cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Waste Heat Recovery Using Coupled 2-Phase Cooling & Heat-Pump Driven Absorption Refrigeration

Data center waste heat recovery is an energy efficient and economically viable option when the data center is near other facilities. This study explores boosting the vapor from a data center's two-phase server waste heat using a novel vapor recompression system. The boosted waste heat contains sufficient thermal energy to drive an absorption refrigeration (AR) chiller to obtain a stream of cold fluid. Alternatively, the chiller can be bypassed to use the boosted heat directly in the neighboring facility. These approaches are modeled to enable the estimation of energy savings and economic benefits under different cooling and heating loads. These calculations also indicate situations where the compressor should be by-passed, and the server exhaust simply sent to the condenser for rejection to the ambient. The analysis is focused on the waste heat recovery and re-use potential of a 1 MW data center with a mid-size office building in the vicinity. The paper focuses on two key issues: 1) the overall efficiency of the waste heat system, including neighboring sites, when boosted with the novel re-compression system versus a turn-key heat pump coupled with warm-water cooling and 2) a comparison of the relative capital and operating costs of the two systems. The results show that the novel recompression system has a lower cost and a higher thermodynamic efficiency than a warm-water cooling system coupled to a conventional heat pump, and the use of the novel waste heat recovery system is viable in areas with high electricity cost.
(Un)intended consequences of networking on individual and network-level efficiency

Research shows that individuals benefit from setting up their personal networks strategically. There are two fundamental networking approaches: structural change, which involves the addition and deletion of communication ties, and frequency change, which means an increase or decrease of communication on existing ties. Existing literature has focused predominantly on structural change, leaving the potential of frequency change understudied. To investigate the differential effects of structural and frequency change on the efficiency of information flow through a network, we conduct simulations of networking approaches on a diverse set of real-world directed weighted communication networks. Our results indicate that, overall, frequency change is associated with higher efficiency than structural change in all but one of the studied cases. Structural change has a strong direct effect on individuals who actively modify their personal network. Surprisingly, our simulations also show that the indirect effects of frequency change (i.e., an individual’s ties are reshaped due to others’ actions) can exceed direct ones. Our results highlight the value of the so far less studied frequency change and suggest that using targeted network alterations can result in gains for information flow at the scale of the entire network.
Narrative Jiu-Jitsu

The chapter reveals how the Nimeiri administration’s reputational upper hand waned, and how the new Southern-led Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and Army (SPLM/A) gained a measure of international legitimacy in the 1980s. It argues that this was due to a confluence of three factors: Sudan’s diplomatic and discursive failures, Ethiopia’s diplomatic and material support and the SPLM’s narrative innovations. In particular, through a close examination of the SPLM’s Manifesto, the chapter argues that the SPLM’s new narrative reconfigured the discursive terrain of the “Southern Problem”. Moreover, it enabled the Movement to construct a progressive and credible image abroad to the very audiences the Sudanese government relinquished.
PMU Measurements for Oscillation Monitoring: Connecting Prony Analysis with Observability

The objective of this paper is to rank phasor measurement unit (PMU) measurements for oscillation monitoring based on two approaches: oscillation mode observability and Prony analysis. In the first approach, the system model is assumed known and the critical oscillation mode observability of different measurements are compared. In the second approach, the dynamic model of the system is not known. Prony analysis is employed to identify critical oscillation modes based on PMU measurements. Measurements at different locations are compared for their characteristics in Prony analysis. Specifically, singular values of Hankel matrices are compared. The two approaches lead to the same conclusion. Their internal connection is presented in this paper. As a step further, sensitivity analysis of model order assumption and noise level in Prony analysis is conducted to show singular values of Hankel matrices can indeed serve as indicators of the quality of oscillation monitoring.
The impact of platelet-rich plasma on postoperative outcomes after spinal fusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biological agent obtained by centrifuging a sample of blood and retrieving a high concentration of platelets and plasma components. The concentrate is then stimulated for platelet secretion of various growth factors and cytokines. Although it is not widely used in clinical practice, its role in augmenting bony union among patients undergoing spinal fusion has been assessed in several clinical studies. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature to determine the efficacy of PRP use in spinal fusion procedures. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE for studies from all available dates. From eligible studies, data regarding the fusion rate and method of assessing fusion, estimated blood loss (EBL), and baseline and final visual analog scale (VAS) scores were collected as the primary outcomes of interest. Patients were grouped by those undergoing spinal fusion with PRP and bone graft (PRP group) and those only with bone graft (graft-only group). Results The literature search resulted in 207 articles. Forty-five full-text articles were screened, of which 11 studies were included, resulting in a meta-analysis including 741 patients. Patients without PRP were more likely to have a successful fusion at the last follow-up compared with those with PRP in their bone grafts (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.34-0.84; p = 0.006). There was no statistically significant difference with regard to change in VAS scores (OR 0.00, 95% CI -2.84 to 2.84; p > 0.99) or change in EBL (OR 3.67, 95% CI -67.13-74.48; p = 0.92) between the groups. Conclusions This study found that the additional use of PRP was not associated with any significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes and was actually found to be associated with lower fusion rates compared with standard grafting techniques. Thus, PRP may have a limited role in augmenting spinal fusion.
Robust Control for Cascade Boost Converter Based on H-infinity Controller

