cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anomalies in net present value calculations

Abstract The net present value measure of project worth may exhibit anomalous behavior if the annual net benefits of the project change sign more than once. This behavior may make net present value unsuitable for certain types of project-selection decisions.
Processing algorithms for color flow Doppler

An examination is made of the design decisions made for five color-flow Doppler units: Acuson, ATL, Hewlett Packard
Dark matter and the anthropic principle

We evaluate the problem of galaxy formation in the landscape approach to phenomenology of the axion sector. With other parameters of standard $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$CDM cosmology held fixed, the density of cold dark matter is bounded below relative to the density of baryonic matter by the requirement that structure should form before the era of cosmological constant domination of the universe. Galaxies comparable to the Milky Way can only form if the ratio also satisfies an upper bound. The resulting constraint on the density of dark matter is too loose to select a low axion decay constant or small initial displacement angle on anthropic grounds.
EPISODIC LOGIC: NATURAL LOGIC + REASONING

There are two extreme stances in mechanizing natural language inference. One seeks to reformulate a raw message so as to conform with the syntax and semantics of some formal logical system (such as FOL) suited for reliable, potentially deep general reasoning. The other uses what has become known as Natural Logic—an easy but shallow way of treating natural language itself as logic and reasoning directly on this level. Finding the right balance between these opposing stances is one of the key tasks in advancing the ability of machines to understand human language, and thus, for example, extract knowledge inferentially from text. In this paper, we provide arguments and evidence that EPILOG, a general reasoner for the natural language-like Episodic Logic, can be equipped with the knowledge needed for effective Natural Logic-like inference while also providing greater generality.
Severe Sepsis Mortality in a Community Teaching Hospital: 1983–1985 and 1989–1990

Despite better understanding of the pathophysiology and hemodynamic abnormalities of severe sepsis, mortality remains high. We examined the severity-adjusted outcome and use of pulmonary artery catheterization (PAC) in patients with severe sepsis during 1983 to 1985 and 1989 to 1990 in an intensive care unit (ICU) staffed by full-time intensivists. A retrospective chart review was conducted on severe sepsis patients admitted to a multidisciplinary ICU of an 850-bed community teaching hospital. Patients were identified at ICU admission and at 24 and 48 hours after ICU admission. Patients were stratified by severity of illness using the Mortality Probability Model (MPM) and presence or absence of a pulmonary artery catheter within the first 48 hours of ICU admission. In the years 1983 through 1985 and 1989 through 1990, respectively, 245 and 132 patients with severe sepsis were identified. The severity-adjusted outcome and use of PAC was analyzed both within and between these two periods. The severity adjusted mortality from sepsis was unchanged over time (63% in 1983–1985 and 51% in 1989–1990; p= 0.491). Pulmonary artery catheter use increased from 52.2% in 1983 to 1985 to 64.4% in 1989 to 1990 (p= 0.023). Invasive monitoring with PAC was used in a less severely ill population; during 1983 to 1985, mean severity estimated by MPM was 0.43 compared with an MPM of 0.32 in 1989 to 1990 (p= 0.003). A significant increase in the therapeutic use of vasoactive drugs (65 vs 81%) to treat severe sepsis was observed over the two periods (p= 0.0005). Outcome of severe sepsis was unchanged during the two periods. Applying an ICU severity-of-illness adjustment model, early employment of pulmonary artery catheters and increased use of vasopressors did not effect outcome in an intensivist-managed ICU. Insertion of pulmonary artery catheters in patients with less severe illness also did not impact outcome. Use of pulmonary artery catheters to monitor and guide treatment needs further rigorous prospective evaluation to define the specific conditions in severely septic patients for which this intervention is most applicable.
The influence of prior offender/victim relationship on offender stalking behavior

The present study examined the influence of prior offender/victim relationship on offender stalking behavior. The actions that were present within the stalking offences were recorded using content analysis of victim and witness statements, and all other relevant material within the police files of 50 stalking cases. The sample was analyzed using a non-metric multidimensional scaling procedure known as Smallest Space Analysis. The results suggested that when a prior sexual relationship existed between the offender and the victim the offender was more likely to engage in a majority of controlling style actions. However, an offender who did not have a prior sexual relationship with the victim was more likely to engage in a majority of infatuation style actions. Therefore, the study lends support to the influence of prior relationship on the actions that offenders engage in over the stalking period. Implications of the study and future research ideas are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Flight on Hearing

The unusual conditions imposed by flight on the sense of hearing are stated, showing the need of audiometric study. After brief review of the theory of the audiometer, data are submitted covering: (a) fatigue as indicated by measurements before and after flight, (b) fatigue as vndicated by measurements taken during flight, (c) initial impairment coincident with flight, (d) group measurements of fliers and non-fliers as a test for permanent impairment. The results are discussed with particular view to their bearing on aircraft radio operation.
Pseudo-Deviance and The “New Biker” Subculture: Hogs, Blogs, Leathers, and Lattes

