cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of A23187 upon calcium metabolism in the human lymphocyte.

Abstract Treatment of human peripheral lymphocytes with mitogenic concentrations of the divalent cation ionophore A23187 led to an initial marked increased in the uptake of calcium by these cells, but the amount of accumulated calcium retained decreased with time so that after 8–12 h of culture, the calcium content of treated cells was only 1.5–2.0-fold higher than that of control cells. Three possible explanations for the biphasic nature of ionophore-induced calcium uptake were considered: (1) the ionophore underwent chemical or metabolic inactivation upon prolonged incubation; (2) massive accumulation of calcium caused irreversible uncouplingof mitochondria in these cells with consequent loss of accumulated calcium; or (3) with time there was a redistribution of ionophore within the cell, and sufficient ionophore was taken up by internal, most likely mitochondrial, membranes to cause an efflux of calcium from internal stores. By developing a bioassay for ionophore and examining the time-dependent effects of ionophore in the presence and absence of calcium, it was concluded that the third explanation was the most likely. The general implications of these results are discused.
Intraoperative endoscopy: a continuing need in colorectal surgery.

The report in this issue by North and associates reminds us of the enduring need for the surgeon to be able, at times, to visualize the mucosal aspect of the colon in making optimal management decisions. After all, surgeons have known for some time that most of the pathological conditions demanding their intervention are detectable on the mucosal surface.
EFFECT OF RECIPROCAL STEROID TREATMENT ON THE ELECTROPHORETIC PATTERNS OF FOWL SERA

Marked differences in the electrophoretic patterns of cock and hen sera were reported in 1945 (Moore). It is the purpose of this communication to trace the development of these differences beginning with the young chick and to report the changes produced by injecting the adult fowls with contra-sex hormones. methods Blood was taken from the heart by inserting a syringe needle in front of the furculum into the thorax. By this method 5 to 10 cc. of blood could be taken without apparent injury to the bird. The sera were analyzed in a buffer 0.02 M with respect to sodium phosphate and 0.15 M with respect to NaCl at pH 7.4 (Tiselius and Kabat, 1939). Each serum sample was diluted with two parts of the buffer and dialyzed in a bag made from viscose sausage casing (average pore diameter 2.5 mμ) against one liter of the buffer for 24 hours,
A critique of recent trends in the analysis of ethnonationalism 1

(1988). A critique of recent trends in the analysis of ethnonationalism. Ethnic and Racial Studies: Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 192-206.
Constructing Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire Type Models for Ferroelectric Systems Based on Symmetry

Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire type phenomenological models have been widely used to study ferroelectric phase transitions and domain pattern formation. By including time variation, such models become the time dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) theory, which may be used to study the kinetics of domains and predicting time variation of material properties. The model construction is straightforward for one-dimensional systems, but for multiple dimensions, more rigorous group theoretical analysis based on crystal symmetry must be used to derive the proper form of the free energy. This paper illustrates the basic procedure for the model construction and provides free energy densities for a few commonly encountered crystal symmetries in ferroelectric systems. An example is also given to illustrate how to deal with phase transitions involving unit cell change using phenomenological theory.
Use of a whole-cell biocatalyst to produce biodiesel in a water-containing system.

This study examined the use of a whole-cell biocatalyst to transesterify triglycerides, including high-Free Fatty Acid (FFA) waste greases, in a water-containing system. The whole-cell biocatalyst derived from Rhizopus oryzae (ATCC10260) was grown and reacted at room temperature without immobilization. The effectiveness of improving biodiesel yield through alteration of reaction temperature, additional alcohol, and additional transesterification reaction was also examined. Results showed that whole-cell biocatalyst was able to produce biodiesel with a yield of about 75% for virgin canola oil, 80% for waste vegetable oil and 55% for brown grease with a 72-hr transesterification reaction using no excess methanol. Elevating the reaction temperature to 35°C significantly diminished the yield. An additional dose of methanol with another 24 hours of reaction time or a second 72-hr reaction resulted in biodiesel yield approaching 90% and only 3% residual glycerides (mono-, di- and tri-glycerides). These results ...
Associations among alexithymia, positive and negative emotions, and self-defeating personality

This study examined the associations among 210 college students' alexithymia scores and three emotional orientation scores. Students completed the following three self-report instruments: 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, 20-item Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and 24-item Self-defeating Personality Scale. As predicted, a linear regression model indicated that alexithymia was associated with negative emotional activation, self-defeating personality, and inversely associated with positive emotional activation. These three affect orientations accounted for 27% of the variance associated with subjects' cognitive-affective communication difficulties expressing their emotions. A second linear regression model indicated that negative emotion activation was significantly associated with self-defeating personality, and positive emotion activation was significantly inversely associated with self-defeating personality.
Combined configuration-interaction and many-body-perturbation-theory calculations of energy levels and transition amplitudes in Be, Mg, Ca, and Sr

