cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cohort-Comparison of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair with Open Thoracic Aortic Repair Using Modern End-Organ Preservation Strategies

Background Pivotal trials showed that thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has improved outcomes compared with open surgery for treating descending thoracic aortic aneurysms. However, those trials included historical open controls in which modern end-organ preservation strategies were not routinely employed. To create a more level assessment, we compared our outcomes of elective TEVAR with modern open thoracic aortic repair (OTAR) controls. Methods A retrospective review of thoracic aortic aneurysm patients undergoing TEVAR was compared with a contemporaneous cohort of OTAR patients. Partial bypass or hypothermic circulatory arrest was used in all OTAR patients. Cerebrospinal fluid drain placement was attempted in all patients. Preoperative characteristics, operative variables, and outcomes were recorded, and the Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival estimates. Results The main outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative spinal cord ischemia (SCI) or stroke, and any persistent neurologic deficit 30 days following the operation. During the study period, 62 patients underwent TEVAR and 56 underwent OTAR with median follow-up of 23.7 months and 36.4 months, respectively. No difference existed between the TEVAR and OTAR with respect to overall neurologic complications (8.1% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.55) as well as any residual neurologic deficit at 30 days (0% vs. 5.4%, P = 0.10). TEVAR patients had fewer complications including pneumonia ( P = 0.02), rebleeding ( P = 0.02), and acute kidney injury ( P = 0.001). There was no difference in 30-day mortality (1.6% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.10), 1-year mortality (12.2% vs. 14%, P = 0.80), or 5-year mortality (53.9% vs. 44%, P = 0.48) between TEVAR and OTAR, respectively. Conclusions TEVAR continues to show improved perioperative outcomes with a trend toward decreased 30-day mortality and fewer major adverse events compared with OTAR. However, with the routine use of end-organ preservation strategies during OTAR, neurologic deficits, particularly SCI, can be safely reduced to comparable levels with those of TEVAR and 1-year all-cause mortality rates are similar between the groups. These OTAR results may serve as a benchmark as TEVAR is increasingly applied for other aortic pathologies, such as chronic dissection, wherein long-term efficacy is not proven.
Keyword word recognition using a fusion of spectral, cepstral and modulation features

We present the results of applying a combination of features for recognizing word utterances extracted from a continuous stream of speech. Three sets of features, namely, spectral energy in Bark bands, mel frequency cepstral coefficients, and parameters from an AM-FM model, were employed for training and testing a set of keywords in the CallHome telephone speech database. A pair-wise comparison between the feature set of an unknown word utterance and that of each of the reference utterances in a dynamic time warping process showed a false negative score of 4 out of 12, and a false positive score of 5 out of 132 for a subset of speech from the database. Long, multisyllabic words were spotted correctly while two short words in the word list contributed to errors.
Optical optimization of microcavity VCSELs

We present a full vector, finite element analysis of oxide apertured VCSELs, focusing on the optical properties required for low threshold design. We examine several versions of an 870 nm oxide DBR, oxide aperture VCSEL design to gain insight into the physical processes determining diffractive loss. Our results suggest the diffraction may be modeled as a coupling loss to the parasitic mode continuum. In this approach, the loss is determined from two competing factors: (1) the lasing mode penetration into the radial cladding region, and (2) the relative alignment of the eignenmode and parasitic mode wavevectors. We also find the characteristic blueshift resulting from the transverse optical confinement.
The role of probability of success estimates in the sunk cost effect

The sunk cost effect is manifested in a tendency to continue an endeavor once an investment has been made. Arkes and Blumer (1985) showed that a sunk cost increases one's estimated probability that the endeavor will succeed [p(s)]. Is this p(s) increase a cause of the sunk cost effect, a consequence of the effect, or both? In Experiment 1 participants read a scenario in which a sunk cost was or was not present. Half of each group read what the precise p(s) of the project would be, thereby discouraging p(s) inflation. Nevertheless these participants manifested the sunk cost effect, suggesting p(s) inflation is not necessary for the effect to occur. In Experiment 2 participants gave p(s) estimates before or after the investment decision. The latter group manifested higher p(s), suggesting that the inflated estimate is a consequence of the decision to invest. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular Clouds Are Not Fractal: A Characteristic Size Scale in Taurus

A simple, robust method of determining whether molecular clouds are fractal is described. The method is applied to the Taurus Molecular Cloud, which is shown to exhibit a change in the character of the structure on a scale of 0.25-0.5 pc, close to the thermal Jeans length at the gas densities probed by 13CO. The method is applicable to any data cube of optically thin emission.
A game-theoretic control approach for job shops in the presence of disruptions

