cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Underreimbursement of obstetric and gynecologic invasive services by the resource-based relative value scale

Objective: To compare the relative value of work and reimbursement by the resource-based relative value scale (RBRVS) and the charge-based McGraw-Hill relative value scale for invasive services performed for women only (obstetric-gynecologic), for men only (urology), and in a gender-neutral specialty (general surgery). Methods: Two hundred nineteen obstetric-gynecologic, 125 urology, and 105 general surgery invasive procedures were compared by the mean for each specialty of 1) the ratio of the procedure-specific work component of the RBRVS unit to the total relative value unit, and 2) the ratio of the procedure-specific total RBRVS unit to the McGraw-Hill relative value unit. All procedures were weighted equally. Ratios are reported as percentages. Statistics were compared by analysis of variance with Newman-Keuls test for multiple pairwise comparisons when significant differences were identified. Statistically significant differences were defined as P Results: The mean percentage of the procedure-specific work component of the RBRVS unit to the total relative value unit and the total RBRVS unit to the McGraw-Hill unit were significantly lower ( P Conclusion: The data support a lower relative value of work and reimbursement for services performed for women only. This may be the result of 1) high initial estimates of work for urology and general surgery services, 2) low initial estimates of work for obstetric-gynecologic services, or 3) a carry-over of reimbursement bias from the charge-based environment to the RBRVS by the methods used in its development.
Effects of Wing Leading-Edge Design on the Spin Characteristics of a General Aviation Airplane

Wind-tunnel and flight tests were conducted to determine the effects of several discontinuous drooped wing leading-edge configurations on the spinning characteristics of a light, single-engine, low-wing research airplane. Particular emphasis was placed on the identification of modifications which would improve the spinning characteristics. The spanwise length of a discontinuous outboard droop was varied and several additional inboard segments were added to determine the influence of such leading-edge configurations on the spin behavior. Results of the study indicated that the use of only the discontinuous outboard droop, over a specific spanwise area, was most effective toward improving spin and spin recovery characteristics, whereas the segmented configurations having both inboard and outboard droop exhibited a tendency to enter a flat spin.
A measurement perspective on affirmative action in U.S. medical education.

Background: The U.S. Supreme Court has recently heard another affirmative action case, and similar programs to promote equitable representation in higher education are being debated and enacted around the world. Understanding the empirical and quantitative research conducted over the last 50 years is important in designing effective and fair initiatives related to affirmative action in medical education. Unfortunately, the quantitative measurement research relevant to affirmative action is poorly documented in the scholarly journals that serve medical education. Methods: This research organizes and documents the measurement literature relevant to enacting affirmative action within the medical school environment, and should be valuable for informing future actions. It provides summaries of those areas where the research evidence is strong and highlights areas where more research evidence is needed. To structure the presentation, 10 topic areas are identified in the form of research questions. Results: Measurement evidence related to these questions is reviewed and summarized to provide evidence-based answers. Conclusions: These answers should provide a useful foundation for making important decisions regarding the use of racial diversity initiatives in medical education. Keywords: affirmative action; admission; medical education; selection; bias (Published: 10 April 2013) Citation: Med Educ Online 2013, 18 : 20531 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v18i0.20531
Photo-acoustic devices using (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O/sub 3/ ceramics

Photostriction in ferroelectrics arises from a superposition of photovoltaic and inverse piezoelectric effects. This phenomenon provides promise for photo-acoustic devices, when the response has been sufficiently improved. In this paper, B-site donor doping was investigated in (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O/sub 3/ based ceramics with the aim of improving the response speed. Using a PLZT bimorph configuration, a photoacoustic device was fabricated, and the fundamental mechanical resonance was observed under intermittent illumination of purple-color light, having neither electric lead wires nor electric circuit.
Constrained control using error governors with online parameter estimation

We propose to augment adaptive controllers with error governors in order to handle input constrained systems with unknown plant parameters. The error governor scaling parameter is accordingly adjusted online and used to modify the adaptive law which updates the parameters of the controller in the loop. A specific application example is described using a flight control scenario which includes an error governor augmented to a composite adaptive control design. Simulation results are provided and demonstrate that the estimates of the unknown parameters converge to their real values, the aircraft performance is improved, and the input constraints are necessarily satisfied.
A comparative investigation of the use of laminate-level meso-scale and fracture-mechanics-enriched meso-scale composite-material models in ballistic-resistance analyses

A critical assessment is provided of the typical laminate-level, classical meso-scale, and fracture-mechanics-enriched meso-scale material models for continuous-fiber reinforced polymer–matrix composites. Suitability of these material models for the use in structural-mechanics and ballistic-resistance computational analyses of the composite laminates is investigated by carrying out a series of computational studies in which a composite laminate is either subjected to in-plane tension/compression or bending or used as a target plate and impacted by a solid right circular cylindrical projectile. The results obtained suggest that the fracture-mechanics enriched meso-scale composite-laminate material model, in which the fracture-mechanics character of micro-cracking is included within a damage-mechanics formulation, is currently the best compromise between computational efficiency and physical-reality/fidelity.
Improving STT MRAM storage density through smaller-than-worst-case transistor sizing

