cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathophysiology of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a progressive, destructive, cystic lung disease caused by the diffuse proliferation of smooth muscle like LAM cells that carry bi-allelic loss-of-function mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene. LAM affects almost exclusively women. LAM occurs in women with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and in women who do not have TSC, which is referred to as sporadic LAM. LAM can result in pneumothorax and oxygen dependency, and also has non-pulmonary manifestations, including renal angiomyolipomas and retroperitoneal lymphangioleiomyomas. Recent progress in LAM has led to FDA approval of sirolimus (rapamycin) for the therapy of LAM and the development of VEGF-D as a diagnostic biomarker in the setting of a characteristic chest computed tomography (CT) scan. Here, we review the clinical and genetic features of LAM, the pathophysiology of LAM, and animal models of LAM, highlighting key clinical and translational unknowns.
Balanced Gradient Training of Feed Forward Networks

We show that there are infinitely many valid scaled gradients which can be used to train a neural network. A novel training method is proposed that finds the best scaled gradients in each training iteration. The method’s implementation uses first order derivatives which makes it scalable and suitable for deep learning and big data. In simulations, the proposed method has similar or less testing error than conjugate gradient and Levenberg Marquardt. The method reaches the final network utilizing fewer multiplies than the other two algorithms. It also works better than conjugate gradient in convolutional neural networks.
Iodine Content in Meal Replacements in the United States.

Abstract Objective Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production. The recommended dietary allowance for iodine in nonpregnant adults is 150 μg/d. However, most product labels do not list the iodine content. Meal replacements are not required to contain specific vitamins and minerals. Nevertheless, they are often marketed as good and convenient sources of a balanced nutrition. In this study, we aimed to assess the iodine content in meal replacements to determine how they may contribute to iodine deficiency or excess. Methods Twenty seven meal replacements from supermarkets in the Boston area were collected. The iodine concentration of each meal replacement was measured spectrophotometrically. Iodine content in meal replacements were compared according to form (liquid, bar, and powder) and type (vegan and nonvegan). Results The overall mean ± SD iodine content was 49.7 ± 125.4 μg/serving. However, 1 meal replacement was an outlier and had 671.9 μg iodine per serving. Mean iodine content differed between forms and was highest for liquids (mean ± SD: 37.4 ± 6.5 μg/serving). Nonvegan meal replacements had a higher mean iodine content than vegan meal replacements (mean ± SD: 31.6 ± 15.78 μg/serving). Conclusion All of the meal replacements contained detectible amounts of iodine regardless of whether it was listed on their labels (41% did not list iodine). Overall, the meal replacements in this study were found to be good sources of iodine. However, consumers should be aware that packaging labels may not accurately reflect the amount of iodine present.
281 Racial and language disparities in teledermatology visits for acne during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Teledermatology has emerged as an essential model of care during the COVID-19 pandemic However, the impact of the rapid transition to teledermatology on patients of certain racial/ethnic and language groups due to differential access to technology, lower digital health literacy, language barriers, or cultural perceptions is unknown We sought to identify race and language disparities in teledermatology utilization for patients with acne, one of the most frequent diagnoses seen via teledermatology, before and during the pandemic Methods: A retrospective chart review of all in-person and virtual visits for acne at a large academic dermatology department from March-May 2019 and March-May 2020 was conducted Virtual visit types included video- or audio-only visits Chi-squared analyses were performed to compare populations across visit types Results: 3544 visits were analyzed Virtual visits accounted for 1229/1630 (75 6%) during- pandemic visits Racial and language distributions of patients for overall visits were not statistically significantly different pre- and during-pandemic However, video visits (versus audio-only) comprised a greater proportion of virtual visits during-pandemic for White (86 9%) compared to non-White patients (82 0%), and for English-speaking (86 2%) compared to non-English-speaking patients (60 5%) (both p<0 001) During-pandemic, interpreters use was documented for 23 1% of all non-English-speaking patients for in-person visits versus 9 3% of virtual visits (p<0 001) Conclusions: Non-White and non-English-speaking patients were less likely to use video visits for acne during the pandemic than White and English-speaking patients Non-English-speaking patients were less likely to receive interpreters in virtual visits than in-person visits These findings suggest underlying disparities in teledermatology access and barriers to interpreter use during virtual visits
The Idea of Israel in Second Temple Judaism: A New Theory of People, Exile, and Israelite Identity

In this book, Jason A. Staples proposes a new paradigm for how the biblical concept of Israel developed in Early Judaism and how that concept impacted Jewish apocalyptic hopes for restoration after the Babylonian Exile. Challenging conventional assumptions about Israelite identity in antiquity, his argument is based on a close analysis of a vast corpus of biblical and other early Jewish literature and material evidence. Staples demonstrates that continued aspirations for Israel's restoration in the context of diaspora and imperial domination remained central to Jewish conceptions of Israelite identity throughout the final centuries before Christianity and even into the early part of the Common Era. He also shows that Israelite identity was more diverse in antiquity than is typically appreciated in modern scholarship. His book lays the groundwork for a better understanding of the so-called 'parting of the ways' between Judaism and Christianity and how earliest Christianity itself grew out of hopes for Israel's restoration.
Complications associated with deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease: a MAUDE study.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a common surgical option for the treatment of medically refractory Parkinson’s disease (PD). Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE), a United State...
Accelerating quantum many-body configuration interaction with directives.

