cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Productive Life of Risk

Contemporary social theorists usually conceive of risk negatively. Focusing on disasters and hazards, they see risk as an object of calculation and avoidance. But we gain a deeper understanding of risk in modern life if we observe it in another setting. Futures markets are exemplary sites of aggressive risk taking. Drawing upon extensive fieldwork on trading floors, this article shows how a high modern institution creates populations of risk-taking specialists, and explores the ways that engagements with risk actively organize contemporary markets and forge economic actors. Financial exchanges are crucibles of capitalist production. At the Chicago Board of Trade, financial speculators structure their conduct and shape themselves around risk; and games organized around risk influence the social and spatial dynamics of market life.
The role of behavior in evolution: a search for mechanism

Behavior has been viewed as a pacemaker of evolutionary change because changes in behavior are thought to expose organisms to novel selection pressures and result in rapid evolution of morphological, life history and physiological traits. However, the idea that behavior primarily drives evolutionary change has been challenged by an alternative view of behavior as an inhibitor of evolution. According to this view, a high level of behavioral plasticity shields organisms from strong directional selection by allowing individuals to exploit new resources or move to a less stressful environment. Here, I suggest that absence of clear mechanisms underlying these hypotheses impedes empirical evaluation of behavior’s role in evolution in two ways. First, both hypotheses focus on behavioral shifts as a key step in the evolutionary process but ignore the developmental mechanisms underlying these shifts and this has fostered unwarranted assumptions about the specific types of behavioral shifts that are important for evolutionary change. Second, neither hypothesis provides a means of connecting within-individual changes in behavior to population-level processes that lead to evolutionary diversification or stasis. To resolve these issues, I incorporate developmental and evolutionary mechanisms into a conceptual framework that generates predictions about the types of behavior and types of behavioral shifts that should affect both micro and macroevolutionary processes.
Real-Time Simulation and Control of Large Scale Distributed Discrete Event Systems

Abstract Due to the ever-increasing computational capabilities and the increasing use of automated, distributed large-scale systems, intelligent controllers are being proposed and designed. Much of the discrete-event automated control research has been done in the context of manufacturing plants and as such this paper will presents the results in the context of manufacturing systems. There is a large amount of research in the area of simulation of manufacturing systems, scheduling and some research in the control of automated manufacturing systems. Even intelligent controllers for manufacturing systems have been looked at by some. To this date there has been no realization of a general-purpose intelligent controller for manufacturing systems or any other large scale discrete-event system. Furthermore the current research efforts focusing on this problem are not considering the fact that the controller must be physically distributed among many computers in order to achieve the computer power necessary to control these large-scale complex systems. Since todays large complex systems tend to be physically distributed over potentially thousands of miles, the control structure must be distributed as well. This results in a serious implication; the model used in the controller actually consists of a set of independent models. Very little research has focused on the design of a controller whose model is distributed. Presented in this paper is a controller that is designed to control the real-time discrete-event aspects of a large scale distributed system using manufacturing as a base problem. The paper concludes by presenting an example of a flexible manufacturing system being controlled by this software.
5-HT2C receptor involvement in female rat lordosis behavior.

Abstract Adult, hormone-primed, ovariectomized rats (CDF-344) with bilateral implants within the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN), were injected with 0.5 μg estradiol benzoate followed 48 h later with 500 μg progesterone. This priming produced rats with 2 different levels of sexual receptivity. Rats with a lordosis to mount ratio (L/M)≥0.5 were used to examine the potential lordosis-inhibiting effects of the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, R(+)-a-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2(4-fluoro-phenylethyl)]-4-piperidine-methanol (MDL 100,907), and the 5-HT2C receptor antagonist, 5-methyl-1-(3-pyridylcarbamoyl)-1,2,3,5-tetrahydropyrrolo[2,3-f]indole (SB 206553). Rats with low sexual receptivity (L/M
Chlorinated organic compounds evolved during the combustion of blends of refuse-derived fuels and coals

The objective of this study was to examine the possible formation of chlorinated organic compounds during the combustion of blends of refuse derived fuels (RDF) and coal under conditions similar to those of an atmospheric fluidized bed combustion (AFBC) system. A series of experiments were conducted using a TG interfaced to FTIR. Additional experiments using a tube furnace preheated to AFBC operating temperatures were also conducted. The combustion products were cryogenically trapped and analyzed with a GC/MS system. The chlorination of phenols and the condensation reactions of chlorophenols were investigated in this study. A possible mechanism for the formation of chlorinated organic compounds such as dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans, by chlorination and condensation reactions involving phenols, was proposed.
Low-Dose Responses to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in Single Living Human Cells Measured by Synchrotron Infrared Spectromicroscopy

