cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medicaid Expansion Through the Affordable Care Act and Receipt of Guideline Recommended Brachytherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Brachytherapy is a critical component of definitive chemo-radiation for locally advanced cervical cancer. However, studies have shown that a large portion of patients do not received brachytherapy as part of their treatment. We hypothesized that access to care due to lack of insurance might prevent patients from receiving brachytherapy as part of their treatment, and patients in states that expanded Medicaid under the affordable care act would therefore be more likely to receive brachytherapy after expansion. MATERIALS/METHODS The National Cancer Database was queried for cases from 2004 to 2016 of women with stage IIb-IVa cervical cancer treated with definitive radiation and chemotherapy. Patients were excluded if they received primary directed surgery, did not receive chemotherapy, had missing or incomplete radiation information, or had their Medicaid expansion status censored due to age < 40. A difference in difference (DID) analysis was performed to compare the uninsured rate and the rate of brachytherapy before and after expansion of Medicaid in states that did vs states that did not expand Medicaid. Multivariable analysis (MVA) for lack of insurance and completion of brachytherapy was adjusted for stage, race, facility type, median income, Charlson comorbidity and insurance (brachy analysis only). RESULTS A total of 12,409 patients were included with a median age of 55. Most patients were treated at an academic center (50%) and 74% were white. Overall, 56% of patients lived in states that expanded Medicaid early (2010-2013, 21%) or late (2014, 35%). The proportion of patients without insurance significantly decreased in early and late expansion states (-3.2%, -6.6% respectively, P < 0.001) with no significant change in non-expansion states. The decrease in uninsured patients remained significant on multivariable analysis (DID MVA -5.2% early expansion, -6.8% late expansion, P < 0.05). The overall rate of brachytherapy usage increased in expansion states (+8.4% early, +5.0% late expansion, P < 0.001) and in states that did not expand coverage (+4.4%, P < 0.001). However, there was no increase in usage of brachytherapy in expansion states compared to non-expansion states on univariate or multivariate analysis (DID MVA 0.6% [-3.9-5.3] early expansion, -0.2% [-4.6-4.0] late expansion). CONCLUSION Medicaid expansion and a subsequent decrease in the uninsured population did not increase the proportion of patients receiving brachytherapy as part of their definitive chemo-radiation for cervical cancer. Our study suggests that lack of insurance, while important, is not the only factor limiting access to standard of care treatment for cervical cancer. Further research into access and availability of brachytherapy is needed. AUTHOR DISCLOSURE S. Freije: None. E.M. Steele: None. S.E. Robertson: None. O. Ishaq: None. J.A. Holmes: None.
Elite Parties, Poor Voters: How Social Services Win Votes in India

Why do poor people often vote against their material interests? This puzzle has been famously studied within wealthy Western democracies, yet the fact that the poor voter paradox also routinely manifests within poor countries has remained unexplored. This book studies how this paradox emerged in India, the world's largest democracy. Tariq Thachil shows how arguments from studies of wealthy democracies (such as moral values voting) and the global south (such as patronage or ethnic appeals) cannot explain why poor voters in poor countries support parties that represent elite policy interests. He instead draws on extensive survey data and fieldwork to document a novel strategy through which elite parties can recruit the poor, while retaining the rich. He shows how these parties can win over disadvantaged voters by privately providing them with basic social services via grassroots affiliates. Such outsourcing permits the party itself to continue to represent the policy interests of their privileged base.
On the regulation of fetal and maternal 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate by cortisol and ACTH in human pregnancy at term

Abstract In studying the mechanisms which govern estriol production in human pregnancy at term, 16α-OH-DHEA, 16α-OH-DHEA sulfate, and unbound unconjugated cortisol were measured in peripheral venous plasma of 28 healthy women and in cord venous and arterial plasma of their newborn infants at the time of elective cesarean section prior to the onset of labor. In eight cases treated with 150 mg. of cortisol, maternal and cord plasma 16α-OH-DHEA and its sulfate were considerably lower than in 10 control cases. Approximately 4 to 8½hours after injection of 40 I.U. of Depot-ACTH, both of these estriol precursors were also significantly decreased. It is concluded from these experiments that cortisol causes a decrease of estriol, mainly by suppressing fetal 16α-OH-DS.
HAZBOT: a hazardous materials emergency response mobile robot

The authors describe the progress that has been made towards the development of a remotely controlled mobile robot that can be used by hazardous materials emergency response teams to perform a variety of tasks including incident localization and characterization, hazardous material identification/classification, site surveillance and monitoring, and ultimately incident mitigation. In its first end-to-end demonstration, the HAZBOT II vehicle navigated to the incident location from a distant (150-200 ft.) deployment site; entered a building through a door with thumb latch style handle and door closer; located and navigated to the suspected incident location (a chemical storeroom); unlocked and opened the storeroom's door; climbed over the storeroom's 12 in. high threshold to enter the storeroom; and located and identified a broken container of benzene. >
Efficient full-wave electromagnetic simulation with hybrid finite element — Boundary integral

