cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by house flies.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a recently emerged coronavirus that is the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 in humans is characterized by a wide range of symptoms that range from asymptomatic to mild or severe illness including death. SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and is transmitted via the oral–nasal route through droplets and aerosols, or through contact with contaminated fomites. House flies are known to transmit bacterial, parasitic and viral diseases to humans and animals as mechanical vectors. Previous studies have shown that house flies can mechanically transmit coronaviruses, such as turkey coronavirus; however, the house fly’s role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission has not yet been explored. The goal of this work was to investigate the potential of house flies to mechanically transmit SARS-CoV-2. For this purpose, it was determined whether house flies can acquire SARS-CoV-2, harbor live virus and mechanically transmit the virus to naive substrates and surfaces. Two independent studies were performed to address the study objectives. In the first study, house flies were tested for infectivity after exposure to SARS-CoV-2-spiked medium or milk. In the second study, environmental samples were tested for infectivity after contact with SARS-CoV-2-exposed flies. During both studies, samples were collected at various time points post-exposure and evaluated by SARS-CoV-2-specific RT-qPCR and virus isolation. All flies exposed to SARS-CoV-2-spiked media or milk substrates were positive for viral RNA at 4 h and 24 h post-exposure. Infectious virus was isolated only from the flies exposed to virus-spiked milk but not from those exposed to virus-spiked medium. Moreover, viral RNA was detected in environmental samples after contact with SARS-CoV-2 exposed flies, although no infectious virus was recovered from these samples. Under laboratory conditions, house flies acquired and harbored infectious SARS-CoV-2 for up to 24 h post-exposure. In addition, house flies were able to mechanically transmit SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA to the surrounding environment up to 24 h post-exposure. Further studies are warranted to determine if house fly transmission occurs naturally and the potential public health implications of such events.
Optimized Splitting of RNA Sequencing Data by Species

Gene expression studies using chimeric xenograft transplants or co-culture systems have proven to be valuable to uncover cellular dynamics and interactions during development or in disease models. However, the mRNA sequence similarities among species presents a challenge for accurate transcript quantification. To identify optimal strategies for analyzing mixed-species RNA sequencing data, we evaluate both alignment-dependent and alignment-independent methods. Alignment of reads to a pooled reference index is effective, particularly if optimal alignments are used to classify sequencing reads by species, which are re-aligned with individual genomes, generating >97% accuracy across a range of species ratios. Alignment-independent methods, such as Convolutional Neural Networks, which extract the conserved patterns of sequences from two species, classify RNA sequencing reads with over 85% accuracy. Importantly, both methods perform well with different ratios of human and mouse reads. Our evaluation identifies valuable and effective strategies to dissect species composition of RNA sequencing data from mixed populations.
Engaging Our Symbols, Sharing Our World: Forming Young People Around Symbols for Participation in the Public Sphere

AbstractThis article highlights the potential of symbols, specifically those David Tracy calls “religious classics,” to anchor both dialogue among people of differing beliefs and the formation of young people by their religious communities. Symbols present a particularly propitious focal point for such dialogue because of (1) the congruence of symbolic expression with the dynamics of human cognition and (2) the suitability of this mode of expression to the present cultural context. A dramatic example illustrates the process of shared reflection on classic religious symbols through which and for which religious communities should form their youth for responsible participation in public spaces.
Textbook oncologic outcome in pancreaticoduodenectomy: Do regionalization efforts make sense?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Few empiric studies evaluate the effects of regionalization on pancreatic cancer care. METHODS We queried the National Cancer Database to identify patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for clinical stage I/II pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 2006 and 2015. Facilities were categorized by annual pancreatectomy volume. Textbook oncologic outcome was defined as a margin negative resection, appropriate lymph node assessment, no prolonged hospitalization, no 30-day readmission, no 90-day mortality, and timely receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariable regression adjusted for comorbid disease, pathologic stage, and facility characteristics was used to evaluate the relationship between facility volume and textbook outcome. RESULTS Sixteen thousand six hundred and two patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy; 3566 (21.5%) had a textbook outcome. Operations performed at high volume centers increased each year (45.8% in 2006 to 64.2% in 2015, p < 0.001) as did textbook outcome rates (14.3%-26.2%, p < 0.001). Surgical volume was associated with textbook outcome. High volume centers demonstrated higher unadjusted rates of textbook outcome (25.4% vs. 11.8% p < 0.01) and increased adjusted odds of textbook outcome relative to low volume centers (odds ratio: 2.39, [2.02, 2.85], p < 0.001). Textbook outcome was associated with improved overall survival independent of volume. CONCLUSIONS Regionalization of care for pancreaticoduodenectomy to high volume centers is ongoing and is associated with improved quality of care.
Distance-adaptive virtual network embedding in software-defined optical networks

