cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlling Current, Voltage and Heat in a Solar Cell with Photonic Nanostructures

The use of photonic nanostructures offer many new opportunities for enhancing the performance of solar cells. In this talk, we will present the theoretical consideration for current and voltage enhancement through photonic engineering. We will also show that the use of the photonic structures may lead to the possibility of radiative cooling of solar absorbers.
Some Typhlodromus Mites from Hawaii

Five species of Typhlodromus mites (Phytoseiidae), 2 of which are new species, are reported from Hawaii. These mites are T. neobakeri , n. sp., T. haramotoi , n. sp., T. jackmickleyi De Leon, T. pini Chant, and T. rhenanoides Athais-Henroit.
Low Acceptance Rates of Conference Papers Considered Harmful

A quantitative analysis supports the argument that very low acceptance rates of conference papers are more likely to impede publication of bold and innovative research results than to indicate the chosen papers' prestige and elite status.
Is the Mortality Benefit With Empagliflozin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Too Good To Be True

Signaling a likely end to a long and elusive quest for cardiovascular outcome benefit associated with treatment intervention in type 2 diabetes mellitus, the results of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial [BI 10773 (Empagliflozin) Cardiovascular Outcome Event Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients] were received with a standing ovation at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes scientific meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, on September 17, 2015.1 Witnessing the spontaneous applause, I had mixed emotions. Was it time to bring the trumpets out and rejoice that the “holy grail” had finally been achieved? Or, was it more appropriate to curb the enthusiasm and question the “historic milestone,” given that the mortality benefit was unexpected and unprecedented? Examples abound of instances where we have been led astray by implausibly large treatment effects that were not confirmed by subsequent trials. Perhaps the most compelling is the case of perioperative β-blockade with bisoprolol in high-risk vascular surgery.2 The DECREASE 1 trial (Dutch Echocardiographic Cardiac Risk Evaluation Applying Stress Echo) yielded a 91% risk reduction in cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction ( P <0.001) in 112 patients. These results were widely disseminated and adopted by several practice guidelines, ultimately rising to the status of a performance measure. The positive results of this trial were never replicated. On the contrary, a large, randomized trial (POISE [Perioperative Ischemic Evaluation]) and a meta-analysis pointed to harm, necessitating a downgrading of recommendations a decade after the publication of the original trial results.3 One systematic review concluded that most large treatment effect estimates should be considered with caution. The vast majority are either spurious …
Reforming Childhood in the Context of Colonialism

A 1940s photo by one of Egypt’s most important studio portraitists, Aram Alban, who went by the name of Alban,1 depicts a father dressed in Egyptian peasant attire sitting steadfast in front of his son dressed in semi-European attire. On their heads are two different symbols: the father wears an imama (traditional head wrap) and the son a tarboosh (felt, cone-shaped hat worn by the educated upper/middle-class Egyptian elite). The father’s eyes look away, the son’s look to the camera. The diverted eyes of the father, in comparison to the son’s, point to a tension between old and new.
Phenotyping women with detrusor underactivity by presumed etiology: Is it plausible?

AIMS Underactive bladder (UAB) is a symptom complex with poorly characterized causation. The aim of this study was to determine if clinical and UDS parameters differed between categories of presumed detrusor underactivity (DU) etiologies. METHODS A retrospective review was performed at a single institution from 2011 to 2015 to identify patients with symptoms of UAB. Patients were excluded if they were male, had anti-incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery within 1 year, or the UDS did not demonstrate DU as defined within. Subjects were stratified by etiology into four cohorts: cardiovascular disease manifestations (CV), cardiac risk factors (CVR), neurologic (N), or idiopathic (I). Patient demographics, comorbidities, symptomatology, physical exam, and UDS parameters were compared. RESULTS A total of 200 patients met inclusion criteria (CV: n = 53 [26.5%], CVR: n = 44 [22%] N: n = 81 [40.5%], I: n = 22 [11%]). Women in the CV cohort were significantly older and more likely to be post-menopausal (P < 0.001). There were no differences between cohorts for BMI (P = 0.48), recurrent UTI (P = 0.63), history of urinary retention (AUR) (P = 0.65), POP (0.49), American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUA-SS) (P = 0.06), presenting symptomatology [urgency, frequency, urgency urinary incontinence, AUR, incomplete emptying, hesitancy, UTI (P = 0.97)], or UDS parameters (first sensation [P = 0.25], normal desire [P = 0.80], strong desire [P = 0.58], capacity [P = 0.11], Qmax [P = 0.50], Pdet at Qmax [P = 0.22], post-void residual [P = 0.82]). CONCLUSIONS Though differences were observed between cohorts for age and menopausal status, clinical or urodynamic parameters did not demonstrate distinct differences across presumed categories of etiology, suggesting that the etiology of DU may be multifactorial. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:1151-1154, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Past, Present, and Future Rio de Janeiro

