cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Race and Health Disparities in Patient Refusal of Surgery for Early-Stage Pancreatic Cancer: An NCDB Cohort Study.

To identify factors associated with refusal of surgery in patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer and estimate the impact of this decision on survival. Using the National Cancer Data Base, 26,358 patients were identified with potentially resectable tumors (pretreatment clinical stage I: T1 or T2 N0M0). Multivariate models were employed to identify factors predicting failure to undergo surgery and assess the impact on survival. Of early-stage patients who were recommended surgery, 7.8% (N = 992) refused surgery for resectable early-stage pancreatic cancer. On multivariable analysis, patients were more likely to refuse surgery if they were older [odds ratio (OR) = 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.19], female (OR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.33–1.73), African American (vs White, OR = 1.79; 95% CI 1.37–2.34), on Medicare/Medicaid (vs private, OR = 2.75; 95% CI 1.54–4.92) or had higher Charlson–Deyo score (2 vs 0, OR = 1.33; 95% CI 1.03–1.72). Patients were also significantly more likely to refuse surgery if they were seen at a center that is not an academic/research program (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.6–2.27). Patients who were recommended surgery but refused had significantly worse survival than those with stage I who received surgery [median survival 6.8 vs 24 months, Cox hazard ratio (HR) 3.41; 95% CI 3.12–3.60]. The percentage of patients refusing surgery for operable early-stage pancreatic cancer has been decreasing in the last decade but remains a significant issue that affects survival. Disparities in refusal of surgery are independently associated with several variables including gender, race, and insurance. To mitigate national disparities in surgical care, future studies should focus on exploring potential reasons for refusal and developing communication interventions.
Sustaining operational excellence in the oncology intensive care unit.

248Background: In a high risk setting such as an oncology Intensive Care Unit (ICU), providing quality care and maintaining a culture of safety is vital to patient outcomes. Operational excellence built a foundational operating framework in the ICU, created process reliability and connected value streams through standardization, while increasing value to patients and employees. The purpose of this investigation was for the ICU and operational excellence teams to examine and eradicate defects. Five areas: Safety, Quality, Engagement, Innovation/Finance were determined to be most impactful and aligned with the unit’s key performance indicators. Metrics centered on patient safety and hospital-acquired complications (VTE, HAPU, VAE’s and CLABSI) became the focus of data collection and daily discussion. Methods: A multidisciplinary team designed and implemented a Lean Daily Management Board based on five predetermined metrics. The team met daily for a brief huddle to review a checklist confirming documentation...
Radiation therapy dose de-escalation compared to standard dose radiation therapy in definitive treatment of HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract Background Despite existing evidence that human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has a favorable prognosis compared to HPV-negative OPSCC, randomized studies have yet to report the effect of de-escalating radiation therapy (RT) dose for definitive treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of dose de-escalated RT (DDRT) vs. standard dose RT (SDRT) in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. Methods This was an observational study using the National Cancer Database (Year 2010–2014) to identify patients who had HPV-positive OPSCC and were treated with definitive RT or chemo-RT. Patients undergoing surgery were excluded. Patients receiving ≥50 Gy, but Results 759 patients with HPV-positive OPSCC were identified: 104 received DDRT and 655 received SDRT. The median follow-up was 30.5 (2.4–81.4) months. After IPTW-adjusted analysis, there was no difference in the 3-yr OS between the two groups (82.2% vs. 79.3%; P = 0.85). In the subset of patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy, IPTW-adjusted analysis also did not show a difference in the 3-yr OS between the two groups (83.1% vs. 79.6%; P = 0.83). On multivariable analysis, DDRT was not associated with an inferior OS (HR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.53–1.47; P = 0.63). Conclusions In this study, DDRT was not associated with an inferior OS compared to SDRT in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. Randomized clinical trials to address DDRT in this patient population are currently ongoing.
Endoscopic stabilization device evaluation using IDEAL framework: A quality improvement study.

Abstract Objective To determine whether clinical evaluation reporting using the IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term study) framework improves a novel double-balloon endoscopic stabilization technology. Design Observational registry 6 month study with no follow-up. Using the Prospective Development Study (PDS) format recommended by the IDEAL collaboration, we report on continued refinement and optimization of an endoscopic stabilization platform during a clinical study conducted by two clinicians from the first case onwards. Key outcomes (ability to reach cecum, inflation of balloons in the sigmoid and ascending colon, and complications) were prospectively reported for each patient sequentially. All changes to technique were highlighted, showing when they occurred and an explanation for the change. Results 30 colonoscopies were undertaken using the device from April to September 2017. Two patients were excluded from the analysis for protocol deviations. Cecum was reached in 89% of the per protocol population of patients in an average time of 13.5 ± 11 min. Therapeutic zone creation was successful in 89% of patients on the right side of the intestine and 100% in those that reached the sigmoid. There were five deliberate changes in technique that occurred during the study that enabled improved device technical performance. There were no serious complications and one polyp was removed successfully using the device. Clinicians reported endoscope stability and increased visibility of the intestinal mucosa increased when using the device. Conclusion The IDEAL framework provided a structured reporting of the changes made to technique. Those changes facilitated a device that is safe, has achieved stability with improved performance.
Predictable hydrological and ecological responses to Holocene North Atlantic variability

