cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gradient Boosted Decision Tree Algorithms for Medicare Fraud Detection

Employing Machine Learning algorithms to identify health insurance fraud is an application of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. Insurance fraud spuriously inflates the cost of Healthcare. Therefore, it could limit or even deny patients necessary care and treatment. We use Medicare claims data as input to various algorithms to gauge their performance in fraud detection. The claims data contain categorical features, some of which have thousands of possible values. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on using CatBoost and LightGBM to encode categorical data for Medicare fraud detection. We show that CatBoost attains better performance in the task of Medicare fraud detection than other algorithms, attaining a mean AUC value of 0.77452. At a 99% confidence level (with p value 0), our analysis shows that this result is significantly better than the mean AUC value of 0.76132 that LightGBM yields. A second contribution we make is to show that when we include an additional categorical feature (Healthcare provider state), CatBoost yields a mean AUC value of 0.88245, which is also significantly better than the mean AUC value of 0.85137 that LightGBM yields. Our empirical evidence clearly indicates CatBoost is a better alternative to other classifiers for Medicare fraud detection, especially when incorporating categorical features.
Using Subthreshold Vibratory Stimulation During Poststroke Rehabilitation Therapy: A Case Series

Subthreshold vibratory stimulation to the paretic wrist has been shown to prime the sensorimotor cortex and improve 2-week upper extremity (UE) therapy outcomes. The objective of this work was to determine feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of the stimulation over a typical 6-week therapy duration. Four chronic stroke survivors received stimulation during 6-week therapy. Feasibility/safety/efficacy were assessed at baseline, posttherapy, and 1-month follow-up. For feasibility, all participants wore the device throughout therapy and perceived the stimulation comfortable/safe. Regarding safety, no serious/moderate intervention-related adverse events occurred. For efficacy, all participants improved in Wolf Motor Function Test and UE use in daily living based on accelerometry and stroke impact scale. Mean improvements at posttherapy/follow-up were greater than the minimal detectable change/clinically important difference and other trials with similar therapy without stimulation. In conclusion, the stimulation was feasible/safe for 6-week use. Preliminary efficacy encourages a larger trial to further evaluate the stimulation as a therapy adjunct.
Women in nontraditional jobs: Is there a risk for musculoskeletal injury?

Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of disability among workers in the United States, affecting nearly one half of the nation's work force (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1986). In 1988, work related injuries, including soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries, occurred at a rate of 8.3 per 100 workers (U.S. Department of Labor, 1990). Gender data are limited. However, the rate of fractures, dislocations, and sprains severe enough to require medical attention or activity restriction per 100 persons 18 to 44 years old was 12.6 for males and 7.5 for females during 1990 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1991).
Bcl-XL is up-regulated by HTLV-I and HTLV-II in vitro and in ex vivo ATLL samples

Human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is the etiological agent of adult T-cell lymphocytic leukemia (ATLL), whereas HTLV-II has not been associated with hematopoietic malignancies. The control of apoptotic pathways has emerged as a critical step in the development of many cancer types. As a result, the underlying mechanism of long-term survival of HTLV-I and HTLV-II was studied in infected T cells in vitro and in ex vivo ATLL samples. Results indicate that HTLV-I- and HTLV-II-infected T cells in vitro express high levels of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl compared with other human leukemic T cell lines or uninfected peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The levels of proapoptotic proteins Bax, BAD, and Bak were not significantly altered. HTLV-I and HTLV-II viral transactivators, Tax1 and Tax2, are known to increase expression of cellular genes. These proteins were tested for increased transcription from the human Bcl2 and Bcl-X(L) promoters. Whereas no effect was observed on the Bcl2 promoter, both Tax1 and Tax2 increased transcription of the Bcl-X(L) promoter in T cells, although Tax1 appeared to be more efficient than Tax2. The biological significance of these observations was validated by the finding of an increased expression of Bcl-X(L) in ex vivo ATLL cells, especially from patients unresponsive to various chemotherapy regimens. Altogether, these data suggest that overexpression of Bcl-X(L )in vivo( )may be in part responsible for the resistance of ATLL cells to chemotherapy. In addition, inefficient activation of the Bcl-X(L) promoter by Tax2 may result in a shorter survival time of HTLV-II-infected cells in vivo and a diminished risk of leukemia development.
A Test for Detecting Changes in Mean

In the classical time series analysis, a process is often modeled as three additive components: long-time trend, seasonal effect and background noise. Then the trend superimposed with the seasonal effect constitute the mean part of the process. The issue of mean stationarity, which is generically called change-point problem, is usually the first step for further statistical inference. In this paper we develop testing theory for the existence of a long-time trend. Applications to the global temperature data and the Darwin sea level pressure data are discussed. Our results extend and generalize previous ones by allowing dependence and general patterns of trends.
PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON SAPFLOW IN COCOS NUCIFERA L.