After the in-depth readings of certain buildings and works of literature, in this concluding chapter, I suggest that the city more broadly exists in a perpetually and acutely “in progress” state, especially in the context of the 2016 Olympics. My notion contends that prevalent development discourses of Brazil somehow being on the brink of “fulfilling its potential” have recurred at various points since 1889, and that the latest iteration, for the Olympics, can be read according to that history. Rio has existed in a decadent condition since 1889, and continues to do so, with extreme gestures towards the past and the future coming into constant dialogue in the urban environment. Rather than ever reaching that supposed “future,” that look to the future and the past creates an aesthetic of incompleteness that has defined the history of the modern city.
Microbial Growth and Successions on Steaks as Influenced by Packaging Procedures1

The influence of retail packaging procedures: (1) Borden's Resinite film overwrap; (2) Gas (1% CO, 40% O2, 59% N2) flushed for 2 min then overwrapped with the Resinite film; (3) packaged in a barrier bag and sealed with no evacuation of air on microbial growth and succession on steak surfaces was studied during 12 d of storage at 4°C. Growth on top and bottom surfaces for all packaged steaks did not differ significantly within most sampling periods. Similar growth patterns were observed on both steak surfaces, increasing (P <0.05) between d 3, 6, and 9 of storage. Pseudomonas dominated the microflora on steaks packaged in all treatments. However, Pseudomonas was the dominant organism on the steaks packaged in treatment 3 only through d 6; thereafter the microflora were dominated by Serratia . The numbers of Micrococcus , Brochothrix , and coryneforms were also increased with storage time in all treatments.
A Case of Prekallikrein Deficiency in a Pediatric Patient.

Abstract Prekallikrein (also known as Fletcher factor) is described as one of the contact factors, and when converted to its active form, kallikrein, is responsible for the activation of factor XII and initiation of the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade. Kallikrein also converts high-molecular-weight kininogen to bradykinin, which acts as a potent vasodilator. Deficiency of prekallikrein was first described in 1965 as an autosomal recessive disorder. Hereditary deficiency of prekallikrein is not associated with a clinical bleeding disorder, but does result in a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Most cases of prekallikrein deficiency are identified through routine screening. We present a young man who was referred to our Hemophilia and Thrombophilia Treatment Center for a significantly prolonged aPTT and subsequently found to have prekallikrein deficiency. NP is a 7 year-old boy who was found to have an aPTT of 209.6 seconds on pre-operative evaluation for PE tubes and adenoidectomy. Prothrombin time (PT) was normal at 14.7 seconds, with an INR of 1.2. There was no personal or family history of bleeding. Past medical history did include bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder, for which the patient was taking olanzapine and depakote. A 1:1 mixing study with normal plasma led to complete correction of the aPTT to 28.9 sesconds. Levels of factors VIII, IX, XI, and XII were normal at 98%, 92%, 99% and 129%, respectively. High molecular weight kininogen level was also normal. Thrombin time was normal at 17.1 sec. An incubated aPTT was performed over 3 hours with decrease in the aPTT from 179 seconds to 72 seconds, a phenomenon that has been reported previously, and is thought to be due to auto-activation of factor XII. Prekallikrein was measured at less that 15% (normal reference 55–207%). The patient subsequently underwent adeno-tonsillectomy without any excessive bleeding. This case serves as another example of the benign causes for a prolonged aPTT in the pre-operative setting in addition to those such as lupus anticoagulant or factor XII deficiency. Deficiency of prekallikrein should be included in the differential diagnosis of a prolonged aPTT, particularly in the absence of bleeding symptoms.
Ethical and Clinical Considerations for Topical Drug Products (Including Surgical Scrubs)

The Food and Drug Administration has the responsibility of evaluating drugs to ensure that they are safe, effective, and properly labeled prior to marketing. This authority is derived from the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The parent law was passed in 1906, and major revisions were made in 1938 and 1962. These congressional acts have followed notorious events. The 1906 act was influenced by Upton Sinclair’s book The Jungle, which drew public attention to the unsanitary conditions in the meat packing industry. The 1938 amendment followed a national tragedy in which over 100 persons died after ingesting a sulfanilamide elixir that contained diethylene glycol, a solvent used without any preliminary toxicological studies. The 1962 amendment, commonly known as the Kefauver-Harris Amendment, was triggered by the thalidomide incident, which caused a number of malformed babies and established that thalidomide was a fetotoxic agent.
Quality and Access to Care for Cardiovascular Disease Prevalence in Women Veterans: Population Estimate Using Electronic Health Records

Background: Electronic Health Records are used to measure quality indicators for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but have not been tested for sensitivity and specificity. Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) used by the Veterans Health Affairs (VHA), has active CVD clinical reminders from
A Multi-Element Sediment Record of Hydrological and Environmental Changes from Lake Erie since 1800

