cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk of recidivism among justice-involved veterans: a systematic review of the literature

Empirical research on recidivism risk among justice-involved veterans (JIVs) is limited. Using the risk-need-responsivity model, we conducted a systematic review of research on risk factors for recidivism among JIVs to identify the gaps in this literature and provide recommendations for future research. Substance abuse and indicators of antisociality were consistently linked to justice involvement in veterans; however, the evidence for negative family/marital circumstances and lack of positive school/work involvement was mixed. Several known risk factors for reoffending among civilian offenders (i.e., antisocial cognitions and associates; lack of prosocial activities) were marked by little to no empirical studies among veterans. Posttraumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, particularly when combined with anger and irritability issues, may be veteran-specific risk factors for violent offending. The implications of these findings for policy and practice and challenges to implementing risk assessments with JIVs are discussed. Language: en
Using Relative Position and Temporal Judgments to Assess the Effects of Texture and Field of View on Spatial Awareness for Synthetic Vision Systems Displays

Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) depict computer generated views of terrain surrounding an aircraft. In the assessment of textures and field of view (FOV) for SVS, no studies have directly measured the 3 levels of spatial awareness: identification of terrain, its relative spatial location, and its relative temporal location. This work introduced spatial awareness measures and used them to evaluate texture and FOV in SVS displays. Eighteen pilots made 4 judgments (relative angle, distance, height, and abeam time) regarding the location of terrain points displayed in 112 5-second, non-interactive simulations of a SVS heads down display. Texture produced significant main effects and trends for the magnitude of error in the relative distance, angle, and abeam time judgments. FOV was significant for the directional magnitude of error in the relative distance, angle, and height judgments. Pilots also provided subjective terrain awareness ratings that were compared with the judgment based measures. The study found that elevation fishnet, photo fishnet, and photo elevation fishnet textures best supported spatial awareness for both the judgments and the subjective awareness measures.
Effect of high concentrations of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide on growth of some streptococci and pneumococci.

In a previous publication1 it was reported that in a simple chemically defined medium, growth of a number of the gram-negative enteric bacteria, together with a few other miscellaneous types, was markedly retarded or completely inhibited by 5000 or 10,000 /xg per ml of nicotinic acid or nicotinamide. The medium was composed of ammonium phosphate, glucose, salts, and in some cases small amounts of one or two additional vitamins or amino acids
Seizures and CNS hemorrhage: spontaneous intracerebral and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Background:Convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures frequently complicate acute brain injury particularly central nervous system hemorrhages and both have been associated with poor outcome. No randomized controlled trials have been conducted to guide decisions on seizure prophylaxis or treatment. The m
Three Structural Roles for Water in Bone Observed by Solid-State NMR

Hydrogen-bearing species in the bone mineral environment were investigated using solid-state NMR spectroscopy of powdered bone, deproteinated bone, and B-type carbonated apatite. Using magic-angle spinning and cross-polarization techniques three types of structurally-bound water were observed in these materials. Two of these water types occupy vacancies within the apatitic mineral crystal in synthetic carbonated apatite and deproteinated bone and serve to stabilize these defect-containing crystals. The third water was observed at the mineral surface in unmodified bone but not in deproteinated bone, suggesting a role for this water in mediating mineral-organic matrix interactions. Direct evidence of monohydrogen phosphate in a 1H NMR spectrum of unmodified bone is presented for the first time. We obtained clear evidence for the presence of hydroxide ion in deproteinated bone by 1H MAS NMR. A 1H-31P heteronuclear correlation experiment provided unambiguous evidence for hydroxide ion in unmodified bone as well. Hydroxide ion in both unmodified and deproteinated bone mineral was found to participate in hydrogen bonding with neighboring water molecules and ions. In unmodified bone mineral hydroxide ion was found, through a 1H-31P heteronuclear correlation experiment, to be confined to a small portion of the mineral crystal, probably the internal portion.
Lot sizes and setup frequency with learning in setups and process quality

Abstract Supporters of the Stockless Production Philosophy have argued that the traditional Economic Order Quantity approach leads to large lot sizes because it does not take into account several important benefits of small lot sizes—benefits such as improved process quality, flexibility, and reduced setup costs due to worker learnings, etc. This paper recognizes the benefits of small lot sizes in terms of reduced setup costs due to worker learning and in terms of the improved process quality in the total cost to be minimized. A mathematical analysis and computational results have been provided to study the effect of these benefits on the optimal lot sizes and the optimal setup frequency. To facilitate this, the paper proves several new results and develops algorithms to find the optimal lot sizes.
Methacholine and physostigmine airway reactivity in asthmatic and nonasthmatic subjects

Abstract Inhalation challenges using methacholine and physostigmine were performed in 3 human asthmatic and 3 nonallergic normal subjects. Plethysmographic measurements of specific airways conductance (GawVtg) were used to monitor the response. The dose required to produce a 17% fall in GawVtg was significantly lower in asthmatic subjects than in normal subjects for both physostigmine (p
dc electrical conductivity of D-T gas