This paper presents a new design and simulation of robust control for the cascaded boost dc-dc converter by using the $H$ ∞ technique. The control model is applied and developed based on the state space averaging for the load converter and uncertainty modeling approach. The model is implemented in Matlab/Simulink and evaluated under voltage and load changes. The simulation results show that the controller has the ability to maintain the cascade boost converters stable under different disturbances.
Finding the Most Favorable Timing for Cholecystectomy after Percutaneous Cholecystostomy Tube Placement: An Analysis of Institutional and National Data.

Background Early cholecystectomy (E-CCY; 8 weeks or less) after percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PCT) placement has been associated with increased postoperative complications, but this finding has not been validated at a national level and PCT-related complications and interventions (PCT-RCIs) were not evaluated. Study Design Adults with PCT for acute cholecystitis subsequently undergoing CCY were identified within the Nationwide Readmission Database (2010-2015) and our institution (2017-2019). Adjusted relative risks (aRRs) of postoperative complications were estimated using Poisson regression comparing E-CCY with delayed cholecystectomy (D-CCY; more than 8 weeks) within the nationwide cohort. Institutional PCT-RCIs, operative data, and postoperative outcomes were compared between E-CCY and D-CCY using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results Of 6,145 patients from the Nationwide Readmission Database, 32.9% were D-CCY. Risk-adjusted analysis identified no differences between E-CCY and D-CCY in complications (aRR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.07), mortality (aRR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.43 to 1.81), or 30-day readmissions (aRR 1.04; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.27). Risk-adjusted analyses assessing the association of time to interval cholecystectomy (IC) with morbidity indicated an increased risk of surgical complications in the first month after PCT placement (aRR 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.33). In the institutional cohort (E-CCY, n = 23; D-CCY, n = 45), there were no statistically significant differences found in estimated blood loss, length of stay, and postoperative complications. There were increased PCT-RCIs in the D-CCY group (26.9% E-CCY vs 69% D-CCY; p Conclusions Increased operative complications when IC is performed within 1 month of PCT placement and increased PCT-RCIs when IC is performed 8 weeks after PCT placement suggest that the most favorable timing for IC is between 4 and 8 weeks after PCT placement.
General Knowledge of University Students About Recreational Use of Marijuana and Its Health Risks: Is There a Difference Between the Students in the College of Health Science and the General Campus Population?

Background: Dixie State University is a public comprehensive university in St. George, Utah. Dixie State is in the top three universities in the state of Utah for its diversity. The university offers 48 bachelor degrees, 19 associate degrees, 36 minors and 15 certificates/endorsements. Dixie had 8,993 students enrolled during the 2017-18 year. We chose this topic because of the growing legalization of recreational marijuana and to learn what the census on the harm of smoking marijuana is among general campus college students and health field college students. Methods: Institutional Review Board approval to distribute the survey among the college students was received. All the participants were students of Dixie State University. Obtained permission from professors at both the general campus at Dixie State and the College of Health Science through Dixie state, to distribute the surveys to their students. 140 were distributed to General campus students and 139 were distributed to the College of Health Science. With the intent to acquire an equal sample from each area. Results: With the growing number of states legalizing the use of recreational marijuana, the questions became: 1) Is it creating a population who will develop serious respiratory diseases? 2) Will these effects be seen sooner than with smoking cigarettes? 3) Is there danger in second hand marijuana smoke? The most interesting findings from the survey were as follows: The majorities on both campuses were in agreements in their belief that marijuana causes more lung disease. When asked if they would worry about lung disease if they smoked it, both campuses agreed that they would worry. One student commented, 9Not many studies on it, would like to be more informed and educated. 9 When asked their opinion on the legal status of marijuana, both campuses disagreed that marijuana is a schedule 1 drug. Even though the FDA does classify marijuana as a schedule 1 drug. Conclusions: It seems clear that more education is needed on University campuses before the legalization of recreational marijuana. 1. Martinasek MP. A Brief History of Marijuana and its effects on the Respiratory System. AARC Times, April 2018. 2. Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug scheduling. Available at: http://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml Accessed May 15, 2018. Acknowledgement: We would like to thank Dixie State University professors.
Interorganizational imitation in supply chain relationships: The case of inventory leanness

