cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activated protein C resistance: Prevalence and implications in peripheral vascular disease

Purpose: Activated protein C (APC) is a naturally occurring anticoagulant that interacts with factors V and VIII to inhibit the clotting cascade. Resistance to APC (APC-R), hypothesized to occur as a result of an abnormal factor V, has been documented in up to 40% of patients with venous thrombotic events, but its prevalence in patients with arterial disease remains ill defined. Methods: With an assay of APC resistance that expresses the ratio of the activated partial thromboplastin time with and without the addition of exogenous APC, APC resistance ratios were quantitated in 200 individuals comprising 177 patients with vascular disease and 23 control subjects. An abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time was present in four patients who were excluded from analysis. The 173 remaining patients formed the study population and were divided into diagnostic subgroups on the basis of the most symptomatic problem. Results: APC resistance was documented in 20 individuals, representing 11.6% of the study group. The highest prevalence of APC resistance was observed in patients with lower extremity occlusive disease, with the APC-R ratio below 2.0 in 13.%. Within the subgroup of individuals with lower extremity disease, 76 patients (10 with APC-R, 13.2%) underwent infrainguinal bypass and were monitored a mean of 47±8 months. Occlusion of the arterial reconstruction occurred in 22 patients (29%). Six (60%) of the patients with APC-R had failed reconstructions, versus 16 (24%) of 66 patients without APC-R (p=0.02). Conclusions: These findings suggest that APC-R is relatively common in patients with peripheral vascular disease, especially in those with lower extremity occlusive disease. APC-R appears to be a risk factor for failure of infrainguinal bypass. These observations suggest that screening for APC-R may be useful in patients with peripheral vascular disease, providing the opportunity to restore the normal thrombogenic balance with anticoagulant therapy in susceptible individuals.
Development of chemiluminescent probe hybridization, RT-PCR and nucleic acid cycle sequencing assays of Sabin type 3 isolates to identify base pair 472 Sabin type 3 mutants associated with vaccine associated paralytic poliomyelitis

Sabin type 3 polio vaccine virus is the most common cause of poliovaccine associated paralytic poliomyelitis. Vaccine associated paralytic poliomyelitis cases have been associated with Sabin type 3 revertants containing a single U to C substitution at bp 472 of Sabin type 3. A rapid method of identification of Sabin type 3 bp 472 mutants is described. An enterovirus group-specific probe for use in a chemiluminescent dot blot hybridization assay was developed to identify enterovirus positive viral lysates. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay producing a 319 bp PCR product containing the Sabin type 3 bp 472 mutation site was then employed to identify Sabin type 3 isolates. Chemiluminescent nucleic acid cycle sequencing of the purified 319 bp PCR product was then employed to identify nucleic acid sequences at bp 472. The enterovirus group probe hybridization procedure and isolation of the Sabin type 3 PCR product were highly sensitive and specific; nucleic acid cycle sequencing corresponded to the known sequence of stock Sabin type 3 isolates. These methods will be used to identify the Sabin type 3 reversion rate from sequential stool samples of infants obtained after the first and second doses of oral poliovirus vaccine.
Untangling Ligand Induced Activation and Desensitization of G-Protein–Coupled Receptors

Long-term treatment with a drug to a G-protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) often leads to receptor-mediated desensitization, limiting the therapeutic lifetime of the drug. To better understand how this therapeutic window might be controlled, we created a mechanistic Monte Carlo model of the early steps in GPCR signaling and desensitization. Using this model we found that the rates of G-protein activation and receptor phosphorylation can be partially decoupled by varying the drug-receptor dissociation rate constant, koff, and the drug's efficacy, α. The maximum ratio of G-protein activation to receptor phosphorylation (GARP) was found for drugs with an intermediate koff value and small α-value. Changes to the cellular environment, such as changes in the diffusivity of membrane molecules and the G-protein inactivation rate constant, affected the GARP value of a drug but did not change the characteristic shape of the GARP curve. These model results are examined in light of experimental data for a number of GPCRs and are found to be in good agreement, lending support to the idea that the desensitization properties of a drug might be tailored to suit a specific application.
Improved performance model reference adaptive control with parameter mismatch compensation

An adaptive controller with improved performance characteristics is introduced. The proposed controller extends results in this area since it achieves performance improvement of the zero-state output error in the presence of some uncertainty on the high-frequency gain of the plant.
Decentralized energy systems for clean electricity access

This Perspective presents a conceptual framework for extending electricity access while also transitioning to a decarbonized energy system.
Continuity and change in Pakistani politics1

Pakistan's political system is anchored around a series of patronage networks that favour continuity over radical change. These networks are not immune from social, economic and political change, although these tend to reshape rather than restructure the system. Pakistani nationalism will likely influence Pakistani politics more than Islamism.
What a difference a diet makes: Towards an understanding of differences between restrained dieters and restrained nondieters