The space charge and the electrical current in a weakly ionized radioactive gas is theoretically evaluated. The results are compared with experimental data for a deuterium gas at room temperature containing 0.1 mol % of tritium. The dc electrical conductivity has been measured for gas densities from 0.1 to 10 mol/I and applied voltages over the range 0.1 to 400 V. The resulting current density increases with increasing gas density and the decreases at higher densities. The theoretical results show that the charge-density profiles in the gas as well as the space-charge potential change dramatically with the applied voltage. Varying the electronic recombination coefficients until theoretical predictions agree with the measured results provides a means to determine them. From this comparison it is found that the three-body recombination coefficients is 6.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}26}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{6}$ ${\mathrm{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, whereas the two-body recombination coefficient is indeterminate and of little influence on the quality of the fit as long as its value is below ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. .AE
Acute depletion of murine primordial follicle reserve by gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists

Objective To examine the effects of GnRH antagonists on preantral follicle survival in vivo and to investigate whether GnRH antagonist use during cyclophosphamide treatment would protect the ovary and preserve primordial follicle survival in a murine model. Design Prospective basic research study. Setting Research laboratory in an academic medical center. Animal(s) Adult C57Bl/6 mice (5 to 6 weeks old). Intervention(s) Mice received either a single injection of GnRH agonist (leuprolide acetate) on study day −10 or injections of the GnRH antagonist (antide or cetrorelix) on study days −3 and 0. Some animals also received the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide on day 0. All animals were killed by CO 2 asphyxiation on day 7. To examine direct vs. indirect effects, some mice received GnRH antagonist under the bursa of one ovary, with the contralateral ovary receiving vehicle. Ovaries were fixed in Kahle's solution; 7-μm tissue sections were stained with Lillie's allochrome, and preantral follicles were counted on every fifth section. Main Outcome Measure(s) Numbers of primordial, primary, and secondary follicles. Result(s) Systemic administration of both GnRH antagonists caused a significant destruction of primordial follicles compared with control mice. Similar results were obtained whether the antagonists were administered systemically or directly to the ovary. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist had no effect on primordial follicle numbers by itself but reduced the follicular depletion caused by cyclophosphamide. Conclusion(s) In contrast to the effects of GnRH agonists to reduce chemotherapeutic destruction of primordial follicles, GnRH antagonists do not protect the ovary from the damaging effects of cyclophosphamide. More importantly, GnRH antagonists alone deplete primordial follicles in this murine model, likely through a direct effect on the ovary. Whether these observations apply to other species requires further study.
On some decision problems for RAM programs

Abstract We look at some decision problems for programs using the RAM (random access machine) model of computation. Under this model, each instruction takes one step to execute. We obtain positive as well as negative results. For example, we show that there is an algorithm to determine given a positive integer k and a program P with one input variable over the instruction set { x ← 0, x ← x + 1, x ← x ← 1, x ← x + y, x ← x − y, x ← x ∗ y, x ← x y , if p(x)then halt, halt, if p(x) then goto l, goto 1}, where x y is integer division and p(x) is a predicate of the form x 0, whether P halts on all integer inputs in at most k steps. The problem is also decidable for multi-input programs with no multiplication and division instructions. In contrast, the problem is undecidable for programs with two input variables over the instruction set { x ← 0, x ← x + 1, x ← x − y, x ← x y , if x = 0 then halt, halt}, even when only total programs (i.e., no division by 0 occurs during any computation) are considered. This last result also holds when x ← x y is replaced by multiplication, x ← x ∗ y , but the number of input variables needed is large.
Derivation of mathematical expressions to define resonant ejection from square and sinusoidal wave ion traps

Abstract Resonant ejection for mass analysis with ion traps is widely used because it markedly improves the mass range and resolution of ion traps. Unfortunately, an easy-to-use analytical expression that defines the ejection mass as a function of the trapping and excitation frequencies is missing in the literature because the secular frequency of the ions in sinusoidal ion traps is not easily determined for all stable values of qz from the Mathieu equation. However, the ion secular frequency for all stable values of qz in digital ion traps can be readily determined from Hill's equation. We have taken this expression and solved it for qz to produce an analytical expression for the ejection mass as a function of trapping and excitation frequency. We also recognized that the expression for the ion mass during resonant ejection for a square wave driven trap can be converted to an expression for a sinusoidal wave trap merely by multiplication by a factor of 4/π. These new expressions open up the possibility of rapid mass calibration for any method of resonant ejection from square or sinusoidal wave driven ion traps.
Ethics in the Discipline(s) of Bioethics

