cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medicaid Expansion After the ACA: Intensity of Treatment and Billing in Emergency Departments

Importance: Expanding health insurance coverage, in addition to increasing access to healthcare, affects medical provider revenue. While projections of medical expenditure include increased utilization attributable to improved access, they do not include changes in provider practice and billing misestimating the cost of insurance expansion. Objective: To evaluate changes to provider practice and billing following the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandated Medicaid expansion in the emergency department (ED). We analyze total number of procedures and diagnoses on discharge records, then we focus on two diagnostic categories to examine use of specific tests. Design: We analyze 18,872,744 discharges in six states, four of which chose to expand Medicaid, and two which did not, using State Emergency Department Databases (SEDD) for 2013-2014. Using difference-in-differences analysis, we compared outcomes of interest adjusting for patient, visit, and zip code characteristics. Results: The number of procedures in expanding states increased by 0.27 per visit (95% CI, 0.09-0.45), while the number of diagnoses declined by 0.098 per visit (95% CI, -0.22 – 0.03) in 2014 compared to non-expanding states. Focusing on diagnoses of abdominal and pelvic symptoms, we find consistent evidence of decreased use of ultrasounds of abdomen and pelvis (-0.0076, 95% CI, -0.01- -0.002), and some evidence of decreased use of CTs of abdomen and pelvis (-0.0112, 95% CI, -0.01 - -0.001). For diagnoses of upper respiratory symptoms, we find evidence of substitution between tests: 3.2 percentage point decrease in use of ECGs (95% CI, -0.04 - -0.02), and a parallel 1.8 percentage point increase in use of chest x-rays (95% CI, 0.01-0.03). While these magnitudes appear small, the average CMS reimbursement for ECGs is $11.76 and for x-rays is $43.32, an almost four-fold increase in cost. Conclusion: We find that the Medicaid expansion led to between 2.7% to 4.0% increase in number of procedures per visit in the ED. This increase translates into 1,057,169 extra procedures performed in the four expanding states studied here in 2014, adding an estimated cost of $248 million to health expenditures in these states, of which $95.8 million was paid by Medicaid, a cost not captured by current policy projections.
Presence of active and latent type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor associated with porcine platelets

Data from a number of laboratories indicate that human platelets contain type I plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) primarily in a latent form; however, one report (Biochemistry 28:5773, 1989) indicated that it is predominantly the active form of PAI-1 that is present in and can be purified from an ammonium sulfate precipitate of porcine platelets. To clarify this situation, we investigated and compared the status of PAI-1 in porcine and human platelets. Immunologic analysis of the ability of PAI-1 to form complexes with immobilized t-PA indicated that porcine and human platelets contained 3.7 +/- 0.4 and 1.7 +/- 0.3 U of PAI activity per 10(8) platelets (n = 6; +/- SD), respectively; sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-activation of the lysates increased PAI-1 activity to 10.8 +/- 3.0 and 3.8 +/- 0.5 U per 10(8) platelets. Platelet lysates were also treated with an excess of soluble t-PA, which formed complexes with active PAI-1, whereas the latent form was detected by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and reverse fibrin autography. Furthermore, immobilized t-PA was able to deplete active PAI-1 from the platelet extracts, and the latent form remaining in the absorbed extract could be quantitated by activation with 4 mol/L guanidine. To investigate the differences between our observations and the published data, porcine platelets were extracted, and PAI-1 was partially purified as described in the literature. For quantitative analysis, porcine platelet PAI-1 was also purified to homogeneity using standard chromatographic procedures optimized in our laboratory for endothelial PAI-1, and the purified protein was used to develop an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay for porcine PAI-1 antigen. Our results indicate that: (1) latent PAI-1 in concentrated ammonium sulfate precipitates of porcine platelet lysates cannot be detected unless the precipitates are diluted before treatment with denaturants; and (2) active and latent porcine platelet PAI-1 can be separated by gel filtration over molecular sieving columns. In summary, this report documents that PAI-1 in porcine platelets is present in both an active and a latent form.
A self-calibrating, continuous in vivo PO2 and PCO2 monitor.

Several in vivo blood gas monitoring systems have been developed which provide continuous monitoring of (1) PO2 (systems which use miniature Clark-type electrodes),(2) PCO2 (system of General Electric which uses a miniature and modified Severinghaus-type electrode), and (3) PO2 and PCO2 together using an in vivo gas collecting probe which feeds a mass spectrometer. While these systems are based on different principles, one feature common to all is the necessity for periodic calibration which requires collecting blood for analysis by a standard blood gas analyser. This paper describes a system for continuous monitoring of PO2 and PCO2 in body fluids which provides automatic calibration without removal of body fluids.
Eigenvalue Approximations on the Entire Real Line