Climate variations in the North Atlantic region can substantially impact surrounding continents. Notably, the Younger Dryas chronozone was named for the ecosystem effects of abrupt changes in the region at circa (ca.) 12.9-11.7 ka (millennia before 1950 AD). Holocene variations since then, however, have been hard to diagnose, and the responsiveness of terrestrial ecosystems continues to be debated. Here, we show that Holocene climate variations had spatial patterns consistent with changes in Atlantic overturning and repeatedly steepened the temperature gradient between Nova Scotia and Greenland since >8 ka. The multicentury changes correlated with hydrologic and vegetation changes in the northeast United States, including when an enhanced temperature gradient coincided with subregional droughts indicated by water-level changes at multiple coastal lakes at 4.9-4.6, 4.2-3.9, 2.8-2.1, and 1.3-1.2 ka. We assessed the variability and its effects by replicating signals across sites, using converging evidence from multiple methods, and applying forward models of the systems involved. We evaluated forest responses in the northeast United States and found that they tracked the regional climate shifts including the smallest magnitude (∼5% or 50 mm) changes in effective precipitation. Although a long-term increase in effective precipitation of >45% (>400 mm) could have prevented ecological communities from equilibrating to the continuously changing conditions, our comparisons confirm stable vegetation-climate relationships and support the use of fossil pollen records for quantitative paleoclimate reconstruction. Overall, the network of records indicates that centennial climate variability has repeatedly affected the North Atlantic region with predictable consequences.
Factors Associated with Dissatisfaction in Medical Care Quality among Older Medicare Beneficiaries Suffering from Mental Illness.

Approximately 25% of US older adults live with a mental health disorder. The mental health needs of this population are chiefly met by primary care providers. Primary care practices may have inadeq...
Successful use of frameless stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of recurrent brain metastases in an 18-month-old child

AbstractThere are very few reported cases of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) delivered in children under 3 years of age. We report an 18-month-old boy with metastatic recurrence of undifferentiated...
An Enhanced Hybrid Battery Model

A high-fidelity battery model capable of accurately predicting real-time battery behavior for various operating conditions is crucial for the design and operation of battery-powered systems. Based upon a prior work of the authors, this paper proposes an enhanced hybrid battery model to provide accurate predictions for the runtime behaviors of rechargeable electrochemical battery cells under various ambient temperatures and charge/discharge current conditions. The proposed battery model is validated by simulation and experimental studies for lithium-ion battery cells in various current and temperature conditions. The proposed battery model is computationally effective for design, simulation, condition monitoring, and power management of various battery systems.
Exploratory analysis of long-term physical and mental health morbidity and mortality: A comparison of individuals with self-inflicted versus non-self-inflicted burn injuries

Abstract Introduction Self-inflicted burn (SIB) injuries are relatively rare, but patients may experience complex biopsychosocial challenges. This study aimed to compare long-term physical and psychological outcomes for individuals with SIB and non-SIB injuries. Methods Records of adult SIB (n = 125) and non-SIB (n = 3604) injuries were collected from U.S. burn centers within the Burn Model System between 1993 and 2018. Assessments were administered at discharge, 6 months, 24 months, 5 years, and 10 years. Results SIB patients were more often younger, unmarried, unemployed, male, struggling with pre-morbid psychiatric issues, and injured by fire/flame (all p Conclusion SIB injuries are associated with worse physical and psychological outcomes compared to non-SIB injuries including complicated hospitalizations and chronic problems with anxiety, depression, suicidality, and mortality, even when controlling for common indicators of severity such as burn size. This underscores the importance of multidisciplinary treatment, including mental healthcare, and long-term follow-up for SIB patients. Identified pre-morbid risk factors indicate the need for targeted injury prevention.
High-Field ac Susceptometer Design for Measurements of Superconducting Single Crystals and Results