Many-Fermion Dynamics-nuclear, or MFDn, is a configuration interaction (CI) code for nuclear structure calculations. It is a platform-independent Fortran 90 code using a hybrid MPI+X programming model. For CPU platforms the application has a robust and optimized OpenMP implementation for shared memory parallelism. As part of the NESAP application readiness program for NERSC's latest Perlmutter system, MFDn has been updated to take advantage of accelerators. The current mainline GPU port is based on OpenACC. In this work we describe some of the key challenges of creating an efficient GPU implementation. Additionally, we compare the support of OpenMP and OpenACC on AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.
Persistent diarrhea as the predominant symptom of Hirschsprung's disease (congenital dilatation of colon); report of two cases.

The case histories of two infants with absence of ganglion cells in a distal segment of colon are presented. These cases are remarkable in that the predominant symptom in each was persistent diarrhea rather than constipation. Megacolon was not present.
Novel methodology to evaluate the effect of residual moisture on epoxy resin sealer/dentine interface: a pilot study.

Gibby SG, Wong Y, Kulild JC, Williams KB, Yao X, Walker MP. Novel methodology to evaluate the effect of residual moisture on epoxy resin sealer/dentine interface: a pilot study. International Endodontic Journal 44, 236–244, 2011. Abstract Aim To evaluate the sealer/dentine interface associated with an epoxy resin sealer using the combination of Goldner’s trichrome stain (GTS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to verify the use of the experimental methodology. Methodology Extracted human maxillary incisors (6) were subjected to root canal treatment. Subsequent to pulp removal, canal instrumentation and smear layer removal using EDTA and NaOCl, teeth were randomly and equally assigned to a ‘wet’ or ‘dry’ group. The ‘dry’ group was desiccated (95% ethanol/suction/paper points/air-drying), whilst the ‘wet’ group was treated with a saline rinse/suction/single paper point. Canals were then filled with an epoxy-based resin sealer and warm vertical gutta-percha compaction. After 7-day storage at 37 °C, roots from each group were sectioned into apical, middle and coronal horizontal subsections that were cut and split into paired halves and evaluated with GTS or SEM. With GTS sections, hybrid layer and sealer tubular penetration were measured (n = 15 measurements/intracanal location/condition) and evaluated using a two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance. The SEM qualitative analysis of paired sections was included as a complementary confirmation of GTS analyses. Results In dry and wet groups, there was no conspicuous sealer/dentine interface hybrid layer, irrespective of canal location. However, dry specimens exhibited more uniform sealer distribution with deeper tubular penetration in the coronal and middle third (P < 0.05). In contrast, there was decreased sealer distribution and tubule penetration in the apical third, regardless of moisture condition (P < 0.05). Conclusions The experimental methodology (combination of GTS and SEM) can be used to evaluate the intracanal resin sealer/dentine interface. The pilot data indicated that thorough drying of the root canal system may result in improved epoxy resin sealer distribution and deeper resin sealer tubular penetration, especially in the coronal and middle thirds of root canals.
Navigation and Homing, Neural Basis of

Navigational ability in animals often relies on memory-based maps of environmental space, typically assisted in birds by external ‘compass’ clues and in rodents by internal positioning information represented by specialized neurons such as place cells. The hippocampus and related brain structures appear to be integral to the ability to navigate. Keywords: cognitive map; path integration; hippocampus; place cells; head direction cells
Enzymatic dissection of embryonic cell adhesive mechanisms: II. Developmental regulation of an endogenous adhesive system in the chick neural retina

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of two functionally distinct intercellular adhesive systems operating among embryonic chick neural retina cells. These systems differ in their proteolytic sensitivity, protection by calcium against proteolysis, dependence on calcium for function, and in vitro morphogenetic potential. In this report we demonstrate that functional expression of the calcium-dependent adhesive system of embryonic chick neural retina cells is developmentally regulated between Days 7 and 16 of development, whereas the calcium-independent adhesive system is not. Age-dependent changes are described in terms of the ability to produce adhesive-competent cells bearing the calcium-dependent adhesive system and in terms of the responses of these cells during aggregation to perturbations with various drugs. Enzyme and ion combinations other than calcium and typsin are shown to yield calcium-dependent adhesive-competent cells. We also describe the protective effect of calcium on the histological and ultrastructural organization of trypsinized embryonic neural retina tissue. The possible role of the calcium-dependent adhesive system in retinal development is discussed.
Teaching by Example: A Case for Peer Workshops about Pedagogy and Technology

