cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Five-year impact of Medicare Part D coverage gap reform on drug expenditures and utilization.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the impact of the Medicare Part D coverage gap reform under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on the utilization of and expenditures for prescription drugs within the first five years of the policy's implementation. DATA SOURCES 2008-2015 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS). STUDY DESIGN We used a difference-in-differences approach to estimate the year-by-year changes in prescription drug use and expenditures before (2006-2010) and after (2011-2015) the ACA's Part D coverage gap reform between Part D beneficiaries not receiving the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) and those receiving the LIS. DATA COLLECTION The study sample included Part D beneficiaries (a) aged 65 years or older; (b) not disabled or having end-stage renal disease; (c) continuously enrolled in a Part D plan (d) having at least one prescription fill in a given year. Survey-reported and administrative Part D events data in the MCBS were used for the analyses. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS After the ACA reform, annual out-of-pocket drug spending significantly decreased by $88 (P < .01) among non-LIS beneficiaries compared to LIS beneficiaries, with growing decreases over time (average decreases of $41 in 2011, $49 in 2012, $105 in 2013, and $135 in 2015, P < .01 or <.05). Changes in out-of-pocket costs were largely driven by significant decreases among brand-name drugs (overall decrease of $106, P < .01). Despite significantly reduced out-of-pocket spending, there were no significant changes in the overall number of 30-day drug fills and total drug spending; however, changes in the use of brand-name and generic drugs were seen after the ACA (increase of 1.9 fills for brand-name drugs and decrease of 2.3 fills for generic drug in 2015, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The ACA coverage gap reform has helped to reduce the out-of-pocket drug cost burden for beneficiaries, although it had no noticeable impact on drug use or total drug spending.
Monocytic differentiation and AHR signaling as Primary Nodes of BET Inhibitor Response in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

To understand mechanisms of response to BET inhibitors (BETi), we mined the Beat AML functional genomic data set and performed genome-wide CRISPR screens on BETi-sensitive and BETi-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Both strategies revealed regulators of monocytic differentiation—SPI1, JUNB, FOS, and aryl-hydrocarbon receptor signaling (AHR/ARNT)—as determinants of BETi response. AHR activation synergized with BETi, whereas inhibition antagonized BETi-mediated cytotoxicity. Consistent with BETi sensitivity dependence on monocytic differentiation, ex vivo sensitivity to BETi in primary AML patient samples correlated with higher expression of the monocytic markers CSF1R, LILRs, and VCAN. In addition, HL-60 cell line differentiation enhanced its sensitivity to BETi. Further, screens to rescue BETi sensitivity identified BCL2 and CDK6 as druggable vulnerabilities. Finally, monocytic AML patient samples refractory to venetoclax ex vivo were significantly more sensitive to combined BETi + venetoclax. Together, our work highlights mechanisms that could predict BETi response and identifies combination strategies to overcome resistance. Significance: Drug resistance remains a challenge for AML, and new therapies, such as BETi, will require combination approaches to boost single-agent responses. We conducted genome-wide CRISPR screens and functional genomics on AML patient samples to identify leukemic differentiation state and AHR signaling as primary mediators of BETi response. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 403
Operative duration and early outcomes in patients having a supratentorial craniotomy for brain tumor: A propensity matched analysis.

Abstract It is unclear how variations in operative duration affect outcomes after craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumor. We characterized three populations of patients with typical, shorter, and longer durations of craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumor using prospectively collected clinical data from 16,335 patients in the 2012–2018 ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. We compared baseline characteristics including demographics, comorbidities, tumor type, and operative features. We used propensity score matching to attain covariate balance and logistic regression to assess odds of unfavorable outcomes. Patients with the shortest operation durations tended to be older, with fewer males, higher ASA class, more metastatic brain tumors, more medical comorbidities, and less use of intraoperative microscope or ultrasound. Patients with the longest operative durations tended to be younger, with more males, fewer non-white minorities, more obesity, lower ASA classes, more intrinsic brain tumors, fewer medical comorbidities, fewer emergency operations, and increased use of intraoperative microscope. For patients with the shortest operations, after matching, we observed significantly decreased odds of prolonged length-of-stay (LOS), major complication, any complication, reoperation, and discharge to a facility; however, there was a significantly increased risk of 30-day mortality. For patients with the longest operations, after matching, we observed significantly increased odds of prolonged LOS; minor, major, and any complication; discharge to facility; and 30-day reoperation. After matching to balance baseline characteristics, operative duration has implications for outcomes following craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumor.
A Beginner's Guide to the COBRA Toolbox.