The development of a code of ethics for a profession can be an indicator of the coherence and stability of a discipline as a unique and singular entity. Since "bioethics", as a discipline, is not one profession but many, practiced by persons with not one but many varying responsibilities and training, it has been argued that no code of ethics is possible for the discipline(s) of bioethics. I argue that a code of ethics is possible for bioethics by looking at the nature of the various disciplines and noting necessary overlap between them, and deriving the ethics from the nature of the discipline(s) themselves. I show how this can be done by arguing that strict rules about funding and conflict of interest are necessary for bioethicists.
Mode beating resonances in microwave spectra of long-cavity InGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs GRIN-SCH lasers

High-frequency characterization of diode lasers is an important topic in studies of high-speed modulation, mode locking, Q-switching, mode selection and tuning, etc. Beating between longitudinal modes in typical diode lasers occurs at frequencies too high to be measured directly. Consequently, mode beating was initially investigated in external-cavity diode lasers, with mode spacings of ~100 MHz.1 More recently, beating of adjacent longitudinal modes was observed in lasers with 2-2.5-mm long cavities.2,3 Here, we study mode beating spectra in lasers with cavity length of ~5 mm. For the first time, we have observed beating between second-neighbor modes separated by double spacing.
Quantitative Analysis of Holes Produced in Laser Micromachining: A New Quality Index

Prior methods of assessing the quality of laser machined features are reviewed. The common features that contribute to a quality analysis for laser-drilled holes are described and the best methods to measure them are presented. A new quality index based on the Taguchi loss function is introduced. The use of the new quality index in laser micromachining applications is demonstrated.
Testing the instanton method

Abstract The consistency of instanton and large- N methods is demonstrated in the CP N −1 model. It is argued that similar behaviour should be expected in QCD.
Instructional Systems Design and the Learning Sciences: A Citation Analysis

Learning sciences (LS) and instructional systems design (ISD) are two related fields that have shared intersts in the application of technology for advancing human learning. While the two fields may have different values, boundaries, and in some cases methods, they also share significant overlap of content and purpose. We examine the relationship between the two fields through a citation analysis of three journals in each of the respective fields. The findings of the study indicate that the amount of cross-field publication is low, but there exists a trend for increased cross-field citation. As cross-field publication increases, we suggest that the existence of invisible colleges that link the fields will become more salient.
Effect of menopausal status on body composition and abdominal fat distribution.

OBJECTIVE: Preliminary studies suggest that the menopause transition is associated with deleterious changes in body composition and abdominal fat distribution. Limitations of the methodology used in these studies, however, render their conclusions controversial. Thus, the present study used radiologic imaging techniques to examine the effect of menopausal status on body composition and abdominal fat distribution. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS: Fifty-three healthy, middle-aged, premenopausal women (mean±SD; 47±3 y) and 28 early-postmenopausal women (51±4 y). MEASUREMENTS: Total and regional body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and abdominal fat distribution by computed tomography. RESULTS: No differences in total body fat-free mass or appendicular skeletal muscle mass were noted between groups. In contrast, total body fat mass was 28% higher (23±7 vs 18±7 kg) and percentage fat 17% higher (35±6 vs 30±9%; both P<0.01) in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women. Postmenopausal women had a 49% greater intra-abdominal (88±32 vs 59±32 cm2; P<0.01) and a 22% greater abdominal subcutaneous fat area (277±93 vs 227±108 cm2; P<0.05) compared to premenopausal women. The menopause-related difference in intra-abdominal fat persisted (P<0.05) after statistical adjustment for age and total body fat mass, whereas no difference in abdominal subcutaneous fat was noted. A similar pattern of differences in total and abdominal adiposity was noted in sub-samples of pre- and postmenopausal women matched for age or fat mass. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that early-postmenopausal status is associated with a preferential increase in intra-abdominal fat that is independent of age and total body fat mass.
Control of in vivo microvessel ingrowth by modulation of biomaterial local architecture and chemistry

We developed a method for controlling local architecture and chemistry simultaneously in biomaterial implants to control microvessel ingrowth in vivo. Porous polypropylene disks (5 mm in diameter and 40 um thick) were plasma-coated with a fluoropolymer and then laser-drilled with 50-*m-diameter holes through their thickness. We then oxidized the disks to create hydroxyl functionality on the exposed polypropylene (inside the holes). Acrylamide was grafted to the hydroxyl groups through polymerization in the presence of activating ceric ions. Staining with toluidine blue O demonstrated that grafting occurred only inside the holes. We used the Hoffman degradation reaction to convert the amide groups of acrylamide to amine groups, and then we used ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether to attach biomolecules of interest inside the holes: secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) peptide Lys-Gly-His-Lys (KGHK; angiogenic), thrombospondin-2 (TSP; antiangiogenic), or albumin (rat; neutral). In vivo testing in a rat subcutaneous dorsum model for a 3-week interval demonstrated a greater vessel surface area (p = 0.032) and a greater number of vessels (p = 0.043) in tissue local to the holes with KGHKimmobilized disks than with TSP-immobilized disks. However, differences between KGHK-immobilized and albuminimmobilized disks were less significant (p = 0.120 and pmore » = 0.289 for the vessel surface area and number of vessels, respectively). The developed methods have potential applications in biomaterial design applications for which selective neovascularization is desired.« less
Plate kinematic evidence for the existence of a distinct plate between the Nubian and Somalian plates along the Southwest Indian Ridge

