cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergence estimates for multigrid algorithms with SSC smoothers and applications to overlapping domain decomposition

Abstract In this paper we study convergence estimates for a multigrid algorithm with smoothers of successive subspace correction (SSC) type, applied to symmetric elliptic PDEs under no regularity assumptions on the solution of the problem. The proposed analysis provides three main contributions to the existing theory. The first novel contribution of this study is a convergence bound that depends on the number of multigrid smoothing iterations. This result is obtained under no regularity assumptions on the solution of the problem. A similar result has been shown in the literature for the cases of full regularity and partial regularity assumptions. Second, our theory applies to local refinement applications with arbitrary level hanging nodes. More specifically, for the smoothing algorithm we provide subspace decompositions that are suitable for applications where the multigrid spaces are defined on finite element grids with arbitrary level hanging nodes. Third, global smoothing is employed on the entire multigrid space with hanging nodes. When hanging nodes are present, existing multigrid strategies advise to carry out the smoothing procedure only on a subspace of the multigrid space that does not contain hanging nodes. However, with such an approach, if the number of smoothing iterations is increased, convergence can improve only up to a saturation value. Global smoothing guarantees an arbitrary improvement in the convergence when the number of smoothing iterations is increased. Numerical results are also included to support our theoretical findings.
Fecal Incontinence: Is Sacral Nerve Stimulation Always the Answer?

Fecal incontinence is a common and debilitating condition that has significant morbidity and negatively affects quality of life. Due to the multitude of etiologies that contribute to fecal incontinence, treatment is frequently challenging and requires individualization. In addition to initial conservative measures, a number of interventions are available with varying efficacy and morbidity. Sacral nerve stimulation is an emerging therapy for fecal incontinence that has been described as a first-line surgical option in patients refractory to medical management. Here, we aim to describe which patients would benefit from sacral nerve stimulation and in whom other treatment modalities should be considered.
Independent Coactors May Improve Performance and Lower Workload: Viewing Vigilance Under Social Facilitation.

Objective:The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of an independent coactor on vigilance task performance. It was hypothesized that the presence of an independent coactor would ...
Blood pressure signature genes and blood pressure response to thiazide diuretics: results from the PEAR and PEAR-2 studies.

Recently, 34 genes had been associated with differential expression relative to blood pressure (BP)/ hypertension (HTN). We hypothesize that some of the genes associated with BP/HTN are also associated with BP response to antihypertensive treatment with thiazide diuretics. We assessed these 34 genes for association with differential expression to BP response to thiazide diuretics with RNA sequencing in whole blood samples from 150 hypertensive participants from the Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses (PEAR) and PEAR-2 studies. PEAR white and PEAR-2 white and black participants (n = 50 for each group) were selected based on the upper and lower quartile of BP response to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and to chlorthalidone. FOS, DUSP1 and PPP1R15A were differentially expressed across all cohorts (meta-analysis p-value < 2.0 × 10− 6), and responders to HCTZ or chlorthalidone presented up-regulated transcripts. Rs11065987 in chromosome 12, a trans-eQTL for expression of FOS, PPP1R15A and other genes, is also associated with BP response to HCTZ in PEAR whites (SBP: β = − 2.1; p = 1.7 × 10− 3; DBP: β = − 1.4; p = 2.9 × 10− 3). These findings suggest FOS, DUSP1 and PPP1R15A as potential molecular determinants of antihypertensive response to thiazide diuretics. NCT00246519 , NCT01203852 www.clinicaltrials.gov
Experimental and computational investigation of partially-premixed methoxymethane flames

