cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Surgical Approach to Myomectomies by Race

Study Objective To analyze patient and hospital characteristics, stratified by race, among women undergoing minimally invasive and abdominal myomectomies. Design Data was abstracted from the 2010-2014 National Inpatient Sample of women ages 18-50 years undergoing myomectomy for fibroids. We used a multivariate logistic regression to analyze temporal trends in minimally-invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) by patient factors (age, insurance, and income subgroups) and hospital factors (teaching status, for-profit status, size) and stratified by race (White, Black, Hispanic). Setting United States. Patients or Participants 124,880 women ages 18-50 years undergoing inpatient myomectomy for fibroids. Interventions N/A Measurements and Main Results Of the 124,880 women undergoing myomectomy for fibroids, 7% underwent minimally invasive myomectomy (MIM) and 93% underwent abdominal myomectomy. Black women had a total of 55,960 myomectomies performed of which 3,360 (6.0%) were MIM. Black women had lower odds of undergoing MIM at teaching hospitals [OR.79 95%CI.64-.96] and in the highest income bracket [OR.69 95%CI.54-.89]. White women had a total of 39,560 myomectomies performed of which 4,870 (12.3%) were MIM. White women had lower odds of having MIM with private insurance [OR.75 95%CI.60-.93], highest income bracket [OR.71 95%CI.55-.92], at large hospitals [OR.822 95%CI.69-.97], or at teaching hospitals [OR.66 95%CI.56-.79]. Hispanic women had a total of 15,930 myomectomies performed of which 1,140 (7.2%) were MIM. Hispanic women had lower odds of undergoing MIM at for-profit hospitals [OR.62 95%CI.39-.97]. Across all races, women ages 41-50 were more likely to have MIM [White OR 6.5 95%CI 4.73- 8.96, Black OR 2.6 95%CI 1.98-3.44, Hispanic OR 3.73 95%CI 2.28-6.08]. Conclusion Racial disparities exist with access to MIM. Black women undergo the majority of myomectomies, but only 6% are minimally invasive compared to white women (12.3%).
Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Tumors in the United States, 2009 to 2011: Effects of Hospital Volume on Postoperative Complications.

Introduction Higher surgical volumes correlate with superior patient outcomes for various surgical pathologies, including transnasal transsphenoidal (TNTS) pituitary tumor resection. With the introduction of endoscopic approaches, there have been nationwide shifts in technique with relative declines in microsurgery. We examined the volume-outcome relationship (VOR) for TNTS pituitary tumor surgery in an era of increasingly prevalent endoscopic approaches. Methods Patients who underwent TNTS pituitary tumor resection between 2009 and 2011 were retrospectively identified in the State Inpatient Database subset of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Generalized linear mixed-effect models were used to assess odds of various outcome measures. Institutions were grouped into quartiles by case volume for analysis. Results A total of 6,727 patients underwent TNTS pituitary tumor resection between 2009 and 2011. White or Asian American patients and those with private insurance were more likely to receive care at higher volume centers (HVC). Patients treated at HVC (>60 cases/year) were less likely to have nonroutine discharges (3.9 vs. 1.9%; p = 0.002) and had shorter length of stay (LOS; 4 vs. 2 days; p = 0.001). Overall, care at HVC trended toward lower rates of postoperative complications, for example, a 10-case/year increase correlated with a 10% decrease in the rate of iatrogenic panhypopituitarism (odds ratio [OR] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81–0.99; p = 0.04) and 5% decrease in likelihood of diabetes insipidus (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90–0.99; p = 0.04) on multivariable analysis. Conclusions Our analysis shows that increased case volume is related to superior perioperative outcomes for TNTS pituitary tumor resections. Despite the recent adoption of newer endoscopic techniques and concerns of technical learning curves, this VOR remains undisturbed.
Engaging expectations: Measuring helpfulness as an alternative to student evaluations of teaching

Abstract We propose an alternative to student evaluations of teachers (SETs), arguing that writing programs can use the SET moment to share responsibility for students’ expectations and course experiences. We argue studying students’ perceptions can help writing programs generate research for localizing engagement and aiding professional development. We study the perceived helpfulness of first-year writing (FYW) program experiences for students at a large, doctoral-granting research institution in the Midwest. We engage the expectation disconfirmation paradigm, which posits both expectations and experiences contribute to satisfactory outcomes. We analyze two semesters of survey data (n = 977) using structural equation modeling and find that disconfirmation – a confrontation between students’ expectations and experiences – related to students’ ratings of helpfulness. Helpfulness ratings varied directly with disconfirmation, suggesting students found courses more helpful when their experiences exceeded locally defined expectations, and less helpful when experiences did not meet expectations. Program and instructor variables may have also influenced student attitudes. Male instructor gender identity associated with greater helpfulness ratings. Additionally, disconfirmation varied with enrollment level, and had an indirect effect on helpfulness ratings. Given our findings, we describe directions for professional development. We also identify opportunities for future writing assessment research related to the perception of helpfulness.
Heat Treatment Improves Hepatic Mitochondrial Respiratory Efficiency via Mitochondrial Remodeling.