The use of ac induction techniques involving ac mutual inductance bridges and variances thereof have been discussed in detail in Section I of this volume. As has been emphasized in Section I and elsewhere1–3, a wealth of information can be obtained from measurements of the complex ac magnetic susceptibility, χac(H,T)=χ′(H,T)-iχ″(H,T) where H is the total magnetic field acting on the sample and T its temperature. Examples of the utility of these measurements involving topics of current and significant interest are: (a) the study of the “loss” peak as demonstrated by a peak in plots of χH″(T) VS. T and its relationship to the onset of magnetic irreversibility4,5 and (b) the dependence on the frequency of the ac measuring field of the normal to superconducting transition temperature, Tc, as manifested by the change in χH′(T). Studies of this frequency shift allows one to determine pinning energies involved in thermally activated flux motion occuring in single crystals and multigrained bulk samples1,6.
Perceptions of participants and staff of implementing a physical activity program in rural primary care

Addressing the lack of physical activity (PA) in rural adults is vital because of the role it plays in the risk for many chronic diseases. The purpose of the study was to explore the feasibility of conducting a 12-week intervention utilizing a Fitbit to increase PA behavior in inactive rural adults recruited from a primary care clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with study participants (n=10) and a focus group was held with nurses (n=7) from the primary care clinic. Data were analyzed using the process of immersion/crystallization. Participants and nurses both felt the program had a positive impact on PA and that the program was needed in the community. Study participants most often reported their favorite part of the study was being able to track their activity as well as the goal setting. However, study participants reported barriers to continued participation in PA related to a lack of time and ability to be active in cold weather. Further, nursing staff reported barriers in regard to a lack of resources (staffing and money) These barriers need to be examined further and addressed in order to implement a sustainable PA program that can be maintained through a primary care clinic.
NOAA's Meteorological Phased Array Radar Research Program

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has pioneered the development and application of high-performance meteorological radar for public weather warning and forecasting services. The current operational system, the dual-polarization WSR-88D weather surveillance radar, has led to significant capability enhancements, for example, increased accuracy and lead time for severe weather and flash flood warnings. This paper summarizes research to determine whether the eventual replacement for the WSR-88D should exploit rapidly maturing phased array radar (PAR) technology. Key benefits for the rapid, adaptive scanning so enabled have been identified and work continues to mature associated data processing and numerical weather prediction (NWP) assimilation techniques. In parallel, the considerable engineering challenges associated with meteorological PAR are being addressed through modeling, hardware demonstration and data analysis. The Advanced Technology Demonstrator (ATD) - an S-band, dual polarization PAR - is described in this paper. ATD puts NOAA in a position to fully expose operational benefits and substantially advance the technical readiness level of meteorological PAR.
The Clinical Importance of Functional Mitral Regurgitation and Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device

Purpose Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are common in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. However, the impact of FMR and AF on clinical outcomes is uncertain. The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic significance of FMR and AF in patients with LVAD. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent LVAD implantation at our center between January 2010 and December 2017. We excluded patients who had previous or concomitant mitral valve procedure and patients who had insufficient quality of echocardiographic images. We defined significant FMR as MR color jet area / left atrial area > 0.2 and AF as persistent AF at LVAD implantation. Results 427 patient's charts were reviews (125 patients had previous or concomitant mitral valve procedure and 31 patients had insufficient quality of echocardiographic images). 271 were included in this analysis. Mean age of cohort was 57.1 +/-13.0 years, and 84% were male. Of all, 110 (41%) patients had significant FMR and 51 (19%) patients had persistent AF. Patients were divided into 4 groups: no AF and no significant FMR (Group1, n=136), no AF and significant FMR (Group 2, n=84), AF and no significant FMR(Group 3, n=25), and AF and significant FMR (Group 4, n=26). Forty-four (16%) patients died within 2years. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis demonstrated 2-year survival of 77% in Group 1, 87% in Group 2, 92% in Group 3, and 47% in Group 4 (P=0.0006). On the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model Group 4 was significant predictor of mortality [hazard ratio (HR), 2.62; 95% confidence interval (CI),1.27-5.41; P =0.009], independently of other parameters. Conclusion Coexistence of significant FMR and AF is a poor prognostic marker in patients undergoing LVAD implantation.
Mapping genetic effects on cellular phenotypes with "cell villages"