This paper outlines a novel and efficient hybrid simulation technique for solving open boundary problems. The technique combines a finite element solution for volumetric fields and a method of moments solutions to a truncation boundary and is built on a domain decomposition infrastructure.
Geographic disparities in arteriovenous fistula placement in patients approaching hemodialysis in the United States

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis (HD). Several factors associated with AVF placement have been identified (e.g., age, sex, race, comorbidities). We hypothesized that geographic location of patient residence might be associated with the probability of AVF placement as the initial access. We used the data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) database (2005-2008) linked to Medicare claims (2003-2008). Logistic regression was used to estimate specific characteristics of population associated with the AVF as first access placed or attempted for HD initiation. Our primary variable of interest was the geographic location, and the multivariate model was adjusted for age, sex, race, body mass index, primary cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), duration of pre-ESRD nephrology care, comorbidities, employment status, substance abuse, and income. Geographic location was determined using the data collected by the RUCA project and divided population into metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural categories. Patients (n = 111,953) identified from the USRDS database with linked Medicare claims were examined. Rates of fistula placement in the metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural population were 18.5%, 22.4%, and 21.6%, respectively. In comparison, patients who received catheter as the first access were 81.5%, 77.6% and 78.4%, respectively. The odds ratio of AVF placement as a first HD access in the rural and metropolitan population compared with the micropolitan population were 0.96 (0.90-1.03; P = 0.26) and 0.80 (0.76-0.84; P < 0.001), respectively. Our results indicate the presence of geographic disparities in AVF placement with decreased rates of AVF as the first access created in the metropolitan (but not rural) populations compared with the micropolitan communities.
GaAs Device Reliability: High Electron Mobility Transistors and Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors

The two main GaAs-based electronic device technologies are high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs). Both technologies are commercialized for use in low-noise amplifiers, radar, and fiber optic data transmission systems. In this chapter, we will summarize the degradation mechanisms that limit the lifetime of these devices. A variety of contact and surface degradation mechanisms have been reported but differ in the two device technologies – for HEMTs, the layers are thin and relatively lightly doped compared to HBT structures, and there is a metal Schottky gate that is directly on the semiconductor. By contrast, the HBT relies on pn junctions for current modulation and has only ohmic contacts. This leads to different degradation mechanisms for the two types of devices.
IMPROVING THE CLINICAL DETECTION OF LEWY BODY DEMENTIA WITH THE LEWY BODY COMPOSITE RISK SCORE.

Abstract Introduction Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a challenge to diagnose, particularly outside of expert centers with long delays in diagnosis leading to significant burden to patients and caregivers. Although consensus criteria have excellent specificity, there is no standardized way to assess symptoms reducing sensitivity. We developed the Lewy body composite risk score (LBCRS) from autopsy-verified cases to improve the ability to detect DLB in clinic and research populations. Methods The LBCRS was tested in a consecutive series of 256 patients compared with the clinical dementia rating and gold standard measures of cognition, motor symptoms, function, and behavior. Psychometric properties including floor and ceiling effects; concurrent, construct, and known-groups validity; and internal consistency of the LBCRS were determined. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves assessed the ability of LBCRS to differentiate (1) DLB from Alzheimer's disease (AD), (b) DLB from all dementia, and (c) mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to DLB from MCI due to AD. The LBCRS was completed independent of the clinical evaluation. Results Mean LBCRS scores were significantly different between DLB and AD (6.1 ± 2.0 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3, P P Discussion The LBCRS increases diagnostic probability that Lewy body pathology is contributing to the dementia syndrome and should improve clinical detection and enrollment for clinical trials.
The Death Penalty in the Northeast

This paper will provide an overview of the current status of capital punishment in the Northeastern United States. Of the nine states which comprise the Northeast (based on the U.S. Bureau of the Census designation), five have the death penalty (Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) and four-as of January 1, 1999—do not (Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont). Among the summary information presented in this article will be data on the number, race, and ethnicity of prisoners convicted and sentenced to die, the actual number of prisoners executed, and authorized methods of execution in the Northeast. The overview also provides specific information on death-row housing for the five states authorizing the death penalty. It concludes by raising issues surrounding the death penalty in the Northeast that merit further exploration and analysis.
Latina/o Food Industry Employees' Work Experiences: Work Barriers, Facilitators, Motivators, Training Preferences, and Perceptions.

