cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MABWiser: A Parallelizable Contextual Multi-Armed Bandit Library for Python

Contextual multi-armed bandit algorithms serve as an effective technique to address online sequential decision-making problems. Despite their popularity, when it comes to off-the-shelf tools the library support remains limited, in particular for the Python technology stack. To fill this gap, in this paper we present a system that provides context-free, parametric and non-parametric contextual multi-armed bandit models. The available bandit policies accommodate both batch and online learning. The MABWISER system is implemented as an open-source Python library. Our design enables built-in parallelization to speed up training and test components for scalability while ensuring the reproducibility of results. We present a running example to highlight the user-friendly nature of the public interface and discuss the simulation capability of the library for hyper-parameter tuning and rapid experimentation.
“I was scared to death”: storytelling, masculinity, & vulnerability in “Wet Dreamz”

This essay uses J. Cole’s song “Wet Dreamz,” the artist’s boyhood tale about losing his virginity, as a case study examining how Black male hip-hop artists draw from ideas about the ordinary to pos...
Chapter 12 – Nesting, Parenting, and Territoriality

Parental investment in offspring comes in many forms, ranging from provisioning gametes and young to building nests and guarding territories. Patterns of parental investment—that is, which parent makes most or all of the investment—are linked to patterns observed around sexual selection (Chapter 11), with choosey mates being major investors. Certainty of maternity or paternity, the benefit of delivering care and the cost of lost opportunity with other mates all influence patterns of uniparental or biparental care. The cost and benefit of caregiving differ for parents and offspring, leading to parent–offspring conflict; infanticide is the most extreme expression of such conflict, and often results from male–male competition or females that have insufficient resources for successful parenting. Conflict among siblings can arise from competition for parental care. This leads to a discussion of aggression, which can reflect a variety of motivations. Among these is defense of territory, which brings the chapter full circle to nesting and territorial guarding.
Silencing miR‐20a‐5p inhibits axonal growth and neuronal branching and prevents epileptogenesis through RGMa‐RhoA‐mediated synaptic plasticity

Epileptogenesis is a potential process. Mossy fibre sprouting (MFS) and synaptic plasticity promote epileptogenesis. Overexpression of repulsive guidance molecule a (RGMa) prevents epileptogenesis by inhibiting MFS. However, other aspects underlying the RGMa regulatory process of epileptogenesis have not been elucidated. We studied whether RGMa could be modulated by microRNAs and regulated RhoA in epileptogenesis. Using microRNA databases, we selected four miRNAs as potential candidates. We further experimentally confirmed miR-20a-5p as a RGMa upstream regulator. Then, in vitro, by manipulating miR-20a-5p and RGMa, we investigated the regulatory relationship between miR-20a-5p, RGMa and RhoA, and the effects of this pathway on neuronal morphology. Finally, in the epilepsy animal model, we determined whether the miR-20a-5p-RGMa-RhoA pathway influenced MFS and synaptic plasticity and then modified epileptogenesis. Our results showed that miR-20a-5p regulated RGMa and that RGMa regulated RhoA in vitro. Furthermore, in primary hippocampal neurons, the miR-20a-5p-RGMa-RhoA pathway regulated axonal growth and neuronal branching; in the PTZ-induced epilepsy model, silencing miR-20a-5p prevented epileptogenesis through RGMa-RhoA-mediated synaptic plasticity but did not change MFS. Overall, we concluded that silencing miR-20a-5p inhibits axonal growth and neuronal branching and prevents epileptogenesis through RGMa-RhoA-mediated synaptic plasticity in the PTZ-induced epilepsy model, thereby providing a possible strategy to prevent epileptogenesis.
Forward-viewing, robotically-steerable guidewire system for peripheral chronic total occlusions: Transducer and imaging system development

Although minimally-invasive approaches such as stenting, atherectomy, and angioplasty represent more desirable alternatives to many open surgical procedures for restoring blood flow to ischemic tissues, tortuous vasculature and chronic total occlusions may lead to iatrogenic injury and failure of endovascular procedures, largely due to the problem of navigating complex environments using only side-viewing images from fluoroscopy. A forward-viewing steerable guidewire is proposed that could allow visualization of possible paths and controlled steering through complex lesions. To this end, a custom 0.035” guidewire-compatible transducer was designed and fabricated with a center frequency of 17 MHz and 37% fractional bandwidth. By acquiring pulse-echo imaging data while the guidewire tip is moved mechanically using the steerable guidewire, images can be formed using a synthetic aperture approach with a single element transducer mounted on the end of the robotically-steerable guidewire. In imaging experiments with 20 µm wire targets at a depth of 6 mm, lateral resolution was 0.25 mm. Additionally, proof of concept visualization of vessel morphology and a patent lumen was demonstrated in an ex vivo porcine artery. The integrated system could allow navigation of chronic occlusions in peripheral arteries that are currently impassable.
Association Between Contact Precautions and Transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Veterans Affairs Hospitals.