A methodology inspired by a game-theoretic view of the on-line control problem for job-shops is developed which allows the use of static off-line schedules in uncertain environments, and the explicit incorporation of deterministic and stochastic information concerning future disturbances. A discrete event dynamic system representation is used to formulate the control problem. The control objectives are to minimize expected makespan and deviations from an off-line schedule. Computational tractability is achieved through a graph-theoretic decomposition of the job-shop scheduling problem, the development of fast rescheduling heuristics, and efficient sampling of future events. A heuristic search algorithm is developed for problem resolution. Experimental results show that the methodology significantly outperforms existing control methods such as ‘total rescheduling’ and ‘right-shift.’ Most importantly, the control methodology demonstrates consistent performance and small CPU time requirements throughout the ...
An HREELS and TPD study of water on TiO2(110): the extent of molecular versus dissociative adsorption

Abstract The interaction of water with the (110) crystal face of TiO2 (rutile) was examined with high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and temperature programmed desorption (TPD). Water desorption occurred in three sequential TPD features as a function of exposure at 270, 175 and 155 K, ascribed to monolayer, second layer and multilayer states, respectively. Estimation of the extent to which water molecularly versus dissociatively adsorbed on the TiO2(110) surface was attempted by comparing HREELS and TPD data. Very low water exposures (below 7 × 1013molecules/cm2) dissociatively adsorbed at 135 K to surface hydroxyl groups (v(OH) = 3690 cm− 1), but molecular adsorption (v(OH) = 3420 − 3505 cm− 1 and δ(HOH) = 1625 cm− 1) resulted from additional water exposure. The appearance of molecular water in HREELS coincided with a red-shift in the OH stretching frequency of the hydroxyl, presumably due to the formation of hydrogen-bonding interactions with the adsorbed water molecules. Little or no additional water dissociation occurred during heating of the monolayer as inferred from HREELS. Second layer water on TiO2(110) was evident in HREELS by OH stretching intensity below 3400 cm− 1 indicative of hydrogen-bonding. However, the OH stretching mode of monolayer water molecules was not red-shifted by the presence of second layer water suggesting that protons on monolayer water molecules were not involved in hydrogen-bonding second layer water molecules. The influence of second layer water on subsequent layers was evident in both HREELS and TPD.
Calcium metabolism during lactation: elevated blood levels of calcitonin.

The relatively low serum Ca found in intact lactating rats (1 mg/100 ml lower than in nonlactating rats) could be due to parathyroid hormone (PTH) deficiency, end-organ insensitivity to PTH, or increased calcitonin (CT) secretion or activity. These possibilities were examined by comparing lactating rats with nonlactating rats recently deprived of their litters. Parathyroidectomy caused a 2 mg/100-ml decrease in serum Ca within 3 h in fed lactating rats but no change in fed nonlactating rats. Injection of parathyroid extract (40–460 U/100 g BW) did not affect the serum Ca level in intact lactating or nonlactating rats 3.5 h later, even though lactating rats were hypocalcemic. However, after thyroparathyroidectomy, PTH injection produced hypercalcemia (>11.5 mg/100 ml) in both groups, indicating that hypocalcemia during lactation is not due to PTH deficiency or unresponsiveness. The CT content of thyroid glands as well as the blood level of CT was the same in lactating and nonlactating rats after an overnig...
Inequality in New Clothes

Fashioning Inequality: The Multinational Company and Gendered Employment in a Globalizing World. By Juanita Elias. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing, 2004. 210 pp., $94.95 (ISBN: 0-7546-3698-4). Are multinational firms socializing agents that inculcate workers in developing countries with progressive, democratic values that might erode cultural beliefs of sexism and racism? This is an intriguing question, and the answer forms the core of Juanita Elias' straightforward book, Fashioning Inequality . If you believe in the affirmative, as do Elias' opponent s , then there is some hope for an upside to a globalized economy marked by exploitation, environmental degradation, and other ills. Indeed, it is not unreasonable to assume that, as workers become acculturated employees of Western multinational firms, local cultures change. Multinational firms do (at least publicly) promote progressive ideals of “social responsibility” and “diversity.” And as highly rationalized organizations, their internal policies are meant to minimize arbitrary or discriminatory practices, which (as economists argue) are inefficient. But, as Elias shows, this assumption would be wrong. Fashioning Inequality is straightforward in argument and structure. The book is organized into two parts. The first part sets up her opponents' thesis, the second part knocks it down. Elias' opponents are supporters of the international political economy perspective, or IPE, one of the many abbreviations used throughout the book. For Elias' purposes, the key set of ideas that readers need to derive from IPE theory is that multinational firms are “neutral rational-economic” actors (p. 2). As …
Diffusion tensor imaging demonstrates brainstem and cerebellar abnormalities in congenital central hypoventilation syndrome.