The present study explored the work experiences, job satisfaction, and work behaviors of Latina/o restaurant workers. A total of 10 semistructured focus group (N = 75) interviews were conducted in ...
On hereditarily countable sets

It is shown (in ZF) that every hereditarily countable set has rank less than ω2, and that if ℵ1 is singular then there are hereditarily countable sets of all ranks less than ω2.
Clinical factors associated with achieving K/DOQI hemoglobin targets in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Few studies have assessedtreatable factors associated with achieving theKidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative(K/DOQI) guideline of hemoglobin values of 11to 12 g/dL in anemic hemodialysis patients.Methods: This was a retrospective study of30,029 prevalent hemodialysis patientswith mean hemoglobin values lessthan 11 g/dL between January 1 and March31, 1999. We studied the associationsbetween demographic characteristics, comorbidconditions, disease severity, urea reductionratio, epoetin doses, intravenous irondoses, and mean hemoglobin values in theensuing 3 months.Results: Approximately half (51.3%) ofpatients reached a mean hemoglobin value of atleast 11 g/dL. By multiple logistic regression,the major factors showing a positiveassociation with this outcome included a ureareduction ratio greater than 75% (odds ratio[OR], 1.23; P 38,000 units/wk, 0.76; P < 0.0001).Conclusion: In patients with persistently lowhemoglobin values, optimizing urea clearanceand a proactive approach to intravenousiron therapy may enhance epoetinresponsiveness.
Progesterone and Neuroprotection

Numerous studies aimed at identifying the role of estrogen on the brain have used the ovariectomized rodent as the experimental model. And while estrogen intervention in these animals has, at least partially, restored cholinergic, neurotrophin and cognitive deficits seen in the ovariectomized animal, it is worth considering that the removal of the ovaries results in the loss of not only circulating estrogen but of circulating progesterone as well. As such, the various deficits associated with ovariectomy may be attributed to the loss of progesterone as well. Similarly, one must also consider the fact that the human menopause results in the precipitous decline of not just circulating estrogens, but in circulating progesterone as well and as such, the increased risk for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease during the postmenopausal period could also be contributed by this loss of progesterone. In fact, progesterone has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects, both in cell models, animal models and in humans. Here, we review the evidence that supports the neuroprotective effects of progesterone and discuss the various mechanisms that are thought to mediate these protective effects. We also discuss the receptor pharmacology of progesterone's neuroprotective effects and present a conceptual model of progesterone action that supports the complementary effects of membrane-associated and classical intracellular progesterone receptors. In addition, we discuss fundamental differences in the neurobiology of progesterone and the clinically used, synthetic progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate that may offer an explanation for the negative findings of the combined estrogen/progestin arm of the Women's Health Initiative-Memory Study (WHIMS) and suggest that the type of progestin used may dictate the outcome of either pre-clinical or clinical studies that addresses brain function.
Opposed jet flames of lean or rich premixed propane-air reactants versus hot products

Several opposed jet flames, produced by a lean H2-air jet opposing a rich or lean C3H8-air jet, are investigated. Spontaneous Raman spectroscopy is used for major species concentration and temperature measurements along the opposed jet centerline. The hot products of the H2-air flame simulate the burnt gases of strong-burning near-stoichiometric reactants as they impinge upon a weak-burning lean or rich hydrocarbon-fueled reactant mix, a situation encountered in stratified charge operation of direct injection spark ignition engines. In addition the H2-air flame hot products facilitate experimental data interpretation through the absence of carbon-bearing species. Good agreement between numerical and experimental data are obtained for a rich (equivalence ratio, φ = 1.25) C3H8-air jet versus a lean (φ = 0.4) H2-air jet. Two lean C3H8-air jets (φ = 0.64 or 0.60), versus the φ = 0.4 H2-air jet, are also investigated. For both of these flames, the amount of CO2 production strongly depends upon φ, with the φ = 0.64 flame having a peak CO2 mole fraction an order of magnitude higher than for the φ = 0.60 flame, and the C3H8 flames burning either as a normal flame (high CO2) or as a “negative flame speed” flame producing little CO2 and then only through diffusion of C3H8 into the hot products jet. The numerically predicted and experimental CO2 profiles agree well for the positive flame speed flame, but the large discrepancy between predicted and measured peak CO2 in the negative flame speed flame suggests modeling improvements are needed for this type of flame.
Molecular characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) along a river to ocean transect of the lower Chesapeake Bay by ultrahigh resolution electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Abstract In this study, electrospray ionization coupled to Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FTICR-MS) is utilized to molecularly characterize DOM as it is transported along a river to estuary to ocean transect of the lower Chesapeake Bay system. The ultrahigh resolving power (greater than 500,000) and mass accuracy of FTICR-MS allow for the resolution of the thousands of components in a single DOM sample, and can therefore elucidate the molecular-level changes that occur during DOM transformation from a terrestrial location to the marine environment. An important feature of FTICR-MS is that its sensitivity allows for direct analysis of low salinity samples without employing the traditional concentration approaches involving C18 extraction or ultrafiltration. To evaluate the advantages of using direct analysis, a C18 extract of riverine water is compared to its whole, unfractionated water, and it was determined that the C18 extraction is selective in that it eliminates two major series of compounds. One group is aliphatic amines/amides that are not adsorbed to the C18 disk because they exist as positive ions prior to extraction. The second group is tannin-like compounds with higher oxygen contents and a more polar quality that also allow them not to be adsorbed to the C18 disk. This direct approach could not be used for brackish/saline waters, so the C18 method is resorted to for those samples. Along the subject transect, a significant difference is observed in the molecular composition of DOM, as determined from assigned molecular formulas. The DOM tends to become more aliphatic and contain lower abundances of oxygen-rich molecules as one progresses from inshore to the offshore. A considerable amount of molecular formula overlap does exist between samples from sites along the transect. This can be explained as either the presence of refractory material that persists throughout the transect, due to its resistance to degradation, or that the assigned molecular formulas are the same but the chemical structures are different. ESI-FTICR-MS is a powerful technique for the investigation of DOM and has the ability to detect compositional variations along the river to ocean transect. Visualization tools such as two dimensional and three dimensional van Krevelen diagrams greatly assist in highlighting the shift from the more aromatic, terrestrial DOM to the more aliphatic, marine DOM.
Quality assurance in operating a multielement ICP emission spectrometer

