cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Drivers of Disenrollment and Plan Switching Among Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries.

Importance How often enrollees with complex care needs leave the Medicare Advantage (MA) program and what might drive their decisions remain unknown. Objective To characterize trends in switching to and from MA among high-need beneficiaries and to evaluate the drivers of disenrollment decisions. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study of MA and traditional Medicare (TM) enrollees from January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2015, used a multinomial logit regression stratified by Medicare-Medicaid eligibility status. All 14 589 645 non–high-need MA enrollees and 1 302 470 high-need enrollees in the United States who survived until the end of 2014 were eligible for the analysis. Data were analyzed from November 1, 2017, through August 1, 2018. Exposures Enrollee dual eligibility and high-need status (based on complex chronic conditions, multiple morbidities, use of health care services, functional impairment, and frailty indicators), MA plan star rating, and cost sharing. Main Outcomes and Measures The proportion of enrollees who disenrolled into TM, remained in the same MA plan, or who switched plans within the MA program. Results A total of 13 901 816 enrollees were included in the analysis (56.2% women; mean [SD] age, 70.9 [9.9] years). Among the 1 302 470 high-need enrollees, an adjusted 4.6% (95% CI, 4.5%-4.6%) of Medicare-only and 14.8% (95% CI, 14.5%-15.0%) of Medicare-Medicaid members switched from MA to TM compared with 3.3% (95% CI, 3.3%-3.3%) and 4.6% (95% CI, 4.5%-4.7%), respectively, among non–high-need enrollees. Among enrollees in low-quality plans, 23.0% (95% CI, 22.3%-23.9%) of Medicare and 42.8% (95% CI, 40.5%-45.1%) of dual-eligible high-need enrollees left MA. Even in high-quality plans, high-need members disenrolled at higher rates than non–high-need members (4.9% [95% CI, 4.6%-5.2%] vs 1.8% [95% CI, 1.8%-1.9%] for Medicare-only enrollees and 11.3% vs 2.4% dual eligible enrollees). Enrollment in a 5.0-star rated plan was associated with a 30.1–percentage point reduction (95% CI, −31.7 to −28.4 percentage points) in the probability of disenrollment among high-need individuals. A $100 increase in monthly premiums was associated with a 33.9–percentage point increase (95% CI, −34.9 to −33.0 percentage points) in the likelihood of switching plans, and a small reduction in the likelihood of disenrolling (−2.7 percentage points; 95% CI, −3.2 to −2.2 percentage points). Among Medicare-Medicaid eligible participants, 14.1% (95% CI, 14.0%-14.2%) of high-need and 16.7% (95% CI, 16.6%-16.7%) of non–high-need enrollees switched from TM to MA. Conclusions and Relevance Results of this study suggest that substantially higher disenrollment from MA plans occurs among high-need and Medicare-Medicaid eligible enrollees. This study’s findings suggest that star ratings have the strongest association with disenrollment trends, whereas increases in monthly premiums are associated with greater likelihood of switching plans.
1D nanowires of non-centrosymmetric molecular semiconductors grown by physical vapor deposition

Understanding how dipolar, non-centrosymmetric organic semiconductors self-assemble, nucleate, and crystallize is integral for designing new molecular solids with unique physical properties and light-matter interactions. However, dipole–dipole and van der Waals interactions compete to direct the assembly of these compounds, making it difficult to predict how solids are formed from individual molecules. Here, we investigate four small molecules (TpCPD, TpDCF, AcCPD, and AcDCF) possessing anisotropic, non-planar structures and large dipole moments, and establish robust algorithms to control their molecular self-assembly via simple physical vapor deposition. Each molecule contains a central polar moiety, consisting of either a cyclopentadienone (CPD, ca. 3.5 D dipole moment) or dicyanofulvene (DCF, ca. 7.0 D dipole moment) core, that is surrounded by either four twisted phenyl (Tp) groups or a fused aromatic (acenaphthene, Ac) ring system. We find that only molecules containing the fused ring system form 1D nanowires due to the stronger van der Waals associations of the long, planar acenaphthene moieties. We examine the kinetics of self-assembly for AcDCF and create diverse 1D morphologies, including both curved and linear nanostructures. Finally, using conductive AFM (c-AFM) measurements, we show that 1D AcDCF wires support higher current densities relative to randomly-oriented clusters lacking long-range order.
Airway brush cells generate cysteinyl leukotrienes through the ATP sensor P2Y2.