Synchrotron radiation (SR)-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectromicroscopy measurements are presented of HepG2 cells exposed to an environmental contaminant that is a known ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor. Measurements were made on cells treated with an Ah receptor-binding model compound 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Compared to untreated control cells, treated cells displayed unique spectral changes with TCDD concentrations of 0.01-10.0 nM. Key spectral changes involved P=0, C-0, and C-H stretching bands. The first changes are related to the environment of the phosphate backbone of nucleic acids. The C-H stretching bands data show a relative increase in the number of methyl to methylene groups. An excellent correlation was found between spectral changes and an increase in CYP1A1 expression measured by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique demonstrating that the SR-FTIR method is observing cellular biochemical changes related to this gene expression pathway. Finally, the potential use of SR-FTIR spectromicroscopy is discussed as a diagnostic tool for monitoring cellular exposure and early molecular responses to environmental pollutants.
Monovalent cation-induced structure of telomeric DNA: The G-quartet model

We have investigated the structures formed by oligonucleotides composed of two or four repeats of the telomeric sequences from Oxytricha and Tetrahymena. The Oxytricha four-repeat molecule (d(T4G4)4 = Oxy-4) forms structures with increased electrophoretic mobility in nondenaturing gels containing Na+, K+, or Cs+, but not in gels containing Li+ or no added salt. Formation of the folded structure results in protection of a set of dG's from methylation by dimethyl sulfate. Efficient UV-induced cross-links are observed in Oxy-4 and the related sequence from Tetrahymena (d(T2G4)4 = Tet-4), and join thymidine residues in different repeats. Models proposed to account for these data involve G-quartets, hydrogen-bonded structures formed from four guanosine residues in a square-planar array. We propose that the G-quartet structure must be dealt with in vivo by the telomere replication machinery.
Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(2-methyl-2-benzoxycarbonyl-propylene carbonate) micelles for rapamycin delivery: in vitro characterization and biodistribution.

ABSTRACT: Our objective was to synthesize an amphiphilic diblock copolymer for micellar delivery of rapamycin. Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(2-methyl-2-benzoxycarbonyl-propylene carbonate) (PEG-b-PBC) with different hydrophobic core lengths were synthesized from methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) and 2-methyl-2-benzoxycarbonyl-propylene carbonate through ring-opening polymerization using 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene as a catalyst. The critical micelle concentration of PEG-b-PBC was around 10 −8 M and depends on the hydrophobic core length. Rapamycin was effectively incorporated into micelles and drug loading increased with increasing hydrophobic core length, with maximal drug loading of 10% (w/w, drug/polymer), drug loading efficiency of about 85%, and mean particle size of around 70 nm. The drug release profile was also dependent on the hydrophobic core length and the drug release from PEG 114 -b-PBC 30 micelles was the slowest. We also determined the toxicity of rapamycin micelles on insulinoma (INS-1E) β-cells and human islets. Encapsulation of rapamycin into PEG-b-PBC micelles reduced its toxicity. Biodistribution of rapamycin-loaded PEG-b-PBC micelles was determined after systemic administration into mice. Rapamycin-loaded PEG-b-PBC micelles showed little difference in pharmacokinetics and biodistribution characteristics in mice compared with rapamycin carrying nanosuspension. In conclusion, rapamycin formulated with PEG-b-PBC micelles showed significantly reduced toxicity on INS-1E β-cells and human islets, but had similar biodistribution profiles as those of nanosuspensions.
Temporally constrained eolian sand signals and their relationship to climate, Oxbow Lake, Saugatuck, Michigan

Interrelationships among late Holocene climate, the dynamics of coastal dunes and sedimentation in adjacent small lakes along coasts of the upper Great Lakes have been studied for over a decade. Nonetheless, many questions remain as to relationships between climate variability and dune activity. The study site is Oxbow Lake, near Saugatuck, Michigan, which formed as an artifi cial cutoff of the Kalamazoo River in 1906. Stratigraphic control of the infi lled western end of the lake is from ground penetrating radar, and lake sediment from Livingstone and Glew cores with age control from 210 Pb/ 137 Cs/ 7 Be analysis. The climate data used included Lake Michigan water levels and temperature, precipitation, drought and evaporation data from a weather station 30 km to the south and wind data from buoys on Lake Michigan. Episodic peaks of eolian sand in the lake sediment are interpreted to be sourced from adjacent small parabolic dunes along the shoreline and from a foredune west of the lake. Linear regressions of the climate data and weight percent sand resulted in a variety of correlations, some confl icting, and with uncertain meanings. It was found through visual correlation that peaks in sand correspond with both peaks in water levels of Lake Michigan and the winter Palmer drought severity index. The implications of this research are that dune activity is linked to periods of wet conditions and storminess, contrary to typical eolian environments, but consistent with other studies in temperate coastal dunes along the Great Lakes. Results can be used as a modern analogue for coastal dune activity during times of high lake level.
A NONTOXIC DIPHTHERIA TOXIN ANALOGUE INHIBITS NEONATAL BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL PROLIFERATION