Summary Tens of thousands of genetic variants shape human phenotypes, mostly by unknown cellular mechanisms. Here we describe Census-seq, a way to measure cellular phenotypes in cells from many people simultaneously. Analogous to pooled CRISPR screens but for natural variation, Census-seq associates cellular phenotypes to donors’ genotypes by quantifying the presence of each donor’s DNA in cell “villages” before and after sorting or selection for cellular traits of interest. Census-seq enables population-scale cell-biological phenotyping with low cost and high internal control. We demonstrate Census-seq through investigation of genetic effects on the SMN protein whose deficiency underlies spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Census-seq quantified and mapped effects of many common alleles on SMN protein levels and response to SMN-targeted therapeutics, including a common, cryptic non-responder allele. We provide tools enabling population-scale cell experiments and explain how Census-seq can be used to map genetic effects on diverse cell phenotypes. Highlights Census-seq reveals how inherited genetic variation affects cell phenotypes Genetic analysis of cellular traits in cell villages of >100 donors Characterizing human alleles that shape SMN protein expression and drug responses Development of protocols and software to enable cellular population genetics
A Novel Technique to Minimize Blood Loss in Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Study Objective To evaluate the effect and feasibility of using bulldog clamps for temporary occlusion of bilateral uterine and utero-ovarian vessels on blood loss during robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Academic tertiary care center. Patients or Participants A total of 15 consecutive patients, who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy using bulldog clamps performed by single minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, from 2018 to 2020. Interventions Patients were taken to the operating room for robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy. Bilateral retroperitoneal dissection was performed with development of avascular spaces and ureterolysis. The uterine artery was skeletonized at its origin bilaterally and bulldog clamp was applied to each side, taking care to avoid ureteral and/or vascular injury. Furthermore, an avascular window was created in the mesosalpinx bilaterally and bulldog clamps were placed, occluding both left and right utero-ovarian vessels. Myomectomy was performed and once completed, all four clamps were removed allowing return of uterine blood flow. Measurements and Main Results Mean age and body mass index were 35.2 and 30.9 kg/m2, respectively. Most patients were black (53.3%). Mean myoma size and total myoma weight per patient were 6.6 cm and 106 g (standard deviation or SD = 82.7). Most leiomyomas were located in the fundus (41.4%). Mean estimated blood loss was 83 ml (range 20-200 ml). Mean operative time was 186 minutes. There were no intraoperative complications and all patients were discharged home on the same day of surgery. Conclusion Temporary bilateral uterine and utero-ovarian vessel occlusion using bulldog clamps can minimize blood loss during robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy. Placement and removal of bulldog clamps for temporary uterine and utero-ovarian vessel occlusion are relatively easy and safe, compared to other methods of uterine artery ligation.
The Black Hole-Bulge Relationship in Quasars

We use quasi-stellar object (QSO) emission-line widths to examine the MBH-σ* relationship as a function of redshift and to extend the relationship to larger masses. Supermassive black holes in galactic nuclei are closely related to the bulge of the host galaxy. The mass of the black hole MBH increases with the bulge luminosity and with the velocity dispersion of the bulge stars, σ*. An important clue to the origin of this correlation would be an observational determination of the evolution, if any, in the MBH-σ* relationship as a function of cosmic time. The high luminosity of QSOs affords the potential for studies at large redshifts. We derive black hole masses from the continuum luminosity and the width of the broad Hβ line and σ* from the width of the narrow [O III] lines. We find that radio-quiet QSOs conform to the established MBH-σ* relationship up to values of MBH ≈ 1010 M☉, with no discernible change in the relationship out to redshifts of z ≈ 3. These results are consistent with the idea that the growth of supermassive black holes and massive bulges occurred simultaneously.
Legal Victory and False Hope

Veterans advocates recently celebrated the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at Yale Law School’s legal victory in a class action lawsuit against the Army. The lawsuit sought to rectify the Army board’s mishandling of discharge upgrade requests that involved mental health conditions. Under the proposed settlement agreement, the Army will reconsider thousands of discharge decisions involving mental health conditions to more fully evaluate whether a veteran’s mental health condition mitigates misconduct—and if it does, the Army will grant an upgrade to Honorable. As a veteran and someone who studies the discharge review boards’ policies, procedures, and decisions, I have little faith that the agreement will be enough to effect requisite structural change toward restoring honor to veterans.
Using GIS to depict resource risk from probable Cannabis cultivation sites

USING GIS TO DEPICT RESOURCE RISK FROM PROBABLE CANNABIS CULTIVATION SITES by Cammie d'Entremont Partelow Water diversion, fertilizer pollution, and the destruction of natural and cultural resources are among the impacts of illicit marijuana cultivation on public lands. Yosemite National Park and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park are challenged with mitigating this activity. Two habitat suitability model approaches, multiple logistic regression and weighted overlay, were compared in an effort to identify a best predictive model for marijuana grow site locations. The models analyze resource attributes and human activity. Resource criteria include attributes that are essential for plant growth such as slope, aspect, soil depth, and canopy. Human factors are site selection criteria that are unrelated to plant growth and include proximity to water and proximity to roads. This thesis presents an overview of the methods, data, results, lessons learned, sample output, and next steps. GIS modeling and analysis of this type is a valuable and efficient means to support resource protection and law enforcement on public lands.
Econometric analysis of measurement error in panel data