Chemosensory epithelial cells (EpCs) are specialized cells that promote innate type 2 immunity and protective neurally mediated reflexes in the airway. Their effector programs and modes of activation are not fully understood. Here, we define the transcriptional signature of two choline acetyltransferase-expressing nasal EpC populations. They are found in the respiratory and olfactory mucosa and express key chemosensory cell genes including the transcription factor Pou2f3, the cation channel Trpm5, and the cytokine Il25 Moreover, these cells share a core transcriptional signature with chemosensory cells from intestine, trachea and thymus, and cluster with tracheal brush cells (BrCs) independently from other respiratory EpCs, indicating that they are part of the brush/tuft cell family. Both nasal BrC subsets express high levels of transcripts encoding cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) biosynthetic enzymes. In response to ionophore, unfractionated nasal BrCs generate CysLTs at levels exceeding that of the adjacent hematopoietic cells isolated from naive mucosa. Among activating receptors, BrCs express the purinergic receptor P2Y2. Accordingly, the epithelial stress signal ATP and aeroallergens that elicit ATP release trigger BrC CysLT generation, which is mediated by the P2Y2 receptor. ATP- and aeroallergen-elicited CysLT generation in the nasal lavage is reduced in mice lacking Pou2f3, a requisite transcription factor for BrC development. Last, aeroallergen-induced airway eosinophilia is reduced in BrC-deficient mice. These results identify a previously undescribed BrC sensor and effector pathway leading to generation of lipid mediators in response to luminal signals. Further, they suggest that BrC sensing of local damage may provide an important sentinel immune function.
A New Theoretical Framework for Understanding Multiscale Atmospheric Predictability

AbstractHere we present a new theoretical framework that connects the error growth behavior in numerical weather prediction (NWP) with the atmospheric kinetic energy spectrum. Building on previous ...
Proton-Dependent Inhibition, Inverted Voltage Activation, and Slow Gating of CLC-0 Chloride Channel

CLC-0, a prototype Cl - channel in the CLC family, employs two gating mechanisms that control its ion-permeation pore: fast gating and slow gating. The negatively-charged sidechain of a pore glutamate residue, E166, is known to be the fast gate, and the swinging of this sidechain opens or closes the pore of CLC-0 on the millisecond time scale. The other gating mechanism, slow gating, operates with much slower kinetics in the range of seconds to tens or even hundreds of seconds, and it is thought to involve still-unknown conformational rearrangements. Here, we find that low intracellular pH (pH i ) facilitates the closure of the CLC-0’s slow gate, thus generating current inhibition. The rate of low pH i -induced current inhibition increases with intracellular H + concentration ([H + ] i )—the time constants of current inhibition by low pH i = 4.5, 5.5 and 6 are roughly 0.1, 1 and 10 sec, respectively, at room temperature. In comparison, the time constant of the slow gate closure at pH i = 7.4 at room temperature is hundreds of seconds. The inhibition by low pH i is significantly less prominent in mutants favoring the slow-gate open state (such as C212S and Y512A), further supporting the fact that intracellular H + enhances the slow-gate closure in CLC-0. A fast inhibition by low pH i causes an apparent inverted voltage-dependent activation in the wild-type CLC-0, a behavior similar to those in some channel mutants such as V490W in which only membrane hyperpolarization can open the channel. Interestingly, when V490W mutation is constructed in the background of C212S or Y512A mutation, the inverted voltage-dependent activation disappears. We propose that the slow kinetics of CLC-0’s slow-gate closure may be due to low [H + ] i rather than due to the proposed large conformational change of the channel protein. Our results also suggest that the inverted voltage-dependent opening observed in some mutant channels may result from fast closure of the slow gate by the mutations.
Proposing an information value chain to improve information services to disabled library patrons using assistive technologies

Information services offered by academic libraries increasingly rely on assistive technologies (AT) to facilitate disabled patrons’ retrieval and use of information for learning and teaching. Howev...
CFTR modulators: transformative therapies for cystic fibrosis

DISCLOSURES: No funding contributed to the writing of this commentary. Both authors are employed by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has entered into therapeutic devel...
The antioxidant MnTBAP does not effectively downregulate CD4 expression in T cells in vivo

Abstract The antioxidant MnTBAP was previously shown to down-regulate the surface expression of CD4 molecule in T cells. This observation obviously holds great potential impact in a number of pathological human conditions, including autoimmunity. Three different single doses of MnTBAP reduced the frequency of CD4high cells. However, the median florescent intensity (MFI) was not different. Initiation of in vivo pharmacotherapy or vehicle control was performed inC57BL/6 mice that were actively immunized for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In contrast to published reports, the mean frequency of CD4high cells, and the median fluorescent intensity (MFI) of CD4 was similar in both treatment groups. 25-day survival following active immunization among the MnTBAP treated animals compared to vehicle controls was16.6 ± 6.9 days vs 23.6 ± 2.7 days; (P value Sack and Herzog, 2009 )) does not effectively downregulate CD4 expression in T cells in vivo, probably due to extensive mechanism that distinguishes it from an in vitro model (Harding, 1993 ( Harding, 1993 )) possesses toxic properties that may limit its clinic use in possible doses that could deliver the immunomodulation through down regulation of CD4 expression, and (Saizawa et al., 1987 ( Saizawa et al., 1987 )) has limited availability in specific tissues, including the CNS.
Campus Prophets, Spiritual Guides, or Interfaith Traffic Directors? The Many Lives of College and University Chaplains.