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) patients show reduced breathing drive during sleep, decreased hypoxic and hypercapnic ventilatory responses, and autonomic and affective deficits, suggesting both brainstem and forebrain injuries. Forebrain damage was previously described in CCHS, but methodological limitations precluded detection of brainstem injury, a concern because genetic mutations in CCHS target brainstem autonomic nuclei. To assess brainstem and cerebellar areas, we used diffusion tensor imaging-based measures, namely axial diffusivity, reflecting water diffusion parallel to fibers, and sensitive to axonal injury, and radial diffusivity, measuring diffusion perpendicular to fibers, and indicative of myelin injury. Diffusion tensor imaging was performed in 12 CCHS and 26 controls, and axial and radial diffusivity maps were compared between groups using analysis of covariance (covariates; age and gender). Increased axial diffusivity in CCHS appeared within the lateral medulla and clusters with injury extended from the dorsal midbrain through the periaqueductal gray, raphe, and superior cerebellar decussation, ventrally to the basal-pons. Cerebellar cortex and deep nuclei, and the superior and inferior cerebellar peduncles showed increased radial diffusivity. Midbrain, pontine, and lateral medullary structures, and the cerebellum and its fiber systems are injured in CCHS, likely contributing to the characteristics found in the syndrome.
Testing the main hypotheses of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior in a large diverse sample of United States military personnel

Background: Preliminary data indicate the suicide rate in the United States military decreased in 2013, but the National Guard saw a continued increase. Method: We examined the utility of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior (IPTS) in a sample of US military personnel drawn largely from the National Guard (n = 934; 77.7% male; 59.5% white). Results: Results indicated the interaction of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness predicted suicidal ideation and resolved plans and preparations for suicide. In each case, risk was greatest at higher levels of both predictors. Furthermore, results indicated the interaction of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability for suicide predicted prior suicide attempts. In this interaction term, the relationship between suicidal desire (thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness) and suicide attempts was significant and positive only at high levels of acquired capability. All analyses were cross-sectional. Conclusions: Results indicate the IPTS may be useful for conceptualizing suicide risk in the National Guard. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Suicide in the military has been a growing concern that has garnered much attention from both the media and those involved in suicide prevention efforts. Recent research indicates that members of the military are significantly more likely to die by suicide during an attempt than are members of the general population, even when only considering methods other than self-inflicted gunshot wounds [1]. Since 2009, when the suicide rate in the military first eclipsed that of the general population [2,3], a trend of increasing military suicides has been observed, as suicides increased from 18.5 to 22.7 out of 100,000 active duty
Dyn-MPI: Supporting MPI on Non Dedicated Clusters

Distributing data is a fundamental problem in implementing efficient distributed-memory parallel programs. The problem becomes more difficult in environments where the participating nodes are not dedicated to a parallel application. We are investigating the data distribution problem in non dedicated environments in the context of explicit message-passing programs. To address this problem, we have designed and implemented an extension to MPI called Dynamic MPI (Dyn-MPI). The key component of Dyn-MPI is its run-time system, which efficiently and automatically redistributes data on the fly when there are changes in the application or the underlying environment. Dyn-MPI supports efficient memory allocation, precise measurement of system load and computation time, and node removal. Performance results show that programs that use Dyn-MPI execute efficiently in non dedicated environments, including up to almost a three-fold improvement compared to programs that do not redistribute data and a 25% improvement over standard adaptive load balancing techniques.
Characteristics of an adenylate cyclase coupled beta 2-adrenergic receptor in a smooth muscle tumor cell line.

AbstractWe have shown that binding of 3H-dihydroalprenolol ([3H] DHA) to DDT1 MF-2 cells and cell membranes was of high affinity, saturable, stereoselective and reversible. The [3H]DHA dissociation constants were 0.63 ± 0.15 nM (n=6) and 0.83 ± 0.04 nM (n=5) for intact cells and cell membranes, respectively, with a binding site concentration for cells of 27,300 ± 5,200 sites/ cell (n=6) and for membranes 468 ± 24 fmoles/mg protein (n=5). The order of agonist competition for the [3H]-DHA binding site of DDT1 cell membranes was isoproterenol (Ki = 0.20 ± 0.07 μM) > epinephrine (Ki = 0.4 ± 0.2 μM) > norepinephrine (Ki = 66.5 ± 5.15 μM) consistent with a β2-selective receptor interaction. Zinterol, a β2-selective antagonist, (Ki = 0.05 ± 0.01 μM) was 18x more effective than metoprolol, a β1-selective antagonist (Ki = 0.9 ± 0.1 μM), in competing for the DHA binding site. A nonlinear iterative curve fitting analysis of zinterol and metoprolol binding isotherms indicated that (p>0.05) DDT1 cells possess a pure p...
Electron microscopic demonstration and evaluation of irreversible electroporation-induced nanopores on hepatocyte membranes.