Abstract In the industrial laboratory environment, quality assurance in the operation of a multielement inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICPES) must often be entrusted to laboratory technicians with little or no technical background in spectrochemical analysis. Therefore, to be successful, a quality assurance program must be reduced to a simple, routine practice. Essential components of the quality assurance program described in this paper are (1) An atom-to-ion emission intensity ratio for multielement optimization and for reproducing optimum analysis conditions. (2) A concise, easily applied specification for sensitivity and for precision. (3) A regimen for monitoring of, and correcting for, calibration and background drift. (4) A set of comprehensive spectral interference calibrations maintained using the emission intensity ratio. (5) A high resolution spectrometer for minimizing spectral interferences. (6) A program of long term performance monitoring and maintenance/record keeping. Each of these components is described in detail. Adherence to this program enhances analytical reliability by helping to ensure that raw concentrations are generated consistently under optimum instrumental conditions, and that corrections for spectral interferences are applied accurately even though interference calibrations may be several months old. The importance of adequate resolution and the proper choice of positions for off-line background measurements is borne out by a detailed study of the determination of toxic trace elements in National Bureau of Standards fly ash samples. As, Be, Cd, Pb, Sb, and Se were determined accurately without isolation/preconcentration from the aluminosilicate matrix. Several determinations required corrections for residual spectral interferences amounting to 100–500% of the resultant concentration, underscoring the accuracy of the interference correction procedures.
Radical uses of public access television

Until recently, the centralization of media technologies in commercial systems has made it difficult for marginalized political groups to develop large‐scale media production projects. Although cable television was once heralded as a technology that would rejuvenate diversity and democratic communication in the electronic media, activists have been limited to public access cable projects. Created by government mandate and by cable‐operator lobbying, access television has been the only cable space where democratic speech has flourished. Nevertheless, the experience of radical access television projects shows the potential for progressive speech on cable. It also provides an anchor for those who have been misled by the Utopian rhetoric surrounding computer network technology.
Is Pesticide Use Socially Acceptable? A Comparison between Urban and Rural Settings

Objective. This study examines key factors that are identified as theoretically probable influences on levels of public acceptance of pesticide use. Research questions were generated about the relationship between levels of acceptability of pesticide use and measures of trust in information about pesticides from various sources, perceptions of the safety of pesticides, concerns about exposure, personal experiences with pesticides, place of residence (urban/rural), and several other demographic variables. Methods. These factors were examined using data gathered in a random-sample, self-completion survey of residents in urban and rural areas in a northern Utah county. Results. Bivariate analysis indicates significant differences between urban and rural respondents that disappear when examined in multivariate analyses. The perception of the safety of pesticides is the variable most strongly associated with levels of acceptability of pesticide use. Conclusions. Personal experience with pesticides is more important than residency in predicting acceptability levels. Trust is a significant predictor for perceptions of safety, but not for acceptability.
Three serine proteases from the latex of Euphorbia cyparissias

Abstract Three serine-centred proteolytic enzymes, euphorbains y-1, −2 and −3, were isolated from the latex of Euphorbia cyparissias . These proteases have different specific activities to azocoll and CBZ glycine p -nitrophenyl ester. The pIs and M r s of y-1, −2 and −3 are 5.2 and 67 000, 5.2 and 33 000, and 6.3 and 67 000, respectively. The enzymes, which are glycoproteins, are immunologically distinct from euphorbain 1, but clearly related to that enzyme in amino acid composition.
Spontaneous amplified emission of a Na2 diffuse violet band produced through two-photon excitation of sodium vapor

