cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of privacy loss in distributed constraint optimization

Distributed Constraint Optimization (DCOP) is rapidly emerging as a prominent technique for multi agent coordination. However, despite agent privacy being a key motivation for applying DCOPs in many applications, rigorous quantitative evaluations of privacy loss in DCOP algorithms have been lacking. Recently, [Maheswaran et al. 2005] introduced a framework for quantitative evaluations of privacy in DCOP algorithms, showing that some DCOP algorithms lose more privacy than purely centralized approaches and questioning the motivation for applying DCOPs. This paper addresses the question of whether state-of-the art DCOP algorithms suffer from a similar shortcoming by investigating several of the most efficient DCOP algorithms, including both DPOP and ADOPT. Furthermore, while previous work investigated the impact on efficiency of distributed contraint reasoning design decisions (e.g. constraint-graph topology, asynchrony, message-contents), this paper examines the privacy aspect of such decisions, providing an improved understanding of privacy-efficiency tradeoffs.
Desulfuribacillus stibiiarsenatis sp. nov., an obligately anaerobic, dissimilatory antimonate- and arsenate-reducing bacterium isolated from anoxic sediments, and emended description of the genus Desulfuribacillus.

A novel anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain MLFW-2T, was isolated from anoxic sediments collected from the drainage area of a geothermal spring near Mono Lake, CA, USA. Optimal growth was achieved at 34 °C and pH 8.25–8.50 in medium containing 0.75 % (w/v) NaCl. Catalase, but not oxidase, was produced. Strain MLFW-2T was an obligate anaerobe capable of respiring with nitrate, nitrite, DMSO, arsenate, antimonate, selenate and selenite as terminal electron acceptors. Lactate, pyruvate, formate and H2 could serve as electron donors to support growth. The isolate was incapable of fermentation. The predominant fatty acids were C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω9c, C16 : 1ω7c, C18 : 1ω9c and C18 : 1ω7c. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The only isoprenoid quinone detected was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The DNA G+C content was 38.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence demonstrated that strain MLFW-2T was a member of the order Bacillales and was most closely related to Desulfuribacillus alkaliarsenatis AHT28T (93.9 % similarity). On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenomic evidence, strain MLFW-2T represents a novel species of the genus Desulfuribacillus , for which the name Desulfuribacillus stibiiarsenatis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MLFW-2T (=DSM 28709T=JCM 30866T). An emended description of the genus Desulfuribacillus is also provided.
Mg 24 states observed via Ne 20 (α, α 0 ) 20 Ne

We report differential cross-section measurements at up to 16 angles for the reaction $^{20}\mathrm{Ne}$(\ensuremath{\alpha},${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{0}$${)}^{20}$Ne for 3.8\ensuremath{\le}${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}$\ensuremath{\le}11 MeV in steps \ensuremath{\le}15 keV. The target was a differentially pumped windowless gas target of high-purity Ne, buffered by He to reduce the rate of Ne outflow. A total of 39 levels in $^{24}\mathrm{Mg}$ (12.5${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{x}}$18.2 MeV) were analyzed by writing the reaction amplitude for spinless positive-parity particles as a nonresonant term which varies linearly with energy plus a sum over only resonant partial waves. In addition, 56 other levels and 22 possible levels were also identified over the same energy region.
Taxonomic revision of the deep channel electric fish genus Sternarchella (Teleostei: Gymnotiformes: Apteronotidae), with descriptions of two new species

ABSTRACT This paper provides a taxonomic revision of the Neotropical electric fish genus Sternarchella, with redescriptions of seven valid species and descriptions of two new species. A maximum parsimony analysis of 76 morphological characters from seven ingroup and seven outgroup taxa recovered a non-monophyletic Sternarchella, in which a clade comprising two species with a ventral mouth (S. orinoco + S. sima) is the sister group to a clade comprising seven species that possess a terminal or superior mouth. Nested within this higher-diversity clade is the genus Magosternarchus (recognized herein as a junior synonym of Sternarchella) comprising M. duccis and M. raptor. The Magosternarchus clade forms a polytomy with S. orthos and S. schotti. Sternarchella calhamazon + a new species from the upper Rio Madeira (sister species to S. calhamazon), and a new larger-bodied species from the central and upper Rio Amazonas also form a clade. Sternarchella orthos is distributed in both the Amazon and Orinoco basins, where it exhibits considerable phenotypic diversity. Sternarchella orthos includes most specimens from the Amazon formerly assigned to the nominal species S. terminalis (recognized herein as a junior synonym of S. schotti).
Diálogo interreligioso en los reinos hispánicos: Shem Tov ibn Isaac Ardutiel de Carrión (1290-1369) y Jafudà Bonsenyor (1250-1331)

