cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cost comparisons of forprofit and nonprofit hospitals.

Abstract The special organizational and institutional structure of the hospital industry has implications for cost differences between forprofit and nonprofit hospitals. These implications are developed and tested on a panel of data on California hospitals for which as estimate of the cost of admitting physician services could be made. Forprofit hospitals in general are significantly less costly than nonprofits after accounting for differences in case mix, but the interpretation of this result is complicated by the possibility of systematic overtreatment of certain case types by independent, or nonchain forprofits. The paper argues that the more appropriate comparison is between nonprofits and chain forprofits. The latter type of hospital has a distribution of cases which is similar to that of nonprofits but is less costly than both nonprofit and nonchain forprofit hospitals.
Diagnosis and Optimization of Ensemble Forecasts

Abstract In the current study, a technique that offers a way to evaluate ensemble forecast uncertainties produced either by initial conditions or different model versions, or both, is presented. The technique consists of first diagnosing the performance of the forecast ensemble and then optimizing the ensemble forecast using results of the diagnosis. The technique is based on the explicit evaluation of probabilities that are associated with the Gaussian stochastic representation of the weather analysis and forecast. It combines an ensemble technique for evaluating the analysis error covariance and the standard Monte Carlo approach for computing samples from a known Gaussian distribution. The technique was demonstrated in a tutorial manner on two relatively simple examples to illustrate the impact of ensemble characteristics including ensemble size, various observation strategies, and configurations including different model versions and varying initial conditions. In addition, the authors assessed improve...
Experimental angular distributions for electron capture by slow Ne+q (q=3-6) ions from He.

Angular distributions of product Ne ions have been measured for Ne/sup +//sup q/ (q = 3--6) capturing electrons from He at laboratory incident energies between 172 and 1200 eV. For q = 4 the distributions are strongly peaked in the forward direction, while for q = 3, 5, and 6 the reaction products are concentrated at larger scattering angles. Oscillatory structure is seen for q = 4 and 6. The distributions are interpreted in terms of classical defelction functions calculated using model potentials. The oscillatory structure is identified as due to Stueckelberg oscillations. On the basis of the experiment and model results, it is argued that the forward peaking for q = 4 may be expected to be a general characteristic of capture by multiply charged, but not bare, projectiles which lead to the population of s orbits on the projectile core.
Leaving group effects in gas-phase substitutions and eliminations.

Using a methodology recently developed for studying the product distributions of gas-phase SN2 and E2 reactions, the effect of the leaving group on the reaction rate and branching ratio was investigated. Using a dianion as the nucleophile, reactions with a series of alkyl bromides, iodides, and trifluoroacetates were examined. The alkyl groups in the study are ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, isopropyl, sec-butyl, and tert-butyl. The data indicate that leaving group abilities are directly related to the exothermicities of the reaction processes in both the gas phase and the condensed phase. Gas-phase data give a reactivity order of iodide > trifluoroacetate > bromide for SN2 and E2 reactions. Previous condensed phase data indicate a reactivity order of iodide > bromide > trifluoroacetate for substitution reactions; however, the basicities of bromide and trifluoroacetate are reversed in the condensed phase so this reactivity pattern does reflect the relative reaction exothermicities. Aside from this var...
Social Capital and the Value of Hunting Club Memberships

When the state of New York purchased the Champion Lands in the Adirondack Park and subsequently terminated the leases of 48 hunting clubs on these lands, opponents of the purchase argued that: (1) a rich and unique culture was being destroyed; and (2) that the State failed to include the loss of this social capital in an economic impact analysis as specified by the State Environmental Quality and Review Act. In this study, responses to dichotomous choice contingent valuation (DC-CV) questions are used to estimate the value a member attaches to a hunting club membership. The willingness-to- pay (WTP) for a hunting club membership (beyond other hunting-related expenses) is estimated to be over $1,290, which corresponds to a total value of about $1.9 million for the 1,500 hunters in the 48 concerned clubs. These estimates should be included in a full benefit-cost analysis of the purchase, and provide useful input to the societal debate regarding future land purchases by states.
Boldly Targeting Kinases without mutations.