Abstract Experimental and computational studies are carried out to elucidate the structure and extinction of laminar partially-premixed flames employing the counterflow configuration. The fuel is methoxymethane (DME). The formulation considers two laminar streams that flow toward a stagnation plane. One stream called the fuel-rich stream is made up of DME (CH3OCH3), and nitrogen (N2) with small amounts of oxygen (O2) and the other stream called the fuel-lean stream is made up of O2, and N2 with small amounts of CH3OCH3. The level of partial premixing is characterized by the equivalence ratio defined as the ratio of the mass of methoxymethane to the mass of oxygen normalized by the corresponding stoichiometric value of this ratio. The equivalence ratio of the fuel-rich stream is ϕr and that of the fuel-lean stream is ϕl. Previous studies have established that the scalar dissipation rate at extinction depends on the stoichiometric mixture fraction, ξst, and the adiabatic flame temperature, Tst. To clarify the chemical influences of partial premixing on extinction, studies are carried at fixed values of ξst and Tst and for various values of ϕl and ϕr. Use of this procedure separates the chemical influences from thermal effects. A previously developed Burke–Schumann (flame-sheet) formulation is employed to estimate the boundary values of the mass fractions of the reactants. Two sets of experiments are conducted, in one set ϕ r − 1 = 0 , and measurements are made for various selected values of ϕl, in the other set ϕ l = 0 and measurements are made for various selected values of ϕr. The computations are carried out using the San Diego mechanism that was recently updated to include kinetic steps describing combustion of methoxymethane. For DME addition to the fuel-lean stream, experiments and predictions show that the value of the strain rate at extinction, increases with increasing ϕl. For O2 addition to the fuel-rich stream, experiments and predictions show very little changes in the values of the strain rate at extinction with increasing ϕ r − 1 . The key observation is that addition of DME to the fuel-lean stream enhances the overall reactivity while addition of oxygen to the fuel-rich stream has little influence on the overall reactivity
FLAT-PLATE VERSUS CONCENTRATOR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS–COMPARATIVE INSOLATION, ENERGY PRODUCTION AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT Flat-plate and concentrator photovoltaic energy systems are analyzed to compare their relative effectiveness in the utilization of the incident radiation at a variety of U. S. locations, the conversion of the incoming radiation to electrical energy and the cost of the electricity delivered at the busbar. This comparative study is limited to three types of flat-plate systems–two-axis tracking, one-axis tracking and fixed-latitude-tilt systems–and one type of concentrator system–two-axis tracking for a point-focus Fresnel lens system. The analysis shows that concentrator systems in the best insolation sites (such as the southwest, in general, and Phoenix, Arizona, in this analysis) may provide substantially lower-cost delivered electric power than flat-plate fixed-latitude-tilt systems or two-axis tracking systems. In many other above average insolation areas, such as Atlanta, Georgia, the cost of delivered power among these systems appears to be about the same.
Teaching health informatics: designing a course for a new graduate informatics program.

The burgeoning field of informatics provides a host of possibilities for teaching and curriculum development for librarians and information technology professionals. In a new school or program, there may not be any standardized curricula or set course syllabi that one must follow, which leaves considerable room for creativity and innovation [1–7]. This paper describes the development, implementation, and assessment of a new graduate course in health informatics.
Observed trends in air temperature, precipitation, and water quality for Texas reservoirs: 1960-2010

Changes in climate, environmental management, and land use can affect water quality in lakes and reservoirs. Here, we quantify observed trends in water temperature and water quality in the 57 Texas reservoirs that have sufficient data for the period 1960 to 2010. We also quantify trends in air temperature and precipitation at 120 long-term weather stations adjacent to those reservoirs. Annual average temperature, seasonal average temperature, and cold temperature extremes are all becoming warmer near many Texas reservoirs. These air temperature trends are highly correlated with observed increases in water temperature across the state. Slight statewide increases in annual and winter, spring, and summer precipitation have contributed to greater increases in precipitation intensity, which are moderated by increases in the average number of dry days per year. Changes in precipitation can affect runoff and evaporation rates, which may alter levels of salts and minerals in the lakes. In addition, local human activities could be an important contributor to the observed increases in pH and phosphorus across the state and changes in specific conductance, sulfate, and chloride throughout Texas. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
An Image Quality Indicator Design for Radioscopy and Tomography

The use of radioscopy (real-time radiography in which film is replaced by an electronic imaging system) is limited by the availability of appropriate image quality indicators (IQIs). Available indicators (plaque and wire type [1,21) were designed for radiographic imaging where the source, imaging system (film), and specimen are stationary and the IQI plane is oriented normal to the flux of radiation. The improvement in productivity made possible by rotating the object during inspection in real-time is inhibited by the lack of an indicator that evaluates image quality as the specimen (and the associated IQI’s) are rotated.
Walker Percy, Phenomenology, and the Mystery of Language

In his theoretical essays on language, Walker Percy criticizes contemporary linguistics for overlooking the deep, existential impact that language acquisition has on human life. This acquisition, for Percy, radically transforms the human being’s mode of existence. With the acquisition of language, the world and our role in it change. The meaning of the world comes to be revealed through the ongoing life of human discourse: through books, conversations, philosophical inquiry, and so on. This chapter clarifies and elaborates on Percy’s critique by showing how it arises as a central insight in twentieth-century German phenomenology, particularly in the later work of Martin Heidegger and in the hermeneutic phenomenology of Heidegger’s student, Hans-Georg Gadamer.
Enhanced Performance Prediction of Fusion-based Retrieval