The computation of the eigenvalues of the Sturm-Liouville problem $$\begin{gathered} Lu\left( x \right) \equiv - u'' + \left( x \right) + q\left( x \right)u\left( x \right) = \lambda \rho \left( x \right)u\left( x \right), a < x < b \hfill \\ u\left( a \right) = u\left( b \right) = 0 \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ (1.1) has been considered in ([1],[3]) in the case of finite, semi-infinite and infinite intervals. The function q is assumed non-negative and p is assumed positive. It is often the case that the interval (finite versus infinite) motivates the methodology. In [l] a sinc-collocation procedure Was developed that handled the numerical computation of the eigenvalues of (1.1) in the case of the finite interval and the semi-infinite interval wherein the change in the discrete system in passing from one problem to the next is defined by a diagonal matrix. Not considered in that paper was the implementation of the methodology for the infinite interval problem (1.1), i.e. a = -∞ and b = +∞. This is the purpose of the present paper.
Lymph node cytopathology: Essential ancillary studies as applied to lymphoproliferative neoplasms

Ancillary testing is absolutely integral to the correct recognition and classification of lymphoid neoplasms as procured with the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy technique. In patients with a newly diagnosed lymphoid neoplasm, immunophenotyping with flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, or both is a standard that is currently expected by oncologists before any form of therapy is initiated. This is often the case also for patients with recurrent/relapsed disease. The cellular material obtained with FNA is perfectly suited to meet this demand. That said, the exceptional complexity of modern-day lymphoma classification often precludes definitive subclassification in a subset of lymphomas for a variety of reasons with the FNA biopsy technique, even with the application of ancillary tests. These include a requirement for definitive knowledge of the nodal architecture (eg, Hodgkin lymphoma), of the histologic grade via the counting of cells per microscopic field (follicular lymphoma), and of molecular findings (often unobtainable because of limitations of cellularity). The application of molecular tests to lymph node aspirates continues to evolve but is still largely confined to specialized medical centers. The intent of this article is to briefly review the diagnostic approach and algorithm for handling lymph node aspirates at the authors' own laboratory. This article highlights what the authors and others consider to be essential ancillary tests and discusses their respective advantages and shortcomings. It lists limited and extended antibody panels and molecular tests that the authors have found helpful not only for correctly recognizing lymphoma with FNA cytopathology but also for subtyping lymphomas whenever possible.
Proceedings of the 2013 workshop on Energy efficient high performance parallel and distributed computing

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 2013 ACM International Workshop on Energy Efficient High Performance Parallel and Distributed Computing - EEHPDC'1). This workshop aims to provide a timely forum for presenting novel ideas and latest findings as well as to discuss research directions and challenges related to Energy Efficient for High Performance Computing Parallel and Distributed Computing. EEHPDC'13 gives researchers and practitioners a unique opportunity to share their perspectives with others interested in the various aspects of the design, implementation, evaluation, and the use of parallel and distributed systems for high-end computing with the focus on energy efficiency. The program comprises a keynote speech by Laurent Lefevre on the impact of application and service knowledge for energy efficiency in HPC, a technical session with technical papers on energy efficient communications, cloud computing systems, task scheduling, and multi-core and heterogeneous architectures, and an industry session. We hope that these proceedings will serve as a valuable reference for energy efficiency researchers and developers.
A mixed traffic speed harmonization model with connected autonomous vehicles

Abstract Emerging connected autonomous vehicles (CAV) technologies provide an opportunity to the detailed vehicle trajectory control to reduce adverse impacts of stop-and-go traffic imposed by freeway bottlenecks. This study proposes a CAV-based trajectory-smoothing concept to harmonize traffic, improve fuel-efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. The presented algorithm is applicable to mixed-traffic environments with human-driven vehicles (HVs), connected vehicles (CVs), and CAVs. This algorithm controls CAVs so that they smoothly hedge against the backward deceleration waves and gradually merge into the downstream traffic with a reasonable speed. This model addresses the full spectrum of CV and CAV market penetration rates and various traffic conditions. Numerical experiments are performed to assess the algorithm performance with different traffic conditions and CV and CAV market penetration rates. The results show significant improvements in dampening traffic oscillation and reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Gender Differences in Acculturative Stress and Habitual Sleep Duration in Korean American Immigrants

Korean American immigrants (KAIs) face diverse sociocultural stressors in the acculturation process. While stress is known to cause short sleep, little is known about how acculturative stress affects sleep differently for KAI men and women. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine gender differences in the association between diverse domains of acculturative stress and sleep duration among KAIs. Middle-aged KAIs were recruited in community settings and online. KAIs completed validated measures of acculturative stress (homesickness, social isolation, employment barriers, discrimination, civic disengagement, and family problems) and sleep duration. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed and stratified by gender. 343 KAIs participated (mean age = 41 ± 10 years, 47% female, 11% short sleepers [< 6 h]). After adjustment for covariates, higher homesickness (β = − 23.19, p < 0.05) and lower civic disengagement (β = 17.75, p < 0.05) were associated with shorter sleep duration in women, while higher isolation was associated with shorter sleep duration in men (β = − 13.73, p < 0.05). Discussion: Results suggest gender-specific associations between acculturative stress and sleep duration. Future research should take into account gender differences in the experience and effects of acculturative stress when developing interventions to improve sleep health in KAIs.
The Dialogues Bioregional Project: Landscape Ecology in Central Italy from the Sixth Century to the Present