Nonacholic fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis, is the most common liver disorder affecting the western world and currently has no pharmacologic cure. Thus, many investigations have focused on alternative strategies to treat or prevent hepatic steatosis. Our laboratory has shown that chronic heat treatment (HT) mitigates glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis in rodent models of obesity. Here, we investigate the direct bioenergetic mechanism(s) surrounding the metabolic effects of HT on hepatic mitochondria. Utilizing mitochondrial proteomics and respiratory function assays, we show that one bout of acute HT (42°C for 20 min) in male C57Bl/6J mice (n = 6/group) triggers a hepatic mitochondrial heat shock response resulting in acute reductions in respiratory capacity, degradation of key mitochondrial enzymes, and induction of mitophagy via mitochondrial ubiquitination. We also show that chronic bouts of HT and recurrent activation of the heat shock response enhances mitochondrial quality and respiratory function via compensatory adaptations in mitochondrial organization, gene expression, and transport even during 4 weeks of high-fat feeding (n = 6/group). Finally, utilizing a liver-specific heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) knockout model, we are the first to show that HSP72, a protein putatively driving the HT metabolic response, does not play a significant role in the hepatic mitochondrial adaptation to acute or chronic HT. However, HSP72 is required for the reductions in blood glucose observed with chronic HT. Our data are the first to suggest that chronic HT (1) improves hepatic mitochondrial respiratory efficiency via mitochondrial remodeling and (2) reduces blood glucose in a hepatic HSP72-dependent manner.
Smartphone display size can cause distortions in perceptual estimates of size.

Abstract Everyday we consume massive amounts of visual information on mobile devices like smartphones. However, are there consequences for viewing information on these devices? In 2 experiments, participants viewed several target objects on two differently sized virtual smartphone displays, and then made a judgment of the size of each target item. Results from both experiments confirm that smartphone display size does impact user perceptions of size, such that larger displays cause users to significantly underestimate the size of objects. This effect held when target items were presented alone, or concurrently with a non-target referent. This is the first study to confirm such an effect and suggests that the size of a smartphone display can negatively influence the accuracy of users’ visual perception. Thus, beyond aesthetics or cost, it must be realized that the choice of device might have additional perceptual consequences for consumers.
Alternatives to the performance of economics

Once upon a time, there was a strawberry market in Sologne, France that was ‘the purest and most perfect example of market organization’ (Callon 1998, p. 22). Buyers and sellers participated from s...
Improving Cost and Laboratory Utilization in the diagnosis of Neuroborreliosis. (S30.006)

Objective: Improve healthcare costs in diagnosing Neuroborreliosis by education and ordering restrictions in electronic medical record system. Background: Laboratory costs are about 4% of total healthcare cost, however is likely an underestimate as nearly 70% of medical decisions and associated costs are based on laboratory testing. Inappropriate utilization of testing within neurologic subspecialties is a target for our laboratory utilization committee. We focused on inappropriate utilization of CSF PCR testing for neuroborreliosis. CSF Lyme disease testing by PCR was routinely ordered on patients throughout our healthcare system. The centers for disease control (CDC) recommendations for the diagnosis of Lyme disease includes a two-step serum enzyme immunoassay and immunoblot assay, which is generally followed by a lumbar puncture evaluating for lymphocytic pleocytosis. CSF PCR for Lyme disease has limited sensitivity and should not be routinely tested. Laboratory utilization strategies involve initiatives within the ordering system to guide providers and improve laboratory utilization, which saves costs and improves care. Design/Methods: A prospective analysis of laboratory data and healthcare costs from 2011–2014. All CSF PCR Lyme tests ordered from Geisinger Healthcare System from 2011–2013 were collected and analyzed. Total charge for tests were calculated based on reference laboratory charges to the system. Intervention starting December 2013 included education on proper Lyme testing guidelines and ordering system initiatives. Post intervention laboratory data was collected from 2013–2014 and total testing cost was calculated. Cost savings was calculated by comparing pre-intervention to post-intervention. Results: This project reduced inappropriate CSF PCR Lyme testing from 151 to 7 tests per year, led to an annual system savings of $23800 and annual reduced patient charges by $84,700. Conclusions: By education and restricted use initiatives, inappropriate CSF Lyme PCR testing for diagnosing neuroborreliosis was significantly affected. This initiative led to reduced healthcare costs for the institution and patient while improving evidence based medical practices. Disclosure: Dr. Vanino has nothing to disclose. Dr. Baldwin has nothing to disclose.
Coping with Digital Extortion: An Experimental Study of Benefit Appeals and Normative Appeals

Digital extortion has emerged as a significant threat to organizations that rely on information technologies for their operations. Using human subject experimentation, we study the effectiveness of...
Arthrography, a Diagnostic Procedure in Joint Diseases

Arthrography is by no means a new radiographic procedure, as arthrograms of the knee were reported in 1905, of the hip in 1908, and of the shoulder in 1935, but the procedure has not enjoyed widespread application until recently. Improvements of radiologic equipment has facilitated arthrography and improved the picture quality. Perhaps more importantly there has been an increasing desire by patients, physicians, and surgeons to obtain a diagnosis, preferably by graphic means, before surgical exploration. Knee arthrography is the most widely accepted and is performed most frequently for diagnosis of internal derangement, the depiction of torn menisci and torn cruiciate liagments. It is believed that the menisci do not simply fill an empty space at the margin of the joint, but that they are weight-bearing structures and that the removal of a normal meniscus is detrimental to the patient. Partial meniscectomy, when feasible, is now often performed and in addition to the clinical examination the arthrogram provides the surgeon with more information on which a decision for treatment can be made.
New Drug Approval Process for Radiopharmaceuticals