In this issue of Blood , Woyach et al provide compelling evidence that Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a critical target of ibrutinib in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and Rushworth et al report data suggesting that BTK may also be a viable therapeutic target in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These studies exemplify the concept that selectively targeting overactive kinases may be therapeutically useful in neoplasia even in the absence of recurrent genetic mutations in those kinases. 1,2
The Statistics of Density Peaks and the Column Density Distribution of the Lyα Forest

We develop a method to calculate the column density distribution of the Ly? forest for column densities in the range 1012.5-1014.5 cm-2. The Zeldovich approximation, with appropriate smoothing, is used to compute the density and peculiar velocity fields. The effect of the latter on absorption profiles is discussed, and it is shown to have little effect on the column density distribution. An approximation is introduced in which the column density distribution is related to a statistic of density peaks (involving its height and first and second derivatives along the line of sight) in real space. We show that the slope of the column density distribution is determined by the temperature-density relation, as well as the power spectrum, on scales 2 h Mpc-1 k 20 h Mpc-1. An expression relating the three is given. We find very good agreement between the column density distribution obtained by applying the Voigt profile fitting technique to the output of a full hydrodynamic simulation and that obtained using our approximate method for a test model. This formalism then is applied to study a group of cold dark matter, as well as cold plus hot dark matter, models. We show that the amplitude of the column density distribution depends on the combination of parameters (? -->b h -->2) -->2T -->?0.70J$−1_{{r H} {r I}}$ -->, which is not well constrained by independent observations. The slope of the distribution, on the other hand, can be used to distinguish between different models: those with a smaller amplitude and a steeper slope of the power spectrum on small scales give rise to steeper distributions, for the range of column densities that we study. Comparison with high-resolution Keck data is made.
A Technique to Accurately Construct a Contact Dressing

We describe a technique to rapidly and accurately construct the contact layer of a composite dressing. This technique is simple to perform and is suitable for any open wound. It is especially useful for moderately sized wounds created during extirpation of tumors by Mohs micrographic surgery.
Simulation of elevated CO2 effects on daily net canopy carbon assimilation and crop yield

Abstract Three formulations for estimating the impact of elevated CO2 on daily net canopy carbon assimilation (A) are compared. The formulations are all physiologically based but vary in the detail with which A is represented. When implemented in two crop models, all formulations predict increased yield under elevated CO2, with the formulation incorporating the most detailed representation of A predicting the smallest yield increase. In the crop model with more complex representations of growth and yield, and where increased photoassimilates under elevated CO2 are allowed to affect processes such as leaf area development, yield predictions under elevated CO2 can be substantially greater than the predicted increase in A for each formulation. These results indicate that the representation of A and assumptions regarding adaptation to elevated CO2 of A, crop growth and carbon partitioning will have large impacts on simulation model predictions of crop yields at elevated CO2.
2-Source Extractors under Computational Assumptions and Cryptography with Defective Randomness

We show how to efficiently extract truly random bits from two independent sources of linear min-entropy, under a computational assumption. The assumption we rely on is the existence of an efficiently computable permutation $f$, such that for any source $X\in\{0,1\}^n$ with linear min-entropy, any circuit of size $\poly(n)$ cannot invert $f(X)$ with non-negligible probability. Under the stronger assumption that $f(X)$ cannot be inverted even by circuits of size $\poly(n^{log n})$ with non-negligible probability, we design a lossless computational network extractor protocol. Namely, we design a protocol for a set of players, each with access to an independent source of linear min-entropy, with the guarantee that at the end of the protocol, each honest player is left with bits that are computationally indistinguishable from being uniform and private. Our protocol succeeds as long as there are at least two honest players. Our results imply that if such one-way permutations exist, and enhanced trapdoor permutations exist, then secure multiparty computation with imperfect randomness {\em is possible} for any number of players, as long as at least two of them are honest. We also construct a network extractor protocol for the case where each source has only {\em polynomially-small} min-entropy($n^\delta$ for some constant $\delta≫0$). For this we need at least a constant $u(\delta)$ (which depends on $\delta$) number of honest players, and we need that the one-way permutation is hard to invert even on polynomially small min-entropy sources.
Calculation of Unsteady Separation from Stationary and Moving Walls

The influence of a moving wall on boundary-layer separation at high Reynolds number is considered. For a translating and rotating cylinder, it is shown that separation is inhibited with increasing rotation rate and ultimately completely suppressed at relatively moderate wall speeds.
Effects of Community, School, and Student Factors on School-Based Weapon Carrying

Extant research has theorized that community conditions affect the level of student violence in and around schools, yet few studies have tested this proposition directly. This research does so by assessing whether social conditions in a school’s attendance area affect the likelihood of students bringing weapons to school. Current results indicate that the level of economic disadvantage, residential mobility, and violent crime in a school’s attendance area are unrelated to student-level weapon carrying. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Similarity and Diversity in Visual Cortex: Is There a Unifying Theory of Cortical Computation?