Concentrations of aluminum, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, potassium, selenium, sodium, tin, titanium, vanadium, and zinc were measured in a surface sediment core from the Sandusky basin of Lake Erie to detail the history of hydrological and environmental changes back to 1800. The results from hierarchical cluster and principal component analyses revealed four elemental groups. All the trace elements clustering with aluminum, iron, and manganese in Group I were enriched due to increased inputs from anthropogenic sources. The two conservative elements sodium and potassium clustering in Group II showed patterns of changes like those of water-level fluctuations. The two carbonate elements calcium and magnesium clustering in Group III showed intriguing but complex carbonate biogeochemistry associated with biogenic production, organic acid-induced dissolution and dilution by organic and aluminosilicate materials. The terrigenous element titanium in Group IV experienced two stages of depletion from increased organic fluxes in the 1820s and 1950s. Following the enactments of stringent regulations in the early 1970s, many of these elemental inputs have reduced considerably. But the concurrent reductions in the Sandusky basin were much slower than previously thought. Large increases in inputs from local storages (internal loading) were required to account for the slow reductions. The increased internal loading was caused by augmented organic materials from accelerated eutrophication which facilitated the transfer, transport, and cycling of many trace metals. This work has implications in ongoing research efforts to tackle the eutrophication problem because the complex ecosystem including the internal loading has changed considerably over the past two centuries.
Large-Angle, Multifunctional Metagratings Based on Freeform Multimode Geometries

We show that silicon-based metagratings capable of large-angle, multifunctional performance can be realized using inverse freeform design. These devices consist of nonintuitive nanoscale patterns and support a large number of spatially overlapping optical modes per unit area. The quantity of modes, in combination with their optimized responses, provides the degrees of freedom required to produce high-efficiency devices. To demonstrate the power and versatility of our approach, we fabricate metagratings that can efficiently deflect light to 75° angles and multifunctional devices that can steer beams to different diffraction orders based on wavelength. A theoretical analysis of the Bloch modes supported by these devices elucidates the spatial mode profiles and coupling dynamics that make high-performance beam deflection possible. This approach represents a new paradigm in nano-optical mode engineering and utilizes different physics from the current state-of-the-art, which is based on the stitching of nonint...
Visual Diagnosis: An 11-year-old Girl with Swollen Lips and Oral Bumps.

1. Matthias Kochmann, MD* 2. Shipra Bansal, MBBS*† 3. Vatcharapan Umpaichitra, MD*† 4. Sheila Perez-Colon, MD*† 1. *Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 2. †Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center and Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY An 11-year-old girl with a normal medical history is referred by her pediatrician to the pediatric endocrinology clinic due to progressive lip enlargement for the past 4 years, which led to being bullied at school. The upper and lower lips have been increasing in size symmetrically. The lip swelling is painless, persistent, and not associated with weather or food consumption. There is no history of trauma, voice change, or difficulty swallowing. She denies chest pain, palpitation, tremors, syncope, anxiety, tingling, or muscle spasms. She also denies headaches or sweating. There is no history of high blood pressure. She has regular bowel movements and denies abdominal pain or distention. There is no family history of similar symptoms or medical conditions. Her physical examination reveals a thin girl (height, 60 in \[153 cm\] \[64th percentile\]; weight, 75 lb \[34 kg\] \[17th percentile\]; BMI, 14.5 [4th percentile]; and arm span, 63 in [160 cm]) with normal vital signs. She has symmetrically enlarged lips (Fig 1). Her extremities are noticeable for long limbs and high-arched feet. She has hard, sessile, painless papules at the tip of the tongue (Fig 2). The thyroid gland is normal in size, and no nodules are palpable. No lymph nodes of the neck are appreciated. Figure 1. Lip swelling. Figure 2. Mucosal neuromas of the tongue (arrows). Blood work reveals an elevated calcitonin level of 31.2 pg/mL (9.1 pmol/L) (normal for age, <5 pg/mL [<1.5 pmol/L]). Thyroid function test results are normal, thyrotropin level is 1.27 mIU/L (reference range, 0.5-4.8 mIU/L), and free thyroxine level is 0.96 ng/dL (12.36 pmol/L) (reference range, 0.93-1.6 ng/dL [11.97-20.59 pmol/L]). Thyroid ultrasonography shows …
Pattern analysis of the interaction of regional amyloid load, cortical thickness and APOE genotype in the progression of Alzheimer's disease

Background: Deposition of beta amyloid protein (Aβ) is known to be an early event that is closely associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), along with related downstream events such as neuronal loss, neurofibrillary tangles, cortical thinning and cognitive deficits. APOE e4 allele (E4) is also known to be associated with increased risk for AD. Objectives: The goal of this study is to examine the association of Aβ deposition to cortical thickness (CoTh), in healthy control (CN), early MCI (EMCI), late MCI (LMCI) and AD stages by controlling for E4 load, both in regional and hemispheric levels, and to interpret patterns of different brain regions based on their correlation performance among the four groups. Methods: We analyzed Amyloid PET Scan, Volumetric MRI (CoTh) data from participants in the ADNIGO/ADNI2 cohort whose APOE gene information are available. Statistical analysis includes Pearson partial correlations, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with post-hoc Tukey HSD. Complete-linkage hierarchical clustering analysis was further performed to group brain regions based on their significant correlation performance. Results: 25 out of 68 regions showed significant correlation of Aβ load and CoTh at least in one diagnostic group. Furthermore, 6 main clusters were recognized based on the performance patterns of those 25 regions across 4 diagnosis groups. Conclusion: Our major finding clustered the cortical regions into 2 general groups, positive correlation in CN or AD, and negative correlation in EMCI and/or LMCI, and 6 more specific groups were then recognized, confirming the interplay between of Aβ and CoTh in the different stages of the disease.
Cancer mortality among farmers.