Configuration interaction (CI) calculations in atoms with two-valence electrons, carried out in the ${V}^{(N\ensuremath{-}2)}$ Hartree-Fock potential of the core, are corrected for core-valence interactions using many-body perturbation theory (MBPT). Two variants of the mixed CI+MBPT theory are described and applied to obtain energy levels and transition amplitudes for Be, Mg, Ca, and Sr.
A Comparison of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Production in Single and Mixed Cohort Culture During Two Production Seasons

Abstract Single- and mixed-size cohorts of small (18 g) and intermediate (34 g and 60 g) fingerlings, and stocker (270-300 g) channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, were grown in ponds at 12,500/ha for two years. Year 1 compared single cohorts (18 g, 60 g, or stockers) to mixed-size culture of these cohorts. Year 2 compared a mixed-cohort treatment (18 g, 34 g, and carryover (CO) fish), and two, two-cohort treatments (18 g or 34 g and CO). Daily growth of 18-g fingerlings was less in triple-than single-cohort culture (0.98 g/day vs. 1.55 g/day) during Year 1. Sixty-gram fingerlings and stocker-size fish grew less (P <0.05) alone than in triple cohorts. Stockers also grew more (P <0.05) in double- than single-cohort culture. Nearly 29% of single cohort 18-g fingerlings reached marketable size (≥600 g); 14% in double cohorts, and none in triple cohort ponds. All pairwise comparisons of diet costs were significantly different during Year 1. All pairwise comparisons of yield from Year 1 were significantly diff...
A Case of Factitious Aplastic Anemia

Objective:We report the case of factitiously induced aplastic anemia by the ingestion of busulfan, a bifunctional alkylating chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. The medical consequences and financial costs of this illness are reported. The reader will gain an understanding of the relevant clues to the diagnosis of a factitious hematologic illness, the psychodynamic issues present in this case and the legal, ethical and countertransferential issues raised by the case.Method:A single case review including medical and billing records, patient and staff interviews and literature review.Results:The covert ingestion of busulfan by this patient resulted in life-threatening bone marrow suppression, bilateral aseptic hip necrosis, transfusion-dependent thrombocytopenia and a chronic pain syndrome. Her treatment was complicated by noncompliance with prescribed treatments and polymicrobial sepsis possibly secondary to the self-injection of feces into her central line. To dat...
Enabling efficient power provisioning for enterprise applications

The increasing demand for computation and the commensurate rise in the power density of data centers have led to increased costs associated with constructing and operating a data center. Exacerbating such costs, data centers are often over-provisioned to avoid costly outages associated with the potential overloading of electrical circuitry. However, such over-provisioning is often unnecessary since a data center rarely operates at its maximum capacity. It is imperative that we maximize the use of the available power budget in order to enhance the efficiency of data centers. On the other hand, introducing power constraints to improve the efficiency of a data center can cause unacceptable violation of performance agreements (i.e., throughput and response time constraints).As such, we present a thorough empirical study of performance under power constraints as well as a runtime system to set appropriate power constraints for meeting strict performance targets. In this paper, we design a runtime system based on a load prediction model and an optimization framework to set the appropriate power constraints to meet specific performance targets. We then present the effects of our runtime system on energy proportionality, average power, performance, and instantaneous power consumption of enterprise applications. Our results shed light on mechanisms to tune the power provisioned for a server under strict performance targets and opportunities to improve energy proportionality and instantaneous power consumption via power limiting.
The addition of topical doxepin to corticosteroid therapy: an improved treatment regimen for atopic dermatitis

Three hundred and forty-nine (349) patients with pruritic atopic dermatitis who provided written informed consent participated in this study. To enter, patients had to have experienced moderate to severe pruritis accompanying their eczematous lesions daily for at least 1 week prior to enrollment, a family history of atopy and/or a personal history of atopic dermatitis, 25% or less body surface area affected by atopic dermatitis, and good general health. After enrollment, patients were required to discontinue systemic corticosteroids at least 4 weeks prior to study entry as well as antipruritic and central nervous system-active medications at least 1 week before entry. In addition, no topical medications were permitted to be applied to treatment sites for at least 2 days before entry. Patients who had infected treatment sites, other concurrent cutaneous conditions, or who were pregnant or lactating were excluded from the study. This was an 8-day multicenter double-blind parallel-design study assessing the effects of adding topical doxepin to topical corticosteroid treatment vs. the topical corticosteroid treatment itself. All test products were incorporated in an identical cream base to that for doxepin hydrochloride cream. Using a computer-generated randomization schedule, patients were assigned to treatment groups receiving creams containing: (1) 2.5% hydrocortisone; (2) 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide; (3) 2.5% hydrocortisone and 5% doxepin hydrochloride; (4) 0.1% severity acetonide and 5% doxepin hydrochloride. Patients were instructed to apply the study cream four times daily for 8 days of treatment. The physician initially rated the patients’ pruritis as mild, moderate, or severe, and their atopic dermatitis as mild, moderate, marked, or severe. A baseline visual analog scale (VAS) for pruritis severity, consisting of a 100-mm horizontal line labeled “no itch” and “worst itch imaginable” at opposite ends, was completed by the patients to quantify the intensity of pruritis experienced during the week before study entry and daily during the study. Additionally, daily during the study, each patient completed a VAS for pruritis relief by marking a 100-mm vertical line labeled “no relief from itching” and “complete relief from itching” at opposite ends. After the baseline evaluation, subsequent visits were scheduled for days 2, 3, 4, and 8. At each visit, the physician reviewed the patient’s daily VASs to record a global evaluation of pruritis relief and rated the overall change in dermatitis on a five-point scale ranging from much worse to much better. Any reports of adverse effects were also recorded. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the VAS for pruritis severity. With the use of the row mean score with ridit assigned scores, Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel (CMH) analysis for ordered response categories was performed in the analysis of the physicians’ global evaluations (pruritis and dermatitis). Intent-to-treat analysis was used for all efficacy variables. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05 (two-tailed).
Les Œuvres de Pierre de Ronsard, Texte de 1587, Nouvelle édition avec Introduction et Notes par Isidore Silver. Vols. I and II