Restrained eaters who are and are not dieting to lose weight have shown opposite eating regulation patterns in past research. To better understand these differences, restraint theory and the Three-Factor Model of Dieting was used to generate differential predictions about the mean and variability of restrained dieters (RDs) and restrained nondieters (RNDs) on the eating inventory Cognitive Restraint (CR) scale and the Restraint Scale (RS). Unrestrained nondieters served as a reference group. Eighty normal-weight female college students completed the CR, RS, and a measure of weight cycling. RDs, relative to RNDs, obtained higher and more homogeneous scores on the Cognitive Restraint, and higher and more heterogeneous scores on the RS. A post hoc analysis found that RDs had a much greater weight cycling history than RNDs. These findings are most consistent with the Three-Factor Model of Dieting, but also point to needed revisions both in this model and in traditional restraint theory.
TLR4 Mediates LPS-Induced VEGF Expression in Odontoblasts

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria cell walls such as Prevotella intermedia and Escherichia coli induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in odontoblasts, but not in undifferentiated dental pulp cells. CD14 and TLR4 are responsible for LPS signaling in macrophages, but their expression levels and function in dental pulp cells are unknown. We showed here that murine odontoblast-like cells (MDPC-23) express CD14 and TLR4 by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. In contrast, undifferentiated dental pulp cells (OD-21) presented low or no expression of these two receptors. MDPC-23 cells showed CD14 and TLR4 up-regulation upon exposure to LPS, as determined by real time PCR. Dominant negative murine TLR4 (DN-mTLR4) transfected MDPC-23 cells did not show upregulated VEGF expression in response to LPS stimulation. These results demonstrate that odontoblast-like cells express CD14 and TLR4, and that LPS-induced VEGF expression is mediated, at least in part, by TLR4 signaling.
Biodegradable radiopaque microspheres for the evaluation of regional pulmonary blood flow distribution using electron-beam computed tomography

Accurate measurement of regional pulmonary blood flow distribution is of interest both as a research and diagnostic tool. Measurements of regional pulmonary perfusion via x-ray CT offer the possibility of detecting perfusion deficits due to pulmonary embolus while maintaining a high degree of anatomic detail. Use of bolus injection of conventional radiopaque contrast with associated short mean transit times (5 - 7 seconds), requires a high degree of temporal resolution offered clinically only by electron beam x-ray CT (Imatron). The present study was intended to characterize biodegradable radiopaque microspheres as an alternative contrast agent which would allow for measurement of regional pulmonary blood flow with scanning times associated with conventional or spiral thin slice, volumetric x-ray CT protocols. To test this, a dog was scanned at 6 slice levels and 13 time points with image acquisition gated to the cardiac cycle. Lung volumes were maintained at functional residual capacity.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Surface structure of lithiated graphite by X-ray photoelectron diffraction

Abstract The surface composition and structure of a stage-one lithium intercalation compound (Li-GIC) was studied by X-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD) from Li 1s and C 1s core levels. The Li-GIC was prepared in situ by vapor phase intercalation of lithium into highly oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) in an ultra-high vacuum system. Stage-one Li-GIC, LiC6, having a characteristic golden color, was obtained using Li evaporation onto a HOPG substrate at 400 K, while a metallic lithium overlayer was observed at depositions below room temperature. XPD patterns of Li 1s and C 1s intensities as a function of the polar emission angle were obtained at a fixed photon energy of 1253.6 eV. The experimental XPD patterns on the HOPG and the stage-one Li-GIC were both in quite good agreement with calculated XPD patterns based on Rehr–Albers separable representation for scattering of the emitted photoelectrons. The structural model for the surface of the Li-GIC producing the best fit to the experimental data has the bulk LiC6 lattice with surface termination in the graphene plane.
Local therapy for prostate-specific antigen recurrence after definitive treatment

Disease recurrence after local therapy for prostate cancer is increasingly common, most often with detectable or rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) the earliest sign. Analysis of clinical and pathological factors can help determine which patients are at risk for treatment failure, while PSA characteristics and imaging studies can localize site of recurrent disease and identify men who may benefit from salvage therapy. Local treatment options include radiation therapy (external beam and brachytherapy) and cryoablation for patients who have undergone prostatectomy, and surgery, brachytherapy, and cryoablation for patients who have received radiotherapy. Novel treatment modalities are under investigation and may improve success of local salvage therapy while minimizing morbidity. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2001) 4, 20-27
Hepatic DNA adduct formation in rats treated with benzo[f]quinoline.

Abstract The formation of hepatic DNA adducts in male Sprague-Dawley rats following i.p. administration of benzo[f]quinoline (BfQ) was examined using a 32P-post-labeling assay. BfQ exhibited a low binding (11–27 amol adducts/μg DNA) to liver DNA. Two BfQ-nucleoside adducts (one major and one minor) were detected. The BfQ-DNA adducts formed in vivo were chromatographically distinct from the adducts formed by the reaction of calf thymus DNA in vitro with BfQ-5,6-oxide, syn-7β, 8α-dihydroxy-9β, 10β-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydroBfQ, anti-9α, 10β-dihydroxy-7α, 8α-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydroBfQ, or anti-7β, 8α-dihydroxy-9α, 10α-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydroBfQ-N-oxide. These results suggest that the bay-region diol epoxide of BfQ, unlike the bay-region diol epoxide derivatives of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, is not involved in the covalent binding of BfQ to DNA.
From brittle to ductile: Density optimization for Zr-BMG cellular structures

