cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlation of sulphate deposits of the Carpathian Foredeep at the boundary of Poland and Ukraine

Badenian (Middle Miocene) sulphate deposits comprise different lithofacies of primary gypsum, anhydrite and secondary gypsum. Facies and sedimentary studies indicate the gypsum deposits were submitted to burial alteration to anhydrite in several stages of diagenesis. Preservation of primary lithologic features allows the correlation of gypsum and anhydrite sections over a large area of the northeastern Carpathian Foredeep. The facies variety reflects distinct sedimentary conditions in the peripheral part of the evaporite basin. They comprise subaqueous (relatively deep-and shallow-water) as well as subaerial settings.
Helicopter transport improves survival following injury in the absence of a time-saving advantage

Background Although survival benefits have been shown at the population level, it remains unclear what drives the outcome benefits for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in trauma. Although speed is often cited as the vital factor of HEMS, we hypothesized a survival benefit would exist in the absence of a time savings over ground emergency medical services (GEMS). The objective was to examine the association of survival with HEMS compared with GEMS transport across similar prehospital transport times. Methods We used a retrospective cohort of scene HEMS and GEMS transports in the National Trauma Databank (2007–2012). Propensity score matching was used to match HEMS and GEMS subjects on the likelihood of HEMS transport. Subjects were stratified by prehospital transport times in 5-minute increments. Conditional logistic regression determined the association of HEMS with survival across prehospital transport times strata controlling for confounders. Transport distance was estimated from prehospital transport times and average HEMS/GEMS transport speeds. Results There were 155,691 HEMS/GEMS pairs matched. HEMS had a survival benefit over GEMS for prehospital transport times between 6 and 30 minutes. This benefit ranged from a 46% increase in odds of survival between 26 and 30 minutes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.46; 95% CI, 1.11–1.93; P P Conclusion When stratified by prehospital transport times, HEMS had a survival benefit concentrated in a window between 6 and 30 minutes. Because there was no time-savings advantage for HEMS, these findings may reflect care delivered by HEMS providers.
Long-term outcomes and risk factors for aortic regurgitation after discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis resection in children

Objectives To characterise long-term outcomes after discrete subaortic stenosis (DSS) resection and to identify risk factors for reoperation and aortic regurgitation (AR) requiring repair or replacement. Methods All patients who underwent DSS resection between 1984 and 2009 at our institution with at least 36 months’ follow-up were included. Demographic, surgical and echocardiographic data were reviewed. Outcomes were reoperation for recurrent DSS, surgery for AR, death and morbidities, including heart transplant, endocarditis and complete heart block. Results Median length of postoperative follow-up was 10.9 years (3–27.2 years). Reoperation occurred in 32 patients (21%) and plateaued 10 years after initial resection. Survival at 10 years and 20 years was 98.6% and 86.3%, respectively. Aortic valve (AoV) repair or replacement for predominant AR occurred in 31 patients (20%) during or after DSS resection. By multivariable analysis, prior aortic stenosis (AS) intervention (HR 22.4, p Conclusions In this cohort, the incidence of reoperations after initial DSS resection plateaued after 10 years. Despite a significant rate of reoperation, overall survival was good. Concomitant congenital AS and its associated interventions significantly increased the risk of AR requiring surgical intervention.
Ancient DNA evidence for genetic continuity in arctic dogs

Abstract The domestic dog fulfills many functions for their human companions, such as hauling, guarding, and protection. Consequently, humans have taken dogs to nearly every corner of the globe. Recent translocations of Western dogs stemming from the Victorian era dog fancy have erased some of the ancient genetic signatures of these earlier migrations. Here we used DNA of ancient and modern dogs from the North American Arctic of Alaska and Greenland to assess their genetic continuity in time and space. We successfully sequenced 23 archaeological (ca. AD 1250–1910) and recent (ca. AD 1930–1990) surface-collected Canis bone and tooth samples and compared them to 51 modern Inuit Sled Dogs and to published sequences of modern Alaskan Malamutes (and additional Inuit Sled Dogs) to test for evidence of lineage replacement or genetic continuity through time. Ancient samples from Alaska and Greenland and modern sequences from Greenland all contained a high frequency of haplotype A31, which was previously described only in modern North American Arctic dogs. Thus, A31 was a common thread tying the entire North American Arctic together prior to European colonization and, in the Eastern Arctic, indicates genetic continuity between past and present dogs as well. However, A31 is rare in modern Alaskan dogs, consistent with post-colonization replacement by Eurasian matrilines.
Investigation of Antidepressant Medication Usage after Bariatric Surgery

Many patients seeking bariatric surgery have a history of mood disorders and are actively prescribed antidepressants. While extensive documentation exists on the impact of weight loss surgery on reductions in cardiac, diabetic, and hypertensive medications, little is known about the impact of bariatric surgery on the use of antidepressant medications. A retrospective study of 439 patients who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) from January 2001 to November 2004 was examined for postoperative changes in the use of antidepressant medications. After RYGB, 23% of the patients had an increase in their antidepressant use, 40% continued to require the same antidepressant, 18% had a change in antidepressant medication, and only 16% had a decrease or discontinued their antidepressant. Unlike most medications, antidepressant usage did not decrease in the majority of patients after RYGB. These results highlight the prevalence of antidepressant prescription use in patients before and after RYGB and support the need for the careful monitoring of depressive symptoms.
The Merkel cell in human epidermis: its differentiation from other dendritic cells.