Many institutions and their information technology (IT) professionals expend significant time and resources encouraging faculty members to integrate targeted technologies into their pedagogies. To further some technology initiatives, IT professionals should consider working with department chairs and others to identify faculty members who can serve as technology liaisons to their home departments; these liaisons can encourage the integration of technology through workshops and other methods that target the pedagogical concerns of their specific fields. Because they understand the disciplinary norms and can speak to their colleagues about the concrete educational needs that technologies can help them meet, such technologically savvy instructors (hereafter referred to simply as faculty peers) may interest their colleagues in using technology. In return, IT can introduce the faculty peers, especially those who are new and untenured, to the range of technologies and resources supported on campus. Cultivating mutually beneficial relationships between IT and specific faculty peers can enhance the profiles of the latter on campus, while simultaneously demonstrating the usefulness of the technologies that the institution supports. In this article, I explain why faculty peers can be particularly effective at leading technology workshops, how they can efficiently develop workshop materials, and what incentives may motivate their service.
Strained Si surface channel MOSFETs for high-performance CMOS technology

Biaxial tension enhances in-plane transport of both electrons and holes in silicon, and can improve the current drive of CMOS devices independent of geometric scaling and electrostatic design. Device performance enhancements and issues to be addressed before the realization of strained Si CMOS technology are discussed.
Multitechnique surface spectroscopic studies of plasma-modified polymers I: H2O/Ar plasma-modified polymethylmethacrylates

Results from x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA), low-energy ion scattering spectrometry (LEIS or ISS); and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses are presented for unmodified and modified poly (methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) polymer films. Analysis of the unmodified PMMA polymers (isotactic, syndiotactic, and atactic) via ESCA, ISS, and FTIR, established the surface composition, bonding, and functionality before the modification was employed. An rf-plasma glow discharge created from an Ar/H2O gas mixture at different exposure times and power levels was used to treat the polymer surface. Subsequent ESCA, ISS, and FTIR analyses of these modified PMMA’s show the effects of surface modification in terms of a model of structural differences, over a limited depth (50–100 A). The composition and functionality changes of the resulting surfaces are discussed with respect to proposed mechanisms of the plasma reaction and differences in tacticity of the reactant. A two-step reaction mechanism involving reactive decarboxylation/reduction followed by H2O adsorption is proposed to understand the spectroscopic results.
Laser photodetachment electron spectroscopy studies of heavy atomic anions

Laser photodetachment electron spectroscopy (LPES) experiments have been performed at the Negative Ion Research Facility at the University of Nevada, Reno, using a crossed ion-laser beams apparatus to investigate the structure and dynamics of heavy atomic anions. A small ion accelerator is used to produce monoenergetic beams of negatively-charged atomic ions. Ejected electrons (photoelectrons), produced by the collision of the ions with linearly-polarized photons, are collected and their kinetic energy is measured with a hemispherical-sector electrostatic analyzer. The resultant photoelectron spectrum is used to determine the electron affinity (EA) of several of the lanthanides, while limits on the electron affinities for others are inferred. In addition, the angular asymmetry parameters and angular distribution patterns of photoelectrons created by laser photodetachment of several heavy atomic anions, as well as the spectral dependence of those angular distributions, have been determined. Electron affinities and photoelectron angular distribution asymmetry parameters can offer crucial information regarding the electronic structures of these heavy atomic anions, and represent key information for models of these complex systems.
Bent Domain Walls as Braneworlds

We consider domain walls embedded in curved backgrounds as an approximation for braneworld scenarios. We give a large class of new exact solutions, exausting the possibilities for describing one and two walls for the cases where the curvature of both the bulk and the wall are locally constant. In the case of two walls, we find solutions where each wall has positive tension. An interesting property of these solutions is that the curvature of the walls can be much smaller than the tension, leading to a significant cancellation of the effective cosmological constant, which however is still much larger than the observational limits. We further discuss some aspects of inflation in models based on wall solutions.
Temperature responses of carbon monoxide and hydrogen uptake by vegetated and unvegetated volcanic cinders.