Purpose: The response of the neonatal bladder to infravesical obstruction, such as posterior urethral valves or detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, may result in structural and functional changes that persist well after obstruction is treated. A pharmacological means of inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation would likely serve to halt or reverse this deleterious process. Heparin binding (HB) epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a known smooth muscle cell mitogen, while its membrane bound precursor serves as the diphtheria toxin receptor. We report the effects of the nontoxic diphtheria toxin analogue cross reacting material (CRM) 197 on neonatal sheep bladder smooth muscle cell proliferation.Materials and Methods: Neonatal sheep smooth muscle cell cultures were obtained from whole bladder explants. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for desmin and α-smooth muscle actin. HB-EGF messenger RNA was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction using primers to the human sequence, while pro-...
3-D in vitro estimation of temperature using the change in backscattered ultrasonic energy

Temperature imaging with a non-invasive modality to monitor the heating of tumors during hyperthermia treatment is an attractive alternative to sparse invasive measurement. Previously, we predicted monotonic changes in backscattered energy (CBE) of ultrasound with temperature for certain sub-wavelength scatterers. We also measured CBE values similar to our predictions in bovine liver, turkey breast muscle, and pork rib muscle in 2-D in vitro studies and in nude mice during 2-D in vivo studies. To extend these studies to three dimensions, we compensated for motion and measured CBE in turkey breast muscle. 3-D data sets were assembled from images formed by a phased-array imager with a 7.5-MHz linear probe moved in 0.6-mm steps in elevation during uniform heating from 37 to 45°C in 0.5°C increments. We used cross-correlation as a similarity measure in RF signals to automatically track feature displacement as a function of temperature. Feature displacement was non-rigid. Envelopes of image regions, compensated for non-rigid motion, were found with the Hilbert transform then smoothed with a 3 × 3 running average filter before forming the backscattered energy at each pixel. CBE in 3-D motion-compensated images was nearly linear with an average sensitivity of 0.30 dB/°C. 3-D estimation of temperature in separate tissue regions had errors with a maximum standard deviation of about 0.5°C over 1-cm3 volumes. Success of CBE temperature estimation based on 3-D non-rigid tracking and compensation for real and apparent motion of image features could serve as the foundation for the eventual generation of 3-D temperature maps in soft tissue in a non-invasive, convenient, and low-cost way in clinical hyperthermia.
CP-Miner: finding copy-paste and related bugs in large-scale software code

Recent studies have shown that large software suites contain significant amounts of replicated code. It is assumed that some of this replication is due to copy-and-paste activity and that a significant proportion of bugs in operating systems are due to copy-paste errors. Existing static code analyzers are either not scalable to large software suites or do not perform robustly where replicated code is modified with insertions and deletions. Furthermore, the existing tools do not detect copy-paste related bugs. In this paper, we propose a tool, CP-Miner, that uses data mining techniques to efficiently identify copy-pasted code in large software suites and detects copy-paste bugs. Specifically, it takes less than 20 minutes for CP-Miner to identify 190,000 copy-pasted segments in Linux and 150,000 in FreeBSD. Moreover, CP-Miner has detected many new bugs in popular operating systems, 49 in Linux and 31 in FreeBSD, most of which have since been confirmed by the corresponding developers and have been rectified in the following releases. In addition, we have found some interesting characteristics of copy-paste in operating system code. Specifically, we analyze the distribution of copy-pasted code by size (number lines of code), granularity (basic blocks and functions), and modification within copy-pasted code. We also analyze copy-paste across different modules and various software versions.
Have you done anything like that?: predicting performance using inter-category reputation

Online labor markets such as oDesk and Amazon Mechanical Turk have been growing in importance over the last few years. In these markets, employers post tasks on which remote contractors work and deliver the product of their work. As in most online marketplaces, reputation mechanisms play a very important role in facilitating transactions, since they instill trust and are often predictive of the future satisfaction of the employer. However, labor markets are usually highly heterogeneous in terms of available task categories; in such scenarios, past performance may not be a representative signal of future performance. To account for this heterogeneity, in our work, we build models that predict the performance of a worker based on prior, category-specific feedback. Our models assume that each worker has a category-specific quality, which is latent and not directly observable; what is observable, though, is the set of feedback ratings of the worker and of other contractors with similar work histories. Based on this information, we build a multi-level, hierarchical scheme that deals effectively with the data sparseness, which is inherent in many cases of interest (i.e., contractors with relatively brief work histories). We evaluate our models on a large corpus of real transactional data from oDesk, an online labor market with hundreds of millions of dollars in transaction volume. Our results show an improved accuracy of up to 47% compared to the existing baseline.
International comparison of waiting times for selected cardiovascular procedures.

