cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flow of hot gases in vertical shafts with natural and forced ventilation

Abstract This paper presents the results from an experimental investigation on the flow of hot gases induced by pressure and buoyancy in vertical shafts. This flow circumstance simulates the propagation of smoke and other combustion products in vertical elevator shafts due to fire in high-rise, multistoried, buildings. The effect of natural and forced ventilation, occurring through shaft openings or vents, on the spread of smoke and hot gases is of particular interest with respect to the development of hazardous conditions in the building. Different configurations are investigated, such as natural and forced ventilation at the top or the bottom of the vertical shaft. The inflow conditions for the hot gases, at a vertical opening near the base of the shaft, are varied and characterized in terms of the inlet Grashof and Reynolds numbers. Extensive temperature measurements are taken within the shaft. These data are used to investigate the steady state thermal field that arises for various scenarios. These results may then form the basis for developing appropriate approaches for smoke mitigation in high-rise building fires. Flow visualization, using smoke and a Schlieren system, is also used to study the flow characteristics in the shaft and near the hot gas inlet. The results obtained indicate that a wall plume arises in several cases and a relatively well-mixed flow in others. A strong wall flow arises at high Grashof numbers and low Reynolds numbers, while increasing Reynolds numbers leads to greater mixing in the shaft. The resulting flow and its effect on the spread of hot gases and temperature decay are investigated for different shaft configurations and inlet conditions. It is found that the best smoke or hot gas removal and lowest shaft temperatures occur with natural ventilation at the top and forced ventilation up from the shaft bottom. It is also shown that forced downward flow at the top can be used to arrest smoke spread, as well as to minimize the effects of the fire.
Autophagy and fetal programming

Accumulated epidemiological and experimental evidence established a link between in utero environment, and a high propensity for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in adult life, so-called fetal programming phenomenon whereby a long-term and irreversible alteration in structure or metabolism is induced by a relatively brief exposure to adverse conditions during gestation. A range of gestational events can change the fetal development: maternal over- and undernutrition, gestational diabetes, exposure to environmental toxins, maternal and paternal lifestyle choices, and social and psychological stresses. Many of these events can be influenced by autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved form of adaptation to adverse conditions. Here, we discuss the regulation of autophagy under normal intrauterine conditions, as well as its alterations as a result of fetal programming.
Property Rights, Public Goods and the Environment

Abstract We delineate the various ways in which rights to environmental and other resources can be assigned to individuals or groups. We then examine models of individual and group interactions, drawing out their implications for the ways in which resources will be utilized and managed under various rights assignments. Resources are classified into various groups (such as “collective” and “private”) depending on the type of rights assignment that is most appropriate, and we critically examine situations in which it is claimed that certain combinations of rights and rules of behavior will lead to an “ideal” allocation of the associated resources. We argue that in all but a very limited set of circumstances, efficient allocations will require at the least some form of social intervention, and we discuss both formal and informal models of social organization toward this end. Various distortions are identified that may arise when incorrect assignments of rights are utilized. We discuss various practical ways of correcting for these distortions using instruments such as taxes, quotas, and markets for pollution permits.
LSI: Prospects and Problems

VLSI technology is aimed at maximizing the utilization of silicon area, electrical power, and costly production facilities, while providing high functional capability. Integration and miniaturization are the routes by which this is accomplished. Progress in integration and miniaturization involves solving a continual series of technological problems in lithography and chemical process technology.
Effect of Micro-Cracking on Thermal Conductivity: Analysis and Experiment

High densities of micro-cracks can have a profound effect on the conduction of heat through materials. An analysis of this effect on thermal conductivity is presented. The variables which affect the formation of micro-cracks in brittle materials due to thermal expansion mismatches are discussed. It is shown that micro-cracking results in a “thermo-mechanically” coupled thermal conductivity which is a function of elastic properties, the coefficient of thermal expansion, fracture toughness, microstructural variables such as grain size, as well as the closure and healing of cracks at higher temperatures These effects are demonstrated by experimental data for the temperature dependence of the thermal diffusivity of polycrystalline iron titanate, magnesium dititanate, composites of alumina with silicon carbide, and a glass containing a dispersed phase of nickel.
Spontaneous nasal cerebrospinal fluid leaks and empty sella syndrome: a clinical association.

BackgroundSpontaneous, idiopathic nasal meningoencephaloceles are herniations of arachnoid/dura and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through anatomically fragile sites within the skull base. Empty sella s...
Overnight resident interpretation of torso CT at a level 1 trauma center an analysis and review of the literature.

