cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health Care Coverage: Traditional and Preventive Measures and Associations with Chronic Disease Risk Factors

Physician counseling of patients on health related activities is an essential component of chronic disease prevention, however this requires patients to have ready access to health care providers. Previous studies have explored access to health care in terms of health plans and cost without accounting for the lack of preventive coverage inherent in many insurance policies. This study compares two measures of health care access, one using an assessment of cost and health plan availability, and a new coverage measure including preventive services. Data was collected from 2574 adult respondents to the 1991-92 Missouri Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Surveys. Odds ratios were generated for demographic variables, health related behaviors and preventive screening and the two coverage measures. Using health plan and cost 22% lacked full coverage, however including availability of preventive coverage almost 60% lacked full coverage for preventive care. For both coverage measures significant associations were found with age, exercise, marital status, routine checkup and mammography screening. Using the measure of coverage of preventive services, rural residents and those who had never had cholesterol screening were more likely to lack coverage. Inclusion of preventive care in measures of health care coverage may alter previously reported associations with socio-demographic and health related factors. Policy makers should realize that including preventive services in health care coverage greatly increases the number of individuals lacking adequate coverage, and that those lacking adequate coverage are the least likely to undergo preventive screening.
Interactions spin-spin nucléaires [1]

Les spectres de Resonance Magnetique Nucleaire (R.M.N.) d'une serie d'epoxydes disubstitues ont ete etudies. Les constantes de couplage vicinales J cis et J trans varient lineairement avec l'electronegativite des substituants X. Dans ces composes les coefficients de l'equation de Karplus sur la dependance angulaire des constantes de couplage sont dans l'ordre inverse (k 0° > k 180°) de celui generalement rencontre.
Proprietary Costs and Other Determinants of Nonfinancial Disclosures

Nonfinancial disclosure of product-related information and business expansion occur more frequently than corporate earnings guidance and trigger positive three-day abnormal stock price returns of 30-60 basis points on average. Consistent with Verrecchia (1983), nonfinancial disclosures occur less frequently but with a stronger good news bias when proprietary costs are high. In addition, although I find some commonality in the determinants of corporate guidance and nonfinancial disclosures, I find substantial differences between guidance and nonfinancial disclosures in the relation with institutional ownership, research and development, capital expenditures, and earnings volatility. Overall, my paper provides large sample evidence on the stock price consequences of an important but previously unexamined type of firm communication, on the role of proprietary costs in disclosure, and on the differences in the determinants of nonfinancial disclosure relative to guidance.
Bounds on Memory Bandwidth in Streamed Computations

The growing disparity between processor and memory speeds has caused memory bandwidth to become the performance bottleneck for many applications. In particular, this performance gap severely impacts stream-orientated computations such as (de)compression, encryption, text searching, and scientific (vector) processing. This paper looks at streaming computations and derives analytic upper bounds on the bandwidth attainable from a class of access reordering schemes. We compare these bounds to the simulated performance of a particular dynamic access ordering scheme, the Stream Memory Controller (SMC). We are building the SMC, and where possible we relate our analytic bounds and simulation data to the simulation performance of the hardware. The results suggest that the SMC can deliver nearly the full attainable bandwidth with relatively modest hardware costs.
Screening for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma in BRCA2 Mutation Carriers: Results of a Disease Simulation Model.

Abstract Background BRCA2 mutation carriers are at increased risk for multiple cancers including pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC). Our goal was to compare the effectiveness of different PAC screening strategies in BRCA2 mutation carriers, from the standpoint of life expectancy. Methods A previously published Markov model of PAC was updated and extended to incorporate key aspects of BRCA2 mutation carrier status, including competing risks of breast- and ovarian-cancer specific mortality. BRCA2 mutation carriers were modeled and analyzed as the primary cohort for the analysis. Additional higher risk BRCA2 cohorts that were stratified according to the number of first-degree relatives (FDRs) with PAC were also analyzed. For each cohort, one-time screening and annual screening were evaluated, with screening starting at age 50 in both strategies. The primary outcome was net gain in life expectancy (LE) compared to no screening. Sensitivity analysis was performed on key model parameters, including surgical mortality and MRI test performance. Findings One-time screening at age 50 resulted in a LE gain of 3.9days for the primary BRCA2 cohort, and a gain of 5.8days for those with BRCA2 and one FDR. Annual screening resulted in LE loss of 12.9days for the primary cohort and 1.3days for BRCA2 carriers with 1 FDR, but resulted in 20.6days gained for carriers with 2 FDRs and 260days gained for those with 3 FDRs. For patients with ≥3 FDRs, annual screening starting at an earlier age (i.e. 35–40) was optimal. Interpretation Among BRCA2 mutation carriers, aggressive screening regimens may be ineffective unless additional indicators of elevated risk (e.g., 2 or more FDRs) are present. More clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings. Funding American Cancer Society – New England Division – Ellison Foundation Research Scholar Grant (RSG-15-129-01-CPHPS).
The septic milieu triggers expression of spliced tissue factor mRNA in human platelets