The cerebral cortex, with its conserved 6-layer structure, has inspired many unifying models of function. However, recent comparative studies of primary visual cortex have revealed considerable structural diversity, raising doubts about the possibility of an all-encompassing theory. This review examines similarities and differences in V1 across mammals. Gross laminar interconnections are relatively conserved. Major functional response classes are found universally or nearly universally. Orientation and spatial frequency tuning bandwidths are quite similar despite an enormous range of visual resolution across species, and orientation tuning is contrast-invariant. Nevertheless, there is considerable diversity in the abundance of different cell classes, laminar organization, functional architecture, and functional connectivity. Orientation-selective responses arise in different layers in different species. Some mammals have elaborate columnar architecture like orientation maps and ocular dominance bands, but others lack this organization with no apparent impact on single cell properties. Finally, local functional connectivity varies according to map structure: similar cells are connected in smooth map regions but dissimilar cells are linked in animals without maps. If there is a single structure/function relation for cortex, it must accommodate significant variations in cortical circuitry. Alternatively, natural selection may craft unique circuits that function differently in each species.
Electron microscopy in histiocytosis X

In an ultrastructural study of 24 cases of histiocytosis X, we were able to demonstrate Langerhans cell granules in all of 18 cases from which tissues had been submitted primarily for electron microscopy and in 4 of 6 cases from which only tissue retrieved from paraffin blocks was available for examination. In a subsequent correlative study we were able to demonstrate Langerhans cell granules in deparaffinized material from 11 of 14 cases (79%) in which they were known to exist. The incidence of histiocytes displaying Langerhans cell granules (in a single plane of section) fell from a median of 48% in samples processed primarily for electron microscopy to 14% in those retrieved from paraffin blocks. Our data suggest that electron microscopy, even when applied to the study of suboptimally preserved material, is a highly sensitive technique for confirming a diagnosis of histiocytosis X.
United States Supreme Court Confirmation Simulation: Learning through the Process of Experience

The traditional process of educating undergraduates is often relegated to the passive lecturing format. One means of engaging students in active learning is through the use of simulations. Students were asked to take on the roles of United States senators and a Supreme Court nominee during a United States Supreme Court confirmation hearing simulation. Each student participated by researching a sitting senator and the nominee selected and engaged in a question-and-answer session as is done in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Students came away from this valuable experience by not only learning a great deal about the operation of the confirmation hearing as well as the substantive material learned but participating in a process that few people will ever actually experience.
Spatial variability of total soil carbon and nitrogen stocks for some reclaimed minesoils of southeastern Ohio

Reclamation of drastically disturbed minesoils and subsequent planting of trees and/or grasses can result in a rapid build-up of carbon (C) in the soil. However, the amount of C sequestered in reclaimed minesoils may vary with the amount of time since reclamation. In this study, we assessed total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations for reclaimed minesoils located in northeastern Ohio and characterized by distinct reclamation age chronosequences. Reclaimed minesoils studied were R78G, reclaimed in 1978 and immediately seeded to grass; R82GT, reclaimed in 1982 and immediately seeded to grass and trees were planted 5 years later; and R87G, reclaimed in 1987 and immediately seeded to grass. An unmined site, UMG, was also included as a reference. Our objectives were to evaluate the variability with respect to mean and the spatial variability of pH, bulk density (ρb), TC and TN concentrations, and stocks in each reclaimed minesoil. Thirty soil samples were collected at each of the 0–15, 15–30, and 30–50 cm depth. The coefficient of variation (CV) for ρb was least, 35 per cent at 0–15, and 15–30 cm depths. For TC concentration and stocks, CV was high, >35 per cent, across all minesoils and generally increased with depth. The C/N ratio followed the same tend as TC and TN stocks and ranged from 40 per cent to 123 per cent across minesoils. Geostatistical analysis also showed an increase in sample variance with increasing amount of time since reclamation for most soil properties under investigation. Sample variance for TC concentration and stocks also increased with depth in reclaimed minesoils. However, no definite relationship emerged between amount of time since reclamation and the spatial dependence of TC and TN concentrations and stocks. Overall this study showed that reclamation of drastically disturbed minesoils increased the soil C concentration and stocks and reclamation by initially seeding to grasses followed by planting trees was the best management option for speedy accretion of soil C and soil quality enhancement. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lifespan ontogeny of breeding and reproductive success in Mongolian gerbils

An analysis was made of demographic data collected from a colony of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). The data on births of over 3800 gerbils provide evidence on several aspects of development and fecundity. Approximately 4% more females than males survived to weaning. Mean number of pups per dam per year was estimated to be 48·3, greater reproductive success than reported previously. The shortest period of gestation resulting in viable pups was 25 days. Implantation was delayed by the presence of suckling pups. When gestation was prolonged, there was a direct relationship between the number of pups being suckled concurrently and the length of the delay. Length of gestation did not affect the size of the subsequent litter. Female gerbils gave birth as early as 72 days of age. Gerbils continued to reproduce until after 2 years of age in some cases. There were fewer pups per litter born to older females, fewer pups per litter with increasing parity, and longer intervals between litters with increas...
Performance analysis of the H-matrix-based Fast Direct Solver for finite-element-based analysis of electromagnetic problems

