cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of a double balloon enteroscope facilitates caecal intubation after incomplete colonoscopy with a standard colonoscope.

Abstract Background Caecal intubation is a necessary step in the complete endoscopic evaluation of the colon. Studies have estimated that experienced colonoscopists may fail to reach the caecum in up to 10% of cases. Aims To evaluate the utility of the double balloon enteroscope used for complete examination of the colon in patients with incomplete standard colonoscopy. Patients Twenty consecutive patients with incomplete colonoscopies within theVeterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System. Mean age of 66 years (S.D. ± 12 years, range 46–84), 16 men. Methods Prospective single-centre case series on the caecal intubation rate using standard double balloon enteroscope technique in patients with previous incomplete conventional colonoscopy. Results Use of the standard double balloon enteroscope technique permitted complete colonoscopy to be achieved in 95% of the patients (19/20). Seven patients (35%) had significant pathology beyond the extent of the prior incomplete colonoscopy. We performed endoscopic mucosal resection, polypectomy or biopsy. The mean time to reach the caecum was 28 min (S.D. ± 20 min, range 6–90 min). The sedation was similar to conventional colonoscopy. No complications occurred. Conclusions The double balloon enteroscope technology and technique can be used to complete examination of the colon in patients who were referred because of incomplete standard colonoscopy.
Formation of Fe(III)-minerals by Fe(II)-oxidizing photoautotrophic bacteria

It has been suggested that Fe(II)-oxidizing photoautotrophic bacteria may have catalyzed the precipitation of an ancient class of sedimentary deposits known as Banded Iron Formations. In order to evaluate this claim, it is necessary to define and understand this process at a molecular level so that putative Fe-isotope "biosignatures" in ancient rocks can be interpreted. In this report, we characterize the substrates and products of photoautotrophic Fe(II)-oxidation by three phylogenetically distinct Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria. In every case, dissolved Fe(II) is used as the substrate for oxidation, and there is no evidence for active dissolution of poorly soluble Fe(II)-minerals by biogenic organic ligands. Poorly crystalline Fe(III) (hydr)oxide mineral phases are initially precipitated, and as they age, rapidly convert to the crystalline minerals goethite and lepidocrocite. Although the precipitates appear to associate with the cell wall, they do not cover it entirely, and precipitate-free cells represent a significant portion of the population in aged cultures. Citrate is occasionally detected at nanomolar concentrations in all culture fluids, whereas an unknown organic molecule is always present in two out of the three bacterial cultures. Whether these molecules are released by the cell to bind Fe(III) and prevent the cell from encrustation by Fe(III) (hydr)oxides is uncertain, but seems unlikely if we assume Fe(II)-oxidation occurs at the cell surface. In light of the energetic requirement the cell would face to produce ligands for this purpose, and given the local acidity metabolically generated in the microenvironment surrounding Fe(II)-oxidizing cells, our results suggest that Fe(III) is released in a dissolved form as an inorganic aqueous complex and/or as a colloidal aggregate prior to mineral precipitation. The implication of these results for the interpretation of Fe-isotope fractionation measured for this class of bacteria (Croal et al., 2004) is that equilibrium processes involving free biological ligands do not account for the observed fractionation.
Organizational Architectures for the 21St Century: the Redesign of Hospitality Firms

Changing customer needs, increased competition, technological advances, globalization, and a more diverse work force are current patterns which will lead toward a system-level redesign of tomorrow's organizations. This article discusses the importance of rethinking how we do business and the necessity of working with the inherent contradictions of organizing in a dynamic environment. The article considers the plausibility ofnetwork organizational designs, contracted workers, and flexible part-time workers.
Mechanism of enhanced drug effects produced by dilution of the oral dose

Abstract Drugs which are weak acids or weak bases and drugs with limited water solubility are more toxic by the oral route when given in dilute solution or suspension. The onset of sleep after po administration of sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/kg) is faster in rats when the drug is given in dilute solution (5 ml/100 g body wt) than when it is given in concentrated solution (0.5 ml/100 g body wt). However, administration of water po (5 ml/100 g body wt) does not affect the ip toxicity of aminopyrine. Sodium salicylate plasma levels are significantly higher in rats after the drug is given po in dilute (0.8%) solution than when it is given po in concentrated (25%) solution. These data indicate that drugs are absorbed more rapidly into the systemic circulation when given po in dilute rather than concentrated solution. Two mechanisms appear to be involved in the increased toxicity phenomenon with low concentrations of drugs: (1) rapid stomach emptying and (2) exposure to a large absorptive surface of drug solutions given po in a relatively large fluid volume.
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography.

1. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography should take its proper place in our armamentarium of diagnostic procedures. 2. If one adheres strictly to the indications and observes careful technic, the hazards are minimal and the information gained rewarding, as illustrated by a detailed report of 1 case. 3. It is suggested that this procedure might be utilized at the operating table in place of the retrograde cholangiogram.
Proteases' prime targets revealed.