Ecosystem succession on a large deposit of volcanic cinders emplaced on Kilauea Volcano in 1959 has resulted in a mosaic of closed-canopy forested patches and contiguous unvegetated patches. Unvegetated and unshaded surface cinders (Bare) experience substantial diurnal temperature oscillations ranging from moderate (16 °C) to extreme (55 °C) conditions. The surface material of adjacent vegetated patches (Canopy) experiences much smaller fluctuations (14–25 °C) due to shading. To determine whether surface material from these sites showed adaptations by carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) consumption to changes in ambient temperature regimes accompanying succession, we measured responses of CO and H2 uptake to short-term variations in temperature and long-term incubations at elevated temperature. Based on its broader temperature optimum and lower activation energy, Canopy H2 uptake was less sensitive than Bare H2 uptake to temperature changes. In contrast, Bare and Canopy CO uptake responded similarly to temperature during short-term incubations, indicating no differences in temperature sensitivity. However, during extended incubations at 55 °C, CO uptake increased for Canopy but not Bare material, which indicated that the former was capable of thermal adaptation. H2 uptake for material from both sites was completely inhibited at 55 °C throughout extended incubations. These results indicated that plant development during succession did not elicit differences in short-term temperature responses for Bare and Canopy CO uptake, in spite of previously reported differences in CO oxidizer community composition, and differences in average daily and extreme temperatures. Differences associated with vegetation due to succession did, however, lead to a notable capacity for thermophilic CO uptake by Canopy but not Bare material.
Subdural air collection: a likely source of radicular pain after lumbar epidural

This case conference reports two cases of epidural anesthesia in which air was used to identify the epidural space during a loss-of-resistance placement technique. Both patients subsequently complained of severe pain and subdural air was demonstrated in case 1 by computed tomography and in case 2 by magnetic resonance imaging. The possible causes of the pain syndrome experienced by both patients are discussed.
Thermal Conductivity of Metal Cloth Heat Pipe Wicks

Heat conduction through a metal cloth wick saturated with a fluid has been investigated. An apparatus used to measure thermal conductivity, in which the condition of wick packing geometry is carefully controlled, and the basic experimental procedure are described. Experimental results are presented and compared to a new mean-gap-conductance model based upon the wick geometry, and to the simple series model. The mean-gap-conductance model evaluates the effects of the mesh geometry, and with the addition of a correction term to account for three-dimensional effects and layer-to-layer contact, the effective conductivity can be accurately predicted. In addition, a correlation of the mean gap which directly includes three-dimensional and contact conductance effects is presented. The correlation predicts the data within 10 percent whereas the series model may be more than 40 percent in error. From a parametric study using the new model, theoretical limits on the maximum and minimum conductivity enhancement have been determined as a function of geometric parameters. The implications of the research on heat pipe wick design are discussed.
A new effect at high currents in heterostructure bipolar transistors

Large current densities in heterostructure bipolar transistors with heterostructure collectors are shown to cause an excess electron barrier leading to an increase in minority-carrier charge storage in the base and a decrease in current gain of the device. This effect occurs at current densities where the mobile charge in the collector depletion region significantly reduces the electrostatic field, thus exposing an electron chemical potential barrier due to bandgap grading at the junction. The effect appears at lower current densities than the Kirk effect and should occur in wide-gap heterostructure collector devices. The effect is demonstrated using experimental data and analyzed using device modeling; solutions are suggested for its elimination. >
How Are the Sciences of Complex Systems Possible

To understand the behavior of a complex system, one must understand the interactions among its parts. Doing so is difficult for nondecomposable systems, in which the interactions strongly influence the short term behavior of the parts. Science’s principal tool for dealing with nondecomposable systems is a variety of probabilistic analysis that I call EPA. I show that EPA’s power derives from an assumption that appears to be false of nondecomposable complex systems, in virtue of their very nondecomposability. Yet EPA is extremely successful. I aim to find an interpretation of EPA’s assumption that is consistent with, indeed that explains, its success.
Post-irradiation examination of the Spallation Neutron Source target module

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is an accelerator-based pulsed neutron source that produces high-energy spallation neutrons by bombarding liquid mercury flowing through a stainless steel target vessel. During operation the proton beam and spallation neutrons produce radiation damage in the AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel target vessel and water-cooled shroud. The beam pulses also cause rapid heating of the liquid mercury, which may produce cavitation erosion damage on the inner surface of the target vessel. The cavitation erosion rate is thought to be highly sensitive to beam power and predicted to be the primary life-limiting factor of the target module. Though cavitation erosion and radiation damage to the target vessel are expected to dictate its lifetime, the effects of radiation damage and cavitation erosion to target vessels in liquid metal spallation systems are not well known. Therefore preparations are being undertaken to perform post-irradiation examination (PIE) of the liquid mercury target vessel and water-cooled shroud after end-of-life occurs. An overview of the planned PIE for the SNS target vessel is presented here, including proposed techniques for specimen acquisition and subsequent material properties characterization.
Real-time performance analysis of production lines: A system-theoretic approach

Real-time control of production systems has significant practical and theoretical implications, especially in rapid response and decision making under critical conditions. However, analytical methods for analysis and control of production system in real-time remain largely unexplored. In the framework of serial production lines with Bernoulli machines and finite buffers, this paper develops a mathematical model for real-time performance analysis and derives closed-form expressions for evaluating the production rate, consumption rate, work-in-process, and probabilities of machine starvation and blockage, in real-time. In addition, a computation-efficient procedure based on recursive aggregation is developed to approximate the real-time performance measures with high accuracy.
The Boundary Spanning Effects of the Muslim Diaspora on the Internationalization Processes of Firms from Organization of Islamic Conference Countries