Cette etude compare des agriculteurs de l'Iowa a des agriculteurs du Wisconsin. Les resultats sont comparables en ce qui concerne la leucemie, le lymphome et les cancers du poumon et de la prostate. La principale difference est la plus grande frequence du cancer de l'estomac (5eme rang de tous les cancers) dans l'Iowa. Les taux observes pour les cancers des systemes lymphatique et hemopoietique dans les 2 etudes suggerent un risque commun d'expositions liees a l'agriculture, probablement celui associe aux engrais et aux pesticides
Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska Civil War Veterans: Compilation of the Death Rolls of the Departments of Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, Grand Army of the Republic, 1883–1948

Review of: "Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska Civil War Veterans: Compilation of the Death Rolls of the Departments of Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, Grand Army of the Republic, 1883–1948," compiled by Dennis Northcott.
Modified Hyper-Viscoelastic Constitutive Model for Elastomeric Materials

Elastomers constitute an essential group of materials that are widely used in the automotive, aerospace industry, biomedical, microfluidic and signal processing applications. Elastomeric materials undergo large deformations without fracture and exhibit time dependency under a prescribed displacement or load. Characterization of elastomeric materials can be challenging, hence the use of a proper constitutive model that captures the behavior of elastomeric materials is essential. Experimental data obtained from simple uniaxial tension tests and creep tests performed at various constant stress levels using dog bone samples were used to approximate hyperelasticity and the time-dependent responses of the material respectively. The experimental results suggested that the instantaneous strains were largely responsible for the nonlinear behavior of the material. Thus, a rheological hyper-viscoelastic constitutive model consisting of a nonlinear spring, which would capture the nonlinear instantaneous strains, and a two parameter Kelvin-Voight model, which would model the linear time-dependent strain responses, was developed. The Mooney-Rivlin model, a classic phenomenological hyperelastic model, was used to represent the nonlinear spring. The resulting hyper-visco constitutive model, which obeys the Boltzmann’s superposition principle, was used for numerical predictions of time-dependent behavior of this material in a commercial finite element software (Abaqus). The creep deformations predicted using this approach demonstrated good consistency with experimental results over the applied range of stresses and the duration of time measurements.
Early discharge after lung resection is safe: 10-year experience

Background: The average hospitalization after lung resection is 6 days, but some patients are discharged early in the post-operative period. The patient factors associated with early discharge (ED) and the safety of this approach are unknown. We hypothesized that specific patient populations are associated with ED, and that complications in this practice are low. Methods: A prospective database of lung resections performed at an academic medical center between Jan 1, 2007 and Jan 1, 2017 was queried. Demographic and outcome variables were assessed using standard techniques. ED was defined as the length of stay (LOS) for the quintile with the lowest LOS for patients with anatomic resection (AR) or patients with wedge resection (WR). We then compared clinical factors between patients with ED to those patients discharged by day 7, to determine factors associated with ED (relative to “average” discharge). Results: During the study period, there were 922 AR and 1,150 WR performed. A total of 448 (39.0%) patients had WRED and 211 patients (22.9%) had ARED. The rate of WRED varied by surgeon, but ARED did not. ARED and WRED patients was associated with several factors, including younger age, better lung function, and were less likely to have elevated American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class. Multivariable analysis suggested that patient factors and primary surgeon influence ED. WRED was associated with 30-day mortality of 0.22% vs. 1.14% for longer LOS (P=0.08). After AR, there were no post-operative deaths within 30 days among 211 patients discharged on postoperative day 1 or 2 [( vs . 2/541, 0.4%, P=0.376) with longer LOS, P=0.048]. Conclusions: ED after lung resection is multifactorial but is safe among selected patients. Age, lung function, procedure duration, and surgeon all influence ED. Complications after ED were rare. Individual surgeon comfort with ED likely impacts LOS, and education or enhanced recovery protocols may help overcome this barrier. Standardized pathways would likely help identify low-risk patients for expeditious discharge.
Assessment of knowledge and attitude of adolescents regarding suicide