We address the first distance-adaptive virtual network embedding problem in software-defined optical networks, and propose a fragmentation-aware algorithm. The impacts of fixed and flexible grid transports are evaluated in the number of embedded virtual instances.
Profile-based algorithms to solve multiple capacitated metric scheduling problems

Though CSP scheduling models have tended to assume fairly general representations of temporal constraints, most work has restricted attention to problems that require allocation of simple, unit-capacity resources. This paper considers an extended class of scheduling problems where resources have capacity to simultaneously support more than one activity, and resource availability at any point in time is consequently a function of whether sufficient unallocated capacity remains. We present a progression of algorithms for solving such multiple-capacitated scheduling problems, and evaluate the performance of each with respect to problem solving ability and quality of solutions generated. A previously reported algorithm, named the Conflict Free Solution Algorithm (CFSA), is first evaluated against a set of problems of increasing dimension and is shown to be of limited effectiveness. Two variations of this algorithm are then introduced which incorporate measures of temporal flexibility as an alternative heuristic basis for directing the search, and the variant making broadest use of these search heuristics is shown to yield significant performance improvement. Observations about the tendency of the CFSA solution approach to produce unnecessarily overconstrained solutions then lead to development of a second heuristic algorithm, named Earliest Start Time Algorithm (ESTA). ESTA is shown to be the most effective of the set, both in terms of its ability to efficiently solve problems of increasing scale and its ability to produce schedules that minimize overall completion time while retaining solution robustness.
ROBERT JAMES McCRACKEN

This paper explores the life and ministry of Robert James McCracken, a pastor and theologian from Scotland whose ministry in Scotland, Canada and New York City illustrates the importance of a theology of mission that connects the gospel of Jesus Christ with the contemporary world.
Chapter 6 Global Software Development: Origins, Practices, and Directions

Abstract The global software industry emerged in the wake of the first computers over 60 years ago. Computing was a global industry from its earliest days initially in the US and the UK. Today the industry touches all aspects of our modern lives in all corners of the globe. Increasingly this global industry also produces its products using globally dispersed and culturally diverse teams of scientists, engineers, technicians, and managers. This chapter explores the roots of Global Software Development (GSD), provides a detailed practice approach to conducting GSD especially with Indian suppliers, and examines current trends and their implications for the future. An exploration of the roots of this economic and technical phenomenon through the presentation of the earliest global software teams, their experiences, and how they laid the foundation for today's practitioners sets the stage. This review will place into context today's practices in GSD. Building on this foundation a detailed examination of current practices in GSD will lead to the introduction of a systematic and practical approach to conducting cross‐shore development that is based on the experiences of one company which provides lessons for the industry at large. This practice approach builds on the history of GSD as well as specific adaptations of both engineering and managerial approaches to distributed development. This model for offshore development represents a tactical approach to modeling an offshore process for companies currently pursuing or planning to expand into offshore development. Key practices that lead to success in this environment are documented and traps that can limit project effectiveness are pointed out in detail. Finally, the chapter discusses current trends in GSD and the implications for the industry in coming years. Among the topics considered include the likelihood of an acceleration in GSD, its limitations for expansion and adoption, new models of organization for effective leverage of global teams, and technical evolutions occurring due to the cross pollination of the industry and the emergence of offshore research and newly established centers of innovation. In summary, this chapter will start at the beginning of the GSD experience, provide detailed and deployable methods to conducting GSD, and point to the probable future of the field and its impacts.
Mood induction, interpersonal perceptions, and behavioral rejection in students with depressed, non-depressed disturbed, and normal roommates

The present study used the MMPI to select, based on multidimensional criteria, 51 college students displaying depression alone, depression in conjunction with other psychological disturbance, nondepressive psychological disturbance, or no psychological disturbance. All students selected had been living with randomly assigned roommates for at least 10 weeks. Depressive symptoms, perceptions, and rejection were assessed in the roommates of these students 2-7 days after the initial screening. Roommates of students depressed in conjunction with other psychological disturbance were significantly more depressed themselves on two different measures than were roommates of students in the other three groups. Rejection was suggested by a disproportionately high incidence of roommate breakups involving students with this profile type. Roommates who remained with these students also differed from roommates in the other three conditions in their inability to simulate accurately students' earlier responses to the MMPI ...
Making religiosity person-centered: A latent profile analysis of religiosity and psychological health outcomes

