cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Operative and postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is increasingly common in the elderly population (≥ 65 years old). Compared to their younger counterparts, differences exist in the etiology of CRS and outcomes of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) for elderly patients. The aim of this study is to determine if differences in surgical outcomes are present between these two patient populations to facilitate patient pre-operative counseling by their healthcare providers. Retrospective chart review conducted at a single tertiary care center for patients undergoing ESS between June 2014 and June 2019. Patients were classified into two cohorts (adult and elderly) based on age (< 65 and ≥ 65 years old). Demographics, surgical, and postoperative variables were extracted from our institution’s electronic medical records. ANOVA and t-test analysis were performed to determine the presence of significant differences between the two cohorts. SNOT-22 scores were used to determine QOL improvements. Compared to the adult cohort, elderly patients had significant QOL improvement after surgical treatment (p = 0.001), but had a similar successful response to treatment (p = 0.74). Elderly patients had no difference in the incidence of operative/perioperative complications (p = 0.89) or intraoperative or postoperative bleeding (p = 0.301, p = 0.62), but had an increased incidence of postoperative infection (p = 0.000). ESS remains an effective treatment modality for the management of CRS, and a safe practice for elderly patients despite the increase in complexity of their medical comorbidities and polypharmacy. QOL improvements are significant, though patient counseling should take into account that improvements may not be as pronounced as in younger patients.
Hubble space telescope imaging of decoupled dust clouds in the ram pressure stripped Virgo spirals NGC 4402 and NGC 4522

We present the highest-resolution study to date of the interstellar medium (ISM) in galaxies undergoing ram pressure stripping, using Hubble Space Telescope BVI imaging of NGC 4522 and NGC 4402, Virgo Cluster spirals that are well known to be experiencing intracluster medium (ICM) ram pressure. We find that throughout most of both galaxies, the main dust lane has a fairly well-defined edge, with a population of giant molecular cloud (GMC) sized (tens- to hundreds-of-pc scale), isolated, highly extincting dust clouds located up to ∼1.5 kpc radially beyond it. Outside of these dense clouds, the area has little or no diffuse dust extinction, indicating that the clouds have decoupled from the lower-density ISM material that has already been stripped. Several of the dust clouds have elongated morphologies that indicate active ram pressure, including two large (kpc scale) filaments in NGC 4402 that are elongated in the projected ICM wind direction. We calculate a lower limit on the H I + H{sub 2} masses of these clouds based on their dust extinctions and find that a correction factor of ∼10 gives cloud masses consistent with those measured in CO for clouds of similar diameters, probably due to the complicating factors of foregroundmore » light, cloud substructure, and resolution limitations. Assuming that the clouds' actual masses are consistent with those of GMCs of similar diameters (∼10{sup 4}-10{sup 5} M {sub ☉}), we estimate that only a small fraction (∼1%-10%) of the original H I + H{sub 2} remains in the parts of the disks with decoupled clouds. Based on Hα images, a similar fraction of star formation persists in these regions, 2%-3% of the estimated pre-stripping star formation rate. We find that the decoupled cloud lifetimes may be up to 150-200 Myr.« less
Geometry mediated friction reduction in Taylor-Couette flow

Periodic surface microtextures inspired by textures of shark denticles can alter the frictional response of a solid wall in flow. Using 3D-printed texture-covered rotors in a bespoke Taylor-Couette cell, the effect of the geometry of the textures and flow dynamics on the frictional torque measurements in Couette flow and Taylor vortex flow regimes are investigated. The changes in the torque measurements show direct dependence on the geometric features of the textures in both flow regimes, while the effect of the Reynolds number is only seen in the Taylor vortex flow.
Individuals with schizophrenia display behaviour inconsistent with learned social impressions during a gambling task.

Many studies of social perception and judgement have required individuals to make evaluations of social parameters based on static presentations of social stimuli. In the current study, we assessed whether individuals with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder and community controls differed in their judgements of others based on a series of computerized encounters designed to simulate impression formation over time. Twenty-eight community controls and 29 individuals with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder completed 25 gambling interactions with three different computer partners. After interacting with each partner, subjects rated how much they liked, trusted, and would like to play again with each partner. Results indicated that while individuals with schizophrenia rated the three partners differently (evaluating partners who returned more money higher than partners who returned less money), they did not adjust their gambling strategies with the different partners. Community controls adjusted the amount of money they gambled with the different partners, gambling more with partners that returned more money and gambling less with partners who returned less money, despite not rating the neutral and positive partners significantly differently from one another. These results suggest differences in behavioural strategies and social evaluation practices between community controls and individuals with schizophrenia. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Schizophrenia (SZ) and community control (CC) participants evaluate virtual partners on a gambling task in accordance with their behaviour (e.g., positive > neutral > negative in terms of trustworthiness, how much they liked them, and the likelihood that they would play with that individual again). Individuals with schizophrenia gambled equally with neutral, negative, and positive partner. Individuals with schizophrenia demonstrate an intact ability to form social impressions based on others' behaviour. However, subsequent behaviour does not parallel the formed impression (i.e., changing their gambling amount so that they are betting less money with a virtual partner they know is untrustworthy).
Policy-making, Class Factor, and Political Settlement: Setting the Theoretical Framework

