacturers. Available OTA (Over-The-Air) libraries to upload programs to the chip exist, but they offer limited security mechanisms. This paper describes extensions to those libraries that allow incremental computation of a SHA1 hash over program fragments and the ability to validate its value using an authenticated remote service through RESTful APIs. This is an important feature that offers basic primitives to incorporate self-protection strategies into the platform. Testing on a proof-of-concept system shows promising results and potential to extend the approach to a large distributed domain.
An Extendible Connectionist Simulator

Connectionist (or neural) networks consist of large numbers of relatively simple computational units. The units communicate nonsymbolically over links. The computation performed is embodied in the pattern of connectivity. Connectionist researchers hope to explain or reproduce human performance on pattern matching and other tasks which have proved resistant to traditional programming techniques. Roughly, they work on designing artificial brains. Because of the large numbers of units needed — the human brain has more than 10**10 neurons — networks useful for large, complex tasks will require hardware realizations. Work on VLSI networks is ongoing [1].
Effective cure cycle development via flow optimization and advanced cure environments

Out-time and moisture absorption in prepregs are generally unavoidable in an industrial setting, where prepreg layup can take weeks. The resin cross-linking and viscosity increase that occurs durin...
A High-Sensitivity Plasmonic Photoconductive Terahertz Focal-Plane Array

We demonstrate a 63-pixel photoconductive terahertz focal-plane array, which uses plasmonic nanoantennas to maximize terahertz and optical pump interaction at each pixel to provide signal-to-noise-ratios exceeding 60 dB and more than 2 THz bandwidth for all pixels.
Assessment-related anxiety among older adults: development of a measure.

Older adults are the largest population seeking neuropsychological assessment services. Anxiety has been shown to impact test scores, yet no anxiety measure currently exists specific to older adult...
The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods: Guide to Research and Literature

On January 1, 1988, the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (the Convention) became effective in the United States. In general, the Convention (also referred to as the “Vienna Sales Convention,” the “Sales Convention,” the “CISG,” or the “UN Convention”) applies to contracts for the sale of goods between enterprises having their places of business in different countries, provided these countries have adopted the Convention. Freedom of contract, however, is a fundamental principle of the Convention, and the parties may opt out or modify the effects of its provisions.
Computational particle fluid dynamics simulation of biomass gasification in an entrained flow gasifier

Abstract Entrained flow gasification is an established technology for coal and petroleum coke particles. The technology is being investigated extensively for biomass gasification to meet the requirement of the green energy targets. A three-dimensional computational particle fluid dynamics (CPFD) model is developed to simulate an Entrained Flow (EF) gasification reactor. The model is validated against experimental gas composition and process temperature reported from an experiment published in the literature. The interdependence between reactor hydrodynamics, thermal and reaction chemistry is demonstrated and described for an EF reactor. Simulations show zones of high and low temperatures suggesting different reaction zones, such as a partial combustion zone near the fuel injector followed by a gasification zone. Particles in the central region show high carbon conversion compared to the particles in the other zones. Char- O₂ and char-H₂O are significant in the gasifier entrance region, whereas the char-CO₂ reaction is prevalent throughout the reactor elevation. The optimal gasification performance (higher mole fraction of CO and H₂) is in the range of equivalence ratio 0.3 to 0.44.
Developing systems-centric as-built BIMs to support facility emergency management: A case study approach

Abstract Current as-built Building Information Model (BIM) deliverables generated following design and construction generally do not fulfill facility management needs. To provide total value to the facility owner, as-built models should be configured to provide needed critical operation and maintenance information, solve operational challenges, and improve safety and efficiency in various ways. In addition to having complete and accurate data, as-built BIMs should be configured to be systems-centric enabling facility owners to visualize model graphics from a systems perspective. This is critical during a maintenance emergency when the model user needs to identify components belonging to the building systems that are contributing to or impacted by the emergency and be able to make well-informed timely decisions. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by defining and documenting requirements and procedures for configuring systems-centric as-built BIM models. A multi-level building systems classification is developed, and fourteen specific properties are defined. The implementation is discussed using a case study approach analyzing the mechanical and plumbing systems for a science and classroom building of a 4-year academic institution. By developing systems-centric models, facility staff can respond to emergency maintenance and analyze the impact of the event by isolating the elements of a specific system related to the emergency and display these elements explicitly.
The Origin and Action of the Contractile Ring