Objectives. This study was designed to compare waiting times for cardiovascular procedures in five different health care delivery/financing systems. Background. A recurrent criticism of national health care systems is long waiting times, or “queues,” for high technology procedures. However, no objective data exist comparing waiting times in the United States with those in other systems. Methods. Directors of cardiac catheterization laboratories, directors of cardiac surgery in the United States, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system, Canada and the United Kingdom and directors of cardiology clinics in Sweden were asked to respond to a mailed questionnaire as to how long it would take to obtain coronary angiography or coronary artery bypass surgery, or both, for specified case scenarios at their institutions. Results. Significant differences in waiting times (p 9 months. Conclusions. Physicians report that patients treated in health care systems structured differently from the non-VA hospital system in the United States wait significantly longer for cardiac catheterization and coronary artery bypass surgery.
The temperature-dependent absorption spectrum of the v3 band of SF6 at 10·6 μm

Abstract Mixtures of SF 6 diluted by argon were heated behind an incident shock front in the range 400 to 1500K. Absorption measurements at 11 wavelengths near 10·6 μm were made on the post-shock, equilibrated gas using a CO 2 laser. A band contour model, which makes use of known spectroscopic constantd and the experimental results, satisfactorily accounts for the observed temperature dependence of the absorption coefficient. We are able to estimate the identity of the transitions responsible for absorption of the laser radiation.
Cognitive Radio Network setup without a Common Control Channel

The concept of cognitive radio networks has introduced a new way of sharing the open spectrum flexibly and efficiently. However, there are several issues that hinder the deployment of such dynamic networks. The common control channel problem is one of such issue. Cognitive radio networks are designed by assuming the availability of a dedicated control channel. In this paper, we identify and discuss the network setup problem as a part of the common control channel problem. Probabilistic and deterministic ways to start the initial communication and setup a cognitive radio network without the need of having a common control channel in both centralized and multi-hop scenarios are suggested. Extensive MATLAB simulations validate the effectiveness of the algorithms.
A generic algorithm to find all common intervals of two permutations

Let K he the set of {1,2,....,m}, [x, y] denote the set of [x,x+1,...,y], where 1/spl les/x,y/spl les/m. Given two permutations /spl sigma//sub A/ and /spl sigma//sub B/ of a set /spl aleph/, A 2-tuple of intervals ([x/sub 1/, y/sub 1/], [x/sub 2/, y/sub 2/]) is called common intervals if /spl sigma//sub A/([x/sub 1/, y/sub 1/])=([x/sub 2/, y/sub 2/]). In this paper, we propose a sufficient and necessary condition for a 2-tuple of intervals to be common intervals. Based on these conditions, we present a generic algorithm that finds all common intervals of these two permutations.
Simple method for measuring the friction coefficient of thin fibers

A method is described for measuring the friction coefficient between a fiber, particularly thin fibers (with diameters down to a few micrometers), and a cylindrical substrate. The method allows for examination of the influences of the environment, temperature, and relative velocity between the fiber and the substrate.
Trepanation in South‐Central Peru during the early late intermediate period (ca. AD 1000–1250)

This study evaluates trepanations from five well-contextualized prehistoric sites in the south- central highlands of Andahuaylas, Peru. The emergence of trepanation in this region coincides with the collapse of the Wari Empire, ca. AD 1000. Thirty-two individuals from Andahuaylas, AMS radiocarbon dated to the early Late Intermediate Period (ca. AD 1000-1250), were found to have 45 total trepanations. Various surgical techni- ques were being employed concurrently throughout the region. Scraping trepanations evinced the highest sur- vival rate; circular grooving, drilling and boring, and lin- ear cutting were far less successful. Evidence of perioperative procedures like hair shaving, poultice application, and possible cranioplasty use aimed to ensure the survival of a trepanation recipient. Postmor- tem trepanations, also present in Andahuaylas, were likely executed on corpses as a means of better under- standing cranial anatomy and improving techniques. Similarities in trepanation patterns throughout the region attest to common motivations to engage in sur- gery. Although moderate physical head trauma seems to be the impetus for intervention in many cases of trepa- nation, other motivations included physiological and pos- sibly psychosomatic factors. Nevertheless, treatment was not for everyone. In Andahuaylas, trepanations were withheld from subadults, females, and those individuals who practiced cranial modification. Am J Phys Anthro- pol 152:484-494, 2013. V C 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Primary Sjögren's syndrome is characterized by distinct phenotypic and transcriptional profiles of IgD+ unswitched memory B cells.