Abstract Purpose To demonstrate, evaluate, and verify the existence of irreversible electroporation (IRE)–ablation induced nanopores on the plasma membrane of hepatocytes. Materials and Methods On animal research committee approval, four New Zealand rabbits and two Yorkshire swine underwent IRE ablation of the liver (90 pulses, 100 μs per pulse at 2,500 V), and selected ablated liver tissues were harvested, fixed, and air-dried according to the electron microscopy (EM) protocol. A scanning electron microscope (SEM; Nova 230 NanoSEM [FEI, Hillsboro, Oregon] with 80 picoamperes and 10-kV acceleration) was used to visualize and verify IRE-created nanopores. Using NIH image (Bethesda, Maryland) and ImageScope (Aperio Inc., Vista, California), 21 ablated tissues (16 rabbit, 5 swine) were evaluated. Corresponding hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) evaluation was performed to verify IRE-induced cell death. Results In all 21 IRE-ablated tissues, the SEM was able to show numerous, well-circumscribed, round, and concave-shaped pore defects disturbing the hepatocyte plasma membranes. These pores were not seen in normal liver. The size of the nanopores ranged from 80–490 nm with the greatest frequency of pores in bimodal distribution. The highest frequency of pore size was noted at the size range 340–360 nm. Conclusions IRE induces nanopores on hepatocyte membranes, as shown by SEM. The pore diameters are larger than nanopores created by reversible electroporation (RE), which may have implications for irreversibility or permanency.
An improved objective function for mincut circuit partitioning

An improved objective function has been added to the Kernighan-Lin (1970), Fiduccia-Mattheyses (1982) (KLFM) partitioning algorithm. The time complexity of the enhanced KLFM algorithm remains linear in the number of pins, and there is essentially no change in the CPU time requirements. Based on circuit bipartitioning tests with ten industrial circuits, the number of nets cut was reduced by as much as 55% with the new objective function. The average reduction in nets cut was 38%. >
Circumferential resection of the inferior vena cava for primary and recurrent malignant tumors.

Purpose: Circumferential vena caval resection is occasionally performed in patients with advanced malignancy. We explored the oncological effectiveness of inferior vena caval resection, as determined by margin status, cancer recurrence and survival. Also, we addressed the morbidity associated with inferior vena caval obstruction and resection, and determined indications for inferior vena caval reconstruction.Materials and Methods: A total of 18 patients underwent attempted inferior vena caval resection from 1999 to 2008. Primary tumor type was renal cell carcinoma in 7 patients, metastatic testicular cancer in 5, leiomyosarcoma in 3, and adrenal cortical carcinoma, primary retroperitoneal germ cell tumor and upper tract transitional cell carcinoma in 1 each. Data reviewed included preoperative and postoperative sequelae of inferior vena caval obstruction, postoperative complications, pathological results, cancer recurrence, graft requirements and functional outcomes.Results: Mean followup in the entire pa...
Supplementation with Active Hexose Correlated Compound Increases the Innate Immune Response of Young Mice to Primary Influenza Infection

The emergence of H5N1 avian influenza and the threat of new or adapted viruses in bioterrorism have created an urgent interest in identifying agents to enhance the immune response to primary virus infection. Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is a natural mushroom extract reported to increase natural killer (NK) cell activity, survival, and bacterial clearance in young mice. However, the effects of AHCC on the response to viral infections have not been studied. In this study, young C57BL/6 mice were supplemented with 1 g AHCC/(kg body weightd) for 1 wk prior to and throughout infection with influenza A (H1N1, PR8). Supplementation increased survival, decreased the severity of infection, and shortened recovery time following intranasal infection with flu, as determined by the recovery of body weight and epithelial integrity in the lungs. AHCC increased NK activity in lungs at d 1 (P , 0.05) and d 4 (P , 0.01) and in the spleen at d 2 postinfection (P , 0.01). Supplementation increased the percentage (P , 0.05) and number (P , 0.01) of NK1.11 cells in the lung and reduced the infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages compared with controls (P , 0.01). These data suggest that AHCC supplementation boosts NK activity, improves survival, and reduces the severity of influenza infection in young mice. Bolstering innate immunity with dietary bioactives may be one avenue for improving the immune response to primary flu infection. J. Nutr. 136: 2868-2873, 2006.
Ecology of hantavirus in a changing world

Hantavirus is a genus of virus represented by 45 different species and is hosted by small mammals, predominantly rats and mice. Roughly, half of all hantaviruses cause diseases in humans that vary in morbidity from mild to severe. The natural and anthropogenic changes occurring in the environment appear to be impacting the ecology of hantaviruses and their natural hosts as well as the incidence of hantaviral diseases in humans. Although such studies are limited at this time, there is evidence that natural climate cycles such as El Nino as well as anthropogenic climate change enhance hantavirus prevalence when host population dynamics are driven by food availability. Climate appears to have less of an effect on hantavirus when host populations are controlled by predators. Human alteration to the landscape also appears to enhance hantavirus prevalence when the disturbance regime enriches the environment for the host, for example, agriculture. More long-term studies on multiple species of hantavirus are needed to accurately predict the outcome of changing environmental conditions on prevalence in hosts as well as disease incidence in humans.
OR Forum-Presidents' Symposium: Reflections on OR/MS Education

This essay compares OR/MS education with educational programs for two other professions-medicine and statistics. It urges an overall review of OR/MS curricula and makes recommendations for changing the profession's education.
A comparison of lead-acid and lithium-based battery behavior and capacity fade in off-grid renewable charging applications