A finite-element method (FEM) based analysis of a complex electromagnetic problem generally results in a large-scale system matrix. Although the matrix is sparse, solving it can be a computational challenge when the problem size is large. A direct solution can be computationally intensive. In [1], the optimal operation count of the direct solution of a general FEM matrix was shown to be O(N1.5). State-of-the-art finite-element-based solvers rely on iterative approaches to solve the large-scale system matrix. Compared to iterative solvers, direct solvers have advantages when the number of iterations is large or the number of right hand sides is large. In [2], an H-matrix-based [3] fast direct solver was developed for the finite element based analysis of electromagnetic problems. It was shown that although the inverse of a finite element matrix is generally dense, it can be stored in O(NlogN) units, and computed in O(Nlog2N) complexity. The numerical scheme is applicable to arbitrary structures and problems. The theoretical analysis of complexity and accuracy of the H-matrix-based direct FEM solver was not given in [2] due to space constraint. In this paper, we give a detailed complexity and error analysis of the H-matrix-based fast direct FEM solver for electromagnetic analysis.
On the structure of collisionless magneto-plasma shock waves at super-critical Alfven-Mach numbers

Ions reflected from the sharp potential rise in a magneto-plasma, perpendicular shock wave result in a broad, small-amplitude' foot' in the magnetic field profile. A theory is given for the structure of this foot, which shows its shape to be a rather flat parabolic curve commencing at about half a Larmor radius in front of the shock front proper. The theory also predicts the amplitude of the foot just in front of the sharp rise as a function of Alfven-Mach number. Close agreement with experiment is found.
Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody with enhanced affinity for CD16 activates NK cells at lower concentrations and more effectively than rituximab

Growing evidence indicates that the affinity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for CD16 (FcγRIII) plays a central role in the ability of the mAb to mediate antitumor activity. We evaluated how CD16 polymorphisms, and mAb with modified affinity for target antigen and CD16, affect natural killer (NK) cell phenotype when CD20+ malignant B cells were also present. The mAb consisted of rituximab (R), anti-CD20 with enhanced affinity for CD20 (AME-B), and anti-CD20 with enhanced affinity for both CD20 and CD16 (AME-D). Higher concentrations of mAb were needed to induce CD16 modulation, CD54 up-regulation, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) on NK cells from subjects with the lower affinity CD16 polymorphism. The dose of mAb needed to induce NK activation was lower with AME-D irrespective of CD16 polymorphism. At saturating mAb concentrations, peak NK activation was greater for AME-D. Similar results were found with measurement of CD16 modulation, CD54 up-regulation, and ADCC. These data demonstrate that cells coated with mAb with enhanced affinity for CD16 are more effective at activating NK cells at both low and saturating mAb concentrations irrespective of CD16 polymorphism, and they provide further evidence for the clinical development of such mAbs with the goal of improving clinical response to mAb.
Cation-selective Pathway of OmpF Porin Revealed by Anomalous X-ray Diffraction

Abstract The OmpF porin from the Escherichia coli outer membrane folds into a trimer of β-barrels, each forming a wide aqueous pore allowing the passage of ions and small solutes. A long loop (L3) carrying multiple acidic residues folds into the β-barrel pore to form a narrow “constriction zone”. A strong and highly conserved charge asymmetry is observed at the constriction zone, with multiple basic residues attached to the wall of the β-barrel (Lys16, Arg42, Arg82 and Arg132) on one side, and multiple acidic residues of L3 (Asp107, Asp113, Glu117, Asp121, Asp126, Asp127) on the other side. Several computational studies have suggested that a strong transverse electric field could exist at the constriction zone as a result of such charge asymmetry, giving rise to separate permeation pathways for cations and anions. To examine this question, OmpF was expressed, purified and crystallized in the P63 space group and two different data sets were obtained at 2.6 A and 3.0 A resolution with K+ and Rb+, respectively. The Rb+-soaked crystals were collected at the rubidium anomalous wavelength of 0.8149 A and cation positions were determined. A PEG molecule was observed in the pore region for both the K+ and Rb+-soaked crystals, where it interacts with loop L3. The results reveal the separate pathways of anions and cations across the constriction zone of the OmpF pore.
The networking utility

The upcoming high-performance network promises to do much more than merely load our bookmarked Web pages faster. It will enable new services that will fundamentally simplify our interactions with computers and people. Its pricing and performance will allow us to forget its presence as it takes its place as just another home utility, such as gas and electricity. As currency allowed the explosive specialization of capitalism, the network will enable the information age's diverse services. Although this network seems like a distant reality, many steps have already been taken towards its implementation. The paper discusses the network's performance characteristics, information services and cost.
Particulate Matter in Injectable Drug Products