Two-dimensional cellular structures made from Zr35Ti30Cu7.5Be27.5 bulk metallic glass with varying relative densities realized in hexagonal structures ranging from 2.5% to 86.0% were fabricated and characterized under quasi-static compression loading. Three distinctive deformation regions were revealed: collective buckling, local failure and global failure, which originate from size effects in metallic glasses and demonstrate the ideal density of ∼25.0% for energy absorption for this structure.
Synthetic aperture echo imaging using a single-element ultrasonic transducer

This paper presents a system model and its corresponding reconstruction method for synthetic aperture echo imaging using a single element ultrasonic transducer (SEUT). The system model incorporates the spherical nature of the SEUT's radiation pattern. The reconstruction method integrates the recorded signals at various coordinates of a translational or rotational SEUT via a spatial Fourier transform. It is shown that the transformed data provides samples of the spatial Fourier transform of the test object's reflectivity function. This study indicates that a synthesized array and its physical counterpart possess the same resolution despite the fact that the synthesized array's signal subspace is a subset of the much larger signal subspace for the physical array.
Studies on phosphatidylglycerol with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization: fragmentation processes and structural characterization

Negative-ion low-energy collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) tandem mass spectrometry of electrospray-produced ions permits structural characterization of phosphatidylglycerol (PG). The major ions that identify the structures arise from neutral loss of free fatty acid substituents ([M − H − R x CO2H]−) and neutral loss of the fatty acids as ketenes ([M − H − R′ x CH = C = O]−), followed by consecutive loss of the glycerol head group. The abundances of the ions arising from neutral loss of the sn-2 substutient as a free fatty acid ([M − H − R2CO2H]−) or as a ketene ([M − H − R′2CH = C = O]−) are greater than those of the product ions from the analogous losses at sn-1. Nucleophilic attack of the anionic phosphate site on the C-1 or the C-2 of the glycerol to which the carboxylates attached expels the sn-1 (R1CO 2 − ) or the sn-2 (R2CO 2 − ) carboxylate anion, resulting in a greater abundance of R2COO− than R1COO−. These features permit assignments of fatty acid substituents and their position in the glycerol backbone. The results are also consistent with our earlier findings that pathways leading to those losses at sn-2 are sterically more favorable than those at sn-1. Fragment ions at m/z 227, 209 and 171 reflect the glycerol polar head group and identify the various PG molecules. Both charge-remote fragmentation (CRF) and charge-drive fragmentation (CDF) processes are the major pathways for the formation of [M − H − R x COOH]− ions. The CRF process involves participation of the hydrogen atoms on the glycerol backbone, whereas the CDF process involves participation of the exchangeable hydrogen atoms of the glycerol head group. The proposed fragmentation pathways are supported by CAD tandem mass spectrometry of the analogous precursor ions arising from the H-D exchange experiment, and further confirmed by source CAD in combination with tandem mass spectrometry.
Computation of thermodynamic mixing parameters for isostructural, binary crystalline solutions using solvus experimental data

Abstract FORTRAN IV subroutines are presented for calculating the mixing parameters of the two-parameter Margules, van Laar, and quasichemical solution models. For isostructural, binary crystalline solutions the mixing parameters of these models are calculated using experimental data on the compositions and equilibration temperatures (K) of the two phases in binary “solvus-pairs”. However, the equations used in the calculations are different for each model, and computational methods range from direct calculation (Margules and van Laar models), to solution of two simultaneous nonlinear equations (quasichemical model). Most of the subroutines have been written so that they can be incorporated easily into a user's linear least-squares regression program to compute equations relating a set of values for a parameter to temperature, or temperature and pressure. Crystal structure plays an important role in the calculation of mixing parameters for the three solution models. For solvi among phases of different structure, mixing-parameter values should be calculated using not only the compositions and equilibration temperatures of the two phases in solvus-pairs, but also the values for the differences in free energies of the crystal structures in the standard state. Some thermodynamic theory of mutual solubility among binary crystalline phases of like and unlike structure will be described in detail.
Use of a New Diaminobutane Dendrimer in Electrokinetic Capillary Chromatography

Abstract A modified polyamidoamine-starburst dendrimer (PAMAM-SBD), 16-cascade:(1,4-diaminobutane)[4-1,4]:(1,6-diaza-7-oxo-nonyl idene)2:propanoic acid methyl ester (DABD), was synthesized and used as a carrier in electrokinetic capillary chromatography. The utility of DABD is demonstrated with the separation of a mixture of naphthalene derivatives and five neutral aromatic molecules without the need for an organic solvent as a modifier. Separation of a mixture of five neutral aromatic molecules were optimized through dendrimer concentration, pH, and organic modifier. The modified polyamidoamine-starburst dendrimer offered selectivity for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons as well as naphthalene based derivatives. However, DABD did not provide as much selectivity for neutral aromatic compounds in the presence of organic modifier.
New molecular shapes for recognition and catalysis