What is the role of the chaplain on the 21st century campus? Comparing today’s chaplains to their mid-century counterparts, this article presents findings from the National Study of Campus Ministri...
The Role of Theory in Empirical L2 Research on Task-Based Language Teaching for Young L2 Learners

This forum will explore the extent to which theory has played a role in empirical research on Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) for young L2 learners and highlight opportunities that exist for future research. To begin, the most relevant theoretical entities to TBLT will be introduced. This theoretical background will set the stage for the subsequent section–– a review of three empirical studies on task-based learning with young L2 learners: Newton and Bui (2017), Zhu (2020), and Azkarai and Oliver (2019). Then, the three studies are discussed with regard to the role theory plays. Finally, some trends that come to light through the review of the studies are identified, and arguments are made vis-a-vis the need for more theory-driven, principled approaches to the empirical research on TBLT with children.
Pervasive environmental sensing for Industry 4.0 as an educational tool

Abstract The reduced cost of implementing pervasive industrial sensing networks enables universities to incorporate these tools in engineering curricula. They provide engineering students from increasingly computerized backgrounds, such as mechanical and automotive engineering, the opportunity to work alongside students from technical schools who bring different skill sets than what students may be used to, synthesize historical data, and drive the sensing system’s physical system design and implementation. This paper outlines this convergent curriculum’s initial implementation stage, including the wireless environmental sensing Internet of Things (IoT) network, focusing on laboratory environmental sensing. Students placing many sensors around the lab and on equipment generates a wealth of real-time and historical data for use in the classroom and provides them a tangible example of learning to measure the world around them. This setup parallels the current varied Industry 4.0 state of the manufacturing industry, where Big Data exists but is underutilized, and where additional sensors and intelligent machine data streams are added each year. Students in each class are given a defined portion of a broader roadmap to a fully instrumented and intelligent laboratory environment. In the first step, student-programmed environmental sensors were placed around the lab and provide temperature, humidity, pressure, and gas mixture measures every five minutes. Classroom use of the aggregated data includes visualizing the laboratory and essential equipment’s current status using a Microsoft PowerBI dashboard and historical data visualization and analysis through trend forecasting and outlier detection in Python JupyterLab notebooks. The IoT system’s installation also provided an infrastructure for further study of future student-designed IoT projects.
The interaction of methylene with molecular hydrogen: potential energy surface and inelastic collisions

The potential energy surface describing the interaction of methylene (CH2) in its ground X~3B1 electronic state with molecular hydrogen has been calculated through explicitly correlated coupled clu...
TXNIP interaction with GLUT1 depends on PI(4,5)P2.

Abstract GLUT1 is a major glucose facilitator expressed ubiquitously among tissues. Upregulation of its expression plays an important role in the development of many types of cancer and metabolic diseases. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is an α-arrestin that acts as an adaptor for GLUT1 in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. It regulates cellular glucose uptake in response to both intracellular and extracellular signals via its control on GLUT1‐4. In order to understand the interaction between GLUT1 and TXNIP, we generated GLUT1 lipid nanodiscs and carried out isothermal titration calorimetry and single-particle electron microscopy experiments. We found that GLUT1 lipid nanodiscs and TXNIP interact in a 1:1 ratio and that this interaction requires phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2 or PIP2).
An Alternative Cause of Encephalopathy: Valerian Root Overdose.

The interest in alternative therapeutics use has increased over the past few decades. Valerian, also known as "plant Valium," is a popular choice as a natural remedy for insomnia or anxiety. In order to ensure patient safety, clinicians need to be knowledgeable about commonly used alternative therapeutic products, their mechanisms of action, and potential pharmacological interactions. We present an unusual case of encephalopathy due to the combination of Valerian root, a plant with putative sedating properties, along with a natural "γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplement." This case highlights the importance of thoroughly exploring alternative therapies when evaluating encephalopathy as well as the importance of being educated on the commonly used agents.
Bioanalytical Applications of Fluorescence Line-Narrowing and Non-Line-Narrowing Spectroscopy Interfaced with Capillary Electrophoresis and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are widely used analytical separation techniques with many applications in chemical, biochemical, and biomedical sciences. Conventional analyte identification in these techniques is based on retention/migration times of standards; requiring a high degree of reproducibility, availability of reliable standards, and absence of coelution. From this, several new information-rich detection methods (also known as hyphenated techniques) are being explored that would be capable of providing unambiguous on-line identification of separating analytes in CE and HPLC. As further discussed, a number of such on-line detection methods have shown considerable success, including Raman, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), and fluorescence line-narrowing spectroscopy (FLNS). In this thesis, the feasibility and potential of combining the highly sensitive and selective laser-based detection method of FLNS with analytical separation techniques are discussed and presented. A summary of previously demonstrated FLNS detection interfaced with chromatography and electrophoresis is given, and recent results from on-line FLNS detection in CE (CE-FLNS), and the new combination of HPLC-FLNS, are shown.
A novel surface wave antenna with a monopole type pattern: a thin periodically loaded slab excited by a circular disk

A microstrip patch feed surface wave antenna is introduced to obtain monopole type radiation patterns with an attractive low profile configuration. A prototype of the surface wave antenna was fabricated and tested. The antenna resonated at 4.72 GHz with a 5.9% impedance bandwidth. The low profile configuration and omnidirectional patterns of the surface wave antenna are desirable features for many wireless communication systems, such as satellite radio receivers. Both the computed and measured radiation performance are presented.
Modulation of Murine Erythropoiesis In Vitro by Syngeneic Thymocytes: Interactions of Enhancing and Suppressing Subpopulations With Fluorescent Anti-Theta Antibody and Polyamino Acids