In animal cells (and a few selected plant cells) cell division is concluded by formation of a cleavage furrow that constricts the entire cell, ultimately pinching it into two parts (Figure 1), Cell cleavage by constriction is one of two general strategies of cytokinesis. In most plant cells a phragmoplast directs a restructuring process that begins inside the cell, resulting in an outward-growing wall. Each mechanism of cytokinesis is coordinated with mitosis (or meiosis), but the actual mechanisms of cytokinesis are known to be quite separate from the mechanisms that causes chromosome separation.
Hybrid Architectures: Media/Information Environments

Publisher Summary Hybrid architectures are presented through the intersection of computer-related environments and physical architectures. The creative use of hybrid architectures and media/information environments gives contemporary artists new ways to address content. Technologies and various devices/systems that house them will provide an exciting realm for exploration. This chapter describes the systems that will engender a new architecture of creation and distribution for artists, defining new intelligent forms and in turn bringing about a paradigm shift in artistic production. These intelligent attributes will also bring about alternate forms of entertainment, educational systems, access to information, and interpersonal communication. Intelligent architectures, both physical and conceptual, need to exist in a state of continuous transformation to meet the needs of contemporary society. The user of these systems can generate a set of specific needs, which can potentially be projected and addressed in the planning and development stages of future generations of intelligent spaces. The information architects of this communication environment―“fine” artists, urban planners, architects, industrial designers, engineers, graphic artists, technological developers, and programmers―have to take on the increasingly important role of enhancing advanced communication through cross-fertilization of disciplines to implement such advanced systems The intelligent, hybrid architectures which will enable all forms of information exchange are still in the punning process of being defined.
From Ferraro to Palin: sexism in coverage of vice presidential candidates in old and new media

An analysis of news coverage of vice presidential candidates finds the previously observed media biases for women who run for other political positions to be present for women vice presidential nominees, and especially in the arena of new media, where editorial filters are mostly absent. Using content analysis of major print news and online blogs, we find sex inequalities in coverage tone, type, and hard sexism (overtly gendered insults). Coverage of female vice presidential candidates is more negative, more focused on her appearance and familial role, and more sexist, than coverage of male vice presidential candidates. Furthermore, we find that negative tone and hard sexism are more pronounced in the online blogosphere. The implication for women, especially for those with presidential ambitions, is that known media hostility may be a deterrent, and further stimulates the chronic underrepresentation of women in our governing institutions.
ALPHA-1/alarm airborne lidar systems and measurements

Laser radar (lidar) systems provide the means to observe extended atmospheric regions remotely with high spatial and temporal detail (Collis and Russell, 1976; Uthe, 1981). Operation of lidar systems from aircraft platforms greatly extends the sensor’s capabilities by providing mobility over large regional areas. Moreover, because of returns from the earth’s surface, atmospheric transport and diffusion over complex terrain can be evaluated, and the surface returns may supplement observed atmospheric backscatter with additional information on the optical and physical properties of atmospheric constituents.
How the unintended consequences of organizational interventions complicate the assessment of economic utility

Interventions in organizations (e.g., implementing new testing, training or leadership development programs) are likely to have a wide range of effects, some intended and some unintended. These outcomes are likely to unfold over time in a wide range of trajectories. A multi-stakeholder, multivariate longitudinal perspective is suggested as a way of reflecting more broadly the range of effects of organizational interventions when estimating their financial impact.
Gasoline Prices, Government Support, and the Demand for Hybrid Vehicles in the U.S.