[1] Previously, we estimated the angular velocity of the Nubian plate relative to the Somalian plate from an updated set of spreading rates and transform fault azimuths. We found that the Nubia-Somalia plate boundary intersects the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) between ≈26°E and ≈32°E if both the Nubian and Somalian plates are rigid and if the boundary between them is narrow. These prior results are not completely satisfactory mainly for two reasons: (1) The four-plate circuit Somalia-Antarctica-Nubia-Arabia does not close. (2) The largest (Mw ≤ 6.8) recorded “African” earthquakes that are near, but not along, the SWIR occur near 48°E, well east of the intersection with the Nubia-Somalia boundary. Here we investigate these problems through detailed analysis of plate motion data, especially those along the SWIR east of the Andrew Bain Transform Fault Complex. We find an improved fit to the data and improved plate circuit closure if a region of the African lithosphere is interpreted as a new component plate. This new plate lies between the Nubian and Somalian plates along the SWIR and is separated from the latter by a diffuse boundary that includes the locations of the largest off-ridge earthquakes. Following C. J. H. Hartnady, we call this new plate “Lwandle.” Use of this new plate geometry shifts the Nubia-Somalia pole of rotation northeastward to just south of South Africa and thus alters estimates of current India-Eurasia plate motion.
Novel combined VATS/laparoscopic approach for giant and complicated paraesophageal hernia repair: description of technique and early results

The laparoscopic approach for repair of giant and/or recurrent paraesophageal hernias (PEH) is challenging, due to limited access to the dissection of the hernia sac into the proximal mediastinum and esophageal mobilization through the diaphragmatic hiatus. An esophageal lengthening procedure is often necessary, due to the difficulty in obtaining adequate intra-abdominal esophageal length. We, therefore, developed a VATS and laparoscopic technique, which allows for safe and extensive thoracic dissection and intra-abdominal gastric fixation and cruroplasty, yet preserving the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. We use a standard VATS approach. The hernia sac, optimally visualized, is dissected posteriorly from the thoracic aorta, inferiorly from its diaphragmatic attachments, anteriorly from the pericardium, and laterally from the mediastinal pleura. The esophagus is completely mobilized up to the aortic arch, and the anterior vagus nerve is released from its bronchial branches. The hernia sac is then opened, dissected, and completely removed. The hernia content is then reduced into the abdomen laparoscopically, the short gastric vessels are divided and the gastric fundus is completely mobilized. The hiatus is closed with interrupted sutures, and the cruroplasty is buttressed with a biological mesh. A floppy Nissen or a partial fundoplication and a gastropexy are done for reflux control and gastric fixation. From January 2012 to January 2014, we treated 18 patients (7 with type III PEH and 11 with type IV) with the above-described procedure. Six patients had previous history of antireflux surgery. We performed a planned laparotomy instead of laparoscopy in two patients, who needed concurrent repair of complex incisional hernias. We did not need esophageal lengthening procedures, nor experienced damages to thoracic structures in any patient. Our newly developed surgical approach has proven to be safe and feasible. This technique represents a good option for treatment of giant and complicated PEH.
Employment Structure and Poverty: Theoretical Perspectives and Conceptual Frameworks

Theoretical explanations of poverty have been formulated at several conceptual levels that include a number of tested propositions supportive of the viewpoint of their proponents. Miller, however, contends that "woefully inadequate theory" and "skimpy data" have been recurring themes in poverty research and that "the data upon which generalizations are wrought are indeed very scanty... ." Writing in a similar vein, Allen states that "the theory is woefully inadequate for problems presented by poverty." The latter comments notwithstanding, several theorists have contributed to an understanding of poverty and their explanations may be codified into nine conceptual paradigms: (1) culture of poverty; (2) exploitation; (3) the time lag in the process of adjustment of technical and other changes in a dynamic economy; (4) differential power among enterprises and groups; (5) subclass theory that takes into account racism, sexism, welfare capitalism, elite rule and geographic location; (6) status attainment; (7) orthodox economic theory; (8) human capital; and (9) economic segmentation theories, including the dual labor market (Lichter et al.; Rodgers; Gordon; Morrill and Wohlenberg). The latter two paradigms are considered to be the dominant theoretical and policy explanations of poverty, particularly as they relate to the employment structure. We do not pretend to discuss the details of these two theories. Each is a complicated paradigm with many subtleties of premise, thought, and objective; we only try to capture their basic ideas, fundamental assumptions, and empirical referents. In most empirical studies, researchers tend to pick and choose the most appropriate or relevant ideas from each theory. This analysis will not attempt to determine which theoretical approach is more correct or which one has more empirical support. If we can provide a clearer perspective of these poverty theories, and a better understanding of the underlying postulates, then we will have accomplished our purpose. Ultimately, we want to stimulate thinking about selecting, conceptualizing, and operationalizing variables to empirically test the utility of the human capital and dual labor market theories. These two conceptual frameworks can be seen as paradigms that shape and guide empirical analysis of the relationship between employment structure and poverty.
A note on the noise amplitudes in some strong motion accelerographs