Abstract We examine the extent to which suppliers assimilate to their customers' inventory leanness levels. Drawing on institutional theory, we hypothesize that there is a positive relationship between major customer and supplier inventory leanness and that this effect is moderated by compliant, reflexive, and normative isomorphic forces. Specifically, we contend that interdependence, uncertainty, and the age of the customer−supplier relationship strengthen the supplier's imitative behaviors and, thus, the assimilation to its major customer's inventory leanness. The hypotheses are tested empirically using a large panel data set of dyadic customer–supplier observations obtained from a variety of archival databases. The econometric analyses provide strong and robust evidence of interorganizational imitation in the domain of inventory management and, thus, document the role key customers play in shaping supplier firms' inventories. We discuss implications of our research for the further development and broadening of the academic inventory literature as well as managerial practice.
Mapping the peripheral nervous system in the whole mouse via compressed sensing tractography.

Objective The peripheral nervous system (PNS) connects the central nervous system (CNS) with the rest of the body to regulate many physiological functions and is therapeutically targeted to treat diseases such as epilepsy, depression, intestinal dysmotility, chronic pain, and more. However, we still lack understanding of PNS innervation in most organs because the large span, diffuse nature, and small terminal nerve bundle fibers have precluded whole-organism, high resolution mapping of the PNS. We sought to produce a comprehensive peripheral nerve atlas for use in future interrogation of neural circuitry and selection of targets for neuromodulation. Approach We used diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) with high-speed compressed sensing to generate a tractogram of the whole mouse peripheral nervous system. The tractography generated from the DT-MRI data is validated using lightsheet microscopy on optically cleared, antibody stained tissue. Main results Herein we demonstrate the first comprehensive PNS tractography in a whole mouse. Using this technique, we scanned the whole mouse in 28 hours and mapped PNS innervation and fiber network in multiple organs including heart, lung, liver, kidneys, stomach, intestines, and bladder at 70 µm resolution. This whole-body PNS tractography map has provided unparalleled information; for example, it delineates the innervation along the gastrointestinal tract by multiple sacral levels and by the vagal nerves. The map enabled a quantitative tractogram that revealed relative innervation of the major organs by each vertebral foramen as well as the vagus nerve. Significance This novel high-resolution nerve atlas provides a potential roadmap for future neuromodulation therapies and other investigations into the neural circuits which drive homeostasis and disease throughout the body.
Mandatory Disclosure for Ethical Supply Chains: A Conflict Mineral Case Study

Mandatory disclosure requirements for corporate supply chains have the potential to leverage consumer and investor sensibilities to incentivize corporations to source more ethically. Despite their growing prevalence, there are few empirical studies of their effects: whether they actually put pressure on companies remains untested. This Article supplies such evidence by examining the consumer and investor responses to corporate supply chain disclosures made pursuant to Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The act requires publicly traded companies to disclose to the Securities and Exchange Commission whether their supply chain contains “conflict minerals” (minerals important in global supply chains whose sourcing supports the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding areas). The law aims to give customers and investors information about corporate supply chains, with the hope that they will support companies that source responsibly and punish those that do not. But whether this is actually accomplished is an open question. This Article provides an empirical study of the market responses to three years of Section 1502 disclosures, whose contents were coded to create a novel dataset. Disclosures implying that a company has a higher risk of contributing to the conflict are associated with higher revenues and stock performances than those implying a lower risk. This implies there is no market discipline of bad actors in response to the disclosures; instead, bad actors are rewarded. This is consistent with the finding that the number of companies reporting a higher risk of contributing to the conflict through their supply chains did not decrease over the three years. One potential explanation is that consumers and investors may read disclosures more for signals of a corporation’s honesty or profit-maximization skills than for information about conflict-minerals exposure, and firms disclosing a higher risk of this exposure are more likely to be honest and profit seeking. Because disclosures about supply chains will generally send these signals as well, expecting investors or consumers to discipline the supply chains in response to securities disclosures is unrealistic. But scores for the due diligence procedures and forward-looking commitments in the disclosures generated by an NGO for a subset of the companies are positively correlated with revenues, suggesting how mandatory disclosure regimes might be improved. The NGO’s success in disseminating and analyzing the information suggests that the SEC may not be the best actor for implementing supply chain disclosure requirements and the criteria for the scoring suggest that disclosure requirements should focus more on the reporting of processes so that they are less likely to send a signal about honesty.
Sneaking in Statistics

