cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence de l'insuffisance rénale chronique sur les résultats des interventions endovasculaires au niveau de l'artère fémorale superficielle

Alors qu'on assiste a une banalisation du traitement des lesions occlusives de l'artere femorale superficielle (AFS) par des therapies endovasculaires, l'impact d'une insuffisance renale chronique (IRC) sur les resultats a long terme dans cette population de patients est encore mal definie. Nous avons analyse les resultats du traitement endovasculaire de lesions de l'AFS chez des patients ayant une IRC, a differentes phases de la maladie. Nous avons revu les informations d'une base de donnees concernant des patients ayant beneficie d'un traitement endovasculaire de l'AFS entre 1986 et 2007. Deux groupes ont ete definis: debits de filtration glomerulaire estimes (eGFR) ≤60 et >60 mL/min/1.73 cm 2 . Une analyse en intention de traiter a ete realisee. Les resultats ont ete analyses selon les criteres du TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC-II) et selon les criteres de la Society for Vascular Surgery. Une analyse de Kaplan-Meier a ete realisee pour evaluer les resultats au cours du temps. L'analyse des facteurs de risque a ete realisee a l'aide d'un modele de Cox pour les variables dependant du temps. Les donnees ont ete presentees en moyenne ± deviation standard quand cela etait approprie. Au total, 525 membres inferieurs chez 535 patients (68% d'hommes, âge moyen de 66 ± 14 ans) ont beneficie d'un traitement endovasculaire pour une claudication ou une ischemie critique (51%). Les patients ayant un eGFR ≤60 etaient plus âges et etaient significativement plus nombreux a avoir une coronaropathie, une insuffisance cardiaque congestive, un diabete, et une hyperlipidemie. La proportion des lesions TASC-II etait equivalente dans les deux groupes (37% pour les TASC-II C et D), mais le flux dans les arteres tibiales etat significativement moins bon dans le groupe eGFR ≤60. De plus, un plus grand nombre d'interventions ont ete necessaires pour traiter des lesions d'amont ou d'aval dans le groupe eGFR ≤60. Chez les patients ayant une claudication, il n'y avait pas de difference en ce qui concerne la permeabilite ni le taux de sauvetage de membre entre les groupes eGFR ≤60 et >60. Chez les patients ayant une ischemie critique, il n'y avait pas de difference en ce qui concerne la permeabilite mais le taux de sauvetage etait significativement moins eleve dans le groupe eGFR ≤60 par apport au groupe eGFR >60. En ce qui concerne le taux de sauvetage de membre, six facteurs ont ete identifies comme etant associes de facon significative a une reduction du taux de sauvetage de membre: presence de necrose tissulaire a l'admission (risque relatif [RR] = 6,45 ; p = 0,003), 0 ou 1 artere jambiere permeable (RR = 2,56 ; p p p p p p = 0,64), les lesions classees TASC C ou D ( p = 0,99), l'existence d'une occlusion aigue au moment de l'intervention ( p = 0,40), necessite d'un stenting adjuvant ( p = 0,67). L'IRC n'a pas d'impact sur la permeabilite apres interventions endovasculaires sur l'AFS. Le taux de sauvetage de membre est significativement moins eleve chez les patients ayant un eGFR ≤60 mL/min/1,73 cm 2 .
Reason, Discretion and Tradition A Reflection on the Burkean Worldview and Its Implications for Public Administration

This article seeks to better identify Edmund Burke's views on human reason and human nature, tradition, representation, and law, and the implications of these views for public administration. Parallels between Burke's thought and that of the Founders (Founding Fathers) are examined. Also, the reasons for neglect of Burke's thought by public administration writers are discussed. Drawing on Burke's thought, the article presents an argument for the exercise of significant discretion by public administrators but argues that this discretion should be limited by administrative rules and procedures and by a set of ethics that emphasizes prudence and tradition.
Chromium as an industrial carcinogen: Part II. Chromium in human tissues

A continuation of the findings in a study of workers hired in 1931-1937 in a chromate plant, directed at the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of insoluble, soluble, and total chromium. Chemical analyses of tissues of autopsies, identified by age at hire, cumulative exposure to insoluble, soluble, and total chromium and interval since last exposure are cited for three lung cancer cases. Histological identification of insoluble chromium was demonstrated. Marked deposition and retention of concentrations of chromium was noted 18.0 years since last exposure. In one case with cumulative exposure to insoluble chromium of 10.74 mg versus 0.63 mg for soluble chromium and histological demonstration of insoluble chromium, chrysotile was also identified.
Focal plane actuation to achieve ultra-high resolution on suborbital balloon payloads