We analyze the determinants in the demand for hybrid vehicles and examine government programs that aim to promote the adoption of these vehicles. We find that hybrid vehicle sales in 2006 would have been 37 percent lower had gasoline prices stayed at the 1999 levels while the effect of the federal income tax credit program is estimated at 20 percent in 2006. Our results suggest that under the income tax credit program, the cost of reducing gasoline consumption was $75 per barrel in government revenue and that of CO2 emission reduction was $177 per ton. We show that the cost-effectiveness of federal tax programs can be improved by adopting a flat rebate scheme.
Estimations of Pathway Contributions to Glucose Metabolism and the Transaldolase Reactions

A model for the estimation of pathway contributions has been extended to include the effect of the transaldolase reactions on the randomization of 14C of specifically labeled glucoses. With glucose-2-14C as substrate, the contribution of the pentose cycle to glucose metabolism and the extent of isomerization of fructose 6-phosphate to glucose 6-phosphate in a tissue represented by the model can be estimated solely from the distribution of 14C in the 6 carbon atoms of glucose 6-phosphate or a derivative. Data for adipose, adrenal, and thyroid tissue support the adequacy of this approach. In these tissues, the transaldolase exchange reaction, as well as the reaction of the pentose cycle catalyzed by transaldolase, appears to introduce 14C from glucose-2-14C into carbon atoms 4, 5, and 6 of hexose-6-P. The maximum rate of the transaldolase exchange reaction can be estimated. The transaldolase reactions do not affect estimates of pentose cycle contributions with glucose-1-14C and -6-14C when triose-P derivatives are employed, but do alter the relative specific activities in carbon atoms 1 to 6 of hexose-6-P derivatives.
Qualitative analysis of interference on receiver performance using advanced pulse compression noise (APCN)

We present an analysis of receiver performance when diverse waveforms such as the advanced pulse compression noise (APCN) are used. Two perspectives within the shared channel are considered: (1) a radar transceiving APCN in the presence of other radar interference sources, and (2) a communications system transceiving M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) in the presence of a radar interference sources practicing waveform diversity. Through simulation, we show how waveform diversity and the ability to tune the APCN spectrum characteristics minimizes interference for co-channel users.
Estimation of a Finite Population Mean and Total Using Population Ranks of Sample Units

This paper introduces new estimators for population total and mean in a finite population setting, where ranks (or approximate ranks) of population units are available before selecting sample units. The proposed estimators require selecting a simple random sample and identifying the population ranks of sample units. Selection of the sample can be performed with- or without-replacement. The population ranks of the selected units of with-replacement samples are determined among all population units. On the other hand, the ranks of the sample units of without-replacement samples are identified in two different ways: (1) The rank of a sample unit is determined sequentially among the remaining population units after excluding all previously ranked sample units from the population; (2) The ranks are determined among all units in the population. By conditioning on these population ranks, we construct a set of weighted estimators, develop a bootstrap re-sampling procedure to estimate the variances of the estimators, and construct percentile confidence intervals for the population mean and total. We show that the new estimators provide a substantial amount of efficiency gain over their competitors. We apply the proposed estimators to estimate corn production in one of the counties in Ohio.
Warranty Claims and Costs: Statistical Analysis of†

This article summarizes approaches to the modeling and analysis of warranty data with an emphasis on the special characteristics of the data that distinguish it from reliability data in general. The special characteristics include the existence of costs and data limitations caused by warranty coverage limits. Practical considerations are emphasized as opposed to theory. Keywords: repairable systems; counting process; age based; mean cumulative function
Gas-phase acid-base properties of 1-aminocycloalkane-1-carboxylic acids from the extended kinetic method

Abstract The gas-phase proton affinities (PA) and gas-phase acidities (GA) for the non-protein amino acids 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid ( 1 ), 1-amino-1-cyclobutane-carboxylic acid ( 2 ), cycloleucine ( 3 ) and 1-amino-1-cyclohexane ( 4 ) have been determined using the extended kinetic method in ESI-tandem mass spectrometers. These non-protein amino acids are found in a variety of foods and can compete with other aliphatic amino acids in a variety of biochemical processes. We find a positive trend in proton affinity with an increasing ring size for the four amino acids. Experimental proton affinities of 896 ± 8.0, 913 ± 8.0, 931 ± 8.0, and 933 ± 8.0 were determined for 1 – 4 , respectively. Hybrid density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6-311 + + G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31 + G(d) level of theory give predictions for the proton affinities of 1 – 4 that are in excellent agreement with the measured values and support the positive trend. In contrast, we find that the gas-phase acidities (Δ H acid ) for 1 – 4 are the same within error. Acidities of 1425 ± 8 kJ/mol, 1424 ± 8 kJ/mol, 1428 ± 10 kJ/mol, and 1423 ± 8 kJ/mol were determined for 1 – 4 . Theoretical predictions for the acidities for 1 – 4 are in excellent agreement with the measured acidities and support the conclusion that there is no trend with changing ring size.
Contrast roentgen visualization of coarctation of the aorta