This article briefly discusses the new drug approval process with emphasis on the chemistry, manufacturing and controls portions of investigational new drug (IND) applications and new drug applications (NDA).
Implementation of the Arakawa-Schubert Cumulus Parameterization with a Prognostic Closure

The cumulus parameterization of Arakawa and Schubert (1974, hereafter referred to as A-S), as implemented by Lord et al. (1982), is currently being used in a number of general circulation models (GCMs) including those at the University of California, Los Angeles, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Numerical Weather Prediction Center, the Japanese Meteorological Research Institute, and Colorado State University (CSU). Its strengths and weaknesses are well documented in the literature on the basis of many observational and numerical studies, some of which are mentioned below.
American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics: revised scope of practice and strategic plan.

American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics: revised scope of practice and strategic plan
Klotho gene delivery suppresses Nox2 expression and attenuates oxidative stress in rat aortic smooth muscle cells via the cAMP-PKA pathway

Klotho is a recently discovered anti-aging gene. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether klotho gene transfer attenuates superoxide production and oxidative stress in rat aorta smooth muscle (RASM) cells. RASM cells were transfected with AAV plasmids carrying mouse klotho full-length cDNA (mKL) or LacZ as a control. Klotho gene transfer increased klotho expression in RASM cells. Notably, klotho gene expression decreased Nox2 NADPH oxidase protein expression but did not affect Nox2 mRNA expression, suggesting that the inhibition may occur at the posttranscriptional level. Klotho gene transfer decreased intracellular superoxide production and oxidative stress in RASM cells. Klotho gene expression also significantly attenuated the angiotensin II (AngII)-induced superoxide production, oxidative damage, and apoptosis. Interestingly, klotho gene delivery dose dependently increased the intracellular cAMP level and PKA activity in RASM cells. Rp-cAMP, a competitive inhibitor of cAMP, abolished the klotho-induced increase in PKA activity, indicating that klotho activated PKA via cAMP. Notably, inhibition of cAMP-dependent PKA activity by RP-cAMP abolished klotho-induced inhibition of Nox2 protein expression, suggesting an important role of cAMP-dependent PKA in this process. This finding revealed a previously unidentified role of klotho in regulating Nox2 protein expression in RASM cells. Klotho not only downregulated Nox2 protein expression and intracellular superoxide production but also attenuated AngII-induced superoxide production, oxidative damage, and apoptosis. The klotho-induced suppression of Nox2 protein expression may be mediated by the cAMP-PKA pathway.
Holonomic quantum computation with squeezed coherent states

Control theoretic aspects of holonomic quantum computation are presented. A generating set of holonomic transformations is constructed from the product bundle arising from the two-qubit system of holonomic quantum computation with squeezed coherent states.
State Variation in Railroad Wheat Rates

Wheat shippers in the Central Plains states have no cost effective transportation alternative to railroads. Wheat produced in these areas moves long distances to domestic processing and consumption locations or to ports for export. Wheat shippers in the Great Plains don’t have direct access to barge loading locations and trucks provide no intermodal competition for these movements. Wheat shippers in Montana and North Dakota are highly dependent on rail transport because they are distant from barge loading locations and intra-railroad competition is limited. In North Dakota, the BNSF controls 78% of the Class I rail mileage, and in Montana, the BNSF controls 94%. Montana ships nearly 100% of its wheat by rail.Unlike Montana and North Dakota, the BNSF and UP have roughly equal track mileage in Kansas. The BNSF has 44% of the Class I rail mileage and the UP, 55%. Also, both railroads serve the major Kansas grain storage and market centers. A 2010 USDA study found that in 1988, Montana and North Dakota had the highest rail grain revenue per ton-mile of the 10 major grain producing states. By 2007 this was no longer the case. The overall objective of the paper is to investigate railroad pricing behavior for the shipment of North Dakota, Kansas, and Montana wheat. Specific objectives include (1) develop a model to measure the impacts of railroad costs and competition on rail wheat rates for North Dakota, Kansas, and Montana, (2) identify and measure the major cost determinants of rail wheat prices, and (3) measure intermodal competition by comparing rail wheat rates in captive markets (Montana and North Dakota) to one with more intermodal competition (Kansas). The results indicate that there is little difference in average Montana and Kansas rail wheat rates per ton-mile. However, North Dakota average railroad wheat prices per-ton mile are higher than average Kansas rates per ton-mile.
Redemption in the Neoliberal and Radical Imaginations: The Saga of Stanley “Tookie” Williams