As we have shown previously, cocultures of bone marrow cells with large numbers of syngeneic thymocytes enhance erythroid colony formation in plasma clots, whereas cocultures with low numbers of thymocytes suppress erythroid colony formation. In this article, we present evidence that the enhancing and suppressing functions of thymocytes are most likely mediated by at least two separate subpopulations. When thymocytes were fractionated on the basis of cell surface density of the theta antigen, enhancing cells were limited to the high theta density fraction, whereas suppressing cells were accumulated in the low theta density fraction. When thymocytes were fractionated on the basis of negative surface charge, the enhancing cells were recovered among the more negatively charged cells. A short in vitro incubation with polyamino acids selectively abrogated the suppressor function.
Immunological analysis of host and agent effects on Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and scrapie prion proteins.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and scrapie are degenerative neurological diseases caused by unusual infectious pathogens. The term prion has been introduced to underscore the apparent distinctness of these agents from viruses and viroids. The only macromolecule shown to be associated with the infectious agent, the CJD or scrapie prion protein (PrPCJD or PrPSc, respectively), is encoded by the same gene as a normal cellular protein. In several studies biochemical differences have been reported in PrPScs derived from a common host species infected with different putative strains of the scrapie agent, suggesting agent-specific characteristics independent of the host. We analyzed various agent-host combinations by Western blotting of PrPs that were separated by size or charge. The profile of immunoreactive proteins for CJD prions isolated from mice, guinea pigs, and humans appeared distinct. Importantly, PrPCJDS purified from a human brain and from the corresponding first-passage mouse brains were clearly distinguishable. PrPCJDs isolated from CJD prions propagated in NAMRU or B10.Q mice, which are homozygous for a short-incubation-time gene; from the short-incubation-time backcross progeny of (B10.Q x I/LnJ)F1 x B10.Q; or from NAMRU mice inoculated with I/LnJ prions were identical to each other but distinguishable from those of I/LnJ mice, which are homozygous for the long-incubation-time gene. The PrPs from human CJD and ovine scrapie propagated in the same mouse strain appeared the same, but they were distinct from the same isolate of scrapie passaged in hamsters. Lastly, PrPScs purified from five different strains of scrapie propagated in C57BL mice were identical, including strains, ME7 and 139A, which were previously reported to be distinct. This evidence does not support, although it does not exclude, agent-mediated characteristics independent of host-mediated ones for scrapie and CJD.
Translating Concurrent Programs into VLSI Chips

This paper reviews the results of almost a decade of research in the synthesis of asynchronous VLSI circuits from concurrent programs. In view of these results, it is argued that a method based on program transformations can produce circuits that are both correct by construction and efficient. The design of the first asynchronous microprocessor is used as an example.
Cutting Edge: Typhlocolitis in NF-κB-Deficient Mice

Activation of inflammatory gene expression by the transcription factor NF-κB is a central pathway in many inflammatory disorders, including colitis. Increased NF-κB activity has been linked with development of colitis in humans and animal models, thus it was unexpected when NF-κB-deficient mice developed spontaneous typhlocolitis. To further characterize this finding, we induced typhlocolitis in rederived NF-κB-deficient mice using intragastric infection with Helicobacter hepaticus . At 6 wk postinfection (PI), severe colitis with increased type 1 cytokine expression was seen in infected mice that lacked the p50 subunit of NF-κB and were also heterozygous for the p65 subunit of NF-κB(p50 −/− p65 +/− ). Mice lacking the p50 subunit alone (p50 −/− ) were less severely affected, and wild-type mice and p65 +/− mice were unaffected. T cell development in NF-κB-deficient mice was normal. These data indicate that p50 and p65 subunits of NF-κB have an unexpected role in inhibiting the development of colitis.
Chinese Perceptions of the U.S.: An Exploration of China's Foreign Policy Motivations

Foreword Chapter 1. What are China's Foreign Policy Motivations? Chapter 2. Image Study as an Approach to Explore China's Motivations toward the U.S. Chapter 3. Chinese Perceptions of Threat from the U.S. Chapter 4. Chinese Perceptions of Opportunity from the U.S. Chapter 5. Chinese Perceptions of American Power Chapter 6. Chinese Perceptions of American Economy Chapter 7. Chinese Perceptions of American Politics Chapter 8. Conclusion
Direct observation of electrical properties of grain boundaries in sputter-deposited CdTe using scan-probe microwave reflectivity based capacitance measurements

Polycrystalline CdTe in 12% efficient solar cells has been studied using scanning microwave impedance microscopy (sMIM). The CdS/CdTe junctions were grown on transparent-conducting-oxide-coated soda lime glass using rf sputter deposition. sMIM based capacitance measurements were performed on the exposed surface of CdCl2 treated CdTe adjacent to thermal-evaporation-deposited Cu/Au back contacts. The sMIM instrument was operated at ∼3 GHz, and capacitance measurements were performed as a function of ac and dc voltage biases applied to the tip, with and without sample illumination. Although dc capacitance measurements are affected by sample topography, the differential capacitance measurement was shown to be topography independent. It was found that the grain boundaries exhibit a depleted carrier concentration as compared to the grain bulk. This depletion effect is enhanced under photo-generated carrier separation or under sufficiently large probe tip biases opposite to the majority carrier charge.
Ceramic Based Small LTE MIMO Handset Antenna