A quantitative approach descriptive survey was conducted among randomly selected 150 adolescent at a selected higher secondary school to assess the knowledge and attitude of adolescents regarding suicide. The objectives of the study were to identify the knowledge of adolescents regarding suicide, determine the attitude of adolescents regarding suicide, and correlate the knowledge level and level of attitude of adolescents regarding suicide. The data was collected using self-administered tools that included socio-demographic schedule, knowledge questionnaire regarding suicide and attitude scale on suicide. The major finding showed that majority of the sample had poor knowledge and none of them had good knowledge regarding suicide. The suicide attitude scores showed that little over half of the subjects had conservative attitude and none of them had liberal attitude towards suicide. Neither knowledge nor attitude of adolescents is associated with selected demographic variables.
Evidence-Based Criteria for Determining Peripapillary OCT Reliability

Purpose To assess the impact of OCT signal strength (SS) and artifact on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurement reliability and to understand whether glaucoma severity modifies this relationship. Design Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study. Participants Two thousand nine hundred ninety-two OCT scans from 474 eyes of 241 patients with glaucoma or glaucoma suspect status. Methods We extracted mean RNFL thickness and SS and manually graded scans for artifact. To analyze the effect of SS and artifact on OCT reliability, we (1) created a multilevel linear model using measured RNFL thickness values and demographic and clinical data to estimate the true (predicted) RNFL thickness, (2) calculated model residuals (ΔRNFL) as our reliability measure, and (3) created a second multilevel linear model with splines and interaction terms that modeled overall and quadrant specific reliability (ΔRNFL) as the outcome, using SS and artifact as predictors. Main Outcome Measures Impact of SS and artifact on ΔRNFL. Results For SS between 10 and 3, the impact of decreases in SS on OCT reliability is modest (–0.67 to –1.25 ΔRNFL per 1-point decrease in SS; P 0.05). Conclusions Signal strength decreases down to 3 have relatively mild impacts on OCT reliability. At less than 3, the impact of further decreases in SS on reliability are substantial. The effect of SS on reliability is greater in severe glaucoma. Artifacts result in a decrease in reliability independent of the effect of SS. We propose evidence-based guidelines to guide physicians on whether to trust the results of an OCT scan.
Respecting Work-Life Balance While Achieving Success

Abstract The quest for the perfect work-life balance is the holy grail of the modern career. There has been intense interest in this realm with numerous studies over the past decade devoted to the subject. Physicians have been more susceptible to work-life struggles because of the inherent nature of their work. Female physicians, in particular, are more likely than their male counterparts to report struggles with work-life balance and consequent burnout. Various factors at work and home can work together to create the circumstances for an unbalanced life. In this article, I will discuss some of the challenges in achieving a healthy work-life balance. I will discuss major and minor strategies that women can employ to achieve balance while pursuing professional growth.
Mid-trimester cesarean scar pregnancy: a case report.

This article reports a unique case of cesarean scar pregnancy, demonstrating importance of early management and diagnosis. A 30-year-old pregnant woman with prior history of two cesarean sections found to have cesarean scar pregnancy at approximately 13 weeks’ gestation and underwent a gravid hysterectomy. While rare, cesarean scar pregnancies should be considered on the differential diagnosis of any pregnant patient with history of cesarean section who presents in early pregnancy with vaginal bleeding and/or cramping. Given the increased rates of cesarean sections in the times of COVID-19, one may anticipate seeing more cases of cesarean scar pregnancies.
Incidence of detecting mutated k-ras DNA in urine, plasma and serum from patients with colorectal carcinoma or adenomatous polyps

654 Introduction: Colorectal neoplasia-associated genes have been detected in human blood (serum or plasma). We have previously demonstrated that urine contained tumor tissue derived DNA from the circulation (Su et. al. J Mol Diagnosis 2004). The advantages of non-invasive and the larger volume available for urine collection make it compelling to explore its application in clinical use. In this study, we compared the incidence of detecting mutated k-ras DNA in body fluid (serum, plasma, and urine), and the frequency of mutated k-ras DNA detected in individuals in different colorectal diseases in a blinded study. Methods: Mutated K-ras DNA was assayed by two methods, restriction endounuclease enriched PCR assay (> 2 copies per assay) and Peptide nucleic acid clamping real time PCR (>15 copies per assay). Human subjects: Training set_20 patients with known k-ras mutations in colorectal cancer tissue. Test set_blinded urine samples from colorectal adenocarcinoma (N=48), adenoma (N=31), hyperplastic polyp (N=12) and endoscopically normal colon and rectum (N=60). Results: 1. Open label (training set) K-ras detection (tissue confirmed k-ras mutations): The incidence of detecting mutated K-ras DNA: Serum 6/20 (30%), Plasma (11/20 (55%), Urine: 18/20 (90%), (p 2 copies of mutated K-ras genes were detected in: 16/48 (33%) adenocarcinomas; 23/31 (74%) adenomas; 5/12 (42%) hyperplastic polyps, and 19/60 (31%) non-neoplasia controls. b. >15 copies of mutated K-ras genes were detected in: 12/48 (25%) adenocarinomas; 15/31 (48%) adenomas; 3/12 (25%) hyperplastic polyps, and 11/60 (18%) non-neoplasia controls. The concurrence of k-ras mutation in disease tissue and its corresponding total urine DNA or low MW urine DNA was determined. Strikingly, the concurrence and sensitivity of detecting mutated K-ras DNA using low MW urine DNA was 84% and 90%, respectively, as compared to only 45% and 50% if total urine DNA was used in the assay for K-ras mutation. Conclusions: The sensitivity for the detection of K-ras mutations in urine appears at least equivalent if not superior to K-ras mutation detection from human blood. These results suggest that to enhance the sensitivity of detecting circulating tumor related DNA in urine, low MW urine DNA should be used. The detection of the K-ras mutation alone is insufficient as a diagnostic biomarker for colorectal neoplasia, but it may be useful in a panel of DNA mutational biomarkers.
A counterexample to the $$\phi $$ ϕ -dimension conjecture