Clinicians have had concerns about particulate matter contamination of injectable drug products since the development of the earliest intravenous therapeutics. All parenteral products contain particulate matter, and particulate matter contamination still has the potential to cause harm to patients. With tens of millions of doses of injectable drug products administered in the United States each year, it is critical to understand the types and sources of particulate matter that contaminate injectable drug products, the possible effects of injected particulate matter on patients, and the current state of regulations and standards related to particulate matter in injectable drug products. Today, the goal of manufacturers, regulators, and standards-setting organizations should be to continue to minimize the risk of particle-induced sequelae, especially in high-risk patients, without trading unnecessary manufacturing burden for minimal safety gains. LAY ABSTRACT: All injectable drug products are contaminated with some level of solid particulate matter, including, for example, fibers, dust, rubber, and silicone. These materials enter drug products primarily during the manufacturing process. The possible effects on patients of injectable drug products containing particulate matter depend on a number of factors. However, given the large number of patients receiving injectable drug products each year in the United States and the potential for particulate matter to cause harm to patients, it is critical to continue to minimize particulate matter contamination in injectable drug products. Manufacturing standards and regulations have helped improve manufacturing quality. Nevertheless, manufacturers, regulators, and standards-setting organizations must continue to work toward improving manufacturing quality and minimizing the risk of harm from particle contamination, especially in high-risk patients.
Processing of nested and cross-serial dependencies: an automaton perspective on SRN behaviour

Language processing involves the identification and establishment of both nested (stack-like) and cross-serial (queue-like) dependencies. This paper analyses the behaviour of simple recurrent networks (SRNs) trained to handle these types of dependency individually and simultaneously. We provide new converging evidence that SRNs store sequences in a fractal data structure similar to a binary expansion. We provide evidence that the process of recalling a stored string by an SRN depletes the stored data structure, much like the operations of a symbolic stack or queue. Trained networks do not seem to operate like random access arrays, where a pointer into a data structure can retrieve data without altering the contents of the data structure. In addition, we demonstrate that networks trained to model both types of dependencies do not implement a more complex, but unified, representation, but rather implement two independent data structures, similar to a stack and queue.
Dynamic Rheological Properties of Process Cheese: Effect of Ca and P Content, Residual Lactose, Salt-to-Moisture Ratio and Cheese Temperature

Four treatments of Cheddar cheese with two levels (high and low) of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), and two levels (high and low) of residual lactose were manufactured. Each treatment was subsequently split prior to the salting step of cheese manufacturing process and salted at two levels (high and low) for a total of eight treatments. After two months of ripening, each treatment of Cheddar cheese was used to manufacture process cheese using a twin-screw Blentech process cheese cooker. NFDM, butter oil, trisodium citrate (emulsifying salt), and water were added along with Cheddar cheese for process cheese formulation. All process cheese food formulations were balanced for moisture (43.5%), fat (25%), and salt (2%), respectively. Dynamic rheological characteristics (G′ and G″) of process cheese were determined at 1.5Hz frequency and 750 Pa stress level by using a Viscoanalyzer during heating and cooling, temperature ranges from 30°C to 70°C then back to 30°C. High Ca and P content, and high S/M (HHH and H...
Recovery of function in survivors of the acute respiratory distress syndrome.

We performed a prospective cohort analysis to determine the rate and extent of improvement in pulmonary function abnormalities and self-perceived health for 1 yr after surviving an episode of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We also examined the effect of ARDS severity and etiology, age, and sex on functional recovery. Patients were recruited from the intensive care units of one hospital and followed at regular time intervals from extubation to 1 yr. Fifty-two of 82 eligible adult survivors (63%) consented to participate; 37 of 82 (45%) had at least two examinations, and 20 (24%) had complete follow-up. Risk factors for ARDS included sepsis (n = 12), trauma (n = 15), and other (n = 10). Pulmonary function and self-perceived health scores improved considerably in the first 3 mo after extubation, with only slight additional improvement at 6 mo. No further changes were evident at 1 yr. Patients with more severe ARDS had significantly lower pulmonary function tests than did other survivors thro...
Subgrid modeling via mass lumping in constant density acoustics

SUMMARY Finite difference simulations in discontinuous media are only first-order accurate regardless of the formal order of the method. Stairstep diffractions are a widely known manifestation of this first-order error. To recover the optimal convergence rate, we apply a finite element approach with mass lumping to aconstant density acoustic wave equation. This approach results in an explicit second-order accurate difference scheme withspecifically averaged sound velocity. Two numerical experiments confirm theoretical convergence rate. In particular, application of finite element discretizations with mass lumping leads to elimination of stairstep diffraction observed in simulations based on standard finite difference discretizations.
ω‐3 fatty acids in ESRD: should patients with ESRD eat more fish?