Over the past few years there has been remarkable success flying imaging telescope systems suspended from suborbital balloon payload systems. These imaging systems have covered optical, ultraviolet, sub-­‐millimeter and infrared passbands (i.e. BLAST, STO, SBI, Fireball and others). In recognition of these advances NASA is now considering ambitious programs to promote planetary imaging from high altitude at a fraction of the cost of similar fully orbital systems. The challenge with imaging from a balloon payload is delivering the full diffraction-­‐limited resolution of the system from a moving payload. Good progress has been made with damping mechanisms and oscillation control to remove most macroscopic movement in the departures of the imaging focal plane from a static configuration, however a jitter component remains that is difficult to remove using external corrections. This paper reports on work to demonstrate in the laboratory the utility and performance of actuating a detector focal plane (of whatever type) to remove the final jitter terms using an agile hexapod design. The input to this demonstration is the jitter signal generated by the pointing system of a previously flown balloon mission (the Stratospheric Terahertz Observatory, STO). Our group has a mature jitter compensation system that thermally isolates the control head from the focal plane itself. This allows the hexapod to remain at ambient temperature in a vacuum environment with the focal plane cooled to cryogenic temperatures. Our lab design mounts the focal plane on the hexapod in a custom cryostat and delivers an active optical stimulus together with the corresponding jitter signal, using the actuation of the hexapod to correct for the departures from a static, stable configuration. We believe this demonstration will make the case for inclusion of this technological solution in future balloon-­‐borne imaging systems requiring ultra-­‐high resolution.
Serotonin 1A receptor availability in patients with schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder: a positron emission tomography imaging study with [11C]WAY 100635

Postmortem and positron emission tomography (PET) studies have reported several alterations in serotonin 1A receptor (5-HT1A) binding parameters in patients with schizophrenia. This study examines 5-HT1A availability in vivo in individuals with schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder. Twenty-two medication-free individuals with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder and 18 healthy subjects underwent PET scans with [11C]WAY 100635. Regional distribution volumes (V T, in milliliters per gram) were derived using a two-tissue compartment kinetic model. Outcome measures for 5-HT1A availability included binding potential (BP) and the specific to nonspecific equilibrium partition coefficient (V 3″). Eleven brain regions with high density of 5-HT1A were included in the analysis. No significant differences were observed in regional BP or V 3″ between patients and controls. No significant relationships were observed between regional 5-HT1A availability and symptom severity. The postmortem literature reports increased 5-HT1A binding in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia. This study did not detect differences in 5-HT1A binding. Whereas in two recently published PET studies, one reports increased binding in the temporal lobe while the other reports decreased binding in the amygdala. These inconsistencies suggest that the alterations demonstrated in postmortem studies cannot be reliably detected at the resolution achieved with PET. This raises the question as to whether major changes in the level of expression of the 5-HT1A receptor play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
A computer program for the visualization of stereoregular polymers

This paper describes a computer program that is useful in the elucidation and visualization of particular stereoregular polymer chains. The input is the fractions of isotactic, syndiotactic, and heterotactic triplets in a real polymer as determined by some technique such as NMR. The program calculates a matrix of conditional transition probabilities from these fractions. This matrix in conjunction with a random-number generator is used with Monte Carlo techniques to calculate a specific sequence of 0's and 1's. The sequence contains 101 elements. This is the generated polymer chain. The number of various kinds of doublet, triplet, etc., is then counted for this particular generated chain, and compared with that calculated from the matrix for the chain of infinite length. Comparisons among these sets of figures show that the generated polymer chains are usually quite typical of the infinite chain. The application of NMR techniques to the determination of the relative numbers of isotactic, heterotactic, and syndiotactic triplets in synthetic polymers was pioneered by Bovey (1) several years ago. The data thus obtained can be used in a straightforward manner to calculate various average properties of the polymer chain. Although these average properties may be used to describe the polymer, frequently it is difficult to visualize exactly what a typical polymer chain might look like from a stereoregularity point of view. This paper describes a computer program that calculates various sequence averages for an infinite polymer chain and that generates by Monte Carlo techniques a polymer chain typical of the NMR data. In addition the program, by calculating various sequence averages for the generated polymer chain, permits evaluation of just how representative the generated polymer is.
Hyperchoice and high prices: an unfair combination

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to investigate the effect of the number of choices on judged fairness and willingness to purchase.Design/methodology/approach – A survey‐based study was conducted with a between‐subject, two×five design having two levels of price ranges (high/low) and five levels of complexity (1, 3, 7, 11, and 21 choices). A total of 519 surveys were completed with a minimum of 42 respondents per cell.Findings – Greater choice initially has a positive effect on consumers' likelihood of purchase and their judgments of the fairness of the price. But too much choice has a negative effect, thereby creating an inverted “U” response curve. The effect of choice set size, however, is only triggered when combined with a high price. When the price is low, the number of choices has no effect on the judged fairness of the price and likelihood of purchase.Practical implications – The practical implication is that, although consumers like to have choices, there is no increased benefit to increasin...
We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby!: Evolution and Revolution in CBT with Youth