We study the query performance prediction (QPP) task for fusion-based retrieval. Within such a retrieval setting, several ranked lists, each one retrieved by a different method, are combined into a single (fused) ranked list. A common prediction approach is to treat the (base) ranked lists as reference lists and combine those lists' QPP estimates according to their similarity with the fused-list. Yet, we identify a gap in the way that relevance-dependent aspects of inter-list relationships are modeled within such an approach. Aiming to address this gap, we derive an enhanced estimation approach which results in a more accurate prediction.
Does doubled singing increase children’s accuracy? A re-examination of previous findings

Studies comparing solo singing to doubled singing indicate contrasting findings as to whether children evince superior solo or doubled singing. Previous findings have indicated: (a) superior solo singing; (b) superior doubled singing; or (c) no significant difference. A systematic review of studies meeting the inclusion criteria (N = 6) was undertaken to examine factors leading to these conflicting results. Next, a calculation of effect sizes that were unreported in previous research was based on published ANOVA tables, and expressed using Partial Eta-Squared. In direct comparisons of solo to doubled singing conditions, two studies reported that children sing more accurately in doubled singing; two studies reported more accurate solo singing; and two studies reported no significant difference by performance in the two conditions. The results indicate medium-to-large effect sizes in both directions. Several factors were enumerated to explain the contrasting findings: test administration procedures, song fa...
Daylight-Mediated, Passive, and Sustained Release of the Glaucoma Drug Timolol from a Contact Lens

Timolol, a potent inhibitor of β-adrenergic receptors (βARs), is a first-line drug for decreasing the intraocular pressure (IOP) of patients with glaucoma. Timolol is administered using 0.5% eye-drop solutions at >3 × 107 times the inhibitory concentration (k i) for βARs. This high dose is wasteful and triggers off-target effects that increase medication noncompliance. Here, we introduce contact lenses that release timolol to the eye throughout the day during passive exposures to natural daylight at a more therapeutically relevant concentration (>3000 k i). Timolol is coupled to the polymer of the contact lens via a photocleavable caged cross-linker and is released exclusively to the surrounding fluid after the 400-430 nm mediated cleavage of the cross-linking group. Studies conducted in a preclinical mouse model of glaucoma show photoreleased timolol is effective as authentic timolol in reducing IOP. Our studies highlight several advantages of daylight-mediated release of timolol from lenses compared to eye-drops. First, fitted contact lenses exposed to natural daylight release sufficient timolol to sustain the inhibition of βARs over a 10 h period. Second, the contact lenses inhibit βARs in the eye using only 5.7% of the timolol within a single eye-drop. Third, the lenses allow the patient to passively control the amount of timolol released from the lens-for example, early morning exposure to outdoor sunlight would release enough timolol to maximally reduce the IOP, whereas subsequent periodic exposures to indoor daylight would release sufficient timolol to overcome the effects of its spontaneous dissociation from βARs. Fourth, our lenses are disposable, designed for single day use, and manufactured at a low cost.
Relevance of transition turbulent model for hydrodynamic characteristics of low Reynolds number propeller

Abstract The propeller of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) operates at low Reynolds number in laminar to turbulent transition region. The performance of these propellers can be calculated accurately using RANSE solver with γ − Reθ transition model. In this study, the global and local hydrodynamic characteristics of open and ducted propeller are investigated using the γ − Reθ transition model. The capability of the γ − Reθ transition model to capture laminar to turbulent transition on the surface of the open propeller is demonstrated by comparison with published experimental results. The application of transition model for the propeller Ka-4-70 inside the duct 19A shows that the centrifugal forces are dominant at low Reynolds number and the flow is mainly directed in the radial direction. The transition model is able to predict complex flow physics such as leading-edge separation, tip leakage vortex, and the separation bubble on outer surface of the duct. The accurate prediction of these flow phenomenon can lead to correct calculation of global hydrodynamic forces and moments acting on the propeller at low Reynolds number.
Use of the SFMA as a measure of overall functionality in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

7119 Background: The 6 minute walk test (6MW) has been used in research as a measure of overall functionality and has been related to prognosis and quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. For som...
Achieving leadership and success: A 28-year follow-up of college women leaders

Abstract Using a life span perspective focusing on establishing early leader identity, we examine the relationship of achievement orientations, career aspirations, personal and organizational factors, and family choices of 101 women college leaders surveyed in 1985 to ascendance into senior leadership roles and occupational success 28 years later. College-age orientations toward leadership and competition best predicted later-life outcomes. Higher college-age leadership orientation differentiated between women subsequently achieving senior leadership positions and those who did not. Networking and family support positively related to career outcomes; women with and without children had similar outcomes. Women who took leaves beyond a standard maternity absence reported similar career satisfaction to those continuously employed but were less likely to reach senior leadership positions and paid a significant economic penalty in salary. College-age achievement orientations, including leadership orientation, significantly predicted adult achievement orientations, suggesting the college years as an important period for leadership development and intervention.
An Alternative to Recycling: Measurement of Combustion Enthalpies of Plastics via Bomb Calorimetry