Mass spectrometry analysis of proteome-derived peptide libraries enables high-throughput determination of protease substrate specificity.
An empirical investigation of the determinants of street homelessness

Abstract This study examines the determinants of street homelessness by developing and estimating a model that captures the timing of events that lead to street homelessness. In the model, the first outcome is whether the household is in housing or is homeless. Conditional on being homeless, the second outcome is whether the household enters the shelter system. The results indicate that the probability of being homeless is higher for households with children, when the head has problems with alcohol or illicit drugs, in areas where the rent needed to occupy the lowest level of housing available is high, and for households with younger heads. Conditional on being homeless, nonwhite households with children were substantially less likely to be living on the streets.
In vitro enhancement of erythrocyte mercury uptake by spironolactone

Abstract Spironolactone pretreatment enhances rat and human red blood cell mercury uptake. Measurements of the stoichiometry of mercury-spironolactone red cell uptake established that 1 mole of mercury was retained in red blood cells per mole of retained spironolactone. Canrenone, another aldosterone antagonist, failed to increase Hg uptake. Thus, the formation of a complex between the 7-thioacetate group of spironolactone and mercury is very likely responsible for the increased mercury uptake.
Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis.

A 67-year-old woman is referred by her primary care physician for treatment of osteoporosis and progressive bone loss. Oral bisphosphonate therapy is recommended. Bisphosphonates suppress bone resorption by interfering with osteoclast activity. Several of these agents have been shown to prevent fractures and increase bone mineral density in patients with osteoporosis. Long-term bisphosphonate therapy has been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures.
Media Education's Present and Future: A Survey of Teachers.

Public and private elementary and secondary school teachers in a small southeastern city in the United States at the close of the 20 th century were surveyed to assess the current state of media education. The resulting case study attempts to determine whether changes have occurred in media education, given the increase in educator awareness of media education benefits, media literacy advocacy groups, media education resources, and changes in technology. Specific areas of inquiry include the importance of teaching media literacy, competency to teach media literacy, teachers' perceptions of students' media skills and understanding, and barriers to media education. Results indicate an overwhelming support for media education goals and values; however, only two-thirds of the respondents reported addressing media in the classroom. Lack of time and materials were reported as the most common barriers to media education.
Coplanar Waveguides With Nanometer Thick Gold Films

Coplanar waveguides (CPWs) with 8 nm to 50 nm thick gold films are fabricated and characterized up to 40 GHz. Such film thicknesses are comparable with or thinner than electron mean-free-path (MFP) in gold. In this size effect regime, skin effect is negligible. The measured results show that the CPWs have less dispersion, but higher loss when compared with thick metal CPWs. A thin film resistivity model, which includes the effects of electron scatterings from metal surfaces, grain boundaries and surface roughness, is proposed to describe the microwave resistance of such CPWs. For an 8 nm CPW, it has much higher resistance and inductance given that 8 nm is around the percolation threshold of gold films. Furthermore, its inductance and resistance decrease with frequencies due to enhanced coupling among metallic islands. The quality factors of nanometer-CPWs are low, especially at low frequencies. Nevertheless, these CPWs have potential applications in local and regional interconnect, biomedical sensors, microwave nanofluidic channels, and disordered-electronic-system studies. Further work is needed to understand and accurately model nanometer CPWs.
Fast modular multi-exponentiation using modified complex arithmetic

Abstract Modular multi-exponentiation ∏ i = 1 n M i E i ( mod N ) is a very important but time-consuming operation in many modern cryptosystems. In this paper, a fast modular multi-exponentiation is proposed utilizing the binary-like complex arithmetic method, complement representation method and canonical-signed-digit recoding technique. By performing complements and canonical-signed-digit recoding technique, the Hamming weight (number of 1’s in the binary representation or number of non-zero digits in the binary signed-digit representations) of the exponents can be reduced. Based on these techniques, an algorithm with efficient modular multi-exponentiation is proposed. For modular multi-exponentiation, in average case, the proposed algorithm can reduce the number of modular multiplications (MMs) from 1.503k to 1.306k, where k is the bit-length of the exponent. We can therefore efficiently speed up the overall performance of the modular multi-exponentiation for cryptographic applications.
Structural anisotropy in unstretched and uniaxially stretched poly(p-phenylene vinylene)