This article explores the pseudo-deviant world of the “new biker” subculture, comparing and contrasting it to previous research on “outlaw bikers.” Using participant observation and ethnographic interviews, the author uses a symbolic interactionist perspective to describe and analyze how and why contemporary “bikers,” many of whom are well-educated middle- and upper middle-class professionals, use the symbols of outlaw bikers and earlier motorcycle gangs to perpetuate an image of pseudo-deviance in the “new biker” subculture. Although the “new biker” subculture is markedly different than the “outlaw biker” subculture of the past, many similar characteristics persist.
Estimation of comprehensive forest variable sets from multiparameter SAR data over a large area with diverse species

Polarimetric and multifrequency data from the NASA/JPL airborne synthetic aperture radar (AIRSAR) have been used in a multitier estimation algorithm to calculate a comprehensive set of forest canopy properties including branch layer moisture and thickness, trunk density, trunk water content and diameter, trunk height, and subcanopy soil moisture. The estimation algorithm takes advantage of species-specific allometric relations, and is applied to a 100 km /spl times/100 km area in the Canadian boreal region containing many different vegetation species types. The results show very good agreement with ground measurements taken at several focused and auxiliary study sites. This paper expands on the results reported in Moghaddam and Saatchi (2000) and applies the algorithm on the regional scale.
Estimating dysphonia severity in continuous speech: Application of a multi-parameter spectral/cepstral model

The purpose of the study was to identify a sub-set of spectral/cepstral-based analysis methods that would most effectively predict dysphonia severity (as estimated via auditory-perceptual analysis) in samples of continuous speech. Acoustic estimates of dysphonia severity were used as an objective treatment outcomes measure in a set of pre- vs post-treatment speech samples. Pre- and post-treatment continuous speech samples from 104 females with primary muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) were rated by listeners using a 100 point visual analogue scale (VAS) and analysed acoustically with spectral/cepstral-based measures. Stepwise linear regression produced a three-factor model consisting of the cepstral peak prominence (CPP); the mean ratio of low-to-high frequency spectral energy; and the standard deviation of the ratio of low-to-high frequency spectral energy that was strongly correlated with perceived dysphonia severity ratings (R = .85; R2 = .73). Mean differences between predicted vs perceptual ratings for ...
NIS06-2: I-HARPS: An Efficient Key Predistribution Scheme for Mobile Computing Applications

With rapidly decreasing cost of storage, even for mobile computing applications involving PDAs / mobile phones storage (using flash memory) is an inexpensive resource. We introduce a novel probabilistic key predistribution scheme (PKPS) I-HARPS which can make good use of this inexpensive resource to improve security. I-HARPS is a combination of random subset allocation schemes first proposed by Dyer et al [1] in 1995, and the escrowed master key based key distribution scheme proposed by Leighton and Micali in 1993 [2]. While PKPSs have received substantial attention recently in the context of highly resource constrained sensor networks, we argue that the fact that I-HARPS can resist coalitions of even millions of nodes with very low computational complexity, and very reasonable storage requirements, can significantly expand the scope of applications of PKPSs.
Cultivating Healthy Eating, Exercise, and Relaxation (CHEER): A Case Study of a Family-Centered and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Obese Adolescents at Risk for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

Attrition from weight management programs and difficulty maintaining success are of significant concern for pediatric overweight patients. Patient and family variables associated with completing and maintaining outcomes from a healthy weight program include understanding and buy-in for treatment, parental motivation, and valuing of weight loss to quality of life. Such findings highlight the need for comprehensive intervention that involves family members and addresses motivation and relapse prevention. The present study describes a family-centered and mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral intervention implemented with a 15-year old, clinically obese male with associated symptoms including elevated blood pressure and sleep apnea. This pilot implementation resulted in improved pre–post outcomes in regard to weight, blood pressure, and health-promoting behaviors. Improvements in healthy lifestyle were maintained 1-year post-treatment. These results add to the growing literature on ecologically relevant inte...
A Symposium: Disease, Health Programs, and Economic Development (Introduction)

The confluence of rivers normally makes for interesting landscapes. With the right topography there are no marshes and, after the initial discovery, the area soon becomes the scene of considerable economic activity. So it is with the confluence of intellectual disciplines. With the right guidelines, the scene becomes one of fertile intellectual interchange.
MPX: Software for multiplexing hardware performance counters in multithreaded programs

Hardware performance counters are CPU registers that count data loads and stores, cache misses, and other events. Counter data can help programmers understand software performance. Although CPUs typically have multiple counters, each can monitor only one type of event at a time, and some counters can monitor only certain events. Therefore, some CPUs cannot concurrently monitor interesting combinations of events. Software multiplexing partly overcomes this limitation by using time sharing to monitor multiple events on one counter. However counter multiplexing is harder to implement for multithreaded programs than for single-threaded ones because of certain difficulties in managing the length of the time slices. This paper describes a software library called MPX that overcomes these difficulties. MPX allows applications to gather hardware counter data concurrently for any combination of countable events. MPX data are typically within a few percent of counts recorded without multiplexing.
Tuning metal hydride thermodynamics via size and composition: Li–H, Mg–H, Al–H, and Mg–Al–H nanoclusters for hydrogen storage