Rationale and Objectives At the authors' level 1 trauma center, postgraduate year 3 and 4 radiology residents interpret urgent overnight imaging studies, which are reviewed by attending radiologists the next morning. The goals of this study were to determine the discrepancy rate for torso computed tomography between resident radiologists' preliminary interpretations and attending radiologists' final interpretations and to identify adverse patient events secondary to the delayed diagnoses. Materials and Methods All torso computed tomographic studies interpreted by weekday night residents (8 pm to 8 am ) from January 1, 2005, to March 13, 2007, were evaluated retrospectively. Major discrepancies between the residents' interpretations and the attending radiologists' interpretations were compiled. Exams with major discrepancies were additionally reviewed by two radiology residents and an attending emergency radiologist. The medical records of patients with major discrepant findings were also reviewed to identify adverse events that occurred because of the delays in final interpretation. Results A total of 4768 chest, abdominal, and/or pelvic computed tomographic studies were interpreted during the study period. A total of 112 major discrepancies were collected. In 17 cases (15%), two additional radiology residents and an attending emergency radiologist agreed with the initial residents' interpretations, decreasing the major discrepancy rate to 95 of 4768 (2.0%), consistent with data from the literature (0.4%–10%). Management was changed in 16 patients (0.3%) because of the major discrepancies: 13 patients underwent additional investigations, and 3 patients were recalled to the emergency room. No mortality or morbidity was directly attributed to the delays in diagnosis. Conclusion At the authors' institution, there was a 2.0% discrepancy rate between residents' preliminary interpretations and attending radiologists' final interpretations of overnight torso computed tomography, with a small rate of additional intervention as a result of the major discrepancies. No adverse patient effects were directly attributable to discrepant interpretations. In discrepant cases, there was a 15% disagreement rate (17 of 112) between attending radiologists, suggesting some degree of interreader variance in interpretation. In addition, this disagreement rate among attending radiologists may imply that these cases were complex. Because there is educational value in overnight call, independent radiology resident coverage should continue.
Exogenous factors in panic disorder: clinical and research implications.

Because panic disorder has an underlying biologic and probably genetic basis, the role of factors outside the organism in initiating and sustaining panic is often overlooked. The authors review certain exogenous factors that seem capable of triggering attacks and/or increasing their frequency and intensity: self-administered pharmacologic agents (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, over-the-counter cold preparations, cannabis, cocaine); habits (sleep deprivation, diet, exercise, relaxation, hyperventilation); and aspects of the environment (fluorescent lighting, life stressors). There may be a specificity to the action of some of these factors, because certain factors previously thought to trigger panic attacks (e.g., pain, hypoglycemia) have been proved not to have this effect. Although the clinical significance of many of the exogenous factors discussed still awaits empirical confirmation, attention to such factors during the initial evaluation of a patient with panic disorder may be helpful in formulating a successful treatment plan.
Nerve Growth Factor in CNS Repair and Regeneration

Increasing recognition is given by neuroscientists to the fact that considerable plasticity is retained even in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS), i.e. that maintenance and function of adult CNS neurons continue to depend on and be regulated by agents presented to them by their humoral, extracellular matrix and cellular micro-environments. One major class of macro-molecular regulatory agents is that of special proteins controlling the performance of selected target neurons named neuronotrophic factors (NTFs), of which Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is the first discovered and best characterized representative (Levi-Montalcini, 1987). NGF and other newly recognized NTFs have been traditionally investigated in the context of lesions in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and in the course of their early development, both in vivo and in vitro. A recently articulated CNS neuronotrophic hypothesis (Varon et al., 1984) has proposed that i) adult CNS neurons also require support from their own NTFs, and ii) relative deficits of endogenous NTF may underlie neuronal damages in experimental and pathologic situations, and iii) exogenous NTF administration may reduce or prevent neuronal damage in such situations.
Indices of adipose tissue distribution, apolipoproteins B and AI, lipoprotein (a), and triglyceride concentration in children aged 4-11 years: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Abstract This study examined the association of body fat distribution with serum apolipoproteins, lipoprotein (a), and triglyceride, risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity, in a representative sample of U.S. black, white, and Hispanic children. Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for children aged 4–11 years revealed the mean waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) varied consistently with age, gender, and ethnic group. Levels were highest in Mexican Americans. WHR showed significant negative associations with apo AI concentration and positive associations with apo B and the ratio of apo B to apo AI independent of age but not body mass index (BMI). Associations of WHR with serum triglyceride concentration were independent of age and BMI. Other indices of body fat distribution were not superior to WHR. Lp (a) was not consistently associated with WHR. In conclusion, after controlling for BMI and age, body fat distribution was not significantly associated with apo AI and apo B with few exceptions. Nor was Lp (a) significantly associated with body fat distribution. Casual serum triglyceride levels were significantly positively associated with WHR independent of age and BMI in non-Hispanic white and Mexican American children.
Implicit State Dependent Delay in Range-Based Position Estimation and Navigation

The transmission delay present in sonar based navigation may present a problem. Typically one solves such navigation using a quasi-static assumption, by assuming that the position of the mobile unit (MU) does not change significantly over the time the signal travels between the MU and the beacon (and back, in case of two-way ranging). For fast moving units, this may pose a problem which is addressed in this paper. An extension of the Lagrange-Burman inversion, dynamic inversion, and perturbation methods are proposed to solve the problem.
Environmental pollutant-mediated disruption of gut microbial metabolism of the prebiotic inulin.