Summary. Background: Activated platelets have previously-unrecognized mechanisms of post-transcriptional gene expression that may influence hemostasis and inflammation. A novel pathway involves splicing of pre-mRNAs in resting platelets to mature, translatable mRNAs in response to cellular activation. Objectives: We asked if bacterial products and host agonists present in the septic milieu induce tissue factor pre-mRNA splicing in platelets from healthy subjects. In parallel, we asked if spliced tissue factor (TF) mRNA is present in platelets from septic patients in a proof-of-principle analysis. Patients/methods: TF pre-mRNA and mRNA expression patterns were characterized in platelets from septic patients and in platelets isolated from healthy subjects activated with bacteria, toxins and inflammatory agonists. Procoagulant activity was also measured. Results and conclusions: Live bacteria, staphylococcal α-toxin and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced TF pre-mRNA splicing in platelets isolated from healthy subjects. Toxin-stimulated platelets accelerated plasma clotting, a response that was blocked by a previously-characterized splicing inhibitor and by an anti-tissue factor antibody. Platelets from septic patients expressed spliced TF mRNA, whereas it was absent from unselected and age-matched control subjects. Tissue factor-dependent procoagulant activity was elevated in platelets from a subset of septic patients. Thus, bacterial and host factors induce splicing of TF pre-mRNA, expression of TF mRNA and tissue factor-dependent clotting activity in human platelets. TF mRNA is present in platelets from some septic patients, indicating that it may be a marker of altered platelet phenotype and function in sepsis and that splicing pathways are induced in this syndrome.
A micromechanical model for multiple crazing in high impact polystyrene

In many classes of glassy polymers, much of the macroscopic response of the material is controlled by crazing. When crazing occurs under well-controlled conditions, as in high impact polystyrene (HIPS) blends, it provides a mechanism of inelastic deformation improving the material toughness. Crazes, however, are also the precursors of cracks and, ultimately, failure. Micromechanical features of the blend, such as particle size, compliance, and volume fraction, must be accurately tailored in order to attain the desired effects. In this work we present a micromechanical model for particle-toughened polystyrene (PS). The finite element model considers a representative volume element (RVE) of the two-phase material and includes special craze elements with nucleation and growth criteria based on experimental observations of craze behavior in PS. The model enables the investigation of the effects of various parameters, such as the size, volume fraction and properties of the second-phase particles, on the inelastic behavior of toughened polymers, with particular regard to craze initiation and growth. Here, we demonstrate its utility by exploring the progression of multiple crazing in a representative HIPS system.
The economics of overeducation

Abstract This paper provides a brief account of the economics of overeducation. The main emphasis is on explaining Overeducation using several labor-market models and establishing theoretically the impact of overeducation on production. The paper first points out that although overeducation is only a short-run phenomenon according to the neoclassical account of the labor market, it can be a persistent problem when analyzed from the perspective of Spence's job-screening model or Thurow's job-competition model. It then proceeds to argue how overeducation can adversely affect individual productivity. The argument is based on indirect evidence from the industrial-psychology literature which shows that workers with more education than their jobs require often exhibit counterproductive behavior in the workplace. To establish the overeducation-productivity relationship more formally and directly, a production-function model which incorporates the negative impact of overeducation on production has been constructed. This model is based on a review of the economic literature on production and it characterizes production as a two-phase process. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the implications of overeducation for both private and public policies.
Role of exchange scattering in spin-dependent (e,2e) collisions

One of the exciting new developments in the field of electron-impact ionization of atoms lies in the use of spin-polarized electron beams. The development of new technology which allows one to measure increasingly differential cross sections is partially motivated by the fact that the new results would be expected to serve as a more sensitive test of theory. For the last 20 years, spin-polarized electron - atom scattering has provided stringent tests of theory for elastic and inelastic scattering and the new ionization measurements will undoubtedly extend the horizons for this type of work. Probably the most important issue, however, concerns whether or not these sensitive tests can serve as a probe of new physical effects which were not previously observable. In this letter, it is demonstrated that the recent measurements of ionization of xenon using spin-polarized electrons provide information about exchange effects between the projectile electron and atomic charge cloud which would not be seen using unpolarized beams of electrons.
A state-space approach to a one-dimensional mathematical model for the dynamics of phase transitions in pseudoelastic materials

Abstract An abstract formulation of a general mathematical model for the dynamics of shape memory alloys is presented. Using a state-space approach, the model is written as a semilinear Cauchy problem in an appropriate Hilbert space. It is shown that the differential operator corresponding to the linear part of the system generates an exponentially stable analytic semigroup. For this semigroup, explicit decay rates are given in terms of the physical constants of the system and its continuity with respect to the model parameters is proved. A proof of local existence of solutions is given and open problems are discussed.
Nocotine dependence in cigarette smoking: An empirically-based, multivariate model