Importance The effectiveness and importance of contact precautions for endemic pathogens has long been debated, and their use has broad implications for infection control of other pathogens. Objective To estimate the association between contact precautions and transmission of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) across US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study used mathematical models applied to data from a population-based sample of adults hospitalized in 108 VA acute care hospitals for at least 24 hours from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017. Data were analyzed from May 2, 2019, to December 11, 2020. Exposures A positive MRSA test result, presumed to indicate contact precautions use according to the VA MRSA Prevention Initiative. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was the association between contact precautions and MRSA transmission, defined as the relative transmissibility attributed to contact precautions. A contact precaution effect estimate ( Results In this cohort study of 108 VA hospitals, more than 2 million unique individuals had over 5.6 million admissions, of which 14.1% were presumed to have contact precautions with more than 8.4 million MRSA surveillance tests. Pooled estimates found associations between contact precautions and transmission to be stable from 2008 to 2017, with estimated transmission reductions ranging from 43% (95% credible interval [CrI], 38%-48%) to 51% (95% CrI, 46%-55%). Over the entire 10-year study period, contact precautions reduced transmission 47% (95% CrI, 45%-49%), and the intrafacility autocorrelation coefficient estimate was 0.99, suggesting consistent estimates over time within facilities. Larger facilities and those with higher admission screening compliance observed additional reductions in transmission associated with contact precautions (relative rate, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74-0.96 and 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58-0.96, respectively) compared with smaller facilities and those with lower admission screening compliance. Facilities in the southern US had a smaller transmission reduction attributable to contact precautions (relative rate, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01-1.28) compared with facilities in other regions in the US. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of adults in VA hospitals, transmissibility of MRSA was found to be reduced by approximately 50% among patients with contact precautions. These results provide an explanation for decreasing acquisition rates in VA hospitals since the MRSA Prevention Initiative.
Paraspinal muscle degeneration and regenerative potential in a Murine model of Lumbar Disc Injury

Abstract Background Context The association between low back pain and lumbar disc degeneration is not fully characterized. One potentially overlooked factor of this process is the lumbar multifidus, which plays a role in segmental stabilization and locomotion. Previous reports have shown multifidus degeneration to be associated with disc degeneration. The goal of this study was to develop a mouse model of advanced lumbar disc degeneration to recapitulate the pathology of the human multifidus in patients with lumbar disc degeneration and low back pain. Methods C57BL/6 mice underwent a left anterolateral approach to the lumbar spine and disc puncture with a micro scalpel at L5/6 and L6/S1. Mice underwent behavioral analysis and functional gait testing. A subset of mice underwent 14T T2-weighted MRI to assess disc degeneration and paraspinal muscle quality. At 6 and 15 weeks, mice were sacrificed, and the multifidus muscles were harvested and divided into proximal and distal segments relative to disc injury. Histological analysis was performed to assess muscle degeneration, fiber type, and macrophage density. Fibroadipogenic progenitors (FAPs) were isolated for gene expression analysis with qPCR. Results MRI demonstrated decreased intervertebral disc signal and paraspinal muscle atrophy at 6 weeks, with progressive degeneration and atrophy at 15 weeks. Disc injury resulted in delayed functional recovery and impaired gait. Histology demonstrated progressive multifidus fibrofatty degeneration between 6 and 15 weeks. CD68+ macrophage density was increased at 6 weeks but not 15 weeks. FAPs exhibited increased fibrotic and adipogenic gene expression at 6 weeks compared to sham with less of a difference in gene expression by 15 weeks. Conclusions We have developed a mouse model of disc injury-mediated paraspinal muscle degeneration that recapitulates features of degenerative muscle pathology observed in patients with lumbar disc degeneration, and highlights the role of FAPs in mediating fibrofatty muscle degeneration after disc injury.
Modular effects of gene promoters and chromatin environments on noise in gene expression.

Abstract Genetically identical cells growing in the same environment can have large differences in gene expression. Both locally acting cis-regulatory sequences (CRS) and the regional properties of chromosomal environments influence the noisiness of a gene’s expression. Whether or not local CRS and regional chromosomal environments act independently on noise, or whether they interact in complex ways is unknown. To address this question, we measured the expression mean and noise of reporter genes driven by different CRS at multiple chromosomal locations. While a strong power law relationship between mean expression and noise explains ~60% of noise for diverse promoters across chromosomal locations, modeling the residual mean-independent noise suggests that chromosomal environments have strong effects on expression noise by influencing how quickly genes transition from their inactive states to their active states and that the effects of local CRS and regional chromatin on noise are largely independent. Our results support a modular genome in which regional chromatin modifies the inherent relationship between the mean and noise of expression regardless of the identity of the promoter sequence.
Modeling of fission and activation products in molten salt reactors and their potential impact on the radionuclide monitoring stations of the International Monitoring System.