Until recently, Merkel cells were not consistently identified as the third dendritic cell in human epidermis, because light microscopy and low power electron microscopy did not readily allow the differentiation of Merkel cells from the other two dendritic cells of the epidermis (e.g. the melanocyte and the Langerhans cell). In an electron microscopic study where special attention was given to dendritic cells in human epidermis by higher power magnification, Merkel cells were characterized by the specific Merkel cell granules and fine intracytoplasmic filaments inserted into an occasional Merkel cell desmosome. Use of these criteria permitted definite differentiation of Merkel cell from melanocytes and Langerhans cells, as the latter have neither the typical Merkel cell granules nor fine filaments and desmosomes. The proximity of an epidermal neurite above the basal lamina or of a dermal neurite close to the basal lamina, further aided the detection and differentiation of Merkel cells in human epidermis. Preliminary evidence suggests that Merkel cell granules may contain catecholamines. Thus, the easy identification of Merkel cells by high power electron microscopy raises interesting questions for the role of this cell and its apparent catecholamine content in pathological states of the skin.
Architectures and technologies for the globally integrated enterprise

This paper describes our practical experiences in developing and deploying a global delivery architecture throughout the IBM IT (information technology) delivery organization. IT delivery has been moving toward a globally integrated delivery operation, based on global centers in places such as Bangalore and Shenzhen, for its infrastructure outsourcing clients. This has presented many challenges: some technical, some organizational, and many to do with people and culture. We describe our architecture-based approach to global integration. We give an outline of the Global Delivery Architecture (GDA), which was specifically developed for this environment. We describe the core technologies within GDA that support this integration: the enterprise service bus, portals for internal and client use, and knowledge and configuration management. We also discuss the practical problems we experienced in developing and deploying the architecture, covering governance, organization, and cultural issues encountered as we build up global capability. Finally, we discuss how the architecture can be used at the individual client account level to enable a particular environment to be tailored for local needs.
Endocrine effects of castration in white-crowned sparrows.

Effects of castration and of testosterone propionate (TP) on the adenohypophysis, adrenal glands, and thyroid glands were investigated in White-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii). In intact birds and in birds with testicular regeneration, administration of TP (200 μg every 2 days for 8 days) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the levels of assayable pituitary gonadotropins; weight of the testes of intact injected birds also was decreased. However, in castrated birds the same TP treatment increased the levels of assayable pituitary gonadotropins. Protracted administration of large amounts of TP (2000 μg in 20 days) to castrates reduced pituitary gonadotropins, whereas administration of 200 μg TP in 20 days maintained significantly higher pituitary gonadotropic potencies. Gonadotropic potency of the adenohypophyses of intact and castrated birds underwent parallel changes in response to photoperiodic stimulation, corresponding temporally with testicular growth and regression in intact birds. The weights of pituitaries of castrated birds increased at a greater rate and remained greater than those of intact birds throughout the 119 days of photostimulation. The thyroid glands of photostimulated castrates deviated very little from initial weights, whereas those of controls increased markedly, beginning on day 45 of photostimulation. Adrenal glands of both groups nearly doubled in weight between days 30 and 45 of photostimulation and remained at this elevated level for the remainder of the experiment. Castrated birds housed for 120 days on a nonstimulatory photoperiod displayed significantly greater pituitary gonadotropic potency and adrenal weight and a heavier adenohypophysis than identically treated intact birds. There was no difference between the weights of the thyroid glands of these two groups.
Progress in lunar laser ranging tests of relativistic gravity.