Poly(p-phenylene vinylene) or PPV is gaining increasing importance because of its superior electroluminescent efficiency and electrical conductivity. The most widely followed synthetic route for PPV involves synthesis of a precursor polymer using a sulfonium monomer salt. Previous studies have proven that the monomer salt which contains cyclic sulfonium groups yields better quality PPV than when the monomer containing dialkyl sulfonium groups is used. The structure of PPV synthesized using cyclic sulfonium precursor has not been as widely reported as that synthesized using dialkyl sulfonium monomer. In the current work, the structure of PPV, synthesized using a cyclic viz. tetrahydrothiophenium monomer salt, has been studied in detail using the wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) technique. The study reveals that even in the cast (unstretched) form, PPV shows considerable biaxial orientation in the plane of the film. This preferred orientation is found to occur during the casting process and is independent of the solvent used and casting substrate. On stretching these films to a final draw ratio of 7 : 1, this biaxial orientation is transformed into uniaxial orientation with nematic ordering of PPV chains along the stretch direction and PPV chains assuming three preferred orientations in the plane of the film. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 605–614, 1999
Detecting the use of intentionally transmitting personal electronic devices onboard commercial aircraft

The need to detect unauthorized usage of intentionally transmitting portable electronic devices (PEDs) onboard commercial aircraft is growing, while still allowing passengers to use selected unintentionally transmitting devices, such as laptop computers and CD players during non-critical stages of flight. The following paper presents an installed system for detecting PEDs over multiple frequency bands. Additionally, the advantages of a fixed verses mobile system are discussed. While data is presented to cover the frequency range of 20 MHz to 6.5 GHz, special attention was given to the Cellular/PCS bands as well as Bluetooth and the FRS radio bands. Measurement data from both the semi-anechoic and reverberation chambers are then analyzed and correlated with data collected on board a commercial aircraft to determine the dominant mode of coupling inside the passenger cabin of the aircraft versus distance from the source. As a final check of system feasibility, several PEDs' transmission signatures were recorded and compared with the expected levels.
High Spatial Resolution 50 and 100 Micron KAO Observations of Infrared-Bright Galaxies

In this review, the Kuiper Airborne Observatory 50 and 100 μm measurements of galaxies made by the University of Texas far-infrared group are summarized. These high spatial resolution observations have in some cases resolved galaxies which are pointlike in the IRAS data, and in others, shown details not visible with the IRAS data. We have found strong far-infrared emission from the bulge areas of quiescent spirals where little star formation is observed at other wavelengths. Thus dust heating by non-OB stars may be important in these bulges. In high luminosity starburst galaxies, in contrast, the far-infrared distribution tends to trace the observed morphology of young stars. In a few active galaxies, the far-infrared emission is quite extended, arguing against the AGN as the dominant power supply for the far-infrared emission. We find that L(FIR)/L(Hα) for the central regions of these galaxies is not correlated with CO (1 – 0) flux; quiescent bulges have high far-infrared excesses relative to that expected by dust heating by OB stars following a Salpeter IMF. On the other hand, L(FIR)/L(H) correlates with I(CO), increasing faster than expected by extinction. These relationships support a scenario in which dust heating by young stars becomes increasingly important with increasing gas surface density.
Liberty Beyond Neo-Liberalism: A Republican Critique of Liberal Governance in a Globalizing Age

Liberty Beyond Neo-Liberalism: A Republican Critique of Liberal Governance in a Globalizing Age. By Steven Slaughter. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005. 272p. $75.00.Mainstream accounts define globalization as two connected processes. The first is the relentless increase in the interrelation of economic actors. The second is growing recognition of the superiority of “market forces” over state intervention in the economy. Free markets are seen as “natural” forces or “iron laws” of economics that only the economically illiterate or perhaps the insane would limit. Among the many impressive contributions made by Steven Slaughter is the distinction between what he calls “globalization” and “economic globalization.” The former, he argues, is the growing interdependence of economic actors that appears to be an inherent aspect of capitalist development. The latter, however, denotes the contingent victory of free market ideology, or “neoliberalism” over other forms of liberalism. For Slaughter, economic globalization is not the inevitable victory of “natural” and efficient markets against the state. Economic globalization is a form of “governance” that involves state policy, relations between states, and norms and everyday practices. This governance was the creation of state policy and international agreements. Slaughter's argument constitutes an updating of Karl Polanyi's famous claim in The Great Transformation (2001) that nineteenth-century “lasissez-faire” economics was an invention.
Bilateral Asymmetric Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome Treated With Successful Surgical Decompression and Adjunctive Thrombolysis

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is the most common cause of lower leg claudication in patients younger than 50 years. The different types of PAES can result in different rates of arterial damage, leading to aneurysmal degeneration or occlusion. We report a rare case of a young patient presenting with asymmetrical bilateral popliteal artery entrapment. Type III PAES on the right resulted in severe limb ischemia and was treated by division of the accessory tendon and replacement of damaged artery with vein graft. On the left, the medial head of gastrocnemius was resected to release a type I PAES.
PERFORMANCE OF A 500-KJOULE MHD WIND TUNNEL.