Political economy offers an insightful way of analysing the influence of proprietary classes on agrarian policy-making and effective class formations in post-liberalisation India. The objective is to identify the key classes dominating the relations of production and their means of production and accumulation, and assess if these means have undergone a change or alteration over the past two decades under the impact of the state policy. Once the economic interest of the proprietary classes is ascertained, their relationship with the state is examined. Intervention by classes and representation of their interests in policy-making is usually covert, if it exists, and nearly impossible to study. Instead, their role in policy-making is construed through a study of formal and informal contact, proximity, and relation with the political leaders and bureaucracy. Identifying the framework This section discusses two conceptualisations of social group and state relations – the Marxist theory and the ‘political settlement’ theory – and weaves them into a framework for the study. The Marxian view on class and state In the 1970s, two schools surfaced within Marxism with respect to analysis of the capitalist state. Ralph Miliband and Nicol Poulantzas personify the ‘instrumentalist’ and ‘structuralist’ positions, respectively. Miliband's position on the state is based on the Communist Manifesto, while Poulantzas draws on Das Capital and writings of Gramsci (Barrow, 2000). Both scholars are influenced by Gramsci's analysis of the coercive and ideological apparatus of the state and civil society. Miliband argues that the state is directly controlled by capitalists, rather than by capital. Therefore, the state is reduced to an instrument in their hands. The ruling class of a capitalist society is ‘that class which owns and controls the means of production and which is able, by its virtue of the economic power thus conferred upon it, to use the state as its instrument for the domination of society’ (Barrow, 2000: 23). He draws on historical instances to understand state functioning. On the other hand, Poulantzas’ understanding of class is more nuanced, wherein he incorporates political and ideological relations in what is otherwise seen as a purely economically determined category. He argues that in the capitalist mode of production, the direct producers are dispossessed from the means of production. Economic power is concentrated in the hands of the owners of the means of production – the capitalists.
Dermatomyositis associated with hyponatremia and anasarca

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare inflammatory disorder commonly manifesting with proximal muscle weakness and characteristic skin findings. Classic findings include erythematous papules or macules over the small joints of the hand, periungual changes, pruritic/erythematous skin on areas including the scalp, chest, upper back, and other surfaces, as well as interstitial lung disease. Anasarca1 and chronic hyponatremia2 have rarely been reported in cases of DM, and have only been reported separately. Here, we present a case of dermatomyositis associated with both anasarca and hyponatremia.
An Integrated Model of Set Top Box Tuning Behavior

With advertising purchased based on estimates of the audience size, it is important for both researchers and media planners to understand how tuning behavior varies across set top boxes, channels, and dayparts. These questions are at the core of a call for increased accountability in television advertising. As television advertisements must be viewed to be effective, media planners must not only anticipate the size of program audience, but the likelihood that viewers will tune away during commercials. Discrepancies between the number of viewers tuned to a program and those potentially exposed to advertisements may cause firms to pay more to reach a given audience size.In this research, we develop an integrated model of set top box tuning behavior that allows us to examine this issue. Using second-by-second tuning data, we jointly model two aspects of tuning behavior: the channel choice decision and the duration for which a set top box remains tuned to the same channel. Our findings reveal differences across channels and dayparts, not only with respect to the duration for which set top boxes remain on the channel but also in the extent of ad avoidance and the impact of program changes on channel changing, a finding of interest to media planners.
Mutualistic Webs of Species

Quantitative analysis of a network of plant-animal interactions reveal new organizing principles, including how asymmetric relations stabilize the coevolution of the whole network.
Lack of Acid Sphingomyelinase Induces Age-Related Retinal Degeneration

Background Mutations of acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) cause Niemann–Pick diseases type A and B, which are fatal inherited lipid lysosomal storage diseases, characterized with visceral organ abnormalities and neurodegeneration. However, the effects of suppressing retinal ASMase expression are not understood. The goal of this study was to determine if the disruption of ASMase expression impacts the retinal structure and function in the mouse, and begin to investigate the mechanisms underlying these abnormalities.
Osteopathic research: elephants, enigmas, and evidence