The controversial death penalty case of Stanley “Tookie” Williams functioned as a confrontation over the efficacy of capital punishment in America, as well as the legitimacy of neoliberal and radical imaginations. I demonstrate how radical iterations of Williams's redemption narrative resisted logics of individualism and White supremacy, while neoliberal renderings, even in Williams's favor, fell prey to such logics. In the end, however, radical discourses of redemption also created a point of legitimation for the state's decision to execute Williams, revealing redemption as an ambivalent thematic whose rhetorical and political functions are contingent on the stakeholders wielding it. The Williams saga also reveals how conflicting imaginaries confront movement rhetors with daunting questions when, quite literally, confronting life and death.
Corneal Laser Photocoagulation for Treatment of Neovascularization: Efficacy of 577 nm Yellow Dye Laser

The authors treated corneal neovascularization in 25 eyes of 23 patients with corneal laser photocoagulation using 577 nm yellow light. Four groups of patients were treated: patients with corneal neovascularization and active graft rejection (group 1); patients with neovascularization before penetrating keratoplasty (PK) (group 2); lipid keratopathy patients with opacification and/or focal edema threatening the visual axis (group 3); and patients with extensive corneal neovascularization, who were not candidates for PK (group 4). Area of neovascularization and clinical outcome were monitored. After corneal laser photocoagulation, there was a statistically significant reduction in the neovascularized area in group 1 from 32% of corneal area to 10%, and in group 3 from 46% to 27%. All five patients in group 1 had resolution of their graft rejection. In group 3, there was a reduction in the area of corneal opacification from 59% of corneal area to 52%. This difference was not statistically significant. Seven of nine patients in group 3 had stabilization or improvement in their vision over a mean of 9.3 months follow-up. There was no significant change in neovascularized area in groups 2 and 4. In group 2, no rejection reactions occurred over a mean of 5.6 months follow-up after PK. In group 4, corneal laser photocoagulation was disappointing.
Adherence to evidence-based guidelines among diabetes self-management apps.

Smartphone apps can provide real-time, interactive self-management aid to individuals with diabetes. It is currently unclear whether existing diabetes self-management apps follow evidence-based guidelines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which existing diabetes self-management apps address the seven self-management behaviors recommended by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (the AADE7™). The term “diabetes” identified relevant self-management apps via the Apple App Store search engine in March 2012. Ratings were based on app descriptions and downloads. Chi-square analyses assessed differences in apps based on developer type. Apps promoted a median of two AADE7™ skills. Overall reliability between description and download ratings was good (kappa = .66). Reliability of individual skills was variable (kappa = .25 to .91). Most diabetes apps do not conform to evidence-based recommendations, and future app reviews would benefit from testing app performance. Future apps may also benefit from theory-based designs.
Multifocal independent sharp waves and a parieto-occipital tumor: Surgical treatment and favorable outcome

Abstract Multifocal independent sharp waves usually signify an underlying refractory seizure disorder. We report a 35-year-old woman with a left parieto-occipital ganglioglioma, multifocal independent sharp waves, generalized sharp waves, and intractable seizures of several types who derived benefit from focal resective surgery.
Unusual normal alkane distributions in offshore New Zealand sediments

The occurrence of unique even-carbon dominated normal alkanes in sediment extracts was confirmed in sediments from the eastern continental shelf offshore of North Island, New Zealand in Hawke Bay. The range in carbon chain-lengths was from n-C16 to least n-C36, extending distributions well beyond the previously reported 24 carbons. Stable isotope analysis of individual alkanes suggest an independent origin for the odd and even n-alkanes. It is suggested that sedimentary even number n-alkane predominances are more widespread than previously thought but go unrecognized due to substantial overprinting by terrestrial derived odd carbon number n-alkanes.
Application of fluidized bed combustion to industrial waste treatment

Landfill and sea-dumping appear to be on their way out as acceptable methods for the disposal of untreated industrial wastes in Taiwan. Recently, there has been interest in the application of fluidized bed technology to waste incineration for efficient energy utilization and environmental protection. A pilot fluidized bed combustion system was used to investigate the incineration performance and parametric test for the waste from an industrial park. According to the experimental results, the appropriate operating conditions, including temperatures of 800-840 degrees C, aeration rates of U(0)/Um(f)-2.0 or so, and on-bed feeding, were recommended to treat such waste. The emissions of SO(x), NO(x) and CO in flue gas meet the ROC-EPA regulation.
Increased mortality among elderly patients with meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia

Summary Despite the high prevalence of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections among the elderly, outcomes of nosocomial MRSA bloodstream infections (BSI) for this patient population have not been fully examined. We performed a case-control study to compare outcomes of hospital-acquired MRSA BSI among patients ≥65 years of age (cases) with those younger than 65 years of age (controls). In a 430-bed tertiary-care teaching hospital, 100 hospitalized patients ≥18 years of age with S. aureus BSI were included in the study. Measurements obtained were: comorbidities, severity of illness at presentation, antibiotic therapy, haematogenous complications and mortality. Overall mortality was significantly higher among cases than controls [36% vs 12%; odds ratio (OR) 4.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–14, P P =0.04). On logistic regression, the following variables were independently associated with MRSA BSI among elderly patients: admission to a medical ward (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.3–7.6, P =0.02), non-central-venous-catheter-related BSI (OR 3, 95%CI 1.2–7.6, P =0.02) and death (OR 3.7, 95%CI 1.3–11, P =0.02). Among patients who received vancomycin, more cases were treated with a reduced dose of vancomycin due to renal insufficiency compared with controls (64% vs 31%; OR 4, 95%CI 2–9, P =0.01). These data suggest that MRSA BSI is associated with significant mortality among the elderly population. Preventing MRSA acquisition among this patient population is of paramount importance.
LOLC for laptop music ensemble