COBRA toolbox is one of the most popular tools for systems biology analyses using genome-scale metabolic reconstructions. The toolbox permits the use of many constraint-based analytical methods for examining characteristics of metabolism in the biosystems ranging in complexity from single cells to microbial communities and ultimately multicellular organisms. The toolbox has a number of different variants that can be used depending on a user's choice of programming language. Here, I provide a basic tutorial for beginners that plan to use the original MATLAB version of the toolbox.
A rare insight into the immunosuppressive landscape of prostate cancer bone metastases

Therapeutic options for metastatic prostate cancer patients are currently limited. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Kfoury et al. characterized the tumor and immune compartments of prostate cancer bone metastasis, revealing a mechanism of immunosuppression that involves infiltration with M2 macrophages and T cell exhaustion mediated by the CCL20-CCR6 axis.
Photographs of a Ferrofluid Cell

This document is an update to my paper "Photonic Dipole Contours of Ferrofluid Hele-Shaw Cell" arXiv:0805.4364v2 . Photographs are the primary datasets and makeup the majority of the document. The overall argument is that the ferrofluid cells are basically spin based radar systems that show photon scatter off of electron flows inside of the ferrofluid cell; induced by external magnetic fields. In other words, we are watching sparks cascading through an irregular lattice like lighting jumping cloud to cloud. They build up static electricity like a solar cell.
In SituStrand Displacement Amplification

In situamplification of nucleic acids has provided a means to analyze for the presence of single copy DNA (single copy genes or viral infection) and expression of low abundance RNAs. To date, PCR has been used extensively(1) but nonetheless presents some significant technical challenges that can be difficult to overcome. In particular, the thermal cycling of cells and tissues is generally detrimental to cell morphology and tissue integrity and can limit the success of the procedure and the efficacy of the results. To circumvent this issuein situamplification of nucleic acids can be accomplished using an isothermal amplification method such as strand displacement amplification (SDA) (2) The basic procedure involves cellular fixation/permeabilization followed by amplification which proceeds at a constant moderate temperature for a short period of time followed by the detection of amplicon. As an example of the effects of temperature on cellular integrity, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can be analyzed by measuring forward and side scatter using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) to differentiate among monocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes. This differentiation is retained after exposure of the PBMCs to an SDA temperature profile, but is abolished after exposure to thermal cycling (personal communication, Becton Dickinson, Immunocytometry Systems). Furthermore, specific cell surface epitopes are retained after an SDA thermal profile as demonstrated by FACS analysis of cell surface antigens.
STRUCTURE, REGULATION, AND FUNCTION OF CALCIUM/CALMODULIN-DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE I

Publisher Summary In particular, a large number of the effects of Ca2+/CaM are mediated through the regulation of protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. A family of Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinases (CaM kinases) has been identified. The first two members identified, myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) and phosphorylase kinase, were found to be highly specific for their respective substrates, myosin P light chain and phosphorylase. This led to the initial belief that the CaM kinases were monofunctional kinases that were distinct from the multifunctional protein kinases such as CAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) or protein kinase C (PKC). The CaM kinases share many common features. They each have a highly conserved catalytic domain and a COOH-terminal regulatory domain that is not as highly conserved among family members. In addition, several of the enzymes have NH 2 - and/or COOH-terminal extensions that are involved in interaction with other subunits or in targeting to specific subcellular locations. Irrespective of the exact relationship of CaM kinase W and CaM kinases Ia and Ib, CaM kinase I is the smallest member of the CaM kinase family. Based on extensive biochemical and structural analyses of the CaM kinases, as well as other second messenger-regulated protein kinases, it has been proposed that this class of enzyme is regulated by an intrasteric autoinhibitory mechanism. The central feature of this mechanism is that amino acid residues within the regulatory domain bind to the active site of the kinase and sterically block the access of peptide substrate and/ or MgATP.
Group actions on one-manifolds, II: Extensions of Hölder's theorem

This self-contained paper is part of a series seeking to understand groups of homeomorphisms of manifolds in analogy with the theory of Lie groups and their discrete subgroups. In this paper we consider groups which act on R with restrictions on the fixed point set of each element. One result is a topological characterization of affine groups in Diff 2 (R) as those groups whose elements have at most one fixed point.
Tunable diode laser sensors for practical combustion applications

Diode lasers offer the opportunity for wavelength-tunable absorption-based sensors for practical combustion applications. Wavelength-multiplexed diode lasers are used to monitor multiple absorption features of product water vapor and other combustion emissions. Progress in the development of robust sensors for variety of practical applications including ground test of new aero-engine concepts and practical industrial combustors
Adultery and fidelity

This entry looks at the definitions of betrayal, infidelity, fidelity, and adultery. It discusses the total social cost of infidelity as the product of the incidence of infidelity and its cost to individuals. It estimates the total lifetime incidence of infidelity. It goes on to look at the personal and social costs resulting from infidelity, from anxiety and depression to divorce. It then discusses causes of infidelity on the social, relationship, and individual levels. Finally, it examines the nature, causes, and correlates of fidelity. Keywords: adultery; betrayal; fidelity; infidelity; trust
Interest in Cross-Boundary Cooperation: Identification of Distinct Types of Private Forest Owners