In 2005, the second author and Todorov introduced an upper bound on the finitistic dimension of an Artin algebra, now known as the $$\phi $$ -dimension. The $$\phi $$ -dimension conjecture states that this upper bound is always finite, a fact that would imply the finitistic dimension conjecture. In this paper, we present a counterexample to the $$\phi $$ -dimension conjecture and explain where it comes from. We also discuss implications for further research and the finitistic dimension conjecture.
Intellectual Property: Economic and Legal Dimensions of Rights and Remedies

1. Introduction 2. The law and economics of IPRs 3. A general theory of damages rules 4. Departures from the general theory 5. Liability standards for IPRs 6. Who is an infringer? 7. Who should be entitled to sue for infringement? 8. Calculating monetary damages 9. Concluding remarks.
The Role of College Degree in Labor Markets-The Fate of Polish Graduates

One of the major problems faced by various European Union is aging population, which has major implications for labor force, pensions and health care. Developing and supporting a labor market that absorbs new labor has become an essential component of short-term economic policies, as unemployment rates for young workers rose disproportionally during the 2007-2010 period. This paper examines the problem of rising unemployment among recent college graduates in Poland. After a brief literature discussion, we examine labor market development: a rapid growth in the supply of college graduates, and changing market demand. The changing composition of college enrollments by major and trends in job openings are also analyzed to uncover possible contributing factors to rising unemployment. The analysis suggests a growing mismatch between the two sides of the labor market and the paper concludes with certain policy recommendations to address this issue.
The Hodie Method and its Performance for Solving Elliptic Partial Differential Equations

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the Hodie method and its performance for solving elliptic partial differential equations. It discusses a new flexible, high-accuracy finite difference approximation to the elliptic partial differential equation. A rectangular mesh is put and at each mesh point an estimate is obtained as the solution of a finite difference equation. For simplicity of exposition, the chapter presents an assumption that the mesh is uniform with mesh spacing and this assumption is not essential to the method though it improves its efficiency in some cases. It is found that after the auxiliary points are chosen, the coefficients of the difference equation are determined to make the approximation exact on a given linear space of functions. The chapter presents a general discussion of the method's computational properties and potential applicability along with a comparative performance evaluation using the ELLPACK system. The usual difference equation for a second order problem can be derived by making the scheme exact on quadratic polynomials and it is automatically exact on cubic polynomials. It is found that the order of the discretization error is the same as the order of the truncation error.
Social organization and social ties: their effects on sexual harassment victimization in the workplace.

Objective Despite work organizations' attempts to reduce sexual harassment, it continues to be a salient issue for employers across all occupations. Extending social disorganization theory to the work environment, this study examines the relationship between workplace organization, social ties, and sexual harassment victimization. Participants Survey responses to the 2002 and 2006 Quality of Working Life module from the General Social Survey by a sample of 3,530 adult men and women employees in the United States were used. Methods Logistic regression models were estimated for men and women separately to estimate the effect of workplace characteristics on the risk of sexual harassment victimization. Results Employees who reported poor workplace relations between management and employees and lower coworker social ties were more likely to experience sexual harassment in their work environments. Specific workplace characteristics such as low productivity, poor time management, and inadequate administrative support were significantly related to increased sexual harassment risk. No significant gender differences were found across models suggesting that the predictors of sexual harassment are similar for men and women. Conclusions This study demonstrates that workplace characteristics are related to sexual harassment risk in the workplace. Suggestions for sexual harassment prevention, including management and organizational strategies, are discussed.
Learning, Remembering, Believing. Enhancing Human Performance.