This paper presents a technique to improve the storage density of spin-torque transfer (STT) magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) in the presence of significant magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) write current threshold variability. In conventional design practice, the nMOS transistor within each memory cell is sized to be large enough to carry a current larger than the worst-case MTJ write current threshold, leading to an increasing storage density penalty as the technology scales down. To mitigate such variability-induced storage density penalty, this paper presents a smaller-than-worst-case transistor sizing approach with the underlying theme of jointly considering memory cell transistor sizing and defect tolerance. Its effectiveness is demonstrated using 256Mb STT MRAM design at 45nm node as a test vehicle. Results show that, under a normalized write current threshold deviation of 20%, the overall memory die size can be reduced by more than 20% compared with the conventional worst-case transistor sizing design practice.
Statistical Methods for Detecting Spatial Configuration Errors in Traffic Surveillance Sensors

With large-scale deployment of traffic surveillance sensors becoming commonplace, it becomes critical to maintain correct information about the spatial configuration of the sensors. The problem is burdensome when hundreds or thousands of sensors are deployed. One common configuration error is the switching of directions of highway loop detectors that share the same cabinet. Proposed are semiautomatic and automatic methods for detecting such errors, on the basis of the strong correlations between measurements made by spatially close sensors. The semiautomatic method uses a multidimensional scaling (MDS) map of sensors, which visually displays the similarity between sensor measurements and enables one to easily identify sensor mislabeling. The automatic method uses a scoring scheme that computes the probability of sensor mislabeling from the pairwise distance or similarity matrix. The algorithm, tested on data from a four-lane freeway consisting of 64 sensor locations—10 of which had switched locations—succ...
PKG-mediated MAPK signaling is necessary for long-term operant memory in Aplysia

Signaling pathways necessary for memory formation, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, appear highly conserved across species and paradigms. Learning that food is inedible (LFI) represents a robust form of associative, operant learning that induces short- (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) in Aplysia. We investigated the role of MAPK signaling in LFI memory in vivo. Inhibition of MAPK activation in animals prior to training blocked STM and LTM. Discontinuing MAPK signaling immediately after training inhibited LTM with no impact on STM. Therefore, MAPK signaling appears necessary early in memory formation for STM and LTM, with prolonged MAPK activity required for LTM. We found that LFI training significantly increased phospho-MAPK levels in the buccal ganglia. Increased MAPK activation was apparent immediately after training with greater than basal levels persisting for 2 h. We examined the mechanisms underlying training-induced MAPK activation and found that PKG activity was necessary for the prolonged phase of MAPK activation, but not for the early MAPK phase required for STM. Furthermore, we found that neither the immediate nor the prolonged phase of MAPK activation was dependent upon nitric oxide (NO) signaling, although expression of memory was dependent on NO as previously reported. These studies emphasize the role of MAPK and PKG in negatively reinforced operant memory and demonstrate a role for PKG-dependent MAPK signaling in invertebrate associative memory.
Alteration of select gene expression patterns in individuals infected with HIV-1

Multiple human proteins have been shown to both support and restrict viral replication, and confirmation of virus-associated changes in the expression of these genes is relevant for future therapeutic efforts. In this study a well-characterized panel of 49 individuals either infected with HIV-1 or uninfected was compiled and analyzed for the effect of HIV infection status, viral load, and antiretroviral treatment on specific gene expression. mRNA was extracted and reverse transcribed from purified CD4+ cells, and quantitative real-time PCR was utilized to scrutinize differences in the expression of four host genes that have been demonstrated to either stimulate (HSP90 and LEDGF/p75) or restrict (p21/WAF1 and APOBEC3G) proviral integration. HIV infection status was associated with slight to moderate alterations in the expression of all four genes. After adjusting for age, mRNA expression levels of HSP90, LEDGF/p75 and APOBEC3G were found to all be decreased in infected patients compared to healthy controls by 1.43-, 1.26-, and 4.71-fold, respectively, while p21/WAF1 expression was increased 2.35-fold. Furthermore, individuals receiving raltegravir exhibited a 1.28-fold reduction in LEDGF/p75 compared to those on non-raltegravir antiretroviral treatment. Identification of these and similar HIV-induced changes in gene expression may be valuable for delineating the extent of host cell molecular mechanisms stimulating viral replication.
Utility of immunohistochemistry for endothelial markers in distinguishing epithelioid hemangioendothelioma from carcinoma metastatic to bone.