This article presents quantitative results from a study that evaluated private forest (PF) owner interest in cross-boundary cooperation. The intent was to reveal subgroups, referred to here as segments, of PF owners that align with different forms and levels of cooperative activities. Segmentation analysis used 783 mail-back surveys from Franklin County, Massachusetts, PF owners in spring 2002. The analysis indicates that there are four segments of PF owners in Franklin County, each maintaining a distinct level of interest in proposed forms of cooperation. Two segments define positive interest in cooperation (General Cooperators, 27%; Conservation Cooperators, 21%), and the other two represent apathy (Neutralists, 27%), and disinterest (Non-Cooperators, 24%). Furthermore, each segment presents a unique profile of items and scales that measure personal values and attitudes about cross-boundary cooperation and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Segment profiles show a strong association between interest in cooperation and profiling variables such as age, affluence, personal values, and attitudes. By identifying the specific needs and wants among PF owners, these findings can help in the development of responsive initiatives to promote cross-boundary cooperation in Franklin County. Furthermore, the outlined segmentation analysis could aid PF owner studies identify and describe key segments and determine interest in cross-boundary cooperation. FOR .S CI. 52(1):10-22.
Diversity in the effects of extracellular ATP and adenosine on the cellular processing and physiologic actions of insulin in rat adipocytes.

Abstract ATP or adenosine (1 mM) added to extracellular buffer abolished both chloroquine- and monensin-dependent accumulation of [125I]iodoinsulin in isolated rat adipocytes. The effects of ATP were not secondary to its conversion to adenosine and were mimicked by beta, gamma-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate. ATP, but not adenosine, partially inhibited the binding of insulin to the cellular receptor. Neither ATP nor adenosine had any significant effect on both internalization of cell-bound insulin and externalization of the internalized hormone. The degradation of cell-bound insulin was reduced to a considerable extent by both 0.1 mM chloroquine and 5 mM ATP, to a lesser degree by 1 mM ATP, and not significantly by 1 or 5 mM adenosine. Physiologically, (a) 1 mM ATP had a strong, while 1 mM adenosine had a mild inhibitory effect on the insulin-stimulated glucose transport without affecting its basal activity, (b) both ATP and adenosine moderately stimulated basal as well as insulin-stimulated glycogen synthase, and (c) ATP, but not adenosine, transiently stimulated basal cAMP phosphodiesterase without affecting the insulin-stimulated enzyme. Phosphodiesterase in cells that had been exposed to ATP for 30 min was refractory to ATP added afresh, but not to insulin. These data suggest that (a) extracellular ATP may block the degradative pathway of insulin processing, (b) adenosine might render the ordinarily irreversible intracellular traffic of insulin reversible or modulate a pathway which is yet to be identified, (c) the previously reported effect of ATP on glycogen synthase may not involve phosphorylation, (d) ATP stimulates cAMP phosphodiesterase by a mechanism which is distinct from that of insulin, and (e) the degradative pathway of insulin processing may not be involved in the physiologic actions of the hormone on glycogen synthase and phosphodiesterase.
Evolutionary relationships among eubacteria, cyanobacteria, and chloroplasts: evidence from the rpoC1 gene of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120.

RNA polymerases of cyanobacteria contain a novel core subunit, gamma, which is absent from the RNA polymerases of other eubacteria. The genes encoding the three largest subunits of RNA polymerase, including gamma, have been isolated from the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. The genes are linked in the order rpoB, rpoC1, rpoC2 and encode the beta, gamma, and beta9 subunits, respectively. These genes are analogous to the rpoBC operon of Escherichia coli, but the functions of rpoC have been split in Anabaena between two genes, rpoC1 and rpoC2. The DNA sequence of the rpoC1 gene was determined and shows that the gamma subunit corresponds to the amino-terminal half of the E. coli beta9 subunit. The gamma protein contains several conserved domains found in the largest subunits of all bacterial and eukaryotic RNA polymerases, including a potential zinc finger motif. The spliced rpoC1 gene from spinach chloroplast DNA was expressed in E. coli and shown to encode a protein immunologically related to Anabaena gamma. The similarities in the RNA polymerase gene products and gene organizations between cyanobacteria and chloroplasts support the cyanobacterial origin of chloroplasts and a divergent evolutionary pathway among eubacteria. Images
Mobile device integration in the cockpit: benefits, challenges, and recommendations

There is a proliferation of mobile devices such as cellular handsets, tablet computers and portable computers used on-board aircraft by both passengers and crew members. This paper focuses on the use of such devices by pilots. While it is recognized that mobile devices can provide operational benefits to pilots, such as improved productivity and situational awareness, there are human factor, operational, architectural, and certification aspects to consider when using these devices in the cockpit. The introduction of interfaces between the mobile device and the avionics, including wired and wireless interfaces, also raise cyber security considerations related to data integrity, spoofing, jamming, and information access.
Why Does Thrasymachus Blush? Ethical Consistency in Socrates’ Refutation of Thrasymachus