Pope Gregory I (r. 590-604), commonly known as Saint Gregory the Great, is celebrated for re-organizing both the institutional and liturgical life of the Roman Catholic Church; for instigating the first recorded large-scale mission from Rome to England; and for his writings. Among these, a distinct importance has been attributed to his “Dialogues,” a collection of four books of miracles, signs, wonders, and healings carried out by then little-known holy men, which represent a portion of central Italy as a sacred space where the Christian God is present in both human and non-human form, while also interacting with the environment by performing landscaping functions. This article outlines the “Dialogues Bioregional Project,” a digital, interdisciplinary interface on Italian landscape ecology which would promote dialogues between scientists and humanists as well as provide a modeling tool for environmental and cultural awareness. Shaped around the “Dialogues” of Pope Gregory I, this digital humanities project explores continuities and discontinuities between the socio-political and ecological history of a specific section of Italian territory, a set of multidisciplinary environmental narratives (from c. 600 AD to the present), and local communities. My aim is to introduce readers to the ecological potentials of Gregory’s book and thus prompt scholars interested in the environmental humanities and the integration of biophysical and analytical approaches with humanistic and holistic perspectives to become part of the “Dialogues Bioregional Project” and collaborate in its further development.
Store Closings and Retailer Profitability: A Contingency Perspective

Abstract Retailers constantly face the decision of whether to close existing stores and/or to open new ones. Closing a store may reduce a retailer’s costs, while opening a new store may increase revenue. Thus, it is far from obvious which action yields the maximum profit. Furthermore, retailers need to align these store-by-store tactical decisions with their overall distribution strategies to achieve a superior performance. Using a sample of 157 public retailers from 1999 to 2015, this study examines how store closings and openings are associated with retailer profitability. To complement extant research, we construct a parsimonious measure that captures a retailer’s store management decision, namely, net store closings (NSC). Drawing on the contingency theory of organizations, we develop a comprehensive framework that studies the moderating roles of retailer competencies, retailer resources, and retail environment. Through panel fixed effects estimation, we identify ten contingent factors that significantly moderate the relationship between NSC and profit. Specifically, e-tail experience, total experience, receivables intensity, retailer innovativeness, industry e-tail prevalence, and industry concentration positively moderate the association between NSC and subsequent profitability, while inventory turnover, sales force intensity, capital intensity, and firm size negatively moderate this association. In addition, we explore how individual measures (i.e., store closings and store openings) are associated with retailer profitability and find consistent results. Anecdotal and statistical evidence indicates that NSC is a sufficient measure of store management actions. The study has important implications for how retailers should manage their channel distribution strategies and resource allocation decisions.
Structure of the Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus M2-1 Protein in Complex with a Short Positive-Sense Gene-End RNA

The M2-1 protein of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a transcription anti-terminator that regulates the processivity of the HRSV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). Here, we report a crystal structure of HRSV M2-1 bound to a short positive-sense gene-end RNA (SH7) at 2.7 A resolution. We identified multiple critical residues of M2-1 involved in RNA interaction and examined their roles using mutagenesis and MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST) assay. We found that hydrophobic residue Phe23 is indispensable for M2-1 to recognize the base of RNA. We also captured spontaneous binding of RNA (SH7) to M2-1 in all-atom simulations using a robust Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) method. Both experiments and simulations revealed that the interactions of RNA with two separate domains of M2-1, the zinc-binding domain (ZBD) and the core domain (CD), are independent of each other. Collectively, our results provided a structural basis for RNA recognition by HRSV M2-1.
An Enabling Dissemination Framework Mechanism to Accelerate the Sales uptake of Energy Efficient Household Appliances and Lighting products in the off-grid Market of Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, state financial intermediary IDCOL's grant based program so far installed more than 4.19 million solar home (SHS). But access to clean energy without quality energy-efficient household appliances, an issue, yet to receive necessary attention. As a result, 18 million off-grid people using SHSs in rural Bangladesh have no or limited access to quality energy efficient appliances like TV/Fan to improve their daily livelihood. A suitable national scale dissemination program mechanism on energy efficient appliances is necessary to achieve that goal. A brief technical assessment has also been conducted on the available efficient off-grid appliances to assess their appropriateness in the context of SHS systems of IDCOL. Roles of donors, developing partners along with national nodal agencies, regulators, financiers and private agencies are being assessed at length with an expectation that the proposed appliances dissemination mechanism will be able to bring right synergies in favor of household appliances sales uptake in the off-grid solar market of Bangladesh.
Neurophysiological brain mapping of human sleep-wake states.