For the past century, humans have been increasingly dependent on plastics, but have not developed adequate disposal practices. In this lab, students are asked whether burning plastic for energy see...
Management of COVID-19 myopericarditis with reversal of cardiac dysfunction after blunting of cytokine storm: a case report

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a syndrome that has been associated with multiple cardiac complications including myopericarditis. The pathophysiology and treatment for myopericarditis in the setting of COVID-19 infection is still under investigation. Case summary We present a case of a 60-year-old male admitted for dyspnoea due to COVID-19. He developed new ST-segment elevation, elevated cardiac enzymes, severe left ventricular dysfunction, and high inflammatory markers in the setting of haemodynamic and respiratory collapse from the viral illness. He was diagnosed with COVID-19-induced myopericarditis. He showed rapid clinical improvement with a rapid wean off pressure support, resolution of electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, and recovery of left ventricular systolic function following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and methylprednisolone. Discussion COVID-19's complex and devastating complications continue to create new challenges for clinicians. Cardiac complications, specifically, have been shown to be a signal for worse prognosis in these patients. IVIG and steroids can inhibit the inflammatory cascade and decrease myocardial injury, with implications in treatment of severe myopericarditis.
Nanoparticles Displaying Allergen and Siglec-8 Ligands Suppress IgE-FcεRI-Mediated Anaphylaxis and Desensitize Mast Cells to Subsequent Antigen Challenge.

Siglec-8 is an inhibitory receptor expressed on eosinophils and mast cells. In this study, we took advantage of a novel Siglec-8 transgenic mouse model to assess the impact of modulating IgE-dependent mast cell degranulation and anaphylaxis using a liposomal platform to display an allergen with or without a synthetic glycan ligand for Siglec-8 (Sig8L). The hypothesis is that recruitment of Siglec-8 to the IgE-FceRI receptor complex will inhibit allergen-induced mast cell degranulation. Codisplay of both allergen and Sig8L on liposomes profoundly suppresses IgE-mediated degranulation of mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells or rat basophilic leukemia cells expressing Siglec-8. In contrast, liposomes displaying only Sig8L have no significant suppression of antigenic liposome-induced degranulation, demonstrating that the inhibitory activity by Siglec-8 occurs only when Ag and Sig8L are on the same particle. In mouse models of anaphylaxis, display of Sig8L on antigenic liposomes completely suppresses IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in transgenic mice with mast cells expressing Siglec-8 but has no protection in mice that do not express Siglec-8. Furthermore, mice protected from anaphylaxis remain desensitized to subsequent allergen challenge because of loss of Ag-specific IgE from the cell surface and accelerated clearance of IgE from the blood. Thus, although expression of human Siglec-8 on murine mast cells does not by itself modulate IgE-FceRI-mediated cell activation, the enforced recruitment of Siglec-8 to the FceRI receptor by Sig8L-decorated antigenic liposomes results in inhibition of degranulation and desensitization to subsequent Ag exposure.
Racial disparities in bariatric perioperative outcomes among the elderly.

Background Bariatric surgery outcomes in elderly patients have been shown to be safe, but with a higher rate of adverse outcomes compared with nonelderly patients. The impact of race on bariatric surgery outcomes continues to be explored, with recent studies showing higher rates of adverse outcomes in black patients. Perioperative outcomes in racial cohorts of elderly bariatric patients are largely unexplored. Objective The goal of this study was to compare outcomes between elderly non-Hispanic black (NHB) and non-Hispanic white (NHW) bariatric surgery patients to determine whether outcomes are mediated by race. Setting Academic hospital. Methods Patients who had a primary Roux-en-Y (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in the period 2015-2018 and were at least 65 years of age were identified from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Data File (MBSAQIP PUF). Selected cases were stratified by race. Outcomes were compared between matched racial cohorts. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine whether race independently predicted morbidity. Results From 2015 to 2018, 29,394 elderly NHW (90.8%) and NHB (9.2%) patients underwent an RYGB or SG. At baseline, NHB elderly patients had a higher burden of co-morbid conditions, resulting in higher rates of overall (7.7% versus 6.4%, P = .009) and bariatric-related (5.4% versus 4.1%, P = .001) morbidity. All outcome measures were similar between propensity-score-matched racial elderly bariatric patient cohorts. On regression analysis, NHB race remained independently correlated with morbidity (odds ratio [OR] 1.3, 95% CI 1.08-1.47, P = .003). Conclusion RYGB and SG are safe in elderly patient cohorts, with no differences in adverse outcomes between NHB and NHW patients, accounting for confounding factors. While race does not appear to impact outcomes in the elderly cohorts, NHB race may play a role in access.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises steatosis and steatohepatitis that can progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis and its complications. It is associated with features of the metabolic syndrome; however, there is lean fatty liver. The cause of fat accumulation in the liver is unknown.
Calling Nikkei to Empire: Diaspora and trans/nationalism in the redevelopment of historic Little Tokyo