SUMMARY Techniques are described which enable the transport of phloem sap in the coconut to be studied with greater precision than previously. Factors governing the flow of sap include manipulation and damage to the tissue, which tend to reduce the flow, whilst the use of sharp knives to slice the phloem enhances exudation. A possible role for manipulation is proposed, but it does not seem essential for the induction of exudation. Phloem sap pressures have been measured directly up to about 7.6 bar, agreeing with those that might be expected from measurements of the osmotic pressure of the phloem sap and the water potential of the xylem sap. Very high rates of specific mass transfer (SMT) have been measured for phloem and sieve tubes, supporting earlier estimates on Arenga, and tentative measurements have been made of the hydraulic conductivity of Cocos sieve tubes. In general, the observations support the view that mass flow through the phloem may be driven osmotically, but the remarkable facility with which the solute content of the sieve tubes can be altered, will make proof difficult. Implications of the work in relation to the transmission of phloem-borne pathogens are discussed.
Severe Pediatric Head Injury During the Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts

BACKGROUND: Much has been written about injuries sustained by US and coalition soldiers during the Global War on Terrorism campaigns. However, injuries to civilians, including children, have been less well documented. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiologic features and outcomes associated with isolated severe head injury in children during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF and OIF). METHODS: A retrospective review of children (3) and treated at a US combat support hospital in Iraq or Afghanistan (2004-2012). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: We identified 647 children with severe isolated head injuries: 337 from OEF, 268 from OIF, and 42 nontheater specific. Most were boys (76%; median age = 8 years). Penetrating injuries were most common (60.6%). Overall, 330 (51%) children underwent a craniotomy/craniectomy; 156 (24.1%) succumbed to their injuries. Admission Glasgow Coma Score was predictive of survival among the entire cohort and each of the individual conflicts. Male sex also significantly increased the odds of survival for the entire group and OEF, but not for OIF. Closed-head injury improved the predictive ability of our model but did not reach statistical significance as an independent factor. CONCLUSION: This is the largest study of combat-related isolated head injuries in children. Admission Glasgow Coma Score and male sex were found to be predictive of survival. Assets to comprehensively care for the pediatric patient should be established early in future conflicts. ABBREVIATIONS: CI, confidence intervalGCS, Glasgow Coma ScoreICP, intracranial pressureIED, improvised explosive deviceJTTR, Joint Theater Trauma RegistryLN, local nationalMTF, military treatment facilityOEF, Operation Enduring FreedomOIF, Operation Iraqi Freedom. Language: en
Effect of Human Body Position on the Swimming Behavior of Bull Sharks, Carcharhinus leucas

Abstract This study tested whether human body orientation can influence the behavior of bull sharks by examining sharks’ approach distances from a person positioned vertically or horizontally in the water. Results showed that bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, kept a significantly greater distance when the test subject was standing in chest-deep water with his head above water versus lying on the ocean floor. Furthermore, larger bull sharks in the immediate area withdrew when the subject entered the water.
Point-in-polygon algorithm based on monolithic calculation for included angle of half plane continuous chains

The point-in-polygon test which query about whether a point lies within a polygon or not is a fundamental problem in geometry, and of importance in various applications in GIS (Geographic Information System) and other areas. In taking advantage of the basic idea of the sum of included angle algorithm, a novel improvement for the point-in-polygon test is proposed in this paper. A new concept, the half plane continuous chain is presented, the continuous segments whose endpoints lies similar side by the line through the tested point will be organized as a half plane continuous chain. The monolithic calculation method of included angle for half plane continuous chain is founded, which accumulate the included angle value of each contained edge by directly calculating the included angle between the two endpoints of half plane continuous chains, all intermediate edges' included angle value calculation in each half plane continuous chain are omitted. As a result, the computation time is cut down. The improved algorithm for inclusion test consisting of three phases: (1) organizing edges of a polygon into a minimal number of half plane continuous chains and (2) calculating each chain's included angle value, and accumulating them to a sum and (3) comparing the sum with the constant: ±2π (or ±360°) means included and 0 means not. In the first phase, the computer for splitting polygonal chains into half plane continuous chain will just process Boolean compares. In the second phase, the included angle computation and accumulating times ranges from 0 to 2m, depending on the geometry of the polygon and the test direction, here, m is the fewer number of half plane continuous chains and is always smaller, often much smaller, than the number n of edges. In the case of afield polygon and convex polygon, the number of included angle calculating and accumulating times could be reduced from n to 0 or 5. Analysis shows except in the case of saw-shaped polygon, the improved algorithm is faster than the original in most cases, especially for polygons with large amounts of edges.
PhRMA BioResearch Monitoring Committee Perspective on Acceptable Approaches for Clinical Trial Monitoring

The integrity of clinical research data is critical for making sound regulatory decisions regarding the approval and use of medications. Equally important is the safeguarding of human subjects in clinical trials. A key element in the generation of high-quality data and protection of research participants during clinical research is sponsor monitoring of the clinical investigator site. This article provides the current thinking of the PhRMA BioResearch Monitoring Committee on acceptable approaches to clinical trial monitoring, taking advantage of risk-based decision making and modem technological tools. The intent is to provide flexibility in approaches—given the broad diversity of types of clinical research—while maintaining high standards for quality and integrity. The PhRMA BioResearch Monitoring Committee believes such approaches are applicable to all types of clinical research, regardless of who is sponsoring or conducting the research (industry, academia, or government agency).
First-principles investigation of visible light emission from silicon-based materials.