Abstract 1. 1. Contrast visualization of the aorta offers an excellent diagnostic aid in clinically obscure or atypical cases of coarctation of the aorta. 2. 2. The fluorographic multiple exposure technique is especially advantageous, since many photographs with fluoroscopic observation of the required phase of the cardiac cycle are obtained. 3. 3. There has been no undue reaction to the necessary procedures, whether in children or in adults.
Sustained-release indomethacin in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.

Abstract Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic rheumatic disorder that is characterized by inflammation of the spine, sacroiliac, and large peripheral joints. Although back pain is the most frequent presenting symptom, disease can begin in peripheral joints—especially in children and women—and, rarely, even with acute iritis. Whatever the mode of onset, recurrent back pain that is frequently nocturnal and of varying intensity is an eventual complaint, as is early morning stiffness that is typically relieved by activity. The long-term prognosis is clearly enhanced by early diagnosis and patient education, both of which are central to preventing or minimizing disability. By suppressing articular inflammation, pain, and stiffness, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs facilitate exercise and other supportive measures. Currently, among these agents, indomethacin occupies an important place. By virtue of its 12-hour dosage system, sustained-release indomethacin can be prescribed only once or twice daily, providing the anti-inflammatory efficacy of indomethacin while promoting patient compliance.
How has the introduction of new bearing surfaces altered the biological reactions to byproducts of wear and modularity

Background Biological responses to wear debris were largely elucidated in studies focused on conventional ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and some investigations of polymethymethacrylate cement and orthopaedic metals. However, newer bearing couples, in particular metal-on-metal but also ceramic-on-ceramic bearings, may induce different biological reactions.
Isospin observables from fragment energy spectra

The energy spectra of light charged particles and intermediate mass fragments from ${}^{112}\mathrm{Sn}+{}^{112}\mathrm{Sn}$ and ${}^{124}\mathrm{Sn}+{}^{124}\mathrm{Sn}$ collisions at an incident energy of $E/A=50$ MeV have been measured with a large array of silicon strip detectors. We used charged-particle multiplicities detected in an array with nearly 4$\ensuremath{\pi}$ coverage to select data from the central collision events. We study isospin observables analogous to ratios of neutron and proton spectra, including double ratios and yield ratios of triton/${}^{3}$He and of asymmetries constructed from fragments with $Z=3$--8. Using the energy spectra, we can construct these observables as functions of kinetic energy. Most of the fragment asymmetry observables have a large sensitivity to sequential decays.
Transfusion-related acute lung injury: from bedside to bench and back

Over the past 60 years, the transfusion medicine community has attained significant knowledge regarding transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) through the bedside to bench and back to the bedside model. First, at the bedside, TRALI causes hypoxia and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, typically within 6 hours of transfusion. Second, bedside studies showed a higher incidence in plasma and platelet products than in red blood cell products (the fatal TRALI incidence for plasma is 1:2-300 000 products; platelet, 1:3-400 000; red blood cells, 1:25 002 000), as well as an association with donor leukocyte antibodies (∼ 80% of cases). Third, at the bench, antibody-dependent and antibody-independent mechanisms have been described, requiring neutrophil and pulmonary endothelial cell activation. Antibodies, as well as alternate substances in blood products, result in neutrophil activation, which, in a susceptible patient, result in TRALI (2-hit hypothesis). Fourth, back to the bedside, policy changes based on results of these studies, such as minimizing use of plasma and platelet products from donors with leukocyte antibodies, have decreased the incidence of TRALI. Thus, steps to mitigate TRALI are in place, but a complete mechanistic understanding of the pathogenesis of TRALI and of which patients are at highest risk remains to be elucidated.
Peroxidase Associated with Higher Plant Mitochondria