Analyses of laser ranges to the Moon provide increasingly stringent limits on any violation of the equivalence principle (EP); they also enable several very accurate tests of relativistic gravity. These analyses give an EP test of $\ensuremath{\Delta}({M}_{G}/{M}_{I}{)}_{\mathrm{E}\mathrm{P}}=(\ensuremath{-}1.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.4)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$. This result yields a strong equivalence principle (SEP) test of $\ensuremath{\Delta}({M}_{G}/{M}_{I}{)}_{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{E}\mathrm{P}}=(\ensuremath{-}2.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.0)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$. Also, the corresponding SEP violation parameter $\ensuremath{\eta}$ is $(4.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, where $\ensuremath{\eta}=4\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}3$ and both $\ensuremath{\beta}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ are post-Newtonian parameters. Using the Cassini $\ensuremath{\gamma}$, the $\ensuremath{\eta}$ result yields $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{-}1=(1.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$. The geodetic precession test, expressed as a relative deviation from general relativity, is ${K}_{\mathrm{g}\mathrm{p}}=\ensuremath{-}0.0019\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0064$. The search for a time variation in the gravitational constant results in $\stackrel{\ifmmode \dot{}\else \textperiodcentered \fi{}}{G}/G=(4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}9)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{r}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$; consequently there is no evidence for local ($\ensuremath{\sim}1\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{A}\mathrm{U}$) scale expansion of the solar system.
Please Permit Me: Stateless Delegated Authorization in Mashups

Mashups have emerged as a Web 2.0 phenomenon, connecting disjoint applications together to provide unified services. However, scalable access control for mashups is difficult. To enable a mashup to gather data from legacy applications and services, users must give the mashup their login names and passwords for those services. This all-or-nothing approach violates the principle of least privilege and leaves users vulnerable to misuse of their credentials by malicious mashups. In this paper, we introduce delegation permits - a stateless approach to access rights delegation in mashups - and describe our complete implementation of a permit-based authorization delegation service. Our protocol and implementation enable fine grained, flexible, and stateless access control and authorization for distributed delegated authorization in mashups, while minimizing attackers' ability to capture and exploit users' authentication credentials.
Respiratory sinus arrhythmia alteration following training in endurance athletes.

Significant increases in maximum oxygen consumption (\(\dot V{\text{O}}_{{\text{2max}}}\)) were noted in nine young track athletes following an 8-week high-intensity running period (P < 0.05).\(\dot V{\text{O}}_{{\text{2max}}}\) was measured, prior to and following the training program, using an on-line, open-circuit spirometry system. Parasympathetic activity was assessed using heart period variation (R-R interval in milliseconds) during carefully controlled breathing activity (R sinus arrhythmia). Following the training program, a 7.3% increase in aerobic capacity was associated with a 23.1% augmentation of efferent parasympathetic activity (P < 0.01). These data suggest that enhanced aerobic capacity increases efferent parasympathetic tone.
Development and Evaluation of an introductory course in sustainable food and bioenergy systems

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development, instruction, and evaluation of the undergraduate pilot course, Introduction to Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems (SFBS), at Montana State University. Introduction to SFBS is an interdisciplinary, team-taught, experiential education course designed to introduce students to broad array of SFBS-related topics, expose students to career opportunities in these fields, and enable them to establish relationships with food, agriculture, and energy stakeholders. Students completed baseline and follow-up surveys in which they reported information about their backgrounds, values, and knowledge of SFBS-related topics. The surveys also tracked students' learning and allowed them to provide feedback on course methods. According to the follow-up survey, over the course of the semester students demonstrated development of course vocabulary and concepts. Students' experiences in the course prompted changes in their school- and career-related goals. Additionally, the team-teaching approach was highly valued. Students also indicated that teaching should be more solutions-focused. Evaluation of students' backgrounds and learning is an important tool for the future evolution of this course and the development of others like it. The survey tool was in its first iteration; it will require revision as the course evolves. Introduction to SFBS can serve as a model for curricula related to sustainable agriculture, food, and energy. Courses like this can prepare students to become informed, innovative, critical thinkers capable of excelling in a multitude of food, agriculture, and energy-related careers. This course will continue to be monitored and evaluated as the curriculum evolves.
Conformational Analysis of Flexible Molecules: Location of the Global Minimum Energy Conformation by the Simulated Annealing Method

Abstract A new computational method for the location of the lowest energy conformation of flexible molecules is reported. The technique, called simulated annealing, is discussed and several applications are described.
The Effect of the Language Barrier on Intercultural Communication: A Case Study of Educational Travel in Italy

Language is perceived as a barrier in study abroad programs as it may limit students' opportunities to interact with the local culture. The purpose of this research is to understand the effect of the language barrier on intercultural communication between study abroad students and the host population, and other factors that enhance the students' enjoyment. During the summer of 2001 10 American students participated in a study abroad program in Italy with a focus on Engineering and Italian Studies. Using a case study approach, the research used rich data from the students' logs and photographs, interviews with the locals', the authors' field notes in developing the central themes—simplicity of the environment, group cohesion, and interpreter—that contributed to the students' and the hosts' enhanced intercultural communication experience. Despite the limitations imposed by a single case study, the results can be useful to other educational study abroad programs and to increasing intercultural communications...
Trends and Clustering of Cardiovascular Health Metrics Among U.S. Adolescents 1988–2010