The amplitudes of digitization and processing noise in strong motion digital and analog accelerographs are discussed and compared with those for hand and automatic digitization. By finding the period bands for which the signal-to-noise ratio in recorded accelerograms is greater than one, the values for the pass-band cutoff periods for data processing are presented. The Empirical scalings for amplitudes in terms of: (1) earthquake magnitude and epicentral distance and, (2) Modified Mercalli Intensity at the recording site have been employed.
Improvement of faculty teaching performance: Efficacy of resident evaluations

Rationale and Objectives. We assessed the effects on the perceived quality of faculty teaching of a resident evaluation form that solicits specific comments on faculty strengths and weaknesses. Methods. An evaluation form was devised that rated faculty on a scale of 1–10 in teaching conference quality, availability, efficiency, and teaching. The form requested constructive comments on faculty strengths and weaknesses. The forms were completed anonymously by residents at all levels. Individual results and means for the department were tabulated and provided to each faculty member in a personal interview. Change in performance was assessed by comparing faculty evaluation scores for 2 consecutive years. Results. The mean faculty scores for teaching conference quality, availability, efficiency, and teaching increased from 7.8, 7.9, 7.9, and 7.7 to 8.1, 8.3, 8.3, and 8.1 in each of the respective areas. The scores of the faculty members who initially received the 10 lowest scores rose to an even greater extent (from 6.2, 6.2, 6.0, and 6.0 to 6.8, 7.4, 7.3, and 6.8 in each of the respective areas), whereas the scores of the faculty members who initially received the 10 highest scores remained relatively constant. Conclusion. The perceived quality of certain focused aspects of resident teaching can be modified by use of resident evaluations that solicit specific suggestions for improvement. With appropriate feedback, this is an effective tool for improving the teaching performance of radiology department faculty, particularly those considered to be the weakest teachers.
Wasted Lives: Tuberculosis and Other Health Risks of Being Haitian in a U.S. Detention Camp

In 1982, the author interviewed 38 Haitian tuberculosis patients and had informal discussions with nonpatients and medical personnel at Krome, a detention camp for illegal entrants run by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. This article considers health and other conditions at Krome and the reactions of detainees and medical personnel to those conditions. The patients found life at Krome especially difficult. Ambivalent toward their diagnosis of tuberculosis and dissatisfied with their therapy, they accused camp officials of trying to justify exclusionary immigration practices by treating Haitians as disease ridden. But the patients also regarded Krome as an unhealthy environment and complained regularly of illnesses to camp physicians. These often accused their patients of malingering in order to obtain release from Krome. Neither medical personnel nor detainees agreed on what constituted a healthy Haitian. Ultimately, the Haitian desire for freedom and the opposing purpose of camp officials to dictate the terms of Haitian confinement found expression in competing definitions of health and illness.
Involuntary admissions in a Canadian province: The influence of geographic and population factors

The present study investigated the effects of community size and the availability of admitting facilities on rates of involuntary admissions in a Canadian province with a very small population. The rate was much higher for areas within close proximity of the admitting facility and for communities with populations either less than 500 or greater than 30,000. These findings are discussed in the context of factors such as geographic distribution of population in the province and availability of appropriate psychiatric and social support facilities.
Structure of F-actin needles from extracts of sea urchin oocytes.