Abstract Exposure to environmental pollutants is associated with a greater risk for metabolic diseases including cardiovascular disease. Pollutant exposure can also alter gut microbial populations that may contribute to metabolic effects and progression of inflammatory diseases. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced from gut fermentation of dietary carbohydrates, such as inulin, exert numerous effects on host energy metabolism and are linked to a reduced risk of diseases. The hypothesis was that exposure to dioxin-like pollutants modulate gut microbial viability and/or fermentation processes. An inulin-utilizing isolate was collected from murine feces, characterized and used in subsequent experiments. Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl, PCB 126 impeded bacterial viability of the isolate at concentrations of 20 and 200 μM. PCB 126 exposure also resulted in a significant loss of intracellular potassium following exposure, indicating cell membrane disruption of the isolate. Furthermore, total fecal microbe samples from mice were harvested, resuspended and incubated for 24 h in anaerobic media containing inulin with or without PCB 126. HPLC analysis of supernatants revealed that PCB 126 exposure reduced succinic acid production, but increased propionate production, both of which can influence host glucose and lipid metabolism. Overall, the presented evidence supports the idea that pollutant exposure may contribute to alterations in host metabolism through gut microbiota-dependent mechanisms, specifically through bacterial fermentation processes or membrane disruption.
Decoupling Combinatorial Complexity: a Two-Step Approach to Distributions of Runs

Runs statistics have found many applications in various fields and have attracted attentions of many researchers. Traditional methods used to investigate run-related distributions are ad hoc and not easy to generalize. The problems often become tedious because of the combinatorial complexity involved. Several unified methods have been devised to overcome the combinatorial difficulties. One of them is the finite Markov chain imbedding approach. Recently we used a different systematic approach that is inspired by methods in statistical physics. In this approach the study of runs distributions is decoupled into two easy independent steps. In the first step, elements of each of the same object are considered in isolation without regards of elements of the other objects. By considering only one kind of object each time the complexity involved is reduced considerably. In the second step, general formulas in matrix or explicit forms combine the results from the first step into a whole multi-object system with potential nearest neighbor interactions. The method reduces the complicated combinatorics to simple mechanical manipulations of binomial and multinomial coefficients, which can be carried out automatically by the Gosper-Zeilberger method. Many commonly studied run and pattern distributions, such as exact length runs, runs of Type I, II, III, the longest runs, rises and falls, among others, can be handled by the method. Novel run-related distributions have been derived using the method. We’ll discuss the general framework of the method and use some examples to illustrate its application to distributions of runs, including the derivation of the m th longest runs distributions of multivariate random sequences.
Abstract 215: Risk Factors, Management, and Outcomes Among Pregnant Women with Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (AF) during pregnancy may confer increased risk of perinatal complications, particularly since pregnancy is a known hypercoagulable and arrhythmog...
A Web-based, secure, light weight clinical multimedia data capture and display system.

Abstract Computer-based patient records are traditionally composed of textual data. Integration of multimedia data has been historically slow. Multimedia data such as image, audio, and video have been traditionally more difficult to handle. An implementation of a clinical system for multimedia data is discussed. The system implementation uses Java, Secure Socket Layer (SSL), and Oracle 8i. The system is on top of the Internet so it is architectural independent, cross-platform, cross-vendor, and secure. Design and implementations issues are discussed.
Impact of Asthma on Inpatient Outcome of Sickle Cell Crisis: A Population-Based Study

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited hematological disorder in the United States. Sickle cell crisis is a common complication caused by excessive sickling of red blood cells, resulting in tissue ischemia. The frequency of such pain crisis, however, varies greatly among patients depending on disease control and other patient characteristics. Asthma is a common comorbidity in SCD patients which is associated with higher incidence of acute chest syndrome (ACS). However, the impact of asthma on short term outcome of acute sickle cell crisis remains unclear. Methods: We analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample database. Data entries from year 2005 through 2014 were included. The presence of SCD, sickle cell crisis, ACS, asthma are identified using corresponding ICD codes. Data regarding demographic information, performed procedures, inpatient mortality, and length of stay are extracted and analyzed accordingly. Results: A total of 247,266 records were identified. The median age at admission was 26 years (interquartile range 18 - 37), with most patients being of African American origin (91.8%). A total of 16,828 (6.8%) patients presented with ACS, whereas 173,869 (70.3%) presented with non-ACS crisis. The remaining 56,569 (22.9%) patients were admitted for reasons other than sickle cell crisis, most commonly infection. Overall, 34,609 patients (14.0%) had asthma. Compared to patients without ACS, the incidence of asthma was significantly higher in patients with ACS (19.0% vs 13.6%, P Conclusion: Our study again demonstrated the association between asthma and ACS in SCD patients. Furthermore, asthma appears to be associated with superior outcome in both patients with ACS and non-ACS sickle cell crisis. Further studies are warranted to elucidate if asthma is associated with a milder form of sickle cell crisis which may correlate with the physiologic basis of these associations. Download : Download high-res image (219KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Mother Sister’s cry: Spike Lee’s “Speech Sounds” in the Anthropocene age of Black Lives Matter