Abstract We report observation of enhanced emission of the diffuse violet band at 436.0 nm when sodium vapor is optically pumped with a pulsed dye laser with output wavelength in the 570–595 nm region. A significant enhanced emission is observed in the forward direction along the propagating laser beam when the laser wavelength is tuned to near the two-photon excited 4d state of the Na atom. At a vapor density higher than 10 15 cm -3 the diffuse violet emission is predominantly produced through processes associated with the excitation of Na 2 . The dependence of the enhanced emission on vapor density and laser power density is presented.
Modeling Hydroclimatic Processes in Large Watersheds

Spatial and temporal differences in the processes that transform precipitation into runoff are a common source of error in watershed models. For large watersheds, spatial disaggregation of the drainage area can improve efforts to model the precipitation-runoff relationship when the model employs physically explainable variables to represent horizontal and vertical variations in moisture fluxes and storages. The paper presents the conceptual structure of a hydroclimatic model that simulates the runoff process as four functionally discrete subsystems linked in series. Moisture inputs are routed through each subsystem employing environmentally dictated rules and readily available data. Dividing the basin into homogeneous subunits addresses the problem of horizontal heterogeneity. Residence times for two groundwater storage subsystems are calculated by an optimization algorithm included in the model. Modeled hydroclimatic characteristics for the Deschutes River Basin in Oregon illustrate the ability of the model to reveal important spatial and temporal differences in the runoff process. Sectors representing 20 percent of the basin area contribute 57 percent of modeled ground-water recharge and 61 percent of total modeled runoff for the watershed, but some other sectors make a relatively small quantitative contribution to basin runoff. Moisture exchange processes in the basin display explicit seasonal characteristics that explain the surprisingly large proportion of annual precipitation allocated to groundwater recharge and the dampening of the seasonal moisture input by the groundwater storages. This knowledge of the basin runoff process provides a rational basis for formulating water management strategies for the watershed.
Houston AANCART best practices: from vision to synergy to reality.

The theme for the 2004 AANCART Academy, “Community Partnerships for Cancer Control: From Vision to Synergy to Reality”, characterizes Best Practices for the Houston AANCART site. Researchers and community members share a common vision for addressing the cancer and health disparities that exist in our Asian community. They banded together synergistically to bring to reality the programs and projects that are enabling more Asian Americans to understand their risks for cancer, receive screening and education, and access treatment and survivorship support. Along the way, Houston AANCART was also able to conduct meaningful and relevant community-based participatory research and to train young Asian and other investigators in how to reach out to this community in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
A note on heterogeneous demand and plant location

This paper investigates the optimum location of a firm under uniform pricing when demand curves are not identical but are dependent on consumer location. It shows that the Quinn-Alonso-Rydell delivery cost minimization approach no longer applies, and the median location is unlikely to be chosen even if the delivery cost function is linear. These are quite different from the traditional results.
Promoting academic success and preventing disruptive behavior disorders through community partnership

Research suggests that children's educational achievement can be improved by addressing issues of aggression and disruptive behavior, because academic difficulties and problem behaviors create a cycle in which each problem exacerbates the other. The relationship between academic development and behavior problems begins early, suggesting that programs to address these issues should start with young children. Furthermore, efforts to improve achievement are most likely to succeed when they focus both on children's academic skills and on their interest in academic activities. As part of the research, programs at home and at school are being coordinated and community partnerships are being developed to test these approaches and facilitate children's healthy development. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Advanced propfan drive system characteristics and technology needs

Characteristics of a single-rotation drive system for an advanced turboprop engine are described. The gearbox is designed for a 10,000 shp three-spool, free-turbine engine and is installed in a wing-mounted nacelle. An offset gearbox from an earlier APET study provided the background for the preliminary design and benefit analysis for a 1990s advanced technology versus 1980s state-of-the-art gearbox. High efficiencies were achieved for both designs with inherently high life goals. Increases in design allowables for gears, bearings, and lubricants resulted in improvements for the 1990s design.
Some effects of prolactin, insulin and hydrocortisone on RNA synthesis by mouse mammary gland, in vitro.

Abstract It has been shown with explants of mouse mammary glands that non-secretory epithelial cells which contain hydrocortisone-induced rough endoplasmic reticulum can be converted into secretory cells by prolactin and insulin. Hydrocortisone does not detectably stimulate RNA synthesis by the epithelial cells, but prolactin-stimulated RNA synthesis is necessary for this conversion. Prolactin also stimulates RNA synthesis in mammary epithelial cells which have not been exposed to hydrocortisone and are unable to make secretory proteins in response to prolactin and insulin. Some mechanistic implications of this phenomenon are discussed.
Identification of Surrogate Measures of Diesel Exhaust Exposure in a Controlled Chamber Study

Exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) has been associated with acute cardiopulmonary and vascular responses, chronic noncancer health effects, and respiratory cancers in humans. To better understand DE exposures and eventually their related health effects, we established a controlled chamber experiment wherein human volunteer subjects were exposed to approximately 100 μg/m3 DE. In general, human exposure assessment for DE is based on ambient air measurements of surrogates such as elemental carbon (EC) or total organic carbon (OC) collected on filters. As specific health effect mechanisms and dose−response are obscured by the complex composition of DE, the linkage from exposure to internal dose can presumably be improved by use of specific biomarkers and metabolites in blood, breath, or urine. Because EC and OC are not suitable as biomarkers, in this study, we focus on identifying compounds that are demonstrated indicators of DE and can also be found in biological fluids. We measured an assortment of volatile, s...
Stem Cells and Cell Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis and Other Lung Diseases

This review will critically evaluate recent findings suggesting that embryonic stem cells and stem cells derived from adult tissues, including bone marrow and umbilical cord blood, may be utilized in repair and regeneration of injured or diseased lungs. This is an exciting and rapidly moving field that holds promise as a novel therapeutic approach for cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases. However, while early studies suggested substantial lung remodeling, particularly with bone marrow-derived cells, more recent findings suggest that engraftment of adult marrow-derived cells in lung is a rare event of uncertain significance. Most recently, it has been suggested that a more relevant role of adult marrow-derived stem cells in lung is modulation of local inflammatory and immune responses. This review will also describe recent advances in understanding of local stem and progenitor cells in lung and their roles in lung development and repair.
Basics Of Neuromagnetic Imaging: A Potential New Modality For Functional Brain Imaging

The human brain produces a measurable magnetic field in response to specific stimuli. This magnetic field, called the neuromagnetic field, can be localized to regions of the brain that actively process the stimulus. Reconstruction of functional brain images from the neuromagnetic field, a process that we call neuromagnetic imaging, represents a new non-invasive modality dependent upon brain structure and activity. The basics of neuromagnetic imaging including problems inherent to this approach, models invoked to solve some of the problems, computer simulation studies and preliminary experimental results obtained with a line source are presented.
“New beginnings” within a new normal for the four futures

Purpose – This paper aims to offer real and explicit reasons for viewing the futures of humanity and Earth as positive, fulfilling and meaningful, if humans view it as such and act to make it so. The paper incorporates the results of several recent research projects and activities that were based on the assumptions of an earlier paper titled, “The Unholy Trinity, Plus One.” It argues that the conclusions of the original paper are even more obvious and urgent than they were originally, and that while an “alternative futures” perspective must always be the basis of any statements about or actions toward the futures, the concerns of The Unholy Trinity, Plus One, are now part of a “new normal” that must be incorporated in each of the alternatives. This paper emphasizes that this “new normal” is, and must be prepared for as, a splendid opportunity for humans to start on new adventures; that one episode of human history (based on cheap and abundant energy, a benign environment, effective government and continue...
Superior vena cava obstruction: bypass using spiral vein graft.

Abstract Background . Previous midterm experience with the composite spiral saphenous vein graft to bypass the obstructed superior vena cava (SVC) has been favorable. This study looks at the long-term results in patients followed for up to 23 years. Methods . Sixteen patients aged 17 to 68 years had operation for obstruction of the SVC with SVC syndrome caused by benign disease. Eleven patients had fibrosing mediastinitis with or without caseous necrosis, 4 had thrombosis caused by a catheter or a pacemaker electrode, and 1 had spontaneous thrombosis. All operations were performed using a composite spiral vein graft constructed from the patient's own saphenous vein. Graft diameter ranged from 9.5 to 15.0 mm. Ten grafts were from the left innominate vein, and six grafts were from the right or left internal jugular vein. The grafts were placed to the right atrial appendage in all patients except 1. Follow-up extends from 1 month to 23 years 8 months (mean follow-up, 10.9 years). Results . Fourteen of 16 grafts remain patent for up to 23 years, and all patients but 1 are free from SVC syndrome. One patient required revision of the graft for thrombosis 4 days after operation. Two grafts closed during the first year after operation: one because of recurrence of spontaneous venous thrombosis and the other because of aggressive fibrosing mediastinitis requiring operation for graft revision three times over a 12-year period prior to death. Conclusions . These data demonstrate that a spiral vein bypass graft for treatment of the obstructed SVC relieves SVC syndrome and has excellent long-term patency.
MedKit: a helper toolkit for automatic mining of MEDLINE/PubMed citations

Summary: MEDLINE/PubMed is one of the most important information sources for bioinformatics text mining. However, there remain limitations in working with MEDLINE/PubMed citations. For example, PubMed imposes an upper limit of 10 000 for downloading PMID list or citations; and MEDLINE files are too large for most off-the-shelf XML parsers. We developed a Java package, MedKit, to work-around the limitations, as well as provide other useful functionalities, e.g. random sampling. Its four modules (querier, sampler, fetcher and parser) can work independently, or be pipelined in various combinations. It can be used as a stand-alone GUI application, or integrated into other text-mining systems. Text mining researchers and others may download and use the toolkit free for non-commercial purposes. Availability: http://metnetdb.gdcb.iastate.edu/medkit Contact: berleant@iastate.edu
Is magnitude of co-payment effect related to income? Using census data for health services research