A partir del siglo XII el panorama literario iberico experimento un apogeo de las lenguas vernaculas como vehiculo de transmision textual. El interes por la produccion en romance atrajo la atencion de los circulos intelectuales judios, acostumbrados al empleo del hebreo y arabe como lenguas de expresion literaria. Este es el caso de Proverbios morales, del rabi Shem Tov ibn Isaac Ardutiel de Carrion (1290-1369), y El Llibre de paraules e dits de savis e filosofs de Jafuda Bonsenyor de Barcelona (1250-1331). Las dos obras pertenecen a la corriente de literatura sapiencial, y comparten paralelismos en cuanto a estructura, tematica y finalidad: el empleo del romance como herramienta linguistica de comunicacion y la figura del monarca como receptor del mensaje. Mientras la finalidad de ambos trabajos persigue la educacion del buen gobernante, el panorama politico-social en que se compilan permite analizarlos desde una postura diferente, en este caso, como textos de dialogo interreligioso entre el grupo dominante cristiano y la minoria hebrea. El siguiente estudio analiza Proverbios morales y Llibre de paraules como dos obras singulares en el contexto iberico, cuya intencion didactica destinada a la formacion del rey justo se traducia, ademas, en un discurso promotor de encuentro entre ambas comunidades religiosas en un momento de quiebra en las relaciones judeo-cristianas.
Voting for the Next Super Girl and Political Talk

In the first analytical chapter, Wu focuses on the case of Super Girl, a reality-based singing contest show, largely modeled off of American Idol, and spirited debates about political thoughts as a result of viewers’ passionate participation in Super Girl. Initially thanks to its nationwide voting element, the show garnered great success and invited much political comparison as Chinese voters cannot vote in the political sphere. As Super Girl became more popular and more politically provoking, China’s state regulators put a ban on voting. Wu closely studies public discourses in the mainstream newspapers as well as in online discussion forums, in the first season (Season 4, 2009) produced after the ban. As Super Girl producers painstakingly came up with alternative ways in which the viewers could channel their preferences and opinions to the development of the contests without direct voting, viewers frequently drew a connection between the show’s selection mechanism and political representation. They linked judges’ behaviors to broader competition in the general society and weaved discourses about Mainland China’s political culture. While newspaper contributors were more invested in the technicality of political processes, online discourses romanticized the power of the masses and harbored more explicit discussions about the political confines of Mainland China, such as the restraint on people’s freedom of speech, and the lack of systematic rules that treat all social members and situations consistently.
History and Examination for Thyroid Nodules

Taking a proper history and physical exam is critical to all aspects of medicine. They allow for a better understanding of key signs and symptoms which, with the appreciation of normal anatomy and physiology, help diagnose, treat, and monitor patients with appropriate tests and exams. As the largest gland in the neck, the thyroid possesses key roles in normal body physiology, including the regulation of heart rate, body temperature, linear growth, and metabolism. Here we discuss our approach to a patient who presents with, or is suspected of having, a thyroid nodule.
The Fate of the Female Philosopher: Polwhele, More, Byron, and Beyond

Through a brief discussion of works by Polwhele, More, and Byron, the conclusion traces shifting attitudes toward female intellectuality in the post-Enlightenment, post-Revolutionary period. The conclusion argues for the prescience of Polwhele’s The Unsex’d Females in presenting what would be the replacement of Wollstonecraftian concerns about female moral and intellectual autonomy and women’s role in social progress with a limited domestic, evangelical agenda promoted by Hannah More. The conclusion ends with noting the newly pejorative use of the term “bluestocking” in the early nineteenth century, a usage that at once indicates the disdain of influential writers such as Byron for intellectual women and the end of the influence of both Mary Wollstonecraft and late-Enlightenment feminism on configurations of female possibilities.
Optical trapping assisted enhancement of on-chip single molecule detection rate with a solid-state nanopore

A novel optical method for enhancing nanopore-based single molecule detection is demonstrated. Microbeads containing DNA targets are optically trapped under a nanopore to locally increase the concentration. Thermally released DNAs are then detected electrically when moving through the pore at up to 91x higher rates.
Reconstruction Options for Ear and Nose Melanoma