The growth and acceptance of osteopathic physicians as conventional medical practitioners in the United States has also raised questions about the distinctive aspects of osteopathic medicine. Although the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and a focus on primary care are most often cited as rationales for the uniqueness of osteopathic medicine, an osteopathic professional identity remains enigmatic. The fledgling basic osteopathic research efforts of the early and mid-twentieth century have not been sustained and expanded over time. Thus, there is presently a scarcity of basic mechanistic and translational research that can be considered to be uniquely osteopathic. To be sure, there have been advances in osteopathic clinical trials, particularly those involving OMT for low back pain. Meta-analysis of these low back pain trials has provided evidence that: (1) OMT affords greater pain reduction than active or placebo control treatments; (2) the effects of OMT are comparable regardless of whether treatment is provided by fully-licensed osteopathic physicians in the United States or by osteopaths in the United Kingdom; and (3) the effects of OMT increase over time. However, much more clinical research remains to be done. The planning and implementation of a large longitudinal study of the natural history and epidemiology of somatic dysfunction, including an OMT component, represents a much-needed step forward. Osteopathic medicine's use of OMT and its focus on primary care are not mutually exclusive aspects of its uniqueness. The intersection of these fundamental aspects of osteopathic medicine suggests that the profession may successfully adopt a generic strategy of "focused differentiation" to attain a competitive advantage in the health care arena. While there are both requisite demands and risks for the osteopathic profession in adopting such a strategy, these are reasonable in relation to the potential rewards to be attained. To help promote an osteopathic identity, "omtology" and its derivative terms are recommended in referring to the study of OMT. The osteopathic profession should adopt a coherent strategy for developing and promoting its identity. Failure to do so will likely ensure that osteopathic medicine remains "stuck in the middle."
Designs to mitigate nonlinearity in high power waveguide photodiode

High power photodiodes were proposed in prior works for conversion of broadband modulated optical signals to electrical signals for transmission at high frequencies. At moderate to high optical powers, the linearity of the photodiode becomes a main concern for achieving high linearity transmission in fiber link. In this invited talk the mode analysis for understanding the absorption profile of high power coupled waveguide photodiodes is presented. which also illuminated the design parameters pertinent for high saturation power and linear detection.
Dimerization-driven degradation of C. elegans and human E proteins

E proteins are conserved regulators of growth and development. We show that the Caenorhabditis elegans E-protein helix-loop-helix-2 (HLH-2) functions as a homodimer in directing development and function of the anchor cell (AC) of the gonad, the critical organizer of uterine and vulval development. Our structure-function analysis of HLH-2 indicates that dimerization drives its degradation in other uterine cells (ventral uterine precursor cells [VUs]) that initially have potential to be the AC. We also provide evidence that this mode of dimerization-driven down-regulation can target other basic HLH (bHLH) dimers as well. Remarkably, human E proteins can functionally substitute for C. elegans HLH-2 in regulating AC development and also display dimerization-dependent degradation in VUs. Our results suggest that dimerization-driven regulation of bHLH protein stability may be a conserved mechanism for differential regulation in specific cell contexts.
Why Accountants Should Care about High Frequency Trading

In April 2014, Michael Lewis released the high profile book “Flash Boys” on how investment brokerages colluded with stock exchanges and high-frequency traders to the detriment of other investors and the stability of the market. Accounting educators can incorporate the lessons from the high frequency trading scandal to reinforce the importance of organizational trust, simplicity, and personal ethical responsibility in the face of a culture of legalism, complexity, and herd mentality. The lessons can further be applied toward internal controls and building an ethical tone-at-the-top as part of the 2013 Committee of Sponsoring Organizations internal control framework.
Impact of Nurse Staffing Mandates on Safety-Net Hospitals: Lessons from California

Context California is the first and only state to implement a patient-to-nurse ratio mandate for hospitals. Increasing nurse staffing is an important organizational intervention for improving patient outcomes. Evidence suggests that staffing improved in California hospitals after the mandate was enacted, but the outcome for hospitals bearing a disproportionate share of uncompensated care—safety-net hospitals—remains unclear. One concern was that California's mandate would burden safety-net hospitals without improving staffing or that hospitals would reduce their skill mix, that is, the proportion of registered nurses of all nursing staff. We examined the differential effect of California's staffing mandate on safety-net and non-safety-net hospitals.
Effective graph visualization via node grouping

We discuss four methodologies for the application of node grouping in graph visualization. In addition, we introduce techniques for force-directed and orthogonal drawing which use node grouping information and have been shown in experiments to perform better than previous techniques. Not only do these techniques have significantly improved performance with respect to standard aesthetic measures, but they also attain qualitative improvement.
Social ties and health: a social neuroscience perspective