The atomic and electronic structure of various Si-based layered structures is calculated using pseudopotential density-functional theory and a self-energy approach. A silicon-hydrogen compound, consisting of a stacking in the [111] direction of double layers of Si terminated with H, is found to have an almost direct band gap of 2.75 eV. Substituting OH groups for H atoms leads to the compound siloxene, which is found to have a direct band gap of ∼1.7 eV. Investigations of the band-edge states and calculations of matrix elements show that these direct transitions are very strong
Effects of Temperature on Developmental Rate of Trissolcus euschisti (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), a Parasite of Stink Bug Eggs

The effects of seven constant temperatures, ranging from 15 to 33°C, on the rate of development and emergence of Trissolcus euschisti (Ashmead) were determined, using Podisus maculiventris (Say) eggs as hosts. The effects of two fluctuating temperature regimes also were studied. Males developed faster than females, and both sexes developed successfully from egg to adult emergence at constant temperatures ranging from 18 to 33°C. Although neither sex emerged as adults at a constant temperature of 15°C, both sexes emerged successfully under the fluctuating regimes of 14°C/22°C and 21°C/33°C. The low and high constant temperatures used in this study reduced the percentage of successful emergence of adult parasites. Developmental rates and other biological characteristics of T. euschisti are compared with those of Telenomus podisi Ashmead, a sympatric scelionid parasite of pentatomid eggs.
Receiver diversity scheme for OFDM systems

A simple receiver diversity scheme for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems is presented. Diversity combining is performed at the receiver before the discrete Fourier transformation (DFT) using a cyclic prefix. The scheme is shown to be equivalent to the conventional post-DFT maximal ratio diversity combiner. The computational complexity, or power consumption, can be reduced without any performance degradation when the number of antennas and the number of subcarriers are chosen properly.
Structural studies on H+, K+-ATPase: Determination of the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence and immunological cross-reactivity with Na+,K+-ATPase

Abstract The NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the 100 kilodalton subunit of porcine gastric H+,K+-ATPase has been determined to be YKAENYELYQVELGPGP. Although the NH2-terminal region of this protein is not similar to the same region of the lamb kidney Na+,K+-ATPase catalytic subunit, other regions of these ATPase proteins appear to be homologous. Both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies raised to lamb kidney Na+,K+-ATPase and its α, but not β, subunit cross-react with the 100 kilodalton protein of H+,K+-ATPase.
Randomized study of intrahepatic (H) versus systemic (S) infusion of fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR) in patients with liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma (CRC)

Abstract Previously untreated patients with only liver metastases from CRC were randomized to either intrahepatic (H) or systemic (S) infusion of fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR). The dose was 0.3 and 0.125 mg/kg/day for 14 days per month in the H and S groups, respectively. All patients underwent exploratory laparotomy to evaluate the extent of liver involvement and to assure the absence of extrahepatic disease. In the H group, the Infusaid pump was connected to hepatic artery; in the S group, the pump was connected to a venous catheter, while the hepatic artery catheter was connected to an infus-a-port, thereby allowing crossover to H therapy if disease progressed on S therapy. Of 178 patients referred to entry into the study, 63 did not have pumps placed because of extrahepatic disease ( n = 33), resectable disease ( n = 25), no tumor ( n = 4), and infection ( n = 1). Of the remaining 99 patients, 48 were randomized to H, and 51 to S. The two groups were well-matched for all variables including PS, percentage of liver involvement, and baseline LDH. Partial remissions (>50% reduction in measurable disease) were seen in 24/45 (50%) evaluable patients on H therapy, vs 10/48 (20%) on S. Extrahepatic progression occurred in 27/48 of H and 18/51 of S patients. Toxicity included ulcer disease or gastritis in 25%, bilirubin > 3 mg/dl in 19%, and biliary sclerosis in 8% of patients in the H group. The dose limiting toxicity for the S group was diarrhea (70%). More than half of the S group underwent a crossover to H, and 58% of crossovers had a response or stabilization of disease on H after tumor progression on S. Median survivals are presently 17 and 12 months in H and S groups, respectively. If the systemic group is divided into those who crossed over to H and versus those who did not have a crossover (usually for mechanical reasons), the median survivals are presently 18 and 8 months, respectively. This study suggests that intrahepatic therapy increases response rate and appears to be a more effective way of treating hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma.
An Exploratory Examination of a Grant-making Project in Social Work Education