Abstract Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) are one of six Generation IV reactor designs currently under development around the world. Because of the unique operating conditions of MSRs, which include molten fuel and the continuous removal of gaseous fission products during operation, work was performed to model the production of activation and fission products and analyze the potential impact of emissions on the International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Simulations were performed to predict the production of IMS-relevant radionuclides in four MSR designs operating under two scenarios: (1) a sealed reactor with releases only during operational shutdown, and (2) continuous reprocessing or sparging of the fuel salt. From these production estimates the radioxenon and radioiodine signatures were extracted and compared to three current reactor designs (Boiling Water Reactor, Pressurized Water Reactor, High-Power Channel-Type Reactor). In cases where continuous reprocessing of the fuel salt occurred, both the radioxenon and radioiodine signatures were nearly indistinguishable from a nuclear explosion. Estimates were also made of the potential emission rate of radioxenon for three reactor designs and it was found that MSRs have the potential to emit radioxenon isotopes at a rate of 10 15 − 8 × 10 16 Bq/d for 133Xe, which may adversely affect nuclear explosion monitoring, if no abatement is used. An assessment was made of activation products using a candidate fuel salt (FLiBe) mixed with corrosion products for the Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR-LF1).
The impact of Hurricane Katrina, a major natural disaster, on assisted reproductive outcomes through an analysis of 451,848 ART cycles.

To evaluate whether pregnancies conceived via assisted reproductive technology and exposed to Hurricane Katrina (HK), one of the most destructive natural disasters in United States history, were more prone to adverse perinatal outcomes, miscarriages, or sex disparities compared with pregnancies established but not directly exposed to the natural disaster. Retrospective cohort study. Women 18 years and older undergoing fresh ART cycles that resulted in singleton pregnancies and entered in the SART CORS database from 2004 to 2008. Incidence of full-term and preterm delivery, miscarriage rate, infant weight at birth, and infant sex ratio. Total follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation dosage and number of oocytes retrieved. Between January 2004 and December 2008, a total of 451,848 fresh autologous IVF cycles were recorded in SART CORS, leading to 190,624 pregnancies and 129,499 live births. After controlling for potential confounders, our results demonstrate no association between HK exposure and overall preterm deliveries (< 37 weeks) in women with singleton pregnancies conceived after ART. Other perinatal outcomes such as rate of spontaneous abortion or infant weight at birth in the exposed and unexposed groups were also not associated with HK. A comparison of pre and post disaster sex ratios revealed fewer males were born after HK (51.0% vs. 49.4%), showing a trend of decreased male infant births that was least in part associated with HK (CI 0.81-1.01; p = 0.07). Exposure to HK did not appear to affect perinatal outcomes such as the rate of preterm delivery or the rate of spontaneous abortion. Extreme stress may be a factor that contributes to a reduced male to female secondary sex ratio.
Global sourcing: new research and education agendas for apparel design and merchandising

In response to the dominance of global sourcing in the apparel industry within developed economies, this paper illustrates how the topic of global sourcing could help direct agendas for future research and education within the apparel discipline. By reviewing major functions of apparel design, product development, merchandising, and marketing in consideration of global sourcing, this paper shows how global sourcing could help designers and product developers make better decisions of fiber choices, better understand tradeoffs users may make between different raw materials, and become more aware of product performance requirements and design compliance issues. It illustrates how research on global sourcing would help merchandisers become more effective forecasters, planners, and implementers in this highly unpredictable marketplace. Marketing professionals will also learn to work with global sourcers to ensure transparency and integrity of their messages within the legal and ethical frameworks. A discussion on future research questions and educational goals follows.
Retinal nerve fiber structure versus visual field function in patients with ischemic optic neuropathy. A test of a linear model