Progress in molecular recognition is reviewed with special emphasis on the advantages offered by molecular clefts. These new structures are rapidly assembled from readily accessible starting materials and feature functional groups that converge on smaller species that present complementary surfaces. The sizes and shapes of the clefts are controlled by the use of appropriate spacer elements. The selective binding of acids, amines, amino acids, metal ions, heterocyclic compounds and nucleosides is described. Their special applicability to problems involving concerted catalysis is also introduced.
Why Individuals Commit Information Security Violations: Neural Correlates of Decision Processes and Self-Control

Self-control has been identified as a major factor influencing individual behavior in social studies, economics, criminology, and information security literatures. Recent neuroscience studies show that lack of self-control can be attributed to lesions in the right prefrontal region of the brain, suggesting a strong linkage between self-control and neural processes. In this study, we tested neural correlates between self-control and decision making in the context of information security using electroencephalography (EEG) and event related potentials (ERPs). Our results show that while both left and right hemispheres of the brain are involved in decision making, the subjects with low self-control evoked lower level of neural activities in the right hemisphere and made riskier decisions than the subjects with high self-control. This study validates a new paradigm for using EEG/ERP to study information security related phenomena, and opens a new path for studying decision making neural correlates using scenario based approach.
Cancer incidence in the Puerto Rican-born population of Long Island, New York.

BACKGROUND. There are apparently no published data on cancer incidence in the Puerto Rican-born populations of the northeastern United States. METHODS. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for 1980 through 1986 for the Puerto Rican-born population in Long Island (New York). RESULTS. Significantly reduced SIRs were found for males (SIR = 0.77) but not for females (SIR = 0.91), using expected numbers derived from incidence rates for all areas in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program (excluding Puerto Rico). Using incidence rates for Puerto Rico to obtain expected numbers, there was evidence for the retention of elevated SIRs for stomach cancer (both sexes) and for significantly elevated SIRs for lung cancer (both sexes), colon-rectum cancer (females), prostate cancer, and breast and uterine corpus cancer. Using rates for SEER areas, the SIRs for lung cancer approached 1.00, in contrast to other US Puerto Rican-born populations. CONCLUSION. The data indicate the need f...
Design and Control of Conventional and Reactive Distillation Processes for the Production of Butyl Acetate

Jimenez and Costa-Lopez (Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2002, 41, 6735) recently discussed a reactive distillation process for the production of butyl acetate in which an extractive agent is used. Their process requires four distillation columns. No details of their plantwide control structure are given. This paper presents a quantitative comparison of two alternative processes for the production of butyl acetate in which no extractive agent is employed. The first is a conventional reactor/separation process with a reactor, three distillation columns, and two recycles. The second uses a reactive distillation column with two other conventional columns and two recycles. Each process is economically optimized, and the reactive distillation process has a 20% lower total annual cost. Plantwide control structures are developed for each process, and their effectiveness in the face of very large disturbances is demonstrated by dynamic simulation.
Far-infrared dielectric and vibrational properties of nonstoichiometric wüstite at high pressure

The far-infrared reflectivity of Fe0.91O was investigated from atmospheric pressure up to 33 GPa at room temperature using synchrotron Fourier transform infrared reflectivity techniques in conjunction with the diamond-anvil cell from 100-700 cm-1. The frequency of the fundamental transverse optic (TO) mode was found to be nearly independent of pressure up to 4.6 GPa, followed by an increase in the TO frequency with pressure up to the rhombohedral phase transition at {approx}8 GPa. In addition, a second weak mode at 583 cm-1 at atmospheric pressure was well resolved and found to shift to higher frequency and increase in strength with pressure. This localized mode arises from the presence of vacancies in the crystal structure, and the relative strength of this mode suggests pressure-induced charge localization near the vacancy sites. The data was fit with the classical Lorentz model with the addition of a plasmon resonance. This allowed an estimation of the electrical conductivity as well as plasmon-phonon coupling energies. The pressure dependencies of the dielectric properties of westite have been quantified, and their pressure derivatives show a change in sign near the pressure-induced rhombohedral phase transition. Classical theories relating dielectric, vibrational, and elastic properties are evaluated, and in the casemore » of the bulk modulus, the theory fails to reproduce accepted literature values.« less
Autophagy Promotes Intracellular Degradation of Type I Collagen Induced by Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β1