Abstract Context.—Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular neoplasm of intermediate malignancy. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma often presents a difficult diagnostic problem, especially in bone, because the epithelioid morphology and radiographic features raise the possibility of metastatic carcinoma. The current trend of small biopsies obtained with computed tomography–guided techniques exacerbates the problem. The markedly different treatment for EHE and metastatic carcinoma underscores the need for specific markers that can differentiate between these 2 entities. Objective.—To determine the relative utility of endothelial markers in differentiating EHE from metastatic carcinoma, with emphasis on bone biopsies. Design.—We used immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue to compare the utility of Fli-1, CD34, CD31, podoplanin, and keratin cocktail in 13 EHEs and 13 morphologically similar carcinomas metastatic to bone. Immunohistochemical data were evaluated using Fi...
Representation of Time-Varying Nonlinear Systems With Time-Varying Principal Dynamic Modes

System identification of nonlinear time-varying (TV) systems has been a daunting task, as the number of parameters required for accurate identification is often larger than the number of data points available, and scales with the number of data points. Further, a 3-D graphical representation of TV second-order nonlinear dynamics without resorting to taking slices along one of the four axes has been a significant challenge to date. In this paper, we present a TV principal dynamic mode (TVPDM) method which overcomes these deficiencies. The TVPDM, by design, reduces one dimension, and by projecting PDM coefficients onto a set of basis functions, both nonstationary and nonlinear dynamics can be characterized. Another significant advantage of the TVPDM is its ability to discriminate the signal from noise dynamics, and provided that signal dynamics are orthogonal to each other, it has the capability to separate them. The efficacy of the proposed method is demonstrated with computer simulation examples comprised of various forms of nonstationarity and nonlinearity. The application of the TVPDM to the human heart rate and arterial blood pressure data during different postures is also presented and the results reveal significant nonstationarity even for short-term data recordings. The newly developed method has the potential to be a very useful tool for characterizing nonlinear TV systems, which has been a significant, challenging problem to date.
Economic Chaos and the Fragility of Democratic Transition in Former Communist Regimes

It has been suggested that in the early stages of transition to democratic capitalism, commitment to reform in former communist regimes is shaken by economic chaos. Evidence presented in this article demonstrates that regardless of how much information, education, or status citizens have, they are not likely to abandon democracy and capitalism because of economic chaos. In other words, there are no readily identifiable pockets of unsophisticated citizenry that will respond to economic catastrophe by embracing antimarket or antidemocratic solutions. The following analysis also suggests that citizens of the former Soviet Union and of Eastern Europe recognize the differences between institutions and incumbents. While they do not abandon democratic capitalism in the face of economic chaos, they are likely to punish incumbents for economic hardships. The analysis relies on a survey of public opinion conducted by the author in 1990 of a representative sample of residents of the European portion of the USSR and ...
Generation unit sizing and cost analysis for stand-alone wind, photovoltaic, and hybrid wind/PV systems

This paper presents the results of investigations on the application of wind, photovoltaic (PV), and hybrid wind/PV power generating systems for utilization as stand-alone systems. A simple numerical algorithm has been developed for generation unit sizing. It has been used to determine the optimum generation capacity and storage needed for a stand-alone, wind, PV, and hybrid wind/PV system for an experimental site in a remote area in Montana with a typical residential load. Generation and storage units for each system are properly sized in order to meet the annual load and minimize the total annual cost to the customer. In addition, an economic analysis has been performed for the above three scenarios and is used to justify the use of renewable energy versus constructing a line extension from the nearest existing power line to supply the load with conventional power. Annual average hourly values for load, wind speed, and insolation have been used.
Comparison of direction on arrival estimates from a co-located vector sensor and horizontal line array

Direction of arrival (DOA) estimates made simultaneously by a vector sensor and a co-located 1.4 m long horizontal line array (HLA) are compared. The 8-channels of data, corresponding to four HLA pressure sensors and a vector sensor (3-orthogonal particle acceleration sensors + 1 pressure sensor), were coherently recorded by an autonomous bottom-deployed system. The system was deployed 4 km off the coast of Panama City, FL, in water 20 m deep. Recordings were made of a series of 1–4 kHz transmissions (100-ms duration) produced by source suspended 12 m below a drifting vessel. GPS measurements of the source location for each transmission show a source heading changing by 90 degrees relative to the sensor system as the source passes to within 200 m before opening to range 1200 m. The performance of DOA estimates from vector sensor measurements of active intensity and from HLA beamforming, using both conventional methods and compressive sensing, are assessed relative to the measured source bearing. At certain source locations DOA estimates deviate significantly from the source bearing. This effect is shown to be caused by destructively interfering modes, which can produce DOA estimates in the opposite direction of the source bearing.
Basic concepts of the mechanism of action of peptide hormones.