v-3 Fatty acids, derived from fish oil, are well established as essential nutrients in developing humans and adults w1x. However, their role as therapeutic agents in the management of progressive renal disease, atherosclerosis, and hypertension has only recently received attention w2x. For example, in patients with IgA nephropathy fish oil-enriched diets may retard progression of chronic renal insufficiency w3x. Moreover, these agents may confer specific benefits in endstage renal disease (ESRD) including a reduction in blood pressure and vascular disease in light of recent data illuminating the cell biology of v-3 fatty acids (see below).
Optimal allocation of very limited search resources

This paper presents a probabilistic model for studying the question: given n search resources, where in the search tree should they be expended? Specifically, a least-cost root-to-leaf path is sought in a random tree. The tree is known to be binary and complete to depth N. Arc costs are independently set either to 1 (with probability p) or to 0 (with probability 1-p). The cost of a leaf is the sum of the arc costs on the path from the root to that leaf. The searcher (scout) can learn n arc values. How should these scarce resources be dynamically allocated to minimize the average cost of the leaf selected? A natural decision rule for the scout is to allocate resources to arcs that lie above leaves whose current expected cost is minimal. The bad-news theorem says that situations exist for which this rule is nonoptimal, no matter what the value of n. The good-news theorem counters this: for a large class of situations, the aforementioned rule is an optimal decision rule if p ≤ 0.5 and within a constant of optimal if p > 0.5. This report discusses the lessons provided by these two theorems and presents the proof of the bad-news theorem.
Gastric Volvulus Following Left Pneumonectomy in an Adolescent Patient

Gastric volvulus is a rare post-pneumonectomy complication. Although it has been described previously, published cases are limited to an older patient population. We report the youngest case of postpneumonectomy gastric volvulus to date, occurring in an 18-year-old male with a history of inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumor who underwent left intrapericardial pneumonectomy, and presented 13 years later with chronic intermittent mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus. While postpneumonectomy gastric volvulus is a rare occurrence, it should remain in the differential diagnosis in postoperative thoracic surgical patients presenting with chest pain.
Death Rituals Reported by White, Black, and Hispanic Parents Following the ICU Death of an Infant or Child.

Purpose To examine rituals (disposing remains, wakes, funerals/burials, celebrations) of White, Black, Hispanic parents post ICU infant/child death. Design and methods Qualitative design, 63 parents completed English or Spanish semi-structured interviews at 7 & 13 months after infant's/child's death. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and entered into Atlas.ti for analysis. An inductive approach to thematization was used to develop codes. Results Parents: mean age 35.1 years (SD = 9.03); 33% Black, 27% White, 40% Hispanic; from 17 countries. Three themes emerged: immediately after death - shock and stress, needing help with arrangements, decisions on burial or cremation (conflicts due to finances, religion, culture), when and where to hold wakes, funerals/burials. Wakes and funerals - who prepares child's body, appropriate dress (deceased child, mourners), who can come (cultural restrictions),-variations by child age, parent choice, culture, religion, country. After burial/cremation - being with family, milestone celebrations. Conclusion Child death is devastating for parents, other children, grandparents, and family members. Practice Implications. Rituals after child death require decisions about the child's remains, wakes, funerals/burials at time of great pain for parents. This is especially true for newly immigrated parents and those with language barriers where making arrangements is especially hard and often very isolating. Health professionals who provide support need to be cognizant of practice differences based on religion, culture, economics, family traditions, and individual preference and provide as much support and resource as possible. A list of religious leaders representing the community's cultures and funeral service providers who may provide lower cost burials/cremations is helpful.
Exponentially accurate approximations for Dirichlet problems with discontinuous data

A method to obtain exponentially accurate approximations to solutions for Dirichlet problems with discontinuous boundary data for Laplace's equation in two dimensions is presented and discussed. Model problems with circular or rectangular boundaries, whose solutions can be obtained by separation of variables involving Fourier series, are discussed in detail. First, the boundary data g is expressed as the sum of a singular function SM, which is a certain linear combination of specially constructed ‘singular basis functions’ {Sn}, and a function, namely, g-sM, which is much smoother than the original data. The function SM is constructed so that its discontinuities, and those of its first M derivatives, coincide with the corresponding discontinuities of g. The solution u to the boundary-value problem is then expressed as the sum of a linear combination of the harmonic extensions { ϕn} of {Sn}, and a function v, which satisfies the boundary condition v=g-SM. Since the boundary data for v has at least M continuous derivatives, the partial sum approximations for v obtained by separation of variables converge much faster than the corresponding partial sum approximations for u. Formally, by letting N, the number of terms retained in the solution for v, be proportional to M, a sequence of approximations can be constructed which converges to u exponentially in the maximum norm, as M→ ∞. In particular, this implies that, when g is discontinuous, the unwanted effects of the Gibbs phenomenon can be completely overcome! The method is illustrated by several examples, and some possible applications to related problems are discussed.
Interference between Spring Cereals and Kochia scoparia Related to Environment and Photosynthetic Pathways