Autophagy is a highly conserved cellular process regulating turnover of cytoplasmic proteins via a lysosome-dependent pathway. Here we show that kidneys from mice deficient in autophagic protein Beclin 1 exhibited profibrotic phenotype, with increased collagen deposition. Reduced Beclin 1 expression, through genetic disruption of beclin 1 or knockdown by specific siRNA in primary mouse mesangial cells (MMC), resulted in increased protein levels of type I collagen (Col-I). Inhibition of autolysosomal protein degradation by bafilomycin A1 also increased Col-I protein levels and colocalization of Col-I with LC3, an autophagy marker, or LAMP-1, a lysosome marker, whereas treatment with TFP, an inducer of autophagy, resulted in decreased Col-I protein levels induced by TGF-β1, without alterations in Col-I α1 mRNA. Heterozygous deletion of beclin 1 increased accumulation of aggregated Col-I under nonstimulated conditions, and stimulation with TGF-β1 further increased aggregated Col-I. These data indicate that Col-I and aggregated, insoluble procollagen I undergo intracellular degradation via autophagy. A cytoprotective role of autophagy is implicated in kidney injury, and we demonstrate that low-dose carbon monoxide, shown to exert cytoprotection against renal fibrosis, induces autophagy to suppress accumulation of Col-I induced by TGF-β1. We also show that TGF-β1 induces autophagy in MMC via TAK1-MKK3-p38 signaling pathway. The dual functions of TGF-β1, as both an inducer of Col-I synthesis and an inducer of autophagy and Col-I degradation, underscore the multifunctional nature of TGF-β1. Our findings suggest a novel role of autophagy as a cytoprotective mechanism to negatively regulate and prevent excess collagen accumulation in the kidney.
A high-speed graphene-based broadband modulator

We experimentally demonstrate the first graphene-based waveguide-integrated broadband modulator. By tuning the Fermi level of graphene, we proved that over 1 giga-Hertz modulation speed can be realized from 1.35 to 1.6 μm in room temperature.
Determination of left ventricular wall thickness by angiocardiography.

Abstract Measurements of the change in left ventricular wall thickness from diastole to systole, by a variety of methods and in different species, indicate unacceptable discrepancies (range 15 to 100 per cent). Since angiocardiographic methods are accepted more and more in the study of human heart disease, the accuracy of this type of wall thickness measurement was investigated in 31 patients with representative examples of a variety of cardiac disorders with and without hypertrophy. A method was developed permitting the prediction of wall thickness on any film taken during the cardiac cycle. End-diastolic muscle mass was considered the most accurate and its volume was assumed not to change during systole. Comparison of predicted and observed values for wall thickness showed complete agreement in 10 of the 31 patients. Average wall thickness increased 39.8 per cent. This result is in complete agreement with those reproted by Mitchell and associates 5 in dogs in whom implanted radiopaque markers permitted accurate measurement of wall thickness during systole. In 10 of the remaining 21 patients the predicted wall thickness could subsequently be recognized during a careful re-examination of the films. In the remainder, there was no way in which the true left ventricular wall could be recognized and wall thickness increased an average of 92.5 per cent. Similar figures have been reported by others. 3,13 It is concluded, that direct measurement of wall thickness during the second phase of ejection (after 200 msec. after onset of contraction) will lead to large errors, particularly in patients with hypertrophy. As a first approximation to a solution for this problem, a computational method is described, which showed complete agreement between observed and predicted values in all cases during the first 200 msec. after the onset of contraction.
THE POTENTIAL FOR GENETIC EXCHANGE BY TRANSFORMATION WITHIN A NATURAL POPULATION OF BACILLUS SUBTILIS

We have investigated the potential for genetic exchange by transformation within a Mojave Desert population of Bacillus subtilis. Almost all strains surveyed were competent for transformation, and the strains varied over almost three orders of magnitude in their levels of competence. This high degree of variation suggests that natural selection toward an optimal level of competence is, at most, very weak in this population. Six of 24 competent strains showed sexual isolation from laboratory strain 168 (i.e., heterogamic transformation was reduced). Direct crosses between selected pairs of Mojave strains indicated sexual isolation within the Mojave population. Levels of sexual isolation observed within this population of B. subtilis were much less than those previously observed for transformation between named Bacillus species. Sexual isolation between 168 and Mojave strains, and among Mojave strains, was due to differences in restriction-modification systems and to DNA sequence divergence.
Anticipating the effects of Medicaid expansion on surgical care.

TO THE EDITOR: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid coverage to adults with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level, but a subsequent Supreme Court ruling determined Congress could give states the option to expand. In September of 2013, the state of Michigan approved expansion. Beginning in April 2014, more than 400,000 adults will be newly eligible for Medicaid enrollment in the state.1 The impact of this influx of patients on surgical care and hospital costs in Michigan is unknown. Previous national studies of Medicaid patients undergoing surgery have shown worse outcomes2 and increased costs.3 Given the ACA also mandates a reduction in payments to disproportionate share hospitals (DSH),4 increased Medicaid enrollment could have substantial clinical and financial implications for hospitals facing expansion. To better understand this change, we examined the surgical outcomes and resource use of Medicaid patients in Michigan the year prior to implementation of the ACA using a statewide clinical registry.
Psychobiology and Pathologies of Human Sleep

This review is principally devoted to major sleep pathologies which pose exemplary problems for cardiology, neurology, psychiatry, physiology, internal, and pulmonary medicine. Fundamental information about the psychobiology and biorhythmic aspects of normal nocturnal slumber is presented and related to polygraphic findings on sleep pathology. Clinically significant increases in blood pressure, respiratory rate, cardiac irregularities and gastric acid secretion all occur in phase with the nocturnal sleep cycle. Exacerbations of duodenal ulcer and coronary-artery disease including cardiac arrhythmias at night have all been shown to coincide with REM sleep. Stereotyped abnormal leg movements associated with nocturnal myoclonus are due to activity of anterior tibialis or quadriceps muscles and occur episodically during the entire sleep period especially in the NREM-stages. Sleepiness has frequently been observed to accompany hypothyroidism and stages 3-4 are drastically reduced. The major symptoms of narcaol...
Hot gas in and between galaxies