(1968). Les Œuvres de Pierre de Ronsard, Texte de 1587, Nouvelle edition avec Introduction et Notes par Isidore Silver. Vols. I and II. Symposium: A Quarterly Journal in Modern Literatures: Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 384-385.
Noradrenergic and serotonergic mediation of spinal analgesia mechanisms.

The effects of α-adrenergic and serotonergic receptor agonist administration on spinal analgesia mechanisms (D'Amour-Smith analgesia assay) were examined in the spinal rat from 6 h to 3 weeks following transection. Analgesia (increased response latency)_was observed following administration of the α-adrenergic agonists, clonidine or xylazine at all times after transection. This dose-response-related analgesia was blocked by pretreatment with the α-adrenergic receptor blocker phenoxybenzamine but not by the serotonergic receptor blocker metergoline. Biochemical asay of spinal cord noradrenaline (NA) caudal to the level of transection indicated that the above drugs were effective agonists even when NA levels were not detectable suggesting a mechanism of action via direct Receptor stimulation. Administration of the serotonergic receptor stimulants quipazine or 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeODMT) was analgesic only during the first few postoperative days. Specificity of these drugs for the serotonergic receptor is supported by the observations that the drug induced analgesia was blocked by pretreatment with metergoline but not by phenoxybenzamine and that while quipazine or 5-MeODMT administration was only analgesic immediately following transection, α-adrenergic agonists were effective at all times. The implications of the present data for the involvement of descending NA and serotonergic fiber systems in the mediation of narcotic analgesia is discussed. The present data suggest that C.N.S. active α-adrenergic agonists may represent a class of non-narcotic analgesics of future clinical importance.
An assessment of the involvement of paraventricular hypothalamic α2-adrenoceptors in phenylpropanolamine anorexia

Abstract Systemic injection of phenylpropanolamine (PPA), an α1-adrenergic receptor agonist with some activity at α2-adrenergic receptors, suppresses food intake in rats. However, only limited information is available as to the effect of intracranial PPA injections on food and water intake. In Experiment 1, microinjection of PPA (80–240 n M ) into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) induced a dose-dependent suppression of feeding ( ED 50 = 181 n M ) but was without significant effect on water intake. Experiment 2 evaluated the effect of systemic PPA on paraventricular hypothalamic norepinephrine (NE) levels. Rats were treated with either vehicle or 20 mg/kg (IP) PPA prior to a 100-min period in which extracellular NE within the PVN was monitored via an indwelling microdialysis probe. Systemic injection of PPA suppressed extracellular NE level within PVN by approximately 70%, an action consistent with stimulation by PPA of a presynaptic α2-adrenergic autoreceptor. Experiment 3 evaluated whether the α2-adrenergic activity of PPA contributes to its feeding-suppressive action. Unlike prior results using the α1-antagonist benoxathian, PVN microinjection of the α2-antagonist rauwolscine in Experiment 3 of the present study failed to block systemically induced PPA anorexia. These results further support the contention that PVN α1-adrenergic receptors suppress feeding and suggest that PPA's α2-adrenergic effects do not modulate the anorexic action of PPA.
Current indirect fitness benefits associated with philopatry in juvenile prairie voles

Prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) family groups were examined to determine possible indirect fitness benefits from the presence of juvenile helpers at the natal nest. The reproductive performance of family groups retaining two juveniles was compared with that of families in which all juveniles were removed when the subsequent litter was born. Litter sizes at birth of the second litter and pup survival rates were the same in the two treatments. Offspring quality was affected by the presence of juveniles however. Pups reared with juveniles weighed 13% more at weaning than pups reared without juveniles. Pups also opened their eyes sooner when juveniles were present. Differences in growth and development may have been affected by the amount of time pups were alone in the nest since pups in families with juveniles were left alone less frequently than were pups without juveniles. Maternal behavior patterns were not affected by the presence of juveniles. In contrast, fathers in families with juveniles spent more time in non-parental behaviors such as feeding, drinking, and foraging. In families with large litters, mothers delivered a subsequent litter sooner if juveniles were present. Subsequent litter sizes were the same in both treatments. Overall, both infants and parents benefited from the presence of juveniles, suggesting that helping may enhance the helper's indirect fitness in multiple ways.
Turbulence spectra of CO2, water vapor, temperature and velocity over a deciduous forest

Abstract This paper presents information on turbulence spectra derived from measurements made with an instrument array including a prototype rapid-response CO 2 sensor over a deciduous forest on complex terrain near Oak Ridge, TN. When compared to measurements from previous studies over flat terrain, velocity spectra appeared to be shifted toward lower frequencies. This tendency was especially apparent in lateral and vertical velocity spectra. Peaks occurred around f = 0.035–0.07 (where f is the non-dimensional frequency) in all spectra measured under near neutral conditions, except for vertical velocity which had a peak near f ≈ 0.16. Cospectra of sensible heat, water vapor and CO 2 measured during near neutral conditions were similar in shape and had peak frequencies near f ≈ 0.10–0.15. As thermal stability changed from near neutral to unstable conditions the spectral peaks generally shifted toward lower frequencies.
The role of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation on medieval drought in North America: Synthesizing results from proxy data and climate models

article i nfo During medieval times (900-1300 AD; henceforth MT), persistent drought ('megadrought') was a ubiquitous feature for much of North America. To better understand the mechanisms for these droughts, relationships between specific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and drought in North America have been synthesized from previous studies using modern observations, proxy paleo-data, and simulations from multiple climate models. Particular focus is on the role of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), a roughly 60-80 year fluctuation in the North Atlantic between relatively warm ('warm phase') and cool ('cold phase') SSTs. Present-day relationships, for which instrumental observations can be used, indicate that persistent droughts in the U.S. Great Plains and Southwest are closely related to AMO. During AMO warm (cold) phases, most of North America is dry (wet). The MT drought is closely related to AMO-like warm phases in the North Atlantic. However, the MT drought is just one of numerous droughts on centennial timescales affected by the AMO that new results from the proxy record indicate impacted North America during the Holocene. The influence of North Atlantic SST on modern North American drought is examined using simulations made by global climate models. When forced by warm North Atlantic SST anomalies, all models captured significant drying over North America, despite some regional differences. Overall, the ensemble of the 5 models could well reproduce the statistical relationship between the dry/wet fluctuations in the North America and North Atlantic SST anomalies. Using one particular climate model, we further demonstrated that warm North Atlantic SST anomalies might have played a major role in the MT drought over much of North America. The MT drought could be simulated either by perpetual La Nina-like conditions in the eastern Pacific or warm phase of the AMO in the North Atlantic. Best match to proxy reconstructions was obtained, however, when both La Nina and warm phase AMO conditions were imposed. During the warm phase of AMO, the subtropical high is displaced north and east of its mean location, reducing moisture transport into the US except along the mid- Atlantic coast. During the cool phase, the subtropical high strengthens and pushes westward, allowing for more moisture transport into the central and western US. In summary, the AMO modulates the large-scale circulation to be more (less) conducive to precipitation over the central and western U.S. during cold (warm) phases. Its effects must be considered along with other, shorter time-scale factors such as ENSO, or PDO, as
Efficient Nanosecond Optical Parametric Oscillators Via Adiabatic Frequency Conversion

Adiabatic frequency conversion, enabled by chirped-QPM technology, offers the potential to enhance conversion efficiency in nanosecond OPOs. We discuss this regime, and the design constraints that must be met to achieve high-quality and high-efficiency conversion
Enhanced decision-making: the use of a videotape decision-aid for patients with prostate cancer.

Abstract We describe the development and evaluation of a videotape decision-aid to assist patients in considering treatment options for clinically localized prostate cancer. The content and form of the videotape were developed utilizing literature review, an expert opinion panel and patient focus groups. Thirty-two men, aged 50–85 years, who did not have prostate cancer underwent pre- and post-videotape testing. A quantitative analysis found the videotape to be moderately effective in improving short-term recall of treatment options and outcomes. Qualitative analysis demonstrate that after viewing the videotape, subjects were more likely to consider an active role in the treatment decision-making process. We conclude that a videotape decision-aid will benefit clinical practice by conveying knowledge to patients regarding treatment options and outcomes and encouraging them to participate with their physicians in medical decision-making.
Clock synchronization for wireless sensor networks: a survey