Can such techniques as sleep learning and hypnosis improve performance? Do we sometimes confuse familiarity with mastery? Can we learn without making mistakes? These questions apply in the classroom, in the military, and on the assembly line. Learning, Remembering, Believing addresses these and other key issues in learning and performance. The volume presents leading-edge theories and findings from a wide range of research settings: from pilots learning to fly to children learning about physics by throwing beanbags. Common folklore is explored, and promising research directions are identified. The authors also continue themes from their first two volumes: Enhancing Human Performance (1988) and In the Mind's Eye (1991). The result is a thorough and readable review of * Learning and remembering. The volume evaluates the effects of subjective experience on learning--why we often overestimate what we know, why we may not need a close match between training settings and real-world tasks, and why we experience such phenomena as illusory remembering and unconscious plagiarism. * Learning and performing in teams. The authors discuss cooperative learning in different age groups and contexts. Current views on team performance are presented, including how team-learning processes can be improved and whether team-building interventions are effective. * Mental and emotional states. This is a critical review of the evidence that learning is affected by state of mind. Topics include hypnosis, meditation, sleep learning, restricted environmental stimulation, and self-confidence and the self-efficacy theory of learning. * New directions. The volume looks at two new ideas for improving performance: emotions induced by another person--socially induced affect--and strategies for controlling one's thoughts. The committee also considers factors inherent in organizations--workplaces, educational facilities, and the military--that affect whether and how they implement training programs. Learning, Remembering, Believing offers an understanding of human learning that will be useful to training specialists, psychologists, educators, managers, and individuals interested in all dimensions of human performance.
Heparin-associated Autoantibodies

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of heparin-associated autoantibodies. The studies include intensive efforts to standardize the assay, define associations with disease or clinical presentation, and characterize antigenic and biological properties of these antibodies Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) provides an interesting model of autoimmunity in which a heterologous mucopolysaccharide combines with a normal endogenous protein released in specific clinical settings to generate autoantibodies in susceptible, but immunologically ‘normal” individuals to cause thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. HIT antibodies cause normal platelets to aggregate and secrete serotonin in vitro. The serotonin release assay (SRA) provides a more objective endpoint than platelet aggregation studies that have variable sensitivity and specificity.
Evaluation of the Arteriovenous Difference Technique to Simultaneously Estimate Protein Synthesis and Degradation in the Hindlimb of Fed and Chronically Underfed Steers

Our objectives were to validate a technique to measure protein turnover based on net fluxes of tyrosine radioactivity and mass across the hindlimb, and to describe the impact of nutrition on hindlimb protein kinetics and nutrient utilization in growing Holstein steers. External iliac vessels were catheterized to allow for measurements of hindlimb arteriovenous (AV) differences and blood flow. Animals were used in a single reversal design with 16-d periods. Treatments were either 60% (0.6M) or 220% (2.2M) of the energy required for maintenance. On d 12 and 14 of each period, a primed-continuous infusion of L-[side chain-2,3-3H]tyrosine was initiated, followed by a 4-h sampling period to assess hindlimb nutrient utilization and protein kinetics. Well-fed steers exhibited rates of hindlimb utilization for non-nitrogenous energy substrates and amino acids that were consistent with values previously reported for well-fed ruminants. Underfeeding decreased hindlimb blood flow (62%), oxygen consumption (51%) and utilization of respiratory fuels (64-73%). Protein synthesis was also reduced (49%), leading to net nitrogen loss from the hindlimb. The estimated energy cost of protein synthesis accounted for 13% of hindlimb oxygen consumption across intake levels. Hindlimb protein balance was consistent with whole-body balance, adding credence to derived rates of degradation. Overall, data support the validity of the AV difference technique to estimate components of hindlimb protein turnover.
Study of the precision of registration in 3-D multimodality imaging with external markers using simulated images

The authors have used simulated images to study 3-D image registration with external markers. They have examined the precision of registration as measured with residual distances in the image after registration. The average residuals as well as their standard deviations depend on the position in the image and on the spatial resolution of the imaging modalities. >
Asymptotics for thin elastic ligaments with applications to body force and thermal loadings

Abstract A new singular asymptotic expansion of series, in which the coefficients of the expansions are given explicitly, is used to obtain the asymptotic behavior of the stress in the ligament of the classical Mindlin tunnel problem under gravity loading or thermal stress. The order of the stress amplification was found to be O( 1 √d ) , where d is the thickness of the ligament. This was compared to other ligament problems with body force loading of thermal stress, in which the stress amplifies as 1 d .
Restricted-diffusion chromatography through calibrated columns of granulated agar gel; a simple method for particle-size determination.

RESTRICTED-DIFFUSION chromatography through columns of granulated agar gel, as introduced by Polson1, has been used effectively for virus purification2. It is now proposed that the method may be satisfactory for size determination of cell components, viruses, and proteins, and will thereby supplement the existing methods of electron microscopy, sedimentation, X-ray diffraction, and light scattering. The advantage of this technique over other ‘gel-filtration’ methods for the fractionation and size determination of these larger particulates is based on the fact that the pores of most agar gels are so large that such particles diffuse into them3 and become retarded as they pass through the column with the degree of retardation increasing as particle size decreases.
Technique of closure: Contaminated wounds

Experimental studies are reported that provide a rationale for the use of tape for closure of contaminated wounds. These studies indicate that taped wounds have a greater resistance to infection than sutured wounds. In addition, our findings suggest that subdermal and subcutaneous sutures potentiate the development of infection. A new tape has been specifically designed for wound closure. This is a non-woven reinforced microporous tape. Its microporous structure permits passage of air and water vapor and limits the growth of skin bacteria. Reinforcing rayon filaments have been placed in its backing to prevent breakage. A "tackifier" has been added to its adhesive to secure the tape to the skin. The development of this new surgical tape greatly facilitates sutureless wound closure.
The Near Response: Modeling, Instrumentation, and Clinical Applications