Nicotine dependence implies a pattern of heavy smoking which is resistant to change, as well as nicotine tolerance, withdrawal, and regulation. The present study attempted to develop a coherent model of cigarette smoking by examining responses on several different measures of nicotine dependence. Twenty-seven habitual smokers filled out questionnaires before and after smoking research cigarettes differing in nicotine content in the laboratory. Plasma cotinine was used to estimate nicotine intake from usual brand cigarettes outside the laboratory. Subjects in the high cotinine quartile (heavy smokers) were found to be consistently more nicotine-dependent than subjects in the low cotinine quartile (light smokers). Taking all subjects into account, the six measures of nicotine dependence which exhibited significant correlations with plasma cotinine accounted for about half of the cotinine variance in a multivariate, linear-regression model. Multivariate approaches provide additional tools for assessing biobehavioral mechanisms in substance abuse and may lead to the development of more-comprehensive and sufficient explanations of smoking than are currently available.
Psychosis Likely Induced by Hydroxychloroquine in a Patient With Chronic Q Fever: A Case Report and Clinically Relevant Review of Pharmacology

Received January 9, 2012; revised June 22, 2013; accepted June 24, 2013. From Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN. Send correspondence and reprint requests to Piyush Das, M.D., Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 11203 Stokes Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44104; e-mail: drpiyushdas@yahoo.com & 2014TheAcademy of PsychosomaticMedicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Introduction
A Scenario Generation Method with Heteroskedasticity and Moment Matching

We present a portfolio management framework composed of a new scenario generation algorithm and a stochastic programming (SP) model. The algorithm is built on heteroskedastic models and a moment matching approach to construct a scenario tree that is a calibrated representation of the randomness in risky asset returns. We also present a multistage SP model that maximizes the expected final wealth and controls the risk exposure through limiting conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) at each decision epoch over the scenario tree generated by the algorithm.
Soft switch-avalanche IGBT convertor

A full bridge dc-dc converter using a zero voltage and zero current switching technique is described. This circuit utilizes the characteristics of the IGBT to achieve power and frequency combinations that are much higher than those previously reported for this device. Experimental results are included for a 1.5 kW, 100 kHz converter with 94 percent efficiency.
Angiotensin II type 2 receptor mediates vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis and antagonizes angiotensin II type 1 receptor action: An in vitro gene transfer study

Angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor is expressed abundantly in the fetal vasculature with rapid decline after birth and re-expressed in the adult vasculature after injury, whereas angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor is expressed. We studied their effects on apoptosis in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Serum starvation induced VSMC DNA fragmentation and the stimulation of AT1 receptor inhibited this apoptotic change. We transfected rat AT2 receptor cDNA, since cultured adult VSMCs show very low level of endogenous AT2 receptor. In AT2 receptor transfected VSMC, selective stimulation of AT2 receptor facilitated serum-deprivation-induced apoptosis and AT1 receptor stimulation inhibited it. Moreover we observed that AT1 receptor stimulation activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), whereas the AT2 receptor stimulation inhibited the activation of ERK. Taken together, our results suggest that AT1 and AT2 receptors exert counteracting effects on ERK activation and consequently VSMC apoptosis and differential expression of these receptors may participate in vascular development and vascular remodeling.
On Goulet's chronology of Eunapius' life and works

In the centennial JHS , R. Goulet proposed a radical revision of the chronology of the life and literary productions of Eunapius of Sardis. Briefly stated, Goulet argued that Eunapius had arrived as a student in Athens in 364, rather than 362, and identified the later date with the terminus of the first ἔκδοσις of Eunapius' History , the publication of which he placed not before 395. This date, in turn, forced him to explain references in Eunapius' other known work, the Vitae Sophistarum , to post-364 events that had already been treated in the History , as anticipatory allusions integrated into accounts of earlier affairs. Though Goulet's reconstruction has as yet gone unchallenged, its infirm foundation of hypothesis supported by special pleading collapses beneath the weight of the evidence at hand.
Toxin and kinetic profile of rat brain type III sodium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

Abstract Sodium (Na+) channels are members of a multigene family and are responsible for generation and propagation of the action potential in excitable cells. We have assembled, in a transcription-competent vector, a full-length cDNA clone encoding the rat brain type III Na+ channel. Xenopus oocytes microinjected with in vitro synthesized mRNA expressed functional rat brain Na+ channels from such ‘cloned’ RNA transcripts. We found that type III Na+ currents in whole cell microelectrode voltage clamp and in cell-attached patch recordings decayed much more slowly than any other reported Na+ current. In addition, we saw typical and additive effects of α-and β-scorpion toxins, suggesting that the Na+ channel α-subunit itself contains functional and distinct toxin binding sites.
A Probabilistic Decoding Approach to a Neural Prosthesis for Speech