Abstract Recent advances in micro-electromechanical (MEMS) technology have led to the development of small, low-cost, and low-power sensors. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are large-scale networks of such sensors, dedicated to observing and monitoring various aspects of the physical world. In such networks, data from each sensor is agglomerated using data fusion to form a single meaningful result, which makes time synchronization between sensors highly desirable. This paper surveys and evaluates existing clock synchronization protocols based on a palette of factors like precision, accuracy, cost, and complexity. The design considerations presented here can help developers either in choosing an existing synchronization protocol or in defining a new protocol that is best suited to the specific needs of a sensor-network application. Finally, the survey provides a valuable framework by which designers can compare new and existing synchronization protocols.
The Florida Pier Analysis Program Methods and Models for Pier Analysis and Design

The Florida Pier Analysis Program (FLPIER) was developed by the University of Florida Department of Civil Engineering in conjunction with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Structures Division. The program was developed in order to give pier designers a comprehensive model development and analysis tool to optimize pier designs. The current version is a nonlinear, static, soil-structure interaction suite of programs that run on a personal computer and include group pile effects, layered soil, pier columns and cap, high mast lighting, sound, and retaining walls. The program was designed to allow input to be specified graphically using “designer variables” such as spacing, offsets, number of columns, and so forth. Its use has reduced the time for model development and analysis from days to under an hour. The numerical modeling techniques used have been compared with experimental data and give highly accurate results leading to an improved overall design and reduced costs.
The problems of nursing home dental care.

One of the first countrywide nursing home dental programs was instituted in Cleveland by the Cleveland Dental Society in cooperation with Highland View Hospital’s dental home care and outpatient program. The problems encountered in the attempt to bring dental care to thousands of nursing home patients are discussed.
Extremal reaches in polynomial time

Given a 3D polygonal chain with fixed edge lengths and fixed angles between consecutive edges (shortly, a revolute-jointed chain or robot arm), the Extremal Reaches Problem asks for those configurations where the distance between the endpoints attains a global maximum or minimum value. In this paper, we solve it with a polynomial time algorithm.
Salvage posterior peroral endoscopic myotomy.

Peroral endoscopy myotomy (POEM) is a highly efficacious endoscopic treatment for achalasia. Conventionally, a submucosal tunnel is fashioned in the anterior or 2 o’clock position of the esophagus. There are occasional failed POEM cases, especially in patients with significant fibrosis or scarring of submucosa from prior therapies, such as botulinum toxin injection. This video describes the case of a patient with achalasia who had an incomplete clinical response to an anterior POEM procedure because of significant fibrosis of the esophagus from prior achalasia therapies. To further treat her symptoms, we offered a salvage posterior POEM procedure in which we created a second submucosal tunnel in the 5 o’clock position (Fig. 1; Video 1, available online at www.giejournal.org). The patient’s clinical symptoms and Eckardt Scale score improved (from 7 to 4) after this procedure. Posterior POEM has a higher theoretical risk because of the proximity of the posterior esophagus to vascular structures; however, it lends itself to easier closure of the mucosal incision with endoscopic suturing because of the orientation of the instrument channels of the endoscope. In patients with failed anterior POEMs, performance of a posterior POEM is a reasonable option to increase the likelihood of clinical success. However, this technique should be attempted by endoscopists with significant experience in performing POEM.
The Future of the Welfare State: Crisis Myths and Crisis Realities

The Future of the Welfare State: Crisis Myths and Crisis Realities. By Francis Castles. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004. 208p. $99.00 cloth, $35.00 paper. As Francis Castles observes, quantitative comparative political economy has generated a “cacophony” of explanations for the welfare state crisis from 1980 to 1998. Political economists have identified causal factors including globalization, de-industrialization, population aging, declining birth rates, weak economic performance, welfare program maturation, political institutions, and partisanship. To Castles, however, these explanations rest on faulty empirical evidence. Methodological problems—in particular, unreliable comparative social expenditure data and overreliance on pooled designs and statistical techniques—have made it impossible to distinguish “crisis myths” from “crisis realities.” His proposed solution is to combine cross-national designs with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's SOCX database on social spending, and he argues that doing so reveals that dominant theories are myths. His sweeping account is a spirited contribution, but it is bound to attract significant criticism.
Distribution and composition of phytoplankton in northeastern coastal waters of the United States

Results are given from collections made during eight cruises over the northeastern continental shelf. Seasonal phytoplankton assemblages are noted, which include a variety of ultraplankton components. Areas of greatest cell concentrations were at near shore stations, Georges Bank, and at scattered sites over the shelf. Dominant species included Skeletonema costatum, Asterionella glacialis and Leptocylindrus danicus.
Lymphangioma of the esophagus—Diagnosis by endoscopic biopsy

Lymphangioma is a benign tumor which rarely involves the gastrointestinal system. The current report describes a lymphangioma of the esophagus incidentally found during endoscopy. The diagnosis was established by biopsy through a rigid esophagoscope.
Measuring Beat-up Force on a Water Jet Loom