Panel data consist of measurements taken from several individuals over time. Correlation among measurements taken from the same individual are often accounted for using random effect and random coefficient models. Panel data analysis that accounts for measurement error in the explanatory variables has not been thoroughly studied. This dissertation investigates statistical issues associated with two types of measurement error models for panel data;The first paper considers identification and estimation of a random effect model when some explanatory variables are measured with error. Here, individual heterogeneity is assumed to be manifested in intercepts that randomly differ across individuals. Identification of model parameters given the first two moments of observed variables is examined, and relatively unrestrictive sufficient conditions for identification are obtained. Estimation based on maximum normal likelihood is proposed. This method can be easily implemented using available computer packages that perform moment structure analysis. Compared to the only existing procedure based on instrumental variables, the new method is shown to be more efficient and to have much wider applicability. Standard error estimates and goodness-of-fit statistics obtained under the assumption of normally distributed observations are shown to be asymptotically valid for a broad class of non-normal observations. Simulation results demonstrating the efficiency and usefulness of the new procedure are presented;The second paper deals with the random coefficient model with measurement error, where all regression coefficients randomly differ across individuals. Two procedures are proposed for model fitting and estimation. The generalized least squares method is developed for the first two sample moments with a distribution-free estimate of the weight. Since this method tends to yield very variable estimates in small samples, an alternative method, the pseudo maximum normal likelihood procedure is also developed. The latter, obtained by maximizing a hypothetical normal likelihood for the first two sample moments, produces relative stable estimates in most samples. Asymptotic properties of the two procedures are derived and are used to obtain valid standard errors of the estimators. Numerical results showing the finite-sample properties of these estimators are also reported.
Heavy-Atom Structure of Alaninamide from Rotational Spectroscopy

The rotational transitions of seven isotopomers of alaninamide, the amide derivative of alanine, were measured using a Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. Least-squares fitting and Kraitchman...
3D Unsteady Simulation of a Modern High Pressure Turbine Stage Using Phase Lag Periodicity: Analysis of Flow and Heat Transfer

Unsteady 3-D RANS simulations have been performed on a highly loaded transonic turbine stage and results are compared to steady calculations as well as experiment. A low Reynolds number k-e turbulence model is employed to provide closure for the RANS system. A phase-lag boundary condition is used in the periodic direction. This allows the unsteady simulation to be performed by using only one blade from each of the two rows. The objective of this paper is to study the effect of unsteadiness on rotor heat transfer and to glean any insight into unsteady flow physics. The role of the stator wake passing on the pressure distribution at the leading edge is also studied. The simulated heat transfer and pressure results agreed favorably with experiment. The time-averaged heat transfer predicted by the unsteady simulation is higher than the heat transfer predicted by the steady simulation everywhere except at the leading edge. The shock structure formed due to stator-rotor interaction was analyzed. Heat transfer and pressure at the hub and casing were also studied. Thermal segregation was observed that leads to the heat transfer patterns predicted by steady and unsteady simulations to be different.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A compact layout for the three-dimensional tree of meshes

Abstract We provide a simple demonstration that the n×n×n tree of meshes graph truncated to l levels can be embedded in a three-dimensional (3D) grid using volume O(n 3 l 3 2 ) . The maximum wire length in the embedding of the graph is O(nl 1 2 ) . This embedding simplifies the method developed by Leighton and Rosenberg [6] for the 3D embeddings of general graphs and allows the framework of Bhatt and Leighton [1] for 2D graph layout to be extended to 3D. It also leads to good 3D layouts for various fat-tree routing networks [8,2] and the 3D meshes of trees graph [5].
Remark on utility and error rates of the allopurinol test in detecting mild ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency.

Carriers of X-linked ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) are themselves mildly affected. The allopurinol test is quite sensitive (92.7%) and very specific in detecting these carriers. Consequently, it has also been recommended for the diagnosis of mild OTCD in the general population. However, there is a controversy on its utility since OTCD could not be demonstrated in several patients with positive test results but negative family histories. We show that this controversy is due to an improper use of statistical concepts, i.e., to the postulate of a specificity of "100%," and to the confusion of specificity with type I error rate. Spontaneous orotic aciduria implies a positive allopurinol test and limits the specificity of the test to a maximum of 99.7%. Therefore, according to Bayes' theorem, almost all positive test results in the general population must turn out to be type I errors, due to the minute prevalence (1/32,000) of mild OTCD (i.e., asymptomatic carriers and male patients with inapparent disease). Family history seems to be the only preselective parameter that can sufficiently raise the prevalence in the group to be tested. Bayesian analysis also yields the rate of type II errors (OTCD inspite of a negative test) which is high in closely related at-risk females (22.6% in mothers of male patients) but minimal in the general population. Conclusion. The allopurinol test is useful for the exclusion but not for the diagnosis of inapparent OTCD in sporadic individuals. Test results in possible carriers should be interpreted with caution.
Evidence of bias towards buffered codons in human transcripts