As the gold standard in psychotherapy with children and adolescents, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) earned its stripes through the years. CBT evolved from treating individual disorders with single protocols to embracing a modular and transdiagnostic approach. Despite this impressive evolution, CBT initiated a revolution that continues to provide services to patients in this new era. CBT must maintain momentum to fuel progress and drive clinical reform. In this article, the need for training and dissemination are discussed. Revolutionary practices and delivery methods are suggested. CBT continues to push the envelope of revolution by partnering with neuroscience to bridge the gap between brain and body. Integrating findings from neuroscience with CBT-spectrum approaches and non-traditional treatment formats provides theoretical flexibility and additional treatment options for clinicians. Culturally-friendly applications to treat diverse youth and the use of common modules from third wave approaches are suggested. The use of technology such as smartphones, computers, and videogames is encouraged. Offering treatment in non-traditional settings and formats such as CBT-based camp programs is also addressed.
Operational and denotational semantics of prolog

Abstract A Vienna Definition Language operational semantics of PROLOG, which includes the cut, the database, and the extra-logical operations, is presented. This semantics serves as the basis for deriving a denotational-continuation-style semantics of PROLOG through a systematic transformation of the operational semantics by a method described by Berry.
Balanced drainage of the contaminated pneumonectomy space.

Abstract The patient who needs a pneumonectomy but has an infected pleural cavity faces the probability of an empyema of the pneumonectomy space. Balanced drainage of a contaminated space may avoid this very serious complication. A patient with obstructing bronchogenic carcinoma associated with distal parenchymal suppuration and empyema is discussed. A pneumonectomy with balanced drainage of the pleural space was performed. After three weeks the mediastinum was stable, and daily irrigation of the space with antibiotic solution was begun. Following fourteen days of irrigation, the cavity was filled with antibiotic solution and closed. Follow-up has shown no subsequent space problems or infection. Balanced drainage is a useful method of dealing with a contaminated pneumonectomy space.
Non-Steady-State Rotating Disk Voltammetry of Redox Couples Incorporated in Perfluorsulfonated Ionomer Coatings on Electrodes

The differences in the affinity of Nafion coatings for Ru(NH3)63+/2+ and Os(bpy)33+/2+ counterions and the difference in the mobilities of the two types of cations within Nafion are used to explain...
Photorefractive devices for optical information processing

This paper describes several photorefractive devices for optical information processing that have been developed in recent years. These include photorefractive spatial light modulators; numerical processors, such as parallel integrator and matrix-matrix multiplier; devices for optical neural network applications, such as parallel thresholding, Max operation and perceptron learning.
Trace Element Removal During Physical and Chemical Coal Cleaning

Abstract Trace elements in coal are detrimental from both an environmental and a technological perspective. Since most trace elements in coal are associated primarily with the mineral phases, they are often amenable to removal by conventional physical coal beneficiation methods. However, these methods generally are not adequate for removing those trace elements which are associated with the organic matrix or which are very finely disseminated. Thus, chemical treatments may be necessary for removal of these trace components. Data from a variety of studies indicate that cleaning by concentrating tables, jigs, heavy-media cyclones, hydrocyclones, froth flotation, and oil agglomeration could effectively remove many trace elements from some coals. However, trace element removal efficiencies varied widely between coals. Because cleaning efficiencies are strongly coal-dependent, conclusions regarding the relative effectiveness of various cleaning techniques are difficult to draw since different coals were used a...
Horizontal residual stresses in the vicinity of a Breccia Pipe

Abstract This study determined the relative magnitudes and orientations of the horizontal residual stresses in the vicinity of the 755 Brecci Pipe at Cananea, Sonora, Mexico. These stresses were determined from eleven surface and underground orientated rock samples by the stress-relief overcoring technique. An elastic stress analysis for cylindrical and spherical inclusions was examined and compared to the calculated residual stresses. A petrographic examination for preferred mineral orientation was performed on orientated thin sections made from each of the overcores. Indications are that more confidence can be placed in residual stress orientations than in magnitudes. The secondary maximum principal horizontal residual stress in the host rocks has an orientation of S83°E and is normal to the secondary maximum principal horizontal residual stress in the 755 Breccia Pipe which acts in a N6°E direction. Comparison with the elastic analyses suggests the existence of a significant current tectonic N-S stress field in the 755 Area such that the in situ maximum principal horizontal stress is N-S. At the time of breccia pipe intrusion, it is estimated the magnitude of this N-S maximum principal horizontal stress was approximately 1·4 times the magnitude of the associated minimum principal horizontal stress. Large dispersions are noted in the calculated magnitudes of residual stresses. In general, little confidence can be placed in individual residual stress magnitudes and relative magnitudes are more meaningful. This study indicates that the stress-relief overcoring technique is acceptable for determining residual stress orientations; however, less confidence can be placed in residual stress magnitudes.
Prediction of soil deformation beneath temporary airfield matting systems based on full-scale testing