The ear is not commonly involved with malignant melanoma. While about 20% of melanomas occur in the head and neck, only 3–20% involve the ear (about 1–4% of all melanomas). The prognosis is significantly better than mucosal melanoma (85%) at 5 years and (77%) at 10 years. Patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes had a worse prognosis (60%) at 3 years (Jones et al. Am J Surg. 206:307–313, 2013). “Wide local excision” was used with no recommended margins. Studies have been done to determine if melanoma in the head and neck area could have “wide local excisions” which are smaller less agressive than those recommended for the trunk and extremities. The current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guideline recommends 0.5 cm for in situ lesions; 1 cm for lesions >1.0 mm thick; 1–2 cm for lesions 1–2 mm thick, and 2 cm for lesions thicker than 2 mm. Rawlani et al. performed a study in which the margins were reduced by half (0.5 cm for lesions >1 mm; 0.5–1 cm for lesions 1–2 mm thick; and 1.0 cm in lesions thicker than 2 mm). They had 79 patients in the series with 42 cases with recommended margins and 37 with reduced margins. They found no statistically significant difference in survival in this fairly small sample (Rawlani et al. J Surg Oncol. 111: 795–799, 2015). “The American Academy of Dermatology” published recommendations in 2011 based on both evidence from prospective randomized control studies and consensus opinion: 1. Wide excision for melanoma is associated with reduced recurrence. 2. For thin melanomas, currently there is no high-quality evidence to support excisions of more than a 1 cm margin in improving survival or local recurrence rates. 3. For primary melanomas of any thickness, there is no evidence to suggest that margin excision of more than 2 cm provides any additional benefit in terms of survival or local recurrence rates. 4. The actual recommendations: In situ: 0.5–1 cm; >1 mm to 1 cm; 1–2 mm to 1–2 cm; >2 mm to 2 cm.
Acute Kidney Injury before Dialysis Initiation Predicts Adverse Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is highest during the first year of dialysis. The impact of pre-ESRD AKI events on long-term outcomes in incident ESRD patients remains unknown. METHODS We evaluated a retrospective cohort of 47,341 incident hemodialysis patients from the United States Renal Data System with linked Medicare data for at least 2 years prior to hemodialysis initiation. We examined the impact of pre-ESRD AKI events in the 2-year pre-ESRD period on the type of vascular access used at hemodialysis initiation (central venous catheter (CVC) versus arteriovenous access), and 1-year all-cause mortality after initiating hemodialysis. RESULTS The mean age was 72 ± 11 years. Of the study cohort, 18% initiated hemodialysis with arteriovenous access, and 54% of patients had at least one pre-ESRD AKI event. One-year, all-cause mortality was 32%. Compared to 75% for patients without a pre-ESRD AKI event, 89% of patients with a pre-ESRD AKI event initiated hemodialysis with CVC than arteriovenous access (p < 0.001). A pre-ESRD AKI event was associated with lower adjusted odds of starting hemodialysis with an arteriovenous access (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.44-0.50, p < 0.001), and higher adjusted odds of 1-year mortality (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.30-1.42, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION An AKI event prior to initiating hemodialysis independently increases the risk of CVC use and predicts 1-year mortality. Improving processes of care after AKI events may improve dialysis outcomes in patients who progress to ESRD.
Driving Deeper Learning by Assessment : An Adaptation of the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy for Medical Imaging in Gross Anatomy

Rationale and Objectives As medical imaging continues to grow as a central modality by which physicians of all specialties visualize anatomy, so, too, is its role in medical student education. However, no study to our knowledge has attempted to categorize the necessary cognitive skills. Here, we assess a tool to identify those skills and their possible hierarchical nature that reflects deeper understanding of radiological anatomy. Materials and Methods We adapted the revision of Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives to create examination questions and teaching points for normal radiological anatomy in a medical anatomy course in 2008. All six previously established levels of cognitive processes were adapted, ranging from Remembering to Create. Reliability and validity were assessed. Results Of 102 eligible students, 98 (98%) consented to participate, and 108 examination questions were assessed. Cronbach α assessing reliability ranged from poor (.197) to moderate (.571) with most categories being moderate. Score means for the levels of cognitive processes were statistically distinct [F(4, 102) = 180.63, P Conclusions A radiological anatomy adaptation of the revised taxonomy demonstrated generally adequate reliability and acceptable validity to establish evaluations that test different depths of cognitive processes. This is a critical first step to create a fundamental curricular tool by which medical imaging education—both normal and pathological—may be taught and assessed in the future.
The Thrower’s Shoulder

Participation in organized sports in the United States has increased substantially in recent years, with nearly 11.5 million amateur baseball players competing at the high school and club level and an increasing percentage of those specializing in baseball as a single, year-round sport. Because the musculoskeletal system is susceptible to overuse injuries during rapid periods of pubertal growth, the intensity of today’s youth sports culture is becoming increasingly problematic in the young throwing athlete. Repetitive microtrauma and inadequate recuperation in young throwers may lead to fatigue, weakness, and breakdown of normal, healthy tissues. Disruption of the typically balanced equilibrium of mobility and stability afforded by the intricate relationship of the scapula and glenohumeral joint, allowing for a functional arc of motion for the thrower, can predispose young athletes to shoulder injuries. In this chapter we analyze the complex biomechanics of the thrower’s shoulder and explore the pathophysiology and approaches to diagnosis and treatment of some of the most common conditions for adolescent overhead athletes, including “little league shoulder” (proximal humeral epiphysiolysis), internal impingement, glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD syndrome), superior labrum injuries (SLAP tears) and other related conditions.
Cyclic carbonate for highly stable cycling of high voltage lithium metal batteries

Abstract The lithium metal battery (LMB) is one of the most promising next-generation battery systems due to its ultrahigh energy density. However, problematic dendrite formation and low Coulombic efficiency (CE) greatly limit its practical application. Carbonate electrolyte solvents are still indispensable for the operation of LMBs using a transition metal oxide cathode. We determined the impact of different cyclic carbonates, which actively participate in the formation of the solid-electrolyte interface (SEI), on the stable cycling of LMBs using a nickel-rich layered cathode LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622). The substitution of fluorine atoms in the cyclic carbonate profoundly enhances the stability of the lithium metal anode while fluoroalkyl and alkoxy substituents are detrimental. Cyclic carbonate trans-difluoroethylene carbonate (DFEC) was identified as a novel SEI enabler on the lithium metal anode, facilitating the formation of a protective SEI with relatively high lithium fluoride content. A Li/NMC622 cell utilizing DFEC electrolyte solvent as SEI enabler displayed a capacity retention larger than 82% after 400 cycles and an average CE of 99.95%. In contrast, the cycling retention after 400 cycles for a Li/NMC622 cell using monofluoroethylene carbonate was only 31% with an average CE of 99.73%. Other fluoroalkyl or alkoxy cyclic carbonates do not provide improved stabilization of the lithium metal anode over ethylene carbonate. The fundamental studies in this work provide critical insight for the further development of advanced electrolytes in LMBs.
Recent Survey Findings on Smoking and Cessation Behaviors Among Asians in New York City.