Kochia [Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.; syn. Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. ScottJ is a weed that infests cereal crops in the Great Plains of the USA, often severely reducing yields. Herbicides have controlled kochia, but recently kochia has developed resistance to many herbicides. Nonherbicide alternatives are therefore needed for the integrated management of kochia. Greenhouse and growth chamber competition studies were conducted between kochia, a C 4 weed, and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to determine the environmental conditions that would render kochia most vulnerable to competition by a small-grain crop. Replacement-series experiments between kochia and wheat or barley were conducted under various temperature, soil moisture, and light conditions. Unlike wheat, kochia growth and photosynthesis were suppressed under cool temperatures. Barley suppressed kochia more than wheat did because of its larger canopy, despite its lower photosynthetic rates. Under high radiation conditions and warm temperatures, growth and photosynthesis were greater for kochia than wheat. Warm temperatures also increased dark respiration and reduced water use efficiency under low radiation conditions, however, thus limiting kochia's competitiveness under a closed canopy. Water stress did not affect competition, although net photosynthetic rates of kochia were greater at photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) values > 400 μmol m s 1 . Growth and CO 2 exchange rates varied among four different kochia accessions, but growth of all accessions was reduced by shade. Results suggest that a leafy, cold-tolerant crop or cultivar, grown early in the season to produce necessary ground cover, should provide opportunity to suppress kochia.
Correlation between Molecular Mobility and Physical Stability in Pharmaceutical Glasses

We investigated a possible correlation between molecular mobility and physical stability in glassy celecoxib and indomethacin and identified the specific mobility mode responsible for physical instability (crystallization). In the glassy state, because the structural relaxation times are very long, the measurement was enabled by time domain dielectric spectroscopy. However, the local motions in the glassy state were characterized by frequency domain dielectric spectroscopy. Isothermal crystallization was monitored by powder X-ray diffractometry using either a laboratory source (supercooled state) or synchrotron source (glassy state). Structural (α) relaxation time correlated well with characteristic crystallization time in the supercooled state. On the other hand, a stronger correlation was observed between the Johari–Goldstein (β) relaxation time and physical instability in the glassy state but not with structural relaxation time. These results suggest that Johari–Goldstein relaxation is a potential pred...
The Rise of the Authenticity Economy: A Study of the Transformation and Spread of Food Trucks

The emergence of gourmet food trucks in the last five years represents a surprising market transformation. The trucks succeed by crossing boundaries pertaining to both status and genre, which usual...
Management and treatment of the sick equine neonate in ambulatory practice

Summary The ambulatory practitioner is usually the first to evaluate the equine neonate and must assess the foal and determine its health status. If one or more abnormalities are identified, the practitioner must initiate appropriate treatment and determine whether the foal can be managed successfully on the farm or referred to a specialty centre. This article describes the basic requirements that should be met and the limitations involved in treating compromised neonates on the farm. Treatments for common foal disorders are discussed.
Preparing the Pardon Power for the 21st Century

In the following pages, I aim to review what the literature of political science has to say about the topic of reform of state and federal clemency processes. I then share what I would like to see change with respect to federal executive clemency. Admittedly, much of my thinking is influenced by the views of predecessors in my discipline. I then identify what I believe should be explicit goals and baselines for future assessment of the pardon power.
Robust time-optimal control of a linear motor positioning system

In this paper,a robust minimum-time control technique is presented for point-to-point motion of a linear positioning system with an ironless permanent magnet linear synchronous motor(ILPMLSM).For this system,a time-optimal control satisfying Pontryagin's minimum principle is in Bang-Bang fashion.A switching time computation algorithm using particle swarm optimization(PSO) is proposed to obtain bang-bang control law.Due to parameter variations and other disturbances,the obtained bang-bang control would result in undesirable chattering towards the end of the desired final state.To tackle this problem,a two-phase control scheme is developed in this work.In the first phase(gross motion control),a bang-bang control law is applied,while in the second phase(fine motion control) a fast terminal sliding mode control(FTSMC) technique is employed to guarantee the convergence of the state to the desired final state.The simulation results show that the proposed method is more applicable and the probability of tramped into local extremum is dramatically reduced.Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed control scheme is effective and robust against parameter variations and other disturbances.
Morphology and classification of acute myeloid leukemias.

The morphology and classification of the acute myeloid leukemia, with an emphasis on diagnosis, are discussed. In addition to routine morphology and cytochemistry, however, it is now necessary to use newer modalities such as immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry to confirm a diagnosis. These newer modalities are essential for the diagnosis of the newer described entities of acute myeloid leukemia with minimal differentiation (FAB-MO) and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (FAB-M7). Cytogenetics and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques are also important for diagnosis as in FAB-M3 (promyelocytic leukemia), and for detecting those myeloid leukemias associated with a favorable or unfavorable response.
Subdividing NSCLC: reflections on the past, present, and future of lung cancer therapy.