Abstract Although variable-centered analyses predominate the religiosity-health literature, they are limited in that they tend to focus on the (unique) associations between a single facet of religiosity and outcomes. Person-centered analyses allow the identification of distinct subpopulations defined by individuals' full response profiles on facets of religiosity. The present study used latent profile analysis to identify distinct subgroups defined by their scores on the Religious Life Inventory-Revised. Using the Lo–Mendell–Rubin Likelihood Ratio Test, we found that a four-class solution fits optimally in two samples of Christian college students, including questioning (high quest, low intrinsic/extrinsic), intrinsically motivated (high intrinsic), high religiosity (high on all religious orientations), and low religiosity (low on all religious orientations) groups. Across both studies, we found, that the high religiosity, low religiosity and questioning groups reported significantly lower levels of psychological well-being compared to the “Intrinsically Motivated” group. These results corroborate studies suggesting that intrinsic religiosity is a protective factor associated with good psychological well-being among religious students and that personal religious struggles (i.e., quest religiosity) are associated with poorer psychological well-being. Our results point to the utility of person-centered analyses to examine religiosity in unique ways.
A pseudo root-locus method for the design of a class of two-input-two-output systems

This paper presents the design of digital rebalance loops for a tuned-rotor gyro which is intended to be an attitude sensor in a strapdown inertial measurement unit. A tuned-rotor gyro is a two-degree-of-freedom gyro which has two input axes, with cross-coupling between them. The rebalance loop of the gyro serves for two purposes. First, it restores the position of the rotor to its null position after experiencing an attitude input. Second, the rebalancing signal, which is proportional to the attitude change, is calibrated to give the desired attitude information. Since the gyro has more than one input and one output, a multivariable control technique is needed for designing the rebalance loop. The analytic model for the gyro is described and the available design methods are examined. A new root-locus design technique specially developed for the present problem is outlined. The design of the rebalance loop using the new technique is given. The computer simulation result of the designed system is presented and discussed.
Cutting Edge: Autoimmune Disease Risk Variant of STAT4 Confers Increased Sensitivity to IFN-α in Lupus Patients In Vivo

Increased IFN-α signaling is a primary pathogenic factor in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). STAT4 is a transcription factor that is activated by IFN-α signaling, and genetic variation of STAT4 has been associated with risk of SLE and rheumatoid arthritis. We measured serum IFN-α activity and simultaneous IFN-α-induced gene expression in PBMC in a large SLE cohort. The risk variant of STAT4 (T allele; rs7574865) was simultaneously associated with both lower serum IFN-α activity and greater IFN-α-induced gene expression in PBMC in SLE patients in vivo. Regression analyses confirmed that the risk allele of STAT4 was associated with increased sensitivity to IFN-α signaling. The IFN regulatory factor 5 SLE risk genotype was associated with higher serum IFN-α activity; however, STAT4 showed dominant influence on the sensitivity of PBMC to serum IFN-α. These data provide biologic relevance for the risk variant of STAT4 in the IFN-α pathway in vivo.
Nacionales y Extranjeros en la Arqueología Mexicana 1890-1930

Esta tesis doctoral narra la historia de las practicas arqueologicas en Mexico durante el periodo que va desde la decada de los anos 1890 hasta la decada de los 1930. Aunque la tesis examina la arqueologia mexicana, el tema central son las interacciones entre las arqueologias de Mexico y de los Estados Unidos. Mas que describir estas interacciones, se explora y teoriza la naturaleza de las relaciones cientificas, culturales y sociales entre estas dos naciones.
Convergent and Divergent Social Cues Effects of Televised Aggression on Children

A study was conducted to assess the impact of consistently negative cues versus mixed negative and positive cues about a televised aggressor's motives and the consequences to him on children's subsequent behavior. Second and sixth graders viewed one of two edited versions of an aggressive television program: (1) convergent, in which scenes relevant to motives and consequences were clearly negative; and (2) divergent, in which the aggressor sometimes seemed negative, but sometimes positive. There were also nonaggressive control programs at each age. Some random subgroups of children were tested on an indication of willingness to hurt or help a (fictitious) other child, while other random subgroups responded to a paper-and-pencil instrument employing both aggressive and nonaggressive response alternatives to hypothetical situations. As expected, divergent-condition viewers were significantly more aggressive than convergent-condition children. This was true for both second and sixth graders, despite an expec...
A novel basic helix-loop-helix protein is expressed in muscle attachment sites of the Drosophila epidermis.

Abstract We have found that a novel basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein is expressed almost exclusively in the epidermal attachments sites for the somatic muscles of Drosophila melanogaster. A Drosophila cDNA library was screened with radioactively labeled E12 protein, which can dimerize with many HLH proteins. One clone that emerged from this screen encoded a previously unknown protein of 360 amino acids, named delilah, that contains both basic and HLH domains, similar to a group of cellular transcription factors implicated in cell type determination. Delilah protein formed heterodimers with E12 that bind to the muscle creatine kinase promoter. In situ hybridization with the delilah cDNA localized the expression of the gene to a subset of cells in the epidermis which form a distinct pattern involving both the segmental boundaries and intrasegmental clusters. This pattern was coincident with the known sites of attachment of the somatic muscles to tendon cells in the epidermis. delilah expression persists in snail mutant embryos which lack mesoderm, indicating that expression of the gene was not induced by attachment of the underlying muscles. The similarity of this gene to other bHLH genes suggests that it plays an important role in the differentiation of epidermal cells into muscle attachment sites.
Reflections on the Sermon on the Mount