Nanoscale Li and intermetallic Al-Mg metal hydride clusters are investigated as a possible hydrogen storage material using the high-level quantum Monte Carlo computational method. Lower level methods such as density functional theory are qualitatively, not quantitatively accurate for the calculation of the enthalpy of absorption of H(2). At sizes around 1 nm, it is predicted that Al/Mg alloyed nanoparticles are stable relative to the pure compositions and the metal composition can be tuned in tandem with the size to tune the hydrogen absorption energy, making this a promising route to a rechargeable hydrogen storage material.
Validation and Intercomparison of SSM/I Rain-Rate Retrieval Methods over the Continental United States

Abstract An important source of error or ambiguity in the satellite passive microwave detection and estimation of precipitation rate over land is variable background emission, reflecting differences in surface temperature and moisture, soil type, and vegetation cover. Three experimental algorithms for the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) are described that attempt to improve the precipitation signal-to-noise ratio by selectively responding to transient brightness temperature perturbations relative to maps of seven-channel monthly mean radiances. These algorithms are validated and intercompared along with two quasi-standard SSM/I algorithms developed by Grody and Ferraro and by Adler and Huffman. For ground truth, nine months of 10-cm radar data taken at six sites and of hourly rain gauge reports from approximately 2700 locations in the United States were used. The radar data were carefully quality controlled and calibrated against coincident gauge reports. The required calibration adjustment of the...
On the Physical Nature of Uranyl Charge Transfer Vibronic Interactions

We address the electronic properties of uranyl ions in solids and solutions with an emphasis in theoretical understanding of charge transfer vibronic transitions and luminescence dynamics the O-U-O species. A general theory of ion-phonon interaction has been modified for modeling and simulating multi-phonon vibronic spectra. Spectroscopic data for uranyl ions in crystals and solutions have been analyzed to achieve a predictive understanding of the uranyl-ligand vibronic interactions. By adjusting the Huang-Rhys ion-phonon interaction parameters, an excellent agreement between theory and experiment has been accomplished for uranyl ions in the ligand environments we studied. Our modeling and simulation provide insights into the physical nature of uranyl vibronic interaction and its influence on spectroscopic properties, which are commonly utilized in characterizing photochemical properties of uranyl in complexes.
Relationship of Sunflower Planting Dates to Damage by Smicronyx fulvus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in North Dakota

A 4-year (1981–84) planting date study with cultivated sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., showed that damage caused by red sunflower seed weevil, Smicronyx fulvus LeConte, was lowest (6.59%) in 1981 on early planted sunflowers and highest (84.9%) on late planted sunflowers in 1982. Achene weight varied between years and location. Percent oil content of achenes was lowest for late planted sunflowers in 1981 (24.9%) and 1983 (35.7%) and lowest for early planted sunflowers in 1982 (28.8%) and 1983 (31.9%). Planting sunflowers early would reduce achene damage caused by S. fulvus and would not appreciably reduce oil content and achene weight.
Vulnerability to Stress-Related Sleep Disturbance and Insomnia: Investigating the Link with Comorbid Depressive Symptoms.

Greater sleep difficulty following a challenging event, or a vulnerability to stress-related sleep disturbance (i.e., sleep reactivity), is characteristic of insomnia. However, insomnia is rarely observed in isolation; rather it is frequently seen in combination with other problems, such as depression. Despite the link between depression and increased sensitivity to stress, relatively little is known about the role sleep reactivity has in explaining variability in depressive symptoms. Therefore, the current study examined whether sleep reactivity was associated with depressive symptoms, and whether this relationship was mediated by insomnia. We assessed sleep reactivity, insomnia, and depressive symptoms among 2250 young adults (1244 female; Mage = 23.1, SDage = 2.97) from the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Study and Community Twin Study. Results indicated that greater sleep reactivity was significantly associated with elevated depressive symptoms, and that this link was partially mediated by insomnia. This is one of the first studies to demonstrate an independent association between sleep reactivity and depressive symptomatology. These findings suggest that a greater sensitivity to stress-related sleep disturbance may also be a predisposing factor to depression, and highlight the need for a better understanding of sleep reactivity, as it may represent a more global vulnerability construct.
ASSISTED CIRCULATION FOR CARDIAC FAILURE FOLLOWING INTRACARDIAC SURGERY WITH CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS.