Most scholars agree that Socrates’ arguments in the course of his refutation of Thrasymachus in Plato’s Republic are at best weak and at worse fallacious. Some interpreters have used this logical inadequacy to argue that Socrates’ aim is psychotherapeutic rather than cognitive, but this does not address why Thrasymachus feels shamed. I argue in this article that Thrasymachus blushes not simply because his explicit propositions are contradictory but because two principles of his sophistic ēthos – that his skill requires knowledge and that his skill achieves victory in logoi – are fundamentally at odds. My claim that Socrates’ elenchus of Thrasymachus appeals to a principle of ethical consistency has the specific advantage of reconciling the otherwise opposed views of Socratic elenchus as exclusively ‘logical’ or ‘psychotherapeutic’.
Impact of a clinical guideline for prescribing antibiotics to inpatients reporting penicillin or cephalosporin allergy

Abstract Background Self-reported penicillin allergy infrequently reflects an inability to tolerate penicillins. Inpatients reporting penicillin allergy receive alternative antibiotics that might be broader spectrum, more toxic, or less effective. Objective To develop and assess a clinical guideline for the general inpatient provider that directs taking a history and prescribing antibiotics for patients with penicillin or cephalosporin allergy. Methods A guideline was implemented to assist providers with assessing allergy history and prescribing antibiotics for patients with reported penicillin or cephalosporin allergy. The guideline used a standard 2-step graded challenge or test dose. A quasi-experimental study was performed to assess safety, feasibility, and impact on antibiotic use by comparing treatment 21 months before guideline implementation with 12 months after guideline implementation. Results Significantly more test doses to β-lactam antibiotics were performed monthly after vs before guideline implementation (median 14.5, interquartile range 13–16.25, vs 2, interquartile range 1–3.25, P P = .44) or severity ( P > .5) between periods. Guideline-driven test doses decreased alternative antimicrobial therapy after the test dose, including vancomycin (68.3% vs 37.2%, P P P = .004), and fluoro quinolones (15.3% vs 3.3%, P Conclusion The implementation of an inpatient antibiotic prescribing guideline for patients with penicillin or cephalosporin allergy was associated with an almost 7-fold increase in the number of test doses to β-lactams without increased adverse drug reactions. Patients assessed with guideline-driven test doses were observed to have significantly decreased alternative antibiotic exposure.
Implementation of PBL in Engineering Education: Conceptualization and Management of Tensions

Engineering educators are facing high demands as they are being challenged to create learning environments that not only better teach technical skills, but also incorporate process skills and foster other desirable attributes. Problem-based learning, known as PBL, and its variants have been deemed effective as an instructional strategy in a variety of different disciplines including engineering. With pedagogical innovations like PBL, however, comfortable routines related to the structure and flow of classroom activity is disrupted for both educators and students. In addition to having to manage changes within their classroom processes and routines, engineering educators must also interact and operate within the larger systems in which their classrooms are embedded, the university. The structure and culture of the university system may facilitate or hinder the teaching intentions and goals of educators, as this larger system can impose its own set of tensions. In this paper, we report findings of a research study which investigated conceptualizations of PBL, tensions as experienced when implementing PBL and strategies to manage the tensions.
Silicate and potential temperature in the deep and bottom waters of the western Weddell Sea

Potential temperature-silicate correlations offer a means of distinguishing the nearly homogeneous water masses of the Weddell Sea. A near-bottom layer of cold, dense water is associated with the continental slope (−1·2°C < θ < −0·8°C) and abyssal floor (−0·8°C < θ < −0·06°C) of the western Weddell Sea. The layer is further characterized by large vertical potential temperature gradients, suggesting rapid renewal, and by a low dissolved silicate concentration, suggesting a near-surface origin. A deep silicate maximum (110–120 μg-atoms/l.) characterizes water in the potential temperature range 0°C to −0·6°C.
Changes in plasma catecholamines and plasma renin activity during hypotension in conscious rats with lesions of the nucleus tractus solitarii.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of lesions of the nucleus tractus solitarii on the reflex control of sympathetic activity and renin release in the conscious rat. Two doses of the arteriolar vasodilator hydralazine (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, i.v.) were used to activate reflexively the sympathetic nervous system in nucleus tractus solitarii lesion and control rats. Administration of 1 mg/kg of hydralazine to the control rats caused mean arterial pressure to fall from 120 ± 2 mm Hg to 84 ± 2 mm Hg and elicited an 11.2-fold increase in plasma renin activity and a 2.7-fold increase in plasma norepinephrine concentration. Administration of 0.3 mg/kg of hydralazine caused the arterial pressure of the lesion group to fall from 118 ± 3 mm Hg to a comparable value of 85 ± 4 mmg Hg, but plasma renin activity and plasma norepinephrine concentration did not rise significantly. However, administration of 1 mg/kg of hydralazine to the lesion group caused arterial pressure to fall from 128 ± 6 mm Hg to 64 ± 2 mm Hg, in association with a 12.4-fold increase in plasma renin activity and a 1.6-fold elevation in plasma norepinephrine concentration. Atenolol, a β1-adrenoceptor antagonist, blocked 70% of the rise in plasma renin activity caused by 1 mg/kg of hydralazine in both groups of rats. In addition, prior renal denervation also markedly attenuated the rise in plasma renin activity caused by hydralazine in the lesion group. Finally, electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves, which caused a large vasodepressor response in the control group, failed to lower the arterial pressure of the lesion group. Based on these observations, we conclude that in the conscious rat (1) nucleus tractus solitarii lesions eliminate the arterial baroreflexes as well as the the cardiopulmonary baroreflex, and (2) severe hypotension induces sympathetically mediated renin release in the apparent absence of arterial and cardiopulmonary baroreflex function.
Future of the Nudrse Labor Market According to Health Execudtives in High Managed-Care Areas of the United States