Abstract This paper presents results from full-scale evaluations of an aluminum structural mat system with regard to carrying heavy aircraft across graded, but unimproved, soil with California Bearing Ratios (CBRs) of 6, 10, 15, 25, and 100. The objective was to determine relationships among soil deformation rate, the mat’s flexural modulus, the number of applied passes, and the underlying soil’s CBR. Current prevailing performance prediction models for aluminum mat systems are based on full-scale tests using historic aircraft loads over soils having a CBR of 4 that were never validated for soils with higher CBR values. Full-scale test results presented herein demonstrated the inability of current models to accurately predict mat permanent deformation. Strong correlations were found between measured and predicted data across the entire spectrum of soil CBRs. These relationships can be used to noticeably improve the accuracy of performance prediction models. An empirical equation was developed to reasonably predict subgrade deformation for any number of passes and soil CBR for the loading and mat system tested.
Downhole magnetic measurements of ODP Hole 801C: Implications for Pacific oceanic crust and magnetic field behavior in the Middle Jurassic

[1] Downhole horizontal and vertical magnetic field measurements within the 474 m thick Jurassic crustal section drilled at ODP Hole 801C in the western Pacific show anomalies that are “in phase,” indicating that this site formed in the southern hemisphere and moved across the paleoequator to its present location at 18.6°N. The inclination computed from the horizontal and vertical anomaly logging data varies significantly downhole and can be explained by progressive rotation of the lava sequence as it is buried during accretion. This is compatible with the observed dips in the Formation Micro Scanner (FMS) data, which show up to 42° of rotation toward the fossil spreading axis. We restore the magnetic inclination to prerotated values and obtain an estimated pretilt inclination of 39.9° ± 6.6°, corresponding to a paleolatitude of 22.7° ± 5°S. The magnetic logging data document six polarity units within the drilled volcanic extrusive crust. The upper 132 m thick logged section of lavas contains four polarity units, which apparently formed 7 Myr after the formation of the underlying basement. The lower 212 m logged section of the hole is reversely magnetized with an intervening normal polarity zone. More than one reversal downhole would indicate a rapid reversal rate given the time it takes to form the extrusive section of oceanic crust: ∼45,000 years at a fast spreading rate of 66 km/Myr. Previous results from a contemporaneous section in Spain suggest rapid reversals throughout the late Bajocian–early Bathonian Stage (170–165 Ma). Nevertheless, the complicated formation history prevents quantification of the geomagnetic reversal rate for the 801C crustal section.
Sources of organic carbon for Rimicaris hybisae: Tracing individual fatty acids at two hydrothermal vent fields in the Mid-Cayman rise

Hydrothermal vents harbor ecosystems mostly decoupled from organic carbon synthesized with the energy of sunlight (photosynthetic carbon source) but fueled instead by oxidation of reduced compounds to generate a chemosynthetic carbon source. Our study aimed to disentangle photosynthetic and chemosynthetic organic carbon sources for the shrimp species Rimicaris hybisae, a primary consumer presumed to obtain its organic carbon mainly from ectosymbiotic chemoautotrophic bacteria living on its gill cover membrane. To provide ectosymbionts with ideal conditions for chemosynthesis, these shrimp live in dense clusters around vent chimneys; they are, however, also found sparsely distributed adjacent to diffuse vent flows, where they might depend on alternative food sources. Densely and sparsely distributed shrimp were sampled and dissected into abdominal tissue and gill cover membrane, covered with ectosymbiotic bacteria, at two hydrothermal vent fields in the Mid-Cayman rise that differ in vent chemistry. Fatty acids (FA) were extracted from shrimp tissues and their carbon isotopic compositions assessed. The FA data indicate that adult R. hybisae predominantly rely on bacteria for their organic carbon needs. Their FA composition is dominated by common bacterial FA of the n7 family (� 41%). Bacterial FA of the n4 FA family are also abundant and found to constitute good biomarkers for gill ectosymbionts. Sparsely distributed shrimp contain fractions of n4 FA in gill cover membranes � 4% lower than densely packed ones (� 18%) and much higher fractions of photosynthetic FA in abdominal tissues, � 4% more (compared with 1.6%), suggesting replacement of ectosymbionts along with exoskeletons (molt), while they take up alternative diets of partly photosynthetic organic carbon. Abdominal tissues also contain photosynthetic FA from a second source taken up presumably during an early dispersal phase and still present to c. 3% in adult shrimp. The contribution of photosynthetic carbon to the FA pool of adult R. hybisae is, however, overall small (max. 8%). Significant differences in carbon isotopic values of chemosynthetically derived FA between vent fields suggest that different dominant C fixation pathways are being used. & 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Outcomes research in head and neck oncology