Abstract Objective We recently proposed a spectrum-based model of the awake intracranial electroencephalogram (iEEG) (Kalamangalam et al., 2020), based on a publicly-available normative database (Frauscher et al., 2018). The latter has been expanded to include data from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (von Ellenrieder et al., 2020), and the present work extends our methods to those data. Methods Normalized amplitude spectra on semi-logarithmic axes from all four arousal states (wake, N2, N3 and REM) were averaged region-wise and fitted to a multi-component Gaussian distribution. A reduced model comprising five key parameters per brain region was color-coded on to cortical surface models. Results The lognormal Gaussian mixture model described the iEEG accurately from all brain regions, in all sleep-wake states. There was smooth variation in model parameters as sleep and wake states yielded to each other. Specific observations unrelated to the model were that the primary cortical areas of vision, motor function and audition, in addition to the hippocampus, did not participate in the ‘awakening’ of the cortex during REM sleep. Conclusions Despite the significant differences in the appearance of the time-domain EEG in wakefulness and sleep, the iEEG in all arousal states was successfully described by a parametric spectral model of low dimension. Significance Spectral variation in the iEEG is continuous in space (across different cortical regions) and time (stage of circadian cycle), arguing for a ‘continuum’ hypothesis in the generative processes of sleep and wakefulness in human brain.
Neural responses to implicit forms of peer influence in young adults.

Young adults are acutely sensitive to peer influences. Differences have been found in neural sensitivity to explicit peer influences, such as seeing peer ratings on social media. The present study ...
Fish scales: Primitive basis for modern metamaterials

Scales are a path breaking evolutionary adaptation that accompanied vertebrate evolution for the past 500 million years. Inherently lightweight with diverse shapes, sizes, materials, and distribution, they provide remarkable architecture-material enhancement, typical of metamaterials. Here we provide a perspective on mechanical behavior of fish scale inspired structures and explain the origins of some of their striking mechanical properties that include directional nonlinearity, interlocking behavior, and multiple penetration modes. We outline and explain the progress in understanding the complexities of these structures in global and local deformation modes and conclude by offering future perspectives and challenges.
"The stakes could not be higher": A mixed methods study of parental social media use in pediatric oncology.

Background To describe how parents and families of children with cancer evaluate the benefits and risks of using social media (SM) and how they navigate disagreements between oncologists' advice and information found on SM. Procedure Parents of children who had been previously diagnosed with cancer, and who had used SM for a purpose related to that child's health were recruited through SM sites and nonprofit organizations across the United States and were invited to complete questionnaires about their experiences using SM; a subset of participants also completed a follow-up in-depth interview. Open-ended responses and interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Ninety parents completed written questionnaires; 21 completed follow-up interviews. Seventy percent reported experiencing a situation in which information shared on SM conflicted with information provided by their child's oncologist. Although 86% reported that they discussed the conflicting information with the oncologist and 70% described the oncologist's response as positive, 78% also described ongoing negative feelings about the experience. Parents described openness to discussing SM, honesty, transparency, and humility regarding the limits of medicine, and shared decision-making regarding information found on SM as increasing their trust in their oncologist. Conclusions Parents offered valuable insights regarding their experiences navigating SM, including eight recommendations for how pediatricians might approach discussing parental SM use. Future studies will evaluate the utility of these recommendations for pediatric clinicians.
Ultrastructure of beta-cells during the dynamic response to glucose and tolbutamide in vitro.

Ultrastructural changes in β cells of the isolated perfused rat pancreas were observed during the dynamic response to glucose and tolbutamide. Evidence of granule secretion into the extracellular space by emiocytosis was noted during the first 60 sec of glucose stimulation, but not thereafter nor at any time during tolbutamide stimulation. Packaging of granules within the Golgi apparatus was apparent after 60 min of glucose injection, but not in the case of tolbutamide. These findings support the concept that glucose initially stimulates the release of a small labile pool of preformed insulin, while continued administration stimulates Golgi packaging activity and the provision of additional insulin for the secretory process. High tolbutamide alone, in contrast increases the Golgi complex, coated vesicles, multivesicular bodies and cytosegresomes. Thus it may stimulate packaging without insulin provision, or alternatively, increase lysosomal degradative processes.
Reconciling evolutionary theory and taxonomic practice