Abstract Purpose American Heart Association recently published a set of seven cardiovascular (CV) health metrics for adults and children, emphasizing importance of preventing CV risk factors. Although CV disease risk factors have generally improved in adults, there is concern that this has not been true among adolescents. The present study examined trends and disparities of CV health metrics among U.S. adolescents. Methods We used data from a series of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994, 1999–2004, and 2005–2010) including 11,233 adolescents aged 12–17 years. We estimated prevalence and mean score of CV health metrics and examined the disparities in mean score by sex, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and poverty-income ratio. Results The prevalence of nonsmoking and healthy diet increased from 1988 through 2010, while the prevalence of normal body mass index and physical activity decreased, resulting in an unchanged distribution of overall CV health scores since 1988. The prevalence of adolescents meeting all seven CV health metrics was low, 3.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2–5.4), 4.0% (95% CI 3.3–4.8), and 4.0% (95% CI 2.9–5.3) in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988–1994, 1999–2004, and 2005–2010, respectively. The disparities in adjusted mean scores persisted between non-Hispanic whites and non-Hispanic blacks, families/households with >12 versus 3 versus p Conclusions The proportion of adolescents achieving all seven CV health metrics was low and remained unchanged during 1988–2010. The disparities in mean CV health score persisted among adolescents.
Detailed analysis of gene expression during development of T cell lineages in the thymus

The genetic mechanisms that promote lineage commitment and eliminate autoreactive cells in the thymus are not well understood. To better understand this process, we have identified and quantitated transcripts in the two major thymocyte lineages by using serial analysis of gene expression. Approximately 25 genes displayed almost complete segregation to one or the other T cell lineage. Commitment to the CD4 lineage was marked by up-regulation of genes associated with increased survival and chaperone function followed by expression of genes that regulate nucleosome remodeling and T cell receptor signaling. Differentiation within the CD8 lineage, on the other hand, was marked by up-regulation of genes that regulate lymphocyte homing, followed by quenching of genes that inhibit apoptosis. Definition of differential gene expression during development of the two major thymocyte lineages will allow insight into mechanisms of T cell development after positive and negative selection.
Goldratt's thinking process applied to the problems associated with trained employee retention in a highly competitive labor market

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the problem of trained employee retention in a highly competitive labor market for a manufacturing facility in the oilfields of West Texas.Design/methodology/approach – This article examines how one manufacturing facility should be able to retain their trained employees by using the logic of Eliyahu M. Goldratt's thinking process.Findings – The thinking process underscores the importance of a systematic process of problem‐solving by pinpointing the problem, determining a workable solution, and implementing the solution. By using this process, an organization would begin by looking for the underlying cause of the problem which produces undesirable effects (UDE) and develop a current reality tree highlighting these UDEs. Then the organization would develop a future reality tree which produces the desired effects.Research limitations/implications – The list of publications was not exhaustive and were all US publications, which might have limited its usefulness outside...
Comparison of Two Methods to Assess the Carbon Budget of Forest Biomes in the Former Soviet Union

The sink of CO2 and the C budget of forest biomes of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) were assessed with two distinct methods: (1) ecosystem/ecoregional, and (2) forest statistical data. The ecosystem/ecoregional method was based on the integration of ecoregions (defined with a GIS analysis of several maps) with soil/vegetation C data bases. The forest statistical approach was based on data on growing stock, annual increment of timber, and FSU yield tables.
A Priori and a Posteriori Tests of Significance for Koppa

The tests of significance for koppa presented by Kruskal (1958) for one sample and by Warner and Gray (1973) for two samples are reviewed. The two sample test is extended to include multiple comparisons for both a priori and a posteriori analysis problems. A significant difference between two or more koppa values, within different categories of a third variable, demonstrates an interaction effect. Empirical examples are included.
Data assimilation using a GPU accelerated path integral Monte Carlo approach

The answers to data assimilation questions can be expressed as path integrals over all possible state and parameter histories. We show how these path integrals can be evaluated numerically using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo method designed to run in parallel on a graphics processing unit (GPU). We demonstrate the application of the method to an example with a transmembrane voltage time series of a simulated neuron as an input, and using a Hodgkin-Huxley neuron model. By taking advantage of GPU computing, we gain a parallel speedup factor of up to about 300, compared to an equivalent serial computation on a CPU, with performance increasing as the length of the observation time used for data assimilation increases.
Burned hands in children.