Abstract While scholarly attention to the role played by diasporans in facilitating cross-country trade has recently increased, the implicitness of this phenomenon has prevented many researchers from examining empirically how these processes actually work. Unlike previous studies that focus on diasporans from specific countries of origin, we take a different perspective on diasporans by looking beyond country boundaries. We focus on religious/cultural groupings, specifically on Muslim diasporans living in the West. We utilize a phenomenological driven qualitative research approach to investigate the effects of Muslim diasporans on the internationalization processes of firms from Organization of Islamic Conference countries in the context of the halal industry. Our exploratory study provides some evidence for (1) the boundary spanner roles played by Muslim diasporans within the halal industry across more than dyadic country contexts and (2) for Rahnema's (2006) triple identity theory.
The structure of a linear omega-like vacancy defect in Zr-Nb B.C.C. solid solutions

Abstract Many Ti and Zr-base alloy systems in which a metastabile structure called the omega phase is formed, exhibit a characteristic diffuse scattering distribution from the untransformed b.c.c. solid solution. These diffuse scattering observations indicate that a localized defect is present in the b.c.c. solid solution. In the present work the structure of a new type of defect in the b.c.c. phase was determined using published diffuse scattering observations for a Zr-20 wt % Nb alloy. The defect was shown to consist of a vacancy about which are rows of atoms displaced along one 〈111〉 direction. The particular 〈111〉 displacements that occur on opposite sides of the vacancy give rise to structures that are similar to two subvariants of the omega phase. This sequence of subvariants and the additional small displacements normal to the 〈111〉 direction can explain the observed diffuse peak shifts characteristic of many Ti and Zr alloy systems. On the basis of the diffraction analysis alone it is not possible to state that the defect structure arrived at is unique. However, this structure does provide the best fit to the observations of all the models tried, and it explains in a physically reasonable manner many of the details of the diffuse scattering. The similarity of this new defect to the omega phase, suggests that it plays an important role in the mechanism of the omega phase transformation. What this role is, still remains to be determined.
Moderate Waist Circumference and Hypertension Prevalence: The REGARDS Study

Abdominal obesity prevalence is increasing rapidly in the United States, particularly among adults 88 cm for women and >102 cm for men).2-5 High WC is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular-related death, independent of body mass index (BMI).6-11 Recognizing these important cardiovascular risks, the National Institutes of Health recommends screening for high WC in persons who are overweight (BMI 25–29.9) or obese class I (BMI 30–34.9) and to consider screening for high WC in persons with normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9).2,4 However, many adults have moderate WC (80–88 cm for women and 94–102 cm for men).11-13 Less is known about the cardiovascular risks of moderate WC. Although WC appears to increase the risk of obesity-related complications in a graded fashion rather than only at high WC thresholds, previous studies have examined different moderate-range WC values based on empirically defined categories making translation of these findings into clinical practice challenging.8,9,14-15 Sex-specific WC cutoffs that predict obesity-related risk independent of BMI, that account for the graded relationship between WC and obesity-related risk, and that involve simple criteria (e.g., three strata) are needed for clinical practice and public health promotion. In 1995, Lean and colleagues identified two WC “action levels” associated with increased cardiovascular risk: (i) 80 cm in women and 94 cm in men, and (ii) 88 cm in women and 102 cm in men.14,16 However, few studies have tested whether these action levels predict cardiovascular risk independent of BMI in blacks and whites. The inclusion of blacks is important because US data (all pre-1990) have not found a consistent association between abdominal obesity and cardiovascular risk for blacks, after controlling for BMI.9,17,18 Therefore, we examined hypertension prevalence which is positively associated with obesity and abdominal obesity,2,6,19 by BMI and WC, with a focus on moderate WC, in a large biracial, national cohort of community-dwelling US adults aged 45–84 years. We tested the relationship between WC strata developed by Lean and colleagues and hypertension prevalence after adjusting for BMI and hypertension risk factors. We explored age variability because the relative proportion of lean body mass to fat mass may decrease with age7 and the relationship between abdominal obesity and cardiovascular risk may not persist in older adults after controlling for BMI.20 We hypothesized that moderate WC would be associated with prevalent hypertension among persons with normal, over-weight, or obese class I BMI.
Henri Fayol, practitioner and theoretician – revered and reviled