The notion of evolution is a notion of change; yet, biologists customarily define each species as if it were a static class. One approach to this supposed disconnect between evolutionary theories and taxonomic practices would be to change those practices. Instead, the author claims this alleged disparity is a misreading. For the most part, it disappears under a proposed modified essentialist species concept involving unique species-specific developmental suites. Each suite specific to a natural species is envisioned as a number of dispositional alternatives expressed distributively among the organisms in that species. There is support for this species concept in recent work in comparative genomics and developmental genetics. The concept is compatible with intraspecific variation and gradual evolution, and unifies practice and theory. It leads to an extended model of speciation and to an observational protocol for testing the concept and model. Resume La notion d’evolution est basee sur le changement; les biologistes definissent cependant chaque espece comme s’il s’agissait d’un concept fixe. L’une des methodes possibles pour resoudre cet apparent paradoxe entre les theories de l’evolution et les pratiques taxonomiques consisterait a changer ces pratiques. L’auteur affirme ainsi que ce soi-disant paradoxe est un malentendu qui disparait pour l’essentiel lorsque l’on considere un concept essentialiste de l’espece, impliquant des schemas uniques de developpement specifique. Chaque schema, specifique a une espece « naturelle », prend en compte un nombre de dispositions alternatives qui s’expriment de facon distributive parmi les individus faisant partie de cette espece. Ce nouveau concept d’espece est etaye par des etudes recentes dans les domaines de la genomique comparative et genetique du developpement. Ce concept est compatible avec les variations intraspecifiques et l’evolution graduelle, ce qui concilie la theorie avec la pratique. Il permet d’envisager un modele de speciation plus ouvert et un protocole pour tester le concept et le modele.
Crossed-beam thermal-lens detection for 0.25-mm diameter microbore liquid chromatography: Separation of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones

Abstract The crossed-beam thermal-lens detector is applied to capillary liquid chromatography for the separatin of picomole amounts of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones. A relatively inexpensive instrument is described, which utilizes a 3-mW helium—cadmium pump laser and a low-power helium—neon probe laser. Detection limits of 120 fmol of acetone (injected) are obtained.
Behavioral Phenotypes: Going Beyond the Two-Group Approach

Publisher Summary Examined by almost any indicator, research on behavioral phenotypes is exploding. This chapter provides a brief history of the attempts to differentiate behavioral phenotypes by etiology. The chapter tackles the differing definitions of behavioral phenotypes and provides a few examples. The chapter discusses five directions for future behavioral phenotypic research. Discussions of behavioral phenotypes begin with the observation that persons with mental retardation differ from one another. To anyone dealing with persons with mental retardation, this statement is obvious. Historically, two general strategies have been attempted. In the first strategy, persons with mental retardation are grouped according to their degrees of intellectual impairment. In contrast to the degree-of-impairment perspective, the second strategy differentiates by the cause of a person's mental retardation. Although an etiology-based approach remains less common in mental retardation behavioral research, its popularity is growing. The chapter focuses on this second strategy.
Freedom by the Sword: The U. S. Colored Troops, 1862–1867

Review of: "Freedom by the Sword: The U.S. Colored Troops, 1862–1867," by William A. Dobak, part of the "Army Historical Series."
Glycoproteins of Sindbis Virus: Preliminary Characterization of the Oligosaccharides

The carbohydrate content of Sindbis virus was determined by gas chromatographic analysis. The two viral glycoproteins were found to be approximately 8% carbohydrate by weight. Mannose is the sugar present in the largest amount. Smaller amounts of glucosamine, galactose, sialic acid, and fucose were also detected. Each of the two viral glycoproteins appears to contain two structurally unrelated oligosaccharides. Two of the three Sindbis-specific glycoproteins found in infected chick cells were shown to contain short, unfinished oligosaccharides.
Selective inhibition of Erwinia amylovora by the herbicidally active germination-arrest factor (GAF) produced by Pseudomonas bacteria

Aims: The germination-arrest factor (GAF) produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens WH6, and identified as 4-formylaminooxyvinylglycine, specifically inhibits the germination of a wide range of grassy weeds. This study was undertaken to determine whether GAF has antimicrobial activity in addition to its inhibitory effects on grass seed germination. Methods and Results: Culture filtrate from Ps. fluorescens WH6 had little or no effect on 17 species of bacteria grown in Petri dish lawns, but the in vitro growth of Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of the disease of orchard crops known as fire blight, was strongly inhibited by the filtrate. The anti-Erwinia activity of WH6 culture filtrate was shown to be due to its GAF content, and a commercially available oxyvinylglycine, 4-aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), exhibited anti-Erwinia activity similar to that of GAF. The effects of GAF on Erwinia were reversed by particular amino acids. Conclusions: The biological properties of GAF include a rather specific antimicrobial activity against Erw. amylovora. This may be a general property of oxyvinylglycines as AVG exhibited similar activity. The ability of particular amino acids to reverse GAF inhibition is consistent with a potential effect of this compound on the activity of aminotransferases. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results presented here demonstrate a novel antimicrobial activity of oxyvinylglycines and suggest that GAF and/or GAF-producing bacteria may have potential for the control of fire blight.
Fluorescent X-ray Spectrography: Determination of Trace Elements