PURPOSE To understand how the work environment of nurses is changing in states with high enrollment in health maintenance organizations (HMOs), the underlying forces driving change, and how these forces are expected to affect employment and earnings of nurses in the future. Financing and delivery systems that have developed in some states with high enrollment in HMOs are generally regarded as indicative of the future for all the United States. DESIGN Survey in 1995 of a convenience sample of 62 health executives in 11 states with high enrollment in HMOs. Executives included officials in state governments, state and metropolitan hospital associations, professional and nonprofessional nursing associations, state boards of nursing, community and public health, home health care, nursing homes, other non-acute care associations, and leading HMOs. METHODS Through structured telephone interviews, executives were asked about changes in nurse employment, earnings, collective bargaining, fringe benefits, nurses' roles, substitution of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and aides for RNs, patient severity, quality of patient care, and expectations for nurse employment during the remainder of the decade. FINDINGS Executives perceive a mostly positive and fast-changing nurse labor market but they are concerned about the aging RN work force, possible development of an RN shortage, and linking quality of patient care to the provision of nursing services. They doubt the ability of nurse educators to respond quickly to the need to prepare nurses for rapidly changing employer requirements. CONCLUSIONS Public and private forces are causing rapid, profound changes in health care delivery and throughout the nurse labor market. These changes are most evident in the shift in employment of nurses from hospitals to home health. Despite anxiety associated with these changes, no evidence of an "employment disaster" exists in the views of health executives.
Action prediction and interaction enhances stimulus visibility during binocular rivalry

Acknowledgement: This work is supported by a NSF CAREER grant (BCS-0843880). Results: Matched actions were more visible than mismatched actions in the 200 ms occluder condition (t(19)=2.452, p=0.024), but not in the 800 ms condition, indicating that the visual system enhances the monocular visibility of actions when they are correct continuations of previously viewed actions, at least after short delays. Introduction
Use of mammalian liver cells for artificial liver support

Abstract Advances in orthotopic liver transplantation have improved the survival rate of both acute and chronic liver failure patients to nearly 70%. However, the success of this treatment modality has created an international organ shortage. Many patients die while awaiting transplantation in part due to the minimal capacity to store viable transplantable livers beyond 24 h. Additionally, for many areas of the world, routine use of whole liver transplantation to treat liver disease is impractical due to the demands on both financial and technical resources. Potentially, these issues may be alleviated, at least in part, by the use of liver cell transplantation or cellular-based liver assist devices. The well-documented regenerative capacity of the liver may obviate the need for whole organ transplantation in some instances of acute failure, if the patient may be provided temporary metabolic support. Although other patients ultimately may require transplantation, a longer period of time to find a suitable organ for transplantation may be gained by that supportive therapy. The field of liver cell transplantation may offer solutions to patients with inherited metabolic deficiencies or chronic liver disease. The potential to treat an hepatic disorder by using only a fraction of the whole liver would increase the number of whole organs available for orthotopic liver transplantation. Research in the fields of hepatocyte based intra-and extracorporeal liver support is providing evidence that these therapeutic modalities may ultimately become routine in the treatment of severe liver disease. A historic overview of that technology along with its current status is discussed.
An examination of burnout among school counselors guided by stress-strain-coping theory.

The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educators Survey (MBI-ES; C. Maslach, S. E. Jackson, & M. P. Leiter, 1996) was used to examine burnout among professional school counselors (N = 198). Guided by stress-srain-coping theory, final hierarchical regression models accounted for 49% of the variation on the Emotional Exhaustion scale, 27% on the Depersonalization scale, and 36% on the Personal Accomplishment scale. Numerous individual stress and coping variables significantly predicted burnout among school counselors in the multivariate context.
Adapting Lymphedema Treatment to the Palliative Setting

Objective: To review the benefits of adapting the complex techniques of formal lymphedema therapy to the more generalized forms of edema often seen in the chronic disease and palliative care settings.Data Sources: Peer-reviewed literature and clinical practice.Conclusion: Lymphedema treatment modalities have much to offer beyond their well-characterized benefit in classical lymphedema. In modified forms, they may improve and lessen the burden of refractory edema originating from a diverse range of causes. Thoughtful planning and practice, however, are essential as an inadequate adaptation may result in unnecessary effort, injury for the patient, or an unsatisfactory outcome.
The lattice dynamics of CsCl, CsBr and CsI