This statement describes LOLC, a text-based collaborative music improvisation environment for laptop ensemble developed at Georgia Tech and presented in performance by the authors at the Creativity and Cognition conference.
Trophoblast Transferrin and Transferrin Receptors in the Host-Parasite Relationship of Human Pregnancy

Transferrin and specific transferrin receptors are demonstrated on the microvillous surface of syncytiotrophoblast in human immature and term placentae by immunohistological techniques with the use of light and electron microscopy. That the distribution of transferrin is limited to the materno-foetal interface supports the hypothesis that binding of maternal transferrin to trophoblast receptors is involved in the process of iron transport to the foetus. Parallel studies with baboon placentae demonstrate the presence of trophoblast receptors which bind both baboon and human transferrin, thereby putting forward an experimental model which might be used to test the biological significance of placental transferrin receptors in primates. In addition, investigation of a large number of human cell lines shows that many transformed cells, but no normal cells (such as blood lymphocytes) or cells from primary culture (such as neonatal foreskin fibroblasts), possess the ability to bind transferrin to their membranes. These findings suggest that transferrin receptors may play important biological roles in addition to that of iron transport from mother to foetus. One such role could be the limitation of iron in intervillous spaces, thus depriving iron-requiring microorganisms of iron, hence serving as a non-specific factor of resistance for placentae. Another role for foetal transferrin receptors on trophoblasts could be to bind maternal transferrin at the materno-foetal interface, thus frustrating maternal immunosurveillance. This is similar to a mechahism used by schistosomes in the host-parasite relation where host proteins are bound by the parasite to escape immunological recognition. The presence of transferrin receptors on transformed cells suggests that this mechanism might also be employed by tumour cells. Finally, in view of previous studies which show that transferrin is required by stimulated lymphocytes to pass from the G$_{1}$ to the S phase of cellular replication, it is proposed that trophoblast transferrin receptors could limit the amount of transferrin in intervillous spaces and thus impede the proliferation and possible cytotoxicity of maternal activated lymphocytes at the materno-foetal interface.
Occupational Health Among Latino Horse and Crop Workers in Kentucky: The Role of Work Organization Factors

ABSTRACT Agriculture is a dangerous industry often reliant on Latino workers, a vulnerable population. Using a work organization framework, this cross-sectional study analyzes the relationship between work organization variables and the occupational health of Latino crop (n = 49) and horse breeding (n = 54) workers in Kentucky. Increased levels of abusive supervision were associated with occupational injury (odds ratio [OR] = 2.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–8.77) and increased awkward postures were associated with occupational illness (OR = 3.85; 95% CI: 1.06–13.98). Although not statistically significant, abusive supervision increased the odds and a high safety climate score decreased the odds of injury, illness, and missed work. These findings suggest that the supervisor-subordinate relationship may play a critical role in the occupational health of Latino farmworkers.
Heterobimetallic complexes of rhodium dibenzotetramethylaza[14]annulene [(tmtaa)Rh-M]: formation, structures, and bond dissociation energetics.

A rhodium(II) dibenzotetramethylaza[14]annulene dimer ([(tmtaa)Rh]2) undergoes metathesis reactions with [CpCr(CO)3]2, [CpMo(CO)3]2, [CpFe(CO)2]2, [Co(CO)4]2, and [Mn(CO)5]2 to form (tmtaa)Rh-M complexes (M = CrCp(CO)3, MoCp(CO)3, FeCp(CO)2, Co(CO)4, or Mn(CO)5). Molecular structures were determined for (tmtaa)Rh-FeCp(CO)2, (tmtaa)Rh-Co(μ-CO)(CO)3, and (tmtaa)Rh-Mn(CO)5 by X-ray diffraction. Equilibrium constants measured for the metathesis reactions permit the estimation of several (tmtaa)Rh-M bond dissociation enthalpies (Rh—Cr = 19 kcal mol–1, Rh—Mo = 25 kcal mol–1, and Rh—Fe = 27 kcal mol–1). Reactivities of the bimetallic complexes with synthesis gas to form (tmtaa)Rh-C(O)H and M-H are surveyed.
The Provision of Interpretation Services for Lesser-Used Languages in the United States Courts: A Language Planning Perspective