Because the sermon on the mount (hereafter SM) has received as much attention as any text in all of world literature, informed attempts to interpret it should in some way come to terms with the history of the discussion. For this reason we shall commence by examining several traditional approaches to the SM. We fully recognise that ‘a history of the interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount throughout the past two millennia would virtually amount to an introduction to the entire development of Christian theology and ethics’ — a fact which means that our own review is of necessity brief and piecemeal. Nonetheless, the following few pages do suffice to reveal certain important tendencies in exegetical history. Among them, and of first importance for our concerns, is the unfortunate habit of viewing the SM in isolation. Interpreters have again and again failed to take seriously the broader, literary context of Mt. 5–7 and have instead interpreted the chapters as though they were complete unto themselves, as though they constituted a book instead of a portion of a book. The considerable hermeneutical consequences have, on the whole, led away from the intent of the evangelist (our primary concern herein). It is our contention that any credible interpretation of Mt. 5–7 must constantly keep an eye on Mt. 1–4 and Mt. 9–28, for the part (the SM) draws its true meaning only from the whole (Matthew's Gospel). Put otherwise, the proper interpretation of the SM must be at one with the proper interpretation of the First Gospel in its entirety.
Stabilization and optimality results for the attitude control problem

In this paper we present some recent results on the description and control of the attitude motion of rotating rigid bodies We derive a new class of globally asymptotically stabilizing feedback control laws for the complete i e dynamics and kinematics attitude motion We show that the use of a Lyapunov function which involves the sum of a quadratic term in the angular velocities and a logarithmic term in the kinematic parameters leads to the design of linear controllers We also show that the feedback control laws for the kinematics minimize a quadratic cost in the state and control variables for all initial conditions For the complete system we construct a family of exponentially stabilizing control laws and we investigate their optimality characteristics The proposed control laws are given in terms of the classical Cayley Rodrigues parameters and the Modi ed Rodrigues parameters
TMC Function in Hair Cell Mechanotransduction

Sensory hair cells of the mammalian inner ear convert sound stimuli and head movements into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain. The molecules and mechanisms of sensory transduction in inner ear hair cells have been the focus of considerable interest and investigation. Recently, we identified Transmembrane channel-like proteins 1 and 2 (TMC1 and TMC2) as components of the mechanosensitive ion channels in hair cells. The data suggest that TMC1 or TMC2 are required for hair cell transduction and that expression of either one is sufficient to retain mechanosensitivity. Although these molecules are somewhat redundant in their function, there are clear differences in the biophysical properties of mechanotransduction in hair cells that express only TMC1 or only TMC2. The biophysical differences include differences in the rate and extent of adaptation, differences in calcium permeability and differences in single-channel conductance. Wild-type hair cells that express both TMC1 and TMC2 have a broad range of single-channel conductances, raising the possibility that the proteins may interact to form channels with a range of biophysical properties. Both dominant and recessive mutations in Tmc1 cause deafness in mice and humans. To further characterize the contributions of TMC1 to hair cell function we examined hair cells of mice that carried a dominant point mutation in Tmc1 known as Beethoven (Bth). The Bth mutation is methionine to lysine substitution at amino acid position 412. We find that the Bth point mutation is not a dominant-negative, or loss-of-function mutation, but alters several biophysical properties of hair cell transduction. Relative to cells that express wild-type Tmc1, cells that express the Bth mutation have smaller single-channel conductance, larger calcium block, reduced calcium permeability and slower adaptation. These data provide strong evidence that implicate TMC1 as a component of the hair cell mechanotransduction channel.
Chromosomal localization of genes required for the terminal steps of oxidative metabolism: α and γ subunits of ATP synthase and the phosphate carrier

The terminal steps of oxidative phosphorylation include transport of phosphate and ADP into the mitochondrial matrix, synthesis of ATP in the matrix, and transport of the product ATP into the cytosol where it can be utilized to perform cellular work. Three nuclear genome encoded membrane proteins, namely, the phosphate carrier (PHC), the adenine nucleotide carrier (ANT), and the ATP synthase complex, consisting of at least 13 individual subunits, catalyze these reactions. The locations of the α and γ subunits of the mitochondrial ATP synthase complex and the mitochondrial phosphate carrier, PHC, on human chromosomes were determined using cloned rat liver cDNA as probes. Human homologues of the α subunit are on chromosomes 9 and 18, the γ subunit are on chromosomes 10 and 14, and the PHC was localized to chromosome 12.
A Sony Walkman Pro Cassette Tape Delay