More than 60 years ago, Karnofsky and colleagues reported promising results with the introduction of nitrogen mustard, the prototype of alkylating agents, for the treatment of lung cancer.[1] Subsequent milestones in the development of lung cancer chemotherapy included the use of platinum agents in the 1970s and 1980s, while the 1990s brought several active agents that could be combined with platinum, namely the taxanes, gemcitabine (Gemzar), and vinorelbine.
Solving the Yang-Baxter-like matrix equation for a class of elementary matrices

Let u and v be two n -dimensional vectors in the complex field such that v T u ź 0 , and let A = I - u v T . We find all the solutions of the quadratic matrix equation A X A = X A X in various situations, with the help of a spectral perturbation result for rank-one updated matrices. Two numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, including an application of the result to a 4 × 4 equation related to the classic Yang-Baxter equation.
Interactive software for calculating and displaying X-ray or neutron powder diffractometer patterns of crystalline materials

Two computer programs, XPOW and XPOWPLOT, that generate and graph X-ray or neutron powder diffractometer patterns of crystalline materials are described. The input for XPOW requires only the radiation wavelength, cell dimensions, space group, and positional parameters for the atoms in the asymmetric unit. The output includes a listing of the d values, 2θ values, and the relative intensities for the non equivalent Bragg reflections within a given 2θ interval. Using the XPOW output, the XPOWPLOT program creates menu-aided interactive color displays of up to five powder diffractometer patterns simultaneously on the PC monitor
Optimization of exponential error rates for a suboptimum fusion rule in wireless sensor networks

A simple fusion rule with multiple thresholds is presented for a distributed system to resolve multiple hypotheses. In contrast to the common assumption that the data is conditionally independent and identically distributed, only conditional independence under each hypothesis is assumed here. This allows the modeling of situations in which different sensors have different local detection probabilities as well as situations in which different sensors have communication links of different qualities or signal-to-noise ratios. A theorem is proved showing that one can select the thresholds independently in a manner that maximizes the asymptotic decay rate of the average probability of error. Furthermore, it is easy to compute these individual thresholds numerically. This is illustrated with an example.
Effects of Renal Function on Crizotinib Pharmacokinetics: Dose Recommendations for Patients with ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Background and Objectives Crizotinib (250 mg twice daily) is the first anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor approved for treatment of ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the effects of mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment on crizotinib pharmacokinetics and to make crizotinib dosing recommendations for ALK-positive NSCLC patients with renal impairment on the basis of the findings.
AVICENNA ON ANIMAL SELF-AWARENESS, COGNITION AND IDENTITY

The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive and systematic study of Avicenna's account of animal self-awareness and cognition. In the first part, I explain how, for Avicenna, in contrast to human self-awareness, animal self-awareness is taken to be indirect, mixed-up (makhlūṭ), and an intermittent awareness. In his view, animal self-awareness is provided by the faculty of estimation (wahm); hence, in the second part, I explore the cognitive role of the faculty of estimation in animals, and how that relates to self-awareness. The faculty of estimation, according to Avicenna, serves to distinguish one's body and its parts from external objects, and plays a role in connecting the self to its perceptual activities. It follows that animal self-awareness, unlike human self-awareness, is essentially connected to the body. In the third part of the paper, I show that, while Avicenna denies animals awareness of their self-awareness, he explicitly affirms that animals can grasp their individual identity, but, unlike humans, do so incidentally, as part of their perceptual awareness.
Performance optimization and power efficiency in 3D IC with buffer insertion scheme

We present a new scheme of buffer implementation in through-silicon via (TSV) based 3D circuits at early layout design stage for total delay minimization. For optimal buffer insertion at floorplanning level, it is important to incorporate more accurate and realistic estimation of interconnect delay and power. Early prediction of delay and power leads to better design decisions, overall timing closure and design convergence. The proposed buffer insertion scheme is integrated within the nets-to-TSVs assignment process, therefore considers the actual TSV position during buffer planning around TSVs. This method significantly minimizes signal degradation across TSVs while also avoiding excessive usage of buffers. We demonstrate that the choice of nominal wire length, which is a fixed interval between adjacent buffers, plays a critical role in the delay and power prediction of buffered interconnects. The nominal wirelength in our approach is represented by a multiplicity of the TSV equivalent wire length, which effectively models the TSV RC delay contribution to delay of a net. We compare the efficiency of our proposed scheme with existing buffer insertion techniques in 3D circuits. The power efficiency achieved by 3D circuit incorporating the proposed buffer insertion scheme is shown to be 38% higher than in 2D implementation of the same circuit.