The goals of outcomes research are the determination of treatment effectiveness and the use of that information as an aid in clinical decision making. Methods used in outcomes research include observational studies, secondary data analysis, structured literature review, and meta-analysis. In head and neck oncology, outcome measures have expanded to include quality of life and cost-effectiveness in addition to more traditional outcomes, such as survival and recurrence. A standard, and more inclusive, set of tumor- and patient-based variables has been proposed. With a better framework for the clinical study of head and neck cancer, outcomes research has the potential to identify the subgroups of patients who will benefit from treatment.
Damage to proteins due to the direct action of ionizing radiation

Proteins exposed to ionizing radiation suffer both reversible and irreversible effects. Reversible effects are defined as those which disappear in a short period of time after the removal of the radiation field and without further treatment of the sample. Irreversible effects are those which cause a permanent alteration in the structure of a protein.
Misleading metaphors in comparative constitutionalism: Moments and enthusiasm

Professor Sajo properly focuses on the ideas of constitutional enthusiasm and constitutional moments associated with Bruce Ackerman. 1 Ackerman developed his analysis from a close study of U.S. constitutional history. 2 Professor Sajo’s discussion suggests that it might be valuable to pry apart a number of components in Ackerman’s analysis. Those components fit more or less comfortably together in the U.S. context. Yet, they might not be related conceptually, or related empirically in other national settings. One important component of Ackerman’s analysis, for example, is largely descriptive. Ackerman observed that the constitutional system in the United States (understood as the set of fundamental institutions and value commitments that order the nation’s government) has undergone a number of important transformations since 1789. He then sought some general account that would explain how and why these transformations occurred. The analytical problem was exacerbated by the fact that the U.S. Constitution itself provides an amendment mechanism that, one might think, is all one needs to explain constitutional transformations. So, Ackerman’s problem was to account for substantial change in the U.S. constitutional order outside the framework provided by the Constitution itself. 3 His solution lay in identifying a particular form of popular mobilization, which he called the constitutional moment.
Media analyses based on Microsoft NTFS file ownership.

The ever-increasing size of digital media presents a continuous challenge to digital investigators who must rapidly assess computer media to find and identify evidence. To meet this challenge, methods must continuously be sought to expedite the examination process. This paper investigates using the file ownership property as an analytical tool focusing on activity by individuals associated with the computer. Research centered on the New Technology File System (NTFS), which is the default file system in Microsoft® Windows Operating System (OS). This was done because Microsoft®'s worldwide market penetration makes Windows® and NTFS the most likely OS and file system to be encountered in digital forensic examinations. Significantly, digital forensic software now allows examination of NTFS file attributes and properties including the ownership property. The paper outlines potential limitations regarding interpreting ownership findings, and suggests areas for further research. Overall, file ownership is seen as a potentially viable new digital forensic tool.
Nitrogen fixation in freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems. 1. Rates and importance1

Nitrogen fixation is mediated by a variety of autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria. Cyanobacteria appear responsible for most planktonic fixation in aquatic ecosystems, and rates of fixation are high only when thcsc organisms make up a major percentage of the planktonic biomass, Planktonic nitrogen fixation tends to be low in oligotrophic and mesotrophic lakes (generally 20% of the nitrogen input to the Asko region of the Baltic Sea and 17% of the nitrogen input to the PeelHarvey estuary in Australia. Fixation in sediments of estuaries and eutrophic and mesotrophic lakes usually constitutes a small percentage of the nitrogen inputs to these systems. However, benthic fixation appears to be a major source of nitrogen for many oligotrophic tropical lagoons and for some oligotrophic lakes, even though fixation rates are moderate because other nitrogen inputs tend to be low. Nitrogen fixation probably is a fairly minor input of nitrogen to marine wetlands, which are generally open to other inputs, but contributes roughly half the total nitrogen input to some freshwater wetlands (bogs, cypress domes), where other inputs are more limited. Nitrogen fixation appears important in making up deficits in nitrogen availability relative to phosphorus availability in many lakes, contributing to the phosphorus-limited status of these systems. That many estuaries and coastal seas are nitrogen limited is due in part to the generally low rates of nitrogen fixation found in these systems.
The internal structure of vP in Ju|'hoansi and ‡Hoan

In this article, I analyze ki (‡Hoan) and ko (Ju|'hoansi) as heading vP internal functional projections dominating VP and dominated by vP. I show how this analysis provides a natural account for the various possible and impossible word orders in constructions involving locative and instrumental phrases. Lastly, I discuss the general implications of my analysis for the theory of Case checking in Chomsky (2000, 2001a, b).
Face view synthesis across large angles

Pose variations, especially large out-of-plane rotations, make face recognition a difficult problem. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that uses a single input image to accurately synthesize an image of the person in a different pose. We represent the two poses by stacking their information (pixels or feature locations) in a combined feature space. A given test vector will consist of a known part corresponding to the input image and a missing part corresponding to the synthesized image. We then solve for the missing part by maximizing the test vector’s probability. This approach combines the “distance-from-feature-space” and “distance-in-feature-space”, and maximizes the test vector’s probability by minimizing a weighted sum of these two distances. Our approach does not require either 3D training data or a 3D model, and does not require correspondence between different poses. The algorithm is computationally efficient, and only takes 4 – 5 seconds to generate a face. Experimental results show that our approach produces more accurate results than the commonly used linear-object-class approach. Such technique can help face recognition to overcome the pose variation problem.
Multi-scale thermal modeling methodology for electronics cabinets