I engineered and built the Sony Walkman Pro tape delay in summer 1983. I still use it in performance, with the same cassettes and Walkman recorders, some 24 years later. It became really tiresome to arrange for two stereo tape recorders at every gig, and I was determined to find a way to make this delay system. The Walkman was perfect for this purpose because it had very accurate speed control (simply leave the speed tune knob to OFF) and the recorders themselves needed no modification. I know
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy A Better and Longer Life for Patients With Advanced Heart Failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart muscle cannot function properly. It can result from the heart muscle becoming stiff over time or from a gradual weakening that results in a decreased ability to pump blood to the body. The weakening of the heart muscle, called systolic heart failure, is most commonly a result of processes such as heart attacks, heart valve abnormalities, uncontrolled hypertension, and viral illnesses, although a number of other conditions can cause the heart to weaken as well. Treating the underlying cause of the heart failure is the first step of management, whether it is through medicine or surgery to repair a blocked artery or a damaged heart valve or by controlling blood pressure. Even if the cause of the heart failure is unknown (idiopathic), the medical regimen used is the same as for the other causes of heart failure. A sensible diet with salt and fluid restriction, exercise, and medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-blockers, often with diuretics (sometimes called water pills), are therapies aimed at relieving the stress the weakened heart is undergoing. In cases in which an individual is still suffering from the symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath at rest or with minimal activity, fluid retention …
Adult cardiac muscle cells in long-term serum-free culture: myofibrillar organization and expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms.

A culture system for adult rat cardiac muscle cells has been established without exposure of cells to serum at any step of the procedure. The methodology has been standardized and optimized to obtain better quality and high yield of cells and culture. Subsequent to enzyme perfusion, the release of myocytes from enzyme-perfused tissues was carried out in enzyme-free Joklik's medium instead of exposing cells to proteolytic enzyme(s) as done previously. Approximately 5 million cylindrical muscle cells per ventricle were obtained. The culture medium contained Eagle's minimum essential medium with Earle's salts, basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, insulin, transferrin, selenium, norepinephrine, triiodothyronine (T3), bovine serum albumin, nonessential amino acids, and ascorbic acid. The plating efficiency of the experimental cultures was comparable to that of the control cultures grown in the presence of serum. The cells in the serum-free medium contained myofibrillar and myosin isoforms characteristics of the adult myocytes. The cells underwent cellular reorganization comparable to that of the controls. The initial phase of reorganization involved the breakdown of myofibrils and extrusion of mitochondria, degraded myofibrils, and other cellular organelles. The latter phase of reorganization included myofibrillogenesis and organellogenesis resulting in the development of myofibrillar apparatus with cellular organelles. Myocytes were contractile throughout the culture period. Cardiac myocytes grown, in serum-free medium expressed the predominant myosin isoform V1 similar to their counterparts in vivo. T3 is essential for the expression of isomyosin V1. This study demonstrates that adult cardiac muscle cells can be maintained in long-term serum-free culture from seeding to termination. The cells in serum-free conditions maintain at least two differentiated characteristics of adult myocytes investigated, namely, abundant organized myofibrils and predominant myosin isoform V1.
On the effects of signal acuity in a multi-alternative model of decision making

We consider the effects of signal sharpness or acuity on the performance of neural models of decision making. In these models, a vector of signals is presented, and the subject must decide which of the elements of the vector is the largest. McMillen and Holmes (2006) derived asymptotically optimal tests under the assumption that the elements of the signal vector were all equal except one. In this letter, we consider the case of signals spread around a peak. The acuity is a measure of how strongly peaked the signal is. We find that the optimal test is one in which the detectors are passed through an output layer that encodes knowledge of the possible shapes of the incoming signals. The incorporation of such an output layer can lead to significant improvements in decision-making tasks.
CARDIAC FUNCTION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

The cardiac function of 8 chronic hemodialysis patients ages 5-18 years (mean 13.5) was evaluated by echocardiography. Studies were done just prior to and immediately after a 4 hour hemodialysis. As has been found in adults, pericardial effusion was an unusual finding; only one patient had a minimal effusion pre-dialysis. 5/8 patients had decreased mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (Vcf) and stroke volume index (SVI) pre-dialysis. After dialysis 3 of these 5 patients' cardiac function returned to normal - according to echocardiographic standards established in our laboratory. 2/8 patients had dilated hearts with normal Vcf but increased SVI and end diastolic volume index pre-dialysis which returned to normal post dialysis. One patient had normal function pre and post dialysis. Change in cardiac function was unrelated to hematocrit, change in weight or change in blood pressure. All the patients had symmetrical left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) by echocardiography (septum. 89 cm, posterior left ventricular wall 1.02 cm), but none had LVH by electrocardiography. Echocardiography demonstrated variable cardiac function pre-dialysis with improvement of 5/8 patients post dialysis, and has potential for use in the evaluation of the adequacy of dialysis.
Alzheimer's Disease Under Managed Care: Implications from Medicare Utilization and Expenditure Patterns