The diverse effects of peptide and protein hormones upon their target cells are now recognized to be mediated by a series of biochemical events which link the primary site of peptide hormone action, the plasma membrane, with a variety of target cell responses. These include synthesis of specific regulatory proteins, stimulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, altered cell permeability and ion transport, and secretion or release of target cell products such as steroid and peptide hormones. A common feature of hormonal molecules which are derived from aminoacid precursors, such as transmitter agents and peptide hormones, is their ability to combine with specific receptor sites in the plasma membrane of their target cells. Occupancy of such membrane receptors is followed by rapid activation of individual cellular responses, ranging from altered permeability to secretory processes and cell growth. The majority of such responses appear to be mediated by the actions of cyclic AMP, formed by adenylate cyclase on the inner surface of the cell membrane (Sutherland and RaIl, 1960; Davoren and Sutherland, 1963; Butcher et al., 1971). Activation of adenylate
The embedding kernel on the IBM victor multiprocessor for program mapping and network reconfiguration

The design of a functional embedding kernel (E-kernel) to support automatic mapping of parallel programs having higher dimensional mesh or torus task graphs onto the 2D mesh network of Victor is described. E-kernel supports two levels of embeddings: in the first level, the mapping of a parallel program onto the system network; and in the second level, the mapping of a network topology onto the 2D mesh. The first level of embeddings corresponds to the support of automatic program mapping, and the second level the support of network reconfiguration. >
Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Prostate Cancer: A Mechanism of Radioresistance and Treatment Failure

Neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in prostate cancer is a well recognized phenotypic change by which prostate cancer cells transdifferentiate into neuroendocrine-like (NE-like) cells. NE-like cells lack the expression of androgen receptor and prostate specific antigen, and are resistant to treatments. In addition, NE-like cells secrete peptide hormones and growth factors to support the growth of surrounding tumor cells in a paracrine manner. Accumulated evidence has suggested that NED is associated with disease progression and poor prognosis. The importance of NED in prostate cancer progression and therapeutic response is further supported by the fact that therapeutic agents, including androgen deprivation therapy, chemotherapeutic agents, and radiotherapy, also induce NED. We will review the work supporting the overall hypothesis that therapy-induced NED is a mechanism of resistance to treatments, as well as discuss the relationship between therapy-induced NED and therapy-induced senescence, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and cancer stem cells. Furthermore, we will use radiation-induced NED as a model to explore several NED-based targeting strategies for development of novel therapeutics. Finally, we propose future studies that will specifically address therapy-induced NED in the hope that a better treatment regimen for prostate cancer can be developed.
A Z-pinch neonlike X-ray laser

A scheme using neonlike krypton ions is under intensive theoretical and experimental investigation to determine the feasibility of developing a pulsed power-driven laboratory X-ray laser. The scheme depends on discharging hundreds of kilojoules of electrical energy through coaxial cylindrical krypton gas puffs, generating a dense, hot, uniform, homogeneous, and highly ionized krypton plasma. The dynamics of energy absorption are such that self-generated magnetic fields compress and accelerate radially inward the outer plasma with speeds approaching 5*10/sup 7/ cm/s. When the outer plasma impinges and stagnates on the inner plasma, shock waves are sent through the system as the plasma reverberates and bounces outward. Near the interface between the two interacting plasmas and along the axis, conditions appear to be conducive to the establishment of a population inversion with the subsequent emission of coherent soft X-rays with measurable gain. The results of numerical simulations support the notion that it is theoretically possible to achieve a population inversion and gain in three of the lasing lines provided that the appropriate plasma conditions are realized. >
Evaluation of lipoprotein size–density distributions from sedimentation coefficient distributions obtained at several solvent densities. I. Theory

Synopsis A method is presented for the treatment of distribution functions obtained by ultracentrifugal sedimentation velocity experiments on the plasma lipoproteins, so that adequate corrections can be made for the effects of diffusion and concentration dependence of the sedimentation coefficient. The method involves the use of modified equations derived from those presented in 1952 by Gosting for the transform from g*(S) to g(S) distributions. The evaluation of the molecular parameters of lipoprotein density and size, from a set of g(Sio) distribution functions obtained in solvents of varying density, is also outlined. Preparations of the p-lipoprotein of human plasma are found to follow a bivariate normal distribution that requires evaluation of five parameters, 31, u,, 22, 02 and p. The first two represent the mean and standard deviation of the lipoprotein density, the third and fourth the same quantities for the size, expressed as a “logarithmic diameter parameter”, and the final value is a measure of the correlation between these two variables. The evaluation of heterogeneity of a biopolymer with respect to the sedimentation coefficient by the methods proposed by Baldwin and Williams’ has been used effectively for the study of many systems. Recent reviews of this method have been published by Williams, van Holde, Baldwin and Fugita12 Williams13 and Baldwin and van H01de.~ However, there have been few attempts to apply this method to the evaluation of sedimentation distribution functions for the plasma lipoproteins, even though the ultracentrifuge has probably been the most useful tool for lipoprotein purification and characterization. A distribution function g*(s) can be obtained rather easily from the measured refractive index gradients dn(r)/dr [transform I, eq. (1) below] obtained in a sedimentation velocity experiment. To convert this g*(s) function to a useful quantity, however, we must transform it for corrections due to diffusion (transform 11) and for the effects of concentration dependence on the sedimentation coefficient (transform 111) :
Physical models of tissue in shear fields.