Abstract Diasporas often play an underappreciated role in the movement of transnational capital in processes of urban place-making. In this case study, we tell a story of the ways in which Japanese international investment in the redevelopment of Los Angeles's historic Little Tokyo was negotiated by Japanese American community members. Archival research and a rare analysis of both Japanese and Japanese American redevelopment histories reveals a complex spatial politics characterized by both acceptance and refusal of Japanese corporations moving to develop the community as a symbol of Japan's post-war resurgence. This analysis brings to light the ways in which contentious micro-politics, driven by renewed transnational ethnic ties, can mediate immense urban economic transitions in neighborhoods facing crisis. Our conclusions reflect back upon planning and research concerning internationally financed development efforts in minority neighborhoods, calling for rigorous analysis of cultural identity and its spatial implications.
From airways to alveoli: a 3-D perspective of lung structure

Three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction techniques used to assess the configuration and composition of the lung and its cellular constituents are reviewed. Advantages and limitations of 3-D reconstructions are also addressed. It is argued that 3-D reconstructions will continue to provide shape and conformational information on structural features associated with air flow (airways), gas exchange (parenchymal structure) and cell physiology (cell structure). Although laborious, 3-D reconstruction provides information and insight on lung structure not available through other means. >
The Virtues in Psychiatric Practice

Using as a guide Pellegrino and Thomasma’s “end-oriented beneficence model” of the virtues in medical practice, the author derives from the cardinal forms of psychiatric treatment a set of virtues particular to this field. Prior work from Jung, Havens and Menzer-Benaron helps to clarify the analysis.
Vanishing of the contact homology of overtwisted contact 3--manifolds

We give a proof of, for the case of contact structures defined by global contact 1-forms, a Theorem stated by Eliashberg that for any overtwisted contact structure on a closed 3-manifold, its contact homology is 0. A different proof is also outlined in the appendix by Yakov Eliashberg.
Molecular Detection of t(14;18)(q32;q21) in Follicular Lymphoma

The t(14;18)(q32;q21) can be detected in approximately 80% of cases of follicular lymphoma (FL). This translocation juxtaposes the BCL2 oncogene at 18q21 with the IGH@ at 14q32, and leads to overexpression of BCL2 protein which protects the cells from apoptosis. The high degree of sequence homology among the 3' portion of the JH segments and the clustering of breakpoints on chromosome 18 make the IGH@/BCL2 very amenable to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection. We describe two multiplex TaqMan-based real-time PCR assays which can be used to detect and quantify the major and minor breatpoint cluster regions of IGH@/BCL2 fusion products in newly diagnosed FL, and to monitor minimal residual disease during treatment or early relapse.
Alcohol Education Project: Preliminary Answers

Abstract The goal of the five year University of Massachusetts (UMass) Demonstration Alcohol Education Project has been to promote responsible decision making about alcohol use. The UMass/Amherst campus has 25,000 students, of which there is an approximate one third turnover every academic year. Educational methods used to achieve the goal have included community development, mass media, and such intensive approaches as workshops, courses, and guest lectures. Mass media reaches up to 70% of the student body, while intensive interventions reach about 5%. Data has been gathered from a large number of sources in order to evaluate the following objectives: 1) University students will demonstrate decreased inappropriate alcohol consumption patterns. 2) University students will demonstrate an increased level of planning, conducting, and participation in responsible social activities. 3) University students will demonstrate an increased number of interventions with peers around alcohol issues. 4) University stud...
Himmler's Crusade: The Nazi Expedition to Find the Origins of the Aryan Race – By Christopher Hale

In the winter of 1938, a team of five Nazi SS officers, accompanied by an entourage of local porters, made its way to Lhasa, Tibet, undertaking an anthropological expedition to the “top of the worl...
Core terrestrial habitat for conservation of local populations of salamanders and wood frogs in agricultural landscapes