Objective The significance of distinct B cell abnormalities in primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) remains to be established. We undertook this study to analyze the phenotype and messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript profiles of B cell subsets in patients with primary SS and to compare them with those in sicca syndrome patients and healthy controls. Methods CD19+ B cells from 26 patients with primary SS, 27 sicca syndrome patients, and 22 healthy controls were analyzed by flow cytometry. Gene expression profiles of purified B cell subsets (from 3–5 subjects per group per test) were analyzed using Affymetrix gene arrays. Results Patients with primary SS had lower frequencies of CD27+IgD− switched memory B cells and CD27+IgD+ unswitched memory B cells compared with healthy controls. Unswitched memory B cell frequencies were also lower in sicca syndrome patients and correlated inversely with serologic hyperactivity in both disease states. Further, unswitched memory B cells in primary SS had lower expression of CD1c and CD21. Gene expression analysis of CD27+ memory B cells separated patients with primary SS from healthy controls and identified a subgroup of sicca syndrome patients with a primary SS–like transcript profile. Moreover, unswitched memory B cell gene expression analysis identified 187 genes differentially expressed between patients with primary SS and healthy controls. Conclusion A decrease in unswitched memory B cells with serologic hyperactivity is characteristic of both established primary SS and a subgroup of sicca syndrome, which suggests the value of these B cells both as biomarkers of future disease progression and for understanding disease pathogenesis. Overall, the mRNA transcript analysis of unswitched memory B cells suggests that their activation in primary SS takes place through innate immune pathways in the context of attenuated antigen-mediated adaptive signaling. Thus, our findings provide important insight into the mechanisms and potential consequences of decreased unswitched memory B cells in primary SS.
Policy Making Is Decision Making: A Response to Hattam

How should we explain politics and policymaking in one of the most tumultuous and active periods in the history of the American state? Victoria Hattam and I approach the same topic from different starting points and with different goals. While she argues for attention to grass roots mobilization, I look to the policymaking process. I believe the study of policy change should begin at the center of power, where policy decision-making takes place, and should assume nothing about the relevance or role of the political grass roots. Policymakers themselves are always part of the story of policymaking. Grass roots groups are sometimes key actors, yet their impact on policymaking must be demonstrated, not assumed. Assessing this impact and understanding policy development also requires examining cases of failure along with cases of success, and I believe Hattam’s neglect of the comparative framework in my book leads her analysis astray. In this article, I use the occasion of Hattam’s eloquent and engaging critique to bring attention to larger issues of general concern to all scholars studying political change. I first explain the purpose of The Minority Rights Revolution (henceforth, MRR), responding to some of Hattam’s charges. Second, I provide a theoretical background and justification for MRR’s “top-down” research design. Third, I analyze Hattam’s alternative approach and assess it. Last, I turn to the questions of politics and morality that are necessarily part of any scholar’s work studying policy change.
Simultaneous optical compression and decompression of 100-Gb/s OTDM packets using a single bidirectional optical delay line lattice

Using only a single bidirectional optical delay line lattice, we present a technique for performing ultrahigh-data-rate compression and decompression of optical time-division-multiplexed (TDM) packets for photonic packet switching networks. We also present the first experimental demonstration of simultaneous compression and decompression of 100-Gb/s optical TDM packets using our proposed structure.
Testing mined specifications

Specifications are necessary for nearly every software engineering task, but they are often missing or incomplete. "Specification mining" is a line of research promising to solve this problem through automated tools that infer specifications directly from existing programs. The standard practice is one of inductive learning: mining tools make observations about software and inductively generalize them into specifications. Inductive reasoning is unsound, however, and existing tools commonly grapple with the problem of inferring "false" specifications, which must be manually checked.In this work, we introduce a new technique for automatically validating mined specifications that lessens this manual burden. Our technique is not based on heuristics; it rather uses a general, semantic definition of a "true" specification. We perform systematic, targeted program transformations to test a mined specification's necessity for overall correctness. If a "violating" program is correct, the specification is false. We have implemented our technique in a prototype tool that validates temporal properties of Java programs, and we demonstrate it to be effective through a large-scale case study on the DaCapo benchmarks.
A 12-Year Prospective Study of Postinjury Multiple Organ Failure: Has Anything Changed?

Hypothesis The incidence and severity of postinjury multiple organ failure (MOF) has decreased over the last decade. Design A prospective 12-year inception cohort study ending December 31, 2003. Setting Regional academic level I trauma center. Patients One thousand three hundred forty-four trauma patients at risk for postinjury MOF. Inclusion criteria were aged older than 15 years, admission to the trauma intensive care unit, an Injury Severity Score higher than 15, and survival for more than 48 hours after injury. Isolated head injuries were excluded from this study. Previously identified risk factors for postinjury MOF were age, Injury Severity Score, and receiving a blood transfusion within 12 hours of injury. Main Outcome Measures Multiple organ failure was defined by a Denver MOF score of 4 or more for longer than 48 hours after injury. Multiple organ failure severity was defined by the maximum daily MOF score and the number of MOF free days within the first 28 postinjury days. Results Multiple organ failure was diagnosed in 339 (25%) of 1244 patients. The mean age and Injury Severity Scores increased and the use of blood transfusion during resuscitation decreased over the 12-year study period. After adjusting for age, injury severity, and amount of blood transfused during resuscitation, there was a decreased incidence of MOF over the study period. Of the patients who developed MOF, there was a decrease in disease severity and duration as measured by the maximum daily MOF score and the MOF free days. Although the overall mortality rate remained constant, the MOF-specific mortality decreased. Conclusions The incidence, severity, and attendant mortality of postinjury MOF decreased over the last 12 years despite an increased MOF risk. Improvements in MOF outcomes can be attributed to improvements in trauma and critical care and are associated with decreased use of blood transfusion during resuscitation.
Recent observational and theoretical studies of the classical nova outburst