Research over the last several decades has shown that the health of the body is intimately tied to the strength of our social connections, but why? This article reviews evidence from affective and social neuroscience suggesting that, because of the importance of social ties for mammalian survival, threats to social connection are processed by some of the same neural regions that process basic threats to survival and consequently trigger physiological threat responses that have negative health implications. Likewise, social support is processed by some of the same neural regions that process safety or protection from basic threats and inhibit these same health-relevant physiological threat responses.
Effect of expansion media containing fibroblast growth factor‐2 and dexamethasone on the chondrogenic potential of human adipose‐derived stromal cells

hASCs [human ASCs (adipose derived stromal cells)] proliferate more rapidly in the presence of basic FGF-2 (fibroblast growth factor-2) and Dex (dexamethasone). We have examined the effects of expanding hASCs in media containing these two factors on their chondrogenic differentiation potential. Results show that the addition of FGF-2 and Dex to the expansion medium does not remarkably alter the chondrogenic potential of the cells induced by BMP-6 (bone morphogenetic protein-6), based on chondrogenic gene expression, sGAG (sulfated glycosaminoglycan) accumulation and immunohistochemical observation. This is in direct contrast to previously reported promotion of the osteogenic and adipogenic potential of hASCs by these two factors. Therefore, an expansion medium containing FGF-2, with or without Dex, is appropriate for the fast expansion of hASCs without compromising chondrogenic potential.
A short history of the index to American Botanical Literature

The Index to American Botanical Literature was founded in 1886 as an integral part of theBulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club. It provided Club members and other readers a survey of botanical literature in the Western Hemisphere. Evolving in format through the years, it has remained a valuable resource, especially to those at institutions without extensive botanical libraries. After 110 years the Torrey Botanical Club has decided to discontinue the Index. The New York Botanical Garden will continue the Index and publish it inBrittonia.
Energy absorption processes in fibrous composites

Abstract The objective of this investigation is to determine the contribution of fibers in polymer matrix composites during impact. Experimental measurements were made using specialized specimen designs and test methodologies to isolate the roles of fiber deformation and fracture as well as matrix–fiber interaction. Three types of fibers were examined: Spectra-900 PE, Kevlar-49 and graphite. Experimental results show that PE possesses the highest deformation energy density (normalized to volume), followed by Kevlar and graphite. A similar trend was observed for fracture energy. This trend correlates well with the toughness of these fibers estimated from the strength and ductility of the materials. The energy absorption capacity of the fibers examined was found to increase with increasing strain rates as a result of the generation of stress wave during high velocity impact. Experimental measurements were made to determine the energy absorption characteristics of fabric, fibers and composite structures. Results show that the fiber contribution is significant in the composite structures examined.
Relative information in phase of radar range profiles

In this paper, the phase of a radar range profile is shown to contain valuable information for inverse scattering problems. A physics-based high-frequency parametric model is adopted for the radar backscatter, and information is quantified using the variance of parameters estimated from noisy radar range profiles. Through analysis of the Fisher information matrix, phase is observed to yield up to a factor of ten increase in achievable resolution; moreover, phase is shown to allow reliable discrimination of frequency-dependent scattering behaviors. Results are confirmed using measured radar imagery from a 2-inch resolution X-band system.
Improved Velocity and Displacement Time Histories in Frequency Domain Spectral-Matching Procedures

Existing spectral-matching techniques in the frequency domain distort the displacement time history of the ground motions. In the time domain spectral- matching procedures, scale functions (wavelets) are additive and, with an appropriate scale functional form, extra displacement will not be imposed to the record. However, matching in the frequency domain with a multiplicative scale function applied to the Fourier spectrum requires a special attention in the matching process to have control on the displacement time history. This study shows that thevelocity value at the end of the record is not affected by the Fourier amplitude spectrum scaling, but the displace- ment may linearly increase (or decrease) boundlessly. Two numerical solutions are proposed to solve the displacement drift problem in the frequency domain. Following the proposed frequency domain baseline correction procedure, one does not need to perform baseline correction in the time domain after completing the spectral matching. As a result, acceleration, velocity, and displacement time histories will remain fully compatible, and the boundary conditions of the velocity and displacement time histories will be preserved. The proposed procedure is not limited to spectral-matching methods and can be used with any general filtering process to retain the final dis- placement of the record. The possibility of applying a zero-padding technique to the spectral-matching filter is also discussed. It is shown that applying an appropriate window along with the zero-padding technique can lead to a reasonable displacement time history. The proposed procedures can be easily added to the existing or new frequency domain spectral-matching algorithms without significantly disrupting the spectral-matching process.
Class solution in inverse planned HDR prostate brachytherapy for dose escalation of DIL defined by combined MRI/MRSI

Purpose To establish an inverse planning set of parameters (class solution) to boost dominant intra-prostatic lesion (DIL) defined by MRI/MRSI.
Methanobrevibacter smithii Is the Predominant Methanogen in Patients with Constipation-Predominant IBS and Methane on Breath

Purpose Among irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients, breath methane producers overwhelmingly have constipation predominance (C-IBS). Although the most common methanogen in humans is Methanobrevibacter smithii, incidence and type of methanogenic bacteria in C-IBS patients are unknown.
An improved method of eliminating fungal contamination from monolayer cell cultures.