Purpose To test a linear model relating the regional loss in retinal nerve fiber (RNFL) thickness to the corresponding regional loss in sensitivity with data from patients with previous anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION). Design Case–control study. Participants Twenty-four individuals with AION and 20 with normal vision were tested. The time since the AION attack ranged from 5.2 months to more than 20.3 years (median, 2.95 years). Methods Eyes were tested with standard automated perimetry (SAP) and with optical coherence tomography (OCT), both RNFL thickness scans. The average RNFL thickness of the inferior and superior disc sectors was plotted against the average total deviations (linear units) of the corresponding superior and inferior arcuate field regions, and a linear model was fitted. According to the model, the RNFL thickness R = s o T + b , (1), where T is the relative SAP sensitivity loss (on a linear scale; e.g., for −3 dB, T = 0.5), s o is the RNFL thickness attributable to axons in the healthy or normal state ( T = 1.0), and b is the residual RNFL measured when all sensitivity and axons are lost. Main Outcome Measures Optical coherence tomography RNFL thickness and SAP sensitivity. Results The data from the AION patients resembled the data from glaucoma patients previously tested and were described by the linear model. For patients with SAP losses of more than −10 dB in the arcuate region, the RNFL thickness provided an estimate of residual RNFL thickness, b . The median value of b (45.5 μm) was similar to the value for patients with glaucoma. It varied among individuals (range, 30.4–63.3 μm), showing a very weak correlation with patient's age ( r = 0.30) and the time since the AION episode ( r = 0.26), but an excellent correlation ( r 2 = 0.94; P s o , estimated from the unaffected eyes. Conclusions The relationship between a structure (OCT RNFL thickness) and function (SAP sensitivity loss) is the same for patients with AION and glaucoma and can be approximated by a simple linear model. The model may provide a framework for identifying those patients with ganglion cell axons that are malfunctioning but are alive.
Parametric modelling of growth curve data: an overview

In the past two decades a parametric multivariate regression modelling approach for analyzing growth curve data has achieved prominence. The approach, which has several advantages over classical analysis-of-variance and general multivariate approaches, consists of postulating, fitting, evaluating, and comparing parametric models for the data's mean structure and covariance structure. This article provides an overview of the approach, using unified terminology and notation. Well-established models and some developed more recently are described, with emphasis given to those models that allow for nonstationarity and for measurement times that differ across subjects and are unequally spaced. Graphical diagnostics that can assist with model postulation and evaluation are discussed, as are more formal methods for fitting and comparing models. Three examples serve to illustrate the methodology and to reveal the relative strengths and weaknesses of the various parametric models.
Light-Weight Frame Wall Assemblies: Parameters for Consideration in Fire Resistance Performance-Based Design

With the advent of performance-based codes and fire safety design options, it is essential to determine parameters that affect the fire-resistance performance of assemblies. This paper presents the results of 17 full-scale fire-resistance tests conducted as part of a major industry-government research program investigating parameters that affect the fire-resistance performance of light-weight frame wall assemblies. These include the effects of insulation type, insulation width between studs, resilient channel location, gypsum board thickness, number of gypsum board layers, glass fiber in the gypsum board core, gypsum board mass per unit area, and stud type for light-weight frame wall assemblies finished with gypsum board. The effects of these parameters on the fire resistance are discussed.
D-4F-mediated reduction in metabolites of arachidonic and linoleic acids in the small intestine is associated with decreased inflammation in low-density lipoprotein receptor-null mice (LB708)

Our group hypothesized that intestine is a major site of action for D-4F, low-density lipoprotein receptor null (LDLR) mice were fed a Western diet (WD) and administered the peptide subcutaneously (SQ) or orally. Plasma and liver D-4F levels were 298-fold and 96-fold higher, respectively, after SQ administration, whereas D-4F levels in small intestine were similar whether D-4F was administered orally or SQ. Levels of metabolites of arachidonic and linoleic acids known to bind with high affinity to D-4F were significantly reduced in intestine, liver and hepatic bile to a similar degree whether administered SQ or orally. However, levels of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), which is known to bind the peptide with low affinity, were unchanged. D-4F treatment reduced plasma serum amyloid A (SAA) and triglyceride levels and increased HDL-cholesterol levels after SQ or oral administration. Plasma levels of metabolites of arachidonic and linoleic acids significantly correlated with SAA levels. Feeding 15-HE...
An analytical model for time-driven cache attacks

Cache attacks exploit side-channel information that is leaked by a microprocessor's cache. There has been a significant amount of research effort on the subject to analyze and identify cache side-channel vulnerabilities since early 2002. Experimental results support the fact that the effectiveness of a cache attack depends on the particular implementation of the cryptosystem under attack and on the cache architecture of the device this implementation is running on. Yet, the precise effect of the mutual impact between the software implementation and the cache architecture is still an unknown. In this manuscript, we explain the effect and present an analytical model for time-driven cache attacks that accurately forecasts the strength of a symmetric key cryptosystem based on 3 simple parameters: (1) the number of lookup tables; (2) the size of the lookup tables; (3) and the length of the microprocessor's cache line. The accuracy of the model has been experimentally verified on 3 different platforms with different implementations of the AES algorithm attacked by adversaries with different capabilities.
Implementation of a real-time, digital vocoder for tactile hearing prostheses

A microprocessor-based vibrotactile vocoder is described that offers important advantages over its analog counterpart. Digital implementation provides more flexibility and precision. The system simulates, in real-time, the characteristics of the one described by Searle, et al. [2] and is intended for use with a linear array of sixteen miniature vibrators. Algorithms used to implement the digital signal processing functions in fixed point arithmetic are described. Dynamic range and noise are measured and discussed. The system will be incorporated into a wearable vibrotactile unit so that the concept of using the skin as an alternate sensory input for speech communication for the hearing handicapped can be evaluated under natural conditions of acoustic signal and noise.
Medical Approaches to Treatment of the Obese Patient