Educators secure funding for MSW students to become a grant-making entity and provide monies to address local needs. An exploratory research design is used to obtain quantitative and qualitative data from students participating in the course-based project. Feedback suggests that students perceived increased abilities in the area of community needs assessments, grant writing, grant making, fund raising, public relations, and professional interest in efforts to secure monies. The merits and challenges of implementing a course-based grant-making and philanthropic project in the social work education are examined.
The Difference Game: Facilitating Change in High-Risk Clients:

Professionals who work with alcohol- and drug-dependent mothers face difficult challenges, particularly when the clients are alienated from the health and social services community. Typically, these clients have had abusive childhoods, have little reason to trust those in authority, and have even less reason to expect that positive changes might occur in their chaotic, fragmented lives. In the process of establishing a therapeutic relationship and conducting initial and follow-up assessments, it is critical for social workers or case managers to engage clients in a meaningful way so that the assessment represents the client's reality. The more individualized and accurate the assessment, the more useful it will be to the social worker and the client as they negotiate a service plan, monitor objective progress, and examine personal growth.
Transection of intrinsic polysynaptic pathways reduces N-methyl-D-aspartate neurotoxicity in hippocampal slice cultures.

Abstract Hippocampal CA1 neurons have been shown to be highly susceptible to excitotoxicity produced by various forms of insult. CA1 neurotoxicity is partly dependent on over activity of N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors. It is unclear, however, if sensitivity of this region to excitotoxicity is related to inherent properties of CA1 neurons and/or network activation of polysynaptic pathways. The present studies examined the role of mossy fiber and Schaffer collateral function in promoting NMDA-induced neurodegeneration. Organotypic hippocampal cultures were subjected to transection of mossy fibers, Schaffer collaterals, or CA1 efferent fibers and then exposed to NMDA (20 μM) for 1 h. Hippocampal damage was assessed 24 h later via fluorescent microscopy. NMDA exposure produced significant excitotoxicity in all regions (160–500% of control), particularly in the CA1. In each region, toxicity was reduced by co-exposure to NMDA with MK-801 (20 μM), to near-control levels. Surgical transection of mossy fibers and Schaffer collaterals significantly reduced NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in the CA1 (∼20%), and to a lesser extent, the CA3 and dentate regions. Conversely, transection of CA1 efferent fibers did not reduce the neurotoxicity in these regions. These data indicate that CA1 neurotoxicity caused by excitotoxic insult depends, in part, on ‘network activation’ of intrinsic polysynaptic pathways.
Ion physiology of vitellogenic follicles.

Abstract The ion physiology of vitellogenic follicles from a lepidopteran ( Hyalophora cecropia ) and a hemipteran ( Rhodnius prolixus ) are compared. Similarities that can be expected to occur in vitellogenic follicles of many other insects include: (1) gap junctions, which unite the cells of a follicle into an integrated electrical system, (2) transmembrane K + and H + gradients that account for over 60% of follicular membrane potentials, (3) absence of a Cl − potential, (but the opening of channels to this anion when vitellogenesis terminates in H. cecropia ), (4) an electrogenic proton pump that supplements follicular membrane potentials, (5) Ca 2+ action potentials evoked by injecting depolarizing currents into oocytes, and (6) the use of osmotic pressure to control epithelial patency. Differences include: a Na + /K + -ATPase that accounts for about 20% of the follicular resting potential in R. prolixus but is absent from H. cecropia , and an intrafollicular Ca 2+ current that moves from oocyte to nurse cells through cytoplasmic bridges in H. cecropia . Evidence is also summarized for two promising mechanisms that require further substantiation: (1) transmission via gap junctions of a follicle cell product that promotes endocytosis in the oocyte; and (2) transport of the proton pump back and forth between cell surface and endosomes as the membrane that carries it recycles through successive rounds of vitellogenin uptake.
Expected and Actual Residential Mobility

Abstract In this article, two phases of the residential mobility process—mobility expectations and the fulfillment of these expectations—are analyzed with longitudinal data on a representative national sample of families. Since different factors affect the expectation and fulfillment of job- and housing-related moves, these motivations are analyzed separately. The costs of job-related moves seem to be the major deterrents to fulfilling the expectations of these locational changes. The fulfillment rate of housing-related mobility expectations, on the other hand, relates to demographic and housing factors and indicates possible institutional impediments to mobility and die need for more adaptable housing. Regardless of the type of move, however, fewer than half of those expecting to move actually fulfill these expectations. In general, individuals do not seem very able to forecast their own moving behavior. The research reported here was supported by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, contract...
Sensitive Vibration Detection Using Ground-Penetrating Radar