Electronic systems are characterized by large variations in length scales of interest, ranging from six to eleven decades, coupled modes of thermal transport, and multiple materials with large variations in thermo-physical properties. A multi-scale thermal modeling methodology based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) for electronic cabinets is developed. Simulation results for a typical server electronic cabinet using thermoelectric cooling are presented. A multilayer compact model for thermoelectric module is developed and a reduced order model for the enclosure and its associated plenum part is constructed using POD with flux matching technique. The compact model for the entire cabinet can be constructed directly by combining the compact model for each enclosure and its associated plenum part. A reduced order model for the enclosure and the entire cabinet based on this methodology is realized. An order of magnitude of 10 could be reduced for the DOF of system with an accuracy of more than 90%. This methodology can be directly extended to large-scale problems at the data center level for evaluation of advanced cooling approach.
Improving Outcomes for ESRD Patients: Shifting the Quality Paradigm

The availability of life-saving dialysis therapy has been one of the great successes of medicine in the past four decades. Over this time period, despite treatment of hundreds of thousands of patients, the overall quality of life for patients with ESRD has not substantially improved. A narrow focus by clinicians and regulators on basic indicators of care, like dialysis adequacy and anemia, has consumed time and resources but not resulted in significantly improved survival; also, frequent hospitalizations and dissatisfaction with the care experience continue to be seen. A new quality paradigm is needed to help guide clinicians, providers, and regulators to ensure that patients' lives are improved by the technically complex and costly therapy that they are receiving. This paradigm can be envisioned as a quality pyramid: the foundation is the basic indicators (outstanding performance on these indicators is necessary but not sufficient to drive the primary outcomes). Overall, these basics are being well managed currently, but there remains an excessive focus on them, largely because of publically reported data and regulatory requirements. With a strong foundation, it is now time to focus on the more complex intermediate clinical outcomes-fluid management, infection control, diabetes management, medication management, and end-of-life care among others. Successfully addressing these intermediate outcomes will drive improvements in the primary outcomes, better survival, fewer hospitalizations, better patient experience with the treatment, and ultimately, improved quality of life. By articulating this view of quality in the ESRD program (pushing up the quality pyramid), the discussion about quality is reframed, and also, clinicians can better target their facilities in the direction of regulatory oversight and requirements about quality. Clinicians owe it to their patients, as the ESRD program celebrates its 40th anniversary, to rekindle the aspirations of the creators of the program, whose primary goal was to improve the lives of the patients afflicted with this devastating condition.
Covered Call Writing from an Expected Utility Perspective

“Writing covered calls is one of the most popular investment strategies involving options. It is often recommended by investment analysts, not infrequently with extravagant claims about high expected returns and low risk. By contrast, among the firmly established principles of finance are that there is no free lunch, and that a strategy that reduces risk exposure (for example, by writing calls that partially offset the market exposure of a long position in the underlying) should lead to lower expected returns. Rendleman addresses the following question: what assumptions about expected return and option (mis)pricing are required in order for an investor with constant proportional risk aversion to prefer writing covered calls to simply holding the underlying, the riskless asset, or a long call? Moreover, is it better to write long- or short-dated contracts? The results indicate that unless calls are significantly overpriced, the strategy is much less attractive in general than its promoters assert.”
Experimental Investigation of a Turbulent Boundary Layer Using Simultaneous 3-D Flow Visualization and 2-D PIV

A high speed 3-D flow visualization system is synchronized with a 2-D particle image velocimetry (PIV) system to simultaneously capture instantaneous 3-D images with a 2-D PIV slice through the center of the measurement volume. Trials were performed on a zero pressure gradient (ZPG) turbulent boundary layer (Reθ ~ 4900) on the wall of a 2 ft x 2 ft open circuit wind tunnel. The experimental setup, including the two lasers, two cameras, wind tunnel, seeding technique, and synchronization is described. In this experiment the turbulent boundary layer is investigated using complementary proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and linear stochastic estimation (LSE) on a set of 440 flow visualization and PIV images. The correlation between flow visualization POD modes and velocity POD modes is used with LSE to give a rough estimate of the velocity field given only a flow visualization image. Limited success has been achieved in this regard, though a larger data set and a higher resolution flow visualization camera could yield more accurate results. Future experiments will be enhanced by the use of a higher resolution flow visualization camera and will explore adverse pressure gradient turbulent flows.
Intracortical connections are not required for oscillatory activity in the visual cortex