The fate of interstellar gas heated by energetic radiation and far from the galactic plane is considered. It is shown that for plausible heating rates a very hot corona forms, separated from the cooler gas in the disk by a conductive boundary layer. For heating rates exceeding a critical value a galactic wind is set up, as first shown by Mathews and Baker for elliptical galaxies. Such winds may fill the intracluster space in clusters of galaxies; further heating may drive a cluster wind, as shown by Yahil and Ostriker. It is believed that the flow problem of intracluster gas in the presence of intercluster gas is not yet adequately solved. A variety of observations at X-ray and ultraviolet wavelengths are needed to resolve these questions.
Development of liquid crystal reflectarrays utilizing a passive matrix control scheme

This research is part of a multi-objective initiative into developing an improved alternative for phased array antennas for space communication. Liquid Crystal Reflectarrays are seen as a possible enabler to realizing electrically steerable antennas with reduced costs and hardware associated with current single feed designs. Within this publication, the authors will setup the initial equations for a LC Reflectarray and demonstrate a potential control scheme for controlling the reflection characteristics of a reflectarray.
Considerations for the Design and Placement of Implantable Annular Slot Antennas for Intracranial Pressure Monitoring Devices

Deviation in the performance of measured implanted antennas [such as ${S_{11}}$ measured by a vector network analyzer (VNA)], compared to that of antennas encapsulated inside an implant and fully embedded in tissue, is not fully understood. This letter presents simulation and measurement results of an annular slot antenna (ASA) for its use in implantable intracranial pressure (ICP) devices operating at 2.45 GHz. ASA is chosen for its higher radiation efficiency compared to strip antennas such as printed inverted-F antennas (PIFAs) used previously by the authors and some other groups. The performance of the antenna ( ${S_{11}}$ , gain, and radiation efficiency) with a coaxial feed passing through the device and the surrounding tissue is compared to its performance when the feed is applied from inside the device. It is demonstrated that the insulation coating of the exterior of the cable in the case of the VNA test, and proper grounding of the outer conductor of the cable in the case of the internal feed, are necessary to minimize the performance deviation. Moreover, measured gain and ${S_{21}}$ demonstrate the superiority of the ASA over the PIFA, thereby implying higher radiation efficiency of the ASA, which is consistent with simulation results.
Delirium in practice today

Delirium occurs frequently in intensive care units (ICUs), and complicates treatment and patient outcomes. This article reviews risk factors, diagnosis, and guidelines for treatment of delirium in the ICU setting.
URBAN REGIMES AND HUMAN CAPITAL POLICIES: A Study of Baltimore

Most of the research in urban affairs has centered on urban development and the politics of growth. This study shifts focus and examines how human capital development came to hold a prominent place...
INFRA-RED AND VISIBLE ABSORPTION STUDIES OF THE PENTACYANONICKELATE(II) ION IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION

Abstract The infra-red spectra of aqueous solutions containing tetracyanonickelate(II) and excess cyanide ions show a single new absorption peak characteristic of the pentacyanonickelate(II) ion, [Ni(CN) 5 ] 3− . The growth of this new infra-red peak and the diminution of the known [Ni(CN) 4 ] 2− absorption is described completely by the equilibrium: [Ni(CN) 4 ] 2− + CN − ⇋ [Ni(CN) 5 ] 3− over a cyanide concentration range 0·05-5 M. No infra-red absorption of ahigher complex, e.g. [Ni(CN) 5 ] 4− was detected even in nearly saturated NaCN and ∼0·4 M [Ni(CN) 4 ] 2− . Infra-red absorption characteristics of the complex ions are: [ Ni(CN) 4 ] 2− , ∈ = 1068 ± 95 mole −1 l. cm −1 at 2124 ± 1 [ Ni(CN) 5 ] 3− , ∈ = 1730 ± 230 mole −1 l. cm −1 at 2102 ± 2 Continuous variation experiments at 100 A intervals from 3800 A to 6000 A showed only a 1 : 1 complex between CN − and [Ni(CN) 4 ] 2− . From visible and infra-red absorption data the constant for the formation of [Ni(CN) 5 ] 3− from [Ni(CN) 4 ] 2− and CN − was found to be 0·19 ± 0·01 1. mole −1 at 25·2° in solutions of constant ionic strength (μ = 1·34). The formation constant was determined at three temperatures over the range 15–35°, yielding a ΔH of ∼ −3 kcal/mole. Magnetic measurements show that the pentacyanonickelate(II) ion is diamagnetic.
Detection of rolling leukocytes by marked point processes