RESUMELes services d'interpretation pour les langues "moins employees" dans les Tribunaux Federaux des Etats-Unis: Une perspecive de planification des languesBien que l'on puisse observer un progres considerable des services d'interpretation en espagnol/anglais au niveau des Tribunaux Federaux depuis une dizaine d'annees, il reste necessaire de s'addresser a la demande d'interpretes competents pour les langues "moins employees". Le Bureau Administratif des Tribunaux des Etats-Unis d'Amerique est responsable pour le developpement et la mise en oeuvre d'un examen de certification en espagnol/anglais et, plus recemment, les examens de certification en creole haitien/anglais et en navajo/anglais. Sachant que plus de 50 langues sont employees chaque annee dans les Tribunaux Federaux, cet effort recent de trouver des interpretes qualifies dans deux autres langues aborde tout juste ce probleme. D'un autre cote, le Bureau Administratif est sur la bonne voie, ayant soigneusement planifie le developpement, a long terme, d'examens de certification dans plusieurs langues "moins employees" durant les annees a venir.RESUMOInterpretadaj servoj por malpli uzataj lingvoj en la usonaj kortumoj:lingvoplanada perspektivoKvankam oni multe progresis en la pasinta jardeko pri liverado de hispanaj/anglaj interpretadaj servoj je la nivelo de la Federaciaj Kortumoj, oni ankoraŭ ne larĝe frontis la bezonon de interpretistoj por la malpli uzataj lingvoj. La Administra Fako de la Usonaj Kortumoj (AOUSC), kiu respondecas pri evoluigo kaj realigo de la hispana/angla Atesta Ekzameno, lastatempe enplektigis en starigon de atestoekzamenoj pri la haitia kreola kaj la navaha lingvoj. Konsidere ke pli ol kvindek lingvoj estas uzataj ĉiujare en la Federaciaj Kortumoj, la klopodo rajtigi interpretistojn en du pliaj lingvoj apenaŭ tu§as la surfacon de la problemo. Aliflanke, AOUSC iras laŭ la gusta direkto, ĉar ĝi zorge elformulis perspektivajn planojn por starigi atestoekzamenojn por pliaj malpli uzataj lingvoj en tuj venontaj jaroj.
Network decomposition of general financial equilibria with transaction costs

In this paper, we developed a new general financial equilibrium model with transaction costs which considers multiple sectors of an economy, each of which seeks to determine its optimal composition of instruments held as assets and as liabilities in its portfolio. The governing equilibrium conditions are shown to satisfy a variational inequality problem, which is then studied in terms of existence and other qualitative properties. A decomposition algorithm is proposed which exploits the underlying generalized network structure of the problem and convergence results obtained. Finally, the algorithm is applied to compute the equilibrium asset, liability, and price pattern in several numerical examples.
Management of asymptomatic or incidental Meckel’s diverticulum

This study was conducted to compare the clinicopathologic characteristics of incidentally found and symptomatic cases of Meckel’s diverticulum with the aim of arriving at a recommendation regarding the management of incidental cases. A retrospective chart review was performed over a period of 24 years. Incidental group had 52 patients and symptomatic group had 128 patients(71%). Obstruction (42.9%) was the most common presentation, followed by diverticulitis (41.4%). Gastrointestinal hemorrhage was found in 33.6% and was commonly associated with obstruction. If the diverticulum has umbilical connection, mesodiverticular band or heterogeneous on palpation, and if patient has no contraindication for diverticulectomy, we advocate prophylactic resection to avoid future life threating complications.
Calcification of porcine valves: A successful new method of antimineralization

Despite distinct advantages over mechanical cardiac valve prostheses, the use of bioprosthetic valves remains limited due to poor long-term durability, primarily as a result of tissue calcification. A novel anticalcification process, based on treatment of porcine bioprostheses with a derivative of oleic acid, has been developed by one of us (J.M.G.) (US Patent Number 4,976,733). This process employing 2-aminooleic acid (AOA) was tested in a juvenile sheep model. Terminal studies after a 20-week interval included hemodynamic, radiographic, morphologic, and quantitative tissue calcium analyses. All control valves (n = 4) had thickened, immobile, heavily calcified leaflets, whereas all AOA-treated valves (n = 8) were pliable and free of calcium deposits. Calculated valve orifice areas for controls (0.9 +/- 0.2 cm2) (mean +/- standard error of the mean) was less than for AOA-treated valves (2.0 +/- 0.3 cm2) (p less than 0.05). Radiographic calcification scores were greatly elevated in the control (25.5 +/- 5.6) versus AOA-treated valves (0.5 +/- 0.5) (p less than 0.002). In quantitative mineralization studies, the mean calcium content of the control leaflets was 129 +/- 21 milligrams per gram dry weight cusp tissue versus 7.7 +/- 5.8 mg/g for AOA-treated valves (p less than 0.001). Pathologic examination confirmed heavy calcification in the control leaflets, which was essentially absent in the AOA-treated leaflets. However, cuspal hematomas in areas of structural loosening and surface roughening were noted in AOA-treated valves. This anticalcification process dramatically reduced mineralization of porcine valve prostheses in this model.
Managing the Corporate Social Environment: A Grounded Theory

The article presents a review of the book “Managing the Corporate Social Environment: A Grounded Theory,” by Robert H. Miles.
Barley Proteins Associated with Tissue Dedifferentiation