Synchronized oscillatory discharge in the visual cortex has been proposed to underlie the linking of retinotopically disparate features into perceptually coherent objects. These proposals have largely relied on the premise that the oscillations arise from intracortical circuitry. However, strong oscillations within both the retina and the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) have been reported recently. To evaluate the possibility that cortical oscillations arise from peripheral pathways, we have developed two plausible models of single cell oscillatory discharge that specifically exclude intracortical networks. In the first model, cortical oscillatory discharge near 50 Hz in frequency arises from the integration of signals from strongly oscillatory cells within the LGN. The model also predicts the incidence of 50-Hz oscillatory cells within the cortex. Oscillatory discharge around 30 Hz is explained in a second model by the presence of intrinsically oscillatory cells within cortical layer 5. Both models generate spike trains whose power spectra and mean firing rates are in close agreement with experimental observations of simple and complex cells. Considered together, the two models can largely account for the nature and incidence of oscillatory discharge in the cat's visual cortex. The validity of these models is consistent with the possibility that oscillations are generated independently of intracortical interactions. Because these models rely on intrinsic stimulus-independent oscillators within the retina and cortex, the results further suggest that oscillatory activity within the cortex is not necessarily associated with the processing of high-order visual information.
Ca2+ sparks and K(Ca) channels: novel mechanisms to relax urinary bladder smooth muscle.

The urinary bladder is a unique organ that must able to relax while filling with urine and contract forcefully to expel urine during micturition. Micturition is under voluntary control, and involves the synchronized contraction of smooth muscle cells in the bladder wall.3 During filling, the urinary bladder maintains a relatively constant internal pressure as the bladder wall expands. To achieve this, smooth muscle cells in the bladder wall must simultaneously maintain tension and gradually increase in length as the bladder wall thins and stretches. Despite the central role in bladder physiology, mechanisms underlying this modulation of excitation-contraction coupling are poorly understood. Previous findings from our laboratory and others have shown that calcium-activated K+ (KCa) channels play a prominent role in the regulation of urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) contractility. In this study, we explore the modulation of excitation-contraction coupling by ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and KCa channels. To understand the complex interplay between RyRs and KCa channels, we used a multifaceted approach that includes molecular techniques, electrophysiology, force measurements, and rapid calcium imaging. Elucidating mechanisms that control UBSM relaxation will increase our understanding of both normal and dysfunctional urinary bladder physiology, and ultimately lead to the development of therapeutics to control certain forms of urinary incontinence.
Should Public Policy Seek To Control The Growth Of Health Care Spending

ABSTRACT: Debate about whether to restrain health care spending is intensifying. Much of the debate revolves around efficient research allocation. The possible impact of cost control on the advance of medical technology merits more attention. Public and private efforts to slow growth of health spending have not enjoyed much success. Most recently, managed care failed because administrators lacked political legitimacy. Politically established budget limits can hold down spending, but the United States seems unwilling to adopt them; even if it were, the technology to administer them rationally does not exist. In this situation, efforts to hold down cost growth carry grave risks.
Optimal admissions in cellular networks with handoffs

In this paper, the phenomenon of the optimal acceptance of new calls in cellular networks is formulated as an admission control problem in interconnected queues with more than one controllable arrival stream. Using the inductive approach of dynamic programming it is shown that the optimal admission policy in each cell is of threshold type, with the threshold being a function of the number of calls in progress, average new call arrival rates, handoff rates and service rates in each cell. The above result is proved under a certain condition on the relationship between average new call arrival rate and handoff rate. This condition is expected to be satisfied by current cellular networks as well as future PCNs.
Root carbon and protein metabolism associated with heat tolerance

Extensive past efforts have been taken toward understanding heat tolerance mechanisms of the aboveground organs. Root systems play critical roles in whole-plant adaptation to heat stress, but are less studied. This review discusses recent research results revealing some critical physiological and metabolic factors underlying root thermotolerance, with a focus on temperate perennial grass species. Comparative analysis of differential root responses to supraoptimal temperatures by a heat-adapted temperate C3 species, Agrostis scabra, which can survive high soil temperatures up to 45 °C in geothermal areas in Yellow Stone National Park, and a heat-sensitive cogeneric species, Agrostis stolonifera, suggested that efficient carbon and protein metabolism is critical for root thermotolerance. Superior root thermotolerance in a perennial grass was associated with a greater capacity to control respiratory costs through respiratory acclimation, lowering carbon investment in maintenance for protein turnover, and efficiently partitioning carbon into different metabolic pools and alternative respiration pathways. Proteomic analysis demonstrated that root thermotolerance was associated with an increased maintenance of stability and less degradation of proteins, particularly those important for metabolism and energy production. In addition, thermotolerant roots are better able to maintain growth and activity during heat stress by activating stress defence proteins such as those participating in antioxidant defence (i.e. superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase) and chaperoning protection (i.e. heat shock protein).
Aluminum nitride-silicon carbide solid solutions grown by plasma-assisted, gas-source molecular beam epitaxy