The operation of a pulsed MHD accelerator is described for a MHD wind-tunnel application. The accelerator is designed to provide a 50% velocity increase (from 15.5 kft/sec to 24 kft/sec), at constant enthalpy, of a gas at approximately atmospheric pressure. The accelerator gas source is a hot shot that heats potassium seeded nitrogen to 9000 °K and 1400 atm. The gas is expanded into a segmented electrode (94 pair) MHD accelerator channel. After tunnel startup, a 3-msec constant power pulse is switched on the electrodes so that current flow is approximately perpendicular to a quasi-steady 4-wb/m2 magnetic field. The power-on to power-off velocity ratio (=un/u/) at the accelerator exit is determined from changes in the stagnation pressure and open circuit induced potential. The corresponding enthalpy ratio (==hn/h/) is determined from the static pressure change and un/Uf. Results 0.5 msec after switch-on indicate un/Uf « 1.5 (un ~ 24 kft/sec) and hn/hf « 1.0. As a result of constant volumetric power addition and a decaying mass flow, un/u/ and hn/hf increase to 1.7 and 1.2, respectively, just prior to channel power switch-off. Although these results are essentially the design values, the detailed performance of the accelerator appears to be significantly influenced by spatial nonuniformities in the flow.
A Generalized Framework for Solving Tightly-coupled Multirobot Planning Problems

In this paper, we present the generalized version of the Hoplites coordination framework designed to efficiently solve complex, tightly-coupled multirobot planning problems. Our extensions greatly increase the flexibility with which teammates can both plan and coordinate with each other; consequently, we can apply Hoplites to a wider range of domains and plan coordination between robots more efficiently. We apply our framework to the constrained exploration domain and compare Hoplites in simulation to competing distributed and centralized approaches. Our results demonstrate that Hoplites significantly outperforms both approaches in terms of the quality of solutions produced while remaining computationally competitive with much simpler approaches. We further demonstrate features such as scalability and validate our approach with field results from a team of large autonomous vehicles performing constrained exploration in an outdoor environment
The serotonin transporter gene linked polymorphic region is associated with the behavioral response to repeated stress exposure in infant rhesus macaques

The short allele of the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) moderates the effects of stress on vulnerability to mood and anxiety disorders. The mechanism by which this occurs may relate to differential sensitivity to stressful life events. Here we explored whether 5-HTTLPR and sex affected behavioral responses to repeated maternal separation in infant rhesus macaques. Behaviors were collected during the acute (Day 1) and the chronic (Days 2–4) phases of the separation, and the effects of duration of separation (acute vs. chronic), genotype (long/long vs. short allele), and sex (male vs. female) on behavioral responses were analyzed across four successive separations. Males increased their levels of locomotion with repeated maternal separation, whereas females exhibited an increase in frequency of self-directed behavior, a measure of “depression-like” behavior. The short-allele predicted increased environmental exploration, particularly during the chronic phase of social separation, indicative of higher arousal. In addition, the short-allele carriers were more likely to increase their levels of self-directed behavior during the chronic phase of separation, as a function of repeated exposures. These findings suggest that the short allele may increase reactivity to repeated, chronic stressors, leaving them more vulnerable to affective psychopathology, with females particularly vulnerable.
Still creationism after all these years: understanding and counteracting intelligent design

Despite denials by proponents of intelligent design (ID) that ID is creationism, critical analysis by scientists and scholars, as well as statements by the proponents of ID themselves, has established beyond any doubt ID's true identity as neo-creationism. Despite de-emphasizing elements of earlier creationism such as belief in a young earth and "flood geology," ID bears marks of its descent from "creation science" and is defined by its leading proponents in overtly religious, and specifically Christian, terms. These facts enabled the plaintiffs in the first ID legal case, Kitzmiller et al. v. Dover Area School District (2005), to win a decisive victory over the Dover, PA, school board, which had required that a pro-ID statement be read to biology students at Dover High School. Kitzmiller was also a defeat for ID proponents at the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture (CSC). Yet, although the CSC continues efforts to undermine the teaching of evolution even in the wake of this defeat, their tactics are increasingly stale and transparent. Their current strategy, disguising pro-ID policy proposals with code language to avoid using the term "intelligent design," is yet another tactic used by earlier creationists after consistent legal defeats. Moreover, the ID movement's continued execution of their agenda has enabled ID critics to compile an ever-lengthening list of further congruencies between ID and creation science. Such powerful evidence of ID's identity as neo-creationism, combined with modest but promising demographic changes in the United States, suggest that increased public support for teaching evolution is possible through effective outreach to the relevant demographic groups. Scientists must take advantage of this opportunity to cultivate such support and to counteract ID by engaging in pro-science activism, making use of the many resources available to support their efforts.
On the Multichannel-Channel Anderson Impurity Model of Uranium Compounds

In this talk we will present the solution of the two-channel Anderson impurity model, proposed in the context of the heavy fermion compound UBe13, and discuss briefly the more general multi-channel case. We will show results for the thermodynamics in the full range of temperature and fields and make the connection with the current experimental situation.
Holistic Processing Predicts Face Recognition