Summary Protein changes were monitored during dedifferentiation of embryo or root explants of Hordeum vulgare and Hordeum bulbosum . Proteins were extracted from the explant, the primary callus and the subcultured, etablished cell line, and analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. All explants were cultured under identical conditions. «Dedifferentiation-specific» proteins found in the embryo derived callus and root derived callus had identical electrophoretic properties. Thirty-two new proteins were associated with tissue dedifferentiation which can be grouped under three main categories. The first, consisting of 15 proteins, appeared during formation of the primary callus and were expressed in all the established cell lines. The second group of nine proteins appeared only during growth of primary callus and cell line establishment. The remaining eight proteins that occurred in both the primary callus and the established cell line comprised the last group, and their synthesis was apparently dependent on genotype or species. Several of the above new proteins can now be used as markers to investigate the molecular biology of dedifferentiation and cell development in barley.
A user-friendly input language for design variables

Abstract The user-friendly input language (UFIL) contains 12 commands that provide a standard interface for the input of independent variables in a menu-driven, engineering application program. For each application task, the UFIL allows users to change independent variables using either values with optional units, previously-calculated variables, or arithmetic expressions. Also, users can display variable values or save them for later use. The UFIL processor is a collection of FORTRAN-77 subprograms representing a procedural-driven parser. It standardizes the grammar and semantics of the input language, but expects the application programmer to provide the task-dependent vocabularies of the independent variables.
Hydrogenation and deuteration of adsorbed propiolic acid as observed by electron tunneling

Abstract The technique of inelastic electron tunneling (IET) spectroscopy has been used to study the adsorption of monolayers of propiolic acid (HCCCOOH) in thin film tunnel junctions. The molecules are introduced into Al-Al oxide-Pb junctions by an infusion method and the acid is believed to adsorb on the oxide surface as a carboxylate anion. It is also found that surface catalyzed hydrogenation of the acetylenic group occurs over a time scale of several days at room temperature and the resulting adsorbed molecules are identified as adsorbed acrylic acid (H2C=CHCOOH). Surface catalyzed deuteration of the acetylenic group is also found to occur during the adsorbtion process. The identification of these molecules is provided by analysis of the measured IET spectra in a manner analogous to IR and Raman spectroscopy. The experiments demonstrate that surface catalysis of chemical reactions can be studied by the method of IET spectroscopy.
Inhibition of β-glucuronidase in Human Urine by Ascorbic Acid:

The effects of oral supplementation of ascorbic acid (1500 mg d-1) on urinary beta-glucuronidase (beta-G) activity was assessed in a double-blind crossover study design over a 3-week period. The subjects on ascorbic acid treatment displayed a statistically significant (P less than 0.05) decrease in beta-G with an approximate decrease of 25%.
Ultraviolet Radiation and the Skin: An In-Depth Review

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has many interactions with the skin, which are explored in detail in this review. Both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) wavelengths are absorbed by chromophor...
Intraoperative digital radiography: An opportunity to assure

Abstract Over the last few years, low-dose digital radiography (DR) has all but replaced traditional chemical image processing. The purpose of this article was to assess the reliability of DR in achieving the desired radiographic parameters of a successful THA. Intraoperative digital radiographs in 139 consecutive THAs were compared to the standard postoperative radiographs to verify the accuracy of intraoperative DR. In 98% of all hips, the intraoperative measurements were within 5° of the postoperative ones. Intraoperative digital imaging is an efficient, affordable, and reliable tool for achieving the desired radiographic results and should contribute to a paradigm shift in the THA workflow.
Free recall of paired associates as a function of meaningfulness

Summary The free recall of a list containing Lo m′-Lo m′, Lo m′-Hi m′, Hi m′-Lo m′, and Hi m′-Hi m′ pairs was investigated. The aims of the research were to examine the generality of the relationship between meaningfulness and acquisition, and to examine the possibility that the greater effects of response-M usually obtained can be attributed to the greater emphasis on response-recall under the conditions of the method of anticipation. The conditions of free recall of pairs place equal emphasis on stimulus and response recall. Under these conditions it was expected that the greater effects of variations in response-M should be eliminated. Each type of pair was found to differ significantly from the remaining three pairs. The pairs were found to rank in the following order of increasing difficulty: Hi-Hi, Hi-Lo, Lo-Hi, Lo-Lo. These results as well as the results of additional analysis were considered as supporting the present interpretation of the effects of response-M on anticipatory paired-associate learning. The results also indicate that when both stimuli and responses have to be recalled, stimulus-M is more influential than response-M in determining paired-associate learning.
Carbon influx flow rate in an ohmically heated plasma in the FM-1 spherator

The flow rate of neutral carbon atoms during the initial start-up phase of an Ohmically heated plasma in th e FM-1 spherator was determined from the spatially resolved measurements of the carbon line radiation and independent measurements of spatial distribution of plasma density and electron temperature. This was accomplished by comparing the measured carbon line intensity with a numerical solution of time-dependen t couple d differential rate equations for several carbon ionization states. The differential equations used in the present model correspond to a spatially homogeneous medium. However, th e effects of plasma inhomogeneity were taken into account by calculating the plasma emission at each location using the experimentally measured electron density and temperature (i.e. the measured radial distributions of density and temperature were folded into the numerical calculations). The empirical flow rate of carbon atoms into the discharge. Γflow(t),was found to be Γflow(t)ne(t)/τflow. where τflow was 30–100 ms depending upon discharge conditions
Gas-phase cleanup method for analysis of trace atmospheric semivolatile organic compounds by thermal desorption from diffusion denuders.