Abstract A method is described for eliminating fungal and other forms of contamination from valuable monolayer cell cultures. The method employs the following sequence of operations: several changes of medium, trypsinization and removal of cells to coverglasses in appropriate tubes with medium plus amphotericin B (Fungizone) or other antibiotic, removal of coverglasses to new tubes with medium plus antibiotic, and removal in a few days to a new culture vessel without antibiotic. If microorganisms do not show up in 3–5 days, they have been eliminated. Greater success is achieved by using the same method with coverglass fragments in small culture wells.
Payoff Assessments without Probabilities: A Simple Dynamic Model of Choice

Abstract We develop a model which reflects the tendency of people to simplify the decision problems they face. The decision maker chooses among alternate strategies only on the basis of the payoff she assesses she would obtain from them, and these assessments do not explicitly take into account her subjective judgements regarding the likelihood of alternate states of the world. At each stage, the decision maker chooses the strategy that she assesses to give the highest payoff. She updates her assessments adaptively. We show that such behavior leads to maxmin choices. We also consider the decision maker who experiences shocks. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C7, D8.
Large Sample Confidence Limits for Goodman and Kruskal's Proportional Prediction Measure Taub

Goodman and Kruskal's tb test statistic is frequently employed in measuring association between nominally-scaled polynomies. Because of an error in the published large sample standard error, the utility of tb has been severely circumscribed for many years. A recent published correction of the large sample standard error promises to increase its use. This paper describes a Fortran Extended computer program which computes tb, with column variable dependent, and its asymmetrical counterpart ta, with row variable dependent. The program also provides three sets of confidence limits for each coefficient under both full multinomial and proportional stratified sampling.
First-principles modeling of wireless networks for rate control

Achieving fair and optimal data rates in wireless networks is an area of continued research. Distributed algorithms have been developed directly from mathematical optimization problems that guarantee fair and optimal rates. However, the algorithms developed thus far are based on simplified models of wireless networks. This research presents a first-principles model of wireless networks that reduces to the classical models under certain limiting conditions. The model uses random sets to represent the times during which a channel is perceived to be utilized. Although the resulting optimization problem is non-convex, its solution can be derived offline to offer insight into situations where the classical models succeed or fail. We provide the framework for a branch and bound solution to this offline problem.
Utility versus pleasure: the grand paradox.

Consider the following experimental demonstration: when undergraduate volunteers judged the pleasantness of winning small amounts of money (from 1 to 30 cents per trial), their successive ratings reflected the position of each winning in the frequency distribution of their other winnings (Parducci, 1968). Table ​Table11 shows how the different distributions were skewed. Ratings of individual payoffs are not shown, for the present interest centers on the overall mean rating for each of the distributions. The overall mean rating on a 7-point scale was more than one category higher for the negatively skewed distribution (in which the higher winnings were more frequent), although the mean winning was 14 cents for each distribution). More generally, negatively skewed distributions always yield higher overall mean judgments. This is entailed by my range–frequency theory of judgment and supported by experiments on various kinds of hedonic and psychophysical judgments (Parducci, 1995). Table 1 Frequency distribution of winnings.
Finite-dimensional path-summation formulation for quantum mechanics

The phase-space path-summation formulation of quantum theory is reviewed. The relationships to classical mechanics, and the greater generality (as compared with the original configuration-space path-summation formulation of Feynman) are stressed. Then the formulation is extended an that one can express the transition amplitude, between states (belonging to an arbitrary basis) of a finite-dimensional quantum system (with arbitrary Hamiltonian), in path-summation form. (auth)
Tax incentives for R&D: a critical evaluation☆

Abstract A number of policy proposals have recently been presented that seek to address the problem of declining productivity growth. Many of these are aimed at encouraging private R&D spending through tax incentives. This paper first reviews some of these proposals, then evaluates tax incentives per se as a policy tool for encouraging R&D growth, and finally offers suggestions for redesigning R&D related tax incentive policies.
Effect of 1-Hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic Acid (HEDPA) on Partitioning of Np and Pu to Synthetic Boehmite

The effect of 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDPA) on the sorption of Np(V) and Pu(V) to synthetic boehmite (γ-AlOOH) was examined as a function of time and pH (between 4 to 11). The sorption of both elements in boehmite suspensions (1 M NaCl, 600 mg L−1 boehmite) increased with increasing pH. The sorption edges for neptunium and plutonium occurred at approximately pH 8.0 and 6.6, respectively. After steady state partitioning was reached, HEDPA was added to the neptunium-boehmite and plutonium-boehmite suspensions. Neptunium and plutonium partitioning appears to be primarily affected by the formation of soluble Np:HEDPA and Pu:HEDPA complexes, the dissolution of boehmite promoted by HEDPA, and the precipitation of Np:HEDPA and Pu:HEDPA colloids. The results are discussed in terms of applicability of HEDPA-promoted dissolution as a waste reduction method in the treatment of sludge phases contained within high-level nuclear waste storage tanks.
Ultrastructure of Babesia WA1 (Apicomplexa: Piroplasma) during infection of erythrocytes in a hamster model.