This review considers three general classes of physical as opposed to phenomenological models of the shear elasticity of tissues. The first is simple viscoelasticity. This model has a special role in elastography because it is the language in which experimental and clinical data are communicated. The second class of models involves acoustic relaxation, in which the medium contains inner time-dependent systems that are driven through the external bulk medium. Hysteresis, the phenomenon characterizing the third class of models, involves losses that are related to strain rather than time rate of change of strain. In contrast to the vast efforts given to tissue characterization through their bulk moduli over the last half-century, similar research using low-frequency shear data is in its infancy. Rather than a neat summary of existing facts, this essay is a framework for hypothesis generation—guessing what physical mechanisms give tissues their shear properties.
Some observations on negative endocochlear potential during anoxia.

The effects of anoxia on the endocochlear potential (EP) and +K and +Na concentrations in the endolymph were studied in three groups of guinea pigs: kanamycin-treated guinea pigs, waltzing guinea pigs and normal guinea pigs. The magnitude of the EP in kanamycin-treated guinea pigs and waltzing guinea pigs did not show marked deviation from that observed in normal animals. The +K and +Na concentrations in the endolymph in those animals with severe suppression of soundevoked cochlear potentials were also within the normal range. The changes in +K and +Na concentrations in the endolymph in anoxic condition were similar in the three groups of animals. However, the rate of decline of the EP was slower in kanamycin-treated guinea pigs and old waltzing guinea pigs. In young waltzing guinea pigs showing moderate suppression of the cochlear microphonics, the decline of the EP during anoxia was comparable to that observed in normal guinea pigs. The results indicate that anoxia decreases +K and increases +Na concent...
Biomechanical efficacy of prophylactic vertebroplasty with respect to initial bone mineral density

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a potential intervention for the prophylactic reinforcement of human vertebral bodies to reduce the growing prevalence of age-related osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The goal of this study was to determine the minimum amount of bone cement needed to provide the mechanical enhancement beyond a fracture risk level. Also, minimizing the injected bone cement volume may reduce complications that are due to leakage of the bone cement into the surrounding tissue. Our findings indicated that biomechanical efficacy of prophylactic vertebroplasty did strongly depend on the initial bone density. Therefore, for low bone densities, only a fraction of the bone cement volume is needed to provide the same amount of stiffness increase compared to vertebral bodies with higher bone densities. We also conclude that bipedicular placement of maximum 20% fill of bone cement is sufficient to reduce vertebral bodies fracture risk from a high to minimum risk.
Astrophysics Processes: Kepler, Newton, and the mass function

What we learn in this chapter Binary star systems serve as laboratories for the measurement of star masses through the gravitational effects of the two stars on each other. Three observational types of binaries – namely, visual , eclipsing , and spectroscopic – yield different combinations of parameters describing the binary orbit and the masses of the two stars. We consider an example of each type – respectively, α Centauri , β Persei (Algol) , and φ Cygni . Kepler described the orbits of solar planets with his three laws . They are grounded in Newton's laws . The equation of motion from Newton's second and gravitational force laws may be solved to obtain the elliptical motions described by Kepler for the case of a very large central mass, M ≫ m . The results can then be extended to the case of two arbitrary masses orbiting their common barycenter (center of mass). The result is a generalized Kepler's third law , a relation between the masses, period, and relative semimajor axis. We also obtain expressions for the system angular momentum and energy . Kepler's laws are useful in determining the orbital elements of a binary system. The generalized third law can be restated so that the measurable quantities for a star in a spectroscopic binary yield the mass function , a combination of the two masses and inclination. This provides a lower limit to the partner mass . […]
Civil Society and Regional Integration in West Africa

The paper uses the experience of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to advance the debate about civil society engagement with regional organizations, especially whether such engagement contributes to legitimizing the status quo or signifies new and/or alternative forms of regionalism, thereby directly or indirectly questioning conventional regionalism. The paper argues that transformations in the architecture of regional interactions over the past two decades in West Africa have included the emergence of civil society organizations (CSOs) as part of a "new regionalism" being co-constructed by states and non-state actor. In this"new regionalism," CSOs involvement with regional governance does not necessarily conform to notions about "model" regional integration arrangements.Secondly, there are over 3,000 organizations, networks, and groups working at different levels of region-centric goals, strategies, activities and organization, but extant scholarship (especially in the functional institutionalist perspective) tends to ignore or underestimate the strength and density of their engagement with regional integration and governance processes in West Africa. Using the perspective of regionalism as a socially constructed project, the paper demonstrates strong evidence of dense and relatively effective efforts by CSOs to engage with ECOWAS policy processes. The paper first conceptualizes civil society and social constructivism as analytical frameworks; followed by a survey of the landscape of regional CSOs, the range of their activities and strategies and modes of engagement; and highlights possible recent trends toward policy engagement, as well as counter-hegemonic engagement that may or may not constitute evidence of "alternative regionalism." This largely exploratory study is based on field data collected in West Africa in 2012 and 2013.
Aligned Mesopore Arrays in GaN by Anodic Etching and Photoelectrochemical Surface Etching