Cigarette smoking has declined among New York City (NYC) adults since 2002, but research has shown that NYC tobacco control policies may be less impactful among Asian communities, particularly Chinese. In order to better target this subgroup, we explored smoking and cessation behaviors among Chinese-speaking Asian smokers compared with English-speaking Asian smokers and all other smokers. We used combined 2015–2016 data from the NYC Community Health Survey (CHS), an annual dual landline/cellphone survey of about 9000 adults to analyze smoker demographics, and 2010–2012 and 2016 CHS samples to compare quit attempts, advice, and aids used among Asian smokers who took the survey in Chinese, Asian smokers who took the survey in English and all other smokers at two points in time. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare outcomes between groups. In 2015–2016, English-speaking Asians (11.2%, p = .004) and all other adults (13.6%, p = .029) were less likely to be current smokers compared with Chinese-speaking Asians (16.9%). In 2010–2012 there was no difference in odds of current smoking by race/interview language, while in 2016 the odds of smoking among English-speaking Asians and all other respondents were 51% and 32% lower, respectively, than Chinese-speaking Asians. Odds of NRT use did not differ in 2010–2012 but in 2016 odds of NRT use among all other smokers were 2.63 times higher than among Chinese-speaking Asian smokers. Results indicate the need for tailored smoking cessation programs towards Chinese-speaking Asian smokers to encourage NRT use, reduce cigarette consumption, and decrease disparities.
A Snapshot of Immigration Court at Stewart Detention Center: How Social Workers Can Advocate & Advance Social Justice Efforts in the United States

Changes to U.S. immigration policy have implications for social work, owing to the ethics-based foundation of the profession. The twin purposes of this mixed-methods case study are to describe the detainment and deportation processes, and their implementation at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia (notorious for its disparately high rate of deportation); and, to discuss social work’s ethical role in relation to immigrant populations and immigration policy issues. To achieve analysis, we collected data at the Stewart Detention Center, directly observing a sample of 39 immigration court hearings across 4 separate time points between June and September of 2018. We use univariate statistics to describe the sample in terms of hearing duration, demographics of detained persons, characteristics of judge and attorney interactions, removability charges, and hearing outcomes. Our analysis includes mappings of 2 courtrooms and a thick and rich narrative description of our first trip to the Stewart Detention Center in June, 2018. Identified themes across court observations include: (a) lack of uniformity in process, (b) adoption of criminal justice norms and procedures without inclusion of protective factors, (c) layers and barriers to communication that present as isolating, and (d) a seeming emphasis placed on the voluntary departure option. We conclude with a discussion of implications for social work and respective recommendations for engagement.
An intuitive, application-based, simulation-driven approach to teaching probability and random processes:

Probability and random processes is considered by students to be conceptually one of the most difficult subjects in the undergraduate electrical and computer engineering curriculum. There are numer...
Do Helicoverpa armigera Moths Signal Their Fecundity by Emission of an Antagonist

Female Helicoverpa armigera emit a pheromone, comprised of a 98:2 ratio of (Z)-11-hexadecenal to (Z)-9-hexadecenal, to attract males. It has been proposed that "immature" female H. armigera modulate attraction of males by emitting an antagonist, (Z)-11-hexadecenol, along with pheromone during the first two nights of calling. However, it is unclear why females would call and simultaneously release pheromone and an antagonist. We conducted observations of female calling during the first five nights after adult emergence to determine periodicity. We also measured the relative abundance of (Z)-11-hexadecenol to the major component, (Z)-11-hexadecenal, on the surface of the gland of calling females and compared it to the ratio of these two compounds inside the gland over the first three nights after adult emergence to determine how much antagonist may be released. We found that young females (< 1-d-old) are unlikely to call and, based on the relative proportion of (Z)-11-hexadecenol on the gland surface, even if they did call would be unlikely to release sufficient (Z)-11-hexadecenol to diminish male attraction.
A critical review of the application of electromagnetic fields for scaling control in water systems: mechanisms, characterization, and operation