Abstract The effects of variable charging rates and incomplete charging in off-grid renewable energy applications are studied by comparing battery degradation rates and mechanisms in lead-acid, LCO (lithium cobalt oxide), LCO-NMC (LCO-lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide composite), and LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cells charged with wind-based charging protocols. Poor pulse charge acceptance, particularly for long pulses, contributes to incomplete charging and rapid degradation of lead-acid cells due to apparent high rates of sulphation and resistance growth. Partial charging and pulse charging, common lead-acid stressors in off-grid applications, are found to have little if any effect on degradation in the lithium-based cells when compared to constant current charging. These cells all last much longer than the lead-acid cells; the LFP batteries show the greatest longevity, with minimal capacity fade observed after over 1000 cycles. Pulse charge acceptance is found to depend on pulse length in lead-acid and LFP cells, but not in LCO and LCO-NMC cells. Excellent power performance and consistent voltage and power behavior during cycling suggest that LFP batteries are well-suited to withstand the stresses associated with off-grid renewable energy storage and have the potential to reduce system lifetime costs.
Effects of warm and cold climate conditions on capelin (Mallotus villosus) and Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) in the eastern Bering Sea

Abstract Climate warming has impacted the southern extent of sea ice in the eastern Bering Sea (EBS) ecosystem, leading to many changes in ocean conditions and food webs there. We explore how these changes have affected two key forage fish species, capelin ( Mallotus villosus ) and Pacific herring ( Clupea pallasii ), examining the effects of climate change on this commercially important ecosystem in the EBS. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) data from surface trawls, size, and diet of capelin and Pacific herring were collected during a series of warm and cold years by fisheries oceanographic surveys conducted from mid-August to early October 2003 through 2011. Overall, mean CPUE for both species was higher in the northeastern Bering Sea [NEBS; capelin=1.2 kg/km 2 (warm) and 40.0 kg/km 2 (cold); herring=141.1 kg/km 2 (warm) and 132.4 kg/km 2 (cold)] relative to the southeastern Bering Sea [SEBS; capelin=0.2 kg/km 2 (warm) and 5.8 kg/km 2 (cold); herring=15.8 kg/km 2 (warm) and 24.5 kg/km 2 (cold)], irrespective of temperature conditions. Capelin mean CPUE was significantly lower during warm years than during cold years [ p 2 (warm), 19.0 kg/km 2 (cold)]. Pacific herring mean CPUE was less variable between warm and cold years [ p 2 (warm), 66.2 kg/km 2 (cold)], but was still significantly less during warm years than cold. Capelin and herring lengths remained relatively constant between climate periods. Capelin lengths were similar among oceanographic domains [104 mm (South Inner domain), 112 mm (South Middle domain), 107 mm (North Inner domain), and 104 mm (North Middle domain)], while herring were larger in domains further offshore [123 mm (South Inner domain), 232 mm (South Middle domain), 260 mm (South Outer domain), 129 mm (North Inner domain), and 198 mm (North Middle domain)]. Diets for both species were significantly different between climate periods. Large crustacean prey comprised a higher proportion of the diets in most regions during cold years. Age-0 walleye pollock ( Gadus chalcogrammus ) contributed >60% to the diets of Pacific herring in southern Middle Domain and >30% in the northern Middle domain during warm years. A switch to less energetic prey for these forage fishes during warm years may have implications for fitness and future recruitment. The shifts in the distribution and lower biomass of capelin in the EBS during warm years could lead to disruptions in energy pathways in this complex marine ecosystem.
Surveillance systems for monitoring the development of spatial patterns

Statistical methods concerned with the identification of temporal patterns may be classified into those that examine retrospectively a set of observations, and those that constitute surveillance systems that monitor changes as new observations become available. A similar distinction applies to the identification of geographical patterns in spatial data. There has been a notable lack of attention given to the surveillance of spatial pattern. This paper concerns development of a cumulative sum statistic and procedure for the monitoring of spatial pattern, and its application to both simulated data and to data on Burkitt's lymphoma in Uganda.
Balloon Angioplasty and Endoluminal Stenting of Clinically Significant Human Carotid Artery Occlusive Lesions: A New Model for Ex Vivo Morphological Analysis

The successful use of balloon angioplasty and intravascular stenting for the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary and peripheral arteries has recently led to the application of these techniques to the management of carotid artery stenosis. We have, therefore, attempted to determine the local consequences of these interventions in the carotid circulation by developing an ex vivo model of simultaneous balloon angioplasty and endoluminal stenting of clinically significant human internal carotid artery occlusive lesions. The following report describes this model and discusses the related clinical issues.
Uterine Fibroids Associated with Infertility

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the contributory role of uterine fibroids to infertility. The prevalence of these tumors increases with age, which becomes significant as more women are delaying childbearing. Therefore, fibroids and infertility frequently occur together. Treatment varies with fibroid location and size. The various methods of treatment include open myomectomy, laparoscopic or robot-assisted myomectomy, medical treatment, uterine artery embolization and magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound surgery. While there is a general consensus on the treatment of submucosal fibroids, the management of intramural fibroids in the infertility patient remains controversial. This paper aims to review and summarize the current literature in regards to the approach to uterine fibroids in the infertile patient.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of B-ring modified colchicine and isocolchicine analogs