Aligned mesopore arrays have many potential applications in bulk heterojunction photovoltaics, sensors, and photocatalysts. In this study, vertically aligned mesopores in n-doped GaN thin films were fabricated using an anodic etch procedure in nitric acid. The resulting porous structure remains monocrystalline and is highly conductive. After etching, a low-porosity nucleation layer was observed on the surface, and was subsequently removed with a UV-assisted anodic etch to expose the pores. Removal of the surface layer allows diffusion from the pores, suitable for sensitized photovoltaics and chemical sensors. Extremely fast etching rates of over 2 μm/s were recorded, with indication that hole transport in the epilayer was limiting the reaction rate even in highly doped samples.
Safety of cidofovir by intratympanic delivery technique.

Background Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most common infectious causes of congenital sensorineural hearing loss. To date, a safe and effective therapy for CMV-induced hearing loss does not exist. We hypothesize that the antiviral cidofovir (CDV) can be delivered to the inner ear via intratympanic (IT) injections to safely and effectively mitigate CMV-induced hearing loss. Methods To evaluate the safety of CDV IT injections, weanling guinea pigs with normal hearing were injected intratympanically with 3 mg or 5 mg concentrations of CDV and compared to control animals injected with sterile saline. A separate group of weanling guinea pigs were inoculated with CMV and a subset of this group was treated with CDV following inoculation. Results The 3 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml CDV concentrations resulted in hearing loss following IT injection into uninfected animals. No signs of inflammation or toxicity were noted on histologic analysis and there was no evidence of systemic toxicity in serology. Hearing loss induced as a result of guinea pig CMV infection recovered by day 21 in animals treated with IT injections of 5 mg/ml CDV. Conclusions We provide promising evidence demonstrating both the efficacy and safety of IT CDV in the guinea pig animal model. This research further establishes a sound framework upon which ongoing investigations into drug delivery mechanisms for CMV-induced hearing loss will be based.
A comparison of ohemoreceptor and whole-fly responses to DDT and parathlon.

A lethal dose of topically applied DDT resulted in the labellar hairs (chemoreceptor) showing about 6 times greater sensitivity to a sucrose solution. The increased hair sensitivity was evident within 1½ minutes after DDT treatment, but detectable symptoms (hyperextension of legs) never occurred before 4 minutes. The chemoreceptor failed to respond to sucrose 10 to 11 minutes after treatment, a time which corresponded to the knockdown stage. The labellar hairs showed increased sucrose sensitivity at a DDT dose about 4 times lower than the lowest dose capable of producing symptoms or about 350 times lower than the LD 50. Parathion, in contrast to DDT, did not produce any greater effect on labellar hair sensitivity than on the entire fly. For example, a dose corresponding to the LD 95 (O.062 µg parathion per fly) did not change the sensitivity response of the hairs to sucrose. The chemoreceptor sensitivity remained at a normal level until the symptoms of hyperactivity. Subsequently no response occurred through death.
Availability of Dibenzoylcystine for Growth of the Young White Rat

SummaryYoung white rats were fed l-cystine and dibenzoyl-l-cystine as supplements to a basal diet known to be low in its content of cystine, in an attempt to determine whether dibenzoyl-l-cystine could be hydrolyzed in the organism and thus serve as a significant source of cystine for purposes of growth. To detoxicate any benzoic acid which might be formed in the hydrolysis and afford optimal conditions for observation of the growth-promoting effect of any cystine formed, glycine was also added to the diets. NO evidence was obtained that dibenzoyl-l-cystine under the experimental conditions employed could serve as an effective source of cystine for purposes of growth.
The significance of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of inguinal hernia and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