The marked point process (MPP) provides a useful and theoretically well-established tool for integrating spatial information into the image analysis process. We consider the problem of detecting rolling leukocytes within intravital microscopy images. A first stage of the detection method reduces the detection to a set of points, each one representing a possible leukocyte. Our task is then to decide which points are actual leukocytes. We propose an MPP-based approach that aims at improving both the accuracy and efficiency of the detection process by means of exploiting the spatial interrelationships. We construct a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to obtain the maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation of a set of points corresponding to the centroids of leukocytes observed in the image. The optimal solution, in terms of the MAP principle, is computed with respect to all leukocytes, rather than a single leukocyte. A quantitative study of our detection approach demonstrates results that compare very well to those achieved by manual detection and exceed the solution quality given by two competing methods. Our approach can serve as a fully automated substitute to the tedious and time-consuming manual rolling leukocyte detection process.
Continuous-Review s, S Inventory Models with State-Dependent Leadtimes

This paper describes the development of a continuous-review s, S inventory model with complete backordering and state-dependent, stochastic leadtimes. The demand on the inventory system is assumed to be a Poisson process, and the order-filling portion of the replenishment leadtime is allowed to depend on the number of outstanding orders i.e., to be state dependent. The inventory state probabilities which are required in order to optimize the cost function with respect to s and S can be obtained via a queuing analysis on the order-filling process. Orders are assumed to arrive at a single-channel service facility, where the service may be state dependent in either one of two ways: 1 the instantaneous probabilities at an arbitrary point in time of an order being filled i.e., a service completed in an infinitesimal interval of length Δt is μmΔt + oΔt, where m is the number of outstanding orders instantaneous state dependence; and 2 the order-filling time is an exponentially distributed random variable with distribution function Bnt = 1-e-μnt, where n is the number of outstanding orders just after the previous order has been filled departure-point state dependence. The μ· used to illustrate the methodology is two state; that is, μ· = μ1 if only one order is outstanding and μ if more than one is outstanding. The appropriate queuing model describing the ordering process turns out to be a Poisson input, batch-service model with batch size Q = S-s. The instantaneous state-dependent model is analyzed using a Chapman-Kolmogorov approach, while the departure-point state-dependent model utilizes an imbedded-Markov-chain approach. The computational aspects of the models are illustrated for a specific set of values of the appropriate parameters.
Industry-University Partnerships: a model for engineering education in the 21st century

Abstract An approach to Industry-University Quality Partnerships for engineering education is presented. A formal educational cycle of Preparation, Identification, and Action (PIA) has been initiated as the framework for the partnership effort. This cycle establishes multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional teams of students and faculty to work with industrial partners on quality/process improvement projects. Preparation is a three-semester hour course that covers the methods and tools of Total Quality Management (TQM), safety, teamwork, communications, and time management. Identification is a team effort by students, faculty, and industrial partners working on-site at the industrial partner's facilities, identifying quality improvement opportunities. Action is the team effort by students, faculty, and partners working both on-campus and on-site, providing detailed plans to implement and evaluate quality/process improvement opportunities. The PIA cycle was initiated in the Spring of 1993 by three Universities of the Southern University and College Coalition for Engineering Education (SUCCEED) and Milliken and Company as the industrial partner. The PIA cycle is an ongoing research effort. In this paper, we provide a review of the PIA approach to Industry-University Partnership Teams and share some of our experiences with this novel approach to engineering education.
Proportionate reversible decreases in systolic function and myocardial oxygen consumption after modest reductions in coronary flow: hibernation versus stunning.

Abstract Objectives. This study sought to determine whether modest short-term reductions in coronary flow can produce subsequent proportionate reductions in myocardial function and O2consumption compatible with myocardial hibernation. Background. Acute studies indicate that myocardial energy utilization can be downregulated during moderate flow reduction. Whether this apparently beneficial adjustment persists into the reperfusion period is unsettled because most postischemic contractile dysfunction has been presumed to represent stunned or irreversibly injured myocardium. Methods. Responses of regional myocardial function and O2consumption were assessed in chronically instrumented dogs after ∼50% reductions in flow for 2 h (n = 8) or repeated 2-min total coronary occlusions (n = 6). Results. When unrestricted perfusion was restored after sustained partial occlusions, regional function and O2consumption stabilized at proportionate, systematically decreased levels ([mean ± SEM] 80 ± 3.1% and 81 ± 5.1% of control values, both p Conclusions. Moderate decreases in coronary flow or repeated brief coronary occlusions can be followed by proportionate reversible reductions in regional systolic function and O2consumption compatible with the traditional definition of myocardial hibernation. These findings emphasize the complexity of myocardial responses to flow restriction and call attention to limitations in characterizing reversibly hypocontractile myocardium as simply hibernating or stunned. (J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;29:1623–31)
The relationship between 19F chemical shifts and calculated electron densities in perfluorinated annulenes

Abstract Ab initio calculations for a series of perfluorinated annulenes suggest that there is a linear correlation between the total charge density at fluorine and the fluorine chemical shift. The STO-3G basis set overestimates the degree of pi-electron donation by fluorine.
Recent developments in the technical approaches of English-language psychoanalytic schools.