Codon usage bias is well established in different species from bacteria to mammals. A number of models have been proposed to show this bias as a balance between mutation and selection. Most of these models emphasize controlling the speed of protein translation from the mRNA and increasing the accuracy where this bias is dependent on the abundance and properties of the available tRNA. In this work, codon usage bias in general is considered from a different angle based on a new hypothesis where selection is expected to act in a direction to favor codons that are more buffered, or protected, from mutation than those more sensitive to mutation. It is anticipated that the more buffered the original coding sequence, the higher the survival chance for the whole organism since the resulting protein sequence remains unchanged. Two different complementary measures are developed to compute the average buffering capacity in a given sequence. We show that the buffering capacity of coding sequences in humans is in general higher than that of randomly generated sequences and that of shifted reading frames. Highly expressed genes are shown to have an even higher buffering capacity than non-housekeeping genes. This result is to be expected due to the necessity of housekeeping genes.
Design and development of an Earthquake Disaster Simulator

This paper presents an online Earthquake Disaster Simulator (EDS) designed and developed based on active database technology. This web-based tool allows users to inject the epicenter data of an earthquake with parameters such as magnitude and quake duration in order to get a list of the areas affected based on the distance from the epicenter, and then estimate damages caused by the quake event, including both structural destruction and human death and injuries. An earthquake damage evaluation model is established that considers major factors of both the quake itself and the impacted geographical area. The tool also supports the damage assessment caused by aftershocks in which the degradation of structure's resistance to earthquake is factored in.
SNR is not enough: Noise modulation and speech quality

Speech quality metrics are used to predict quality under a variety of noise and distortion conditions. A simple metric for noisy speech is the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which gives the ratio of the long-term average speech power to the long-term average noise power. However, the average noise level fails to include the impact of the noise amplitude modulation on speech quality judgments. This paper reviews how the noise characteristics affect quality ratings even when the SNR is held constant. In one study, ratings for speech combined with stationary Gaussian noise are compared to ratings for noise having the same envelope modulation as the speech. In a second study, ratings for speech combined with continuous noise or multi-talker babble are compared to speech where the interference is gated off during the silent intervals in the stimulus. An accurate quality metric must take into account the modulation as well as the intensity of the noise, and the implications for speech quality metrics are discussed.
Real-Time Sensing of Soil Nitrate Concentration in the Parts per Million Range While the Soil Is in Motion

Reactive nitrogen (Nr) is a term used to describe non-nitrogen gas (non-N2) forms of nitrogen (N) in the biosphere. It causes major pollution problems when it occurs in excess, and it has many sources, including fertilizers used in production agriculture. Currently there is no on-the-go soil nitrate sensor that could guide the application of the optimal amount of fertilizer, which often varies significantly within a field. We report for the first time nitrate-in-soil measurements performed on moving soil samples at concentration levels relevant for fertilizer application. An infrared emission technique called transient infrared spectroscopy (TIRS) was tested on soil samples spiked with different nitrate concentrations in the parts-per-million range and moving at a velocity of 2.6 m/s (5.8 miles per hour) in the laboratory. The TIRS Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra were modeled by partial least squares and produced a standard error of cross-validation (SECV) of 6.3 parts per million (ppm) N and an R(2) of 0.938 for 512-scan spectra. These results are compared to those using fewer TIRS scans and to those from photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) measurements on stationary samples. TIRS 128-, 32-, and 8-scan spectra yielded SECVs of 11.2, 11.4, and 18.4 ppm N and R(2) values of 0.800, 0.831, and 0.583, respectively. The PAS and DRIFTS measurements produced SECVs of 12.4 and 9.0 ppm N and R(2) values of 0.766 and 0.876, respectively.
A proposal to stabilize stock prices: Ask the issuing corporations to join the party.