Neural prosthetic systems for motor control and communication have produced striking results in recent studies with non-human primates and human volunteers. We describe a new approach in our ongoing work toward developing an intracortical neural prosthesis for speech restoration with a 26 year old human volunteer with tetraplegia (including loss of vocal and facial muscle control). We propose to use hidden Markov models (HMMs) to decode neural firing activity in speech motor cortex. We show how classical and recent approaches to automatic speech recognition (ASR) apply directly to the decoding stage of a neural prosthesis. We outline a series of experiments in collecting cortical neural firing data from our human volunteer, and discuss important challenges and considerations in implementing an HMM framework for a neural speech prosthesis.
125Iodine labeling of β-hexosaminidase a without modifying its properties

Abstract Human placental β-hexosaminidase A was labeled with 125iodine to high specific activity with the retention of conformational integrity as judged by the retention of enzymatic activity. The oligosaccharide structure also appeared to be intact since the labeled enzyme was cleared from the circulation of the rat with a half-life identical to that of the unlabeled enzyme and an excess of unlabeled enzyme effectively blocked the clearance of the labeled form. Furthermore, the pattern of inhibition of clearance of the native and labeled enzymes by asialofetuin and mannans was identical. This useful and mild procedure for labeling enzymes may be of general importance in the preparation of enzymes for metabolic studies in normal animals and animal models of genetic lysosomal storage disorders.
Accountability and Competence: Occupational Therapy Practitioner Perceptions

Objective Occupational therapy practitioners must meet ever-increasing accountability demands in all service delivery environments. Accountability is made possible through the ongoing development of continued competence throughout a practitioner's career. Behaviors that demonstrate accountability and reflect competence include commitment, leadership, and professional knowledge. This article discusses issues related to accountability and competence, presents findings from focus group discussions with occupational therapy practitioners regarding professional competence, and identifies actions that will bring about greater understanding of this topic. Method Thirty-nine randomly selected occupational therapy practitioners attended one of two focus groups. Participants responded to a structured discussion guide, including questions addressing the definition, process for sustaining, and outcomes of continued competence. Results Several themes emerged from these discussions. Views about what constitutes and contributes to continued competence in occupational therapy were diverse, and perceptions of occupational therapy "practice" were broad. Participants believed that the "outcomes" of a practitioner's continued competence were best defined as autonomy in executing the occupational therapy process. Conclusions Findings offer potential language to articulate competence in occupational therapy and facilitate a discipline-wide conversation. The findings likewise challenge practitioners to assume new professional behaviors that require both personal and interpersonal skills. Such behaviors are critical to demonstrating accountability and competence.
May I take your Order? Human Factors Field Studies in the Fast Food Environment

While applied human factors research is frequently conducted in technology-rich advanced environments (e.g., aircraft, nuclear power plants, and marine vessels), this paper describes a successful applied human factors field study in a complex, dynamic, and highly demanding commercial environment—your local fast food restaurant. The primary study objective was to gain a comprehensive understanding of fast food store operations and employee activities in an effort to conceptualize and to develop design guidelines for next-generation technology in this industry. The findings suggested that the current implementation of technology in the fast food industry does not always meet the needs of today's users. Several opportunities exist for human factors professionals to re-engineer store processes and operations and to design more appropriate technology solutions.
Enhanced nuclear polarization of D in solid HD

Nuclear spin polarizations of D comparable to those of H in solid HD are achieved under conditions of extremely long H and D spin-lattice relaxation times such as are required for "frozen-spin" polarized targets. Standard steady-state dynamic polarization methods, spin mixing at low fields, and a new technique of adiabatic passage through "forbidden" transitions are employed. The requirements of strong magnetic fields, low temperature, and rapidity of spin-lattice relaxation rate, in order to obtain highly polarized deuterons in solid HD, become much less stringent than for the case of equilibrium D polarization, facilitating the utilization of solid-HD targets for polarized-D as well as polarized-H applications.
The generation of molecular structures from a graph-based QSAR equation

The concept of the generation of molecular structures directly from a QSAR equation using topological indices is presented. The equations relating the path counts to the graph atom degree counts is presented as a linkage in the flow of information. The multiple candidate molecules are derived from target indices using a quality QSAR equation. An example is developed to illustrate the process using molecular connectivity indices.
Variational approximations to time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory

A product ansatz for the first-order perturbed Fock-Dirac one-matrix is employed to investigate coupled and uncoupled variational approximations to time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory. Simple differential equations are obtained in each case for a single pair of variational functions which describe completely the response of an N-electron system to external radiation, obviating the customarily required 2N first-order Hartree-Fock spin-orbitals. Connections with previously described variational approximations for studying the interactions of radiation and matter are discussed and clarified and the frequency-dependent dipole polarizabilities of some simple atomic systems are computed to illustrate the approximations considered. Accurate results are obtained for the polarizabilities and their associated resonance frequencies from the fully coupled method and from the simpler of the uncoupled approximations. The latter approximation, which is closely related to an earlier approach of Pople and Schofield in the ...
Answering when questions about future events in the context of a calendar system

Three experiments tested a model of question answering called WHEN, which explains the answer descriptions that are generated when adults answer when questions (Golding, Magliano, & Hemphill, 1992). College students answered questions about future events in the context of a 12‐month calendar year. The WHEN model specifies how the time of the future event is expressed as a function of the temporal interval between the present point in time and the time of a future event (1–90 days away). The answers included generative descriptions (e.g., “next week on Wednesday”) and specific dates (e.g., “August 13”). The answers systematically varied as a function of temporal interval in a fashion that supported most of the production rules of the WHEN model.
Postoperative evaluation of complex aortovisceral and aortorenal reconstructions by magnetic resonance angiography1

Rationale and objectives To assess the ability of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to evaluate complex vascular bypass reconstructions of the abdominal aorta and its major branches in the postoperative period. Materials and methods Thirteen patients with bypass grafts connecting the aorta to visceral, renal, and lower limb inflow vessels were evaluated with MRA. Three of these patients were also studied with digital subtraction angiography soon after MRA was completed. MRA was evaluated for its ability to detect the grafts and to determine the degree of stenosis in the graft conduit or at the anastomoses to native vessels. Results Detection of graft conduits and anastomotic sites by MRA was 100% and 99%, respectively. Comparison with digital subtraction angiography in a subset of the patients showed a 100% agreement between the two modalities in their description of stenotic disease in graft conduits and 95% agreement in stenosis characterization at graft anastomotic sites. Conclusion MRA of complex aortic reconstructions with bypass grafts to its major abdominal branches arteries accurately describes the resulting complicated vascular anatomy and likely has a high degree of correlation to digital subtraction angiography in describing the disease within the bypass grafts.
Liver microsomes demethylation of mestranol (3-methoxy-17-ethynyl-1,3,5(10)-estratrien-17β-ol) and some of its effects on drug metabolism

Subcellular liver homogenates from rats of both sexes were used to study the enzyme system required for the transformation of mestranol to ethynylestradiol (17-ethynyl-135(10)-estratriene-3 17 beta-diol). Substantial mestranol O-demethylation activity at physiological pH was found mainly in the microsomal fraction. Formaldehyde formed from mestranol was increased with increasing amounts of microsomal enzyme substrate concenteration and incubation time up to 60 minutes. Activities of this O-demethylase system in the brain kidney heart and spleen were negligible. Substantial demethylation activity was observed only in the presence of NADPH or an NADPH-generating system and this reaction reaction required oxygen for anaerobic incubation abolished this reaction almost completely. Results indicated mestranol is a substrate for the microsomal oxygenase system that metabolizes drugs and natural steroids. Also that it is a competititve inhibitor of p-nitroanisole O-demethylation. The feeding of mestranol to female rats did not produce any significant induction of the drug metabolizing enzyme systems.
Serum carnitine levels and levocarnitine supplementation in institutionalized Huntington's disease patients.

Along with antioxidant properties, carnitine is an important regulator of lipid metabolism in humans. While beneficial effects of carnitine have been demonstrated in animal models of Huntington’s disease (HD), metabolism of carnitine has not been studied in humans with this illness. In this retrospective database review from 23 patients admitted to a HD-specialized nursing home unit, we found a relatively high prevalence of hypocarnitinemia (6 cases, 26%). Our review suggests that catabolism and chronic valproate use predisposed our patients to develop hypocarnitinemia. The patients with low serum carnitine levels who received levocarnitine supplementation, during a mean period of 7.3 months, showed improvement in motor, cognitive and behavioral measures. We hypothesize that observed improvement related to the resolution of reversible metabolic encephalopathy and myopathy associated with secondary carnitine deficiency. In conclusion, notwithstanding its limitations, this is the first study to report measurements of carnitine levels in HD patients, revealing relatively high prevalence of hypocarnitinemia in our population. Our findings suggest that HD patients with hypocarnitinemia may benefit from low-dose levocarnitine supplementation. Further studies of carnitine metabolism and supplementation in HD patients are warranted.
A possible biochemical mechanism for memory.