A high-dynamic-range vibration detection system is presented based on analog cancellation. The prototype system operates at 900 MHz and is shown to detect vibrational displacement as low as 11 nm for a rectangular aluminum plate at a standoff distance of 2 m. By operating at a lower frequency than previous radar vibrometers, the system gains ground-penetrating capability and is shown to detect vibrations through 13 cm of sand. A fundamental relationship is introduced relating the minimum detectable vibration displacement to the standoff distance and system dynamic range.
Analysis of an archaeological maize kernel cache from Manabi Province, Ecuador

A randomly selected sample of 100 kernels from a cache of 644 recovered in a vessel of the Chorrera period was studied to determine what race or races were present. Because 644 kernels could represent 2–3 average-sized ears of Indian maize, more than one type could have been present. Difficulties inherent in analyzing carbonized grain made precise identification to race difficult, but the general shape of the kernels, expressed in width/length and width/thickness ratios, indicates a relationship to a group of races with low row numbers and kernels which are narrow (W/T about 2.0) and very broad (W/L about 1.0). Ecuadorian races such as Morochon, Kcello Ecuatoriano, and Cuzco fit this general configration, but have much larger kernels than the archaeological maize. The cob and ear radii calculated from the archaeological kernels are similar to races such as Andaqui and Kcello (Table 2). These 2 characters are probably the least reliable of the 6 measurements made on the kernels, and have therefore not been emphasized in this study. The race Andaqui of Colombia has grain close to the size of the archaeological maize, but no existing race fits the archaeological maize precisely. The Chorrera maize seems to fall into the same developmental line, or lineage, as the term has been defined by Manglesdorf (1974), as the kernel embedded in the Valdivia vessel from the San Pablo site, identified as Kcello Ecuatoriano (Zevallos et al., 1977).
Early gene changes in myocardial ischemia

Abstract After certain periods of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, cardiac dysfunction exists in the absence of myonecrosis. In a blood-perfused isolated rat heart model, we have demonstrated early gene changes that are associated with global myocardial "stuunning." Early gene changes included elevations in the expression of messenger RNAs for HSP70, c-myc and c-fos . Increased expression of messenger RNAs for protooncogenes is an important observation because of the role of protooncogenes as nuclear transcription factors. From these study findings, it would appear that the stunning state is associated with early gene changes that may signal the induction of a hypertrophic process. Subsequent studies are required to demonstrate the exact events which take place in the course of stunning that directly initiate an alteration in gene expression.
Luck + Merit = Grant

Granting approval to proposals submitted to the National Science Foundation (NSF) depends about as much on luck as it does on the scientific merit of the proposal, according to a study by the National Academy of Sciences' Committee on Science and Public Policy (COSPUP). In addition, concealing the names of the authors of the proposals, a practice known as ‘blinding,’ would not significantly change the outcome of the grant-awarding process. ‘The fate of a particular grant application is roughly half determined by the characteristics of the proposal and the principal investigator, and about half by apparently random elements which might be characterized as the “luck of the reviewer draw,”’ according to Stephen Cole, Jonathan R. Cole, and Gary A. Simon in the COSPUP report summary, published in the November 20 Science. If researchers' proposals for NSF grants were rated again by an equally qualified group of reviewers, between 25% and 30% of NSF funding decisions could be reversed, they said.
Development and Validation of a Feminism Scale

To develop a valid and reliable measure of attitudes toward women embodied in the aims of the women's movement, we (1) gave a revised feminism scale (Feminism I) to 225 students, (2) administered Feminism I to selected campus groups, and (3) gave one short form of Feminism II to two groups of 25 students, and alternated tests after 2 wk. Factor analysis of the Feminism I data established the measure as relatively homogeneous and resulted in a shortened Feminism II Scale (split-half reliability estimate of .976). The Feminism II Scale was partially validated by a significant effect (p < .001) for organizational membership. Short forms of the Feminism II Scale demonstrated an alternate forms reliability of .95, indicating their equivalency. Implications are discussed.
Electrophysiologic effects and efficacy of recainam for sustained ventricular tachycardia

Abstract Recainam is an investigational antiarrhythmic drug recently introduced into clinical testing. It is a phenylalkyl urea derivative that produces a concentrationdependent decrease in membrane responsiveness and maximal upstroke velocity. 1 The reduction in maximal upstroke velocity displays use-dependence, 1 similar to the class 1A drugs. However, unlike class 1A drugs, but similar to class 1B agents, recainam does not prolong action potential duration. 1 Other studies demonstrated that recainam slows conduction with minimal effect on ventricular refractoriness, 2 effects consistent with a class 1C antiarrhythmic action. Thus, these preliminary investigations suggested that recainam possesses a unique electrophysiologic profile with properties of each of the 3 class 1 subclasses. Other preclinical studies have demonstrated recainam's efficacy in suppressing ventricular arrhythmias in the postinfarction dog model 3 and initial clinical studies have demonstrated that it is highly effective in suppressing ventricular premature complexes. 4–6 However, no studies to date have reported the electrophysiologic effects of recainam in patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). Such is the purpose of this report.
Low Energy Proton Damage to Solar Cells