BACKGROUND: Little information is available about the costs, utilization patterns, and the delivery system used by Medicare beneficiaries with chronic illnesses. This information will become increasingly important as more Medicare beneficiaries with chronic illness enroll in managed care plans and delivery systems must be developed to meet their needs. OBJECTIVES: To analyze health care expenditures and utilization patterns for Medicare beneficiaries with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) and compare them with those of all Medicare beneficiaries. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Practices providing services to Medicare beneficiaries in the U.S. SUBJECTS: Aged Medicare beneficiaries with DAT in fiscal year (FY) 1992. MEASUREMENTS: Medical expenditures and utilization patterns. RESULTS: In FY 1992, per capita Medicare expenditures for 9323 patients with DAT were $6208, or 1.9 times the per capita expenditure for all 1,221,615 beneficiaries in our sample. Inpatient care accounted for 62.7% of expenditures. Internal medicine was the specialty identified with the largest proportion of expenditures, but no single specialty accounted for the majority of care. Payments increased with comorbid conditions such as heart failure, chronic pulmonary diseases, and cerebrovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Current Medicare capitation payments to managed care plans may not meet the higher expected annual costs of care for beneficiaries with DAT. In turn, physicians (or physician groups) who accept capitation for Medicare beneficiaries with DAT should also consider how capitation rates are established by managed care plans and should learn ways to reduce financial risk.
Kinematic Synthesis of Plane Curves

Damped least squares method for kinematic synthesis of plane curves described by paired coordinates for four-bar linkage mechanism
“Putting It All Together” to Improve Resuscitation Quality

Cardiac arrest is a major public health problem affecting thousands of individuals each year in both the before hospital and in-hospital settings. However, although the scope of the problem is large, the quality of care provided during resuscitation attempts frequently does not meet quality of care standards, despite evidence-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines, extensive provider training, and provider credentialing in resuscitation medicine. Although this fact may be disappointing, it should not be surprising. Resuscitation of the cardiac arrest victim is a highly complex task requiring coordination between various levels and disciplines of care providers during a stressful and relatively infrequent clinical situation. Moreover, it requires a targeted, high-quality response to improve clinical outcomes of patients. Therefore, solutions to improve care provided during resuscitation attempts must be multifaceted and targeted to the diverse number of care providers to be successful. In the “2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (AHA Guidelines),” 1,2 the focus of resuscitation priorities during cardiac arrest has shifted from early airway and breathing management toward providing high quality uninterrupted chest compressions and early defibrillation for shockable rhythms, which is exemplified in the acronym change
Response Specification and Acquisition of Free Operant Avoidance Behavior

In Exp. 1, 2 groups of rats were trained under a free operant avoidance schedule. The response was a press on a lever for Group BP (18 subjects) and a release of the lever for Group EP (22 subjects). Neither the rate of response nor the frequency of shock discriminated between the two groups, but there was a slight difference in the lever-holding time. In Exp. 2, 3 subjects were trained for 35 2-hr. sessions. In addition to the measures used in Exp. 1, a measure of avoidance proficiency (AVPRO) was employed. It was shown that (1) substantial improvement in avoidance developed late in training; (2) that AVPRO was correlated with changes in lever-holding behavior and was poorly related to the rate of response.
Evaluation of the Micropolar elasticity constants for honeycombs

The Micropolar and Lame constants for a circular cell polycarbonate honeycomb are calculated using a finite element representation of the honeycomb microstructure. A hexagonally packed, circular cell, honeycomb sheet with a rigid circular inclusion was numerically analyzed under uniaxial tension. Micropolar Elasticity was found to be the best continuum representation of the discrete honeycomb. This conclusion was arrived at by matching the strain field in the discrete honeycomb with that predicted by a micropolar elastic continuum representation of the honeycomb. The minimum ratio of inclusion radius a to cell diameter d, for the honeycomb to be approximated accurately as a continuum was between 16 and 20. A radius of 20d and 32d showed a near perfect approximation to a continuum.
Lack of Difference in Sex Ratio of Mice with Cortisone-Induced Cleft Palate

Cortisone injected into pregnant CD1 and Strong A mice increased the number of resorption sites but had no statistically significant effect on the sex ratio of the surviving fetuses. With one exception, no difference between sexes in incidence of cleft palate was demonstrated, which suggests that cortisone in the dose used did not induce cleft palate through a sex-dependent mechanism.
Discontinuation of Nicotine Replacement Therapy Among Smoking-Cessation Attempters