SUMMARY 1. Pour patients with cardiac failure following intracardiac surgery for valvular heart disease were treated with assisted circulation. One was treated with a peripheral veno-arterial bypass, one with a peripheral veno-arterial bypass followed by a left atrial-femoral bypass, and 2 by left atrial-femoral bypass. All were moribund when assisted circulation was used. Three subsequently died, but 1 fully recovered. 2. Severe left ventricular failure was found to be the main indication for assisted circulation. Pulmonary hypertension was not helped. The best guides to the severity of the left ventricular failure were the left atrial pressure and the oxygen saturation of blood in the pulmonary artery, which is a function of cardiac output. When the cardiac output is decreased to where the oxygen saturation of pulmonary artery blood remains below 40 per cent, death usually occurs within a few hours. Assisted circulation should be considered for a patient in whom the left atrial pressure remains elevated and the pulmonary artery oxygen saturation remains less than 40 per cent. 3. A peripheral veno-arterial bypass was not found useful. It increased peripheral blood flow with signs of improved metabolic function of vital organs, such as brain, heart, and kidneys, during perfusion, but left atrial pressure and pulmonary vascular obstruction were not decreased. In 1 patient the pulmonary vascular resistance was greater after bypass than before. 4. Left atrial-femoral bypass was found to be most effective. It not only decompressed the left heart but also avoided the difficulties of prolonged mechanical blood oxygenation. It has the disadvantage of requiring a thoracotomy to cannulate the left atrium. 5. The mechanism of benefit is not completely clear. The increased blood flow obviously improved organ function. It is uncertain whether it resulted in beneficial changes in myocardial oxygen consumption. None of the 4 patients showed any immediate improvement in cardiac function following bypass. The 1 patient who recovered had a low cardiac output for 3 days following assisted circulation before returning to normal levels. Although the mode of improvement is not certain, the assisted circulation was undoubtedly lifesaving for this patient.
Serving the health needs of our military and veterans.

Intimes of war rates of infectious diseases, malnutrition,mental illness, and mortality increase for both combatants andcivilian noncombatants. Weapons of war are associated withincreased malignancies (eg, AgentOrange, atomic weapons), chronicillnesses such as Diabetes mellitus (eg,AgentOrange),sensoryimpairment(eg,decreased hearing in artillery gunners),and of course, traumatic injuries. Inthe past 100 years, the US has beendirectly involved in 6 major wars(World War I, World War II, Korea,Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq) andfielded active combatants in otherconflicts (Grenada, Panama, Somalia,BosniaandHerzegovina,Afghanistan).We have been at war in Iraq sinceMarch 19, 2003 where over 1 500 000Americans have been deployed.
A prospective analysis of intrathecal granuloma in chronic pain patients: a review of the literature and report of a surveillance study.

Background Over the past decade granulomas have been noted to occur at or near the tip of intrathecal catheters used for spinal infusions. The majority of cases involved morphine infusions, although other drugs have been implicated. Granulomas may be asymptomatic or cause significant neurological deficits. Methods Consecutive patients with intrathecal infusions were examined for the presence of intrathecal granulomas. MRI or CT was used to make the diagnosis. Results A total of 208 patients underwent imaging over a period of 34 weeks. Six patients (3%) were found to have a significant lesion. Five of the six patients were asymptomatic and one patient complained of radicular pain in the distribution of the catheter tip. The average catheter infusion time for patients with granulomas was 27 months, not significantly different from patients without granulomas. No specific characteristics, such as drugs or concentrations were identified. All six patients had percutaneous catheter revisions without complication. Conclusion Intrathecal granulomas were identified in 3% of patients imaged in this series. Eighty percent of the patients were asymptomatic. MRI imaging remains the diagnostic method of choice for most patients, and can be done safely when scans are taken at the level of the catheter tip. Given the low incidence of granulomas with intrathecal catheters, routine imaging to identify granulomas is not warranted.
Resident memory T cells are a Notch above the rest

Notch signaling promotes the maintenance of lung-resident CD8+ memory T cells that are transcriptionally poised for rapid effector responses but have heightened expression of inhibitory receptors, suggestive of tight regulation.
Modulation of Oscillatory Power and Connectivity in the Human Posterior Cingulate Cortex Supports the Encoding and Retrieval of Episodic Memories

Existing data from noninvasive studies have led researchers to posit that the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) supports mnemonic processes: It exhibits degeneration in memory disorders, and fMRI in...
Sleep Duration and C-Reactive Protein in US Adults.