The complex task of focusing, verging of the two eyes, and constriction of the pupil is accomplished by a network of oculomotor systems. The accommodation system senses blur of the retinal image and controls the lens curvature to keep the image of the target in focus. The vergence system detects disparity between the retinal images in the two eyes and controls the rotation of the two eyes to bring about a single visual percept. The pupillary system works in conjunction with the accommodation and vergence systems, but is essentially open loop. This review will cite some of the important bioengineering contributions in modeling, instrumentation, and clinical applications to each of the above oculomotor systems over the past 25 years. These major innovations have helped to provide a better means of measuring the oculomotor responses and have improved our understanding of these systems in isolation as wel as their mutual interactions. This further clarified our understanding of defects in a system that led to clinical abnormalities. The continued advances offered by bioengineering will aid further in our understanding of oculomotor deficits and their treatment.
Critical Screening Parameters for the Generalized Screened Coulomb Potential

An approximate expression for the critical screening parameters associated with the attractive generalized screened Coulomb potential (GSCP) is obtained by utilizing the varintional principle and the virial theorem. Subject to centain conditions, this expression is shown to represent a lower bound to the true critical screening parameters associated with the GSCP. Specific results are reported for the bound states n, l = n -- 1 of the Debye-Huckel potential and for the grouad state and first excited state of the exponential-cosine screened Coulomb potential. (auth)
Term rewriting: Some experimental results

We discuss term rewriting in conjunction with sprfn, a Prolog-based theorem prover. Two techniques for theorem proving that utilize term rewriting are presented. The first technique simulates the replacement of predicates by their definitions in a Skolemtzed setting. The second technique permits tautologies to be recognized quickly. We demonstrate their effectiveness by exhibiting the results of our experiments in proving some theorems of von Neumann-Bernays-Godel set theory. We also show how the first technique can be used in any clausal theorem prover. Some outstanding problems associated with term rewriting are also addressed.
Suggestive Association of Major Histocompatibility IB Genetic Markers with Resistance to Bacterial Cold Water Disease in Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss )

Genes within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are important for both innate and adaptive immune responses in mammals; however, much less is known regarding their contribution in teleost fishes. We examined the involvement of four major histocompatibility (MH) genomic regions in rainbow trout in resistance to the causative agent of bacterial coldwater disease (BCWD), Flavobacterium psychrophilum. Fish from the 2005 NCCCWA brood-year (71 full-sib families) were challenged with F. psychrophilum strain CSF 259–93. The overall mortality rate was 70%, with large variation in mortality between families. Disease resistance was quantified as post-challenge days to death. Phenotypic variation and additive genetic variation were estimated using mixed models of survival analysis. To examine association, eight microsatellite markers were isolated from MH gene-containing BAC clones and mapped onto the rainbow trout genetic linkage map. The parents and grandparents of the 2005 brood-year families were genotyped with these eight markers and another two markers tightly linked to the MH-IB region to assess the extent of linkage disequilibrium (LD) of MH genomic regions MH-IA, MH-IB, TAP1, and MH-II with survival post-challenge. MH-IB and MH-II markers were linked to BCWD survivability when data were analyzed by family. Tests for disease association at the population level substantiated the involvement of MH-IB, but not MH-II, with disease resistance. The impact of selective breeding for disease resistance on MH sequence variation is discussed in the context of aquaculture production.
Trends in vena caval interruption.

Objective This study examined the national use of vena cava filters (VCFs) from 1998 to 2005. Methods Methods for complex surveys were used to examine hospital discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) to determine the use of VCFs for the years 1998 to 2005. VCF placement in the absence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE) was categorized as prophylactic. Results During the study period, the estimated rate of hospitalizations per year with a diagnosis of DVT (odds ratio [OR], 1.025; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.019-1.032; P Conclusions From 1998 to 2005, the estimated rates of prophylactic VCF placement increased at a significantly higher rate than VCF placement in the setting of DVT or PE. Significant increases in the use of prophylactic VCFs were seen in the setting of morbid obesity and head injury.
Colloids from the aqueous corrosion of aluminium-based nuclear fuel

Abstract Nuclear wastes to be buried in the proposed repository underneath Yucca Mountain, Nevada, may produce colloids and contribute to the release of radioactivity from the repository. As a component of non-commercial nuclear fuels slated for disposal, aluminium-based fuels may release the colloids during aqueous corrosion. This paper reports on the characterization of such colloids, which are predominantly clays >100 nm. Colloid concentrations never exceeded 8 × 10 11 particles/L, which is well within the range of values used in the repository release models. These colloids carry 99% of the released uranium and highlight the potential importance of the colloid phase in determining radionuclide transport from the uranium–aluminium fuels.