Obesity has become a major focus of modern medicine, driven by the pandemic of overweight and obesity. The prevalence of obesity is rising to epidemic proportions around the world at an alarming rate. Current prevalence data from individual European national studies suggest rates of body mass index (BMI)≥30 kg/m2 for men are 10–20% and for women, 10–25% (1). In 2002, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey identified 64.5% of the US population with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and 30.5% with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) (2). More important, in this survey, 4.7% of the population had a BMI >40 Kg/m2 (2), and met the BMI criteria for bariatric surgery (3).
Variations in seawater Sr/Ca recorded in deep-sea bamboo corals

[1] A depth transect of deep-sea bamboo corals along the California margin provides evidence that coral strontium to calcium ratios (Sr/Cacoral) record seawater Sr/Ca ratios (Sr/Casw). A calibration was constructed utilizing Sr/Cacoral ratios and previously published Pacific Sr/Casw data (R2 = 0.53, n = 12, p < 0.01): Sr/Cacoral (mmol/mol) = 4.62*Sr/Casw (mmol/mol) − 36.64. Sr/Casw is ultimately governed by the remineralization of Sr-containing shells of surface water-derived marine organisms (e.g., Acantharia) at intermediate water depths. California margin Sr/Cacoral records from 792 and 1295 m document fluctuations in Sr/Casw that appear decadal-scale. These results suggest that Sr/Casw may not be as stable as previously assumed and may be influenced by surface productivity on short timescales.
Creating effective scholarly posters: A guide for DNP students

Purpose Dissemination of scholarly project outcomes is an essential component of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) education. This article provides guidelines for professional poster development and presentation as well as suggestions for integrating poster development as part of the DNP curriculum. Data sources This article was prepared by reviewing both theoretical and research-based literature regarding professional poster development. Conclusions Evidence indicates that poster presentations at professional conferences are an excellent venue for DNP students to successfully share the results of their scholarly projects. For posters to be both well perceived and received at conferences, certain guidelines must be followed regarding poster development. Guidelines include emphasizing a consistent message, clear focus, logical format, and esthetically pleasing design. Poster development guidelines and strategies need to be taught early and regularly throughout the DNP student's education. Implications for practice DNP scholarly projects provide forward-looking solutions to some of society's most formidable healthcare challenges. The dissemination of knowledge gleaned from the DNP scholarly projects is vital to 21st century global health. Effective poster presentations are critical to the dissemination of scholarly knowledge.
Renal Anomalies in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Six patients with fetal alcohol syndrome were found to have developmental abnormalities of the kidney. In only one patient was investigation for renal pathology made in the absence of clinical indication. Two had palpable masses in the left upper quadrant, one had pyelonephritis, one had painless hematuria, and the fifth patient had symptomatology suggestive of renal failure. Although the renal pathology was not of the same type in all cases, it is of interest that four patients had either unilateral or bilateral renal hypoplasia.
Neurology House Staff Experience Doesn’t Affect Acute Stroke Treatment (P5.119)

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that the average door to needle time decreases across the academic year as residents gain experience. BACKGROUND: Every July neurology house-staff assume new roles. In academic centers acute stroke codes are primarily run by residents and fellows. Most “July phenomenon” studies have failed to find an increment in either mortality, length of stay or complications across several medical specialties, however a few have analyzed other variables such as delay in treatment or wrong diagnosis. Prior studies have shown an increment in surgical complications and in medical and medication errors early in the academic year. Since best outcomes in stroke care are associated with early treatment any delay will negatively impact outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Columbia University Specialized Programs of Translational Research in Acute Stroke (SPOTRIAS) database from February2005 to February 2010. Our primary outcome was door to needle time (DTN), with secondary outcomes of door to stroke team (DTS), door to CT (DTC), and door to labs (DTL) times. The median time difference was compared across academic year quarters using non-parametric statistical methods. RESULTS: A total of 453 acute stroke team activations were made from the Emergency Department with a final diagnosis of stroke or TIA; 257 arrived within 3 hours, 147 had no contraindications for treatment; 83 patients received rtPA. Analyses were limited to these 147 Patients. The annual mean DTN was 76.19 ± 29.9 minutes, DST was 45.36 ± 67.24 minutes, DTC 48.27 ± 91.7, and the DTL 44.73 ± 113.8. The mean DTN by quarter was 68.87 ± 26.88, 72.13 ± 30.32, 85.59 ± 29.66, 80.42 ± 31.12 for the first, second, third, and fourth quarter (p=0.280). There were no significant differences across quartiles in the primary or secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find evidence of a “July phenomenon” in acute stroke care. Similar quality of acute stroke care is provided regardless of the time of year. Disclosure: Dr. Marco has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stillman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Marshall has nothing to disclose. Dr. Willey has nothing to disclose.
Risk of dysphagia after transesophageal echocardiography during cardiac operations.