OBJECTIVE To use gender-stratified logistic regression analysis to examine the associations between elevated C-reactive protein (CRP; >3-10 mg/L) and sleep duration. METHODS The study sample included male (n = 5033) and female (n = 4917) adult (20 years old and older) participants in the 2007-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Sleep duration was categorized as short (≤6 hours/day), adequate (7-8 hours/day), or long (≥9 hours/day). Logistic regression models were adjusted for age, race, smoking status, physical activity, and waist circumference. RESULTS Analysis revealed significantly (P = 0.0151) higher odds of elevated CRP in men reporting ≤6 hours/day of sleep (odds ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.52) when compared with a referent group of men reporting 7 to 8 hours/day of sleep. Similar associations were not revealed in women. CONCLUSIONS Short sleep duration was significantly associated with elevated serum CRP concentration independent of waist circumference and moderate physical activity in men but not in women.
Preterm delivery trends by maternal race/ethnicity in the United States, 2006–2012

Abstract Purpose To estimate changes in preterm delivery (PTD) in the United States from 2006 to 2012 by clinical circumstance, timing of delivery, and race/ethnicity. Methods We used vital statistics natality data on all singleton live births from the 18 U.S. states continuously using the 2003 birth certificate from 2006 to 2012. We estimated change in PTD overall and by clinical circumstance (spontaneous vs. medically indicated) and delivery timing among all women and by race/ethnicity, using descriptive and multivariable regression methods. Results Overall, indicated, and spontaneous PTD declined by 10.31%, 8.40%, and 11.52%, respectively. Late-preterm, early-term, and post-term deliveries decreased substantially (12.13%, 18.37%, and 32.20%, respectively), with simultaneous increase (13.57%) in full-term deliveries. Non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Asian/Pacific Islander women experienced larger declines in PTD compared with Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native women. Non-Hispanic white women experienced larger declines in late and medically indicated PTD, while non-Hispanic black women experienced larger declines in early and moderate and spontaneous PTD. Conclusions Overall, spontaneous, and indicated PTD declined from 2006 to 2012. Declines were lower than previously reported and differed substantially by race/ethnicity.
Emotional Lability as a Unique Presenting Sign of Suspected Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by head trauma. Diagnosis of this disease is difficult as reliable biomarkers have not been established and often this clinical entity is underappreciated with poor recognition of its clinical presentations (Lenihan and Jordan, 2015). The definitive diagnosis of CTE is determined by identification of neurofibrillary tangles in the perivascular space around the sulci in postmortem tissue (McKee et al., 2015). However, performing brain biopsies searching for neurofibrillary tangles is not a feasible option for early diagnosis. Thus, diagnosis of suspected CTE in the living has been based on clinical suspicion using proposed research criteria of clinical presentations. In addition, neuroimaging techniques have shown some promise in assisting diagnosis. Clinically, CTE is more commonly known to be associated with memory impairment and executive function disorder (Stern et al., 2013). However, here, we present two unique cases of prior professional football players where behavioral changes were the first identifying factors in clinical presentation and discuss possible neuroimaging options to help with CTE diagnosis. Because behavioral changes can be mistaken for other neuropsychological diseases, recognizing differing clinical constellations is critical to early diagnosis, early intervention, and improving patient care in suspected CTE.
A Conversation among Texts

The essay examines the way that the story of the rape of Lucrece is told in Livy's The History of Rome (ca. 25–28 BCE), the way that Niccolo Machiavelli responds to that story in his play Mandragol...
miRNA Biogenesis and Function

miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that bind the 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNA targets and, acting with associated proteins, facilitate translation repression and degradation of target mRNAs. Since their discovery in Caenorhabditis elegans, miRNAs and their accessory proteins have been shown to be conserved throughout phylogeny. miRNAs exert their regulatory functions in myriad biological settings, from development and growth to disease. In exploring the mechanism of miRNA biogenesis and function, both canonical and noncanonical, it is possible to gain a broader understanding of how miRNAs work in different biological states, including cancer. Here, we provide an overview of miRNA discovery, biogenesis, and function.
On anomalous plasma transport in R.F. discharges

Abstract The growth criterion for an ion-acoustic instability predicts a critical magnetic field dependence on pressure p, tube radius R, and ion mass mi, which is in good agreement with the experimental observations in the low pressure r.f. discharge.
Muscle and Sensory Testing, ed 2

Reese NB. St Louis, MO 63146, Elsevier Saunders, 2005, spiralbound (with DVD), 642 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-7216-0337-8, $58.95. The 1999 edition of this book was intended for students and health care professionals who routinely use muscle strength testing and neurological sensory screening in the course of patient examination. This second edition was expanded to accomplish 3 primary goals: (1) to facilitate critical thinking in students, (2) to make the text easier to use, and (3) to respond to feedback from educators and students. In my opinion, the author and contributors have met their goals. For example, clinical notes and case vignettes have been added to most chapters. The clinical notes highlight important insights, and the cases challenge readers to think creatively about clinical problems. Some cases are cleverly extended in subsequent chapters and provide interesting continuity. The goal of increased ease of …
Acute and Long-Term Effects of Chemoradiation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer

Cancer treatment is a life-altering experience. This is especially true for cancers involving the head and neck, an anatomical region in which many structures are located within a relatively small area. Vital functions can be impacted by both the tumor and from a result of medical intervention such as radiation therapy (RT) or chemoradiation therapy (CRT). The side effects for both RT and CRT may vary from person to person, and this often may depend on the duration of time since treatment was completed. These effects can be divided into acute, chronic, and late-stage effects. Regardless of the time of onset, side effects can be substantially disabling to the individual who undergoes treatment. This chapter begins with a discussion of the treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer before and after circa 1990. Early and acute changes include mucositis, hyposalivation and xerostomia, and changes in taste and smell. Chronic and late effects of treatment including fibrosis, radiation caries, lymphedema, and dysphagia are addressed. A comparison of chronic vs. late radiation-associated dysphagia will be provided with a discussion of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal impairments. Finally, information related to therapeutic options for specific side effects is provided.
Cannot Find the Rectal Stump During Hartmann Reversal

Reversal of a Hartmann procedure is often one of the more challenging cases as surgeons we encounter. Many times the surgeon performing the reversal operation is not the one who performed the initial surgery and is not familiar with extent of resection and remaining anatomy, particularly with the length and tissue quality of the rectal stump. Described are preoperative and intraoperative steps that will aid in dealing when a rectal stump is not found.
A Discussion on Blockchain Software Quality Attribute Design and Tradeoffs

The blockchain design pattern has many variations and is a concept that will continue to lead many implementations in the years to come. New design and implementation patterns are frequently being announced and the choices available continue to expand. The design patterns imply tradeoffs which are reviewed.
Whakatupato: Community Policing or the Police Response to a Social Problem in New Zealand?

The article discusses the Whatatupato program within the context of the community policing strategies of the New Zealand Police: ‘Prevention First’ and ‘The Turning of the Tide.’ It further explores the wider impact of the delivery of the program and the possibility of it being a catalyst for improving other social problems in rural Maori communities. The first section of the article examines the literature relating to the public’s attitude toward police (ATP) within the context of community policing. The second section presents the major social issues facing Maori and this is followed by a discussion of the two strategies: ‘The Turning of the Tide’ and ‘Prevention First,’ which have been introduced to improve the relationship between the police and the community and to improve the delivery of policing services to the community. These sections are followed by a discussion of the Whakatupato firearms safety program and the reasons that led to its development and implementation. The article concludes with an assessment of the firearms safety program within the framework of community policing and the relationship of the police with the community.
The Future of Telehealth in Allergy and Immunology Training

With emerging interest in the use of telemedicine, allergy-immunology should be at the forefront of adoption and implementation of these services. Patients report a greater desire for telemedicine services as well as satisfaction with video-based visits with their providers. Interim virtual visits can accommodate overscheduled clinics, reduce burdens of travel to distant sites, improve access to subspecialty care, and increase adherence during monitoring of chronic allergic conditions. The outpatient nature of allergy-immunology coupled with the ease of conducting many aspects of a routine visit via telemedicine makes the incorporation of telehealth training into fellowship programs highly desirable. The short-term closure of hospital-affiliated clinics, in particular, for vulnerable or immunodeficient patients, in the setting of a global pandemic demonstrates the timeliness of this topic. A framework for implementing telemedicine into the allergy-immunology curriculum, training faculty on appropriate supervision, providing elective clinical experience in the form of continuity clinics, and simulating telemedicine delivery is discussed. Proposed telemedicine competencies desired for the independent practice of telemedicine are suggested.
Vapor-phase decomposition of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a sarin surrogate, in presence of metal oxides

Abstract Chemical warfare agents (CWA) are stockpiled in large quantities across the globe. Agents stored in inaccessible facilities need to be destroyed rapidly without dispersing the compounds to surrounding areas. Metal-based energetic formulations are used in such prompt defeat applications to rapidly decompose the CWA by generating a high temperature environment. An alternate, and possibly a more effective decomposition pathway could be provided by chemicidal action of aerosolized condensed combustion products, which typically consist of metal oxides. Toxic fumes that escape the high temperature blast zone can be neutralized by smoke generated during combustion, depending on the particle size, surface characteristics, chemical properties, and concentration of this smoke. This review considers relevant experimental and modeling studies quantifying decomposition of CWA comprising organophosphorus compounds and their surrogates on the surface of various metal oxides. Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a sarine surrogate, was used most commonly for such experiments. Many reported efforts focused on the mechanisms of adsorption of DMMP to various metal oxides and initial reaction steps cleaving various bonds from the chemisorbed molecules. For selected oxides, these experiments were supported by quantum-mechanical calculations. In other studies, the capacity of oxide surfaces to adsorb and decompose DMMP was quantified. In most cases, porous catalysts were used although limited experimental data are available for aerosolized nonporous oxide particles. The reported experimental data applicable to scenarios involving prompt decomposition of CWA are summarized. It is noted that information is lacking describing respective heterogeneous reaction kinetics. Preliminary estimates of aerosolized smoke particle concentrations required to destroy CWA are made considering gas phase diffusion rates and reported values of the oxide capacity to decompose CWA or their surrogates.
Performance of PROMIS Physical Function, Pain Interference, and Depression Computer Adaptive Tests Instruments in Patients Undergoing Meniscal Surgery