The concept of holistic processing is a cornerstone of face-recognition research. In the study reported here, we demonstrated that holistic processing predicts face-recognition abilities on the Cambridge Face Memory Test and on a perceptual face-identification task. Our findings validate a large body of work that relies on the assumption that holistic processing is related to face recognition. These findings also reconcile the study of face recognition with the perceptual-expertise work it inspired; such work links holistic processing of objects with people's ability to individuate them. Our results differ from those of a recent study showing no link between holistic processing and face recognition. This discrepancy can be attributed to the use in prior research of a popular but flawed measure of holistic processing. Our findings salvage the central role of holistic processing in face recognition and cast doubt on a subset of the face-perception literature that relies on a problematic measure of holistic processing.
The Wittmann Patch™ as a temporary abdominal closure device after decompressive celiotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome following burn

Abstract Background Abdominal compartment syndrome is frequently the result of aggressive fluid resuscitation after burn. Management of the open abdomen following decompressive celiotomy is a major problem. Methods From 2004 to mid-2005, six patients required decompressive celiotomy after developing abdominal compartment syndrome as a result of burn. A Wittmann Patch™ was used to close the abdominal wound. Patients were re-explored when clinical parameters improved and the abdomen was closed, with long-term follow-up for the abdominal wound. Results Of the six patients, five had thermal injury and one had electrical injury. The mean total body surface area affected for thermal burn was 78% and for electrical burn was 37%. Diagnosis of abdominal compartment syndrome was based on elevated bladder pressure and organ dysfunction. The patients were treated with decompressive celiotomy and Wittmann Patch™ closure. Survivors subsequently underwent primary abdominal closure, with no evidence of ventral hernia at long-term follow-up. Conclusion In burn cases with abdominal compartment syndrome, a Wittmann Patch™ may prove a helpful method of temporary abdominal closure, followed by primary closure with no complications.
The welcome resurgence of the α-cell: a pro glucagon commentary.

Of late an increasing number of publications about glucagon, a hormone that once enjoyed center stage with insulin but for several decades has been sitting in the wings, have appeared. The primary function of this islet α-cell product is to regulate hepatic glycogenolysis to supply increased endogenous glucose production. Clinically, this is a critical role. Release of this hormone is triggered by hypoglycemia, and it rescues patients with type 2 diabetes from hypoglycemia when too much insulin is used for glycemic control. Sadly, patients with type 1 diabetes do not have this luxury. In the absence of functional β-cells, the α-cell does not respond to hypoglycemia. The central relationship between these two cells is that the β-cell, by its own response to stop secreting insulin during hypoglycemia, provides an essential signal to the α-cell to release glucagon. This chain reaction only happens during hypoglycemia, so it takes both signals (hypoglycemia and an insulin decrement) to activate the α-cell. This phenomenon has been variably termed the intraislet insulin hypothesis (1) or the insulin switch-off signal (2). A major stimulus for refocusing on glucagon has been an increasing number of intriguing studies from basic electrophysiological, biochemical, and animal physiology laboratories involving other regulators of α-cell function, including zinc, GABA, glutamate, somatostatin, ghrelin, and the autonomic nervous system (rev. in 3 …
Increased T wave complexity can indicate subclinical myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic adults

Abstract Background Altered ventricular repolarization and cardiovascular mortality are closely correlated, and recent novel findings show that a distorted T wave loop morphology is also strongly correlated with subsequent onset of myocardial infarction among patients with stable angina. Therefore, we hypothesized that an abnormal T wave complexity ratio (CR) can indicate vulnerability to myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic, apparently healthy adults. Methods Healthy firefighters were enrolled in the current investigation where they completed symptom-limited, graded exercise treadmill testing (ETT) and 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram recording. The CR was automatically calculated using principal component analysis of the high-resolution Holter electrocardiogram signal then averaged over 24 hours (CR 24h ). End points were manually analyzed from the ETT; recordings revealing horizontal ST-segment depression (≥1 mm) in 2 or more leads for at least 1 minute during the peak of exercise were considered indicators of myocardial ischemia. Results One hundred four firefighters (age, 44 ± 8 years; 96% men) completed both ETT and Holter recording. Firefighters with positive end points (n = 34, or 33%) had higher CR 24h compared with those with negative end points (0.14 ± 0.06 vs 0.09 ± 0.04, P 24h (≥20%) significantly predicted exercise-induced myocardial ischemia (odds ratio, 4.6; P = .01). Conclusions Increased T wave CR 24h can predict myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic middle-age adults; this suggests that the distorted T wave loop morphology can reflect an altered ventricular repolarization caused by prolonged subclinical myocardial ischemia possibly caused by early coronary artery disease.
Enabling behavior reuse in development of virtual environment applications