A compact multiband antenna for handset and tablet applications is presented, covering most LTE Bands (698-960 and 1710-2690 MHz). This study utilizes a new ceramic material suitable for the internal antenna design which gives a shorter guided wavelength and wider bandwidth for each resonant mode to achieve antenna size reduction, sufficient space utilization, and very low correlation coefficient as MIMO antennas. The occupied volume of the antenna radiator is only 35 × 11 × 5 mm3, equal to 0.082 λm × 0.026λm × 0.012λm (λm is the wavelength at 700 MHz) whose radiation aperture is only λm/11 so the antenna is a good candidate as an internal antenna.
Reaction of Indium Bromide with 1,4-Dilithiotetraphenylbutadiene. Synthesis and Molecular Structure of (Et2O)2Li(Br)2In{(C4Ph4)}2In(Br)2Li(OEt2)2: A Novel Ten-Membered-Ring Organometallic Complex

Reaction of 1,4-dilithiotetraphenylbutadiene with indium bromide affords the organometallic complex (Et2O)2Li(Br)2In{(C4Ph4)}2In(Br)2Li(OEt2)2 as yellow monoclinic crystals. The two 1,4-tetraphenylbutadienylene units are bridged by two indium atoms, affording a severely twisted In2C8 ten-membered ring.
Peg the export price index: A proposed monetary regime for small countries

Abstract This paper proposes a new monetary regime for small open economies: Peg the Export Price Index (PEPI). An earlier version, Peg the Export Price (PEP), applied to countries that were specialized in the production of a particular agricultural or mineral commodity. PEP proposed fixing the price of the single commodity in terms of local currency. It has been objected that PEP is inappropriate for countries where diversification of exports is an issue. For such countries the modified version, PEPI, proposes fixing the price of a comprehensive index of export prices. In either version, one advantage is that the currency depreciates automatically when the world market for the country's exports deteriorates. This is an advantage that floating rates also promise, but deliver only partially, as calculations here show. The other advantage of PEPI is that the currency does not appreciate when the world price of the country's imports goes up. The candidate for nominal anchor that is currently most popular, targeting the CPI, has this unfortunate property if literally interpreted, as calculations here show. Overall, the advantages of PEPI can be summed up by the observation that, unlike other proposed nominal anchors, it is relatively robust with respect to terms of trade shocks.
Blood culture status in mature horses with diarrhoea: a possible association with survival

Summary Reasons for performing study: The incidence and implications of positive blood cultures in mature horses with diarrhoea is unknown. The diagnosis of bacteraemia may alter treatment and prognosis. Hypothesis: The proportion of horses with diarrhoea that are blood culture positive is higher than previously assumed and a positive blood culture has a negative impact on survival. Methods: Blood cultures were taken at admission and 24 h after admission from 31 mature horses with diarrhoea. Results: Nine (29%) horses were blood culture positive within 24 h of admission. Organisms isolated included Corynebacterium spp. (n = 6), Streptococcus spp. (n = 2), Pantoea agglomerans (n = 1), Gram-negative rod (n = 1), Bacillus spp. (n = 1) and yeast (n = 1). Horses with positive blood cultures were significantly less likely to survive. Prior treatment with antimicrobial drugs had no significant effect on blood culture status. Horses with positive blood cultures had a significantly higher heart rate, packed cell volume (PCV) and plasma potassium concentration at admission, and a higher PCV and lower total plasma protein concentration 24 h after admission. Conclusions: Positive blood cultures occur more frequently than previously reported, and may have a negative impact on survival in horses with diarrhoea. Potential relevance: Results of blood cultures may be useful in formulating a prognosis for horses with diarrhoea. Further research is required to determine the effect of antimicrobial treatment on outcome.
DIRECT INTERVAL-ESTIMATION: A RATIO SCALING METHOD

A variation of S. S. Stevens's direct magnitude-estimation scaling procedure is described in which the standard stimulus consists of an “interval” rather than a “point.” Data suggest this variation requites considerably fewer judges than direct magnitude-estimation to produce scale values possessing a given level of reliability.
Three-dimensional vector radiative transfer in a semi-infinite, Rayleigh scattering medium exposed to a polarized laser beam: spatially varying reflection matrix

Abstract Three-dimensional vector radiative transfer in a semi-infinite, Rayleigh scattering medium exposed to a polarized, Gaussian laser beam directed perpendicular to the surface is studied. The focus of this investigation is the 4×4, spatially varying reflection matrix that can be used to determine the normally backscattered radiation when the polarization of the incident radiation is specified. An inverse integral transform is used to construct the spatially varying reflection matrix from the generalized reflection matrix found in a previous study. The elements of this matrix depend on location specified by optical radius and azimuthal angle. The azimuthal variation is found by performing part of the inverse transform analytically, while the radial variation is described by five functions that are calculated numerically via an inverse Hankel transform. Benchmark numerical results for these five functions are presented, and the effects of beam radius and particle concentration are discussed. Expressions that describe the behavior of the reflection functions at small and large optical radii are developed, and comparisons are made to the one-dimensional and scalar situations. The scalar approximation fails to predict the three-dimensional effects produced by the polarized beam, and even when the incident radiation is unpolarized, the error in the scalar reflection function can be as high as 20%.
Suppression of firing activity of 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe by alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists

Abstract Previous pharmacological studies have suggested that the firing activity of 5-HT cells of the dorsal raphe nucleus is dependent on a tonically active, central adrenergic system. In this study, a wide variety of alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists, WB-4101 (41 ± 20 μg/kg; ED50 ± SD), piperoxan (0.64 ± 0.20 mg/kg), thymoxamine (0.42 ± 0.31 mg/kg) and phenoxybenzamine (3.0 mg/kg) were found to suppress firing when administered sytemically. These alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists, as well as phentolamine and dihydroergocryptine, also reduced 5-HT cell firing when applied iontophoretically. The order of potency of the drugs when applied systemically was WB-4101 ⪢ piperoxan ∼- thymoxamine > phenoxybenzamine. This ranking correlates well with their activity at classical peripheral postsynaptic α-adrenoceptors. In addition, the order of potency of microiontophoretically applied adrenergic agonists (norepinephrine > phenylephrine >α-methylnorepinephrine > isoproterenol > salbutamol) in restoring 5-HT cell firing during competitive alpha-adrenoceptor blockade suggests that this receptor should be classified in the alpha-1-adrenoceptor category. Previous anatomical studies have demonstrated that the dorsal raphe receives an adrenergic input. Taken together, these findings suggest that NE terminals, present in the dorsal raphe, mediate a tonically active adrenergic influence upon which the firing of 5-HT cells depends.
A hydrodynamic CHF model for downward facing boiling on a coated vessel

Abstract A hydrodynamic critical heat flux (CHF) model has been developed in this study for downward facing boiling on the outer surface of a hemispherical vessel with micro-porous layer coatings. The CHF model considers the vapor dynamics and the boiling-induced two-phase motions in three separate regions adjacent to the heating surface. These include a micro-porous coating layer, a liquid sublayer, and a two-phase boundary layer. Mathematical formulation of the CHF model has been made, taking into account the flow paths to an evaporation site within the porous coating layer, the behavior of the liquid sublayer, and the fluid motions of the two-phase boundary layer. It is found that the local CHF limit is reached when the liquid supply from the two-phase boundary layer through the liquid sublayer and the micro-porous coating to the heating surface is not sufficient to prevent local dryout of the heating surface. The dryout process consists of two sequential stages. In the initial stage, the vapor slug that forms by the downward facing boiling process moves toward the micro-porous coating layer owing to the depletion of the liquid sublayer. In the final stage, depletion of the capillary-assisted liquid supply occurs in the micro-porous coating layer, resulting in the dryout of the heating surface. This is followed by an abrupt increase in the local surface temperature, marking the occurrence of CHF. Comparison of the hydrodynamic CHF model with experimental data has been made and the results are found to be quite satisfactory.
Nanosecond time-resolved IR study of thiobenzoylnitrene

Nanosecond time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectroscopy has been used to observe singlet thiobenzoylnitrene at 1740 cm−1 upon photolysis of 5-phenyl-1,2,3,4-thiatriazole in acetonitrile and dichloromethane. Consistent with the experimental observations, thiobenzoylnitrene is predicted by B3LYP/6-31G* calculations to have a singlet ground state with an intense IR band at 1752 cm−1. Phenyl isothiocyanate is also produced. Kinetic measurements indicate that it is not formed from singlet thiobenzoylnitrene, but rather directly from the thiatriazole. Unlike benzoylnitrene, singlet thiobenzoylnitrene does not react with acetonitrile or dichloromethane on the nanosecond timescale. However, it does react with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to produce a sulfoximine detected at 1180 cm−1 (kDMSO = 3 × 105 M−1 s−1). Benzonitrile (observed at 2230 cm−1) is produced from both singlet thiobenzoylnitrene (presumably through a short-lived, unobservable benzonitrile sulfide intermediate) and directly from the thiatriazole. B3LYP/6-31G* calculations also show that the structure of singlet thiobenzoylnitrene is analogous to that of related acylnitrenes, with a significant bonding interaction between the nitrogen and sulfur. Triplet thiobenzoylnitrene, on the other hand, is predicted computationally to have a biradical structure.
Dynamic mechanical properties of sulphonated polystyrene ionomers

Abstract Measurements have been made of the dynamic mechanical properties of a series of partially sulphonated polystyrene ionomers. Results obtained indicate that two glass transition temperatures are present, with the lower temperature transition arising from a phase containing only ionic multiplets and the higher temperature transition arising from a phase containing ionic clusters. The loss peak height associated with the multiplet containing phase decreases with increasing ionic content while that associated with the cluster phase rises. The cluster phase appears to become the dominant phase at ion contents of about 6 mol%. The T g of PS increased linearly with ionic content at the rate of about 3°C per mol%. For each ion content, the average molecular weight between ionic crosslinks was determined from values of the rubbery plateau modulus and compared with calculated values, assuming all ion pairs participate in forming crosslinks. It was also observed that the rubbery plateau region extended over a considerably wider temperature range when samples were prepared with a divalent metal ion, such as Ca, instead of a monovalent ion.
Are depressed outpatients with and without a family history of substance use disorder different? A baseline analysis of the STAR*D cohort