Abstract DeRosier et al. (1977) have proposed a structural model for the needles, which are bundles of hexagonally packed actin filaments crosslinked by fascin, a 58,000 M r protein. An unusual consequence of their model is that the crossbridges are not uniformly spaced but follow a distinctive pattern whose repeat depends on the symmetry of the actin. From electron micrographs of needles, we have determined both the symmetry of the actin and the repeat of the pattern of crossbridges using a novel image-filtering algorithm. We find the pattern of crossbridges is correctly predicted by the symmetry of the actin. As part of the analysis, we produce a one-dimensional filtered image of the crossbridge which consists of a bilobal peak about 60 A long in its axial dimension. More interestingly, the repeat of the pattern of crossbridges is so sensitive to the symmetry of the filaments that it allows us to determine actin symmetry to one part in 20,000 (i.e. the actin filaments in Fig. 1 have 2.1590 ± 0.0001 units per turn). Finally the filtering algorithm allows us to determine unambiguously the polarity of the bundle. The algorithm we developed is an extension of computerized image filtering that is applicable to structures such as the needle in which the translational intervals between repeated objects are not all the same.
Obesity and perioperative pulmonary complications in robotic gynecologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Robotic gynecological surgery is feasible in obese patients, but there remain concerns about the safety of this approach because the positioning required for pelvic surgery can exacerbate obesity-related changes in respiratory physiology. The objective of our study was to evaluate pulmonary and all-cause complication rates in obese women undergoing robotic gynecological surgery and to assess variables that may be associated with complications. STUDY DESIGN:A retrospective chart review was performed on obese patients (body mass index of � 30 kg/m 2 ) who underwent robotic gynecological surgery at 2 academic institutions between 2006 and 2012. The primary outcome was pulmonary complications and the secondary outcome was all-cause complications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the associations between patient baseline variables, operative variables, ventilator parameters, and complications. RESULTS:Of1032patients,146patients(14%)hadanycomplication, whereas only 33 patients (3%) had a pulmonary complication. Median body mass index was 37 kg/m 2 . Only age was significantly associated with a higher risk of pulmonary complications (P ¼ .01). Older age, higher estimated blood loss, and longer case length were associated with a higher rate of all-cause complications (P ¼ .0001, P < .0001, and P ¼ .004, respectively). No other covariates were strongly associated with complications. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of obese patients can successfully tolerate robotic gynecological surgery and have overall low complications rates and even lower rates of pulmonary complications. The degree of obesity was not predictive of successful robotic surgery and subsequent complications.
Memory and the Edenic myth: Claude McKay's green hills of Jamaica

(1979). Memory and the Edenic myth: Claude McKay's green hills of Jamaica. World Literature Written in English: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 245-254.
States of non-zero density in the chiral invariant gross-neveu model

Abstract States describing a non-zero number density of massive particles are investigated in the SU(2) chiral-invariant Gross-Neveu model. It is found that for a fixed positive density, the lowest energy state is color ferromagnetic, with all color spins aligned. For asymptotically large densities, the total energy and density are calculated as functions of the Fermi momentum. These quantities tend toward their counterparts in a non-interacting theory, with logarithmic corrections typical of an asymptotically free system.
A strain device imposing dynamic and uniform equi-biaxial strain to cultured cells.

The objective of this study is to design a new apparatus to allow the control of the magnitude and frequency of dynamic stretch applied uniformly to cells cultured on a silicon elastic membrane. The apparatus is designed to produce equi-biaxial dynamic stretches with area changes ranging from 0% to 55% and frequencies ranging from 0 to 2 Hz. Homogeneous finite strain analysis using triangles of markers was performed to compute the symmetric two-dimensional Lagrangian strain tensor on the membrane. Measurements of strain in both static and dynamic conditions showed that the shear component of the strain tensor (Erc) was near zero, and that there was no significant difference between radial (Err) and circumferential (Ecc) components, indicating the attainment of equi-biaxial strain. Bovine aortic endothelial cells were transiently transfected with a chimeric construct in which the luciferase reporter is driven by TPA-responsive elements (TRE). The transfected cells cultured on the membrane were stretched. The luciferase activity increased significantly only when the cells were stretched by 15% or more in area. Cells in different locations of the membrane showed similar induction of luciferase activities, confirming that strain is uniform and equi-biaxial across the membrane. © 1998 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Soliton interacting as a particle

Abstract The interaction of the soliton center with repulsive and attractive interactions is investigated. This new type of coupling shows the particulate behavior of the soliton. New phenomena — absent for point particle objects — arise, such as bound or trapped states in the continuum, as well as lack of transmission through a barrier for kinetic energies above the top. A numerical simulation of the system in terms of collective coordinates shows chaotic behavior as a function of the initial position of the soliton center.
Cold-induced vasoconstriction may persist long after cooling ends: an evaluation of multiple cryotherapy units.

Localized cooling is widely used in treating soft tissue injuries by modulating swelling, pain, and inflammation. One of the primary outcomes of localized cooling is vasoconstriction within the underlying skin. It is thought that in some instances, cryotherapy may be causative of tissue necrosis and neuropathy via cold-induced ischaemia leading to nonfreezing cold injury (NFCI). The purpose of this study is to quantify the magnitude and persistence of vasoconstriction associated with cryotherapy. Data are presented from testing with four different FDA approved cryotherapy devices. Blood perfusion and skin temperature were measured at multiple anatomical sites during baseline, active cooling, and passive rewarming periods. Local cutaneous blood perfusion was depressed in response to cooling the skin surface with all devices, including the DonJoy (DJO, p = 2.6 × 10−8), Polar Care 300 (PC300, p = 1.1 × 10−3), Polar Care 500 Lite (PC500L, p = 0.010), and DeRoyal T505 (DR505, p = 0.016). During the rewarming period, parasitic heat gain from the underlying tissues and the environment resulted in increased temperatures of the skin and pad for all devices, but blood perfusion did not change significantly, DJO (n.s.), PC300 (n.s.), PC500L (n.s.), and DR505 (n.s.). The results demonstrate that cryotherapy can create a deep state of vasoconstriction in the local area of treatment. In the absence of independent stimulation, the condition of reduced blood flow persists long after cooling is stopped and local temperatures have rewarmed towards the normal range, indicating that the maintenance of vasoconstriction is not directly dependent on the continuing existence of a cold state. The depressed blood flow may dispose tissue to NFCI.
Topological and Non-topological Solitons for the Generalized Zakharov-Kuznetsov Modified Equal Width Equation