Many political science students are not aware of or even fear the use of quantitative language to study political phenomena. Quantitative methods courses tend to be unpopular, and some institutions (such as my own) do not require or offer them to students. In light of these challenges, I have taken to “sneaking” statistical thinking projects into substantive political science courses. This makes the research process more accessible to students who fear being forced to learn statistics and provides a flexible model for students who are interested in learning more.
Mapping Fluvial Inundation Extents with Graph Signal Filtering of River Depths Determined from Unsupervised Clustering of Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery

Remote sensing based river extent mapping can be used for detecting inundation extents in retrospective and near-realtime applications. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has been proven useful for this purpose due to its high-spatial resolution, low atmospheric attenuation, and self-illumination but suffers from radiometric scattering and unwanted reflections from vegetation, terrain, and anthropogenic features. A novel four step procedure is proposed that augments a standard unsupervised classification of the SAR backscatter values with a terrain index to extract stages. The extracted stages are filtered, exploiting the dendritic nature of river networks, utilizing graph signal processing then remapping the filtered stages using the hydrologically relevant terrain model. Using a reference map derived from in-situ observations, the final inundation product significantly enhances the mapping skill when compared to the segmented SAR only method.
Synthesis of DOTA(NOTA)-NDP-{alpha}-melanocyte stimulating hormone by copper-free click chemistry for PET imaging of melanoma

1492 Objectives Click chemistry describes a family of conjugation reactions with expanding applications in drug development. Of these, copper(Cu)-catalyzed cycloaddition of azides and alkynes is the gold standard, exhibiting supreme selectivity, rapid kinetics, high yields, and biocompatibility. However, for adding chelators to molecular targeting vectors, removal of the catalyst is problematic because chelators bind Cu strongly, lowering achievable specific activity. In this study, a monofluorocyclooctyne (MFCO) developed in our laboratories was combined with DOTA and NOTA to enable rapid, selective, high-yield chelator addition to an azido-derivative of [Nle4,D-Phe7]-α-MSH by ring-strain-promoted Cu-free click chemistry. Methods Amine-MFCO was prepared and reacted with DOTA(NOTA)-NHS to form DOTA(NOTA)-MFCO (Fig. 1A). Azido-NDP-α-MSH was prepared by standard Fmoc methods and reacted with DOTA(NOTA)-MFCO in H2O at RT. The compounds were radiolabeled with Cu-64. Competitive cell binding assays and microPET/CT were performed for in vitro/in vivo evaluation. Results DOTA(NOTA)-MFCO formed easily and reacted selectively with azido-NDP-α-MSH (up to 70% yield, Fig. 1A). [Cu-64]DOTA-MFCO-NPD-α-[MSH] was prepared with specific activity (SA) >35 MBq nmole-1. In vitro/In vivo studies confirmed receptor specificity and tumor targeting (Fig. 1B) Conclusions DOTA(NOTA)-MFCO chelators can be synthesized efficiently, added to azido-peptides by Cu-free click chemistry, and stably radiolabeled in high SA for in vivo imaging. MFCO synthesis is tractable and embodies a new lynchpin with numerous possible applications in bioconjugate radiochemistry. Research Support Studies were aided by grant# IRG-77-004-31 American Cancer Society; NCI Grant P30CA086862 to the Holden Cancer Center; The Carver Charitable Trust; and Dance Marathon
Measurements, Dynamics and State Preparation in a Micromaser

In the past, most atomic experiments yielded ensemble averages, as if the same measurement were taken for a large number of identically-prepared atoms and the results then were averaged. With advances in preparation and measurement techniques, however, experiments now can be carried out on an individual particle of atomic scale, without introducing such averaging effects. In the past few years, this line of research has produced a number of remarkable results; many more can be expected in the future, promising a deeper understanding of the foundations of quantum mechanics and of the interaction of light with matter. However, novel theoretical approaches that concentrate on single systems rather than on ensembles are required. A number of investigators recently have realized the need for such novel approaches, particularly in connection with the description of “quantum jumps”1 and with micromasers.2
A Reader's Guide to Proust's In Search of Lost Time : Le Temps retrouvé [Finding Time Again]

First published in 1927, five years after Proust's death, Le Temps retrouve is the capstone of the 3,000-page literary quest to which the writer devoted and eventually sacrificed his life. Having taken great pains, throughout the compositional process, to ensure the architectural unity of his text, in the final volume of the novel Proust not only continues to develop and enrich the thematic material that had predominated in the earlier sections, but he also provides a retrospective, theoretically elaborated aesthetic justification for his work. Despite the considerable editorial problems presented by a text that had to be assembled posthumously from a number of manuscript and typescript sources, the general outline of the volume can be discerned quite clearly. The first, concisely elaborated episode takes place in Tansonville, and is simply the continuation of the concluding pages of Albertine disparue ( R IV, 275–301; S 6, 3–29). In this tranquil environment, the narrator takes walks with Gilberte, his first love now (unhappily) married to Robert de Saint-Loup, and reminisces about the past while also gaining further insight into Robert's homosexual leanings and relationships. These opening pages constitute a repetition of the threshold situation with which Proust had begun the novel, in the Overture of Du Cote de chez Swann . The narrator is middle-aged and is poised between the past experiences of his life, which have brought him knowledge of society and human nature without providing him with personal happiness, and the prospect of a future which seems bleak rather than promising.
Response to “HMGB1 Mediates Cognitive Impairment in Sepsis Survivors”