Serious consideration should be given to the merits of using the available fluorescent X-ray spectrographic instrumentation and techniques for determining trace elements. Limits of detectability for trace elements in metal, oxide, solution, or mineral samples range from 0.1 to 100 ppm, depending on the element being determined, over-all sample composition, and complexity of the X-ray spectra; limits of detectability range from 0.01 to 1 μg for elements that have been preconcentrated by a chemical or physical process, for example, by ion-exchange membrane.
Development of an ELISA-Based HDAC Activity Assay for Characterization of Isoform-Selective Inhibitors:

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) proteins are promising targets for cancer treatment, with several HDAC inhibitors used clinically as anticancer drugs. Most HDAC inhibitors nonspecifically interact with all or many of the 11 HDAC isoforms. Isoform-selective HDAC inhibitors would be useful tools to dissect the individual functions of HDAC proteins in cancer formation, in addition to potentially displaying effective anticancer properties. We report here a robust HDAC activity assay for screening selective HDAC inhibitors, which is inspired by the traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The key feature of the ELISA-based HDAC activity assay is use of mammalian cell-derived HDAC isoforms instead of recombinant proteins. Importantly, the assay was validated with several known HDAC inhibitors. The ELISA-based HDAC activity assay will facilitate the characterization of isoform-selective HDAC inhibitors against mammalian cell-derived HDAC proteins, which will enhance HDAC-centered cancer research and provide a foundation for anticancer drug development.
Rethinking the Constitutionality of the Supreme Court's Preference for Binding Arbitration: A Fresh Assessment of Jury Trial, Separation of Powers, and Due Process Concerns

Source ID:67854 via email Marianne/ for LPDRA, APS, Ab only Courts and commentators have typically assumed that binding arbitration is both private and consensual, and that it therefore raises no constitutional concerns. This Article challenges both assumptions and goes on to consider arguments that arbitration agreements may unconstitutionally deprive persons of their right to a jury trial, to a judge, and to due process of law. The author argues first that courts' interpretation of seemingly private arbitration agreements may often give rise to "state action," particularly where courts have used a "preference favoring arbitration over litigation" to construe a contract in a non-neutral fashion. The author next draws on the Supreme Court's decisions governing waiver of constitutional rights to argue that arbitration agreements are invalid where they are unclear, and further contends that many unknowing or coercive agreements are invalid as well. Having demonstrated the relevance of constitutional analysis to many seemingly private arbitration agreements, the Article contends that many arbitration agreements unconstitutionally deprive prospective federal court litigants of their right to a jury and to an Article III judge. Finally, the author asserts that some arbitration clauses violate the Due Process Clause as well by denying parties their right to adequate notice, an impartial judge, a meaningful appeal, and other specific procedural protections. The Article concludes that we must reconsider the applicability of the Constitution to private arbitration agreements. While many such agreements will present no constitutional concerns, other agreements must be voided under the Constitution.
Understanding and Applying the Technology Forecast of the 2010 Horizon Report

At the beginning of each year the New Media Consortium releases the Horizon Report, which aims to identify and describe emerging technologies that will “likely have a large impact on teaching, lear...
Reorganization for physical distribution

Abstract The development of the concept of Physical Distribution Management both in the United States and in Europe has resulted in a variety of problems related to the necessary re-organization within the companies concerned. This article reports on a study involving 150 U.S. manufacturing firms. The conclusions suggest the necessity to carefully consider such reorganization in corporate planning.
Cellular and subcellular events in retinopathy of oxygen toxicity with a preliminary report on the preventive role of vitamin E and gamma-aminobutyric acid: a study in vitro

Using freshly excised, pure, immature retinal vascular explants from neonatal rabbits as well as vascular cells harvested from such explants in a tissue culture environment, we established the direct cytocidal effect of hyperoxia on the vascular cells. One hundred percent oxygen at one atmosphere induced a marked cellular retraction after 4 to 6 hours of exposure and caused progressive increase in the number and size of lysosomal bodies and autophagic vacuoles. Between 12 to 18 hours, the Golgi apparatus enlarged and focal cytoplasmic degeneration ensued; the various changes in the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and nucleus became apparent between 18 to 24 hours. After 36 to 48 hours continuous exposure to hyperoxia, the cellular degradation with nuclear pyknosis led to granular and membranous debris. In contrast, the macrophages in the same culture were more resistant to the effect of hyperoxia.Our findings suggest multiple loci for oxygen toxicity in immature retinal vessels and cultured vascular ...
Thickness of the Helium Film as a Function of Height

The thickness of a film adsorbed on a vertical wall is derived from adsorption thermodynamics as a function of height. The thickness of the helium film calculated from adsorption data is, within the error of the experiments, consistent with those obtained by direct observation.
Two-dimensional model of a slow-mode expansion fan at Io

A 2D model for the standing slow-mode expansion fan that is expected to exist downstream of the Jovian moon Io is developed. The leading edge of the expansion fan makes an angle of 45 deg with the upstream magnetic field direction, and the fan width is about 114 deg. The plasma flow returns to its upstream direction by way of a slow-mode shock behind Io where the MHD parameters return asymptotically to their upstream conditions. The magnetic field perturbation within the fan is much smaller than that associated with the Alfven wing, which lies farther upstream.
Nonspecific duodenitis: A distinct clinical entity?