Abstract Background . Dysphagia can be a significant complication following cardiac operations. This study evaluates its incidence and relationship to intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for specific indications versus known factors such as stroke or prolonged intubation. Methods . Records of 838 consecutive cardiac surgical patients were reviewed, and categorized into those who received TEE for specific indications versus those who did not (nonTEE). Dysphagia was recorded when symptoms were confirmed by barium cineradiography. Multiple logistic regression identified significant factors causing dysphagia. Results . TEE was significantly related to the development of postoperative dysphagia by multiple logistic regression ( p Conclusions . TEE may be an independent risk factor for dysphagia following cardiac operations.
Wisdom Paradigms for the Enhancement of Ethical and Profitable Business Practices

Many organizations continually search for new business models and ways to conduct business ethically, yet profitably. Kirk Cheyfitz (2003) proclaims that organizations should not waste time trying to create “new business models” because the rules of commerce never change. Instead of searching for new business models, organizations can improve business practices by looking at different paradigms or mental models for seeing how to build practices that lead to long-term success. The employment elements of “wisdom” as paradigms for developing sound structures and practices that will encourage management behaviors that are ethical and lead to profitability. First, a theory of wisdom is developed. Then, the elements of wisdom are applied to the design of a general business structure and to refocusing some basic business practices.
Alveolar Ridge Augmentation with Composite Implants of Hydroxylapatite and Plaster for Correction of Bony Defects, Deficiencies and Related Contour Abnormalities

Methods have been devised for preparation of composite hydroxylapatite (HA)-plaster of Paris (PP) implants for augmentation of edentulous alveolar ridges. These implants may be used to correct bony defects, deficiencies, and related contour abnormalities. The HA-PP implants are customized to exactly conform to the underlying bony architecture. They can either be preformed and sterilized for later use or made directly or indirectly at surgery. In addition to maintaining the desirable biological, chemical and mechanical properties of HA, the HA-PP implant provides complete containment of the HA particles in the desired implant shape. The PP also contributes to an enhanced bony healing response and the HA-PP implant is very biocompatible.
Multiple organ dysfunction after mesenteric artery revascularization

Abstract Purpose: Mesenteric arterial reconstruction in patients with acute or chronic intestinal ischemia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Reperfusion of ischemic bowel in animals leads to release of multiple factors that cause organ dysfunction. Similar phenomena potentially occur in human beings after repair of symptomatic chronic mesenteric arterial disease. The purpose of this study was to define the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction seen after reperfusion of the chronically ischemic bowel. Method: Between January 1990 and January 1993, 18 patients underwent surgical revascularization for symptomatic chronic mesenteric arterial occlusive disease. Four patients required emergency surgery, whereas 14 procedures were done electively. Hepatic, renal, pulmonary, and coagulation function were evaluated in all patients. Bypass graft patency was confirmed by duplex scanning or repeat operation in all patients with deteriorating conditions. Results: Immediately after surgery hepatic function deteriorated. The serum transaminases increased 90- to 100-fold whereas lactate dehydrogenase increased 25-fold. Simultaneously, platelet counts dropped below 40,000 mm 3 in 11 patients. On postoperative day 2, 16 patients had acute pulmonary insufficiency demonstrated by an increase in the pulmonary shunt fraction to a mean of 32% ± 3% (range 21% to 60%). Ten patients required reintubation, and lung failure lasted an average of 8.4 days (range 1 to 35 days). Hepatic and coagulation function changes were usually transient, returning to baseline within 7 to 10 days. Four of the patients who had multiple organ dysfunction died (two after elective surgery), and one patient died of myocardial infarction after emergency surgery. Conclusion: Revascularization of chronically ischemic bowel leads to significant multiple organ dysfunction, potentially as a result of intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury. (J VASC SURG 1993;18:459-69.)
Serologic specificity of platelets.