Love is coming back, yes, it’s Love. Love has won. Left Hand Hate KO’ed by Love.-Radio Raheem, Do the Right ThingThe grandmothers were right/about everything.-Nikky Finney, “Left”1 1 Finney, Head O...
Prognose der KonjunktivodakryozystorhinostomieModifikationen mit unterschiedlichen Implantatmaterialien

Hintergrund. Bei ausgedehnten Verschlussen der prasakkalen bzw. der gesamten Tranennasenwege erfordert die funktionelle Rehabilitation den Neuaufbau der tranenableitenden Strukturen. Die operativ geschaffene Tranenableitung aus dem Bindehautsack wird durch ein Kunststoffimplantat sichergestellt. Neben anderen Kriterien soll der Einfluss der verwendeten Materialien Polyethylen und Silikonkautschuk auf das funktionelle Ergebnis uberpruft werden. Patienten und Methode: Zwischen 9/1978 und 2/1999 erfolgten an der Augenklinik Halle insgesamt 37 fortlaufend dokumentierte Konjunktivodakryozystorhinostomien sowie modifizierte Operationen (1mal beidseits) an 36 Patienten (22 Manner und 14 Frauen) im Alter von 9–76 Jahren (durchschnittlich 35,2 Jahre). Die bis 1990 mit Polyethylenrohrchen durchgefuhrten Operationen (Gruppe I: n=23) wurden denen seit 1991 mit Silikonrohrchen (Gruppe II: n=14) gegenubergestellt. In dieser retrospektiven Studie wurden die Krankenakten ausgewertet und die Patienten nachuntersucht. Ergebnisse: Ursache dieser schwerstgeschadigten Tranenwege waren Unfalle (n=21), Fehlbildungen (n=8), chronische Entzundungen (n=5) sowie Tumoren (n=2). Es kamen die Konjunktivodakryozystorhinostomie (KDR, n=23), die Konjunktivodakryozystostomie (KD, n=10) und die Konjunktivorhinostomie (KR, n=4), 21mal am rechten und 16mal am linken Auge zur Anwendung. In der Gruppe I wurde nach 14 von 23 Operationen (61%) eine funktionelle Heilung erzielt, in der Gruppe II nach 10 von 14 Operationen (72%). Die Polyethylenrohrchen wurden durchschnittlich 15 Monate belassen (4mal Spontanabstosung), die Silikonrohrchen 12 Monate (4mal Spontanabstosung). Schlussfolgerungen: Zerstorung oder angeborenes Fehlen der Tranenrohrchen sowie angrenzender Strukturen machen bei entsprechenden Beschwerden die operative Rekonstruktion der ableitenden Tranenwege erforderlich. Mit Einfuhrung der Silikonrohrchen konnte die Prognose dieser Operationsverfahren weiter verbessert werden.
A randomized single-blinded trial of early rehabilitation versus immobilization after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) does not have a standard postoperative protocol. Although instability is a worrisome complication, prolonged immobilization may also be disabling in the elderly population. This study aimed to determine if early vs. delayed range of motion (ROM) after RTSA affected postoperative ROM, patient-reported outcomes, and the dislocation rate. Methods A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was performed enrolling patients from 2013 to 2017. Patients were randomly assigned to either a delayed-rehabilitation group (no ROM for 6 weeks) or early-rehabilitation group (immediate physical therapy for passive and active ROM) and followed up for a minimum of 1 year. Demographic characteristics, ROM, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, and complications were recorded. Results Of an initial enrollment of 107 shoulders, 80.3% completed 1-year follow-up: 44 shoulders in the delayed-therapy group and 42 shoulders in the immediate-therapy group. Both groups had significantly improved forward flexion (32° improvement) and abduction (22° improvement) by 3 months. Both groups showed significant improvements in ASES scores by 6 weeks (9.4-point improvement in composite score) with continued improvement through 6 months (35.1 points). No significant differences were found between groups for any postoperative measure, with the exception of the ASES functional score favoring the delayed-therapy group at 6 months (26.3-point improvement vs. 16.7-point improvement). No differences in complications, notching, or narcotic use were noted between groups. Conclusions Both early- and delayed-ROM protocols after RTSA demonstrated significant, similar improvements in ROM and outcomes. Early initiation of postoperative rehabilitation may benefit the elderly population by avoiding the limitations of prolonged immobilization postoperatively.
Anticipating the "Second Wave" of Health Care Strain in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

![Figure][1] Responding is one of the vital aspects of public health, as is anticipating. A large-scale public health emergency can easily overwhelm the existing venues and mechanisms that provide medical care, a situation that is currently unfolding with the coronavirus disease-2019 (
Electron scattering at Co(0001) surfaces: Effects of Ti and TiN capping layers