Abstract Calculated dispersion curves and frequency spectra are presented for CsCl, CsBr and CsI. These calculations have been made using the deformation dipole model including both first and second neighbor non-coulomb forces. The best fit to the experimental results is provided by a simple five parameter first neighbor model.
Photoinduced absorption in hydrogenated amorphous tetrahedrally-bonded semiconductors

Abstract Transient optical absorption below the band edge has been induced by laser illumination in a variety of Group IV and III–V amorphous semiconductors prepared with the incorporation of hydrogen. We report here the composition, wavelength, temperature, and laser wavelength and intensity dependence of the effect and compare it to the photoinduced spin resonance in a-Si and a-Ge and to similar photoinduced effects seen in semiconducting chalcogenide glasses.
Facilitating word recognition: Evidence for strategic and automatic factors

An appropriate semantic context has been demonstrated to facilitate word recognition in a variety of paradigms. The present experiment examined the consequences of varying the probability that word pairs presented in a lexical decision task would be related in meaning. Early in the 20-min session, the recent density of semantic relationships between words had little influence on the size of the contextual facilitation effect, but later the influence was marked. The results suggest that the processing facilitation provided by an appropriate semantic context consisted of both a relatively automatic component and a labile strategic component with an influence that was modulated by the recent usefulness of the information provided by semantic context.
Alterations in 5-HT2A receptor signaling in male and female transgenic rats over-expressing either Gq or RGS-insensitive Gq protein

Serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors are coupled to Galphaq and Galpha11 proteins to activate phospholipase C (PLC). Regulators of G-protein signaling proteins (RGS) modulate G-protein signaling by accelerating the intrinsic GTPase activity of Galphaq and Galpha11. This study investigated the effects of over-expression of wild-type Galphaq proteins (Gq-Tg) and over-expression of RGS-insensitive Galphaq proteins (G188S, RGSi-Tg) on 5-HT2A receptor mediated signaling in transgenic rats. Over-expression of wild-type Galphaq and RGS insensitive mutant Galphaq did not produce significant alterations in the levels of Galpha11, RGS2, RGS4, RGS7, RGS16 or 5-HT2A proteins. RGSi-Tg rats had higher oxytocin and corticosterone responses to (-)DOI, a 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist, compared to Gq-Tg rats. RGSi-Tg and Gq-Tg rats had higher ACTH responses to (-)DOI compared to control rats. Similarly, 5-HT-stimulated PLC activity in the frontal cortex was higher in RGSi-Tg and Gq-Tg rats compared to control rats. In contrast, GTPgammaS-stimulated PLC activity was higher in Gq-Tg rats but not in RGSi-Tg rats compared to control rats. There was a small but statistically significant increase in the affinity of [125I]-DOI labeled 5-HT2A receptors in RGSi-Tg rats and Gq-Tg rats compared to controls. There were no significant differences in Bmax and Kd of [3H] ketanserin labeled 5-HT2A receptors among the three groups. These data suggest that the effect of RGS proteins on 5-HT2A receptor signaling is cell type specific. In transgenic rats over-expressing Galphaq, endogenous RGS proteins have a negative effect on 5-HT2A receptor-mediated oxytocin release. In contrast, endogenous RGS protein had no impact on 5-HT2A receptor-mediated ACTH release in transgenic rats.
Asymmetrical virtual telecentric laser diode line/array source model for use in microlaser pumping design and analysis

Discussed will be the development of a model for both a line laser diode as well as an area array consisting of line laser diode elements. The need for this work comes from the difficult task of using a single strip laser diode with dimensions such as 1 centimeter in the y direction and 1 micron in the x direction while exhibiting substantially different divergences in each axis as well. The intention is to create a fairly uniform optical pump beam in both the x and the y axis through as much of the gain media as possible. The modeled, virtual diode, is telecentric only in the long or “slow” axis where the divergence is generally less than the diode's “fast” axis. The virtual diode model is used as a source in a lens design software program to predict performance of diodes and their accompanying optics as pump sources for micro-lasers. Corroboration between the model and actual systems have been experimentally verified and will be presented. The single, linear laser diode source is used as the basis for a laser diode array model is also presented.
Relationship between acute respiratory illness and air pollution in an Indian industrial city.