Summary. In double diffusion gel precipitation and tanned cell hemagglutination tests, rabbit immune sera to human platelet extract identified a platelet-specific antigen which had an electrophoretic mobility in the range of serum α globulins. The platelet antiserum was successfully used to distinguish between platelet extracts prepared from normal and from thrombocytopenic human blood.
Deposition of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3-Thin Films on Substrates with Shape Memory Effect

Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) was used to deposit La-doped Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) thin films onto NiTi foils. The substrate alloy with composition Ni50Ti50 shows a strong shape memory effect with a transition temperature of about 80°C. This simple bicomponental system could have the potential of an actuator device (NiTi shows a strain up to 5 % during thermal cycling) with an inherent sensorial component (PZT) for the generated elongation. The deposited ceramic films were characterized with respect to their structural properties (XRD) and their ferroelectric behavior (P-E hysteresis). Under certain deposition conditions the growth of pure perovskite PZT on the polycrystalline shape memory alloy was observed. The growth morphology of PZT on NiTi was compared to the one of PZT on single crystalline substrates whereas no distinctive texture of the films on NiTi could be found. The ferroelectric behavior of the PZT films depend on the stage of bending of the film-substrate compound.
Extraordinary transmission of evanescent modes through a dielectric-filled nanowaveguide

Abstract It has already been shown that extraordinary transmission through a dielectric-filled subwavelength aperture can be obtained if the dielectric constants of the cladding metal and aperture filling are matched. However, a perfect dielectric constant matching is hard to achieve in practice resulting in a cutoff region beyond which only evanescent modes exist. We show that for a particular choice of substrate and exit materials covering the aperture, extraordinary transmission for evanescent modes can still be obtained due to the stimulation of surface plasmons at both ends of the waveguide. This is demonstrated by simulating the transmission of 488 nm light incident on a 40-nm-diameter aperture filled with ZnO in a 100-nm-thick silver film, for which transmission of more than 40% is obtained if glass and water are chosen as the substrate and exit media respectively.
Systemic therapy for superficial bladder cancer

Summary In theory, systemic administration of an antineoplastic agent which would be concentrated in the urine and bathe the entire urothelial surface for long intervals offers great promise in the control of superficial bladder cancer. To date, attempts to demonstrate therapeutic efficacy with such agents have met with little success. Limited trials using methotrexate and cisplatin have shown little benefit. Current protocols are evaluating cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil. Chemoprevention with pyridoxine has had one trial with limited benefit. The animal studies use a powerful urothelial carcinogen and maximum tolerated doses of chemotherapeutic agents. In this context, some studies do demonstrate a significant reduction in tumor incidence; however, the differences between control and treatment groups are not uniformly dramatic.
Comment on "Compressive stress in polycrystalline Volmer-Weber films".

A Comment on the Letter by R. Koch, Dongzhi Hu, and A. K. Das, Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 146101 (2005). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Report of the 2008 Education Committee panel on "Teaching Safety in the OR"

Introduction At the 2008 Digestive Diseases Week, the Education Committee of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract sponsored a symposium entitled “Teaching Safety in the OR.”
DISCERNING THE SYMBIONIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPORT, LEISURE, AND RECREATION: A NOTE ON THE SPORTIZATION OF PASTIMES

ABSTRACT This article discusses the sportization of pastimes. This is perhaps one of the most important issues facing the sociology of sport, leisure, and recreation. The article offers some initial dialogue toward the development of a theory that would explain the myriad of activities which continue to evolve from leisure time pursuits of a few, into more organized recreation for many, and then into highly competitive sports. The status of this subarea of sociology is discussed within the context that the sportization of pastimes may generate enough research interest so as to catapult this subarea into mainstream sociology.
THE EFFECT OF GLYCEROL MEDIUM ON THE ACTIVATION OF HUMAN PLASMINOGEN BY STREPTOKINASE AND ON THE ACTION OF THE ENZYME, PLASMIN

A 50% glycerol medium affected the activation of plasminogen by streptokinase (SK) and the activity of plasmin (formed by glycerol incubation) on p-toluene-sulphonyl-L-arginine methyl ester (TAMe) ...
Egg Contribution Towards the Diet of Pregnant Latinas

Proper nutrition during gestation is important to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes. Eggs contain many important nutrients necessary for fetal development and human survival. Three focus groups were conducted with Latina women living in Connecticut to identify cultural beliefs toward egg consumption during pregnancy, traditional egg dishes, and methods of preparation. A cross-sectional study was then carried out with a sample of predominately Puerto Rican pregnant Latinas (N = 241) to identify the frequency of consumption of eggs and egg-containing dishes as well as methods of preparation using a tailored food frequency questionnaire modified for this population. Paired sample t-tests were used to examine if there were differences in weekly mean egg intake patterns between the year prior to the pregnancy and during pregnancy based on a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Women were categorized into eggs consumers and non-consumers if they consumed or did not consume eggs during the previous day based on 24-hou...
General nondynamical formalism for reactions with particles of arbitrary spin. Number of form factors. Parity conservation