IN a recent paper1, Leo Szilard has shown that a system consisting of an enzyme, an enzyme-forming apparatus and a repressor may be able to exist in two stable states, provided the combining energies between the various components of this system lie within certain ranges of magnitude. The two stable states which can exist contain either high or low concentrations of the enzyme. If the concentration of the enzyme or the repressor is changed by external manipulation, the system returns to one or the other of the stable states. Such a system was termed ‘para-constitutive’ by Szilard, and its possible biological significance in differentiation and antibody formation2 was suggested by him.
Performance of containment penetrations under severe accident loadings

Abstract The paper provides a summary of efforts to date to better understand the leakage behavior of containment penetrations when subjected to severe accident conditions. The research activities discussed herein are a part of the Containment Integrity Programs, which are managed by Sandia National Laboratories for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Past containment penetration research topics, which are briefly described, include testing of typical compression seals and gaskets, electrical penetration assemblies, and a personnel airlock, as well as an investigation of leakage due to ovalization of penetration sleeves. The primary focus of the paper is on recent or ongoing research programs on the behavior of inflatable seals, bellows, and of pressure unseating equipment hatches.
Observation of enhanced spontaneous decay in 1-μm-aperture microcavities with InGaAlAs quantum dot active regions

Enhanced spontaneous decay rates are observed in 1 μm microcavity structures with both etched and oxidized apertures. The enhanced decay rate is found to track the individual transverse aperture modes of each structure. The decay rate on the aperture modes of the oxide confined structure was ∼2.3 times greater than the free space spontaneous emission rate. The enhancement observed in the etched aperture device was only a factor of 1.37.
Adaptive Web Services Monitoring in Cloud Environments

Cloud computing environments provide flexible infrastructures for third-party management of organizations' information technology IT assets. With web services being a standard for realizing web-based business capabilities, the emergence of cloud computing will bring new challenges to different web service activities. In this paper, the authors propose an agent-based framework that employs a team of management and monitoring agents on different scopes to provides effective service management in a cloud environment. To tackle the dynamism in service operations, an adaptive monitoring algorithm is proposed. The algorithm is inspired by the congestion control approach from the TCP protocol and provides efficient, up-to-date information about service status without exhaustive monitoring. Experimental results show that the monitoring algorithm provides significant benefits when compared to the more exhaustive methods. This approach also facilitates other service activities, such as cross cloud service discovery.
Experience modeling and analyzing medical processes: UMass/baystate medical safety project overview

This paper provides an overview of the UMass/Baystate Medical Safety project, which has been developing and evaluating tools and technology for modeling and analyzing medical processes. We describe the tools that currently comprise the Process Improvement Environment, PIE. For each tool, we illustrate the kinds of information that it provides and discuss how that information can be used to improve the modeled process as well as provide useful information that other tools in the environment can leverage. Because the process modeling notation that we use has rigorously defined semantics and supports creating relatively detailed process models (for example, our models can specify alternative ways of dealing with exceptional behavior and concurrency), a number of powerful analysis techniques can be applied. The cost of eliciting and maintaining such a detailed model is amortized over the range of analyses that can be applied to detect errors, vulnerabilities, and inefficiencies in an existing process or in proposed process modifications before they are deployed.
Nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization of N‐ethyl‐2‐vinylcarbazole

The hole-transporting ability of carbazole-containing polymers makes them attractive for applications in organic electronics. Nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization (NMRP) offers the potential to create complex macromolecular architectures, including block copolymers, but N-vinylcarbazole, the simplest and most widely studied carbazole monomer, is known to polymerize poorly by NMRP. Here, we investigate the NMRP of N-ethyl-2-vinylcarbazole (2 VK), a monomer structurally more similar to the styrenes which are known to polymerize well by NMRP, and whose polymer offers a hole mobility an order of magnitude higher than poly(N-vinylcarbazole). Polymerization of 2 VK from a unimolecular alkoxyamine shows a molecular weight which increases steadily with time, though termination or decomposition of the “living” radical ends is clearly evident from the progressive formation of a low-molecular-weight tail as conversion increases. However, a sufficient fraction of the chains remain living that P2VK-PS diblock copolymer can be formed by chain extension of the P2VK macroinitiator with styrene. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model for approximating profiles of meteorological quantities and extinction, absorption, and backscatter coefficients in very low stratus clouds and their associated subcloud regions

A model is presented for simulating very low stratus clouds and their associated subcloud regions. This model includes droplet growth, mass balance of total water, thermodynamics, similarity, and parcel ascent. The model requires only limited user input: some conventional meteorological values at a reference height (2 m above ground level) and some parameter values and other specifications. Input values for a visibility parameter and relative humidity are used to define the parameters of a bimodal lognormal dropsize distribution at the reference height. Drop size distributions are simulated and plotted for cases for which relative humidity at the reference height is 95 and 98 percent. Backscatter, absorption, and total extinction coefficients are calculated using Mie efficiency factors with simulated drop size distributions and plotted as functions of height for wavelengths of 0.55, 0.625, 1.06, 3.8, 4.0, and 10.6 micrometers.
AMAZONIAN OIL PALMS OF PROMISE: A SURVEY