This paper summarizes developments in the major approaches to psychoanalytic technique derived from the ego psychology, Kleinian, British independent, self psychology, intersubjectivist, and interp...
Clinical follow-up in 24 nonfamilial renal tumors cytogenetically characterized in tissue culture

Abstract Objective This study investigates the relationship between clonal chromosomal abnormalities detected in nonfamilial renal cell carcinoma and the clinical outcome, specifically, whether or not patients whose tumors had karyotypic changes have a different prognosis than those whose tumors did not. Method Fresh tumor tissue obtained from 32 cases was grown in tissue culture. Twenty four grew successfully and were harvested and multiple cells of each karyotyped. Clinical follow-up was obtained for at least five years or until the time of death. Results Fourteen of 24 cases demonstrated karyotypic abnormalities including loss ofY chromosome (64%), trisomy 7 (50%), trisomy 12 (14%), trisomy 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, and 17, monosomy 9 and 20, and long-arm deletion of chromosome 16 (1 case each). Tumors were well-differentiated in 16 cases, moderately differentiated in 5 cases, and poorly differentiated in 1 case; 13 cases were pathologic Stage I, 5 Stage II, and 6 Stage III. Thirty-three percent of the patients demonstrated clinical progression. Conclusions No significant difference in prognosis could be found between patientswith and without karyotypic abnormalities. The only clinical or pathologic difference which could be established was sex distribution. Significantly greater numbers of males had karyotypic abnormalities than females, but this could be explained by the high number of Y chromosome deletions that were detected. The lack of correlation between karyotypic abnormalities and clinical outcome may reflect a confounding factor in genetic evolution such that clinically determining chromosomal changes present early in a tumor's growth in vivo may no longer be present when the tumor is diagnosed, treated, or after it is grown in culture. This may make demonstration of such clinically significant chromosomal changes very difficult.
Antitumor cytotoxic T-cell response induced by a survivin peptide mimic

Survivin is a tumor-associated antigen with significant potential as a cancer vaccine target. We have identified a survivin peptide mimic containing human MHC class I epitopes and a potential class II ligand that induces a potent antitumor response in C57BL/6 mice with GL261 cerebral gliomas. This peptide is able to elicit both CD8+ CTL and T helper cell responses in C57BL/6 mice. The corresponding region of the human survivin molecule represented by peptide SVN53-67 is 100% homologous to the murine protein, but SVN53-67 is weakly immunogenic in man. We evaluated several amino acid substitutions in putative human MHC I anchor positions in SVN53-67 to identify potential peptide mimics that could provide an enhanced antitumor immune response against human glioma and primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) cells in culture. We evaluated survivin peptides with predicted binding to human HLA-A*0201 antigen using peptide-loaded dendritic cells from PBMC of patients with these malignancies. One alteration (M57) led to binding to HLA-A*0201 with significantly higher affinity. We compared the ability of autologous dendritic cells loaded with SVN53-67 peptide and SVN53-67/M57 in CTL assays against allomatched and autologous, survivin-expressing, human malignant glioma and PCNSL cells. Both SVN53-67 and SVN53-67/M57 produced CTL-mediated killing of malignant target cells; however, SVN53-67/M57 was significantly more effective than SVN53-67. Thus, SVN53-67/M57 may act as a peptide mimic to induce an enhanced antitumor CTL response in tumor patients. The use of SVN53-67/M57 as a cancer vaccine might have application for cancer vaccine therapy.
Microsomal GST-I: genomic organization, expression, and alternative splicing of the human gene

Abstract In this paper we report the genomic organization of the human microsomal GST-I gene. This gene spans 18 kb, and contains seven exons. Sequences that encode the 155 amino acid open reading frame are present in Exons II, III, IV, the 5′-untranslated region is present in Exons Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, and II, and the 3′-untranslated region is present in Exon IV. Exons Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, and III are alternatively spliced to generate at least six different mGST-I transcripts. The results of EST and PCR analysis show that most mGST-I transcripts terminate within Exon Ib, and primer extension analysis shows these transcripts initiate at three major sites located at 79, 81, and 88 nucleotides upstream of the ATG initiation codon. Sequences surrounding the putative initiation sites are G–C rich, and several Sp1 consensus binding sites were identified. Northern analysis shows that the human GST-I gene is preferentially expressed as a 1.0 kb transcript in liver, and in several other tissues. Finally, a comparison of the mGST-I and PIG12 sequences with those of FLAP, LTC 4 synthase, mGST-II, and mGST-III suggests that these proteins are the related products of a dispersed microsomal GST gene superfamily.
The right to refuse treatment: Paradox, pendulum and the quality of care

This clinical and theoretical overview of the right to refuse treatment will address some of the themes that have dominated this area of interface between psychiatry and the law, and have, perhaps, obscured the real concern of the right to refuse treatment question; i.e., the issue of quality of care. Central themes include factors present in the medicolegal context and recent events, origin of the concept of the right to treatment, the separation of confinement from treatment, and the changing models of vicarious decision making. This review also addresses judicial conceptualizations of treatment, including the concept of quarantine, judicial risk-aversiveness, and judicial fantasies of drug action. Some possible directions for the future are also examined.