This study: (1) describes and evaluates a method for estimating household income using home addresses in conjunction with census data, and (2) uses this method in a study designed to determine if the introduction of copayments caused primary care office visit rates to decrease more for lower income enrollees than for higher income enrollees of a large health maintenance organization (HMO). Each step in the process of linking income estimates for small census units (block groups) to specific home addresses is described and the validity and precision of these estimates is assessed through comparisons of estimated income with self-reported income for residents of the Puget Sound area of Washington state. Although subject to considerable measurement error, this approach provided valid income estimates. This method was then used to estimate the incomes of over 20,000 households of HMO enrollees in a controlled study of the relationship between copayment effect on visit rates and enrollee income. Copayments were found to have a similar effect on higher and lower income enrollees.
Dynamic stress intensity factor for an unbounded plate having collinear cracks

Abstract The steady-state vibration of an infinite plate with collinear cracks is considered for low frequency cyclic loading. The formulation of the mixed boundary value problem leads to a dual trigonometric series. The Schwinger's method gives an automatic perturbation scheme. The dynamic stress intensity factor is found to be higher than the corresponding static one. The inertial effect on the stress intensity factor becomes significant only when the frequency of the external load is close to that of the shear wave.
Effect of pentobarbital on uptake of horseradish peroxidase by rabbit cortical synapses.

Abstract The presynaptic membrane response of rabbit cortical synapses to different doses of pentobarbital anesthesia was studied ultrastructurally by measuring the uptake of an extracellular marker, horseradish peroxidase, into presynaptic bouton vesicles. Uptake of peroxidase after a pentobarbital dose of 25 mg/kg was virtually unchanged from uptake observed in the absence of barbiturate anesthesia. After a pentobarbital dose of 40 mg/kg, however, a significant decrease in the number of peroxidase labeled vesicles was observed. Further increment in the barbiturate dose resulted in fewer labeled vesicles and at a dose of 150 mg/kg, no labeled presynaptic organelles were detected. These observations suggest that pentobarbital exerts an inhibitory effect on vesicular membrane transport and synaptic vesicle turnover; thus, one way it may alter synaptic transmission in rabbit cortex is by a direct action on the presynaptic bouton.
Unusual cause of chronic cough in a four-year-old cured by uvulectomy.

A 4-year-old boy had a history of persistent barking cough unresponsive to medical treatment since infancy. He described a feeling of something in his throat. When investigated by flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy, the only abnormality was the uvula resting in contact with the epiglottis. The cough was no longer present after uvulectomy.
SPACR in the interphotoreceptor matrix of the mouse retina: Molecular, biochemical and immunohistochemical characterization

Abstract Mouse SPACR cDNA was cloned by screening a mouse retina cDNA library using a PCR probe derived from human SPACR cDNA. Mouse SPACR cDNA comprises 3675 bp containing an open reading frame coding for 742 amino acids. Multitissue Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization studies indicate that SPACR expression is restricted to retinal photoreceptors. The SPACR core protein was identified with Western blotting following SDS–PAGE with a SPACR C-terminal peptide polyclonal antibody and a chondroitin-6-sulfate Δdisaccharide monoclonal antibody. The 150 kD immunopositive band was isolated, digested with trypsin and the peptides analysed by MALDI mass spectroscopy. Peptide mass mapping confirmed the identity of the 150 kD immunopositive band to be mouse SPACR core protein. Alignment comparisons of the deduced amino acid sequence of mouse and human SPACR show 64% homology. Like SPACR in the human interphotoreceptor matrix, the mouse orthologue contains a large central mucin-like domain flanked by consensus sites for N-linked oligosaccharide attachment, one EGF-like domain and four hyaluronan-binding motifs. Unlike human SPACR, which contains no conventional consensus sites for glycosaminoglycan attachment, mouse SPACR contains three. Recent biochemical studies of human and mouse SPACR protein indicate that this novel interphotoreceptor matrix molecule is a glycoprotein in human and a proteoglycan in the mouse. The presence of consensus sites for glycosaminoglycan attachment in the deduced sequence of mouse SPACR and the absence of these sites in human SPACR provide molecular verification of our biochemical results, suggesting that differences in post-translational modifications of SPACR may be important in SPACR function in foveate and non-foveate retinas.
Reactions of thermal energy (2P)C+ ions with several molecules