Background Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) doubles successful quitting, but more than half of NRT users do not comply with optimal treatment regimens. Methods From the 2005 Colorado state tobacco survey, quit attempters who utilized NRT (N=366) were analyzed in spring 2007. Descriptive and regression analyses were used to examine reasons for discontinuing NRT, length of time on NRT, and quit intentions. Results The reasons for discontinuing NRT were resuming smoking (34%), side effects (17%), NRT not helping with quitting (14%), quitting smoking (10%), and cost (5%). Poverty, age, and non-Latino minority status were associated with reasons for discontinuation other than quitting smoking. Having side effects was associated with a short duration of NRT use and 95% lower odds of intending to quit in the next month. Conclusions In the first population-level study examining reasons for discontinuing NRT, general-population smokers who initiate NRT use when attempting to quit are highly likely to discontinue NRT prematurely. Age and culturally-appropriate medication management interventions may increase NRT compliance and improve cessation outcomes.
Fifteen years of science and space weather studies

Fifteen years ago, on 25 August 1997, NASA launched the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft. In operation for more than a solar cycle, ACE has provided numerous important scientific results while at the same time becoming a key component of the space weather–monitoring system and a cornerstone of the fleet of distributed spacecraft that make up the Heliophysics Great Observatory. ACE is located on the sunward side of Earth about 1.5 million kilometers away, or 4 times as far from Earth as is the Moon. This puts ACE well outside the Earth's magnetosphere and in an ideal position to monitor the solar wind environment “upwind” of Earth. ACE has six high-resolution spectrometers that measure the elemental, isotopic, and ionic charge-state composition of ions from hydrogen to iron; it also includes three particle and field monitors. One of the nine instruments has now failed (Solar Energetic Particle Ionic Charge Analyzer (SEPICA)), and two others are partially degraded (Solar Wind Ion Composition Spectrometer (SWICS) and Solar Wind Electron, Proton, and Alpha Monitor (SWEPAM)); however, the other six are working well. Instrument descriptions are available on the ACE Web site at http://www.srl.caltech.edu/ACE/.
Characterization of tissue-simulating polymers for photoacoustic vascular imaging

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is a maturing imaging technique which combines optical excitation and acoustic detection to enable deep tissue sensing for biomedical applications. Optical absorption provides biochemical specificity and high optical contrast while ultrasonic detection provides high spatial resolution and penetration depth. These characteristics make PAT highly suitable as an approach for vascular imaging. However, standard testing methods are needed in order to characterize and compare the performance of these systems. Tissue-mimicking phantoms are commonly used as standard test samples for imaging system development and evaluation due to their repeatable fabrication and tunable properties. The multi-domain mechanism behind PAT necessitates development of phantoms that accurately mimic both acoustic and optical properties of tissues. While a wide variety of materials have been used in the literature, from gelatin and agar hydrogels to silicone, published data indicates that poly(vinyl chloride) plastisol (PVCP) is a promising candidate material for simulating tissue optical and acoustic properties while also providing superior longevity and stability. Critical acoustic properties of PVCP phantoms, including sound velocity and attenuation, were measured using acoustic transmission measurements at multiple frequencies relevant to typical PAT systems. Optical absorption and scattering coefficients of PVCP gels with and without biologically relevant absorbers and scatterers were measured over wavelengths from 500 to 1100 nm. A custom PAT system was developed to assess image contrast in PVCP phantoms containing fluid channels filled with absorbing dye. PVCP demonstrates strong potential as the basis of high-fidelity polymer phantoms for developing and evaluating PAT systems for vascular imaging applications.
Computing the Higher k -Eigenfunctions by Monte Carlo Power Iteration: A Conjecture

Most Monte Carlo transport codes estimate the fundamental k-eigenfunction by means of a power iteration method. A modified power iteration method appears to generate the higher eigenfunctions for some Monte Carlo transport problems. This technical note describes the method as well as some plausibility arguments about why the method works. At this time, no formal proof exists to show that the method converges to the desired eigenfunction.
Age-sensitive morphologic changes in tracheal organ culture following carcinogen exposure

This study was designed to assess the differential sensitivity of tracheal explants obtained from female golden Syrian hamsters at 30, 100, or 180 days of age to exposure to crocidolite asbestos or benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Explants were evaluated at 1 or 4 weeks following the initial exposure. Hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia of the mucosal epithelium were observed in exposed explants. Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff base stains demonstrated decreased amounts of intracellular acidic mucopolysaccharides in exposed explants. Morphometry supported the qualitative observations that lesions were more severe in tracheas from 30-day-old animals than lesions from the 100- and 180-day-old donor hamsters. Thus, it appears that the age-dependent, early toxic response of the tracheal organ culture model to carcinogens parallels that of animal models.
Are We Who We Think We Are: Evaluating Brand Promise at a Liberal-Arts Institution

For this research we developed a series of questions for students at a small, private, not-for-profit institution in order to determine whether or not the students’ perceptions match what the institution believes itself to be as expressed in its brand promise statement. We examined whether or not the institution’s marketing and its brand help students form a perception that matches reality. Results show that incoming freshmen students, the same students at the end of the first year, and also exiting seniors perceived the institution consistently and in accordance with its brand promise. Results help to inform recruiting strategies and strategic planning.
Harmonic analysis and the flow of a Drinfeld module