Abstract Pond-breeding amphibians require aquatic and terrestrial habitats to complete their lifecycles, and preservation of both habitats is necessary for maintaining local populations. Current wetland regulations focus primarily on aquatic habitats, and criteria to define critical upland habitats and regulations to protect them are often ambiguous or lacking. We examined the association between the presence of seven pond-breeding amphibian species and the landscape composition surrounding 54 wetlands located within the Till Plains and the Glaciated Plateau ecoregions of Ohio, USA. We quantified landscape composition within 200 m of the wetland (“core terrestrial zone”) and the area extending from 200 m to 1 km from the wetland (“broader landscape context zone”). We constructed binary logistic regression models for each species, and evaluated them using Akaike Information Criterion. Presence of spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum), Jefferson's salamander complex (A. jeffersonianum) and smallmouth salamanders (A. texanum) was positively associated with the amount of forest within the core zone. Presence of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) was positively associated with the amount of forest within the core zone and the amount of forest within the broader landscape context zone. Presence of tiger salamanders (A. tigrinum tigrinum) was negatively associated with the cumulative length of paved roads within 1 km of the site, and presence of red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus v. viridescens) was negatively associated with the average linear distance to the five nearest wetlands. Overall salamander diversity was positively associated with the amount of forest within the core zone, and negatively associated with the presence of predatory fish and cumulative length of paved roads within 1 km of the site. Our results confirm the strong association between the structure of surrounding upland areas and amphibian diversity at breeding ponds, and stress the importance of preserving core terrestrial habitat around wetlands for maintaining amphibian diversity.
Mortality among New York State highway maintenance workers: 1958-1980.

The mortality profile of 9585 male New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) highway maintenance workers was examined by calculating age-era standard mortality ratios (SMRs), using the general male population of upstate New York as a reference group, for the period 1958-1980. The SMR for all workers was 1.14 (95% CI = 1.09, 1.18), with the greatest all-cause mortality among laborers (SMR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.16, 1.29). The major contributors to this increase among laborers were circulatory system diseases (SMR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.27), diseases of the respiratory system (SMR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.64), digestive system diseases (SMR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.26, 1.94), genitourinary system diseases (SMR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.02, 2.41) and accidents, poison, and violence (SMR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.19, 1.74). Some of the elevated risks observed may be attributed to cigarette smoking and other life-style factors that could not be assessed with the data available. However, the mortality risks for laborers increased with length of employment and latency, suggesting that occupational exposures may be contributing to the elevated risk in this cohort. Further studies should include information on life-style variables and other confounders as well as more detail on specific occupational exposures. Language: en
Factors affecting long-term outcome after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background Experience with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited in the West and factors affecting outcome after resection are not clearly defined. Methods Between 1970 and 1992, 106 patients (including 74 Caucasians, 31 Orientals, and 1 black) underwent hepatic resection for HCC at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Clinical and histopathologic factors of outcome were analyzed. Results Cirrhosis was present in 33% and 95% were Child-Pugh A. Operative mortality was 6%, 14% in cirrhotics versus 1% in noncirrhotics ( P = 0.013). Orientals had a higher prevalence of cirrhosis (68% versus 19%) ( P P = 0.028) compared to Caucasians. Overall survival was 41% and 32% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. By univariate analysis, survival was greater in association with the following: absence of vascular invasion (69% versus 28%, P = 0.002); absence of symptoms (66% versus 38%, P = 0.014); solitary tumor (53% versus 28%, P = 0.014); negative margins (46% versus 21%, P = 0.022); small tumor (≤5 cm) (75% versus 36%, P = 0.027); and presence of tumor capsule (69% versus 35%, P = 0.047). Ethnic origin, cirrhosis, necrosis and grade did not affect survival. By multivariate analysis, only vascular invasion predicted outcome ( P = 0.0025, risk ratio 2.9). Conclusions One third of patients resected for HCC can be expected to survive long-term. Except for a higher incidence of cirrhosis in Orientals, no major histopathologic or prognostic differences were noted between Orientals and Caucasians undergoing resection. Early cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A) did not adversely affect survival. Vascular invasion predicted long-term outcome.
Kinetic methods to study isothermal and nonisothermal epoxy-anhydride cure

The kinetics of epoxy-anhydride cure were studied by differential scanning calorimetry under isothermal and nonisothermal conditions. The data were fitted to single-step and to two-step kinetic models. In both cases the activation energies derived from nonisothermal measurements differ from the values obtained for the isothermal cure data. Unlike the model-fitting methods, a model-free isoconversional method of kinetic analysis yields matching dependencies of the activation energy on the extent of conversion for isothermal and nonisothermal experiments. For both dependencies, the effective activation energy increases from 20 kJ. mol -1 at the beginning of cure to 70 kJ. mol -1 when the process is near completion. The occurrence of the dependence suggests that the cure kinetics is determined by competing reactions. The model-fitting methods have not been capable of reliably detecting the complex character of the cure kinetics.
Macular Imaging for Glaucoma Using Spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography: A Review