This paper obtains the topological and non-topological solitary wave solution of the generalized Zakharov-Kuznetsov modified equal width equation. The solitary wave ansatz method is used to carry out the integration of this equation. A couple of conserved quantities are calculated for the non-topological solitons. The domain restriction is identified for the power law nonlinearity parameter.
JUVENILE GRANULOSA-CELL TUMOR OF THE OVARY - INTERPHASE CYTOGENETICS FOR CHROMOSOME-12 AND CHROMOSOME-X AND FLOW CYTOMETRIC DNA-PLOIDY STUDY

We performed interphase in situ hybridization (ISH) for chromosomes 12 and X and now cytometric DNA analysis on seven juvenile granulosa cell tumors to verify this observation and correlate the results with clinicopathologic factors. Five cases were primary ovarian tumors and two were metastatic lesions. Our results show that four tumors exhibited polysomy 12 and four had monosomy X; only two tumors displayed concurrent aberrations of both chromosomes. Of the six tumors with interpretable flow cytometric histograms three showed DNA aneuploidy and three were DNA diploid. All three aneuploid tumors manifested polysomy 12. Of the three diploid DNA neoplasms two showed monosomy X and one displayed disomy for chromosomes 12 and X. No apparent correlation between numerical chromosomal abnormalities and the biological course was observed in this small cohort. Our results indicate that chromosomes 12 and X are frequently altered in these neoplasms and thus could be targeted for further molecular studies in order to identify genetic aberrations which might be associated with JGCT tumorigenesis.
A 1.1 GOPS/mW FPGA chip with hierarchical interconnect fabric

A 2048 look-up-table FPGA with a radix-2 hierarchical interconnect network is realized in 3.94mm2 in 65-nm CMOS. It has an interconnect-to-logic area ratio of 1:1, which is a 3–4x reduction from modern FPGAs while allowing up to 100% resource utilization. As a proof of concept, it is designed with standard cells, achieving 16.4 GOPS/mm2 at 370MHz. Peak energy efficiency of 1.1 GOPS/mW is measured at 0.5V.
The Design of NetSecLab: A Small Competition-Based Network Security Lab

This paper describes a competition-style of exercise to teach system and network security and to reinforce themes taught in class. The exercise, called NetSecLab, is conducted on a closed network with student-formed teams, each with their own Linux system to defend and from which to launch attacks. Students are expected to learn how to: 1) install the specified Linux distribution; 2) set up the required services; 3) find ways to harden the box; 4) explore attack methods; and 5) compete. The informal write-up at the end of the lab focuses on their research into defense and attack methods, which contributes to their grade, while their competition score is dependent on their abilities to attack during the competition. Surveys were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the exercise in teaching system security.
Synergistic Activation of the Inhibin α-Promoter by Steroidogenic Factor-1 and Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate

The inhibin a-subunit gene is expressed in the ovary, testis, adrenal, and pituitary. Because this pattern of expression corresponds to that of the orphan nuclear receptor, steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), we hypothesized that the inhibin a promoter might be regulated by SF-1. Expression of exogenous SF-1, in an SF-1 deficient cell line, caused modest stimulation of the inhibin a promoter. However, activation of the cAMP pathway, which is known to regulate inhibin a expression, greatly enhanced the actions of SF-1. Coexpression of SF-1 with the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A caused greater than 250-fold stimulation, whereas only 4- or 7-fold stimulation was seen by the SF-1 or protein kinase A pathway alone. Synergistic stimulation by SF-1 and the cAMP pathway was also seen in GRMO2 granulosa cells, which express endogenous SF-1. Deletion and site-directed mutagenesis localized a novel SF-1 regulatory element (TCA GGGCCA; 2137 to 2129) adjacent to a variant cAMP-response element (CRE; 2120 to 2114). The synergistic property of SF-1 and cAMP stimulation was inherent within this composite inhibin a fragment (2146 and 2112), as it was transferable to heterologous promoters. Mutations in either the CRE or the SF-1 regulatory element completely eliminated synergistic activation by these pathways. The binding of SF-1 and CRE binding protein (CREB) to the inhibin a regulatory elements was relatively weak in gel mobility shift assays, consistent with their deviation from consensus binding sites. However, SF-1 was found to interact with CREB using an assay in which epitope-tagged SF-1 was expressed in cells and used to pull down in vitro translated CREB. Expression of CREB binding protein (CBP), a coactivator that interacts with SF-1 and CREB, further enhanced transcription by these pathways. Stimulation by the SF-1 and cAMP pathways was associated with increased histone H4 acetylation, suggesting that chromatin remodeling accompanies their actions. We propose a model in which direct interactions of SF-1, CREB, and associated coactivators like CBP induce strongly cooperative transactivation by pathways that individually have relatively weak effects on transcription. (Molecular Endocrinology 14: 66‐81, 2000)
Agenda-Setting With Local and National Issues