Purpose To compare the performance of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function (PF), pain interference (PIF), and depression computer adaptive tests (CAT) relative to legacy instruments in patients undergoing meniscal surgery. Methods Patients scheduled to undergo meniscal surgery completed legacy knee function PROMs (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] subscores), Marx Activity Rating Scale (MARS), Veterans-Rand 12 (VR12), Short Form 12 (SF12), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) alongside PROMIS PF, PIF, and Depression preoperatively. Spearman rank correlations were calculated, and score distributions were examined for floor and ceiling effects. Results 152 patients (46.6 ± 14.9 years, 67.1% male) completed PROMs for appropriate inclusion. PROMIS PF yielded high-moderate to high correlations with the IKDC and KOOS subscales (r = 0.61 to 0.73), demonstrating similar performance to the IKDC. PROMIS PIF demonstrated moderately high-moderate to high correlations with the IKDC, KOOS subscales, VR-12 Physical Component Score (PCS), and SF12 PCS (r = 0.62 to 0.71), performing comparably to KOOS Pain (r = 0.55 to 0.92). PROMIS Depression demonstrated moderate to high-moderate correlations with the mental health legacies (r = 0.46 to 0.66). Significant ceiling effects were observed for MARS (n = 29, 18.8%), and significant floor effects were exhibited by PROMIS Depression (n = 38, 25%) and MARS (n = 27, 17.6%). Conclusion The PROMIS PF, PIF CAT, and Depression instruments exhibit comparable performance profiles relative to legacy knee PROMs. PROMIS PF and PIF demonstrated no floor and ceiling effects, whereas PROMIS Depression exhibited a significant relative floor effect. PROMIS PF and PIF may be appropriately used to establish functional baselines preoperatively. Level of Evidence IV, diagnostic case series.
A significant association between C5 nerve sheath tumors and new postoperative weakness.

Objective The objective of this study was to determine if patients with nerve sheath tumors affecting the C5 spinal nerve are at greater risk for postoperative weakness than those with similar tumors affecting other spinal nerves contributing to the brachial plexus. Methods A retrospective chart review (1998-2020)identified patients with pathologically confirmed schwannomas or neurofibromas from the C5 to T1 nerves. Patients with plexiform nerve sheath tumors, tumors involving more than 1 nerve, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors were excluded. Collected variables included basic demographics, tumor dimensions, its location relative to the dura, involved nerve level, surgical approach, extent of resection, presenting symptoms, postoperative neurological deficits, and recurrence rate. Results Forty-six patients (23 men, 23 women) were identified for inclusion in the study with an average age of 47 ± 17 years, BMI of 28 ± 5 kg/m2, and follow-up of 32 ± 45 months. Thirty-nine patients (85%) had schwannomas and 7 (15%) had neurofibromas. Tumors involved the C5 (n = 12), C6 (n = 11), C7 (n = 14), C8 (n = 6), and T1 (n = 3) nerves. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with an area under the curve of 0.85 demonstrated C5 tumor level as an independent predictor of new postoperative weakness (odds ratio 7.4, p = 0.028). Of those patients with new postoperative weakness, 75% improved and 50% experienced complete resolution of their motor deficits. Conclusions Patients with C5 nerve sheath tumor resections are at higher odds of new postoperative weakness. This may be due to the predominant single innervation of shoulder muscle targets in contrast to other upper extremity muscles that receive input from 2 or more spinal nerves. These findings are important for clinical decision-making and preoperative patient counseling.
Diffusion and distal linkages govern interchromosomal dynamics during meiotic prophase

The pairing of homologous chromosomes (homologs) in meiosis is essential for distributing the correct numbers of chromosomes into haploid gametes. In budding yeast, pairing depends on the formation of 150-200 Spo11-mediated double-strand breaks (DSBs) that are distributed among 16 homolog pairs, but it is not known if all, or only a subset of these DSBs, contribute to the close juxtaposition of homologs. Having established a system to measure the position of fluorescently tagged chromosomal loci in 3D space over time, we analyzed locus trajectories to determine how frequently, and how long, loci spend colocalized or apart. Continuous imaging revealed highly heterogeneous cell-to-cell behavior of foci, with the majority of cells exhibiting a 99mixed99 phenotype where foci move into and out of proximity, even at late stages of prophase, suggesting that the axial structures of the synaptonemal complex may be more dynamic than anticipated. The observed plateaus of the mean-squared change in distance (MSCD) between foci informed the development of a biophysical model of two diffusing polymers that captures the loss of centromere linkages as cells enter meiosis, nuclear confinement, and the formation of Spo11-dependent linkages. The predicted number of linkages per chromosome in our theoretical model closely approximates the small number (2-4) of estimated synapsis-initiation sites, suggesting that excess DSBs have negligible effects on the overall juxtaposition of homologs. These insights into the dynamic interchromosomal behavior displayed during homolog pairing demonstrate the power of combining time-resolved in vivo analysis with modeling at the granular level.
Chromosomal locus tracking with proper accounting of static and dynamic errors.