Scale deposits in water systems often result in ample technical and economic problems. Conventional chemical treatments for scale control are expensive and may cause health concerns and ecological implications. Non-chemical water treatment technologies such as electromagnetic field (EMF) are attractive options so the use of scale inhibitors, anti-scalants, or other chemical involved processes can be avoided or minimized. Although there are demonstrated beneficial effects of EMF on scale control, the scientific basis for its purported effectiveness is not clear in the available literature, especially lack of quantitative assessment and systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of EMF technologies. This review aims to elucidate the factors pertaining to EMF water treatment and their anti-scaling effects. We have critically reviewed relevant literature on EMF scale control, in particular recent studies, in various water systems, including desalination membranes, heat exchangers (e.g., cooling towers), water pipes, and bulk solutions. We systematically studied the impacts of operational conditions on EMF efficacy, and quantitatively evaluated the EMF improvement on scaling control. The scaling prevention mechanisms, conventional and cutting-edge characterization methods, and potential real-time monitoring techniques are summarized and discussed. The economic benefits of EMF treatment in terms of chemicals, operation and maintenance costs are highlighted. This review provides guidelines for future EMF system design and points out the research needed to further enhance EMF treatment performance.
3D printed photoreactor with immobilized graphitic carbon nitride: A sustainable platform for solar water purification

Solar-energy-enabled photocatalysis is promising for sustainable water purification. However, photoreactor design, especially immobilizing nano-sized photocatalysts, remains a major barrier preventing industrial-scale application of photocatalysis. In this study, we immobilized photocatalytic graphitic carbon nitride on chitosan to produce g-C3N4/chitosan hydrogel beads (GCHBs), and evaluated GCHB photoreactivity for degrading phenol and emerging persistent micropollutants in a 3D printed compound parabolic collector (CPC) reactor. The CPC photocatalytic system showed comparable performance with slurry reactors for sulfamethoxazole and carbamazepine degradation under simulated sunlight, and it maintained the performance for contaminant removal in real water samples collected from water/wastewater treatment plants or under outdoor sunlight irradiation. Global drinking water production was estimated for the CPC system, and it holds promise for small-scale sustainable water treatment, including, but not limited to, the production of high-quality potable water for single houses, small communities, rural areas, and areas impacted by natural disasters in both developed and developing countries.
Headphones and other risk factors for hearing in young adults

Background: Personal listening device (PLD) use with headphones is increasing in young adults and in most listening environments occur in background noise. Headphone choice can be important because certain headphones are more effective in limiting background noise than stock earbuds. Binge drinking, marijuana, and hard drug use have also been associated with high-volume PLD use. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between preferred headphone type, listening level, and other health risk behaviors. Methods: Two-hundred and twenty undergraduates were recruited and completed a PLD use and risk behavior survey. Survey data included self-reported alcohol and marijuana use. Bilateral otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure-tone threshold testing (0.25–8 kHz) were completed. Participants listened to one hour of music using preferred headphone type with a probe microphone in the ear canal to measure equivalent continuous sound level (LAeq). Results: Mean LAeq was similar for the three types of headphones used. Participants who reported higher amounts of drinks per month and smoking marijuana within the last month had significantly higher LAeq levels than those who reported lower amounts of drinks per month and not smoking marijuana in the last month. There was no significant interaction between headphone type and reported drinks per month or marijuana use. Conclusion: Young adults with normal hearing who have higher preferred listening levels also reported more alcohol and marijuana use, although headphone type was not associated with any of these variables.
Outcomes in accommodative esotropia with a high AC/A ratio.

Purpose:The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to report the outcomes of high AC/A ratio accommodative esotropia (AET) among children.Methods:The medical records of all children <19 yea...
Time from Start of Agonal Phase to Pulmonary Artery Cross Clamp in Donor Cardiac Death Donors Does Not Correlate with Diminished Recipient Lung Function or Survival

Purpose Donor cardiac death (DCD) donors could expand the field of lung donors, but the acceptably safe time interval between the onset of agonal phase and application of the pulmonary artery clamp is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine if the time from the beginning of the agonal phase to placement of the pulmonary artery cross clamp in DCD donors is associated with worse recipient lung function or long-term survival. Methods The Scientific Registry for Transplant Research database (2008-2019) was queried for lung transplants performed from DCD donors (N=227) excluding pediatric, multi-organ, and redo lung transplants. Time from the beginning of agonal phase to the time of pulmonary artery cross clamp placement was determined, and donor and recipient characteristics and outcomes were examined for 3 groups: 0-30 minutes (N=178), 30-45 minutes (N=25), and over 45 minutes (N=21). Eight DCD donor lungs had an agonal phase to pulmonary artery cross clamp time between 75 and 120 minutes. The primary endpoints were forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) at 1 and 2 years and overall survival using Kaplan Meier analysis. Results There were no significant differences in donor age, gender or body mass index between the three groups. Recipient characteristics were comparable between the three groups, and there was no difference in recipient FEV1 at 1 (80.47+/-22.45%, 79.81+/-16.60%, and 76.67+/-13.30%, p=0.840) and 2 years (76.23+/-27.13%, 76.11+/-24.31%, 82.17+/-17.58%, p=0.868) for the three groups (0-30 minutes, 30-45 minutes, and over 45 minutes, respectively) . There was no difference in long term survival out to 10 years between the three groups using Kaplan Meier analysis. Conclusion Lung transplant recipient lung function and survival is similar for recipients of DCD donor lungs regardless of the time from start of the agonal phase to application of the pulmonary artery transplant out to and beyond 45 minutes.
Lack of androgen effect on human sebaceous glands with low-dosage norethindrone