The clinical, radiologic, duodenoscopic, and pathologic findings in thirteen patients with nonspecific duodenitis are presented. The majority of patients had vague epigastric distress, duodenal bulb spasm, nodular or friable mucosa, and variable degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration of the lamina propria. Treatment is nonspecific with a favorable outlook expected. No clear relationship to duodenal ulcer could be determined. These observations are taken to support the contention that nonspecific duodenitis is probably a distinct clinical entity.
Cholesterol vehicle in experimental atherosclerosis Part 18. Comparison of North American, African and South American peanut oils

Abstract Peanut oils were obtained from the United States (NAPNO), Africa (APNO), and South America (SAPNO) and their effects on atherosclerosis in rabbits fed 2% cholesterol were determined. The major differences among the oils were in the content of oleic (NAPNO, 48.9%; APNO, 58.6%; SAPNO, 36.4%) and linoleic (NAPNO, 29.6%; APNO, 21.7%; SAPNO, 41.1%) acids. In a series of 4 experiments it was found that South American peanut oil was 7% more atherogenic than African peanut oil and 18% more atherogenic than North American peanut oil. American peanut oil was 14%6 more atherogenic that corn oil (CO). South American peanut oil gave highest serum and liver lipid levels. The differences in atherogenicity may be due to the structure of the triglycerides of the various peanut oils.
Recent advances in solar radiometry at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Specialized instrumentation is being developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for the measurement of both outdoor and simulated solar radiation. Examples include the Atmospheric Optical Calibration System (AOCS), solar ultraviolet (UV) spectroradiometers, and spectroradiometers for measuring spectra of pulsed solar simulators used in the testing of advanced solar photovoltaic devices.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Growth Parameters In Infants Born To Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (Gdm) With Moderate Hyperglycemia Treated With Insulin Based On Fetal Abdominal Circumference Early In The Third Trimester. † 1033

Growth Parameters In Infants Born To Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (Gdm) With Moderate Hyperglycemia Treated With Insulin Based On Fetal Abdominal Circumference Early In The Third Trimester. † 1033
Trypanosoma lewisi: enhanced resistance in naive lactating rats and their suckling pups.

Abstract Lactating rats and their suckling offspring were shown to have a naturally occurring resistance to Trypansoma lewisi which was greater than that seen in normal adult rats and was not dependent on previous exposure to the parasite. In the case of the pups maximum protection was dependent on suckling being the sole source of nutriment and also on the peak of the parasitemia falling within the nursing period. Supplementary solid food reduced survival rates in concurrent Hemobartonella muris—T. lewisi infections: pups infected at 10 days of age and totally dependent on nursing showed 82.5% survival but only 6.6% survival when solid food was allowed to supplement milk. However, supplementary food did not reduce survival in pups infected with only T. lewisi . When pups were totally dependent upon nursing until the normal time of weaning (21 days of age), infection with H. muris—T. lewisi at the following days of age allowed the indicated mean survival rates: 10 days (82.5%), 20 (32.5%), 30 (14.3%), and 40 (100%). Infection with T. lewisi alone at the following days of age allowed the indicated mean survival rates: 10 days (100%), 15 (76%), 17 (52%), 20 (100%), and 30 (100%). Lactating rat serum agglutinated “adult forms” of T. lewisi , which correlated well with the observed sudden resolution of parasitemia in lactating animals at the time of the antigenic transition from “juvenile” to “adult” type. The “adult” stage parasitemia in suckling pups was selectively reduced when compared to that of nonlactating adult rats. The lactating rat serum factor could be passively transferred with lactating rat serum to animals already weaned.
Phenice's visual sexing technique for the os pubis: A critique

Innominate bones from 362 California Indians were sexed with Phenice's three non-metrical features of the os pubis. The frequencies of marked, intermediate, and absent cases of these three morphological features were tabulated in males and females to see if unambiguous and reliable distinctions were consistently available. The results suggest that Phenice's technique offered extremely reliable sex evaluations in this material.
Pattern-level temporal difference learning, data fusion, and chess

Our research group is using chess as a vehicle for studying the fusion of adaptation, multiple representation, and search technologies for real-time decision making. Chess systems like Deep Blue have achieved Grandmaster chess play with a brute-force search of the game tree and human- supplied information, like piece-values and opening books. However, subtle aspects of chess, including positional features and advanced concepts, are not capable of being represented or processed efficiently with the standard method. Since 1989, Morph I-III have exhibited more autonomy and learning ability than traditional chess programs in `adaptive pattern-oriented chess'. Like its predecessors, Morph IV is a reinforcement learner, but it also uses a new technique we call pattern-level TD and Q-learning to mathematically map the state space and effectively learn to classify situations. Its three knowledge sources include two traditional ones: material and a piece-square table, and a new method called Distance. These are combined using a simple genetic algorithm and a decision tree. This paper shows the effectiveness of fusing knowledge to replace search in real-time situations, since an agent which combines all sources is capable of consistently beating an agent which employs any of the individual knowledge sources. Surprisingly, the pattern-level TD agent is slightly superior to the pattern-level Q-learning agent, despite the fact that the Q-learning agent updates more Q-values on each temporal step.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Anti-Corruption Initiatives and E-Government: A Cross-National Study