Purpose – Fayol's theories were the original foundation for management as a discipline and as a profession. Also Fayol was the first to advocate management education. Yet he has critics who revile him (or at least disparage his work) as well as followers who respect and revere him. This paper intends to enlighten today's practitioners and academicians about the relevance and value of Fayol's theories today. Design/methodology/approach – The paper addresses Fayol's contributions as well as the disparagement and the reverence. It compares Fayol's work with that of Follett, Mintzberg, Taylor, and Porter. In addition, it demonstrates the original and current interpretation and application of his theories. Finally, it indicates the alignment of Fayol's theories with strategic leadership and management. Findings – Fayol's theories are valuable and relevant for organizational leaders because Fayol was a practitioner who documented theories that worked best for him and his co‐workers. While there are those who criticize Fayol's theories, there are many others who respect them and find them useful as academicians and as practitioners. The theory of management functions aligns well with strategic leadership and management models and theories. Originality/value – The paper is the first to integrate Fayol's theories with a strategic leadership model.
Valence calculations of actinide anion binding energies: All bound 7 p and 7 s attachments

Relativistic configuration-interaction calculations have been performed for anion binding energies of the entire actinide row using a corelike treatment of the $5f$ subshell: the same occupancy and universal $jls$ restrictions are applied to the subshell throughout the basis of each neutral and anion calculation. We predict bound $7p$ attachments to all actinide ground state configurations except Fm, Md, and No. Additional anion bound states are formed by $7p$ attachment to excited thresholds in Pa and Lr as well as $7s$ attachments relative to excited open-$s$ thresholds in Th, Pa, U, and Np. Of the 41 bound actinide anion states presented, over half are characterized here for the first time. The most unusual case is ${\text{Pa}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, where these ab initio calculations predict five bound anion states arising from four different configurations.
A novel scoring system to predict the development of necrotizing enterocolitis totalis in premature infants

Abstract Background/Purpose Necrotizing enterocolitis totalis (NEC-totalis) is the severest form of NEC, with mortality rate of almost 100% even in the busiest neonatal centers. Despite such a prognosis, its risk factors remain elusive. We seek to identify clinical and laboratory parameters that differentiate NEC-totalis from NEC, and to use these factors to develop a scoring system to identify patients at risk for NEC-totalis upon presentation. Method NEC patients were identified from our electronic medical record using ICD9 code. Diagnosis of NEC-totalis was based on operative and autopsy reports. Patients were divided into 2 groups: NEC-but-no-totalis and NEC-totalis. Clinical/laboratory data were obtained for each group. T-test, multivariate logistic regression and backward stepwise regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for NEC-totalis and these risk factors were formulated into a "Totalis Score." Result Among 157 NEC patients, 13 had NEC-totalis. NEC-totalis patients, compared to NEC alone, had fewer platelets, older age at diagnosis of NEC and greater phosphorus and creatinine levels. A 0-5 point scale "Totalis Score" based on these risk factors had sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 78% for the diagnosis of NEC-totalis. Conclusion Low platelet, high phosphorus, high creatinine and older age at diagnosis of NEC were associated with a greater risk of developing NEC-totalis.
Bayesian image processing of data from constrained source distributions—II. Valued, uncorrelated and correlated constraints

Bayesian image processing formalisms which incorporatea priori information about valued-uncorrelated and valued-correlated (patterned) source distributions are introduced and the corresponding iterative algorithms are derived using the EM technique. Striking improvement in image processing is demonstrated when applying these algorithms to Poisson and Gaussian randomized data in one-dimensional cases.
A Problematic Integration Approach to Capturing the Cognitive, Cultural, and Communicative Experiences of Hurricane Katrina Volunteers

This essay outlines an applied approach for examining message reception and processing among natural disaster volunteers. It is argued that an applied approach provides analysis of volunteers' decision-making processes that extends to cognitive, cultural, and communicative influences on the decision to volunteer. Implications for future research on volunteerism in natural disasters are discussed and policy-making implications are addressed.
Isotactic sequence lengths by ozonation of poly(propylene oxide)

Ozonation followed by lithium aluminum hydride reduction cleaved high molecular weight isotactic poly(propylene oxide) to crystalline polyglycols. From the melting point and molecular weight of the latter, the molar freezing point depression produced by end groups is found to be ca. 18°C./mole, as compared to that estimated for poly(ethylene glycols), Kf = 12°C./mole, from earlier data. By assuming syndiotactic placements (or other irregularities) would produce the same molar depression, the melting point of isotactic poly(propylene oxides) produced by various catalysts has been used to estimate the isotactic sequence lengths.
The structure and evolution of the vorticity and temperature fields in thermals

The vorticity and temperature fields in axisymmetric thermals are studied via a projection method for the Navier-Stokes Boussinesq equations. Development of small-scale structure is observed at high Grashof numbers, and spreading rate, entrainment, mixing in the core, and generation of countersign vorticity are enhanced.
Racial and ethnic disparities in care: the perspectives of cardiovascular surgeons.