Many facets of astrophysics are captured in classical novae (CNe) eruptions, making these systems unique laboratories to investigate several poorly understood processes, many in real time. CNe may also be related to the super-soft sources, the likely progenitors of SN Ia explosions. Spectra of CNe ejecta, from X-ray to infrared (IR) wavelengths, are remarkable for the changing elemental and ionic content as the ejecta temporally evolves — often exhibiting a variety of low-energy permitted lines of CNO and Fe II, high ionization lines, e.g., [Fe VIII] λ 6078 A, and IR “coronal” lines (few 100 eV transitions) of metals such as Ne, Si, S, and Ar. At higher energies, X-ray and UV emission in CNe comes from the nuclear burning of residual accreted material on the white dwarf surface after the initial outburst; this emission directly probes processes powering the post-outburst evolution of the white dwarf and the ejecta. Some nova systems are observed to form dust, making CNe one of the known in situ stellar so...
Changes in Orthodontic Treatment Modalities in the Past 20 Years: Exploring the Link between Technology and Scientific Evidence

STATEMENT OF THE ISSUE: Is there a link between the many perceived advances in orthodontic techniques/therapy and science in the past 20 years? The purpose of this paper is to take five topics and match the perceptions with the scientific evidence. The variety of appliances and the swings in treatment philosophy have been dramatic, including the swing from extraction to non-extraction therapy, the introduction of space-age wires, appliances that grow mandibles, the introduction and extraordinary growth of Invisalign, and reduced friction brackets to reduce treatment time, all with claims by manufacturers of better results than ever before. The focus is on faster treatment, reduced visits/appointments and superior results. Most of these 'advancements' represent what has been the 'juggernaut of technology'. Five questions are posed, and an evidence-based approach is used to critically examine the literature in these selected topics.
The Cheilectomy and its Modifications

Hallux rigidus occurs in 10% of persons aged 20 to 34 years but in as much as 44% of people older than 80 years. Surgical intervention has been suggested for cases of hallux rigidus that have failed using conservative methods. The modified cheilectomy is considered by many the first-line treatment for this disease, given the procedure's inherent ability to eliminate degenerate bone and cartilage and decompress the intra-articular space, while sparing considerable cubic content of bone. Once the cheilectomy has been performed, there remains a sufficient volume of bone to perform a more definitive reconstruction if necessary.
Mibefradil: A New Class of Calcium-Channel Antagonists

effects of mibefradil are comparable with those of nifedipine, verapamil, and amlodipine, and more effective than those of diltiazem. These effects result from peripheral vasodilation and a slight reduction in heart rate. Selective vasodilation of the coronary vasculature makes it an effective antianginal agent when used alone or added to β-blocker therapy. Mibefradil demonstrates no significant effects on cardiac contractility, and no adrenergic stimulation resulting in reflex tachycardia. Therefore, it may have some advantages over currently available CCAs, especially in patients with congestive heart failure, although such advantages are
Modeling Gate Congestion of Marine Container Terminals, Truck Waiting Cost, and Optimization:

As a consequence of the continuing growth of container volume and the introduction of 13,000 containerships carrying 20-ft-equivalent-unit (TEU) containers into major trade routes, the port industry is under pressure to come up with the necessary capacity to accommodate the increasing freight volume. One critical issue is the gate capacity of marine container terminals. Limited gate capacity leads to congestion. The harbor trucking industry operates in a competitive environment, and gate congestion is detrimental to its economic well-being. This paper applies a multiserver queuing model to analyze gate congestion and to quantify the truck waiting cost. An optimization model was developed to minimize the total gate system cost with data from field observations. A case study was applied to analyze gate congestion behavior and the truck waiting cost. The sensitivity of the model is discussed. With optimization, the truck waiting cost can be drastically reduced. Several congestion mitigation alternatives can ...
Testing The Torah Code Hypothesis: The Experimental Protocol

This is the second part of a tutorial discussing the experimental protocol issues in testing the Torah code hypothesis. The principal concept is the test statistic which is used to do the actual hypothesis testing of the Null hypothesis against a simple alternative or against a complex of alternatives. We illustrate the methodology using the data sets from the WRR (Witztum et al., 1994) experiment. We use the WRR key word sets of list 1 and 2 combined. The experiment produces a p-value of less than 1/100,000 in the Genesis text. We performed another experiment pairing rule based transliterations for the spellings of the names of the American presidents into Hebrew with the Hebrew word for president. Taking into account Bonferroni, the resulting p-value of the 100,000 trial experiment was less than 1/66,667
The effects of irrigation on outcomes in cases of perforated appendicitis in children