Abstract A study of the near-thermal energy (ca. 0.1 eV) translational energy reactions of ( 2 P ) 12 C + and ( 2 P ) 13 C + ion reactions with cyclopentadiene, benzene, acetone, and biacetyl using a tandem Dempster—ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer is reported. The results suggest that these reactions occur primarily via charge transfer and dissociative charge transfer mechanisms.
Structure of C 14 via elastic and inelastic neutron scattering from C 13 : Measurement and R -matrix analysis

Differential cross sections for neutrons elastically scattered from $^{13}\mathrm{C}$ and inelastically scattered to the first three excited states $^{13}$${\mathrm{C}}^{\mathrm{*}}$(3.09, 3.68, and 3.85 MeV) were measured at 69 incident energies for 4.5\ensuremath{\le}${E}_{n}$\ensuremath{\le}11 MeV. A multiple scattering code provided a simulation of the experimental scattering process allowing accurate corrections to the small measured inelastic cross sections. The integrated $^{13}$C(n,\ensuremath{\alpha}${)}^{10}$Be cross section was determined by subtracting the sum of the measured integrated cross sections from the total. Shell-model calculations were used to generate the R-matrix parameters for the elastic and first three inelastic channels of $^{13}$C+n, and, after some minor adjustments, the predicted structure generally agreed with experiment for ${E}_{n}$4 MeV. Previous elastic $^{13}$C+n data were refitted to replace constant ${R}_{0}$ R-matrix background terms by more realistic broad states and to achieve better agreement with model calculations and the data. R-matrix fitting of the full data set produced new $^{14}\mathrm{C}$ level information. For ${E}_{n}$g4 MeV (${E}_{x}$g12 MeV), five states were given definite ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$ assignments and three states tentative assignments.
Effects of operator spatial ability on uav-guided ground navigation

We simulated a military reconnaissance environment and examined the performance of ground robotics operators who were instructed to utilize streaming video from an unmanned aerial vehicle to navigate his/her ground robot to the locations of the targets. We evaluated participants' spatial ability and examined if it affected their performance or perceived workload. Results showed that participants with higher spatial ability performed significantly better in target-mapping performance and reported less workload than those with lower spatial ability. Participants with poor sense-of-direction performed significantly worse in the target search task in the night condition compared with those with better sense-of-direction.
Some issues in the linguistic description of agrammatism

Abstract In recent work on the aphasic syndrome of agrammatism, Kean (1980a) has argued that a description of the impaired versus retained elements can be provided only at the linguistic level of representation that mediates between syntactic and phonological structures. In the present paper it is shown that a plausible alternative description can in fact be given which is stated in terms of the morphological properties of items inserted into syntactic structures within a unified theory of morphology and that this alternative description can lead to a more detailed account of the processing mechanisms impaired in this syndrome.
The Measurement of Silicide Schottky Barrier Heights by Use of Photovoltaic Techniques

Schottky barrier structures often exhibit forward bias current voltage characteristics possessing a marked deviation from ideal behavior. In many cases, this deviation can be attributed to the influence of an appreciable series resistance on the diode characteristic making the determination of the actual Schottky barrier height from this characteristic difficult. In a study of rare earth silicides on Si, the present authors have successfully employed an alternative technique which overcomes this series resistance effect. This technique is derived from the conventional methods for obtaining barrier height and series resistance values in photovoltaic devices, although not necessarily requiring transparent metallizations. Photogenerated current from the device periphery is utilized here in the determination of the barrier height. The measurement of both open circuit voltage and the short circuit current at varying illumination intensities allows the junction characteristic to be determined essentially free from series resistance effects. A comparison will be made between the values of the barrier height derived from conventional J-V and photoresponse measurements, with photovoltaic measurements made on structures possessing either a semi-transparent or opaque metallization.
Neutron blocking and delayed proton pair alignment in superdeformed 195Pb.

Four new superdeformed bands have been observed in $^{195}\mathrm{Pb}$, the first time superdeformation has been observed in an odd-A Pb nucleus. Two of the bands have a dynamic moment of inertia that is nearly constant as a function of \ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega}. This is the first time that bands with such behavior have been observed in an odd-A nucleus in the A\ensuremath{\approxeq}190 region and it is interpreted as the result of the blocking of the alignment of neutron pairs.
Better brains, better selves? The ethics of neuroenhancements.

The idea of enhancing our mental functions through medical means makes many people uncomfortable. People have a vague feeling that altering our brains tinkers with the core of our personalities and the core of ourselves. It changes who we are, and doing so seems wrong, even if the exact reasons for the unease are difficult to define. Many of the standard arguments against neuroenhancements—that they are unsafe, that they violate the distinction between therapy and enhancements, that they undermine equality, and that they will be used coercively—fail to show why the use of any such technologies is wrong in principle. Two other objections—the arguments that such changes undermine our integrity and that they prevent us from living authentic lives—will condemn only a few of the uses that are proposed. The result is that very few uses of these drugs are morally suspect and that most uses are morally permissible.