Summary Children's hands are extremely vulnerable to injury by burning. Among the more difficult problems facing surgeons as they deal with the burned hand are (1) constricting circumferential burns; (2) exposed tendons and joints, especially with burns on the back of the hand; and (3) scar contractures resulting in later deformity. Circumferential constricting burns must be incised throughout their length if they are causing any significant degree of circulatory impairment. Incision of the tissues deep to the eschar is unnecessary if they are comparatively normal and adjust to mobility. Problems associated with exposed tendons and joints are especially common in the fingers because the tissues covering the extensor tendon mechanism and joints are so thin. Regardless of the circumstances, when fatty tissues, tendons, and nerves are exposed, they do not respond well to such alterations in their environment. The use of a skin graft for either a temporary or permanent biologic dressing for these areas minimizes their exposure and significantly enhances their chances of survival. Denudation or damage of tendons in fingers may be compounded by an exposed or injured joint. Such injuries can be treated more effectively by immobilizing them with internal fixation and applying the biologic dressing of a skin graft.
Medial Ganglionic Eminence-derived Neural Stem Cell Grafts Ease Spontaneous Seizures and Restore GDNF Expression in a Rat Model of Chronic Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Nearly 30% of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) are resistant to treatment with antiepileptic drugs. Neural stem cell (NSC) grafting into the hippocampus could offer an alternative therapy to hippocampal resection in these patients. As TLE is associated with reduced numbers of inhibitory gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)-ergic interneurons and astrocytes expressing the anticonvulsant glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the hippocampus, we tested the hypothesis that grafting of NSCs that are capable of adding new GABA-ergic interneurons and GDNF-expressing astrocytes into the epileptic hippocampus restrains spontaneous recurrent motor seizures (SRMS) in chronic TLE. We grafted NSCs expanded in vitro from embryonic medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) into hippocampi of adult rats exhibiting chronic TLE with cognitive impairments. NSC grafting reduced frequencies of SRMS by 43% and stage V seizures by 90%. The duration of individual SRMS and the total time spent in seizures were reduced by 51 and 74%, respectively. Grafting did not improve the cognitive function however. Graft-derived cells (equivalent to approximately 28% of injected cells) were observed in various layers of the epileptic hippocampus where they differentiated into NeuN+ neurons (13%), S-100beta+ astrocytes (57%), and NG2+ oligodendrocyte-progenitors (3%). Furthermore, among graft-derived cells, 10% expressed GABA and 50% expressed GDNF. Additionally, NSC grafting restored GDNF in a vast majority of the hippocampal astrocytes but had no effect on neurogenesis. Thus, MGE-NSC therapy is efficacious for diminishing SRMS in chronic TLE. Addition of new GABA-ergic neurons and GDNF+ cells, and restoration of GDNF in the hippocampal astrocytes may underlie the therapeutic effect of MGE-NSC grafts.
Evolution of Cerebellum-Like Structures

All vertebrate brains have a cerebellum, and most of them have one or more additional structures that are histologically similar to the cerebellum. The cerebellum-like structures include the medial octavolateral nucleus in most aquatic vertebrates; the dorsal octavolateral nucleus in many aquatic vertebrates with an electrosensory system; the marginal layer of the optic tectum in ray-finned fishes; electrosensory lobes in the few groups of advanced bony fish with an electrosensory system; the rostrolateral nucleus of the thalamus in a few widely scattered groups of bony fish; and the dorsal cochlear nucleus in all mammals except monotremes. All of these structures receive topographically organized sensory input in their deep layers. Purkinje-like cells receive the sensory input near their cell bodies. These cells extend apical dendrites up into the molecular layer where they receive synaptic input from parallel fibers. The cerebellum itself can be included within this characterization by considering the climbing fiber as at least in part a conveyor of sensory information and by recalling that climbing fibers in more basal vertebrates terminate on smooth dendrites close to the soma. Physiological findings from three different systems suggest the hypothesis that cerebellum-like structures remove predictable features from the sensory inflow. Phylogenetic homology can explain the similarities across different taxa for some types of cerebellum-like structures, but similarities within other types cannot be explained in this way. Moreover, phylogenetic homology cannot explain the similarities among different types of cerebellum-like structures. Evolutionary convergence provides the best explanation for all these similarities that cannot be explained by homology. The convergence is almost surely constrained by the availability of a genetic-developmental program for creating cerebellum-like circuitry and by the need within many different systems for the type of information processing that cerebellum-like circuitry can provide.
A version of Chevet's theorem for stable processes☆

Let X \bo Y be the injective tensor product of the separable Banach spaces X and Y and let SX, SY and SX \bo Y be the unit spheres of these spaces. The tensor product of two symmetric finite measures η1 on SX and η2 on SY, η1⊗η2, is defined in a natural way as a measure on SX \bo Y. It is shown that η1⊗ η2 is the spectral measure of a p-stable random variable W on X \bo Y, 0 <p < 2, if and only if η1 and η2 are the spectral measures of p-stable random variables U and V on X and Y, respectively. Actually upper and lower bounds for (E∥ W∥r)1r in terms of the random variables U and V are obtained. When X = C(S), Y = C(T) with S, T compact metric spaces, and η1, and η2 are discrete, our results imply that if θi, θij are i.i.d. standard symmetric real valued p-stable random variables, 0 < p <2, xi ϵ C(S), and yi ϵ C(T), then the series ∑ij θijxi(s) yj(t) converges uniformly a.s. iff the series ∑iθixi(s) and ∑iθiyi(t) both converge uniformly a.s. When p = 2 this follows from Chevet's theorem on Gaussian processes. Several examples are given. One of them requires an interesting upper bound on the probability distribution of the maximum of i.i.d. p-stable random variables taking values in a general Banach space.
Removing color and chlorinated organics from pulp mill bleach plant effluents by use of flyash