A series of modified colchicine and isocolchicine analogs (C-7 substituent) were synthesized and evaluated in vitro against a PC3 cancer cell line and for inhibition of microtubule polymerization. The colchicine analogs all displayed strong inhibition of tubulin polymerization, while compounds 6 and 20 also possessed an increased cytotoxic activity as compared to colchicine. More importantly, isocolchicine analogs 7, 15, and 17 showed inhibition of microtubule polymerization with IC(50) values ranging from 58 to 68muM. In addition, 7 displayed strong cytotoxic activity with an IC(50)=93nM which was more potent than colchicine analog 12.
Die Einstellung der Schweizer Arbeiter zum Italiener

Die vorliegende empirische Studie, die in einem groseren Betrieb der Maschinenindustrie durchgefuhrt worden ist, ging von einer doppelten Fragestellung aus: 1. Die Starke der Ablehnung gegenuber den italienischen Arbeitskollegen durch die Schweizer. 2. Die ihr zugrunde liegenden Motive. Die verschiedenen Tests ergeben relativ zahlreiche ablehnende Auserungen. So geben in einem Satzerganzungstest zwei Drittel spontan ihrem Unwillen Ausdruck, mit Italienern zusammenzuarbeiten. Im allgemeinen sind die schlecht qualifizierten Arbeiter besonders negativ eingestellt.
Fixing Mortgage Finance: What to Do with the Federal Housing Administration?

While Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and private subprime lenders have deservedly garnered the bulk of attention and blame for the mortgage crisis, other federal programs also distort our mortgage market and put taxpayers at risk of having to finance massive financial bailouts. The most prominent of these risky agencies is the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The FHA currently backs an activity portfolio of over $1 trillion. With an economic value of only $2.6 billion, representing a capital ratio of 0.24 percent, relatively small changes in the performance of the FHA’s portfolio could result in significant losses to the taxpayer. As the taxpayer is, by law, obligated for any losses above the FHA’s current capital reserves, these are not losses that can be avoided. Reasonably foreseeable changes to the FHA’s performance could easily cost the taxpayer tens of billions of dollars, surpassing the ultimate cost of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) bank bailouts. To protect the taxpayer and the broader economy, the FHA should be scaled back immediately, and an emphasis should be placed on improving its credit quality. At the same time, the agency should be placed on a path to ultimately be eliminated, with its risk-taking being transferred back to the private sector.
Corrugated sapphire substrates for organic light-emitting diode light extraction.

In an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), only about 20–30% of the generated light can be extracted because of the light lost to the thin film guided modes and surface plasmon. Using corrugated high-index-refractive substrates, the thin film guided modes can be effectively out-coupled from the device because of the high index substrate and the loss to the surface plamon is suppressed due to the corrugated structure. With an additional macro lens attached to the substrate to extract the substrate mode, we finally demonstrated a green phosphorescent OLED with an extremely high external quantum efficiency of 63%.
The effect of glassy carbon surface oxides in non-aqueous voltammetry: the case of quinones in acetonitrile.

Glassy carbon (GC) electrodes are well-known to contain oxygenated functional groups such as phenols, carbonyls, and carboxylic acids on their surface. The effects of these groups on voltammetry in aqueous solution are well-studied, but there has been little discussion of their possible effects in nonaqueous solution. In this study, we show that the acidic functional groups, particularly phenols, are likely causes of anomalous features often seen in the voltammetry of quinones in nonaqueous solution. These features, a too small second cyclic voltammetric wave and extra current between the two waves that sometimes appears to be a small, broad third voltammetric wave, have previously been attributed to different types of dimerization. In this work, concentration-dependent voltammetry in acetonitrile rules out dimerization with a series of alkyl-benzoquinones because the anomalous features get larger as the concentration decreases. At low concentrations, solution bimolecular reactions will be relatively less...
A novel method to generate optical 8-DPSK by cascading three phase modulators

A novel method for optical non-return-to-zero 8 phase-shift keying signals(NRZ-8-DPSK) generation by using three phase modulators was proposed,and a scheme to generate optical return-to-zero 8 phase-shift keying signals(RZ-8-DPSK) by cascading a single-arm M-Z modulator was also put forward.Three optical spectra diagrams of 60Gb/s NRZ-8-DPSK signals,NRZ-DPSK signals and NRZ-DQPSK signals were compared
The impact of ‘available area’ on Artemisia tridentata seedling dynamics

Seedling survival ofArtemisia tridentata ssp.tridentata (basin big sagebrush) was studied during 1984 and 1986 on a semi-arid rangeland in central Utah, USA. Seedlings were mapped in ungrazed pastures and observed on a 10 day interval for survival. Available resource area around individual seedlings was calculated using Theissen polygons. Over 90% of the naturally-occurring seedlings occurred in polygons of 150 mm2 or less. Seedlings with available areas greater than 300 mm2 were more likely to survive than seedlings with less resource area. Differences in overall seedling survival in different study sites were noted. Survival was similar for all seedlings with less than 50 mm2 available area. In 1986, precipitation and seedling survival were considerably lower than in 1984. Even in 1986, however, seedling survival in polygons greater than 300 mm2 was always higher than for seedlings in smaller polygons. Survival patterns over each growing season closely followed the precipitation patterns.
Beobachtungen der atomaren Struktur von Metalloberflächen im Feldionenmikroskop