Abstract The general nondynamical formalism for reactions involving particles of arbitrary spins, discussed in several previous papers, is further developed. The number of form factors in the M -matrix is determined under parity conservation as well as other conservation laws, and from this it is derived that many conservation laws have no nondynamical tests of validity in reactions involving spin-zero particles only. The factorization of the M -matrix into irreducible constituents is developed for parity conserving reactions and it is shown how the compound observable can be written down in terms of observables and so-called pseudoobservables of the constituent reactions. It is then demonstrated that for parity conserving reactions, an unpolarized and uncorrelated particle is in general equivalent to a fictitious spin-zero particle possessing both positive and negative parity (dual particle). The structure of observables in terms of the type of traces they contain is studied. The number of terms in a compound observable is derived. It is shown that the number of observables is a parity conserving reaction is always larger than the number of independent bilinear combinations of form factors. Thus, there are always linear relations among the observables. The number and character of these relations is explored and it is shown that they also lead to the complete list of parity experiments, i.e., experiments from which we can determine the intrinsic parity of one of the particles in the reaction, knowing the intrinsic parities of the other participating reactions but knowing nothing about the dynamics of the reaction. It is shown that the observables can be divided into subclasses, a given subclass containing observables which are different linear combinations of the same bilinear combinations of form factors. Each such bilinear combination appears in one and only one subclass.
Measurement and Modeling of Electron Cloud in a Field Free Environment Using Retarding Field Analyzers

As part of the CESR-TA program at Cornell, diagnostic devices to measure and quantify the electron cloud effect have been installed throughout the CESR ring. One such device is the Retarding Field Analyzer (RFA), which provides information on the local electron cloud density and energy distribution. In a magnetic field free environment, RFA measurements can be directly compared with simulation to study the growth and dynamics of the cloud on a quantitative level. In particular, the photoemission and secondary emission characteristics of the instrumented chambers can be determined simultaneously.
Seismic response of squat rigid bodies on inclined planes with rigid boundaries

AbstractA planar rigid-body dynamics formulation describing the seismic behavior of a squat rectangular rigid body initially resting on an inclined rigid plane is presented. The downslope motion of the body is limited by a rigid boundary perpendicular to the inclined plane. This type of problem appears in several practical applications. Coulomb and hysteretic friction with velocity- and pressure-dependent properties are considered at the body-to-ground interface. The weaknesses of hysteretic friction models incorporating static and kinetic velocity-dependent components are identified and remedied. Impact models for collision of the body with the rigid boundary and the inclined plane are also derived. The formulation is embodied in a numerical model through a dedicated computer code. A comparative study is conducted to demonstrate the effects on the body response of major model characteristics, including the rigid boundary; inclination angle; Coulomb, hysteretic, and combined Coulomb-hysteretic friction; a...
Self-focusing-induced saturable loss for laser mode locking

Self-focusing has recently been used for fast saturable absorber mode locking and femtosecond pulse generation in Ti:Al(2)O(3) lasers. We describe the operation, design, and optimization of self-focusing loss modulators for mode locking. A new formalism is developed that simplifies the treatment of self-focusing in thick nonlinear media by using a simple transform of the complex Gaussian beam parameter. Theoretical predictions are confirmed by experimental measurements.
Not all preconceptions are misconceptions: finding ‘anchoring conceptions’ for grounding instruction on students’ intuitions

This study begins the task of mapping out the domain of valid, potentially helpful beliefs of students and raises the possibility of drawing on these intuitions in teaching conceptual material. Some issues are explored surrounding the identification of such intuitions, referred to as anchoring conceptions or anchors. We attempt to: (1) propose some organizing theoretical and observational definitions of the anchor construct; (2) present some initial findings from a diagnostic test designed to uncover anchors for physics instruction; and (3) provoke an initial discussion of the new methodological issues that arise in this domain. The results of the diagnostic test indicate that a number of group anchors exist. In addition, some unexpected non‐anchors were identified. Furthermore, evidence was found indicating that some anchoring examples may be ‘brittle’, i.e., evidence that the anchor could not be extended analogically to help a student make sense of a target situation. Finally, it is suggested that furth...
Manipulation of ion-pairing reagents for reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of phosphorylated opioid peptides from their non-phosphorylated analogues

The use of reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for the separation of a mixture of 14 phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated enkephalins is described. The influence of two homologous series of hydrophobic ion-pairing reagents, consisting of perfluorinated carboxylic (trifluoroacetic, pentafluoropropionic and hexafluorobutyric) acids and sodium salts of sulfonic (butane-, hexane- and heptane-) acids, on the retention of enkephalin peptides was investigated. The incorporation of the phosphate group reduces retention time in proportion with the resulting change in hydrophobicity of the peptide. All peptides exhibit increase in retention time with increase in the counter ion hydrophobicity. The increase is proportional to the number of positively charged groups present in a peptide. Phosphopeptides show small increases in retention times than their corresponding non-phospho derivatives. The near-neighbor effect of the Tyr-O-phosphate group is responsible for suppression of the ion-pairing interaction of the mobile phase counter ions with the positively charged terminal amino group of enkephalins.