(1983). Relationship Between Acute Respiratory Illness and Air Pollution in an Indian Industrial City. Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association: Vol. 33, No. 3, pp. 226-227.
A family of admissible minimax estimators of the mean of a multivariate, normal distribution

Let X has a p-dimensional normal distribution with mean vector θ and identity covariance matrix I. In a compound decision problem consisting of squared-error estimation of θ, Strawderman (1971) placed a Beta (α, 1) prior distribution on a normal class of priors to produce a family of Bayes minimax estimators. We propose an incomplete Gamma(α, β) prior distribution on the same normal class of priors to produce a larger family of Bayes minimax estimators. We present the results of a Monte Carlo study to demonstrate the reduced risk of our estimators in comparison with the Strawderman estimators when θ is away from the zero vector. Soit X une variable aleatoire de Laplace-Gauss de moyenne θ et de covariance I dans l'espace a p dimensions. Afin d'estimer θ en minimisant l'erreur quadratique moyenne, Strawderman (1971) a impose une loi Beta (α, 1) sur la classe des lois normales a priori, ce qui conduit a une famille d'estimateurs de Bayes minimax. On peut elargir davantage cette famille en se servant plutǒt d'une loi Gamma (α, β) incomplete. Lorsque θ est suffisamment eloigne de l'origine, il en resulte une reduction du risque qu'une etude de Monte Carlo nous permet ici d'evaluer numeriquement.
A unique case of rhabdoid tumor presenting as hemoperitoneum in an infant

We report the first pediatric case of an extrarenal, noncentral nervous system, diffusely metastatic, gastrointestinal rhabdoid tumor in a 106-day-old, previous 25-week preterm infant. The unusual clinical presentation, the diagnosis, and biology of this tumor as well as the etiology of hemoperitoneum in neonates and infants are discussed.
Development of Circulatory and Metabolic Shock Following Transient Portal Triad Occlusion

Liver ischemia is purposefully induced by portal triad occlusion (PTO) in several clinical situations including liver surgery for trauma, tumor, and transplantation. Despite significant morbidity from PTO, the hemodynamic and metabolic effects of PTO have not been evaluated relative to duration of ischemia. We investigated this using a total hepatic ischemia model. Rats received isoflurane anesthesia, carotid artery and jugular vein cannulation, and serial measurements of cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), stroke volume (SV), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), superior mesenteric artery blood flow (SMAF), intestinal vascular resistance (IVR), pH, pCO2, pO2, lactate, glucose, hematocrit (HCT), white blood cell count (WBC), and total neutrophils. Each group received 0, 15, 30, 45, or 60 min of PTO followed by 2 hr of reperfusion. All sham ischemia animals remained hemodynamically stable throughout the study. However, in the ischemic groups, there were significant time-dependent decreases in MAP, HR, CO, CVP, SV, SMAF, and pH, and increases in SVR, IVR, HCT, and lactate, while pCO2, pO2, glucose, and WBC remained stable. All of the ischemic animals survived except those that received 60 min of PTO. In this group, all of the animals survived the ischemic period; however, only one animal survived beyond 60 min of reperfusion. These data demonstrate a time-dependent circulatory and metabolic shock following PTO heralded by intestinal venous pooling and loss of intravascular fluid, and culminating in death. Careful hemodynamic monitoring and restoration of blood volume in the trauma patient may reduce morbidity and mortality.
The evolutionary genomics of pathogen recombination

A pressing problem in studying the evolution of microbial pathogens is to determine the extent to which these genomes recombine. This information is essential for locating pathogenicity loci by using association studies or population genetic approaches. Recombination also complicates the use of phylogenetic approaches to estimate evolutionary parameters such as selection pressures. Reliable methods that detect and estimate the rate of recombination are, therefore, vital. This article reviews the approaches that are available for detecting and estimating recombination in microbial pathogens and how they can be used to understand pathogen evolution and to identify medically relevant loci.
A relationship between NMR cross-polarization rates and dynamic storage modulae of polymers

A relationship between dynamic storage modulus (E′) and the mean cross-polarization time constants 〈TCH〉 for 16 polymer data sets has been established by using a standard linear solid model. This model is used in an attempt to equate the process of cross-polarization with mechanical rigidity by virtue of the implicit dependence of each phenomenon on molecular motion. The apparent validity of the relationship between these parameters indicates that cross-polarization in polymers can be a function of molecular motion in addition to microscopic spin dynamics. The limitations as well as practical applications of this relationship are discussed. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Some problems concerning the non-adiabatic tubular reactor a-priori bounds, qualitative behavior, preliminary uniqueness and stability considerations

An investigation of the non-adiabatic tubular reactor, in which a single chemical reaction occurs, is presented. The steady state mass and heat balance equations are shown to be a pair of coupled, nonlinear differential equations, and are shown to uncouple into a single functional-differential equation for the case Le = 1. A-priori bounds on the steady state concentration and temperature are developed, and some remarks about the shape of the steady state profiles made. Sufficient conditions ensuring uniqueness of steady states and their asymptotic stability are derived. On presente les resultats d'une etude faite sur un reacteur tubulaire et non-adiabatique, dans lequel il se produit une seule reaction chimique. On montre que les equations de masse et d'equilibre de chaleur, en regime permanent, consistent en deux equations differentielles et non-lineaires associees, qui se ramenent a une seule equation differentielle fonctionnelle lorsque Le = 1. On etablit des limites a-priori sur la concentration et la temperature en regime permanent et fait des remarques sur l'allure des profils en regime permanent. On deduit des conditions qui permettent d'assurer l'aspect unique des regimes permanents et leut stabilite asymptotique.
Evaluating alternative fuels in USA: a proposed forecasting framework using AHP and scenarios