The presence of peroxidase in mitochondria from etiolated mung bean hypocotyls and skunk cabbage spadices, suggested by carbon monoxide difference spectra and the spectral response to methyl hydroperoxide, was shown to result from contamination of the isolated mitochondria by a denser particle fraction with high peroxidase activity. The mitochondria themselves have no peroxidatic activity. Analysis of the homogenate of mung bean hypocotyls revealed that over 90% of the peroxidase was soluble, as expected. Sonication of the isolated mitochondria, however, did not remove all the peroxidase from the particulate fraction, indicating that some of this enzyme is tightly bound to a membrane. These results suggest that the peroxidase in plant cells is localized in lysosomes or microbodies, most of which are ruptured on tissue homogenization to give soluble peroxidase, but some of which survive and appear as membrane bound peroxidase.
Identifying market potential and destination choice factors of Taiwanese overseas travelers.

Abstract Several statistics indicate Taiwan to be a tourist-generating country. The purposes of this study were to identify the market potential and the underlying destination choice factors of Taiwanese traveling abroad for pleasure. Data were collected through a 1996 survey of metropolitan citizens (n = 225). The sociodemographic as well as pleasure travel profiles were revealed and five destination choice dimensions emerged: facilities/safety, attractions, practical accessibility, quality, and symbolic accessibility. Two sociodemographic variables and one travel characteristic were significantly related to the overall destination choice factors. A discussion of the key findings and implications is presented.
Neuroscience: AMPA receptors get 'pickled'.

In mediating fast synaptic communication in the brain, AMPA receptors require TARP auxiliary proteins. It seems that another distinct class of proteins also bind to AMPA receptors and regulate their function.
A new ontology-supported interface agent

In this paper, an Interface Agent which worked as an assistant between the users and FAQ systems to retrieve FAQs on the domain of Personal Computer was illustrated. Specifically, how ontology helped interface agents to provide better FAQ services and related algorithms described in details. Our preliminary experimentation demonstrated that user intention and focus of up to eighty percent of the user queries can be correctly understood by the system, and accordingly provided the query solutions with higher user satisfaction.
Combined exercise radionuclide angiocardiography and single photon emission computed tomography perfusion studies for assessment of coronary artery disease.

Although there is widespread use of exercise thallium 201 scintigraphy and radionuclide angiocardiography in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), little is known about the independence, concordance, or relative importance of these studies in the diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of the outcome of therapy. The use of both tests in the same patient has been impractical because of the logistic considerations imposed by two exercise tests on separate days and excessive radiation exposure. New technetium 99m-labeled radiopharmaceuticals with high myocardial extraction now permit the simultaneous assessment of myocardial perfusion (single photon emission computed tomography [SPECT]) and ventricular function (radionuclide angiocardiography [RNA]) during treadmill exercise (exercise tolerance test [ETT]). The ability to perform all three tests during a single exercise session offers a very attractive technique to evaluate patients with CAD. The investigators studied 86 patients with chronic CAD using the same-day perfusion and function protocol combined with treadmill exercise. The results demonstrate good concordance between myocardial perfusion and ventricular function as indicated by a significant correlation between tomographic perfusion defect size and ejection fraction ( P R =0.75 at rest and P R =0.76 during exercise). Stepwise logistic regression was used to model ETT, RNA, and SPECT variables against the presence of one or more 60% stenoses by quantitative angiography, an end point present in 47 patients. Univariable analysis showed all three tests (ETT, RNA, and SPECT) to be significant predictors of the end points (χ 2 =5.1, P 2 =12.5, P 2 =16.1, P 2 =16.1, P 2 =7.1, P 2 =23.2) requires assessment of cardiac function and myocardial perfusion.
Studies on three photosynthetic mutants of Scenedesmus