Abstract Color and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in bleach plant effluents are of concern. Acidified flyash can effectively remove both color and COD from caustic bleach plant effluents. Equally effective, but quicker and easier, is to acidify the effluent to approximately pH 1 and use untreated flyash. Based on maximum color removal, the required contact time is short, about 10 min, and the optimum ash dosage is that amount which raises the pH of the final effluent to about 5. Sufficient color removal is obtained to easily meet Maine's color regulations. Preliminary tests on samples of deionized water spiked with two arochlors of PCB showed high removal efficiency. The major cost of implementing and operating the cleanup procedure will be the cost of the required acid. This might be minimized by using some of the acidic (chlorine) effluent to lower the pH of the caustic effluent. This will, however, lead to less color reduction, and an unknown effect on the COD.
Children's Daily Activities in a Mayan Village: A Culturally Grounded Description

Building on recent efforts to reconceptualize development and socialization as contextually grounded processes, several aspects of Yucatec Mayan children's daily lives are observed, including maintenance activities, social orientation, work, and play. For each category of activity, the behavior of children ranging in age from 0 to 17 is described. Three principles of engagement generated to explain the Mayan cultural context (primacy of adult work, parental beliefs, and independence of child motivation) are used to interpret the descriptive data, illustrating how cultural understanding enables a meaningful interpretation of Mayan children's behavior and how lack of knowledge of these principles could lead to a misinterpretation through a Western cultural lens.
Transformation of a Class of Non-self-Adjoint Systems into Self-Adjoint Hamiltonian Systems

Abstract A set of criteria under which a general non-self-adjoint eigenvalue problem can be transformed into a self-adjoint eigenvalue problem can be transformed into a self-adjoint eigenvalue problems which can be transformed into self-adjoint eigenvalue problems is investigated.
Challenges of implementing collaborative models of decision making with trans‐identified patients

Background Factors health providers face during the doctor-patient encounter both impede and assist the development of collaborative models of treatment. Objective I investigated decision making among medical and therapeutic professionals who work with trans-identified patients to understand factors that might impede or facilitate the adoption of the collaborative decision-making model in their clinical work. Design Following a grounded theory approach, I collected and analysed data from semi-structured interviews with 10 U.S. physicians and 10 U.S. mental health professionals. Results Doctors and therapists often desire collaboration with their patients but experience dilemmas in treating the trans-identified patients. Dilemmas include lack of formal education, little to no institutional support and inconsistent understanding and application of the main documents used by professionals treating trans-patients. Conclusions Providers face considerable risk in providing unconventional treatments due to the lack of institutional and academic support relating to the treatment for trans-people, and the varied interpretation and application of the diagnostic and treatment documents used in treating trans-people. To address this risk, the relationship with the patient becomes crucial. However, trust, a component required for collaboration, is thwarted when the patients feel obliged to present in ways aligned with these documents in order to receive desired treatments. When trust cannot be established, medical and mental health providers can and do delay or deny treatments, resulting in the imbalance of power between patient and provider. The documents created to assist in treatment actually thwart professional desire to work collaboratively with patients.
Directivity quantification in hearing aids: fitting and measurement effects.

Objective To evaluate the impact of venting, microphone port orientation, and compression on the electroacoustically measured directivity of directional and omnidirectional behind-the-ear hearing aids. In addition, the average directivity provided across three brands of directional and omnidirectional behind-the-ear hearing aids was compared with that provided by the open ear. Design Three groups of hearing aids (four instruments in each group) representing three commercial models (a total of 12) were selected for electroacoustic evaluation of directivity. Polar directivity patterns were measured and directivity index was calculated across four different venting configurations, and for five different microphone port angles. All measurements were made for instruments in directional and omnidirectional modes. Single source traditional, and two-source modified front-to-back ratios were also measured with the hearing aids in linear and compression modes. Results The directivity provided by the open (Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research) ear was superior to that of the omnidirectional hearing aids in this study. Although the directivity measured for directional hearing aids was significantly better than that of omnidirectional models, significant variability was measured both within and across the tested models both on average and at specific test frequencies. Both venting and microphone port orientation affected the measured directivity. Although compression reduced the magnitude of traditionally measured front-to-back ratios, no difference from linear amplification was noted using a modified methodology. Conclusions The variation in the measured directivity both within and across the directional microphone hearing aid brands suggests that manufacturer's specification of directivity may not provide an accurate index of the actual performance of all individual instruments. The significant impact of venting and microphone port orientation on directivity indicate that these variables must be addressed when fitting directional hearing aids on hearing-impaired listeners. Modified front-to-back ratio results suggest that compression does not affect the directivity of hearing aids, if it is assumed that the signal of interest from one azimuth, and the competing signal from a different azimuth, occur at the same time.
Science Signaling Podcast: 13 October 2009