OBJECTIVE: This report compares the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of outpatients with nonpsychotic major depressive disorder (MDD) and a family history of substance use disorder (SUD) versus those with MDD and no family history of SUD. METHOD: Using data from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study, we grouped participants with MDD (DSM-IV criteria) according to presence or absence of family history of SUD based on participant report. Between-group comparisons were made of demographic and clinical characteristics, depressive symptoms, and psychiatric co-morbidities. Patients were enrolled from July 2001 until August 2004. RESULTS: Of 4010 participants, 46% had a positive family history of SUD. Those with a positive family history were less likely to be Hispanic (p = .0029) and more likely to be female (p = .0013). They were less educated (p = .0120), less likely to be married (p < .01), and more likely to be divorced (p < .01). They also reported an earlier age at onset of MDD, greater length of illness, and more major depressive episodes (all p < .001). They had an increased likelihood of recurrent MDD, more prior suicide attempts, and more concurrent psychiatric comorbidities, including posttraumatic stress disorder, SUD, and generalized anxiety disorder (all p < .0001). CONCLUSION: Depressed patients with a family history of SUD had a more severe previous course of depression, were more likely to have attempted suicide, and had a greater burden of psychiatric comorbid conditions than patients without such a family history. These findings represent important clinical features to be considered in the evaluation and treatment planning of patients with MDD.
Actions of redox-related congeners of nitric oxide at the NMDA receptor.

The local redox milieu of a biological system is of critical importance in understanding the actions of the nitrogen monoxide (NO) moiety, as disparate chemical pathways involving distinct redox-related congeners of NO may trigger neurotoxic or neuroprotective pathways. The reactions of nitric oxide (NO.) with Superoxide can lead to neurotoxicity through formation of peroxynitrite, whereas NO. alone does not, at least under certain conditions. Reaction (or transfer) of NO+ equivalents to thiol(s) on the NMDA receptor can lead to neuroprotection by inhibiting Ca2+ influx. These findings suggest that cell function can be controlled by, or through, protein S-nitrosylation, and raise the possibility that the NO group may initiate signal transduction in or at the plasma membrane. Neuroprotective effects of NO− suggest that acceleration of disulfide bond formation at the NMDA receptor is of mechanistic importance in the attenuation of Ca2+ influx. Our findings suggest novel therapeutic strategies. For example, downregulation of NMDA receptor activity can be obtained via sulfhydryl oxidation by S-nitros(yl)ation with NO+ donors (to form an RSNO at a cysteine residue on the receptor), or with NO− donors (with intermediate formation of RSNHOH). Pharmacologic intervention with these forms of NO donors could be implemented in the treatment of focal ischemia, neuropathic pain, Huntington's disease, AIDS dementia, and other neurological disorders associated, at least in part, with excessive activation of NMDA receptors.
The “constant intake rate” assumption in interim recruitment goal methodology for multicenter clinical trials

A primary concern of any multihospital clinical trial is the recruitment of a predetermined number of patients during a prespecified interval of time. In several recent papers a Poisson based model was used to estimate the time needed to recruit a predetermined number of patients and the probabilities of recruiting specified fractions of the sample during subintervals. The Poisson model requires the assumption that patients be recruited at a constant rate over the entire length of the interval. In this paper we test the adequacy of this model and assumption using patient intake data from nine multihospital VA clinical trials and propose an alternative Bayesian model.
Impact of Preoperative Ureteral Stenting on Outcome of Ureteroscopic Treatment for Urinary Lithiasis

Purpose: Sparse published data exist on the impact of preexistent ureteral stents on the success of ureteroscopic stone surgery. We investigated the impact of a preexistent ureteral stent in relation to a number of parameters and outcomes of ureteroscopic management for urinary lithiasis.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated a cohort of patients undergoing ureteroscopy for renal and ureteral calculi. Data were abstracted on stone side, size, number and site, patient demographics, total stone burden, ureteral access sheath use, preoperative ureteral stent, ureteroscope type and outcome. Statistical analysis was done.Results: The success rate of 1 and 2 ureteroscopic procedures was 86.9% and 97.3%, respectively. Primary analysis included data on 221 initial procedures. The single procedure success rate for stone site was 91.9% for the distal ureter, 89.7% for the proximal ureter, 83.3% for the renal pelvis, 80.5% for the lower pole and 82.4% for the interpolar/upper pole. Success was negativel...
Lineaments in Richmond Triassic Basin Area, Virginia: A Kinematic Model: ABSTRACT