Virtual environments (VEs) provide simulated 3D spaces in which users can interact, collaborate, and visualize in real time. Accordingly, virtual environments have the potential to transform education, creating classrooms that ignore geographic boundaries and immerse students in experiences that would be difficult or impossible to arrange in the real world. A major impediment to the widespread adoption of educational VEs is the high cost of developing VE applications. We believe application development must become tractable for non-expert users in the same way that Web development is no longer the exclusive purview of professional programmers. In this position paper, we describe our experiences in enabling behavior reuse across VE applications. Our approach replaces, whenever possible, application-specific behaviors with general purpose, reusable simulation modules. These modules bootstrap one another until a rich ecosystem develops; thus, VE application development is reduced to compositing content and behaviors instead of developing them from scratch.
Management of health care technology literature (1979-1997): a multidimensional introspection

This work takes an introspective look at the trends, patterns and directions taken by the researchers in the field of management of health care technology (MHT) during the period 1979-1997. A total of 333 publications are classified in six distinct categories. The major findings of this study include the following: (1) a very substantial number (55%) of researchers employed the "incremental" or ripple strategy as a primary strategy of research; (2) 69.7% of all publications were untested theory papers. While 38.1% of the publications claimed application status, only 26% were found rooted in the real world; (3) improvement in cost performance was the most pursued objective-31.5% of the publications; (4) 28.5% of the publications used application and evaluation of information systems as the dominant MHT application setting; (5) process, technology and equipment were the preferred choice of operations strategy reflected in 33.9% articles; and (6) 45.6% of all publications led the hospital system category by choosing fiscal management as their research area. The authors hope that the findings of this work will provide useful insights into the anatomy of MHT publications and motivate further research on where the field is going and what course corrections are needed, if any, beyond those that have been proposed here.
Phase space warping: nonlinear time-series analysis for slowly drifting systems

A new general dynamical systems approach to data analysis is presented that allows one to track slowly evolving variables responsible for non-stationarity in a fast subsystem. The method is based on the idea of phase space warping, which refers to the small distortions in the fast subsystem’s phase space that results from the slow drift, and uses short-time reference model prediction error as its primary measurement of this phenomenon. The basic theory is presented and the issues associated with its implementation in a practical algorithm are discussed. A vector-tracking version of the procedure, based on smooth orthogonal decomposition analysis, is applied to the study of a nonlinear vibrating beam experiment in which a crack propagates to complete fracture. Our method shows that the damage evolution is governed by a scalar process, and we are able to give real-time estimates of the current damage state and identify the governing damage evolution model. Using a final recursive estimation step based on this model, the time to failure is continuously and accurately predicted well in advance of actual failure.
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis and anesthesia report of a case and literature review

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a disease characterized by recurrent episodes of paralysis and hypokalemia during a thyrotoxic state. The disease primarily affects people of Asian descent, but can affect other ethnic groups. In Asians, the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis are distinct and usually precede the first paralytic episode, whereas in non-Asian populations, paralysis is the presenting symptom. If TPP has not been diagnosed and the patient has a surgical procedure during general or regional anesthesia, symptoms of the disease may be confused with other adverse perioperative events such as delayed recovery from neuromuscular paralysis. No specific anesthetic regimen is superior. Current TTP treatment recommendations involve treating the underlying hyperthyroid state. Other modalities such as beta-blockade and potassium replacement are also important in the acute paralytic state. Future diagnostic and treatment innovations may lie in the genetic and molecular understanding of this disease. We present a case of an Asian male with known TPP undergoing general anesthesia, a brief case series involving 5 patients, and a review of the literature.
Monomer Reactivity Ratios from High Conversion Copolymerization of Styrene with meta- and with para-Divinylbenzene

Abstract The copolymerization reactivity ratios for styrene/m- and styrene/p-divinylbenzene have been determined at high conversions (<35%) using the integrated form of the copolymerization equation. Values of r1 (s) = 1.11, r2 (m) = 1.00; and r1 (s) = 0.20, r2 (p) = 1.00 were obtained. These values indicate the same relative behavior but are quantitatively different from the differential data. The data confirm that the para isomer is incorporated more rapidly into the growing polymer chain than is the meta isomer.
Gestational weight gain and neonatal adiposity in the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome study-North American region.