Background Although racial/ethnic disparities in care are well documented, particularly for cardiac care, we know little about what cardiac surgeons think about them. For educational efforts to be effective in helping physicians address disparities, they must consider providers' knowledge and beliefs about the underlying causes of the disparities. Methods We conducted a survey in 2004 to assess cardiologists' and cardiac surgeons' knowledge of racial/ethnic disparities in cardiovascular care and their perceptions about the underlying causes. Respondents were recruited from the membership of four cardiovascular professional associations. This paper focuses on cardiovascular surgeons' responses (n = 208). Results Forty-four percent of cardiovascular surgeons thought that, among patients with cardiac risk factors, black patients were not as likely as white patients to receive cardiac diagnostic tests and procedures. Additionally, 30% thought that black patients were not as likely as white patients to receive therapeutic tests and procedures. However, only 13% agreed that cardiac care disparities occur "often" or "somewhat often" based on patients' race/ethnicity, independent of their insurance and education. Only 3% thought disparities were likely to occur in their clinical setting. Respondents appeared more likely to endorse patient factors (eg, health behaviors or treatment adherence) than system or provider (eg, miscommunication or continuity of care) factors as reasons for disparities. Conclusions Although some surgeons acknowledge that racial/ethnic disparities in cardiac care occur, very few agree that they occur often, independent of patients' characteristics. Educational efforts tailored to local care settings, such as reviewing quality of care data on patients of different races/ethnicities within a clinic/hospital, may effectively inform all physicians of these disparities.
Disorder variables and para-fermions in two-dimensional statistical mechanics

Abstract It is shown that “clock” type models in two-dimensional statistical mechanics possess order and disorder variables φ n and χ m with n and m falling in the range 1,2, …, p . These variables respectively describe abelian analogs to charged fields and the fields of 't Hooft monopoles with charges q = n / p and topological quantum number m . They are related to one another by a dual symmetry. Products of these operators generate, via a short-distance expansion, para-fermion operators in which rotational symmetry and the internal symmetry group are tied together. The clock models in two dimensions are shown to be an ideal laboratory where these ideas have a very simple realization.
A missing tissue compensator.

Abstract A method is described for the fabrication of missing tissue compensators used in radiation therapy. This method uses layers of styrofoam plastic and a hot-wire cutting machine to construct a mold in which the compensator is made from tissue equivalent material. When the patient contours are provided, no special equipment or materials are required beyond those normally found in a therapy clinic.
A genetic analysis of parent-offspring conflict

1. When there is no cost to the selfish behavior, selection favors the spread of selfish alleles at offspring loci when the ratio of cost c to the parents' future offspring to benefit b to the selfish offspring is less than 2 for full-sibs and 4 for half-sibs. Selection on the parent favors offspring alleles where c/b≦1. For monogamous parents, parent-offspring conflict exists when b<c<2b. 2. When performance of a selfish act involves a cost (θ), the relationship b<c<2b no longer defines the conditions for the spread of selfish alleles. As θ increases, the upper limit of c/b decreases and the lower limit of b increases. 3. No conflict exists between parent and offspring over the best strategy to maximize reproductive success. When selfish alleles spread or when there is a cost to selfish behavior or parental counterstrategies, then RS is lowered for both parents and offspring. 4. The spread of selfish offspring alleles leads to a reduction in r and K. The spread of altruistic alleles leads to an increase in r and K. 5. Conflict exists between selfish offspring alleles and alleles at other independently assorting offspring loci. 6. In order to define the effects of an offspring behavior on its fitness, not only the ratio of cost to benefit but also the magnitude of b must be defined. Alleles with equal values of V, when V=b-0.5c, will not spread relative to one another. 7. Parent alleles that counteract offspring selfish alleles can spread as long as b 1.5, parent counteracting alleles spread faster than do offspring selfish alleles. 8. A number of factors, including the action of other offspring loci, parental counterstrategies, and the cost of selfish behavior will tend to favor the expression of selfish alleles with a low ratio c/b and a low to moderate magnitude of b. Selfish alleles with a high ratio c/b and a high benefit b should be relatively uncommon. 9. Winning parent-offspring conflict depends on the biological constraints of the situation, and is mainly determined by the relative costs of offspring selfish behavior and parental counteracting behavior.
Un códice misceláneo: la Comedia de Calisto y Melibea, Sevilla, 1501, Rès Yg. 63, BNF

Bajo la signatura Res Yg. 63 de la Bibliotheque Nationale de France se halla una de las tres ediciones de la Comedia de Calisto y Melibea que han llegado hasta nosotros y, concretamente, la que vio...
Do psychiatric comorbidities have a negative impact on the course and treatment of seizure disorders