Various types of silicon solar cells have been irradiated with 4.6 - 4.8 Mev protons in two separate experiments. In the first experiment, variations included the bulk material, impurity concentration, and oxygen concentration; the second experiment involved the cells of various manufacturers. Changes in diffusion length, spectral response, and efficiency under sun-like illumination are presented. Annealing effects in terms of the aforermentioned parameters are given. Comparison of the effects of this damage to that of 1 Mev electrons is made. Some preliminary results on the effects of proton damage to GaAs photovoltaic cells are also mentioned.
Applications of the nonlinear finite difference time domain (NL‐FDTD) method to pulse propagation in nonlinear media: Self‐focusing and linear‐nonlinear interfaces

In an effort to meet an ever increasing demand for more accurate and realistic integrated photonics simulations, we have developed a multidimensional, nonlinear finite difference time domain (NL-FDTD) Maxwell's equations solver. The NL-FDTD approach and its application to the modeling of the interaction of an ultrashort, optical pulsed Gaussian beam with a Kerr nonlinear material will be described. Typical examples from our studies of pulsed-beam self-focusing, the scattering of a pulsed-beam from a linear-nonlinear interface, and pulsed-beam propagation in nonlinear waveguides will be discussed.
A keratoconjunctivitis in chickens.

Abstract A RELATIVELY severe keratoconjunctivitis in young chickens has been called to the attention of the laboratory with increasing frequency during the past few years. This disturbance has not become particularly common, but the symptoms and lesions appear to be definitive and there is considerable financial loss associated with outbreaks. INCIDENCE The disturbance was first observed in the diagnostic laboratory in 1943. Chronologically speaking the accessions were as follows: 1943—2; 1944—1; 1945—1; 1946—1; 1947—5; 1948—12; and 1949 to November 1—16. This report is based on information obtained from the field and from specimens submitted for examination. ETIOLOGY Reports from flock owners on conditions associated with outbreaks, together with the fact that no infectious agent could be demonstrated, suggest that the cause is closely related to environmental factors, particularly the ammonia in the houses. Ammonia fumes are common to nearly all cases. Field reports indicate . . .
Best quasi-convex uniform approximation

Une fonction reelle bornee g sur [0,1] est quasiconvexe si on a g(x)≤max(g(s), g(t)) pour tous x,s,t tels que 0≤s≤x≤s≤t≤1. Soit K l'ensemble de ces fonctions quasiconvexes. Le probleme considere est celui de la meilleure approximation uniforme quasi-convexe d'une fonction continue f sur [0,1], c.a.d. le probleme de trouver g*∈K telle que ∥f−g*∥ ∞ =inf{∥f-g∥ ∞ :g∈K}
Subsequent primary cancers among men and women with in situ and invasive melanoma of the skin

Background An estimated 750,000 melanoma survivors in the United States are at increased risk of subsequent primary cancers. Objective We sought to assess the risk of developing subsequent primary cancers among people with cutaneous melanoma. Methods Using 1992 to 2006 data from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, 40,881 people with in situ melanoma and 76,041 people with invasive melanoma were followed up (mean of 5.6 years) for the development of subsequent primary cancers. The observed number of subsequent cancers was compared with those expected based on age-/race-/year-/site-specific rates in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results population. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) (SIR = observed number/expected number) were considered statistically significant if they differed from 1, with an alpha level of 0.05. Results After a first primary in situ melanoma, risk was significantly elevated for subsequent invasive melanoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia among men (SIRs = 8.43 and 1.44, respectively) and women (SIRs = 12.33 and 1.79, respectively). After a first primary invasive melanoma, risk was significantly elevated for subsequent invasive melanoma, thyroid cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia among both men (SIRs = 12.50, 2.67, 1.56, and 1.57, respectively) and women (SIRs = 15.67, 1.77, 1.42, and 1.63, respectively). Limitations Case ascertainment issues particularly affecting in situ melanoma cases could affect results. The role of detection bias in the diagnoses of some subsequent cancers cannot be completely eliminated. Conclusions The findings of the study should guide the development of strategies such as posttreatment surveillance, screening, and ultraviolet exposure education among melanoma survivors to improve cancer survivorship.
Vasorelaxant responses to endomorphins, nociceptin, albuterol, and adrenomedullin in isolated rat aorta.