Abstract Sebum production was measured weekly in 6 normal adult males during the oral administration of norethindrone, 5.0 mg daily, or norethindrone acetate, 2.5 mg. daily. for 5 to 12 weeks. For a period of several weeks prior to this, sebum secretion was first reduced to low levels by the daily administration of 1 mg. of ethynyl estradiol. The estrogen was then continued simultaneously with the administration of the norethindrone drugs. The purpose of the study was to observe whether the highly androgen-sensitive sebaceous glands could be stimulated to secrete sebum from the administration of these progestins. In none of the 6 subjects was any significant change in sebum production observed indicating that, in the doses used, norethindrone and norethindrone acetate are not androgenic as judged by the response of the human sebaceous gland. It had been previously shown that significant sebaceous gland stimulation resulted from the daily administration of 20 mg. of norethindrone.
Telecommunications and economic development: An incipient rhetoric

Abstract The post-divestiture era and clear internationalization of the US economy have brought with them startling new developments in telecommunications industries. However, the battle cry of ‘privatization’ in Europe and ‘competition’ in the USA accompanying them carry an array of justifications whose terms and assumptions too often go unchallenged. In fact, similar language has been encountered before in the service of other technology revolutions, but our short memories and national habit of rationalization have buried it too soon. Perhaps an exhumation is in order.
Acute carpal tunnel syndrome caused by diffuse giant cell tumor of tendon sheath: a case report.

A 46 year old male developed spontaneous acute carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist without any antecedent trauma. Surgical exploration revealed hemorrhage secondary to diffuse giant cell tumor of tendon sheath as the underlying cause.
Interfacial Chemistry of Titanium Films Deposited on PMDA-ODA Polyimide:

Titanium was evaporated onto PMDA-ODA polyimide surfaces at room temperature up to total thicknesses of about five monolayers. The polyimide backbone is ruptured at both the oxygen ether linkage in the ODA and at the nitrogen imide linkage. The first fraction of a monolayer reacts with oxygen atoms in both the carbonyl and ether functionalities, and forms a mixed oxide with titanium predominantly in the Ti+3 oxidation state. Near one monolayer coverage, a carbide or mixed oxy-carbide species forms. Above one monolayer, nitrogen is strongly attacked and ~50% of the nitrogen reacts with titanium. The deposited titanium begins to take on metallic character only after the coverage has reached several monolayers. Heating at 575 K causes additional reaction. Scanning tunelling microscopy images obtained in air following heating show that the composite surface is substantially roughened.
Presentation of multiple sclerosis with comorbid Huntington's disease☆

We report a case of Huntington's disease (HD) in a 53-year-old male with multiple sclerosis (MS). The diagnosis of MS met the McDonald criteria and was based on clinical attacks separated in space and time, cerebrospinal fluid, and MRI. The diagnosis of HD was established by DNA testing, family history, and positron emission tomography. While a number of neurologic and autoimmune diseases have been reported with MS, this is the first co-occurrence of HD and MS. Salient features of both disorders are reviewed as well as the importance of obtaining a thorough family history.
Asbestos and the Dalkon Shield: Corporate America on Trial

* Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center. B.A. 1955, LL.B. 1958, LL.M. 1964, Harvard University. Ed. The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Christine A. Markman and Doriane Lambelet, Class of 1988, Georgetown University Law Center. 1. [W]e estimate that 8,800 asbestos-related cancer deaths are occurring this year. The toll will rise to about 10,000 annually by the year 2000, and will continue until the year 2030, all from exposures that took place prior to 1980. Overall, it is estimated that 350,000 deaths will occur before the toll from these exposures is ended unless some intervention is developed to prevent the inevitable mortality. ... One can estimate, and here the estimates are much more uncertain, that there will be 200,000 or 300,000 individuals, perhaps even more that will suffer significant impairment or disability from the consequences of asbestos exposure. Investigation as to Whether or Not There is a National Asbestos Crisis; and if so, What Should Be Done About It: Hearings Before the Subcomm. on Labor of the Senate Comm. on Labor and Human Resources, 98th Cong., 2d Sess. 4 (1984) (statement of William J. Nicholson, Ph.D., Environmental Sciences Laboratory, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, City University of New York). A more conservative projection foresees from 74,000 to 265,000 deaths over the next thirty years. J. KAKALIK, P. EBENER, W. FELSTINER & M. SHANLEY, COSTS OF ASBESTOS LITIGATION 3 (Rand Institute of Civil Justice Pub. No. R-3042-ICJ, 1983). In At Any Cost, Mintz estimates that tens of thousands of women have been seriously injured by the Dalkon Shield: 66,000 women who conceived while wearing the Shield miscarried, while 248 endured septic spontaneous abortions, of which 15 were fatal. Pp. 3-4. No one knows the extent of the damage inflicted by the 800,000 to one million Shields distributed and implanted abroad. P. 4.
Pornography and Rape: A Causal Model