The mean-squared displacement (MSD) and velocity autocorrelation (VAC) of tracked single particles or molecules are ubiquitous metrics for extracting parameters that describe the object's motion, but they are both corrupted by experimental errors that hinder the quantitative extraction of underlying parameters. For the simple case of pure Brownian motion, the effects of localization error due to photon statistics (``static error'') and motion blur due to finite exposure time (``dynamic error'') on the MSD and VAC are already routinely treated. However, particles moving through complex environments such as cells, nuclei, or polymers often exhibit anomalous diffusion, for which the effects of these errors are less often sufficiently treated. We present data from tracked chromosomal loci in yeast that demonstrate the necessity of properly accounting for both static and dynamic error in the context of an anomalous diffusion that is consistent with a fractional Brownian motion (FBM). We compare these data to analytical forms of the expected values of the MSD and VAC for a general FBM in the presence of these errors.
Two-Sample Means

Building off the methods for the one-sample case covered in Chapter 6, it is natural to extend those ideas to cases where there are two samples. However, we run into the fact that there are two different cases where we are interested in comparing the means from two samples. The first is the case where we have two distinct groups of subjects, meaning that any subject providing a measurement in one group is prohibited from providing a measurement in the other group.
Neural Oscillators: Weak Coupling

This chapter begins the second part of the book. By now, we hope that the reader has a thorough knowledge of single cell dynamics and is ready to move onto networks. There are two main approaches to the analysis and modeling of networks of neurons. In one approach, the details of the action potentials (spikes) matter a great deal. In the second approach, we do not care about the timing of individual neurons; rather, we are concerned only with the firing rates of populations. This division is reflected in the sometimes acrimonious battles between those who believe that actual spike times matter and those who believe that the rates are all that the brain cares about. On these issues, we have our own opinions, but for the sake of the reader, we will remain agnostic and try to present both sorts of models.
Atomic Structure of Three Low-Index Surfaces of the Ordered Binary Alloy NiAl

The atomic structures of the (110), (100), and (111) surfaces of NiAl have been determined by LEED I-V analysis. The results obtained for these surfaces serve as illustrations of three general crystallographic effects that can exist in the surfaces of ordered alloys. The three effects are the rippling of atomic constituents in the outermost composite layer of NiAl(110), preferential termination by one of two possible layers at the NiAl(100) surface, and the mixture of domains of the two possible terminations at the NiAl(111) surface.
Long-term study of pulmonary sarcoidosis. The effect of steroid therapy as evaluated by pulmonary function studies.

Abstract The results of serial pulmonary function studies over a 12-yr period in 16 untreated and 22 steroid treated patients are presented. The average duration of steroid therapy was 28 months. Based on the diffusing capacity and vital capacity 9 per cent of the Steroid Group and 31 per cent of the Untreated Group deteriorated while 25 per cent of the Untreated Group and 60 per cent of the Steroid Group improved. These observations suggest that steroid therapy may be beneficial for patients with severely impaired function. However, because of frequent relapses when therapy was discontinued, steroid therapy must continue for many years, perhaps indefinitely. Two new and important observations were made. (1) In untreated patients if the disease is to worsen it will most likely do so within the first 2 yr of its onset. Significant deterioration of function during this period may be an indication for therapy. (2) Patients with the most severely impaired function at the time of the initial study improved substantially on steroid therapy and are living relatively well 6–10 yr afterward. This observation strongly suggests that very severe impairment of pulmonary function does not necessarily indicate a grave prognosis.
Tests of "hepatic function" in portal cirrhosis.

Summary Hepatic function was measured in 50 patients with portal cirrhosis of the liver. Twenty healthy persons were studied similarly as a control group. The cases of portal cirrhosis were classified arbitrarily into three groups on the basis of clinical severity: I) 14 patients without symptoms, "latent" cirrhosis; II) 23 with moderate clinical symptoms of hepatic failure; and III) 13 individuals severely ill and deeply jaundiced. Marked differences were found corresponding, in general, with the clinical severity of illness. In the group without symptoms attributable to the liver per se, parenchymal function was not significantly changed when compared with the normal group, whereas markedly abnormal and significant deviations were encountered in severely ill patients with hepatic failure and deep jaundice. Hepatic function was studied at intervals in 32 patients with symptoms of portal cirrhosis treated medically for periods less than four months to two and a half years. Pronounced improvement in hepatic function was noted in all patients who continued under medical treatment for longer than four months. The serum bilirubin, the cholesterol cholesterol-ester ratio, the total plasma proteins, the plasma albumin, the urinary urobilinogen and the elimination of hippuric acid roughly paralleled the clinical course. The bromsulfalein excretion test remained abnormal longer than other tests of hepatic function and abnormal values were obtained in 7 of 15 patients so studied. The variations in cephalin cholesterol flocculation, thymol turbidity and alkaline phosphatase did not parallel the clinical course.