Introduction: Appendicitis is the most common indication for urgent abdominal operation in children. Approximately 20%e30% of patients will have a perforation at operation. Intraabdominal abscess after appendectomy is reported in 3%e20% of patients and adds significantly to hospital stay with increased morbidity and overall cost. Surgical dogma has long advocated for irrigation in the setting of gross pus to prevent abscess formation. Methods: Following IRB approval, data were retrospectively collected for children who had undergone appendectomy for perforated appendicitis at one of two children’s hospitals over the course of 5 y. Perforation was determined by review of operative notes. All patients had free fluid in their peritoneal cavity evacuated by suction, whereas some of the patients also had their peritoneal cavity irrigated with normal saline. Postoperative intraabdominal abscess rates were determined based on clinical symptoms and confirmatory radiologic studies. Results: There were 99 patients in the suction-only group and 139 in the irrigation group. Standard demographics were relatively similar between the two groups. There were significantly lower rates of intra-abdominal abscess formation (4.0% versus 17.2%, P ¼ 0.002) and wound infection (1.0% versus 8.6%, P ¼ 0.003) in the suction-only group compared with the irrigation group. We further analyzed abscess rates by surgical treatment, either laparoscopic or open appendectomy. There were 85 patients in the laparoscopic group and 152 patients in the open appendectomy group. In this subgroup analysis, there were also significantly lower rates of abscess formation in patients treated with suction only compared with irrigation in the laparoscopic (3.5% versus 18.8%, P ¼ 0.012) and open appendectomy groups (4.2% versus 16.3%, P ¼ 0.036). Conclusions: Results of this retrospective review indicate that a suction-only approach significantly decreased rates of abscess formation and wound infections compared to irrigation in cases of perforated appendicitis in children.
A descriptive study of denominational concomitants in psychiatric diagnosis

Psychology is increasingly stressing the institutional bases of behavior. Religion, as one such base, was noted in early Freudian thought, and recent concern has been placed on discerning relationships between religious involvement and personality characteristics. Specific attention was focused on relating church membership to incidence and nature of mental disorder. Citing problems of earlier research, the purpose of this study was to determine and describe relationships between religious group affiliation and mental disorder based on a large and heterogeneous sample. The 1 323 institutionalized S s used represented six major denominations, or combinations thereof, as they related to five diagnostic categories of functional disorders. Chi-square analysis failed to detect differences between denominations in proportions diagnosed as functional disorders, though Cochran Q revealed significant differences between denominations in type of functional disorder manifested. Based on results of several denominational comparisons, the potential therapeutic value of denominational affiliation and the possible role of it as a deterrent or predisposing factor in mental disorder were discussed.
Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Cicero Urban and Mario Rietjens, eds. Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery . New York, NY: Springer, 2013. ISBN-10: 8847026512, ISBN-13: 978-8847026513, $239.00. ![Graphic][1] Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery is a nice addition to existing reference guides for breast reconstructive surgery. Many principles are discussed by a diverse group of authors from around the world, encompassing 457 pages. The text is divided into 7 sections with a total of 49 chapters Illustrations and detailed pre- and postoperative photographs are included to summarize some of the key principles, surgical planning, and possible complications from the procedures. The strengths of this text are many as it is focused on teaching the principles of all types of reconstructive surgery when faced with a variety of types of patients and breast diseases. It … Corresponding Author: Dr Allen Gabriel, Department of Plastic Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA. E-mail: gabrielallen{at}yahoo.com [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Polarization Dynamics of the Nonlinear Coherent Emission from Uniaxially-Strained Quantum Wells

Conventional nonlinear techniques, such as four-wave-mixing (FWM), have provided considerable information about the spectral and temporal amplitudes of ultrafast coherent radiation emitted by semiconductors and multiple quantum wells (MQW's), but they typically provide no information about the temporal or spectral phases of the nonlinear signal.
Relationship between the structure and mechanical properties in ß III titanium alloy

The ageing reactions that take place during the heat-treatment of solution-treatedβ III titanium (11.5 wt% Mo, 6 wt% Zr, 4.5 wt% Sn, balance Ti) were followed by detailed structure characterization using electron microscopy. The variations in mechanical properties with heat treatment were also followed systematically. The electron microscopy investigations indicated that the omega phase formed on quenching. The size and volume fraction of the omega phase increased on subsequent ageing,β,ω andα phases were found to co-exist at ageing temperatures between 800 and 900° F (427 and 482° C) for short ageing times. From the observations of interfacial dislocations at theβ/ω interface and the precipitation of fine alpha near the omega particles, with a morphology that is characteristic of the priorω morphology, it is suggested that theα-phase forms directly from the omega phase. The observed increase in yield strength over the solution-treated condition, due to the precipitation ofω phase, was found to agree well with that predicted by the Orowan hardening mechanism. Since the precipitation of fine ellipsoidalα-phase was found to increase the yield strength of the alloy with reasonable ductility, it is suggested that the optimum heat treatment to produce high strength with good ductility inβ III titanium is to age at 900° F (482° C) for 10 to 25 h.
Effect of Crystalline Synthetic Androsterone on the Female Bitterling.