This paper proposes a forecasting framework that integrates the analytic hierarchy process with scenario analysis techniques to explore the commercialisation of future motor fuel technologies. We analyse the reasons for the uncertainty of oil price and how it affects alternative fuel commercialisation. We propose a set of evaluation criteria including Economic, Cultural, Environmental, Sustainability and Development Time. Finally, we develop four different Scenarios to verify the robustness of each alternative.
The Protein-Binding Potential of C2H2 Zinc Finger Domains

There are over 10,000 C2H2-type zinc finger (ZF) domains distributed among more than 1,000 ZF proteins in the human genome. These domains are frequently observed to be involved in sequence-specific DNA binding, and uncharacterized domains are typically assumed to facilitate DNA interactions. However, some ZFs also facilitate binding to proteins or RNA. Over 100 Cys2-His2 (C2H2) ZF-protein interactions have been described. We initially attempted a bioinformatics analysis to identify sequence features that would predict a DNA- or protein-binding function. These efforts were complicated by several issues, including uncertainties about the full functional capabilities of the ZFs. We therefore applied an unbiased approach to directly examine the potential for ZFs to facilitate DNA or protein interactions. The human OLF-1/EBF associated zinc finger (OAZ) protein was used as a model. The human O/E-1-associated zinc finger protein (hOAZ) contains 30 ZFs in 6 clusters, some of which have been previously indicated in DNA or protein interactions. DNA binding was assessed using a target site selection (CAST) assay, and protein binding was assessed using a yeast two-hybrid assay. We observed that clusters known to bind DNA could facilitate specific protein interactions, but clusters known to bind protein did not facilitate specific DNA interactions. Our primary conclusion is that DNA binding is a more restricted function of ZFs, and that their potential for mediating protein interactions is likely greater. These results suggest that the role of C2H2 ZF domains in protein interactions has probably been underestimated. The implication of these findings for the prediction of ZF function is discussed.
Visual analytics decision support environment for epidemic modeling and response evaluation

In modeling infectious diseases, scientists are studying the mechanisms by which diseases spread, predicting the future course of the outbreak, and evaluating strategies applied to control an epidemic. While recent work has focused on accurately modeling disease spread, less work has been performed in developing interactive decision support tools for analyzing the future course of the outbreak and evaluating potential disease mitigation strategies. The absence of such tools makes it difficult for researchers, analysts and public health officials to evaluate response measures within outbreak scenarios. As such, our research focuses on the development of an interactive decision support environment in which users can explore epidemic models and their impact. This environment provides a spatiotemporal view where users can interactively utilize mitigative response measures and observe the impact of their decision over time. Our system also provides users with a linked decision history visualization and navigation tool that support the simultaneous comparison of mortality and infection rates corresponding to different response measures at different points in time.
A Difference Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Study of Chlorophyll Oxidation in Hydroxylamine-treated Photosystem II

In oxygenic photosynthesis, photosystem II is the chlorophyll-containing reaction center that carries out the light-induced transfer of electrons from water to plastoquinone. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy can be used to obtain information about the structural changes that accompany electron transfer in photosystem II. The vibrational difference spectrum associated with the reduction of photosystem II acceptor quinones is of interest. Previously, a high concentration of the photosystem II donor, hydroxylamine, has been used to obtain a spectrum attributed to QA−− QA (Berthomiou, C., Nabedryk, E., Mantele, W. and Breton, J., FEBS Lett. (1990) 269, 393). Here we use electron paramagnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectrocopy, and 15N isotopic labeling to show that the difference infrared spectrum, obtained under these conditions, also exhibits a contribution from the oxidation of chlorophyll.
Fast Direct Plane-to-Plane Coordinate Transformations

A set of highly efficient coordinate transformations has been derived to convert between Cartesian coordinates in two different projection planes. The gain in execution speed is as great as a factor of 20 compared to the two‐step process of going from Cartesian coordinates in one plane to the celestial coordinates, and then to Cartesian coordinates in the second plane. The new coordinate transformations are successfully used by the Spitzer Space Telescope mosaicker MOPEX.
A high assurance MLS file server

In this paper, we present the design of a high assurance file server model developed to operate within the Multiple Independent Levels of Security framework. The file server model is a multilevel application that utilizes separation to mediate information flow by adhering to a security policy formulated from a modified version of the Bell and LaPadula Model and the GWVr2 policy, which is a separation kernel based policy developed for high assurance architectures. This paper focuses on the design aspects of the file server model and the underlying architecture. The purpose of this file server design is to develop a formal model to meet the formal methods requirement of Common Criteria, which is a system design and specification guideline for high assurance systems. The model is also an example application for the Multiple Independent Levels of Security architecture.