Hintergrund: Die Leistenhernienkorrektur und die Pyloromyotomie sind 2 der haufigsten Operationen im Kindesalter. In den letzten 2 Jahrzehnten wurde eine zunehmende Anzahl dieser Eingriffe minimalinvasiv durchgefuhrt. Diese Ubersichtsarbeit beschreibt die Entwicklung der laparoskopischen Technik dieser beiden Indikationen zusammen mit dem jeweiligen aktuellen Stellenwert. Material und Methoden: Eine systematische Analyse der kinderchirurgischen Literatur seit 1990 wurde fur die laparoskopische Operation der Leistenhernie und der hypertrophen Pylorusstenose durchgefuhrt. Relevante Publikationen wurden zusammengefasst. Ergebnisse: Die erste laparoskopische Pyloromyotomie wurde im Jahr 1991, die erste Leistenhernienkorrektur bei Kindern 1998 beschrieben. Die Lernkurve fur beide Eingriffe ist zunachst steil und erreicht erst nach etwa 20–30 Operationen ein Plateau. Zum Vergleich der laparoskopischen mit der offenen Technik wurden bislang sowohl fur die Pyloromyotomie wie auch fur die Leistenhernienkorrektur mehrere randomisierte kontrollierte Studien und Metaanalysen publiziert. Die Vorteile der laparoskopischen gegenuber der offenen Pyloromyotomie sind die fruhere Rekonvaleszenz und kurzere postoperative Verweildauer bei gleicher Komplikationsrate. Im Falle der laparoskopischen Leistenhernienkorrektur ist die Operationszeit nur bei bilateralem Vorgehen kurzer als bei der offenen Technik, wahrend die Komplikationsrate wiederum vergleichbar ist. Allerdings treten nach einem laparoskopischen Eingriff im Intervall weniger kontralaterale Leistenhernien auf. Schlussfolgerung: Die laparoskopische Pyloromyotomie und die laparoskopische Leistenhernienoperation im Kindesalter erfordern spezielle operative Fahigkeiten. Mindestens die ersten 20 Eingriffe sollten daher unter kompetenter Anleitung durchfuhrt werden. Neben dem subjektiven Nutzen einer kleineren Narbe haben beide Verfahren konkrete Vorteile gegenuber dem offenen Vorgehen bei gleicher Komplikationsrate. Daher konnen diese Eingriffe derzeit durchaus als Goldstandard betrachtet werden.
Factors predicting endoscopic exposure of Zenker's diverticulum.

OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were 1) to understand which anatomic variables are associated with failed endoscopic exposure of Zenker's diverticulum and 2) to enable preoperative selection of patients suitable for endoscopic repair of Zenker's diverticulum on the basis of anatomic variables. METHODS We performed a prospective, Institutional Review Board-approved study of 30 patients undergoing attempted endoscopic repair of Zenker's diverticulum. Three categorical variables (sex, presence of maxillary dentition, and Mallampati score) and 6 continuous variables (age, neck circumference, hyomental distance, neck length, neck extension, and body mass index [BMI]) were collected before operation and then correlated to successful endoscopic exposure of the Zenker's pouch by use of a Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test, respectively. RESULTS Exposure was unsuccessful in 9 of 30 patients (30%). Factors that correlated significantly with exposure failure included a shorter neck length (7.2 +/- 1.2 cm; p = 0.047), a shorter hyomental distance (5.0 +/- 1.1 cm; p = 0.004), and a higher BMI (27.2 +/- 4.0 kg/m2; p = 0.05). The presence of maxillary dentition did not reach significance in exposure failure, but did show a trend toward an association. CONCLUSIONS Surgical exposure in endoscopic repair of Zenker's diverticulum tends to be significantly less successful in patients with short necks, decreased hyomental distance, and/or a high BMI. An open approach should be considered in this patient population.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive subtype.

This article reviews research on the DSM-IV attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder inattentive (ADHD/IA) subtype. Data examining demographic characteristics, comorbidity, social functioning, and cognitive/attentional components are presented. Children with ADHD/IA show different patterns of demographic characteristics and comorbid symptomatology than those with ADHD / C, with suggestive evidence that they may differ in attentional style, as well. The implications of these results for treatment planning are discussed, along with suggestions that future research further examine attentional components, mechanisms contributing to impairment domains, and the role of sluggish cognitive tempo.
Diagrama de Stacey: um exercício formativo em medicina geral e familiar

Background: Ralph Stacey designed the Stacey diagram in 1995 to help in the analysis of decision-making in situations with different degrees of information, complexity, and uncertainty in management and leadership within organizations. British General Practitioners adapted this model to the medical field, with a focus on more complex and uncertain situations. This article describes a training exercise using the Stacey diagram in a clinical setting. Training objectives: We attempted to critically reflect on the factors that influence the decision-making process in medicine, to analyse the determinants of health problems in General Practice consultations using the Stacey diagram, to discuss the advantages and limitations arising from the use of guidelines and protocols in a training context, to strengthen the trainees’ perceptions of the uniqueness of each person and the need for a reflective and critical attitude to deal with health problems, and to raise awareness of the influence of the personal characteristics of the physician in this process. Description: The exercise consisted of the analysis of the content of 30 sequential consultations in one week in a training program in general practice. The trainee placed each health problem encountered on the Stacey Diagram based on her perceptions and knowledge of available information about the problem and consensus regarding recommended actions. The results were discussed in the training group. Discussion: The diagram obtained illustrates diversity, heterogeneity, and the range of uncertainty and consensus associated with the health problems addressed. Nearly half of the health problems were placed in areas with higher complexity. Only one quarter of the problems were placed in the area that signifies greater certainty and greater consensus. The training group identified the advantages of the exercise, in particular support for the perception of uncertainty and clinical complexity, based on individual factors in some circumstances. This highlights the dynamic and subjective nature of the decision-making process in medicine. The replication of this exercise by a GP-trainee can increase self-awareness about the clinical decision making process and enhance perception of the influences of personal and situational determinants for each health problem. The authors suggests that other training groups should perform and discuss similar exercises as a training method to approach uncertainty and complexity in medicine in general and in general practice in particular.
Dyserythropoiesis, refractory anemia, and "preleukemia:" metabolic features of the erythrocytes.