This is a conversation with Malcolm Meyn about a Research Article published in the 13 October 2009 issue of Science Signaling .
Periodontal disease is related to local and systemic mediators of inflammation.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Local and systemic biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid increase odds of periodontitis. Fitzsimmons TR, Sanders AE, Bartold PM, Slade GD. J Clin Periodontol 2010;37(1):30-6. Reviewer Ananda P. Dasanayake, BDS, MPH, PhD, FACE Purpose/Question The authors attempted to study the independent and combined effects of local (IL-1β) and systemic (CRP) inflammatory biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) on the risk of periodontitis. Source of Funding Government: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia and NHMRC Sidney Sax Public Health Fellowship. Type of Study/Design Case-control study. Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Dimers of escherichia coli F' factors.

Abstract Covalently closed circular DNA dimers of several E. coli sex factors have been isolated. One of these, F′451, a dimer of F′450, has a molecular weight of ca. 230 × 10 6 daltons. F′451 (λ) containing a λ prophage has a molecular weight of 260 × 10 6 and is probably the largest covalent closed circle of DNA yet reported. These dimers arise spontaneously and are of unknown origin and significance.
DeltaNp63 expression in pancreas and pancreatic neoplasia

DeltaNp63 (DNp63) has become widely used, in particular, for distinguishing invasive carcinomas from noninvasive ducts by highlighting the myoepithelial or basal cells in the breast and prostate, respectively. It is not known whether this marker may have any application in another exocrine organ, the pancreas. As the ductal and intraductal proliferations of this organ become better characterized, the need for markers to distinguish among these processes increases. We investigated immunohistochemical expression of DNP63 in 105 cases. A total of 25 cases were non-neoplastic pancreata, 25 were pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) of various grades, and 50 were examples of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sections of non-neoplastic pancreata included various types of non-neoplastic processes such as squamous/transitional metaplasia (five cases), which can be mistaken for high-grade PanINs, as well as various degrees of reactive ductal atypia and incidental microcysts with attenuated lining (five cases). No DNp63 expression was noted in normal pancreatic ducts. On the other hand, all five foci of squamous/transitional metaplasia were strongly and uniformly positive for this marker. DNp63 labeling was also noted in those incidental microcysts lined by attenuated cells, seen amidst normal pancreatic lobules. All PanINs were negative. Among invasive carcinomas, DNp63 expression was detected only in areas of squamous differentiation and was completely absent in ordinary ductal areas. Based on this observation, five additional cases of adenosquamous/squamous carcinoma was retrieved and stained, and the squamous components of all of these were also positive. In conclusion, (I) DNp63 is a reliable marker of squamous differentiation in the pancreas. It is valuable in distinguishing squamous/transitional metaplasia from PanINs, a distinction of importance for both researchers and diagnosticians. Among invasive carcinomas, it seems to be entirely specific for areas of squamous differentiation. (II) Those incidental microcysts seen in acinar lobules and lined by attenuated cells are also positive for DNp63, which suggests that they may be metaplastic in nature, and that they do not represent neoplastic cells. (III) Unlike the ducts of other exocrine organs, breast and prostate, there are no DNp63-expressing cells in the normal pancreatic ducts, and therefore, this marker cannot be used in distinguishing invasive carcinomas from the non-invasive ducts. (IV) No p63-expressing 'stem' cells are present in the pancreas.
Effects of ensilage on storage and enzymatic degradability of sugar beet pulp

Ensiling was investigated for the long-term storage of Sugar Beet Pulp (SBP). Eight strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and a non-inoculated control were screened based on their ability to rapidly reduce pH, produce a large amount of lactic acid and inhibit undesirable fermentations. Lactobacillus brevis B-1836 (LAB #120), Lactobacillus fermentum NRRL B-4524 (LAB #137) and a non-inoculated control were selected for further research to determine the effects of LAB inoculation level and packing density on SBP silage quality and sugar yield upon enzymatic hydrolysis. Both SBP preservation and prevention of cellulose and hemicellulose loss were better when SBP was treated with LAB #137 compared to LAB #120 and the non-inoculated control. Additionally, the ensiling process was found to significantly improve the enzymatic digestibility of SBP by as much as 35%. The results suggest that ensiling may be a promising technology for SBP stabilization and pretreatment for bioconversion to products.
The Perception of “Training Availability” Among Certified Nurse Aides: Relationship to CNA Performance, Turnover, Attitudes, Burnout, and Empowerment