A novel gas-phase cleanup method was developed for use with a thermal desorption method for analysis of trace semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs) in the atmosphere using diffusion denuder samplers to separate gas-phase from particle-associated fractions. The cleanup selectively removed hydrogen-bonding chemicals from samples, including much of the background matrix of oxidized organic compounds that is present in ambient air samples. Abraham solvation parameters were found to be useful predictors of recovery of compounds through the cleanup method; most compounds with A + B < 0.3 and L ≤ 12.3 were fully recovered through the cleanup method. Addition of the cleanup method successfully produced baseline resolution in air samples and improved method precision. The utility of the method was demonstrated in an investigation of the built environment as a continuing source of semivolatile persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals (PBTs) to the atmosphere.
Relationship Between Reinforcement and Eye Movements During Ocular Motor Training with Learning Disabled Children

Existing efficacy research on vision therapy shows a pattern of inconsistent results. This is surprising since previous research has shown that eye movements can be controlled by their consequences (feedback/reinforcement). In the present study four reading disabled children were given eight sessions of ocular motor training with reinforcement and eight sessions without reinforcement. Two reading disabled control subjects were treated exactly as the experimental subjects except that they did not receive ocular motor training. Results revealed that as reinforcement increased the rate of saccades and number of regressions decreased, and fixation duration increased. The four experimental subjects showed an improvement (pretreatment to posttreatment) on the Gilmore Oral Reading Test and the Wide Range Achievement Test. Control children's scores declined on these measures. The results demonstrate that using reinforcement to train ocular motor skills can improve those skills, which in turn elevates reading perf...
Breakdown of the Concentration Expansion for the Zero-Temperature Impurity Resistivity

Transport coefficients for classical gases do not possess simple expansions in powers of the density. A similar phenomenon occurs in the problem of expressing the zero-temperature resistivity of a metal as a function of ${n}_{i}$, the density of impurities. Both semiclassical and quantum-mechanical treatments reveal that the resistivity $\ensuremath{\rho}$ breaks down at order ${{n}_{i}}^{3}$. The leading term of the breakdown is of the form ${{n}_{i}}^{3}$ $\mathrm{ln}{n}_{i}$.
Heart and Liver Disease in 32 Patients Undergoing Biopsy of Both Organs, With Implications for Heart or Liver Transplantation

Objective To determine underlying conditions in patients undergoing both heart and liver biopsies. Patients and Methods Our study group consisted of 32 patients at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, who underwent both endomyocardial and nonsurgical liver biopsies and who underwent at least one of these procedures between January 1, 1981, and December 31, 2000. Patients were categorized as having (1) heart disease affecting the liver, (2) liver disease affecting the heart, (3) the same disease affecting both organs, or (4) different diseases affecting each organ independently. Results Among 32 patients, cardiac dysfunction was present in 28 (19 systolic, 9 diastolic), and hepatic dysfunction was present in 31. In group 1, 3 of 4 patients had cardiac amyloidosis with secondary hepatic congestion. In group 2, all 3 patients had cirrhosis with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Group 3 included 5 patients with hemochromatosis, 3 with alcoholism, and 1 with amyloidosis. In group 4, 8 of 16 patients had idiopathic cardiomyopathy, and 8 had hepatitis. Overall, of 8 patients with hemochromatosis, 3 without cardiac iron had improved cardiac function after phlebotomy, and 1 with cardiac iron had no cardiac dysfunction. Among 7 patients with alcoholism, 3 had alcoholic liver and heart disease. Of 5 patients with cardiac amyloidosis, 1 had hepatic amyloid. Ten patients underwent transplantation (6 liver, 3 heart, and 1 heart and liver). Conclusions In one half of the patients in the study group, heart and liver diseases had independent causes. In patients with hemochromatosis, there was little correlation between cardiac iron and systolic dysfunction. In patients with chronic alcoholism, liver and heart disorders often had nonalcoholic causes. With cardiac amyloidosis, hepatic dysfunction was generally due to congestion. Specific disease in one organ did not necessarily imply similar involvement in the other. Thus, heart or liver biopsy may be useful in patients being evaluated for liver or heart transplantation, respectively.
Finite element analysis in professional practice

Abstract The use of finite element analysis (FEA) software products in mechanical and structural design are examined. It is found that current FEA software products are being under-utilized because they do not satisfy the requirements of the design process well. Specifications for future FEA software products are outlined.
Variable-time model for equitable irrigation water distribution.

Abstract The existing warabandi system used in Northwest India and Pakistan is analyzed and the effect of conveyance losses on the water distribution has been studied. It is shown that water distribution within a watercourses command under the existing warabandi system is not equitable. The watercourses are earth channels that lose water due to seepage. Since the existing warabandi allocates equal time per unit area, the landholdings situated at the end of the watercourse receive less water than those near the watercourse outlet. A variable-time model is proposed for irrigation water distribution within the watercourse commands. The model achieves equity of water distribution by increasing the irrigation time per unit area for the downstream landholdings on a watercourse. The increase in irrigation time is determined in proportion to the seepage loss rate. Two case studies of watercourse commands in India and Pakistan confirm the validity of the variable-time water distribution model.