Twenty-one enzymatic activities and red cell glutathione content are compared in cord blood, dyserythropoietic disorders, normal subjects, and subjects with hemolytic syndromes and reticulocytosis approximating that of the newborn. The dyserythropoietic states are heterogeneous and include several hereditary disorders, "preleukemia" and overt leukemia, refractory anemia with and without marrow ringed sideroblasts, and folate deficiency. Many activities exceeded those of cord erythrocytes and "high reticulocyte" controls by one or even several standard deviations. The low phosphoglycerate kinase and glutathione peroxidase and relatively low ribosophosphate pyrophosphokinase and adenine-phosphoribosyl transferase of cord erythrocytes were mimicked uncommonly. Pyruvate kinase was often relatively or absolutely low and sometimes dramatically so. Enzyme ratios were grossly aberrant. Capricious very high individual activities occurred in some instances. The heterogeneous nature of case material, including both hereditary and acquired syndromes, renders it difficult to interpret similarities often seen from case to case and sometimes to cord blood patterns on the basis of the reversion to fetal erythropoiesis as a common denominator. Rather, the cyto- and karyokinetic abnormalities characterizing dyserythropoiesis of diverse etiologies may result in exaggerations and distortions of a normal asynchronism in loss of functional genetic material governing enzyme synthesis as the nucleus degenerates and cytoplasmic organelles are lost.
Archaeologies of Ontology

Bruno Latour and Eduardo Viveiros de Castro provided the initial impetus for explicitly ontological research in archaeology. Their impact on archaeologists, however, has been quite different. What I call the “metaphysical archaeologists” trace their genealogy from Latour, though they are now equally influenced by “new materialism” and the “new ontological realism” (Gabriel 2015). They have introduced an alternative metaphysical orthodoxy to archaeology. In contrast, Viveiros de Castro and colleagues have authorized the return of the grand ethnographic analogy to archaeology, particularly in the case of animism. A second, quite different tendency inspired by these same anthropologists is to engage with indigenous ideas as theories to reconfigure archaeological concepts and practice. I suggest that a point of convergence between the metaphysical and the latter anthropological approaches exists in their focus on the concept of alterity.
Redefining Early Childhood Epistemology: Exploring Service-Learning Pedagogy in an Early Childhood Context

Over the last decade, the early childhood (EC) landscape has changed dramatically in the United States. With the implementation of the No Child Left Behind legislation (2002) and more recently with Race to the Top and the Common Core State Standards, the EC field has been grappling with conceptualizing different pedagogies to use in the classroom to support the changing landscape. In this chapter, we explore the use of a cascading model of service-learning pedagogy on a regional campus of a large mid-western university in the U.S. and posit strategies which pre-service teachers (PSTs) and institutions have used in their classroom settings. Moreover, through case study approaches, we call on the voices of the PSTs to elicit their perspectives of how they would implement service learning in their early childhood classrooms. The chapter ends by offering practical solutions for instructors of pre-service teachers on how to successfully integrate and implement service learning in the classroom and in the field.
Noise Analysis of Time-to-Digital Converter in All-Digital PLLs

In an all-digital PLL architecture the conventional phase-frequency detector is replaced in part by a time-to-digital converter. This paper presents an exact analysis of the mechanism by which reference clock jitter and/or supply/substrate noise are converted into TDC noise that is injected into the ADPLL loop. The cases of white and sinusoidal noise are considered and the analytical results are compared with simulations.
New Media New Cultural Dependence

Dependency is the tapeworm that keeps crawling through the veins of Africa to make her look up to Europe and America for communication help. It would appear that in-person communication that characterized communication between Africans prior to the arrival of the west was not effective so too were the drums, the bells, and the gongs to widen communication geo-cultural scope for all Africans. New media emergence from the west has become the welcome relief. That relief has infringed on African cultural space and swept her off her feet to the extent that the young and the old, including men and women, have fastened their seatbelts on the flight to adapt African culture in any given form on the new media communicative platform.