A general discussion of the literature, and descriptions of 25 species and their products - mostly oil, used for food, drink, fodder, soap, cosmetics and industrial applications. Other uses include leaves for thatch, fibre, cordage and wax, extracted starch for sago, and trunks for posts and bridges.
The real complexities of psycholinguistic research on metaphor

Abstract Cognitive linguistic theories of metaphor propose several hypotheses about the cognitive reality of metaphoric thought and language that have been extensively studied by experimental psycholinguists. But the empirical findings on metaphor in psycholinguistics are quite complex. Although significant research supports some claims of cognitive linguistics, especially its advocacy of conceptual metaphor theory, there are also contradictory findings along with several alternative theories of metaphor not seriously considered by cognitive linguists. The present article outlines some of the complexities in psycholinguistic studies on metaphor, and suggests ways to account for this diversity of research findings. Both linguists and psychologists should not assume that a single theoretical model will account for the complex empirical findings, because all metaphoric behaviors depend on the people being studied, the specific aspects of metaphor language employed as stimuli, the explicit experimental task, and the methods used for assessing metaphoric comprehension. People’s in-the-moment metaphoric behaviors emerge from the interaction of multiple factors as part of human self-organizing processes. This perspective has several implications for how linguists and psychologists conduct, and interpret the results of, their empirical studies.
DNA Content and DNA-Based Centromeric Index of the 24 Human Chromosomes

The chromosomes of two human males were identified by fluorescent banding, restained, and measured by scanning microscopy and computer analysis. The two variables, DNA content and DNA-based centromeric index, provided almost complete discrimination of chromosome types. Some chromosomes showed significant differences in DNA content between the men, and for one man two pairs of chromosomes showed significant differences between homologs.
A local functional calculus

This paper introduces a local functional calculus for a class of bounded operators on a Hilbert space. Properties of the local functional calculus are investigated and an application is given to subnormal operators. Also, the concept of a locally rationally multicyclic operator is introduced and the Berger-Shaw Theorem is discussed.
Environmental tobacco smoke, carcinogenesis, and angiogenesis: A double whammy?

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Zhu and coworkers demonstrate that environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) results in tumor angiogenesis, and provide evidence that the responsible factor in ETS is nicotine. While a weak carcinogen, nicotine promotes carcinogenesis by a number of different mechanisms. The authors' findings provide further evidence of the harmful effects of ETS and indicate the desirability of reducing exposure to it.
Exploring internalized oppression and healing strategies

Jewish women use collaborative inquiry to heal from internalized anti-Semitism. They build community by using action-reflection cycles, wholistic ways of knowing, emotional probing, and validity procedures.
Malonal generation conditions of the tobacco smoke.

The possibility of malonic dialdehyde formation in the tobacco smoke was investigated and the conditions of the degree of malonal generation by smoke compounds were stated. The malonal concentration in smoke of cigarettes with filters is in the mean lower (28.7 mg/kg) than in smoke of cigarettes without filters (35.0 mg/kg). The highest contents of malonal were received in “Zefir” (41.7 mg/kg), “Radomskie” (35.2 mg/kg) cigarettes with filters and “Sport” without filters (42.6 mg/kg) and by a half lower in “Giewont” cigarettes with filters (17.8 mg/kg).
The role of eye movements in motion detection

The roles of small eye movements of fixation, and of different kinds of background in motion detection were studied. Minimum detectable displacement for a luminous line oscillating either in a blank field or in the presence of three types of background was measured under two viewing conditions: normal, when eye movements generate normal movements of the image on the retina, and stabilized when these retinal image movements were nearly eliminated. It was demonstrated that eye movements enhance motion detection for a sinusoidally moving target when the target is superimposed on a patterned background; they are detrimental when there is no background. In addition, it was found that the function relating threshold amplitude to frequency of movement is band-pass when the image is stabilized or when the bar moves on a blank field, and is more low-pass when both the background and the test target are subject to the effects of eye movements.
THE ABSORPTION, TRANSLOCATION AND METABOLISM CHARACTERISTICS OF 4-(2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXY)BUTYRIC ACID IN BIGLEAF MAPLE*