Abstract Three mutants of Scenesdesmus D 3 designated 8, A′, and 26 by Dr. Norman Bishop, were compared with the wild type strain with respect to their ability to fix 14 CO 2 photosynthetically. Intact cells were also studied using the techniques of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to identify the presence as well as the magnitude of the characteristic light-induced Signal I. Cell-free systems prepared from these same organisms were assayed for their competence to carry out photophosphorylation and photoreduction. The effect of several added co-factors in these systems was also studied including ferricyanide, phenazine methosulfate, ascorbic acid, and dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP). Mutant 26 is able to carry out cyclic photophosphorylation, but is unable to photoreduce NADP + . It has a normal EPR Signal I, and the lesion appears to be in the flow of electrons between Photosystem I and the pyridine nucleotide. Mutant A′ is devoid of activity in Photosystem II. It is unable to carry out photoreduction unless electrons are provided from the DCIP-ascorbate couple. Mutant 8 is characterized by a unique ability to photoadapt its mutation. Mutant 8 cells grown in continuous light for approx. 30 days regain their photosynthetic ability and appear competent to carry out CO 2 fixation, photoreduction and photophosphorylation. Photosystem I activity and Signal I, absent in dark-grown cells is present in the light-grown organism. When such cells are returned to the dark they gradually deadapt and resume their mutant biochemical behavior. By treating dark-grown Mutant 8 cells with heat and a detergent, Triton X-100, Signal I appears. These data localize the lesion in Mutant 8 in the flow of the electrons in Photosystem I. It is postulated that alterations in the micro environment of Photocenter I induced by detergent or by light permit the flow of electrons through Photocenter I.
Profiles of automated peritoneal dialysis prescriptions in the US 1997–2003

Automated peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the dominant mode of delivery of PD in the US. Information about actual prescribing patterns has been limited. The present study examines cycler prescription use in large cohorts during the years 1997, 2000, and 2003. We observed trends consisting of increasing fill volumes, increasing time on cycler, lowering of the number of cycles, and a shift in the reason for utilization of tidal therapy. Monitoring of practice patterns is beneficial in identifying opportunities for practice enhancement. The findings of the present survey demonstrate trends that approach standard recommendations of the benefits of increasing fill volume whereas paying close attention to dwell time as a balance between cycle number and therapy duration. Furthermore, this survey shows that the cycler represents a flexible method to personalize PD therapy.
New perspectives in cell adhesion : RGD and integrins

Rapid progress has been made in the understanding of the molecular interactions that result in cell adhesion. Many adhesive proteins present in extracellular matrices and in the blood contain the tripeptide arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) as their cell recognition site. These proteins include fibronectin, vitronectin, osteopontin, collagens, thrombospondin, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor. The RGD sequences of each of the adhesive proteins are recognized by at least one member of a family of structurally related receptors, integrins, which are heterodimeric proteins with two membrane-spanning subunits. Some of these receptors bind to the RGD sequence of a single adhesion protein only, whereas others recognize groups of them. The conformation of the RGD sequence in the individual proteins may be critical to this recognition specificity. On the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane, the receptors connect the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton. More than ten proved or suspected RGD-containing adhesion-promoting proteins have already been identified, and the integrin family includes at least as many receptors recognizing these proteins. Together, the adhesion proteins and their receptors constitute a versatile recognition system providing cells with anchorage, traction for migration, and signals for polarity, position, differentiation, and possibly growth.
Tuberkulose des Zentralnervensystems beim Hund

Es werden 2 Falle von Gehirn- bzw. Meningentuberkulose beim Hunde beschrieben. Im ersten Fall war es nach einer aerogenen Infektion zu einer miliaren Aussaat vorzugsweise in der Mark- und Kornerzellschicht des Kleinhirns gekommen. Ein zweiter Hund zeigte im Rahmen einer knotigen Generalisation nach alimentarer Infektion eine ausgedehnte Meningentuberkulose mit tiefem Einbruch in den rechten Occipitalpol.
On the Time-Weighted Quadratic Sum of Linear Discrete Systems

A method is proposed for obtaining the time-weighted quadratic sum for linear discrete systems. The formula of the weighted quadratic sum is obtained from matrix z-transform formulation. In addition, it is shown that this quadratic sum can be derived in a recursive form for several useful weighted functions. The discussion presented parallels that of MacFarlane (1963) for weighted quadratic integral for linear continuous systems.
A Rebel in Defense of Tradition: The Life and Politics of Dwight Macdonald

This biography is a tale of an upper-middle-class white male who managed to jettison the prejudices and provincialism of his class, and become one of the most penetrating critics of mid-century American civilization. Dwight MacDonald was the founder of "The Partisan Review", and editor of "The New Yorker", "Fortune" and "Esquire". His friends ranged from Hannah Arendt to Abbie Hoffman.