Abstract The endogenous peptides endomorphins 1 and 2 are newly discovered, potent, selective μ-opioid receptor agonists. In the present study, the effects of endomorphins 1 and 2 on vascular smooth muscle tone were investigated on isolated rings from rat aorta with and without endothelium. In rings precontracted with phenylephrine, endomorphins 1 and 2 at concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 μM, nociceptin at concentrations of 1–100 μM, and adrenomedullin at concentrations of 0.01–1.0 μM induced concentration dependent relaxant responses. The endomorphins and nociceptin were less potent than adrenomedullin. No relaxation was induced by endomorphins 1 and 2 in aortic rings denuded of endothelium and precontracted with phenylephrine. The results of the present studies demonstrate that the endomorphins relax aortic vascular smooth muscle from the rat aorta by an endothelium-dependant mechanism.
A Note on CEPs

Simple analytical approximations are presented for normalized CEPs resulting from biased errors, and from unequal orthogonal variances, which are otherwise given only in the form of curves.
Late onset of cervical dystonia in a 39-year-old patient following cerebellar hemorrhage

Cervical Dystonia (CD) is the most common form of focal dystonia with an incidence of 8.9 per 10,000 people [9]. The majority of cases are idiopathic, and secondary CD is associated with perinatal, vascular, traumatic, infectious and drug-induced processes affecting the central and peripheral nervous system [12]. A few reports have suggested that the cerebellum plays a role in pathogenesis of dystonia, There have been four cases in the literature describing CD that developed following a cerebellar stroke [2, 10, 11, 15]. We hereby present a rare case of CD developing 15 months after a cerebellar hemorrhage secondary to a ruptured AVM of the cerebellar vermis. A 37-year-old right-handed male presented to us with a sudden onset of headache, vomiting and dizziness. Neurological examination revealed right-sided horizontal nystagmus, ataxic gait, right-sided dysmetria and difficulty with finger nose test. His previous medical history and family history were unremarkable. An emergency noncontrast computerized tomography scan revealed a 2.4 9 1.6 cm hemorrhage in the vermis and in the occipital horns of the lateral ventricles. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with venous varices in the cerebellar vermis (see Fig. 1). The AVM was embolized using ONYX and surgically excised 3 months later. After treatment, his cerebellar gait ataxia and dysarthria slightly worsened over the next 1 year. Fifteen months after the cerebellar hemorrhage, the patient developed intermittent rotational torticollis towards the left without trauma or exposure to dopamine blocking drugs. Primidone, topiramate, alprazolam, cyclobenzaprine, NSAIDs and physical therapy failed to provide relief. The patient received injections of Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX ) to cervical muscles with a significant improvement. We believe that our case represents the fifth report of CD following a cerebellar stroke and the first one following a cerebellar hemorrhage. Alarcon et al. [2] performed a study in Ecuador on 56 patients with movement disorder after stroke. One of these patient had suffered a cerebellar ischemic stroke and developed dystonia 2 months later. Zadro et al. [15] described another patient who developed right-sided rotation of the head on the second day after having a left-sided cerebellar ischemic stroke. O’Rourke et al. [10] described a patient who developed paroxysmal CD following bilateral cerebellar infarction. Rumbach et al. [11] described a case of cerebellar infarction following vertebral artery occlusion who developed hemidystonia 2 months later. It is noteworthy that in our case CD developed after a substantially longer latency of 15 months. Other authors have also described CD in patients with space-occupying lesions (see Table 1) [1, 3, 6–8, 13, 14]. N. Usmani C. Sengun A. Pandey C. Singer Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Generative Processes: Thick Drawing

This article presents techniques and theories of generative drawing as a means for developing complex content in architecture design studios. Appending the word ‘generative’ to drawing adds specificity to the most common representation tool and clarifies that such drawings are not singularly about communication or documentation but are also productive instruments for architectural inquiry. A particular aspect of generative drawings is their potential to directly activate conceptualisation processes. Such advancement is demonstrated through evidence of continued design thinking development rather than isolation of schemes at a particular point in a process. Generative drawings offer the means of advancing multiple paths of inquiry rather than singular research channels typified in introductory pedagogies. The relevance of drawings as polemical instruments or tools of critique and history is well established, but the intellectual and physical techniques of generative drawing that advance multiple modes of architectural research are less explicit. The use of drawings as discursive instruments is a critical step towards the alignment of authorship as but one category of priority alongside the rich and complex field of forces beyond individual intuition. The recognition of design research as a category of inquiry commensurate with scientific or historical disciplines requires that our instruments have explicitly defined purpose. By discussing specific techniques and the reasons for communicating such intuitive or inexplicit architectural conditions, this article seeks to disperse the mysterious haze that obscures the legibility of architectural drawing from the uninitiated.
Reconstruction of the genetic regulatory dynamics of the rat spinal cord development: Local Invariants approach