Solid solutions of aluminum nitride (AlN) and silicon carbide (SiC) have been grown at 900–1300 °C on vicinal α (6H)-SiC(0001) substrates by plasma-assisted, gas-source molecular beam epitaxy. Under specific processing conditions, films of (AlN)x(SiC) 1−x with 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.8, as determined by Auger electron spectrometry (AES), were deposited. Reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) was used to determine the crystalline quality, surface character, and epilayer polytype. Analysis of the resulting surfaces was also performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed that monocrystalline films with x ≥ 0.25 had the wurtzite (2H) crystal structure; however, films with x < 0.25 had the zincblende (3C) crystal structure.
SUPPRESSOR MUTATIONS FOR THE ISOLEUCINE LOCUS IN SACCHAROMYCES.

ABS>It was shown that a large number of isoleucine revertant result from suppressor mutation. Three types of suppressors of isoleucine requirements have been encountered. One kind of suppressor specifically suppresses the allele is/ sub 1-1/ and none of the other three alleles. The second type is nonspecific and suppresses all of the alleles. Both of these kinds of suppressors are dominant. Whereas mutation at any one of the five loci indicated can give rise to specific suppressors, all of the four nonspecific suppressors analyzed are the result of mutation at a single locus. The third type of suppressor, which is also nonspecific, permits the utilization of threonine as a substitute for the isoleucine requirement for growth. This property seems to be under the control of two recessive but complementar linked genes. Growth studies indicate that the presence of specific suppressor (S/sub 1-/is/sub 1-1/) in a haploid culture with any one of the isoleucine alleles (is/sub 1-1/, is/sub 1-2/ or IS) stimulates the growth to some extent. There is also some evidence, although not conclusive, that in some cases a haploid strain possessing two suppressor genes gives poor growth. It is suggested that the nonspecific suppressors act by making available anmore » alternative pathway of synthesis for isoleucine, and that the specific suppressors act by repairing the primary defect in some way or by controlling some environmental factor. (auth)« less
Better understanding of human decision making can inform the design of sociotechnical systems that foster and support behavior modification

Behavior modification is the process of identifying and changing an undesirable behavior to a more desirable one. As computational devices and the data they produce become more ubiquitous, sociotechnical systems utilizing these devices become more viable as tools to support behavior modification endeavors. These systems can be accessed at the moments people need them, supplying the right support and guidance on a personalized basis. As behaviors are based on decisions, sociotechnical systems supporting behavior modification that incorporate our understanding of human decision making are likely to be more efficacious than those that do not. These systems can also utilize our knowledge of motivation to further improve their users' likelihood of success. My dissertation research examines how our understanding of human decision making and motivation can be used to better determine how sociotechnical systems can be built that encourage and support people in their behavior modification efforts.
SEASONAL ABUNDANCE OF Gyrodactylus macrochiri HOFFMAN AND PUTZ, 1964 ON BLUEGILL AND LARGEMOUTH BASS

Specimens of Gyrodactylus macrochiri were collected from bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus and largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, in Walter F. George Reservoir at 2 week intervals from December 1967 to January 1969. The G. macrochiri populations were at high levels during the hosts' spawning in the spring, at temperatures similar to the spawning period in the fall period and during winter. During mid-summer at temperatures above 28 C the populations on both host species were at their lowest levels.
Near normality and some econometric models

This is obviously a very stringent condition, and it cannot be applied to most pairs of random variables. A number of results have recently been discussed in the univariate case (Granger [1]) where it is shown that the weighted sum of independent and identically distributed random variables is nearer-normal than the constituent variables. This result does not necessarily hold if the variables are not identically distributed or if they are dependent. The corresponding bivariate theorem is as follows.
The Limping Child

Evaluating a limp in a growing child is a problem often faced by paediatricians, accident and emergency department doctors, general practitioners, and orthopaedic surgeons. There are many causes, ranging from surgical emergencies to children who need observation only [1]. It is often not possible to know with certainty how serious the condition is at the initial examination, and so it is important to adopt a systematic approach to evaluation.
On the Electronic Structure of Bis(η5-cyclopentadienyl) Titanium

Prior to the first reported synthesis of the titanium analogue of ferrocene, bis(η 5 -cyclopentadienyl)Ti, there was theoretical speculation as to the electronic structure of what would become known as "titanocene". In time, the original report of a successful synthesis was apparently shown to be incorrect, and a dimeric form of the substance was postulated as the correct structure. In the present work, high level ab initio and DFT calculations are performed on the titanocene monomer to help answer these structural questions, and to compare with early theoretical and experimental efforts. The need for a multi-configurational wave function is analyzed and found to be unnecessary. The present calculations predict that the ground state of titanocene monomer is a triplet with parallel and freely rotating cyclopentadienyl rings, which further suggests that experimentally synthesized "titanocene" is indeed some form of the dimer.