Objective To examine the associations between gestational weight gain (GWG) exceeding Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines and neonatal adiposity in the five North American field centers of the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome study.
A sub-2.5ns frequency-hopped quadrature frequency synthesizer in 0.13-μm technology

This paper presents a fast-hopping frequency synthesizer architecture with quadrature outputs, based on sub-harmonic injection-locking, that is compliant with Wireless-USB/WiMedia specifications. The synthesizer features a cross-coupled quadrature digitally-controlled oscillator, that is injection locked to a sub-harmonic frequency. On-chip mixers have been implemented to measure the quadrature accuracy of the outputs. The overall architecture is a CMOS-only implementation and has been fabricated in 0.13-μm SiGe BiCMOS process. Measurement results indicate lock-times of less than 2.5 ns, a locked phase noise of −114 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset and a quadrature accuracy of better than 0.5°. The frequency synthesizer (excluding output buffers) occupies an area of 0.27 mm2 and consumes 14.5 mW of power. The best and worst case spur suppression achieved are 47 and 31 dB, respectively. This is the lowest power fast-hopping quadrature frequency synthesizer that has been reported to date.
Re-Radiation from Tuned Antenna Systems

This paper considers Dellinger's treatment of the radiation from antenna systems, and applies correction factors thereto for the field strength near to the antenna. The term "equivalent height" is suggested and is differentiated from effective height. The expressions are then applied to the case of a tuned receiving antenna to determine the distortion produced in the field of a distant transmitter by re-radiation from the receiving antenna. The calculated results are then compared with the field distortion found by the Bureau of Standards near the Washington Monument, and also with measurements made near a typical antenna. The distorted field is found to have practical application as a means of eliminating interference; in short distance transmission without a local source of power; and in providing a means of measurement of the equivalent height of an antenna system.
Rational Design of Process Simulation Models Using Manufacturing System Design Decomposition

Design of computerized process simulation models are often an attempt to mimic workings of an existing manufacturing process with as much precision as feasible so that analysis is optimally useful. This modeling may also be applied to processes that are new and do not have a pre-existing physical example. A methodology from Axiomatic Design called Manufacturing System Design Decomposition (MSDD) is employed to define the functional requirements and the design parameters for the processes which are then employed in the design of the process simulation model. By its very nature, the resultant design is lean since the focus is on the specific functions to be performed necessary to the manufacture of the product at the lowest possible cost. Acclaro DFSS software from Axiomatic Design Solutions, Inc. provides the environment for developing the Axiomatic Design model and Witness software from Lanner Inc. is employed for the simulation environment.
Standards of Expression in Transitional Societies: Incitement in Kosovo

This paper argues that standards of incitement should adhere to a more restrictive model of free expression in transitional societies and a less restrictive model of free expression in mature societies. The several international agreements which involve standards of hate speech and incitement regulations envision a singular standard by which all societies should be held. The view which is dominant in international law will be referred to as the International Model; the alternative view, the Libertarian Model, advocates for greater individual freedom with respect to incitement, hate speech and governmental restrictions on speech. At present there exists an assumption that these views are wholly separate legal understandings and do not operate in concert. Next, the paper selects a particular case, Kosovo, to elucidate the nature of free expression in transitional societies. The time immediately after the recent 1999 Kosovo War and Kosovo today will be discussed. Kosovo presents a case where the repressive pre-war Milosevic-controlled media environment has been succeeded by a restrictive media regime imposed by international organization in the name of peace and security.
Fistula-associated anal cancer in the setting of Crohn’s disease

Diagnostic accuracy of inflammatory markers as early predictors of infection after elective colorectal surgery: results from the IMACORS study Pablo Ortega-Deballon, MD, PhD, Olivier Facy, MD, PhD, Brice Paquette, MD, David Orry, MD, Christine Binquet, Patrick Rat, MD University Hospital of Dijon, Dijon, France; University Hospital of Besancon, Besancon France; Georges-Francois Leclerc Anticancer Center, Dijon, France
Baudelaire and the Poetics of Pollution

Examining how key aspects of Baudelaire’s aesthetic theory address the negative ramifications of industrial growth, this article traces the black smoke that drifts through his urban poems in the context of the increasing visibility and public concern over air pollution in the second half of the nineteenth century. Reading his ‘recycled’ 1862 version of the prose poem ‘Le Crepuscule du soir’ (Le Spleen de Paris), a sombre poem in its first version from 1855 that stands apart from the rhapsodic rhetoric in contemporary literature lauding the capabilities of steam and machines, it situates Baudelaire as deploying a remedying aesthetics of conservation that aims to depollute. The noticeable clearing away of contamination in the revised poem, with its suggestion of light and airiness as well as its fluid sketch quality, lets breathe the dispersed fragments of nature engulfed by, but still palpitating beneath, the unrelenting and interlocked forces of urbanization and industrialization.
Paediatric marginal zone lymphoma and hyperplasia