In order for rape to occur, a man must not only be predisposed to rape, but his internal and social inhibitions against acting out rape desires must be undermined. My theory in a nutshell is that pornography (1) predisposes some men to want to rape women or intensifies the predisposition in other men already so predisposed; (2) undermines some men's internal inhibitions against acting out their rape desires; and (3) undermines some men's social inhibitions against the acting out. Some of the research substantiating this theory is presented and discussed, and suggestions are made for further research.
Impact of the DNR therapeutic plan on patient care requirements

Background The intensity and nature of a patient therapeutic plan should depend upon the specific therapeutic goals. When the therapeutic plan includes a do-not-resuscitate order, the intensity of the plan may be high or low. Objective To examine the differences in patient care requirements and hospital outcomes in patients with a do-not-resuscitate status to determine the most appropriate care setting, eg, intensive vs nonintensive care. Method Data from a prospective sample of 100 patients were analyzed. Patients were grouped according to the intensity of the therapeutic plan: (1) all-but-CPR: all support except cardiopulmonary resuscitation, (2) conservative-care: medical management without the addition of life-sustaining measures, (3) comfort-only, and (4) withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy. Results Patient mortality was high for all groups except the conservative-care group. Patient care requirements remained high in the all-but-CPR group, necessitating continued intensive care. Patient care requirements decreased significantly in the comfort-only and withdrawal groups, illustrating the ability to manage these patients in a nonintensive care setting.
Molecular mechanics parameters for the modelling of four-coordinate Zn(II) porphyrins

The development of Zn–N parameters for the molecular mechanics (MM) modelling of four-coordinate Zn(II) porphyrins using the MM2 force field is described. The approach adopted was to attempt to reproduce a wide range of four-coordinate Zn(II) porphyrins whose crystal structures have been reported, ranging from those that are essentially planar to those that are significantly distorted from planarity. The mean difference between the Zn–N bond lengths as observed experimentally and as determined by MM was defined as the error function. The error function was plotted against the Zn–N strain free bond length (lo) and the stretching force constant for that bond (ks). The minimum on the error response surface was determined using artificial neural networks (ANNs) from relatively few input data points. It was found that the optimum parameters, lo = 2.007 A and ks = 1.59 mdyn A−1, together with the force field parameters previously described for modelling the porphyrin moiety, adequately model planar and distorted four-coordinate Zn(II) porphyrin structures. Zn–N bond lengths are reproduced on average to within 0.012 A; other bond lengths, bond angles, torsions and improper torsions within the porphyrin are reproduced to within 0.015 A, 2.1°, 3.0° and 2.9°, respectively. The validity of the force field parameters was demonstrated by correctly predicting the structures of four-coordinate Zn(II) porphyrins that were not used in the training of the ANNs, and predicting the structure a priori of a recently reported four-coordinate Zn(II) porphyrin. The force field was then used to undertake a brief investigation of the conformational space available to Zn(II) tetraphenylporphyrin ([Zn(TPP)]) using molecular dynamics, quenched dynamics and simulated annealing procedures. The results show that the favoured structure of [Zn(TPP)] has a planar porphyrin core; this is in agreement with available structural data, since all except one structure of [Zn(TPP)] that has been reported have planar porphyrins. Modelling of the lattice of a planar and the distorted [Zn(TPP)] structure demonstrated that the distortion of the porphyrin is a response to steric interactions with the nearest neighbours in the lattice.
Optimal deadlock detection in distributed systems based on locally constructed wait-for graphs

We present a new algorithm for detecting generalized deadlocks in distributed systems. Our algorithm incrementally constructs and reduces a wait-for graph (WFG) at an initiator process. This WFG is then searched for deadlock. The proposed algorithm has two primary advantages: First, it avoids sending messages along the edges of the global wait-for graph (WFG), thereby achieving a worst-case message complexity of 2n, where n is the number of processes in the WFG. Since information must be obtained from every process reachable from the initiator, this is optimal to within a constant factor. All the existing algorithms for the same problem construct a distributed snapshot of the WFG. As this involves sending messages along the edges of the WFG, the best available message complexity among these algorithms is 4e-2n+2l, which is O(n/sup 2/) in the worst case, where e and l are the number of edges and leaves in the WFG, respectively. Second, since the information about a detected deadlock is readily available at the initiator process, rather than distributed among different processes, it significantly simplifies the task of deadlock resolution, and helps to reduce system overhead associated with the resolution. The time complexity of our algorithm is also better than or equal to the existing algorithms.
Do placental histologic findings of chorion-decidual hemorrhage or inflammation in spontaneous preterm birth influence outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy?