Babesia Washington-1 (WA1) is a newly identified intraerythrocyte infectious agent of human babesiosis in the western United States. The purpose of the present study is to describe the ultrastructural changes in affected erythrocytes during the infectious process in a susceptible animal model, the golden Syrian hamster. Two, 1-mo-old female hamsters were inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 1.8 × 109 Babesia WA1-infected erythrocytes originally isolated from a human case and serially passaged in hamsters. Saphenous vein blood samples (20 μl) were collected at 0, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 hr postinoculation (PI). Parasitemia was determined at each time interval by quick staining of blood smears showing 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 12.5, 22.5, 70, and almost 100% parasitemic erythrocytes at the corresponding PI time interval, respectively. Animals showed weakness and dehydration 72 hr PI inoculation, and were killed by 96 hr PI. Selected blood samples from 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr were fixed in cacodylate buffer...
Chemical assembly of Archean anorthosites from amphibolite- and granulite-facies terranes, SW Greenland

We report whole-rock, major- and trace-element compositions (obtained by XRF and INA methods) for the amphibolite-facies Buksefjorden and granulite-facies Nordland anorthosites, SW Greenland. In a previous petrologic study on the same sample suite, we documented differences in texture, mineralogy, and mineral compositions between these two anorthosite bodies. Chemical analyses confirm differences in composition between the two bodies, but these differences cannot be explained by variations in metamorphic conditions, and point towards differences in the nature of their protoliths. Analyzed Nordland samples are anorthosites and leucogabbros with 88–98% normative plagioclase, whereas those from Buksefjorden include anorthosite, leucogabbro, and gabbro with ~55–95% normative plagioclase. Two or more compositional groupings can be recognized at each site, which correspond to differences in color and mineralogy of the hand samples. Samples from Buksefjorden are mainly quartz-normative, whereas those from Nordland are olivine (± nepheline) normative. Other differences include higher Ni/Co ratio and REE contents in the granulite-facies anorthosites from Nordland. REE pattern shapes are similar, however, being moderately fractionated at ~0.5–10× chondrites with positive Eu-anomalies. Calculated equilibrium melt patterns are similar for both anorthosites, being relatively flat at ~50–150× chondrites, suggesting unfractionated (but evolved) parental magmas. Olivine must have been present in the protoliths of the Nordland rocks compared with Buksefjorden. Otherwise, the protoliths contained plagioclase with variable An-content (~An62–An92) and a mafic component with variable Fe/Mg (mg ~0.3–0.8). This mafic component was either hornblende or a combination of ortho- and clinopyroxene in fixed proportions, plus a small amount of magnetite. Mixing calculations demonstrate that some Buksefjorden anorthosites contain two varieties of plagioclase: a calcic type that may correspond to cumulus crystals, and a sodic-type that may correspond to a trapped-melt component. On plots of normative whole-rock An versus mg, compositions of the Buksefjorden and Nordland anorthosites form crude negative arrays that differ from the generally positive trends of mafic layered intrusions (Kiglapait, Skaergaard) and from the generally flats trends of plagioclase-rich cumulate rocks (St. Urbain and Stillwater anorthosites). This difference provides further evidence for the distinctive nature of Archean calcic-anorthosite complexes compared with other types of mafic intrusions. Moreover, this distribution of data points is consistent with the assembly of the protolith of the SW Greenland anorthosites mainly as mixtures of plagioclase and hornblende. Finally, the field for the Buksefjorden and Nordland anorthosites overlaps only slightly with that for the Fiskenaesset Complex, thus extending the known range of compositions for Archean anorthosites in West Greenland.
The Inland Shore Fishery of the Northern Great Lakes: Its Development and Importance in Prehistory

Despite a great many references in the historic and ethnographic records to the importance of fishing by natives of the northern Great Lakes, anthropologists and archaeologists have failed to appreciate the uniqueness and significance of the inland shore fishery. A review of the archaeological evidence for the evolution of the fishery from Late Archaic to historic times indicates that the fishery can provide an organizing concept for understanding the cultural evolution of the region. Further, this record provides a means of examining the process of adaptation as it reflects a long series of technological and social adjustments to a specific set of environmental conditions over time.
Ethanol lock therapy in reducing catheter-related bloodstream infections in adult home parenteral nutrition patients: results of a retrospective study.