Three factors lead to the hypothesis that agenda-setting should be weaker at the local political level compared to the national level: (1) the more directly observable nature of local political problems, (2) the nature and strength of local interpersonal political communication networks, and (3) the relatively heavier media coverage of national political issues. This hypothesis was supported with data from respondents assigned at random to either local or national issue conditions and from a content analysis of television and newspaper coverage in Toledo, Ohio, of local and national issues. Contrary to the findings of certain previous studies, network television was found to exercise a stronger agenda-setting influence than newspapers at the national level. Newspapers, on the other hand, were the dominant agenda-setter at the local level. The relative agenda-setting influences of television versus newspapers are consistent with other data from this study concerning the relative strengths of the various me...
Will the digital computer transform classical mathematics

Mathematics and machines have influenced each other for millennia. The advent of the digital computer introduced a powerfully new element that promises to transform the relation between them. This paper outlines the thesis that the effect of the digital computer on mathematics, already widespread, is likely to be radical and far–reaching. To articulate this claim, an abstract model of doing mathematics is introduced based on a triad of actors of which one, the ‘agent’, corresponds to the function performed by the computer. The model is used to frame two sorts of transformation. The first is pragmatic and involves the alterations and progressive colonization of the content and methods of enquiry of various mathematical fields brought about by digital methods. The second is conceptual and concerns a fundamental antagonism between the infinity enshrined in classical mathematics and physics (continuity, real numbers, asymptotic definitions) and the inherently real and material limit of processes associated with digital computation. An example which lies in the intersection of classical mathematics and computer science, the P = NP problem, is analysed in the light of this latter issue.
Relationship between t and r Point Biserial

It may be demonstrated that the z ratio (difference over standard error of the difference) based on the within groups variance and t based on a small N with an unbiased estimate of the within groups variance is a linear function of c point blscrlnl. Further, this t is the same as the t for testing the product-moment r - or t = r VN - 2/d1 - r2 as given by Fisher ( 1938, p. 198). This relationship holds when t is based on homogeneous variances and when r biserinl is based on approximately equal Ns in the pass and fail groups. As the variances become more heterogeneous or the pass (P) group becomes much larger or smaller than the fail group (Q), the relationship between t and r point biserinl departs from linearity and the accuracy of prediction of one value from the other decreases. For maximum utility of this r~lationship, it is necessary to determine the limits within which it may be applied without serious error. The relationship between the z ratio and 7 bi,,,i,l may be used for this purpose. The relationship between z and r ,int biserlnl may be written where uT2 is the variance of the total scores, OT is the standard deviation of the total scores, NT is the total number of scores, and d2 is an approximation of the between groups variance based on the assumption that N in the pass group equals N in the fail group. The substitution of d2 for the between groups variance introduces no error as long as the proportion passing (p) or the proportion failing (q) lies between .40 and .60. When p or q is less than .40 a correction must be applied since the assumption of equal cases in the pass or fail group no longer holds. Correction constants based on an empirically fitted curve are presented in Table 1. When J2 is multiplied by the appropriate constant, a, the within groups variance may be obtained by subtracting this value from the total variance for any value of p or q. If the between group variance or 2 is small enough with respect to uT2 to be ignored, [I] simplifies to z = rpbVNT - 1. With the size of N usually available in item analysis either z or t may be used interchangeably without the introduction of serious distortion although the z ratio is probably preferable to t in this situation. For an empirical exploration of the relationship between z, t, and rpb, data obtained in a study made by Adams (1959) involving 100 multiple-choice items
Gradient descent learning algorithm overview: a general dynamical systems perspective

Gives a unified treatment of gradient descent learning algorithms for neural networks using a general framework of dynamical systems. This general approach organizes and simplifies all the known algorithms and results which have been originally derived for different problems (fixed point/trajectory learning), for different models (discrete/continuous), for different architectures (forward/recurrent), and using different techniques (backpropagation, variational calculus, adjoint methods, etc.). The general approach can also be applied to derive new algorithms. The author then briefly examines some of the complexity issues and limitations intrinsic to gradient descent learning. Throughout the paper, the author focuses on the problem of trajectory learning. >