The letter from Dal-Pizzol et al.(1) addresses the question of brain cell activation in sepsis survivors. The data demonstrate that RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) expression in the hippocampus and in the prefrontal cortex is significantly increased 4 wks after septic insult. This is an interesting observation because it indicates that altered expression of specific brain proteins can be sustained for weeks after sepsis. The significance of these findings can be considered in light of our recent report showing that HMGB1 (high mobility group box 1), one of the putative RAGE ligands, mediates memory loss in sepsis survivors (2). The novel findings by Dal-Pizzol et al.(1), combined with Chavan et al.(2), raise additional questions: What is the time course for the elevation of RAGE levels? Is it an immediate increase after septic insult, indicating a direct link between sepsis-mediated systemic inflammation and increased RAGE expression? Alternatively, is it a late effect, suggesting it is caused by sepsis-induced changes in brain physiology and not by the systemic inflammation? Which molecular cascade induces RAGE expression? What sustains the high expression of RAGE? Do receptors besides RAGE mediate HMGB1-dependent alteration of memory function, as suggested in a recent report by Mazarati et al.(3)? Which brain cells express RAGE? Is HMGB1 directly affecting neurons, or is it altering glial cell biology? A recent report by Pedrazzi et al.(4) shows that HMGB1 potentiates N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor activation, a process that might be critical for memory formation. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that HMGB1 acts directly on neurons, but it may also activate glial cells, which in turn can modulate neuronal signaling via other cytokine networks. Finally, it is worth mentioning that HMGB1 may be deleterious to neurons or may function to compensate for previous injury. In sum, we agree with the authors of the letter that this is an important area of research with significant implications for medical practice.
Cinema and Development in West Africa: Film and Liberation, 1945-1975

The paper examines the struggle for decolonization in West Africa through the critical lense of the cinema industrial complex. One of the pioneers of African cinema and also a leading anti-colonial cultural activist Paulin Soumanou Vieyra insisted that film should be regarded as a crucial terrain in the fight to end colonial rule as well as a central vehicle in the post-colonial economic and cultural regeneration of Africa's societies. He highlighted the cinema's dual nature as art and industry as providing a unique mix of elements that could be utilized to achieve full sovereignty from foreign rule as well as a pathway for development that was not resource-dependent. Drawn from my forthcoming book of the same title (Indiana, 2013), the paper argues that the representational and materialist dimensions to the cinema industrial complex constituted important modalities of colonial rule that were contested by agents like Vieyra, Ousmane Sembene, Med Hondo, and others in the transition from imperial control to political sovereignty. I argue that this study illuminates some of the possibilities inherent within the project of using film as a means of decolonization while also revealing important structural constraints that limited the potential for Africa's post-colonial cultural and economic development.
Polarographic reduction of aldehydes and ketones: Part XXII. Reduction and oxidation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes: Acrolein, tiglaldehyde and substituted cinnamaldehydes⋆⋆⋆

Abstract The protonated form of acrolein is reduced at pH 9 a more negative wave (i4) is observed in the potential region where propionaldehyde is reduced. Identification of this wave was complicated by formation of β-hydroxypropionaldehyde in a bulk reaction of acrolein with hydroxide ions. Controlled-potential electrolysis at the limiting current of wave i2 or i3 at pH 5 and 7 yielded propionaldehyde, identified by gas-liquid chromatography (glc) and using waves of semicarbazones. Absence of formation of allyl alcohol was proved by glc and bromine titration. Voltammetric curves obtained with a hanging mercury drop electrode indicated that the mechanism of reduction at a mercury electrode with a constant surface differs from that at the dropping mercury electrode (DME). Polarographic reduction at the DME in the two-electron step yields predominantly saturated aldehyde, as was observed for the majority of α,β-unsaturated ketones and for cinnamaldehyde, rather than an unsaturated alcohol, as proved for crotonaldehyde. Substitution of cinnamaldehyde by a methyl group in the α-position or by a phenyl group in the β-position does not result in a change in the preferred protonation site. Saturated aldehydes are still the predominating product found at the DME. Similarly, introduction of a methyl group in the α-position of crotonaldehyde does not affect the affinity to protonation. Tiglaldehyde is reduced at the DME to an α,β-unsaturated alcohol. Electrolysis products obtained with a mercury pool electrode should not be used for interpretation of the electrode processes at the DME without a proof of analogous processes.
The genetics of human autoimmune disease: A perspective on progress in the field and future directions