This paper discusses various approaches of anti-corruption initiatives and conducts statistical analyses on aggregate data of more than 200 different countries to find relationships between e-government and anti-corruption in government. Findings indicate that e-government could be an effective tool to curb corruption in government in spite of the fact that the rule of law is the most powerful predictor of anti-corruption as well as a fundamental precondition of a clean government. Findings also indicate that if digital government is strengthened with high-quality public bureaucracies, anti-corruption efforts could more effectively lower the corruption levels of public affairs.
Three-Dimensional Sliding Contact Analysis of Multilayered Solids With Rough Surfaces

Friction/stiction and wear are among the main issues in magnetic storage devices and microelectromechanical systems/nanoelectromechanical systems having contact interfaces. A numerical model which simulates the actual contact situations of those devices is needed to obtain optimum design parameters including materials with desired mechanical properties, layers thickness, and to predict and analyze the contact behavior of devices in operation. This study presents a first attempt to develop a numerical three-dimensional multilayered elastic-perfectly plastic rough solids model to investigate the contact behavior under combined normal loading and tangential traction. Energy method is used to formulate the problem, and variational principle in which the contact pressure distributions are those which minimize the total complementary potential energy is applied. A quasi-Newton method is used to find the minimum, and fast Fourier transform is applied to enhance the computation efficiency. In-depth analyses of the effects of friction force, layers properties, and layers thickness to contact statistics and stresses are performed. The optimum layer parameters which decrease friction/stiction and wear are investigated and identified.
Advanced practice pharmacy experiences (APPE) in psychiatric pharmacy

Advanced practice pharmacy experiences (APPEs) are the foundations upon which pharmacy students develop the skills to apply the knowledge gained from their didactic courses. This article describes the APPEs in psychiatric pharmacy that are offered at the Purdue University College of Pharmacy.
Variation in Nosocomial Bloodstream Infection (NBSI) Incidence among Six Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) 1423

Objective: Examine variation in incidence of neonatal NBSIs among six NICUs and in relation to population characteristics, admission illness severity, and length of stay (LOS).
Rhinocerebral mucormycosis with CT scan findings: a case report

A case of rhinocerebral mucormycosis in a diabetic patient is presented. The radiologic findings of the disease with differential diagnosis are reviewed. Almost complete cure with surgical excision and Amphotericin B was accomplished.
Development and evaluation of methods for the quantitative estimation of fungal trehalose with a charcoal-gas-liquid chromatographic-coupled assay

Abstract Methods for the quantification of trehalose in extracts prepared from the cellular slime-mold, Dictyostelium discoideum , by a charcoal-gas-liquid chromatographic-coupled assay are described. After extraction of trehalose from cells with 80% (v/v) methanol, followed by evaporation of the samples, the preparations were subjected to reduction with sodium borohydride, methanol extraction and evaporation, and Dowex-(H + ) and charcoal-column chromatography, allowing the efficient preparation of the trimethylsilyl ether, which resulted in the complete chromatographic resolution of trehalose from other naturally occurring disaccharides ( e.g. , maltose and cellobiose). The equivalence between results obtained with these methods and those resulting from enzymic analysis demonstrates that the chromatographic assay is a useful analytical tool affording a precise and sensitive method for the quantitative estimation of fungal trehalose.
Comparison and Stability of CdSe Nanocrystals Covered with Amphiphilic Poly(Amidoamine) Dendrimers

This paper describes the surface modification of CdSe nanoparticles (NPs) with amphiphilic and flexible poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers carrying different numbers of hydrophobic aliphatic chains. Although hydrophilic full generation dendrimers with primary amine termini caused aggregation of the CdSe particles, the amphiphilic dendrimers proved to be useful caps for the CdSe nanocrystals and solubilized them in chloroform. Complete exchange of the original TOPO/TOP caps was achieved through a CdSe/pyridine intermediate. It was found that both amine groups (which interact with the nanoparticle surface) and hydrophobic chains (which provide the particles with solubility in the solvent) were necessary to stabilize the CdSe NPs. The PAMAM covered CdSe nanocrystals were characterized using NMR, UV-visible absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and TEM. UV-vis absorption and PL of such CdSe/PAMAM systems were studied during a two month period, and it was found that PAMAM derivatives with only secondary and tertiary amines provided a better protection for the nanocrystals than those with primary amines.