Purpose of review Psychiatric comorbidities are relatively frequent in people with epilepsy (PWE) occurring in one of every three patients, with a predominance of mood and anxiety disorders. Their relation with epilepsy is very complex as not only are patients with epilepsy at greater risk of developing psychiatric disorders, but also those with primary psychiatric disorders are at greater risk of developing epilepsy. The purpose of this review is to identify the implications that this bidirectional relation has on the management of the actual seizure disorder. Recent findings Psychiatric comorbidities are associated with a worse response to the pharmacologic and surgical treatment of the seizure disorder. In addition, comorbid mood and anxiety disorders have been associated with a worse tolerance of antiepileptic drugs. Furthermore, the complexity between psychiatric comorbidities and epilepsy can also be appreciated in patients with treatment-resistant focal epilepsy who are treated with surgery, as some may experience a remission of presurgical mood and anxiety disorders after surgery, particularly when complete seizure freedom is achieved, whereas others experience an exacerbation in severity during the first 12 months after surgery and others may experience the development of de-novo psychiatric disorders. Summary Psychiatric comorbidities are relatively frequent in PWE and have a bidirectional relation, the consequence of which are reflected in a worse response to the pharmacologic and surgical treatment of the seizure disorder. In addition, the variable changes of presurgical psychiatric comorbidities following epilepsy surgery may be another expression of this complex relation.
Specific heat of Sr4Ru3O10

Abstract We have measured the specific heat of single crystals of the triple-layer Ruddlesden–Popper material, Sr 4 Ru 3 O 10 , grown both in an image furnace (IF) and by flux-growth. The flux grown (FG) sample has a sharp mean-field-like anomaly at the onset of magnetic order, T C =102 K, but a much broader anomaly, indicative of residual heterogeneity, is observed for the IF sample. Even for the FG sample, however, the anomaly is at least an order of magnitude smaller than one would expect for complete ordering of the spins. Neither sample exhibits an anomaly at T M ∼50 K, where magnetic measurements suggest that basal plane antiferromagnetism sets in. Anomalous behavior (e.g., consistent with a term in the specific heat ∝ T 3/2 as would be observed for a three-dimensional ferromagnet with weak exchange) is observed at low temperatures for both samples, indicative of the unusual magnetic order in this material.
Targeted Ubiquitylation: The Prey Becomes Predator

Being targeted for polyubiquitylation often means the end of life for the substrate protein. In this issue of Molecular Cell, Ouni et al. (2010) demonstrate that the yeast transcription factor Met4, a target of the SCFMet30 E3 ligase for nonproteolytic polyubiquitylation, can also function to target its cofactors for proteolytic ubiquitylation by the same E3 ligase.
Analysis of microvascular permeability to macromolecules by video-image digital processing

Abstract The dynamics of macromolecular transport across microvascular walls were studied in the hamster cheek pouch by intravital fluorescence microscopy. A graded series of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextrans (FITC-Dx) of 20,000–70,000 MW was used as macromolecular tracers. The time-dependent extravasation of FITC-Dxs was videotaped for about 2.5 hr to allow for tracer equilibration in the interstitial space. Permeation of macromolecules from individual microvessels was quantified by digital video-image processing. Histograms of the light intensity distributions for selected fields at various times were measured and used to construct integral optical density-time profiles of the extravasated fluorochromes for particular leaky sites. A nonlinear regression algorithm was employed to determine the effective microvascular permeability (P) for the macromolecules studied using a one-dimensional two-compartmental diffusion model and a step change in macromolecular concentration at the boundary. The calculated P's (× 10−8 cm/sec) were 47.8 ± 8.7 for FITC-Dx 20; 31.7 ± 5.9 for FITC-Dx 40, and 17.5 ± 4.1 for FITC-Dx 70. Our values are comparable to those obtained by whole organ techniques. The observed differences can be explained by explicit consideration of interstitial resistance in the calculations.
Surgical treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer in the Medicare population.

Background. Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy of white populations. Different surgical treatment options can be used to treat these tumors, depending on the tumor characteristics and setting. Objective. To determine how frequently different specialists use the different types of surgical options available for the treatment of NMSC using a 1998–1999 sample of Medicare claims data. Methods. Episodes of care of NMSC were identified by pathology claims with a diagnosis of NMSC. The surgical interventions performed within 7 days before the pathologic diagnosis of NMSC were then analyzed. The numbers of patients and the variety of surgical treatments were categorized by specialty to include dermatology, general surgery, and plastic surgery. Results. Dermatologists managed 82% of the NMSC episodes. Dermatologists used a wider range of different treatment options than other specialists and performed 90% of the biopsies, 56% of the excisions, 95% of the destructions, and 100% of the Mohs micrographic surgeries for NMSC. Conclusions. Dermatologists identify and manage most of the NMSC in the United States and offer patients a broad range of surgical options. The use by dermatologists of office-based surgical methods not commonly used by other specialists may partially explain previous findings of better NMSC outcome by dermatologists. The low level of use of specific surgical options by some specialists may indicate the need for greater training/exposure to these methods.