Recently, many attempts have been made to describe the gene expression temporal dynamics by using systems of differential equations. This is fraught with difficulty, given the current experimental level of understanding. Another way to extract useful information regarding regulation in genetic networks can be provided by our method of Incomplete Modeling using Local Invariants, although at the price of not being able to construct a complete model of the whole system. In this approach we are looking for a set of simple models describing the algebraic or differential relations among just a few variables, genes in this case, which fit the experimental data with the required accuracy. In the present work, we apply this method to gene expression time profiles of 112 genes from rat spinal cord development experiments. We found that many different types of Local Invariants exist in this dataset. Moreover, some isolated self-contained subsystems, whose behavior can be described by closed systems of differential equations, were also found.
The Dynamics of Frequency-Specific, Depth-Sensing Indentation Testing

Depth-sensing indentation involves applying a specific force-time history on a rigid indenter while continuously monitoring the displacement of the indenter into the surface. Frequency specific depth-sensing indentation testing entails adding a small harmonic force on the indenter and measuring the harmonic response of the indenter at the excitation frequency. While often taken for granted, understanding the dynamics behind these frequency specific measurements is of vital importance in the determination of quantitative mechanical properties. This paper will focus on the dynamics of a variety of depth-sensing indentation systems and how these dynamics affect such parameters as detecting the point of surface contact, environmental sensitivity, dynamic frequency range, and the range over which contact stiffnesses and moduli can be accurately measured.
Species-Area Relation and Self-Similarity in a Biogeographical Model of Speciation and Extinction

We introduce a generic model for the population growth and dispersal of individuals in species with heterogeneous, fluctuating environments. New species originate with a probability inversely proportional to the abundance of the parent species. The model generates an average number of species which depends on the domain area in agreement with the species-area relation for islands. The model also generates self-similar radiations characterized by a power-law distribution for the number of subtaxa with the same parent taxon and a 1yf power spectrum for the time series of extinctions and originations. [S0031-9007(99)08604-4] PACS numbers: 87.10. + e Despite the complexity of factors which influence the population growth and dispersal of individuals in species, ecology and evolution exhibit several general patterns related to biogeography. In ecology, one example is the species-area relation where the number of species on islands (including continents) of similar climate and elevational range increases with the area of the island as a power law with an exponent of approximately 0.25: S › CA z , where C is a constant and z 0.25 [1 ‐8]. A
Developmental changes in adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH)-induced expression of ACTH receptor and steroid acute regulatory protein mRNA in ovine fetal adrenal cells.

Adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) plays an important role in mediating the increase in Cortisol output in the late gestation sheep fetus. At the adrenal itself, heightened expression of ACTH receptor (ACTH-R) and steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) appear to be important parallel changes. This study examined how ACTH affects ACTH-R and StAR mRNA expression, and Cortisol production in adrenocortical cells isolated from fetuses of varying gestational age (dGA). We hypothesized that the ability of ACTH to stimulate its receptor and StAR mRNA expression would be greater close to term than earlier in development. Adrenals were obtained from fetuses (100-105, 120, or 135–139 dGA), and the cortical cells were dispersed. After 3 days of culture, cells were stimulated with ACTH1_24, and the cells and medium were collected at different time points (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours) for measurement of Cortisol and ACTH-R and StAR mRNA. Cortisol secretion was increased after ACTH treatment in all three age cohorts. Cells from the 135—139 dGA group secreted the most Cortisol, followed by the 100—105 and then the 120 dGA groups (P <. 05). ACTH-R mRNA levels before and after ACTH were higher in the late compared to both earlier groups. StAR mRNA levels before and after ACTH were higher in the 100—105 and 135 than in the 120 dGA group. The time to peak ACTH-R mRNA response was age-dependent, with the 100—105 dGA cells taking longer to attain maximum levels. Maximal StAR mRNA levels were not age-related. The data suggest that ACTH-R and StAR are indeed key mediators of fetal adrenocortical responsiveness, and that ACTH is able to up-regulate responsiveness, and hence Cortisol production, by increasing their expression.
Thermally-induced ortho-para conversion anomaly in solid hydrogen under pressure

Abstract The spontaneous ortho-para conversion rate in solid hydrogen under pressure has been observed to increase by approximately an order of magnitude at temperatures greater than 0.08 θ o and for molar volumes less than 19.7 cm 3 . This effect, which disappears upon cooling below these temperatures, cannot be understood in terms of present theoretical models. The heat capacity experiment (C V (V,T)) in which these effects were observed gives an equation of state for parahydrogen for pressures less than 2 kbar which agrees with previous high pressure work at 4.2 K, and a T=0 equilibrium molar volume of 23.20 ± 0.05 cm 3 .
Normal erythrocyte osmotic fragility in hereditary spherocytosis.

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Fractional factorial analysis of growth and weaning success in Peromyscus maniculatus

Fractional factorial designs were used to explore simultaneously the effects of eight variables on survival and growth of neonatal deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus. Two of the variables had significant effects on weaning success. The magnitudes of their effects are illustrated.