Summary. Detached leaves treated with 2,4-DB were used to demonstrate that the foliage of Acer macrophyllum Pursh. possesses the enzyme systems necessary for oxidation of the 2,4-DB side chain. Absorption and translocation studies showed that 2,4-DB was absorbed less but translocated more than some other phenoxy herbicides which have been tested on this species. Studies with excised stem phloem and excised roots showed that different plant tissues are not equally capable of decarboxylating 2,4-DB. An experiment with intact plants established that 2,4-DB was translocated unchanged, and that the primary product of the oxidation of 2,4-DB is 2,4-D. The results are discussed with respect to the translocation characteristics of this herbicide in bigleaf maple. Caracteres de l'absorption, de la migration et du metabolisme de l'acide 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) butyrique dans l'erable a grandes feuilles Resume. Des feuilles isolees traitees avec le 2,4-DB ont ete utilisees pour montrer que le feuillage d'Acer macrophyllum Pursh. possede le systfeme enzymatique necessaire pour l'oxydation de la chaine laterale du 2,4-DB. L'etude de l'absorption et de la migration montra que le 2,4-DB etait moins absorbe mais migrait plus que d'autres herbicides phenoxyacetiques qui ont eie essayee sur cette espece. Des etudes faites avec des fragments de phloeeme de la tige et des fragments de racines montrerent que les diffeSrents tissus de la plante ne sont pas egalement capables de decarboxyler le 2,4-DB. Une experience avec des plantes intactes permit d'etablir que le 2,4-DB ne se transformait pas durant sa migration, et que le premier produit de l'oxydation du 2,4-DB est le 2,4-D. Ces reaultats sont discutes en tenant compte des caracteres de la migration de cet herbicide dans l'erable a grandes feuilles. Absorption, Translokation und Abbau von 4-(2,4-Dichlorphenoxy)-Buttersaure in Acer macrophyllum Zusammenfassung. Mit Hilfe von abgeschnittenen Blattern, die mit 2,4-DB behandelt worden waren, wurde gezeigt, dass das Laub von Acer macroaphyllum Pursh. die Enzymsysteme besitzt, welche zur Oxydation der 2,4-DB-Seitenkette notig sind. Untersuchungen zur Absorption und Translokation zeigten, dass 2,4-DB weniger gut absorbiert, jedoch besser transportiert wurde als einige andere Phenoxyherbizide, die bei dieser Art bereits untersucht wurden. In-Vitro-Untersuchungen mit Stengelgewebe und Wurzeln zeigten, dass verschiedene Pflanzengewebe nicht in gleicher Weise zur Decarboxylierung von 2,4-DB fahig sind. Ein Versuch mit intakten Pflanzen ergab, dass 2,4-DB in unver-anderter Form translokiert wird und dass das primare Oxydationsprodukt von 2,4-DB 2,4-D ist. Die Ergebnisse werden in bezug auf die Translokationseigenschaften dieses Herbizides in Acer macrophyllum besprochen.
Value of multislice computed tomography angiography of the thorax in preparation for catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation: the impact of unexpected cardiac and extracardiac findings on patient care.

Objective: In patients referred for catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, multislice computed tomography angiography of the thorax is routinely performed to assess pulmonary vein anatomy. We sought to investigate the incidence of unexpected cardiac and extracardiac findings in this select patient population and to establish how these findings influence subsequent patient care. Methods: Ninety-five patients (mean age 62 ± 10 years, 35% female) referred to our institution for ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation between July 2003 and October 2007 underwent multislice computed tomography angiography of the thorax. Radiologists interpreted all images. Need for additional testing, consultation and eventual diagnosis were assessed by electronic record review. Results: A total of 83 (5 cardiac, 78 extracardiac) unexpected findings were observed in 50/95 (53%) of patients. The findings prompted 23 additional tests (5 cardiac, 18 noncardiac) in 15/95 (16%) of patients and 8 subsequent referrals in 7/95 (7%) patients. In 6 patients the findings significantly altered future patient care and resulted in postponement of ablation therapy in 4 patients. In 2 patients, extracardiac findings (pulmonary emboli and adenocarcinoma of the lung) were of potentially life-saving consequence. Conclusions: In patients undergoing multislice computed tomography angiography of the thorax in anticipation of planned catheter ablation therapy for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, unexpected findings are common and of potentially significant value. In comparison, there is a higher prevalence of unexpected extracardiac, rather than cardiac findings. Further investigation of these findings may lead to postponement of ablation therapy, but may also be of potentially lifesaving consequence.
A system to assess the quality of food sources of calcium

Abstract Since the bioavailability of calcium varies greatly among various types of foods, information merely listing the amounts of calcium in foods can be very misleading. Using published values for calcium fractional absorption, a simple two-criteria system is presented and used to assess foods as reasonable calcium sources. For a food to be a good calcium source, two criteria must be met: a standard serving must contain at least 30 mg of absorbable calcium, less than 418 kJ (100 kcal) of the food must provide 30 mg of absorbable calcium. Calcium-containing foods are divided here into good calcium sources (both criteria are met), potential calcium sources (only one criterion is met), and poor calcium sources. Good sources include most milk products, most types of tofu, some dark green leafy cabbage family vegetables, turnip greens and canned fish such as salmon and sardines that include bones. Potential calcium sources include ice cream and most green leafy vegetables. Poor calcium sources include cottage cheese, all beans, some types of tofu, almonds, and sesame seeds. Using this system to identify calcium-rich food sources avoids the misuse of nutrient data when foods are listed simply by their calcium content.