Since its introduction, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become widely used and accepted as an imaging modality to detect and follow glaucoma, with measurement of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) being the most utilized parameter. Up until recently, macular thickness parameters have not been commonly used in glaucoma due to results of earlier studies with time-domain OCT (TD-OCT) that revealed macular imaging to be inferior to pRNFL in the diagnosis of glaucoma. The recent advent of spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) has renewed interest in the potential uses of macular imaging in glaucoma due to its ability to better segment and measure individual retinal layers. Multiple studies have been performed in the last few years to investigate the diagnostic ability, reproducibility, and limitations of these new SD-OCT macular parameters. The purpose of this paper is to review the findings of those studies to assess the current utility of macular SD-OCT in glaucoma. Overall, SD-OCT has been shown to have higher reproducibility than TD-OCT, and though there have been some conflicting reports, the majority of studies seem to concur that the diagnostic sensitivity of SD-OCT macular parameters is at least comparable to TD-OCT and other SD-OCT parameters.
Prognostic implications of percutaneous coronary interventions performed according to the appropriate use criteria for coronary revascularization

Abstract Objectives To assess the prognostic implication of the ACCF/AHA/SCAI appropriate use criteria (AUC) for coronary revascularization in a cohort of non-acute coronary syndrome patients. Background The AUC for coronary revascularization were developed in order to deliver high-quality care; however, the prognostic impact of these criteria remains undefined. Methods Consecutive patients (n = 3817) undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at MedStar Washington Hospital Center since the 2009 AUC publication were retrospectively grouped according to AUC as an “Appropriate,” “Inappropriate,” or “Undetermined” indication for PCI. Outcomes to 1 year were compared. Results PCI was categorized as “Appropriate” in 47%, “Inappropriate” in 1.8% and as “Uncertain” in 51% of patients. “Appropriate” PCI patients had a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes but a lower prevalence of smoking. “Inappropriate” PCI involved the treatment of more complicated lesions, with lower rates of drug-eluting stent utilization. While there were no differences in procedural complications among the 3 groups, in-hospital major complications and outcomes were worse for “Inappropriate” PCI patients. The 30-day (3.2% vs. 7% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.32) and 1-year (13.1% vs. 11.8% vs. 15.3%, p = 0.43) major adverse cardiac event rates of the “Appropriate,” “Inappropriate,” and “Uncertain” PCI patients, respectively, were comparable. In multivariable analysis, the procedural appropriateness was not associated with either in-hospital or 1-year outcome. Conclusions At large, physicians practicing in tertiary centers adhere to the AUC when subjecting patients with non-acute coronary syndrome to revascularization. The present analysis did not demonstrate association between long-term outcome and procedure appropriateness according to the AUC.
Boron Regulation in the Oceans

IN the search for a general theory to explain the chemical composition of ocean water, emphasis has been put on inorganic equilibrium models which are themselves based on the postulate of a steady state oceanic system1–3. The major cation content and pH of ocean water at present are very similar to the values predicted by equilibrium calculations, and one of the most important of these reactions is supposed to be that of the amorphous aluminium silicate fraction of river sediment with dissolved bicarbonate, silica and cations in ocean water to form authigenic sedimentary silicate minerals. Mackenzie and Garrels3 suggest that these reactions take place before deposition of the sediments and calculate that only 7 percent of the amount of suspended river sediment entering the ocean would have to form authigenic minerals if the composition of the oceans were to remain constant. Although there is no conclusive field evidence for the proposed mineral–water reactions and their effect on the major cation budgets in the oceanic system, there is field and laboratory evidence to show that boron is taken up by the fine-grained silicate material during the transfer from the fresh water to the marine environments4–10.
Gianturco-Rösch expandable Z-stents in the treatment of superior vena cava syndrome.