Abstract Introduction Spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) is the common endpoint of different underlying etiologies, including chorion-decidual bleeding and inflammation. However, specific histologic findings from a prior pregnancy do not always inform clinical management in subsequent pregnancies secondary to few prior studies having evaluated the relationship between prior pregnancy pathology and subsequent outcomes in patients with SPTB. Methods Included subjects had: 1) a SPTB with available placental pathology and 2) a subsequent consecutive delivery at >20 weeks gestational age at our institution. For included subjects archived placenta and membrane paraffin blocks from the index SPTB were cut, stained with Prussian Blue and evaluated by a perinatal pathologist for the presence of hemosiderin. The association between histologic findings and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were evaluated through logistic and linear regression. Results A total of 131 subjects were included, of whom 39.7% had a recurrent SPTB. Funisitis at the time of preterm delivery significantly increased the risk of early ( p = 0.016), though this may have been confounded by gestational age at delivery. Several histologic features were significantly associated with reductions in birth weight in the subsequent pregnancies, even if they did not increase the risk of recurrent preterm birth. Discussion The presence of chorion-decidual bleeding or inflammation in a prior pregnancy can signal an increased risk in a future pregnancy beyond the recurrent risk of SPTB itself. Conclusions Placental histologic findings after SPTB maybe associated with differences in birth weight in a subsequent pregnancy.
Rapid Onset of Seizures Following Aspiration of Viscous Lidocaine

A 2 year-old drank from a bottle of viscous lidocaine. Coughing and choking were prompt, and seizures began within 10 to 15 seconds. Intraosseous phenobarbital 40 mg/kg stopped seizures temporarily, 30 mg/kg more plus lorazepam 20 mg/kg were needed for complete control. Suctioning of the airway revealed viscous material compatible with the drug. Bilateral hilar pneumonia ensued rapidly. The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion occurred and was countered appropriately. Intubation, performed on admission, could not be discontinued. The adult respiratory distress syndrome, characterized by a typical diffuse X-ray pattern and poor oxygenation, developed. Bilateral pneumothoraces complicated care. The patient required 14 days of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation before recovery. A lidocaine level was obtained at 4 h post-ingestion and was 0.5 μg/mL (2 μmol/L). The rapid onset of seizures suggests that the drug was absorbed from the pulmonary bed. This possibility is supported by the findi...
Milk Plasmin Activity Influence on Cheddar Cheese Quality during Ripening

Up to six-fold increase in plasmin activity in milk did not significantly (p<0.05) affect the composition (moisture, protein, NaCl) of cheese, although a slight increase in moisture and decrease in protein content of the cheese was noted. Proteolysis in cheese increased with plasmin activity, resulting in improved flavor and overall quality of the cheese after 3 and 6 months ripening. Consistently, increasing the plasmin activity in milk about three-fold resulted in cheese of superior sensory quality.
Should CEs Study Economics and Risk

Civil engineers claim to work for the good of the public. To promote the welfare of the public effectively, the civil engineer must favor economic efficiency and the requisite, optimal allocation of resources. A greater appreciation for the subjects of economic action on the part of civil engineers would be in the longterm public interest. Praxeology is the science of purposeful human action. Praxeology and Engineering Problems considered subjects of common concern for economic action and engineering education. An extensive investigation of the works by Ludwig von Mises ~1966, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1990! suggested that real economics, as synthesized by Mises, should be introduced to engineers ~Chadderton 1994!. An annotated bibliography of Mises’ work is given by Greaves and McGee ~1993!. A primary result of this study is an undergraduate course called ‘‘Economy and Risk’’ which is in its 9th year of presentation. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ~ABET! criteria for accreditation of civil engineering programs call for an understanding of various aspects of professional practice, including economic issues. The subjects of economic action, praxeology, can be incorporated within a broad social context in an undergraduate curriculum to have a positive effect for ABET accreditation. As an example, our data indicate consistently improved performance by students on the engineering economy portion of the FEE.
Trends in the Prevalence of Low Risk Factor Burden for Cardiovascular Disease Among United States Adults

Background— Cohorts consistently show that individuals with low levels of cardiovascular risk factors experience low rates of subsequent cardiovascular events. Our objective was to examine the prevalence and trends in low risk factor burden for cardiovascular disease among adults in the US population. Methods and Results— We used data from adults 25 to 74 years of age who participated in 4 national surveys. We created an index of low risk from the following variables: not currently smoking, total cholesterol <5.17 mmol/L (<200 mg/dL) and not using cholesterol-lowering medications, systolic blood pressure <120 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure <80 mm Hg and not using antihypertensive medications, body mass index <25 kg/m2, and not having been previously diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The age-adjusted prevalence of low risk factor burden increased from 4.4% during 1971 to 1975 to 10.5% during 1988 to 1994 before decreasing to 7.5% during 1999 to 2004 (P for nonlinear trend <0.001). The patterns were sim...
Heidegger and Affect studies: A case study of the transition from renting to home-ownership

This article is a meditation on the existential implications of home. On the basis of an ethnographic case study of Helen, a prospective first-time homebuyer in New York City, this article explores the psychological challenges that moving raised for her. Through a reading of Heidegger’s notion of dwelling that highlights the concept’s ambiguities, the article examines the complicated affordances of residential stability and exposes Helen’s tendency to idealize home. The positive affordances of home are typically seen as reinforced with residential stability in both the form of regulated renting and homeownership. Helen’s experience diverged from this expectation. Reading Helen with Heidegger allows for insight into how her relationships to place and with things informed the way she made decisions about and processed her experiences with moving, leaving and buying.