Methods are described for measuring the beat-up force on a water jet loom and the dynamic calibration of the force transducer. Experimental results show that the warm- up time, loom speed, and shed timing have no effect on beat-up force, while the pick spacing and linear density of the filling yam have a considerable effect on the maximum beat-up force and the shape of the beat-up pulse.
METROPOLITAN RECONFIGURATION AND CONTEMPORARY ZONES OF TRANSITION: CONCEPTUALIZING BORDER COMMUNITIES IN POSTSURBURBAN CALIFORNIA

: In classic urban sociology, the zone of transition was an expression of the spatial logic of the industrial city, and a site of particular conflict within it. In the near-century since its introduction, metropolitan areas have been fundamentally reconfigured by processes such as suburban expansion, demographic diversification, and economic transformation. We explain how those reconfigurations have generated new zones of transition, based on a new spatial logic shaped by fundamental tensions between polarization and proximity that simultaneously push groups apart and force them together. Those tensions are concentrated in contemporary zones of transition, and most specifically in intrametropolitan border communities where competition over use is most intense and ethnic succession most active. Consequently, those communities become crucibles in which broader tensions over diversity and inequality are intensified and played out, with implications far beyond their boundaries. To illustrate our arguments, we focus on Orange County, California, which has become an exemplar of new patterns of metropolitan growth and development and a site of significant ethnic and socioeconomic diversity (notwithstanding media misrepresentations). We explain how underlying tensions and resulting unevenness generate (both geographically and occupationally) a zone of transition between relatively insulated homogeneous communities and stable multiethnic and majority–minority communities. To illustrate the concept of border communities, we focus on Costa Mesa, which has achieved national attention associated with conflicts over immigration, race, and day labor.
Joint feature selection and classification for taxonomic problems within fish species complexes

It is estimated that 90% of the world’s species are yet to be discovered and described. The main reason for the slow pace of new species description is that the science of taxonomy can be very laborious. To formally describe a new species, taxonomists have to manually gather and analyze data from large numbers of specimens and identify the smallest subset of external body characters that uniquely diagnose the new species as distinct from all its known relatives. In this paper, we present an automated feature selection and classification scheme using logistic regression with controlled false discovery rate to address the taxonomic research need impediment in new species discovery. Unlike traditional taxonomic practice, our scheme automatically selects body shape features from specimen samples with landmarks that unite populations within species, as well as distinguishing among species. It also provides probabilistic assessment of the classification accuracy using the selected features in identifying new species. We apply the scheme to a taxonomic problem involving species of suckers in the genus Carpiodes. The results confirm the necessity of feature selection for classifier design and provide additional insight on the suspicious specimens which have traditionally been misdiagnosed as C. carpio but are in fact more close to C. cyprinus. We also compare the classification accuracy of our scheme with several well-known machine learning algorithms without and with feature selection.
Putnam and the Indispensability of Mathematics

In this paper, I examine Putnam's nuanced views in the philosophy of mathemat- ics, distinguishing three proposals: modalism (an interpretation of mathematics in terms of modal logic), quasi-empirical realism (that emphasizes the role and use of quasi-empirical methods in mathematics), and an indispensability view (that highlights the indispensable role of quantification over mathematical objects and the support such quantification pro- vides for a realist interpretation of mathematics). I argue that, as he shifted through these views, Putnam aimed to preserve a semantic realist account of mathematics that avoids pla- tonism. In the end, however, each of the proposals faces significant difficulties. A form of skepticism then emerges.
Decreased Complications of Contemporary Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: Use of a Standardized Reporting System

Purpose: We report complications of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in a contemporary cohort of 200 patients using a standardized complication reporting system.Materials and Methods: The records of 200 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy between September 2003 and November 2005 were reviewed. Mean tumor size was 3 cm and mean parenchymal invasion depth was 1.8 cm. There were 97 central tumors (48.5%) and 9 tumors (4.5%) in a solitary kidney. Complication severity for each patient was graded using a 5-tiered scale based on National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. Statistical analysis was done to assess risk factors associated with complication events.Results: A total of 35 patients (17.5%) had complications. The overall complication rate was 19%. Of the complications 29%, 42%, 26% and 2.6% were grades I to IV, respectively. There were no grade V complications. Median blood loss was 150 ml. Hemorrhagic and urine leak complications occurred in 9 (4.5%) and 4 patients ...
Constraining the timescales of sediment sequestration associated with large woody debris using cosmogenic 7Be