In situ transport measurements on epitaxial 7.6-nm-thick Co(0001)/Al2O3(0001) films with and without Ti and TiN capping layers during O2 exposure are used to investigate the effects of surface chemistry on electron scattering at Co(0001) surfaces. The Co sheet resistance Rs increases with increasing thickness dTi and dTiN of the Ti and TiN capping layers, saturating at 8% and 31% above the uncoated Co(0001) for dTi > 0.2 nm and dTiN > 0.1 nm, respectively. This increase is attributed to electron scattering into local surface states, which is less pronounced for Ti than TiN. In situ resistance measurements taken during a continuously increasing O2 partial pressure from 0 Pa to 40 Pa indicate a relatively steep 24% increase in Rs at an exposure of ∼50 Pa s, which can be attributed to Co surface oxidation that leads to atomic level roughness and a decrease in the electron scattering specularity p. Ti and TiN cap layers with dTi ≥ 0.5 nm and dTiN ≥ 0.13 nm exhibit no resistance change upon air exposure, indicating suppression of Co oxidation. These results indicate a promising Co–Ti interface with an electron scattering specularity of p = 0.4–0.5, which is retained during oxygen exposure, while, in contrast, electron scattering at the Co–TiN interface is completely diffuse (p = 0), suggesting that Ti barrier layers facilitate higher-conductivity Co interconnects than TiN barriers, as long as the Ti layer is sufficiently thick (dTi ≥ 0.5 nm) to suppress Co oxidation.
Cardiac Irradiation Predicts Activity Decline in Patients Receiving Concurrent Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced Lung Cancer

Purpose Many patients with lung cancer are inactive due to their disease and underlying comorbidities, and activity levels can decline further during cancer therapy. Here we explore dosimetric predictors of activity decline in a cohort of patients who underwent continuous activity monitoring during definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced lung cancer. Methods and Materials We identified patients who participated in prospective clinical trials involving the use of a commercial fitness tracker throughout the course of CRT. For each patient, we applied linear regression to log-transformed daily step counts to compute the weekly rate of activity change from 1 week before radiation therapy (RT) initiation to 2 weeks after RT completion. Clinical and dosimetric factors were tested as predictors of activity change using linear regressions. Results Forty-six patient met the eligibility criteria. Median age was 66 years (range, 38-90). Pretreatment Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status was 0, 1, and 2 for 17%, 70%, and 13%, respectively. Mean lung dose ranged from 5.0 to 23.5 Gy, mean esophagus dose from 1.1 to 39.6 Gy, and mean heart dose from 0.6 to 31.5 Gy. Median daily step count average was 5861 (interquartile range, 3540-8282) before RT and 3422 (interquartile range, 2364-5395) 2 weeks after RT completion. Rate of activity change was not significantly associated with age, performance status, or mean RT dose received by lungs or esophagus. In multivariate analysis, mean heart dose was significantly associated with rate of activity decline, with a 3.1% reduction in step count per week for every 10 Gy increase in mean heart dose (95% confidence interval: 0.5-5.7, P = .023). Conclusions Extent of cardiac irradiation is associated with the rate of physical activity decline during CRT for lung cancer. Our novel finding contributes to the growing body of evidence that adverse effects of cardiac irradiation may be manifested at early time points.
An Energy Efficient Time-Mode Analog Neural Network

In this work we present an energy efficient mixed-signal realization of a quantized neural network. In this implementation we represent our signals in the time domain. By encoding our signals as pulse-widths, we can take advantage of the extremely accurate clocks and delay resolution in nanometer CMOS processes. Weights are represented as binary weighted current sources with local DRAM storage. Capacitive integration implements weighted addition, and an inverter provides as rectified linear activation. We present the design in 0.18um CMOS process with successful circuit and behavioral simulation results on the IRIS dataset.
Onlay Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) Mesh for Complex Hernia: Early Clinical and Patient Reported Outcomes

ABSTRACT Background While mesh re-enforcement and advanced surgical techniques are cornerstones of complex ventral hernia repair (CVHR), the risk of complications and recurrence is common. We aim to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient reported outcomes (PROs) of patients undergoing CVHR with onlay Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB). Methods Adult (>18 y old) patients undergoing VHR with P4HB (Phasix) in the onlay plane by a single surgeon from 01/2015 to 05/2020 were reviewed. VHR was considered complex if patients had significant co-morbidities, large abdominal wall defects, a history of extensive abdominal surgery, and/or concurrent intra-abdominal pathology. A composite of postoperative outcomes including surgical site occurrences (SSO), surgical site infection (SSI), and surgical site occurrences requiring procedural intervention (SSOpi), as well as PROs as defined by the Abdominal Hernia-Q (AHQ), were analyzed. Results A total of 51 patients were included with average age and body mass index of 56.4 and 29.9 kg/m2. Median follow up was 20 mo with a hernia recurrence rate of 5.9% (n = 3). 21 patients had an SSO (41.2%), 8 had an SSI (15.7%), and 6 had an SSOpi (11.8%). There was an association with Ventral Hernia Working Group ≥ 2 and development of SSO. There was a significant improvement in overall PROs (P 0.05). Conclusion For hernia patients with large defects and complex intra-abdominal pathology, a safe and effective repair is difficult. The use of onlay P4HB was associated with acceptable postoperative outcomes and recurrence rate.
Curating History in the COVID19 Era: Philadelphia Epidemics and Nineteenth-Century American Women’s Medical Education