Progress in defining the genetics of autoimmune disease has been dramatically enhanced by large scale genetic studies. Genome-wide approaches, examining hundreds or for some diseases thousands of cases and controls, have been implemented using high throughput genotyping and appropriate algorithms to provide a wealth of data over the last decade. These studies have identified hundreds of non-HLA loci as well as further defining HLA variations that predispose to different autoimmune diseases. These studies to identify genetic risk loci are also complemented by progress in gene expression studies including definition of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), various alterations in chromatin structure including histone marks, DNase I sensitivity, repressed chromatin regions as well as transcript factor binding sites. Integration of this information can partially explain why particular variations can alter proclivity to autoimmune phenotypes. Despite our incomplete knowledge base with only partial definition of hereditary factors and possible functional connections, this progress has and will continue to facilitate a better understanding of critical pathways and critical changes in immunoregulation. Advances in defining and understanding functional variants potentially can lead to both novel therapeutics and personalized medicine in which therapeutic approaches are chosen based on particular molecular phenotypes and genomic alterations.
W{gamma}{gamma} production at the Fermilab Tevatron collider: Gauge invariance and radiation amplitude zero

The electroweak process $p\overline{p}{\mathcal{l}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ is calculated at the tree level, including finite $W$ width effects. In order to obtain a gauge-invariant amplitude, the imaginary parts of $\mathrm{WW}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ triangle graphs and $\mathrm{WW}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ box diagrams have to be included, in addition to resumming the imaginary contributions to the $W$ vacuum polarization. We demonstrate the existence of a radiation amplitude zero in $p\overline{p}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{W}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathcal{l}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$, and discuss how it may be observed in correlations of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and lepton rapidities at the Fermilab Tevatron.
Motorola DSP56001 Implementation of a Self-Tuning Controller

A system consisting of two AT&T personal computers and a Motorola DSP56001 digital signal processor for implementation of self-tuning pole placement control law is presented. One of the AT&T personal computers is used as a variable parameter digital plant to be controlled. The Motorola DSP56001 digital signal processor is used to compute the plant parameters in real-time from input-output data. The computed plant parameters are used to tune the parameters of a pole placement controller implemented on the Motorola DSP56001 digital signal processor. The other AT&T personal computer is used as a host computer to develop machine code of the parameter identification and self-tuning control algorithms. Results on self-tuning control of a second order plant are presented.
Hyperphosphorylation of the retinoblastoma gene product and altered subcellular distribution of E2F-1 during Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The molecular mechanisms that regulate neuronal cell death in neurodegenerative diseases remain unclear. During neurologic diseases numerous neuronal and glial intracellular signaling pathways are activated by changes within the extracellular environment, which culminate in alterations of nuclear proteins and gene expression. Among the proteins activated or expressed during neurodegenerative diseases include proteins that function during the cell cycle. Early events in cell cycle activation include transition from the G1 to S phase of the cell cycle, which is regulated by the activity of proteins from the retinoblastoma (pRb) and E2F gene families of transcriptional regulators. Hyperphosphorylation of pRb induces the activation of E2F proteins at the G1-to-S cell cycle transition. Using brain and spinal cord tissues from non-demented control, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, we identified increased levels of hyperphosphorylated pRb in AD and ALS patients. In addition, we observed altered subcellular distribution of E2F-1 during AD and ALS. Our results suggest that activation and re-distribution of early cell cycle transcriptional regulators occurs in both AD and ALS.
Outer Membrane Proteins of Escherichia coli IV. Differences in Outer Membrane Proteins Due To Strain and Cultural Differences

When the 42,000-dalton major outer membrane protein of Escherichia coli O111 is examined on alkaline polyacrylamide gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate, it is resolved into three distinct bands designated as proteins 1, 2, and 3. Band 3 consists of two distinct polypeptides, proteins 3a and 3b. E. coli K-12 does not make any protein 2, but makes proteins similar to 1, 3a, and 3b as indicated by comparison of cyanogen bromide peptide patterns. Several Shigella species and most other strains of E. coli resemble E. coli K-12 in that they lack protein 2, whereas Salmonella typhimurium is more similar to E. coli O111. In addition to these species and strain differences, cultural differences resulted in differences in the outer membrane protein profiles. Under conditions of catabolite repression, the level of protein 2 in E. coli O111 decreased while the level of protein 1 increased. An enterotoxin-producing strain similar to E. coli O111 produced no protein 1 and an elevated level of protein 2 under conditions of low catabolite repression. The levels of proteins 1 and 3 are also different in different phases of the growth curve, with protein 1 being the major species in the exponential-phase cells and protein 3 being the major species in stationary-phase cells. A multiply phage-resistant mutant of E. coli K-12 with no obvious cell wall defects produced no protein 1 or 2, but made increased amounts of protein 3. Thus, the major outer membrane proteins of E. coli and related species may vary considerably without affecting outer membrane integrity.
Surgical outcomes and cost basis for resident-performed cataract surgery in an uninsured patient population