Abstract Marginal zone lymphomas (MZL) are low-grade B-cell lymphomas arising from post-germinal memory B-cells occurring in adults with a slight female predilection. They are sub-categorized into nodal (NMZL), extra-nodal/mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and splenic (SMZL). MALT lymphomas are the most common (70%) followed by SMZL (20%) and NMZL (10%). Histologic transformation into aggressive B-cell lymphoma can rarely occur. MZL is extremely uncommon in the paediatric population and unlike in adults, is predominantly nodal. Paediatric NMZL (pNMZL) is an indolent, low-grade lymphoma with unique clinical and morphologic features. In contrast paediatric MALT lymphoma and SMZL are extremely uncommon and resemble their adult counterparts. Paediatric marginal zone lymphomas must be differentiated from paediatric-type follicular lymphoma (PFL) and marginal zone hyperplasia (MZH) of lymph nodes and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. This review summarizes the pathogenesis, morphology, genetic features of paediatric MZL and marginal zone hyperplasia. Recognition of these entities is important to avoid unnecessary therapy.
The Equivalent Rectangle in Prestressed Concrete Design

A simple procedure is presented for selecting cross-sectional shapes and dimensions for prestressed concrete beams in a manner similar to that used for selecting structural steel shapes. The requir...
Concomitant Medical Disease and Headache

The treatment of headache disorders in patients with concomitant medical illness constitutes one of the more challenging areas of headache therapy. As new agents are added to our pharmacologic armamentarium, it will become easier to tailor therapy to our patients. The physician who treats the headache patient with concomitant medical illness must be particularly aware of drug side effects and pharmacology in order to prevent a worsening of underlying medical conditions or an exacerbation of headaches.
The Question of the “Regression” Fallacy:

In a previous article, Frank M. Bass presented data to show that drug-store expenses and gross margins at the extreme positions in an array at a particular point in time tended to move toward the c...
19 MALE PSEUDOHERMAPHRODITISM DUE TO 5-ALPHA-REDUCTASE DEFICIENCY.

Background Steroid 5-alpha-reductase deficiency (5-ARD) is one of the causes of male pseudohermaphroditism. It is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to the deficiency of an enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This results in failure of full masculinization of the male genitalia. Case Report We are reporting a case of a patient who was evaluated in our clinic at the age of 5 months for ambiguous genitalia. Physical exam revealed the presence of scrotalized labia as well as a hypertrophic clitoris and palpable gonads in the labial sacs bilaterally. Serum 17-hydroxy- progesterone level drawn on the second day of life was 266 ng/dL. A serum testosterone level was 159 ng/dL and the karyotype was 46XY. A pelvic ultrasound was done and was interpreted as showing no mullerian duct structures and no ovaries. The repeat serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone done at Esoterix laboratory at 5 months of age showed levels of 114 ng/dL and 5.2 ng/dL, respectively. The ratio of serum testosterone to dihydrotestosterone was 21.9. A human gonadotrophin stimulation test was done, which increased the levels of serum testosterone to 1,644 ng/dL and serum dihydrotestosterone to 38 ng/dL. The testosterone to dihydrotestosterone ratio was 43.3, which was highly suggestive of 5-ARD. Gene probe studies were done, which demonstrated no evidence of androgen insensitivity syndrome. Conclusion 5-ARD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with ambiguous genitalia. Two genes coding for 5-ARD have been identified, each for a slightly different isoenzyme. These genes were studied and identified at our institution. The major issue for 5-ARD is gender assignment at birth; in the US, most infants undergo an early surgical feminizing genitoplasty and are not assigned a gender until after the surgery. Our patient was assigned a gender and after 5 months, once the diagnosis had been established, the gender was changed, which was distressing for the family.
Development of a hybrid emulation platform based on RTDS and reconfigurable power converter-based testbed

A real-time hardware testbed (HTB) has been constructed to emulate the power system by modular regenerative converters. This allows system realistic testing and demonstration with the true measurement, communication, and control. However, the size of the system that can be emulated by the HTB is limited, and certain phenomena are not easy or not needed to be modeled in the HTB. A hybrid emulation platform, which combines real time digital simulator (RTDS) and HTB, is developed in this paper to complement the advantages of RTDS and HTB. A power electronics converter is designed to act as the power interface between the RTDS and the HTB, and an integrated interface with two complementary algorithms is implemented to realize the hybrid emulation stably under different system conditions. At the same time, the closed loop control method under dq0 axis is implemented to realize faster response characteristics, and a time delay correction algorithm is integrated into the Park transformation. Experiment results demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the hybrid emulation compared with the pure HTB emulation and digital simulation.
How Do We Make Clinical Molecular Testing for Cancer Standard of Care for Pathology Departments

Understanding of the genetic basis and molecular pathogenesis of cancer has evolved substantially over the past century. The advent of high-throughput gene sequencing methods has unraveled hundreds of recurrent somatic genetic alterations in various malignancies, either causative or harboring major prognostic and/or predictive implications. Knowledge of these specific changes has dramatically altered diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to cancer, enabling personalized molecular therapies. This article shares approaches to adopting and fine-tuning the practice of molecular diagnostics as an essential component of diagnostic pathology in a tertiary care cancer hospital and proposes methods by which genetic testing in cancer can become standard of care in pathology departments across the nation.