A lineament study from various sources was conducted to develop a conceptual kinematic model for the Richmond Triassic basin area in Virginia. The procedure involved mapping at different scales: color infrared U-2 photos (1:130,000), Landsat MSS images (1:1,000,000), and rectified drainage maps (1:250,000). The lineaments were digitized and subjected to a correlation package that compared the statistically significant peaks (> 95%) and troughs (< 5%) within 5 km2 grid cells. Spatially filtered significant 10° trends were contoured according to length-weighted frequencies to obtain lineament zones. These lineament zones were compared to mapped structures, outcrop patterns, Triassic diabase dikes, and aeromagnetic alignments and gradients. Correlations of lineament zones with mapped structures and geophysical gradients strongly support the interpretation that they represent the surface expressions of boundaries of subsurface structural domains. The basin is bounded on the west by the northeast-trending Hylas fault zone, and the eastern margin is cut by 60°-70° northeast-trending lineament zones that segment the basin into discrete blocks. Numerous ±15° north-trending lineaments correlate remarkably well with the north-trending diabase dikes, yet none of the mapped dikes apparently cut across the basin margins as other Triassic basins do in Virginia and elsewhere. Detailed analysis of lineament patterns appears to indicate left-handed strike-slip movement along the Hylas fault. At this time, the dikes intruded the basin, but were refracted into the fault zones despite pervasive north-trending fractures. Present-day expression of lineaments is probably due to Cenozoic reactivation of preexisting fractures. The kinematic model postulated here is entirely compatible with existing models for Mesozoic tectonism in the Virginia coastal plain. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1440------------
Properties of finite difference models of non-linear conservative oscillators

Finite-difference (FD) approaches to the numerical solution of the differential equations describing the motion of a nonlinear conservative oscillator are investigated analytically. A generalized formulation of the Duffing and modified Duffing equations is derived and analyzed using several FD techniques, and it is concluded that, although it is always possible to contstruct FD models of conservative oscillators which are themselves conservative, caution is required to avoid numerical solutions which do not accurately reflect the properties of the original equation.
Epidemic and endemic characteristics of trypanosomiasis in cattle: A simulation model

Abstract A simulation model was utilized to analyze the infection characteristics of trypanosomiasis in Ethiopian cattle. Epidemic and endemic conditions, the threshold phenomenon, proportional distribution of single, multiple and super infections were examined. The results indicate that at the endemic level the prevalence of trypanosomiasis was 0.27 and the incidence varied from 0.007 to 0.01. A large proportion of the infections were of the single type; multiple and surper infections were rare. The importance of such information lies in its usefulness in evaluating control alternatives.
Asymptotic form for random walk survival probabilities on three-dimensional lattices with traps.

Abstract The problem of calculating statistics of time-to-trapping of a random walker on a trap-filled lattice is of interest in solid state physics. Several authors have suggested approximate methods for calculating the average survival probabilities. Here, an exact asymptotic form for the probability that an n step random walk visits Sn distinct sites is used to ascertain the validity of a simple approximation suggested by Rosenstock. For trap concentrations below 0.05, the relative error in using Rosenstock's approximation is less than 10%.
The electric discharge of the electric EEL

THE ELECTRIC EEL, Electrophorus electricus, delivers the most powerful electric discharge of any electric fish. In addition, it breathes air and can therefore be kept out of water for long periods of time. For these reasons it has proved ideally suitable for the pursuing study of “animal” electricity.
Effect of liquid fat on melting point and polymorphic behavior of cocoa butter and a cocoa butter fraction

The polymorphic behavior of cocoa butter and a high-melting fraction of cocoa butter (CBF) was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The effect of liquid fat on melting point and polymorphic behavior was established for six mixtures: 83.5% cocoa butter and 16.5% of a low-melting fraction of cocoa butter (CBF-LM), 90% cocoa butter and 10% olive oil, and four mixtures of CBF and olive oil containing 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50% olive oil. Six polymorphs were found for cocoa butter and at least five for CBF. The melting points for cocoa butter and CBF were 35 and 38 C, respectively. Addition of CBF-LM to cocoa butter reduced the observable polymorphs to four and the melting point to 32.5 C. In cocoa butter, 10% olive oil reduced the observable polymorphs to three and the melting point to 31.5C. Similarly, 10% olive oil in CBF reduced the observable polymorphs to three and the melting point to 37 C. Amounts of 20%, 30%, and 50% olive oil in CBF reduced the polymorphs to two and the final melting point to 34.5, 33, and 32 C, respectively. Possible explanations for the observed polymorphic behavior are advanced. Changes in the rates of tempering of cocoa butter and CBF on addition of various amounts of liquid fat are discussed.
Population structures of two species of Caprellid amphipods (Crustacea)

Abstract Population structures of Caprella laeviuscula Mayer and Deutella californica Mayer are compared and factors structuring the populations are discussed. Instars were determined by the number of articles in the antennules. The number of D. californica per instar continuously decreased after emergence from the brood pouch. Populations of Caprella laeviuscula had 1. 1) an initial decrease in numbers, 2. 2) an increase in cohort size at middle instars, and 3. 3) decreasing population size. For both species population declines were caused by molting-related deaths. Population structures of C. laeviuscula were also caused by selective predation, intraspecific conflict during amplexus, and by rapidly molting juveniles becoming slow molting as adults. Deviations from a 1 : 1 sex ratio in C. laeviuscula were attributed to selective predation on females. Differences in the age of becoming sexually mature reduce the probability that a chance predator would remove all mature females.