The working conditions of the helium operated low temperature field ion microscope are described. The resolution of atom chains of 2,74 A spacing, and of a two dimensional net of 2,77 A spacing is shown in photographs, while a visual observation of a net plane resolution of 2,35 A is reported. Field evaporation at low temperatures produces perfectly clean and regularly built surfaces, which will not be contaminated during observation by even one atom, in spite of the use of a ground joint for easy sample replacement. The rate of field evaporation limits the application to about 8 elements for best image quality, and one other dozen of metals with limited image stability. Field evaporation of the refractory metals yields doubly charged ions. A number of high resolution photographs of wolfram, rhenium, iridium, platinum and nickel crystals are shown, exhibiting atomic details of stacking faults, dislocations, subgrain boundaries and slip bands. The effect of recovery of platinum and iridium crystals is demonstrated. Fatigue experiments are made with platinum crystals, exposing them during the observation in the microscope to a cycling stress of 1000 kg/mm2. Operation of the cycling stress at audio frequencies let to the discovery of resonance vibrations. These seem to be characteristic for the metal, and they may represent energy exchange frequencies between high frequency lattice vibration modes.
Spatiotemporal Interpolation Methods for the Application of Estimating Population Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter in the Contiguous U.S. and a Real-Time Web Application

Appropriate spatiotemporal interpolation is critical to the assessment of relationships between environmental exposures and health outcomes. A powerful assessment of human exposure to environmental agents would incorporate spatial and temporal dimensions simultaneously. This paper compares shape function (SF)-based and inverse distance weighting (IDW)-based spatiotemporal interpolation methods on a data set of PM2.5 data in the contiguous U.S. Particle pollution, also known as particulate matter (PM), is composed of microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. PM2.5 refers to particles with a mean aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers. Based on the error statistics results of k-fold cross validation, the SF-based method performed better overall than the IDW-based method. The interpolation results generated by the SF-based method are combined with population data to estimate the population exposure to PM2.5 in the contiguous U.S. We investigated the seasonal variations, identified areas where annual and daily PM2.5 were above the standards, and calculated the population size in these areas. Finally, a web application is developed to interpolate and visualize in real time the spatiotemporal variation of ambient air pollution across the contiguous U.S. using air pollution data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s AirNow program.
Conquest and Expansion: ‘Obtaining’ New ‘Living Space’

In both the Early American and Nazi-German cases, continental expansionist preoccupations were underpinned and prescribed by comparable expansionist ideologies of ‘space’ and ‘race’. In pursuit of these expansionist ambitions, as well as motivated by similar aspirations, Early American and Nazi-German political leaders used markedly similar strategies and tactics to pursue continental expansion. Both actual expansionist trajectories were, of course, influenced by specific national developments, as well as aided or constrained by strong historical forces (both domestic and international) prevailing at the time. In both cases, however, actual policies and actions were strongly influenced and shaped by guiding ideological principles and beliefs embedded in the respective continental imperialist discourses — discourses that ultimately influenced American and German policymakers’ predispositions, tendencies, options, and priorities.
La piedra como símbolo de identidad, fortaleza y tradición en la cultura maya quiché

En este articulo se analiza el simbolismo que ejerce la piedra en algunas culturas antiguas (ancestrales americanas), especificamente dentro de la cultura maya, a traves de los poemas Piedra AB AJ. de la poeta maya quiche, Rosa Chavez. En esta coleccion, nos encontramos con una fuerte voz poetica que hace un llamado a su pueblo para mantener viva la memoria de sus ancestros y recuperar la identidad perdida. El poemario tambien incursiona en una serie de ritos que nos plasma la esencia de su cultura y la relacion que mantienen los miembros de estas sociedades con la naturaleza misma.
Experiences integrating transmission and distribution simulations for DERs with the Integrated Grid Modeling System (IGMS)

This paper discusses the development of, approaches for, experiences with, and some results from a large-scale, high-performance-computer-based (HPC-based) co-simulation of electric power transmission and distribution systems using the Integrated Grid Modeling System (IGMS). IGMS was developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as a novel Independent System Operator (ISO)-to-appliance scale electric power system modeling platform that combines off-the-shelf tools to simultaneously model 100s to 1000s of distribution systems in co-simulation with detailed ISO markets, transmission power flows, and AGC-level reserve deployment. Lessons learned from the co-simulation architecture development are shared, along with a case study that explores the reactive power impacts of PV inverter voltage support on the bulk power system.
Dynamic MR Imaging of the Skeletal Musculature: From Static Measures to a Dynamic Assessment of the Muscular (Loco-) Motion