On Monday, October 19, 1987, for reasons that were in good part technical, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 508 points, or 22.61 percent. That Tuesday, the NYSE9s CEO, John Phelan, was on the phone asking the listed companies to initiate stock buybacks. In response, a series of programs was announced, and the act provided the markets with badly needed assurance. The turbulence of October 1987 was extreme, but my own research at the time had shown that short-run volatility is generally accentuated, and that supplemental liquidity is needed on an ongoing basis to bring orderliness to the markets. In October 1987, however, specialist capital was insufficient for the task, and hence the appeal for the corporate buybacks. The success of Phelan9s strategic decision got me to thinking: why not formalize corporate involvement in liquidity provision? The companies have deep pockets, they have the proper incentive and, if the procedure is properly structured, they could do it. That Fall I started work on “A Proposal to Stabilize Stock Prices,” and the paper was published one year later, in Fall 1988, in the Journal of Portfolio Management. The proposal made a stir. A number of newspaper articles focused on it, I was sought out for further discussion, I presented the idea to the NYSE9s Listed Company Advisory Committee, and a consulting company in France tried to implement the proposal in the French market. But then nothing happened. The prospect of the listed companies being involved in market making appeared to be too radical, too frightening. No company came forward in support of the proposal. After a few months, the markets calmed down and the idea languished. Twenty years later, in Fall 2008, volatility came back with a roar. At the time, I was involved in organizing a conference on volatility at Baruch College. While I was putting my thoughts together for a short presentation called “Markets at Risk,” I reread my earlier JPM paper. There was nothing in the proposal that I disagreed with or felt should be changed. Markets are fragile; enhanced liquidity is needed; the listed companies, as stakeholders, should be involved; and with proper market structure and an accommodating regulatory environment, corporate participation should be successful. The underlying reality is that supplemental liquidity is needed whenever markets are under stress, as they so commonly are. Perhaps the proposal will be revisited in light of the particularly high volatility that we are currently experiencing.
ESR linewidths and g-values of some two-dimensional copper bromide salts

Abstract The angular variation of the g factor and linewidths of several (RNH 3 )CuBr 4 salts are reported. The square planar CuBr 2− 4 anions present in the structures have spin-hamiltonian parameters of g =2.047 and g =2.153. The linewidths show a (3 cos 2 0 −1) dependence. The temperature dependence of the linewidths is also discussed.
Projections from the marginal zone and deep dorsal horn to the ventrobasal nuclei of the primate thalamus

It has been concluded recently that if a projection from the marginal zone to the ventral posterior lateral (VPL) nucleus exists, it is sparse. Given the importance of the marginal zone in nociception, this conclusion has raised doubts about the significance of the role of the ventrobasal complex in nociception. We have reexamined this projection using injections of the retrograde tracer, cholera toxin subunit B, into one side of the lateral thalamus in macaque monkeys. The injections were confined to the ventrobasal complex (with minimal spread to adjacent nuclei that do not receive spinal projections) in two animals. Many retrogradely labeled neurons were found in lamina I (as well as in lamina V) of the contralateral spinal and medullary dorsal horn. The results are consistent with the view that neurons in the marginal zone contribute prominently to the spinothalamic and trigeminothalamic projections to the VPL and ventral posterior medial (VPM) nuclei. This pathway is likely to be important for the sensory-discriminative processing of nociceptive information with respect to the location and intensity of painful stimuli.
Efficient approximate representation of bi-objective tradeoff sets

Abstract The problem of efficiently approximating the tradeoff (Pareto-optimal) curve or set for optimization problems with two conflicting objectives is considered. In particular, a new method is proposed for computing a relatively small number of points to define an approximate representation of the tradeoff set. The efficiency of the method is established by showing the maximum number of points required to achieve a prescribed precision of approximation. Finally, a general algorithm embodying the method is outlined and analysed.
Molecular outflows observed with ALMA

Optical, infrared and radio (single dish and interferometric) observations of jets and outflows from newly formed stars have helped to improve our understanding of molecular outflows and the outflow/accretion connection. However, once the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) is completed, it will provide a significant increase in sensitivity and resolution at millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths that will allow astronomers to address critical issues that cannot be explored with established observatories. Of particular importance is that ALMA will recover both extended and compact emission from the large scale molecular cloud and outflows to compact cores and disks. Thus, we will be able to study the detailed kinematics of the outflows, entrainment properties, momentum transfer and feedback, and collimation. I will review our current observational limitations and provide examples of how ALMA will contribute to the study of molecular outflows in star forming regions.
Mobilizing for Change: A Case Study of a Campus and Community Coalition to Reduce High-Risk Drinking

Campus and community coalitions include a partnership between campus leaders and community stakeholders and can effectively address the environment that may promote high-risk drinking. Despite evidence suggesting that coalitions may be effective vehicles for producing sustainable changes in college drinking, few campuses work within such a structure. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a campus and community coalition to implement environmental changes and thereby reduce high-risk drinking and associated consequences. This study utilized a case study method to tell the story of a campus and community coalition (CCC) implemented on a large university campus in the Northeast. The study employed multiple methods including archival document review, review of campus and community level data (i.e. alcohol-related arrests and sanctions) and analysis of student level data. The case study discusses the strategies employed, the environmental changes that occurred and the impact these changes have had on student drinking and consequences. Since implementing the campus and community coalition, the campus has seen an increase in enforcement by campus and local police, changes in community by-laws, and significant reductions in student drinking and consequences. The data provide evidence that a comprehensive approach to reducing high-risk drinking can have an impact on the campus and community environment, which in turn impacts student drinking and associated consequences. The CCC utilized a strategic and comprehensive approach to substance abuse prevention, allowing all participants to have a shared understanding of the challenges and best practices. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.
Photosynthetically-linked oxidation of diaminobenzidine in blue-green algae