[1] The beneficial ecogeomorphic functions associated with large woody debris (LWD) in fluvial environments are well documented and include positive sediment impacts such as channel margin sequestration, increased substrate heterogeneity, and decreased channel embeddedness, as well as numerous secondary benefits such as nutrient retention and increased habitat heterogeneity. Despite an extensive literature documenting such positive sediment attributes of LWD in forested channels, a quantitative analysis of in-channel sediment storage times associated with channel obstructions has traditionally been difficult to assess. In this study along a 9 km stretch of the Ducktrap River in coastal Maine we present a novel application of fallout cosmogenic 7Be (t1/2 = 53 days) coupled with a constant initial activity (CIA) sediment aging model to quantitatively assess transitional bed load storage times in bars associated with in-channel obstructions (LWD and boulders). We find that reach-scale variability in unit stream power and LWD frequency affect sediment storage times, with transport-limited reaches providing longer-term sediment sequestration (generally > 100 days) associated with in-channel obstructions than supply limited ones (<100 days). Estimates of sediment baraccumulation rates also varied between reaches from 0.2 g cm−2 d−1 in the supply limited reach to 0.7 g cm−2 d−1 in the transport-limited reach. Last, greater frequency of sites, increased sediment volumes and storage times, and naturally viable recruitment mechanisms for LWD in forested channels document its superior ecogeomorphic function when compared to boulders in this study, even in the Ducktrap river, where twentieth century logging has greatly reduced the size, frequency, and geomorphic efficacy of in-channel wood. This study has implications for channel restoration efforts and documents a novel application of 7Be and CIA methodology to constraining transitional bed load storage times in the fluvial environment.
What is the marginal cost for marginal risk in cardiac surgery

Abstract Background . It has been shown that postoperative length of stay (LOS) correlates highly with mortality risk for cardiac surgical procedures. Similar correlations have been found for charges with LOS and costs with risk. Methods . Postoperative LOS and risk scores were obtained, tabulated, and compiled into the five original Parsonnet risk groups for 2,589 patients who underwent cardiac operations from 1992 through 1996 at one hospital. The correlation of the group mean LOS with the group mean risk was tested. Results . The correlation coefficient was 0.9827; 96.58% of the variance was removed using risk to predict LOS. A calculation of the difference in cost for difference in risk for cohorts of patients is developed. Conclusions . The high correlation of mean LOS with mean risk permits calculation of marginal cost for marginal risk based on clinical data. The marginal cost is equal to the difference in variable costs for cohorts.
Averaged equations of ideal fluid turbulence

A system of equations for averaged velocity of turbulent motion of ideal fluid is derived from the assumption that this motion is ergodic. Several fluid flows are considered. A remarkable feature of the averaged equations is that in some cases they have a form of an eigenvalue problem similar to that for Schrődinger’s equation. The equations derived suggest that there are no universal equations for averaged velocity of turbulent flows.
The problem of the Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Granite

The Chelmsford granite is quarried in and around Oak Hill, about six miles west of Lowell, Massachusetts. The granite-area is about eight miles long and one to three miles wide, and its longer dimension has a northeast bearing which is parallel with the regional axis of foliation in the country rock. The writer favors a hypothesis that much of the granite represents granitization of biotite schist under hydro-magmatic invasion, and under stress that was insufficient to deform or distort the preexisting country rock-structures to any marked degree. Banding of the granite is due chiefly, to variable amounts of biotite. The bands are thin and remarkably uniform. The banding, attitudes of schist inclusions, and distribution of the entire mass con form to the regional structural elements. Lit-par-lit injection-bands are not clearly discernible although many of the light-colored bands are doubtless of such origin. The absence of flow-schlieren is noted. Petrographic evidence shows a remarkable amount of metasomatic fabric. Undoubted primary granitic texture is practically wanting. There is a high degree of orientation of biotite, muscovite, and groups of small mosaic quartz-grains. The contacts of inclusions with adjacent granite-bands are very irregular and interpenetrative, and granitic material also penetrates intricately along schistosity planes within the inclusions. Large irregular feldspar porphyroblasts and strings of such grains are distributed through the inclusions, generally with decreasing concentration toward the centers. Pegmatite and quartz veins, some of which carry much tourmaline, are abundant in some of the quarries. Crystallization zoning of feldspars is very rare. Feldspars are of three generations: (1) Early polysynthetically twinned porphyroblasts and irregular groundmass grains of oligoclase or albite-oligoclase; (2) microcline and orthoclase, chiefly as porphyroblasts, and in part replacing the earlier plagioclase; and (3) albite and albite-oligoclase, untwinned and mottled, as individual crystals, streaks, patches, and porphyroblasts, replacing microcline, quartz, and mica. Incomplete twinning, corrosion-contacts, optical anomalies, inclusions of minerals, pseudo-perthitic and myrmekitlc grains are among the diagnostic petrographic features that contribute to the theory of replacement.
Play and Creativity at the Center of Curriculum and Assessment: A New York City School's Journey to Re-Think Curricular Pedagogy.