Physician and educator Henry Hartshorne’s manuscript medical school lecture notes serve as a remarkable record of the response by faculty and women students in Philadelphia to transitions from post-bellum education to scientific, laboratory-based curriculum. These archives document the tensions felt throughout the medical system due to extended classroom hours and competition for limited clinical rotation assignments experienced by those treating patients in urban Philadelphia during the 1870s. Hartshorne was not the only physician who trained female attendees at area institutions including Women’s Medical College during this point of transition in both the education and practice of medicine.
Strategic Remote Estimation

Motivated by the emerging networked applications that involve strategic communication between selfish, rational agents whose objectives are misaligned, this paper studies a strategic variation of the well-known remote estimation problem. The classical remote estimation problem studies the design of a system, consisting of a sensor, an encoder, and a decoder, to observe, transmit and estimate a discrete time stochastic process with minimal transmission energy and estimation error. In order to minimize transmission energy, the encoder makes a real-time (sequential) to send or not to send communication decision based on sensor’s observation of the stochastic process. In the variation studied in this paper, the encoder aims to render the estimate at the receiver biased in a particular, statistical manner, hence this consideration transforms the classical remote estimation from a team problem to a game. Specifically, we analyze the problem of sending N samples within a time window of length M. Assuming quadratic distortion measures and affine strategies for sender and receiver, which were shown to be optimal for Gaussian strategic communication, we first determine the optimal sequential transmission policies for this problem in the context of the Stackelberg equilibrium– where the encoder (sensor) is the leader and the decoder (estimator) is the follower– using dynamic programming. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach via numerical results.
Sample size determination for repeated measurements in bioequivalence test.

When the measurement of outcome is unreliable or the cost of obtaining an additional subject is relatively high compared to the cost of obtaining an additional measurement from the same subject, it may be desirable to consider taking more than one measurement per subject to increase power or to minimize the cost in a clinical trial. When each subject in two comparison groups has a fixed number of repeated measurements, this paper develops an asymptotic procedure to calculate the number of subjects per group required to achieve a given power for an α-level bioequivalence test. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulation is used to evaluate the accuracy of the approximate sample size calculation procedure and a brief discussion on how to determine the optimal number of repeated measurements is included.
A Survey of Architectures for Distributed Artificial Intelligence

Abstract : This report surveys literature and research in the field of distributed artificial intelligence (DAI) and provides an overview of computer architectures particularly suited to such research. It concentrates on work to date that has involved the construction of testbeds and development tools for DAI. It tries to draw some lessons from these efforts and suggests ways in which testbeds, which heretofor have been used primarily for experimentation, might be used in the full course of system development.
The Soft-Sphere Equation of State for Liquid Flibe

AbstractMolten Flibe (Li2BeF4) salt is a candidate material for the liquid blanket in the HYLIFE-II inertial confinement fusion reactor. The thermodynamic properties of the liquid are very important for the study of the thermohydraulic behavior of the concept design, particularly, the compressible analysis of the blanket isochoric heating problem. In this paper, a soft sphere model equation of state, which was used for describing liquid metals previously, is deployed with slight modifications for fitting the available experimental data for liquid Flibe. It is found that within the available temperature range the model gives a good agreement with experimental data for density, enthalpy and speed of sound. Additionally the model provides reasonable isotherms, spinodal line and predicts a “critical point”. The results show that the model has good thermodynamic behavior, although for a material like Flibe the “critical point” phenomenon is more complex than for pure component material.
The Lymphocyte β-Glucuronidase Activity in Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Lymphocyte β-glucuronidase activity was estimated semi-quantitatively by a cytochemical method. Strong enzyme activity was found to be present in the lymphocytes. In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphosarcoma and some cases of reticulum cell sarcoma, the lymphocyte β-glucuronidase activity was low. This was due to the presence of a large number of lymphocytes with low β-glucuronidase activity. The low β-glucuronidase content in the lymphocytes is usually associated with decreased ability of these cells to undergo transformation upon phytohemagglutinin stimulation; however, this association is not an absolute one.
Detection of Flooding Responses at the River Basin Scale Enhanced by Land use Change