Abstract Let C be the Carlitz module associated to A = Fr[U]. Associated to C there are two types of “flows”: a “naive” flow coming from the additive group and a “twisted flow” coming from the theory of v-adic measures, v e Spec(A). The study of these flows leads us to the introduction of a new type of Fourier Transform for continuous characteristic p valued functions on Zp. This Fourier Transform is an invertible operator from continuous functions to continuous functions. We establish analogs of classical results such as Parseval's Theorem, and Poisson summation. The transforms in this paper should have applications in the study of the special functions (i.e., characteristic p valued zeta and gamma functions) that appear in the arithmetic of function fields. Indeed, the techniques introduced here may eventually lead to the construction of such objects as theta series.
Exact diagonalization of the Dirac Hamiltonian in an external field

The Hamiltonian of a Dirac particle in an arbitrary electromagnetic field is exactly diagonalized by a unitary transformation generalizing previous work which was restricted to time-dependent fields. A very simple form is found for the covariant Heisenberg equations which manifestly exhibits the classical correspondence. These results are obtained in a manifestly covariant form using a previously proposed proper-time quantum mechanics with subsequent specialization to a mass eigenstate resulting in the usual theory. The simple theorem used for this diagonalization is also applied to other transformations for helicity and the free-particle Hamiltonian. The source of difficulty in obtaining these results without an intermediate use of proper-time theory is shown.
pp′-DDT adsorption to suspended particulate matter in sea water

Abstract A procedure was devised to study pp′-DDT [2,2-bis( p- chlorophenyl )-1,1,1-trichloroethane] adsorption and desorption to suspended particulates in aqueous solutions. DDT adsorption to a marine sediment, sediment fractions, clay and humic acid suspended in sea water was investigated and the humic fraction was found to have a greater adsorbing capacity than the clay or sediment. Removal of the humic fraction from sediment reduced the adsorption capacity to less than 60 per cent of the original sediment sample. It was concluded that suspended humic particulates may be important agents for transporting chlorinated hydrocarbons through the water column and for concentrating them in sediments and in detritus-feeding organisms.
Antennas in material media near boundaries with application to communication and geophysical exploration, Part I: The bare metal dipole

The properties of the bare metal dipole embedded in a dissipative medium near a boundary are examined. These include the distribution of current, the driving-point admittance and impedance, and the effective length, with particular reference to antennas in the earth near the air surface at frequencies in the range from 30 to 300 kHz and antennas on the sea floor at frequencies in the range from 0.3 to 3 Hz. The effects of the internal impedance of the copper conductor are included at the low frequencies where they are important.
Metyrapone and antioxidants are required to maintain aldosterone synthesis by cultured bovine adrenocortical zona glomerulosa cells.

Bovine adrenal zona glomerulosa cell cultures were prepared by microdissection and collagenase digestion, followed by unit gravity sedimentation, to give populations of glomerulosa cells which were more than 95% pure. Glomerulosa cell-specific function was assayed by measuring the formation of [3H]aldosterone from saturating concentrations of precursor [3H] deoxycorticosterone and by measuring aldosterone production with a specific RIA. The purity of glomerulosa cell cultures was documented by demonstrating low levels of steroid 17α-hydroxylase activity, which is specific to the zona fasciculata-reticularis. [3H]Aldosterone production, expressed as a percentage of total 3H-labeled steroid products of [3H]deoxycorticosterone metabolism, decreased to 50% of the initial value within 12 h when cells were placed in primary culture. The following factors prolonged relative [3H]aldosterone synthesis: increasing cell density (>2 × 104 cells/cm2), lowering the oxygen concentration from 19% to 2% and including the ...
Phospholipases and phospholipid turnover in Escherichia coli spheroplasts

Abstract 1. 1. Phospholipase activity towards endogenous substrate was examined in Escherichia coli and in spheroplasts prepared from E. coli. 2. 2. E. coli lipids were labeled during growth with [1-14C]fatty acid. 3. 3. The distribution of radioactivity among major phospholipids of E. coli and E. coli spheroplasts was not markedly different. 4. 4. Preparation of spheroplasts caused no loss of phospholipase A activity and partial loss of lysophospholipase activity into the medium. Subsequent incubation at 37 °C produced extensive degradation of the main membrane phospholipids, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. 5. 5. The phospholipase activity mainly responsible for phospholipid breakdown was phospholipase At. 6. 6. Heating of E. coli at 60 °C, and to a lesser extent at 100 °C caused accelerated breakdown of E. coli lipids. Heating at 120 °C at 2.7 kg/cm2, inactivated all phospholipase activity .