Las experiencias de aprendizaje de los ninos pequenos no pueden ser desgajadas de forma adecuada en areas de desarrollo cognitivo, social/emocional y fisico. Son integradas e interdependientes. Este equilibrio se puede lograr a traves del juego creativo e interactivo, que soporta y proporciona andamiaje a todas las areas de desarrollo y de contenido curricular. A pesar de la fuerza de la teoria y de la investigacion que lo sustentan, en los Estados Unidos estamos asistiendo a la eliminacion gradual del juego y las experiencias creativas en las aulas para ninos pequenos. La legislacion estadounidense, de 2001, No Child Left Behind , hace hincapie en un perfil academico y centra el curriculo de la primera infancia en habilidades academicas como la lectura, la escritura y la aritmetica. Sin embargo, el problema no es simplemente de estrategia pedagogica o posicion filosofica. La forma de trabajar el curriculo se ve tambien afectada por las percepciones de los profesores sobre el juego y la creatividad. En el ano 2009 comence un estudio longitudinal que va siguiendo la clase piloto de una nueva escuela elemental independiente de Nueva York, que anade un grado cada ano, y cuyo marco curricular se basa en el juego y la creatividad. Este articulo identifica los valores, la mision y el modelo de escuela. Tambien explora y documenta como el curriculo se esta desarrollando para apoyar y dar andamiaje al aumento de las expectativas academicas, el papel de los docentes y de los ninos en la ejecucion del curriculo y las perspectivas, percepciones y expectativas cambiantes de los padres y los maestros.
Role of clinically determined depth of tumor invasion in the treatment of esophageal carcinoma.

Abstract Objective: We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical staging of depth of tumor invasion (cT), the relationship of cT to survival, the benefits of downstaging cT, and the role of cT in treatment decisions. Methods: The accuracy of determining T by means of endoscopic ultrasonography and the relationship of cT to survival were assessed in 209 patients undergoing esophagectomy alone for esophageal carcinoma. The benefit of downstaging cT was assessed in 128 patients undergoing induction therapy and esophagectomy. The role of cT in treatment decisions was determined by integrating these results with the results of previous work. Results: Compared with pathologic T (pT), cT was 87% accurate, 82% sensitive, 91% specific, 89% positively predictive, and 86% negatively predictive of tumors confined to (≤T2) or invading beyond (>T2) the esophageal wall. In cN0, increasing cT was predictive of progressively poorer survival. For each category of pT N0, cT accurately predicted survival, except for pT3, which was underestimated ( P P = .0003). In cN1, it was beneficial only when downstaging was synchronous in cT3/T4 ( P Conclusions: cT should be the principal determinant of treatment in cN0. In cN0, if endoscopic ultrasonography identifies tumors of greater than cT2, multimodality therapy should be considered. However, only when cT3/T4 tumors are downstaged to pT2 or less will patients benefit, but their survival will not equal that of patients with tumors of cT2 or less having esophagectomy alone. If endoscopic ultrasonography identifies tumors of cT2 or less, esophagectomy alone should be used because induction therapy might adversely affect survival. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003;125:1091-102
Distribution of boll weevil-infested cotton fields in relation to overwintering habitats in the High and Rolling Plains of Texas.

In 1966, cotton fields infested with Anthonomus grandis Boheman in an 8-county area of the High and Rolling Plains of Texas were distributed in a nonrandom, “clumped” pattern following an areawide reproductive diapause control program in 1965. During a period of low weevil density, the distribution of cotton fields infested with weevils appeared to be influenced primarily by the abundance of favorable weevil overwintering habitats within the cotton growing area, and by the distance of the habitats from the cotton fields. Most of the infested fields were immediately adjacent to a favorable boll weevil overwintering habitat. Infestations were detected in very few fields situated more than ½ mile from overwintering habitats, with more than 50% of the infested fields situated within ½ mile of heavy shinnery oak or mesquite stands.
Medication Reconciliation and Alternative Medicines

In 2005, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) established a patient safety goal to “accurately and completely reconcile medications across the continuum of care.” 1 Under this goal, health systems are expected to “develop a process for obtaining and documenting a complete list of the patient’s current medications upon the patient’s admission to the organization and with the involvement of the patient.” This began in 2005 with full implementation by January 2006. Additionally, the health systems are expected to develop a communication process to share the patient’s medication list with “the next provider of service when it refers or transfers a patient to another setting, service, practitioner, or level of care within or outside the organization.”
Composite steel and concrete structural systems for seismic engineering

Abstract Research within the United States on seismic engineering of buildings using composite steel/concrete structural systems has increased dramatically in the past decade. This paper summarizes recent research on a number of these composite lateral resistance systems, including unbraced moment frames consisting of steel girders with concrete-filled steel tube (CFT) or steel reinforced concrete (SRC) columns; braced frames having concrete-filled steel tube columns; and a variety of composite and hybrid wall systems. The benefits of these structural systems relative to more common systems include their performance characteristics when subjected to service or ultimate loads, and their economy with respect both to material and construction. In addition, more in-depth research results will be presented on one of these composite systems, consisting of partially-restrained steel frames with composite reinforced concrete infill walls. The paper concludes with a summary of probable future design provisions for these composite systems.