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the certified nurse aides' (CNAs) perception that “training is always available when needed” and the CNAs' performance, turnover, attitudes, burnout, and empowerment. The data came from a larger study where a self-administered survey instrument was completed by 359 CNAs working in 11 nursing homes in the North Texas region. The data analyses largely support previous research. Perceived training availability was most highly associated with participation in decision making, information exchange, the procedures used, and satisfaction/commitment. The data suggest that the CNAs surveyed may not have received substantial training related to the depersonalization of residents, self-esteem, and direct decision making. Further, the findings suggest an opportunity to improve training by including a component to help CNAs transfer the skills and knowledge learned during the training to the actual provision of resident care.
Jakarta kampung morbidity variations: Some policy implications

Urban growth in the developing world is likely to be accompanied by health problems in crowded zones where services are not available. Geographical analyses of aggregated data may prove interesting, but reliability and utility of spatial correlations are greater when microscale data are acquired. In this study data for households in 11 Jakarta neighborhoods were collected in interviews. Malaria and diarrheal disease patterns have been correlated with environmental and socioeconomic variables at the household level. Several environmental characteristics seem to be closely associated with the incidence of malaria and diarrheal diseases.
Communication along shortest paths in a tree machine

A cellular binary tree machine proposed by Mago accommodates the parallelism inherent in the functional programming languages of Backus by simultaneously executing innermost applications. Data communication time on this machine is linear in the number of elements moved. This paper addresses the problem of permuting a vector of atomic elements stored in the leaf cells of the tree machine. An O(log n) algorithm for circular rotation of an n-vector of atoms is presented. A program that uses this algorithm to solve tridiagonal linear systems by the cyclic reduction method requires O(log n)2 time. For general data movement in the tree machine, an algorithm that routes data along the shortest path through the tree and is sublinear in communication time whenever possible is described.
Optimizing Grid-Based Workflow Execution

Large-scale applications can be expressed as a set of tasks with data dependencies between them, also known as application workflows. Due to the scale and data processing requirements of these applications, they require Grid computing and storage resources. So far, the focus has been on developing easy to use interfaces for composing these workflows and finding an optimal mapping of tasks in the workflow to the Grid resources in order to minimize the completion time of the application. After this mapping is done, a workflow execution engine is required to run the workflow over the mapped resources. In this paper, we show that the performance of the workflow execution engine in executing the workflow can also be a critical factor in determining the workflow completion time. Using Condor as the workflow execution engine, we examine the various factors that affect the completion time of a fine granularity astronomy workflow. We show that changing the system parameters that influence these factors and restructuring the workflow can drastically reduce the completion time of this class of workflows. We also examine the effect on the optimizations developed for the astronomy application on a coarser granularity biology application. We were able to reduce the completion time of the Montage and the Tomography application workflows by 90% and 50%, respectively.
Cardiac output monitoring devices: an analytic review.

To evaluate cardiac output (CO), both invasive and semi-invasive monitors are used in critical care medicine. The pulmonary artery catheter is an invasive tool to assess CO with the major criticism that the level of its invasiveness is not supported by an improvement in patients’ outcomes. The interest in a lesser invasive techniques is high. Therefore, alternative techniques have been developed recently, and are used frequently in critical care medicine. Cardiac output can be monitored continuously by different devices that analyze the stroke volume and CO. The purpose of this review is to understand these new technologies and their applications and limitations.
Establishing the kinetic competency of the cationic imine intermediate in nitroalkane oxidase.

The flavoprotein nitroalkane oxidase catalyzes the oxidation of neutral nitroalkanes to the corresponding aldehydes and ketones. Cyanide inactivates the enzyme during turnover in a concentration-dependent fashion. Mass spectrometry of the flavin from enzyme inactivated by cyanide in the presence of nitroethane or nitrohexane shows that a flavin cyanoethyl or cyanohexyl intermediate has formed. At high concentrations of cyanide, inactivation does not consume oxygen. Rapid reaction studies show that formation of the adduct with 2-2H2-nitroethane shows a kinetic isotope effect of 7.9. These results are consistent with cyanide reacting with a species formed after proton abstraction but before flavin oxidation. The proposed mechanism for nitroalkane oxidase involves removal of a proton from the nitroalkane, forming a carbanion which adds to the flavin N(5). Elimination of nitrite from the resulting adduct would form an electrophilic imine which can be attacked by hydroxide. The present results are consistent w...
The complete frequency dependent response of charge density wave condensates

Abstract We have explored the frequency dependent conductivity in the charge density wave state of the model compound K 0.3 MoO 3 . We identify the pinned mode resonance, the contribution to single particle excitations and modes due to collective mode-phonon interactions. A detailed comparison is made with models of charge density wave dynamics.