The Georges Creek watershed (area 187.5 sq km) in western Maryland (United States) has experienced land use changes (>17% of area) associated with surface mining of coal. The adjacent Savage River watershed (area 127.2 sq km) is unmined. Moments of flood frequency distributions indicated that climatic variability affected both watersheds similarly. Normalizing annual maximum flows by antecedent streamflow and causative precipitation helped identify trends in flooding response. Analysis of contemporary storm events using Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) stage III precipitation data showed that Georges Creek floods are characterized by higher peak runoff and a shorter centroid lag than Savage River floods, likely attributable to differences in current land use. Interestingly, Georges Creek produces only two thirds of the storm-flow volume as Savage River, apparently because of infiltration into abandoned deep mine workings and an associated transbasin diversion constructed circa 1900. Empirical trend analysis is thus complicated by both hydroclimatic variability and the legacy of deep mining in the basin.
Political Disagreement: DISAGREEMENT, HETEROGENEITY, AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF POLITICAL COMMUNICATION

The Columbia studies revolutionized the study of democratic politics, inspiring a view of the electorate based on interdependent citizens who reach decisions through a shared process of collective deliberation. This perspective led many to expect that citizens would be imbedded within homogeneous micro-environments of politically like-minded associates, but as we have seen, citizen communication networks demonstrate remarkably high levels of political heterogeneity. Within this context, we examine the implications of disagreement and political heterogeneity for the effectiveness of political communication and deliberation among citizens during a presidential election campaign. In order for communication to be effective, messages conveyed through social interaction must be unambiguous, and the person receiving the communication must readily, confidently, and accurately perceive the intent of the sender. Hence, we address a number of factors that might influence communication effectiveness among individual citizens: the dynamic of the election campaign, the accessibility and extremity of the political preferences held by individual citizens, the distribution of preferences within political communication networks, and the presence of disagreement between the senders and receivers of political messages. The analysis is based on the 1996 Indianapolis–St. Louis election study, based on interviews with citizens and their discussants conducted during the campaign. Presidential election campaigns are among the most widely recognized events in American politics, inevitably capturing the attention of anyone who watches the evening news, reads the newspaper, or listens to news reports on the car radio.
Lifespan of γ/δ T Cells

Information on the turnover and lifespan of murine γ/δ cells was obtained by administering the DNA precursor, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), in the drinking water and staining lymphoid cells for BrdU incorporation. For TCR-γ/δ (Vγ2) transgenic mice, nearly all γ/δ thymocytes became BrdU+ within 2 d and were released rapidly into the peripheral lymphoid tissues. These recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) underwent phenotypic maturation in the periphery for several days, but most of these cells died within 4 wk. In adult thymectomized (ATx) transgenic mice, only a small proportion of γ/δ cells survived as long-lived cells; most of these cells had a slow turnover and retained a naive phenotype. As in transgenic mice, the majority of RTEs generated in normal mice (C57BL/6) appeared to have a restricted lifespan as naive cells. However, in marked contrast to TCR transgenic mice, most of the γ/δ cells surviving in ATx normal mice had a rapid turnover and displayed an activated/memory phenotype, implying a chronic response to environmental antigens. Hence, in normal mice many γ/δ RTEs did not die but switched to memory cells.
Oral immunization with PspA elicits protective humoral immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major respiratory mucosal pathogen affecting infants and children. Although a polysaccharide-based vaccine has been useful in adult populations, it does not elicit protective immunity in infants and young children. Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is a highly immunogenic surface protein produced by all strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Previous studies have shown that systemic immunization of mice with PspA can elicit protective immunity against fatal pneumococcal infection. In this study, we demonstrated that oral immunization with PspA could elicit protective immune responses against pneumococcal infection. When mice were orally immunized with PspA alone, low levels of PspA-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses were induced in serum; none was induced in secretion. On the other hand, when PspA was given orally with the mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin (CT), significant levels of IgG and IgA anti-PspA responses were induced in serum. The major IgG subclass was IgG1, followed by IgG2b, a profile of antibody response supported by Th2-type cells. In addition, all mice orally immunized with PspA and CT were protected from the lethal challenge with capsular serotype 3 S. pneumoniae A66. These results suggested that an oral PspA vaccine may be a useful means of preventing pneumococcal disease.
Isolation and characterization of a proteoglycan variant from human aorta exhibiting a marked affinity for low density lipoprotein and demonstration of its enhanced expression in atherosclerotic plaques