Importance In the past, resident physicians have provided care to indigent patients under the supervision of experienced physicians. General consensus exists regarding higher surgical costs of patient care at teaching hospitals. No study has examined the outcomes or the cost basis for resident physicians providing health care to an underserved population. Objectives To evaluate the visual results in uninsured patients undergoing cataract surgery performed by resident surgeons at a single institution and to determine the cost-effectiveness of care. Design and Setting A retrospective case series of consecutive uninsured patients undergoing cataract procedures performed by attending-supervised resident physicians at the University of Washington from July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2011. Data obtained included demographic information, preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the eye undergoing the procedure, and surgical complications. We calculated the costs of services rendered and normalized them to 2011 dollars. These data were incorporated into time–trade-off discounted utility values. Data were expressed as mean (SD). Participants One hundred forty-three consecutive patients. Exposure Cataract surgical procedures. Main Outcomes and Measures Costs of the surgical procedure and the utility value associated with the BCVA in the operated-on eye, Results The mean logMAR preoperative BCVA was 1.09 (0.74) (Snellen equivalent, 20/300). The best-recorded mean postoperative BCVA was 0.24 (0.42) (Snellen equivalent, 20/40), obtained at 3.77 (9.30) months. The final recorded mean BCVA was 0.27 (0.43) (Snellen equivalent, 20/40), obtained at a median (SD) follow-up of 16.32 (17.10) months. Four complications in 3 eyes required a second operation; 15 postoperative laser procedures were performed. The mean health care cost per patient was $3437.24 ($1334.68). Using these data, the mean utility value of cataract surgery in this population was 0.80 (0.12); the quality-adjusted life-years gained, 2.43 (1.87); and the discounted ratio of cost to utility, $1889.16 ($4800.62). Conclusions and Relevance These data support the success and cost-effectiveness of supervised, resident-performed cataract surgery in an underserved patient population. This study lends support for continuing this traditional scheme of surgical training and education. Further work must ensure that we remain aware of the balance between education and patient care.
Serratia marcescens chitinase: One-step purification and use for the determination of chitin

Abstract The extracellular chitinase produced by Serratia marcescens was obtained in highly purified form by adsorption-digestion on chitin. After gel electrophoresis in a nondenaturing system, the purified preparation exhibited two major protein bands that coincided with enzymatic activity. A study of the enzyme properties showed its suitability for the analysis of chitin. Thus, the chitinase exhibited excellent stability, a wide pH optimum, and linear kinetics over a much greater range than similar enzymes from other sources. The major product of chitin hydrolysis was chitobiose, which was slowly converted into free N-acetylglucosamine by traces of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase present in the purified preparation. The preparation was free from other polysaccharide hydrolases. Experiments with radiolabeled yeast cell walls showed that the chitinase was able to degrade wall chitin completely and specifically.
Dynamic pricing and congestion control for best-effort ATM services

Abstract Several researchers have recently advocated dynamic pricing mechanisms such as the smart market. This paper explores how dynamic state-dependent pricing and explicit congestion control can both be used to avoid and alleviate congestion. Dynamic pricing has significant advantages for heterogeneous traffic, although this paper demonstrates that this approach reduces raw throughput. It is shown that when propagation delay is non-trivial, as is the case in wide-area networks, a slow-reacting version of dynamic pricing is preferable. This paper also advocates the use of novel stream-oriented best-effort ATM services with which a stream's arrival process is declared to the network before transmission begins and then policed, although there are no performance guarantees and none of these best-effort streams are ever blocked. With this approach, it is possible to provide price incentives for applications to decrease traffic burstiness, and to reveal important information about their packet streams, making mechanisms like slow-reacting dynamic pricing more practical.
Clinical efficacy and safety of cefovecin in the treatment of canine pyoderma and wound infections

Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of cefovecin in the treatment of bacterial skin infections in dogs. Method: Dogs with superficial or deep pyoderma or wounds/abscesses were enrolled in three separate studies. Dogs (354) were randomised to treatment and received either cefovecin administered by subcutaneous injection at 14 day intervals, as clinically necessary, or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid as oral tablets twice daily for 14 days. Courses of treatment were repeated at 14 day intervals up to a total of four courses. Clinicians responsible for assessing lesions were masked to treatment allocation. Only animals where the presence of a pretreatment bacterial pathogen was confirmed were included in the analysis of efficacy. Cases were evaluated for clinical efficacy at 28 days after initiation of the final course of treatment. Clinical efficacy was assessed by scoring the clinical signs typical of skin infections. Results: Cefovecin demonstrated statistical non-inferiority compared with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for all three clinical diagnoses; for cefovecin, up to 96·9 per cent efficacy was observed versus 92·5 per cent for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Clinical Significance: Cefovecin was shown to be as effective as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid administered orally in the treatment of bacterial skin infections in dogs. Cefovecin offers the additional benefit of eliminating owner non-compliance.
Simulation-Based Education to Teach Interdisciplinary Resident Communication and Team Work

Problems with patient care “hand-offs” are a well-described issue. We developed an interdisciplinary educational program that included a creation of a video and high and low fidelity simulations designed to foster teamwork. The program involves senior anesthesia and pediatric residents in a 3 h session that highlights each specialty’s strengths. The session stresses the importance of proper hand-offs and its impact on patient care. We describe the program and offer some suggestions for curricular development.
Evidence for additional neurotensin receptor subtypes: neurotensin analogs that distinguish between neurotensin-mediated hypothermia and antinociception

Abstract Neurotensin (NT), a tridecapeptide, is a neurotransmitter that elicits potent effects including hypothermia and antinociception in mice and rats. To date, there are two types of the neurotensin receptor (NTR) that have been molecularly cloned from the rat. However, several lines of evidence suggest the presence of additional NTR subtypes. We have identified a NT analog of the NT(8-13) fragment, NT27, that selectively causes only the hypothermic response in vivo, when microinjected into the periaqueductal gray (PAG) of rats. A dose of 18 nmol of NT or NT27 caused a body temperature lowering of 1.8 and 1.2°C, respectively. This same dose of NT or NT27 yielded a hotplate maximum physiological effect of 75% and 25%, respectively. Interestingly, despite its high K D (620 nM) at the cloned NTR-1, NT27-I (the iodinated form of NT27) exerted a potent hypothermic effect even at a very low dose (0.6 nmol). Equally intriguing, was that NT24, a sterioisomer of NT27, with a much higher affinity ( K D =0.5 nM) at NTR-1, did not selectively induce hypothermia in mice, but did selectively induce hypothermia in rats.
Prediction Rule for Atrial Fibrillation After Major Noncardiac Thoracic Surgery

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication after major noncardiac thoracic surgery and increases the cost and morbidity of these operations. We sought to derive and validate a clinical prediction rule to risk-stratify patients for postoperative AF. Methods For a cohort of cancer patients who underwent noncardiac thoracic surgery, we examined the association of preoperative clinical variables with development of postoperative AF. Logistic regression identified multivariable predictors of AF and a clinical risk score was developed by assigning weighted point scores for the presence of each significant covariate. An independent data set was used for validation purposes. Results Of the 856 patients, 147 (17.2%) developed postoperative AF. Male gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1 to 2.4), advanced age (55 to 74 years OR 4.4, 95% CI 2.0 to 9.8; ≥75 years OR 9.2, 95% CI 3.9 to 21.5), and preoperative heart rate greater than or equal to 72 beats per minute (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.5) were independent predictors of postoperative AF. A risk score was assigned with male gender and heart rate greater than or equal to 72 beats per minute each receiving 1 point, and age 55 to 74 and greater than or equal to 75 years receiving 3 and 4 points, respectively. The risk of postoperative AF ranged from 0% (0 points) to 54.6% (6 points) ( p p = 0.66). Conclusions A prediction rule using clinical variables can be used to predict the risk of postoperative AF after noncardiac thoracic surgery. This information can be used to guide prophylactic therapy.
Accommodation fatigue and dark focus: The effects of accommodation-free visual work as assessed by two psychophysical methods

Past studies of accommodation fatigue have yielded inconsistent results, partly because they have not used direct measures of accommodation, and partly because they may have been based on a misleading conception of the nature of accommodation. The dual-innervation theory of accommodation suggests that the resting position of accommodation may be neuromuscular rather than just muscular, and that it lies not at optical infinity, as assumed by older conceptions, but at some intermediate position (dark focus). Among the predictions that may be deduced from this theory is that long-term visual work not requiring active accommodation will not induce fatigue. The present study involved continuous measurements of dark focus for 10 young adults over a 3-h period, using the laser optometer with two psychophysical procedures Ibracketing and staircase. Consistent with the prediction, no changes in dark focus were found, in spite of the demanding visual task. Furthermore, it was found that both psychophysical methods yielded essentially identical results. The practical and theoretical implications of these results are discussed, and recommendations are given regarding situations in which each of the psychophysical methods is likely to be most useful.