The muscle–tendon is a complex structure and involves the complex interplay of passive and active elements, fiber architecture that ultimately determines the force transmission and muscle mechanics. The ability to noninvasively image the muscle–tendon complex during contractions provides an unprecedented tool to study the normal physiology and its changes under different conditions (e.g., in normal aging, sarcopenia, limb disuse and muscle atrophy, and muscle diseases such as dystrophy). We describe the development of sophisticated MR imaging sequences that can directly map muscle motion (velocity), or muscle tissue displacement. A brief overview of imaging sequences, post processing is provided as a background to the technology. The derivation of 1D, 2D and 3D strain, and strain rate maps is outlined underlying the ability to extract the complete 3D strain tensor from appropriate MR datasets. The MR-compatible device to enable different muscle motion is described in detail; this piece is critical for the successful implementation of functional muscle dynamics using MRI. Velocity and strain distributions in the normal lower leg muscles, in the forearm are presented. These studies highlight the heterogeneous strain distributions and the link to connective tissue distribution in the muscles as well as to the geometry of the fibers (fiber length, pennation angle, and curvature differences along the length the muscle aponeurosis). These studies have also identified inter- and intra-fascicular heterogeneities in strain and in novel indices such as the architectural gear ratio. Tendon dynamics can also be mapped using the velocity-encoded data and force-dependent length changes, stiffness, and the transition point from linear to nonlinear behavior of the force-length (F-L) curve in human Achilles tendon are discussed. The applications of these elegant MR techniques to altered muscle conditions are presented; however the number of studies is limited. The application of MR dynamic muscle imaging with the velocity encoded-phase contrast imaging to subjects with Achilles tendon rupture and chronic unloading under controlled conditions are presented. In both applications, the utility of the technique in identifying muscle functional and structural changes indicate that this is a valuable tool awaiting widespread clinical implementation. This chapter concludes with technical developments in this area of MR imaging where 2D and 3D strain tensor mappings are outlined. These developments offer exciting possibilities to explore muscle structure and functional relationships. Coupled with diffusion tensor imaging to extract muscle fiber architecture, dynamic 3D muscle imaging will enable the detailed understanding of muscle physiology in normal and altered conditions.
Should We Practice Justice Toward Nonhuman Animals? Radical Animal Interests, Humanism, and Classical Justice

This chapter considers the challenge of the animal liberation movement to humanism. Peter Singer’s suggestion that humans not reproduce, in order to reduce suffering of all species, negates the centrality of human beings in classical and Renaissance humanism. It runs counter to two principles: the notion of “human dignity,” founded not on universal rights but on a status conferred by God, and the notion of justice, which includes a criterion of reciprocity, and implies a natural design. Both “human dignity” and reciprocal justice exclude animals. The notion of a collective self-sacrifice of the human species would be thought of as absurd by humanism which simply does not share the utilitarian premises of the (Anglo-American) radical animal liberation movement.
Novel Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy (NTKI) Prior to Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): No Evidence for Increased Transplant-Related Toxicity.

Introduction: Patients undergoing ASCT for CML are increasingly likely to have received a NTKI after failing imatinib mesylate. It is unknown whether the use of these NTKIs prior to ASCT increases transplant-related toxicity. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of 12 patients with CML (1 in chronic phase, 6 in accelerated phase, and 5 in blastic phase) who received dasatinib (n=2), nilotinib (n=7), or both (n=3) prior to ASCT. Results: Median age was 41 years (range, 18–59 years). The median time on treatment was 134 days (range, 30–285 days), and the median time from the end of NTKI therapy to ASCT was 34 days (range, 7–130 days). Preparative regimen was ablative in 8 patients and non-ablative in 4. Stem cell source was a matched related donor in 7 patients, a matched unrelated donor in 3, a haplo-identical donor in 1, and unrelated cord blood in 1. All patients engrafted within 13 days. There was no significant early transplant-related toxicity: gastro-intestinal toxicities of grade 3 were encountered in 2 patients. One patient had secondary graft failure 6 months after the first ASCT that required a second ASCT. Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of grade 2 was observed in 7 patients (58%) and chronic GVHD in 6 (50%). Nine patients achieved a molecular response: four complete and five major (Q-PCR Conclusion: Previous treatment with NTKI did not increase transplant-related toxicity in this preliminary experience. Further follow-up and larger number of patients will be necessary to confirm these observations.
The Role of Emotions and Attitudes in Causing and Preventing Cheating

Given that students at secondary and postsecondary levels believe that certain behaviors are morally wrong and consider them cheating, they still perform them, albeit infrequently. This article examines the psychology of cheating, emphasizing individual psychological factors that influence integrity behavior. From this research, strategies to prevent cheating for students at all levels emerge. The evidence supports using self-concept, challenging neutralizing attitudes, and a focus on prosocial responses to cheating, rather than shaming students to reduce cheating.
Drug Use Status in Youth: The Role of Gender and Delay Discounting

Background: Evidence from gender and delay discounting studies suggests these variables may influence drug use in youth. However, no studies to date have examined sexual discounting with regard to ...