Gianturco-Rosch expandable Z-stents were used in 22 patients with superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). Stents were placed in all patients in the SVC and in 17 patients, also into the innominate veins. Stent placement resulted in complete relief of symptoms in all patients. Twenty-one patients had no SVCS recurrence from 1 to 16 months, to their death, or to the present time. SVCS recurred only in 1 patient 9 months after stent placement due to tumor ingrowth and secondary thrombosis. Based on ours and on other reported experiences, expandable metallic stents are effective devices for treatment of the SVCS which is difficult to manage by other means.
Priorities in infection control: the impact of new technology

There is no shortage of priorities in the field of infection control. In part, this is an inherent characteristic of the field. Medical science continues its rapid progress and many new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities have a way of creating unanticipated ecologic niches which enable microorganisms to produce nosocomial infections. For example, contemporary dialysis and transplantation programmes have resulted in dramatically increased survival of patients with renal failure. Consequently, we have had to cope with epidemic hepatitis I3 infection in dialysis units as well as the numerous infectious complications which threaten immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients. Thus, medical advances provide infection control personnel with a constantly renewing list of priorities. Furthermore, hospital infection control is a relatively new discipline. To date we have devoted much of our effort to defining the magnitude of the nosocomial infection problem and cataloguing the characteristics of patients which make them susceptible hosts, the array of pathogens likely to produce nosocomial infections, and the modes of cross-infection which occur in hospitals. In this we have been quite successful. This very success, however, has resulted in new, more challenging, priorities. Now that we have defined the problems, what can be done to reduce the impact of nosocomial infections in our hospitals? The following list of priorities is necessarily a personal one, influenced largely by the experience of infection control programmes in the USA.
The impact of cyclophosphamide on menstruation and pregnancy in women with rheumatologic disease

BackgroundWhile cyclophosphamide (CYC) can save the life of a young woman with severe rheumatologic disease, it may lead to the long-term side-effects of infertility and premature menopause. We compared the reproductive health histories of young women with rheumatologic disease with and without prior CYC exposure to identify the impact of this medication on this important component of health.MethodsThis research includes a case-series study of women diagnosed with SLE, vasculitis, and scleroderma prior to age 35. Each patient completed a questionnaire about desired childbearing, menstrual regularity, infertility, and pregnancy history. Women with prior CYC therapy were queried about the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) for fertility preservation. The responses to this questionnaire were compared for women with and without CYC exposure.ResultsOf the 43 participants, 23 had prior CYC exposure and 20 were CYC naive. The current age of these groups was similar (average age 32), but wome...
Deadly Demographics: Population Characteristics and Forecasting Homicide Trends:

Violence research has identified demographic subgroups—distinguished by age, race and gender—having widely varying rates of offending. According to the demographic hypothesis used in criminology, as these segments grow or contract in proportionate size, the aggregate offending rate tends to rise or fall as a result. In this article, we use data from the Supplementary Homicide Reports from 1976 through 1999 to assess the extent to which demographic change can account for the massive drop in homicide rates that occurred during the 1990s, and then attempt to develop a demographically based forecast of future trends in murder.
High speed tunable bandwidth ultrasonic array beam steering using ultra-compact photonics

High speed (microsecond domain) narrowband optical beamforming for ultrasonic frequencies is demonstrated using space-time multiplexing to overcome the slow (millisecond domain) response of ultracompact analog control birefringent-mode nematic liquid crystal devices.
Methionine metabolism in mammals: S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase in rat intestinal mucosa

Abstract Extracts of rat small intestinal mucosa can catalyze the synthesis of adenosylhomocysteine from homocysteine and adenosine. In order to demonstrate this reaction, adenosine deaminase, which competes for the substrate, must be inhibited or removed by purification. We have also demonstrated catabolism of adenosylhomocysteine during incubation with intestinal extracts. The immediate reaction products are adenosine and homocysteine. Thus, small intestinal mucosa contains both reactivities characteristic of S -adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase. This enzyme has been found in all mammalian tissues that have been studied.
Type-Safe linking with recursive DLLs and shared libraries

Component-based programming is an increasingly prevalent theme in software development, motivating the need for expressive and safe module interconnection languages. Dynamic linking is an important requirement for module interconnection languages, as exemplified by dynamic link libraries (DLLs) and class loaders in operating systems and Java, respectively. A semantics is given for a type-safe module interconnection language that supports shared libraries and dynamic linking, as well as circular import dependencies (recursive modules). The core language requirements of the module interconnection language are compatible with programming languages such as Java and Cn.
The design and use of laboratory experiments for DSS evaluation

Abstract DSS evaluation may be either ex-post or ex-ante. In the former, evaluation focuses on determining the actual result of DSS implementation. In the latter, emphasis is on predicting the likely impact of DSS alternatives on a given task set or on estimating relationships between DSS characteristics and task set(s) performance. If a firm can, ex-ante, effectively estimate or predict the performance of varying DSS on arrays of tasks or task sets, then it can avoid costly DSS selection errors and gain competitive and strategic advantages. We outline a methodoloy for developing such information using the induced-value methodology of experimental economics. An example experiment is detailed and initial results are presented relating to one general DSS hypothesis and one implication derived from a specific theory of DSS portfolio selection.