Proteoglycans (PG) are implicated in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis due to their ability to complex with plasma low density lipoproteins (LDL). Studies were conducted to determine whether human aorta contains PG subclasses that exhibit enhanced LDL binding ability. PG were isolated from normal and atherosclerotic aortas by a combination of dissociative extraction and ion-exchange chromatography. The PG were further subfractionated on an LDL affinity column based on their binding affinity to LDL. Two PG fractions exhibiting high-affinity binding to LDL, as evidenced by their elution at 1.0 and 1.5 M NaCl, respectively, were isolated from both normal and atherosclerotic tissue. Compared with normal tissue, atherosclerotic tissue showed a twofold increase in the high-affinity PG that eluted at 1.5 M NaCl. Gel filtration of the high-affinity PG from normal tissue yielded two peaks (nPG2 and nPG3), while the high-affinity PG from plaque tissue was resolved into three peaks (pPG1, pPG2, and pPG3). pPG1 eluted at the void volume of the column, indicating that it was of very large molecular size. The hydrodynamic size of pPG2 was larger than that of the corresponding nPG2 (Kav = 0.44 versus 0.51), while pPG3 had the same hydrodynamic size as nPG3 (Kav = 0.86). The high-affinity PG subfractions from normal aorta contained varying proportions of chondroitin sulfates, dermatan sulfates, and heparan sulfate. In contrast, the PG subfractions from plaque tissue contained predominantly chondroitin sulfates and heparan sulfate. In vitro complexes of LDL and the high-affinity PG fractions from normal aorta and plaque tissue stimulated cholesteryl ester synthesis in human monocyte-derived macrophages. However, the LDL-plaque PG complex was significantly more potent than the LDL-normal aorta PG complex in this respect. These results indicate that PG subclasses with enhanced binding affinity to LDL occur in the normal human aorta and that their concentration increases significantly in atherosclerotic lesions. In addition, the high-affinity PG in plaque tissue have altered characteristics and increased ability to stimulate LDL-mediated cholesterol ester synthesis in macrophages. This could lead to increased lipid deposition during atherogenesis.
Motor perseverative behavior in adult stutterers and nonstutterers

Abstract The performances of 22 adult stutterers and 22 adult nonstutterers on motor tasks requiring the graphic reproduction of a sequence of alternating figures following the production of a series of nonalternating figures were studied. The finding that there were no differences in the performance of the two groups on the alternating motor tasks was interpreted as challenging the validity of previous observations that motor perseverative behavior exists in stutterers and is indicative of a central neurological deficit in that population.
Phoning Logistics in a Longitudinal Follow-Up of Batterers and Their Partners

More needs to be known about the phoning logistics of interviewing subjects for longitudinal follow-up studies in the domestic violence field. Using phoning logs from a 4-year follow-up of batterer intervention, the authors calculated the number, results, and costs of phone calls from a sub sample of 100 men and 138 women. The number of calls is high (5.5 per man and 7.1 per woman), locators play a substantial role (for 25% of the men and women), and mailed questionnaires are a useful supplement (increasing response rate 5% for men and 11% for women). On average, about half of the subjects were interviewed at each interval. The main obstacle is not refusals but no response and not being able to locate a subject. Strategies to address “no response” are considered.
Security: The Virtual Quest

ABSTRACT Security and related contingency recovery plans ensure a business' survival when it is faced with potential information systems breakdowns. Its primary objective is to prevent a calamity from occurring and to limit the impact of destructive events related to computer-based information systems. Most disaster recovery plans, when put into effect, fail to serve the intended purpose. The value of a properly implemented security is to prevent external intrusions before they start, and have an internal recovery plan to restore service so that assets are not adversely affected. This paper provides some insight regarding security as well as identifying some of the pitfalls or weakness in this part of an organization's communication network. Emerging technologies such as the use of biometrics, authentications, steganography, and data encryption used for security will be the focus of the paper.
Increased waiting time for liver transplantation results in higher mortality

Background. Waiting time to liver transplantation (LTx) has dramatically lengthened, but the proportion of candidates who die awaiting transplantation has not increased. We evaluated whether longer waiting time for LTx candidates increases mortality. Methods. A cohort of candidates listed for LTx between 1990 and 1993 by three large transplantation programs was followed for 2 years. The exposure measure was ABO blood type, which is not inherently related to outcome, but is a major determinant of waiting time. The main outcome measure was 2-year mortality, as evaluated by logistic regression analysis that controlled for differences in clinical status at the time of evaluation for LTx. Results. The 308 candidates with type O blood waited longer for LTx (median 109 days) than the 399 candidates with other blood types (median 58 days) (P=0.001). Candidates listed for LTx with type O blood had better clinical status at evaluation, but then had higher pretransplantation mortality (13.3%) than other candidates (7.0%) (P=0.005). Blood group O candidates had higher 2-year mortality (26.6%) than other candidates (22.1%), which on multivariate analysis resulted in a mortality odds ratio at 2 years of 1.52 (95% confidence interval=1.04-2.23). With the difference in median waiting time between blood groups increasing from 44 days in the first year to 108 days in the third year, the 2-year mortality odds ratio also rose from 0.94 to 1.97. Conclusions. When compared with LTx candidates with other blood types, blood type O candidates have longer waiting times and higher pretransplantation mortality, which results in higher 2-year mortality.
The M/GI/ 1 Bernoulli feedback queue with vacations

Feedback may be introduced as a mechanism for scheduling customer service (for example in systems in which customers bring work that is divided into a random number of stages). A model is developed that characterizes the queue length distribution as seen following vacations and service stage completions. We demonstrate the relationship that exists between these distributions. The ergodic waiting time distribution is formulated in such a way as to reveal the effects of server vacations when feedback is introduced.