Incubation of glutaraldehyde-fixed cells of Microcystis aeruginosa, Anacystis nidulans, and Nostoc muscorum in diaminobenzidine (DAB) resulted in uniform staining of the profiles of photosynthetic lamellae as observed in electron micrographs. Membrane staining with DAB was localized in the inner electron-dense layer of the two appressed thylakoidal membranes. This reaction was enhanced by the addition of exogenous H2O2. The use of various inhibitors indicated that DAB oxidation may be linked to both the respiratory and photosynthetic electron transport systems. The reaction was abolished by either incubation of cells in darkness, or by the addition of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU). However, the addition of H2O2 to the basal medium restored oxidation of DAB. These observations suggest that the oxidation of DAB in the thylakoids of cyanophytes involves electron transport mediated directly by one or more components generated by photosynthesis.
Practitioner Review: Developmental Language Disorders: A Clinical Update

Non-specialists can identify three types of developmental language disorder. (1) mixed receptive/expressive disorders, which impair phonology, syntax, and semantics. Children who understand nothing are nonverbal, in others speech is sparse, nonfluent, poorly intelligible, and agrammatic; (2) expressive disorders with adequate comprehension affect phonologic production-predominantly. Children with verbal dyspraxia, the most severe variant, may also be nonverbal but comprehend well; (3) higher order processing disorders affect semantics, pragmatics, and discourse. Semantics and pragmatics are invariably affected in preschool autistic children in whom isolated expressive deficits do not occur. Etiology of developmental language disorders is predominantly genetic. Structural brain lesions detectable by neuroimaging are exceptional. Severe receptive deficits require a sleep EEG to detect subclinical epilepsy. Early educational intervention is both critical and efficacious.
The current role of gallium imaging in infection

The role of gallium imaging in infection has changed considerably during the past several years. Once the mainstay of radinuclide, imaging of infection, it has been supplanted to a very great extent by labeled leukocyte imaging. Despite the success of the labeled white-cell technique, gallium still plays an important role in the radionuclide evaluation of infection. It is not possible, for a variety of reasons, to perform white-cell imaging on all patients, and gallium imaging is certainly an acceptable substitute. In certain circumstances, rather than merely being a substitute, gallium is an important complement to leukocyte imaging. This is best illustrated by the patient with a fever of unknown origin (FUO). Although a negative leukocyte study effectively excludes an acute infection, it fails to identify the source of the patient's fever, a not uncommon situation in view of the fact that only approximately 25% of all FUOs are caused by infection. A complementary gallium study under these circumstances may identify either a chronic infectious process or even a neoplasm, conditions for which white-cell imaging is relatively insensitive. Although leukocyte imaging is probably superior to gallium for most infections of the musculoskeletal system, this technique is of limited value in patients with suspected vertebral osteomyelitis. There are data that suggest that sequential bone gallium imaging may be a better way to diagnose this entity. Finally, in immunocompromised patients, gallium imaging is clearly the procedure of choice for detecting the opportunistic respiratory infections and lymph node abnormalities that are so prevalent in this population.
Cyclic Convection‐Currents

This paper presents the results of some speculations concerning the existence and geologic effects of convection-currents in the Earth's substratum, the so-called silicate shell extending according to the best evidence, some 3,000 km below the bottom of the Earth's outer crust. The possibility of the existence of such currents has been amply demonstrated by the calculations of Pekeris [see 1 of “References” at end of paper] and others. It is quite true that the mere existence of an unstable temperature-gradient will not of itself cause convection provided the substratum has a fundamental strength, but, as Pekeris has shown, a horizontal temperature-variation of several tens of degrees would set up sufficient stress to overcome the fundamental strength. In the present work we have made a somewhat more careful estimate of the stresses existing in an elastic body due to various types of thermal perturbations, and the results confirm Pekeris almost exactly, namely, the maximum stress is about 5 kg/cm2 per degree of horizontal temperature-difference, so that even with an assumed strength of 100 kg/cm2, convection would start with a temperature-contrast of about 20°, such as could easily be set by irregularities in the cooling of the Earth.
Pyoderma Gangrenosum Associated with an Aseptic Splenic Abscess in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a painful, ulcerating neutrophilic dermatosis commonly associated with a variety of underlying systemic conditions. We report a child with neurofibromatosis-1 (NF-1) and an aseptic splenic abscess who developed multifocal PG in areas of iatrogenic skin trauma. There is no clinical evidence or theoretical basis to suggest a causal relationship between NF-1 and PG. Systemic corticosteroid and cyclosporine therapy led to complete resolution of the lesions.