We have reported that the lengthening of the ovipositor of the female bitterling† may be produced by that fraction of male urine containing male hormone and have suggested1 this biological reaction as a test for male hormones. We have recently been engaged in experiments with the crystalline synthetic male hormones. These materials are scarcely soluble in water and hence emulsions were first employed. Later the use of propylene glycol as a solvent was suggested by Dr. Warren M. Cox, Jr., of Mead Johnson & Co. This solvent in small amounts is in itself harmless to the fish and does not cause this reaction. The sterols dissolve in it with the aid of heat and when such solutions are added to the large volumes of water in which the fish are placed, the material remains as a fine suspension.Under these conditions synthetic androsterone‡ was found to produce positive reactions when added in very small amounts. Like many other biological phenomena the reaction is not obtained in every instance. This may account ...
c-Cbl facilitates fibronectin matrix production by v-Abl-transformed NIH3T3 cells via activation of small GTPases.

c-Cbl facilitates fibronectin matrix production by v-Abl-transformed NIH3T3 cells via activation of small GTPases
Petri Nets and Marked Graphs–Mathematical Models of Concurrent Computation

(1982). Petri Nets and Marked Graphs–Mathematical Models of Concurrent Computation. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 89, No. 8, pp. 552-566.
Surgery and staging for ductal carcinoma in situ

SUMMARY Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) occupies the gray zone between histologic patterns that indicate a higher risk of neoplasia in an individual and invasive cancer. Only gradually is treatment moving from a wide variety of surgical options based on a priori considerations to evidence-based decisions. The few clinical series of biopsy with long-term clinical follow-up (> 25 years) suggest that given sufficient time most DCIS will progress to an invasive cancer. Although many laboratories are evaluating molecular and genetic markers of progression, histologic grade summarizes well the rate of progression of these lesions. Complete surgical excision of DCIS essentially eliminates the problem. This is accomplished with total mastectomy, yet this therapy is too radical for the majority of patients with DCIS–now commonly diagnosed as small lesions found during mammographic screening. With the primitive nature of molecular imaging, we are left with a sampling of the surgical margins and radiographic search for microcalcifications as the only means of assuring that resections of a portion of the breast have completely eliminated the process. The fixed variables (extent of DCIS, grade of DCIS and age of patient) are integrated with the factors that can be controlled (margin of surgical excision, addition of irradiation or a SERM such as tamoxifen). A paradigm is suggested based on current evidence.
Placement and complications of monitoring catheters.

Vascular access is a necessary evil in critically ill patients, a population at high risk for complications. Appropriate planning and attention to detail minimize the associated risks while maximizing the benefits derived from catheter use.
Self-Reported Stressful Life Events During Adolescence and Subsequent Asthma: A Longitudinal Study

Background Although exposure to stressful life events in adolescence has been associated with poor health as measured by number of physicians' visits and symptom scores, little is known regarding stress in adolescence and either concurrent or subsequent asthma. Objective The objective of this study was to explore whether life events in adolescence are associated with either concurrent or new active asthma. Methods The Tucson Children's Respiratory Study, a prospective population-based birth cohort, surveyed participants at 10 ages between 6 and 29 years regarding respiratory health. Asthma was defined as a physician-diagnosis of asthma with symptoms during the previous year. At age 16, participants (n = 318) were queried regarding stressful life events using the 67-item Life Events Questionnaire for Adolescents (LEQA). LEQA scores were examined in relation to both concurrent and new active asthma. Estimates were obtained with logistic regression and mixed models. Results There was no relation between asthma prevalence at age 16 and LEQA scores in the overall sample, although males with high LEQA scores had higher prevalence of asthma compared with males with low scores (relative risk [RR]: 3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37, 6.69; P = .006). Among adolescents with no asthma through age 16, risk of new asthma was greater for those with high LEQA scores (adjRR: 4.07; 95% CI: 1.33, 12.43; P = .014), after adjustment for potential confounders including smoking. Emotional support from family and friends slightly diminished the relation of stress to new asthma. Conclusions Stressful life events during adolescence are associated with subsequent new asthma. Additional biological and psychological measures of stress would complement these findings.
The Effect of Implementation of Preoperative and Postoperative Care Elements of a Perioperative Surgical Home Model on Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty or Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND:The Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) seeks to remedy the currently highly fragmented and expensive perioperative care in the United States. The 2 specific aims of this health services research study were to assess the association between the preoperative and postoperative elements of an