BackgroundEquivocal data demonstrate the efficacy of ethanol lock therapy (ELT) in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients, but it is not currently a standard of practice. The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of ELT in reducing the incidence of CRBSIs in HPN patients.MethodsMedical records from the Cleveland Clinic database of adult HPN patients with CRBSIs placed on prophylactic ELT were retrospectively studied from January 2006 to August 2009 (n = 31). Outcomes were compared pre- and post-ELT with the patients serving as their own controls. Medical-grade (70%) ethanol was instilled daily into each lumen of the central venous catheter (CVC) between PN infusion cycles. Comparative analysis was performed using McNemar’s test and Wilcoxon ranked tests.ResultsThirty-one patients had 273 CRBSI-related admissions prior to ELT in comparison to 47 CRBSI-related admissions post-ELT. Adjusted data for only tunneled CVC pre- and p...
Thrombosis in hematologic malignancies: risks and consequences

SUMMARY Thrombotic complications in hematologic malignancies have been found to be high among the various forms of cancer. Thrombosis not only increases the morbidity, but also has an adverse impact on survival. The pathogenesis among the different forms of hematologic malignancies is reviewed in this article. The thrombogenicity of the individual malignant cells, the tumor burden, treatment modalities and presence of comorbidities are among the major risk factors. These factors vary with the acute leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma and myeloproliferative neoplasms. The thrombogenetic factors in the more common hematologic malignancies are discussed. Results of recent randomized controlled clinical trials are beginning to provide data for meaningful therapeutic guidelines on thromboprophylaxis. They also enable the clinician to assess the risk factors in each individual patient. More clinical trials are needed to provide better risk stratification and to devise risk-adapted treatment regimens.
Transport in a Luttinger liquid in the presence of a time-dependent impurity

We show that the macroscopic current and charge can be formulated as a quantum-mechanical zero-mode problem. We find that the current is given by the velocity operator of a particle restricted to move around a circle. As an explicit example we investigated a Luttinger liquid of length L that is perturbed by a time-dependent impurity. Using the statistical mechanics of zero modes we computed the nonequilibrium current. In particular we show that in the low-temperature limit, ${L}_{T}/Lg1,$ the zero-mode method introduced here becomes essential for computing the current.
Visualizing casual effects in 4D space-time vector fields

A method is presented for juxtaposing 4D space-time vector fields, of which one contains a source variable and the other the response field. Thresholding, ellipsoid fitting, and vortex line generation are used to reduce the amount of information and help analyze the relationship between two 3D vector variables evolving in time. The technique helps to highlight the topological relationship between the two in an effort to understand the causal connection. These concepts are applied to on-going research in evolving fluid dynamics problems. >
Characterization of HMG-CoA Synthase Activity of Rat Liver and CHO-K1 Cells

This report describes the characterization and partial purification of rat liver 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) synthase activity. A preliminary characterization of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell HMG CoA synthase activity is also presented. Ion-exchange chromatography of ammonium sulfate precipitates of rat liver cytosol indicate the existence of two isoenzymes of HMG CoA synthase. These isoenzymes are physically, catalytically, and immunologically distinct. One of these isoenzymes, peak 1, resembles mitochondrial HMG-CoA synthase activity as evidenced by similarities in elution upon ion-exchange chromatography, inhibition by MgCl2, and cross reactivity with an antibody prepared against the mitochondrial enzyme. As peak 1 activity is unstable, further purification studies were performed on peak 2 activity. Peak 2 can be further resolved into two activities (peaks 2A and 2B) by gel filtration. In contrast, CHO-K1 cells (a permanent fibroblast line) possess only peak 2 type HMG CoA synthase activity.
Cultural Competence in the Use of IQ Tests with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children

Practitioners routinely use IQ tests to identify exceptionality in children whose cultural and linguistic heritage differs from the U.S. mainstream. Frequently, such activities are devoted to the i...
3D photonic crystals based on macroporous silicon: Towards a large complete photonic bandgap

Recently, a new three-dimensional photonic crystal consisting of two interpenetrating hexagonal pore sets was introduced. Here, we investigate the influence of possible experimental errors including shift, tilt and rotation of one pore set on the size of the bandgap theoretically and determine fabrication tolerances. A structure is fabricated in silicon using photo-electrochemical etching and subsequent focused ion beam milling. The change of the cross-section of the milled pores with pore depth is investigated and reflection measurements along different directions are performed indicating the low frequency edge of the photonic bandgap.
The MRN complex in double‐strand break repair and telomere maintenance

Genomes are subject to constant threat by damaging agents that generate DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). The ends of linear chromosomes need to be protected from DNA damage recognition and end-joining, and this is achieved through protein–DNA complexes known as telomeres. The Mre11–Rad50–Nbs1 (MRN) complex plays important roles in detection and signaling of DSBs, as well as the repair pathways of homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). In addition, MRN associates with telomeres and contributes to their maintenance. Here, we provide an overview of MRN functions at DSBs, and examine its roles in telomere maintenance and dysfunction.
Successful Aging, Life Satisfaction, and Generativity in Later Life:

This article explores the meanings older people attach to successful aging and life satisfaction and how these concepts can be differentiated. Forty elderly employees of the Ozarks Area Foster Grandparent Program (ages 61-92) were randomly selected and interviewed using an open-ended survey questionnaire. These questions explored understandings of successful aging and life satisfaction, the factors essential for each, and the differences perceived between these concepts. Qualitative data were coded by two independent reviewers. Respondents' understandings of successful aging involved attitudinal or coping orientations nearly twice as often as those for life satisfaction. Descriptions of life satisfaction emphasized the fulfillment of basic needs and was viewed as a precursor to successful aging. Content analysis confirmed five features of successful aging: interactions with others, a sense of purpose, self-acceptance, personal growth, and autonomy. The findings suggest that generativity contributes to successful aging and remains a vital developmental task in later life.
Peer Rejection and Neglect of Latency-Age Children: Pathways and a Group Psychotherapy Model

TOPIC. Children's peer relations are one of the most powerful predictors of mental health PROBLEMS. Peer rejection and neglect are associated with depression, academic problems, school withdrawal, and delinquency. PURPOSE. To provide brief introductions to models of social development and peer rejection, and to introduce a developmental-group psychotherapy model for children experiencing peer neglect or rejection. SOURCES. Theoretical and empirical literature, as well as clinical experience. CONCLUSIONS. Early identification and intervention with children vulnerable to peer rejection are essential. Research addressing affective experiences of peer-rejected children and the relationships between self-perception and treatment outcomes is needed.
A boundary-element method for elastostatics in a plane region bounded by a smooth curve

Abstract The traditional boundary-element method for elastostatics in a plane region bounded by a smooth curve is modified. A circular element is used for which an analytical scheme for the traction problem is derived. It is shown that the construction of the elements of the coefficient matrix reduces to computing a simple integral which has a closed form solution. This leads to higher accuracy of the final results and considerable saving of computational efforts. The procedure is illustrated by some examples and the accuracy of the method as well as its efficiency are compared with those obtained from commonly used numerical techniques.
The microcomputer as a tool in numerical analysis

The affordability of microcomputers makes them a practical tool for scientific computations and development of algorithms as well as a dramatic teaching aid. A package of mathematical software called SCRUNCH (1) is available to run in BASIC on moderate sized microcomputers (at least 8K and preferably 16K program space) to aid in the above tasks. SCRUNCH consists of translations of FORTRAN routines taken from three excellent sources:
Separation over a Flat Plate-Wedge Configuration at Oceanic Reynolds Numbers

An experimental study of flow over a two-dimensional flat plate-wedge configuration is presented. The investigation encompasses a range of Reynolds numbers characteristics of conditions encountered by deep submersible oceanic vehicles. Flow separation, similar to that found on high speed aircraft control surfaces, is reported and discussed in light of the laminar or transitional nature of the separated shear layer. As discovered in previous high Mach number studies of plate-wedge or ramp configurations, the dependency of the size of the separated region on free stream Reynolds number is reversed for laminar and transitional types of flow separation.
Reproducible stimulation of ciliary muscle contraction in the cynomolgus monkey via a permanent indwelling midbrain electrode

To better study the pivotal role of the ciliary muscle in ocular accommodation and aqueous humor outflow, a technique was developed to permit long-term reproducible stimulation of the muscle via the normal efferent neuronal pathway in cynomolgus monkeys. Following a small midline craniotomy, the stereotaxic coordinates of the Edinger-Westphal (E-W) nucleus were localized by contrast ventriculoradiography. A bipolar stimulating electrode was stereotaxically positioned to generate the maximum accommodative amplitude, and then permanently affixed to the surrounding cranium. Once experience was gained, the implant procedure required approximately 3 h and was well-tolerated by the animals, which subsequently exhibited normal behavior and no apparent discomfort or neurological deficits. Most animals retained the implant seemingly permanently (8-42 months follow-up), although a few animals extruded them after 4-8 months. Electrode placement in the E-W nucleus was verified histologically. The stimulation current and frequency-accommodative response relationships varied remarkably little between eyes, animals, or experimental sessions, although there was moderate inter-animal variation in the maximum accommodative amplitude. Using square-wave pulses of 0.5 ms duration, maximum accommodation, averaging approximately 15 diopters, was achieved at approximately 700 microA and approximately 70 Hz, and was greater under pentobarbital than under halothane anesthesia. Topical application of carbachol, eserine and echothiophate to the eye induced more accommodation than did central electrical stimulation. Permanent implantation of a stimulating electrode into the E-W nucleus may facilitate study of ocular physiological parameters dependent upon ciliary muscle contraction.