cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Connecting community-delivered evidence-based programs and the healthcare system: Piloting a learning "wellcare" system.

Introduction Many evidence-based programs (EBPs) have been determined in randomized controlled trials to be effective, but few studies explore the real-world effectiveness of EBPs implemented in the natural community setting. Our study evaluated whether a novel linked infrastructure would enable such insights and continuous improvement as part of a learning healthcare-community bridged "wellcare" ecosystem. Methods We created a secure, web-based data entry and storage platform with a network of Minnesota community-based organizations to record EBP participants' demographics and attendance, and program details. We then linked participant's information to their Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) medical records. With this infrastructure, we conducted a proof of concept, retrospective cohort study by matching EBP participants to REP controls and comparing medical record-documented outcomes over 1 year follow-up. Results We successfully linked EBP participant records with medical records in 77.6% of cases, and the infrastructure proved feasible and scalable. Still, key challenges remain in obtaining participant consent for data sharing. Upfront resource investments and the availability of REP-like warehouses limit generalizability. Optimal learning will be improved by enhancements that better track program fidelity. Our pilot study established a proof-of-concept, but sample sizes (n = 99 for falls prevention and n = 97 chronic disease/pain management EBP completers) were too small to detect significant differences in hospital admittance as compared to matched controls for either EBP group, (OR = 0.66[0.36, 1.19]) and (OR = 0.81[0.43, 1.54]), respectively. Events were too rare to gather meaningful information about effects on fall rates. Conclusions Our pilot demonstrates the feasibility of developing an online infrastructure that connects information from community leaders with medical record documented health outcomes, bridging the knowledge gap between community programs and the health care system. Insights gleaned from our infrastructure can be used to continuously shape community program delivery to reduce the need for formal health care services.
Best Practices for Communicating about Outdoor Residential Water Conservation

Extension communication efforts can be made more effective when following a strategic communication plan. To guide a strategic communication effort, it is imperative to have purposeful messaging along with an understanding of your target audience and communication channel. This document presents a synthesis of literature highlighting best communication practices in regard to water conservation efforts.
Thermal dilepton emission rate in terms of spectral functions

Abstract We interpret the dilepton emission rate from a hadronic gas expected to be produced in heavy ion collisions in terms of the spectral functions available from the e + e − annihilation and the τ lepton decay experiments. We take into account all possible hadronic states especially the multi-pion contributions to the dilepton emission and the parity mixing phenomenon due to the soft final-state corrections. A new compilation of the experimental data for the spectral functions is presented.
A Prescription for Exercise

Assessments of physical activity and recommendations to exercise have been a routine part of the evaluation of patients with various headache disorders. There is a great deal of exciting research in the field to support these recommendations. A recent meta-analysis supports aerobic exercise intervention for reduction of migraine frequency (Lemmens et al., J Headache Pain 20:16, 2019), and one trial showed that vigorous aerobic physical activity 3 days per week for 40 min at a time was as effective as preventive treatment with topiramate (Varkey et al., Cephalalgia 31:1428–1438, 2011). Several studies support the use of low-load endurance craniocervical and cervicoscapular exercise for tension-type headache (Cote et al., Eur J Pain 23:1051–1070, 2019). Guidelines now suggest an early return to graduated aerobic exercise training for the amelioration of concussion-related symptoms, including post-traumatic headache (McCrory et al., Br J Sports Med 51:838–847, 2017). The mechanisms by which exercise improves headache symptoms are not fully elucidated. They may include neuroinflammatory, neuromodulatory, cerebrovascular, and psychological effects in migraine, as well as muscle control of cervicoscapular region in tension-type and cervicogenic headache. In reviewing data for various exercise programs, it is important to keep in mind that every prescription for exercise should be individualized to a patient’s level of fitness, should include a combination of aerobic fitness as well as strength exercises as per guidelines for all healthy adults (Piercy et al., JAMA 320:2020–2028, 2018), and should specify intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise that may benefit a specific headache disorder.
Virtual obstetrics and gynecology fellowship interviews during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: a survey study.

Background Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, all Obstetrics and Gynecology fellowship interviews were held virtually for the 2020 fellowship match cycle. The aim of this study was to describe our initial experience with virtual Obstetrics and Gynecology fellowship interviews and evaluate its effectiveness in assessing candidates. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey study that included all interviewing attending physicians and fellows from five Obstetrics and Gynecology subspecialties at a single academic institution following the 2020-2021 fellowship interview season. The survey consisted of 19 questions aimed to evaluate each subspecialty's virtual interview process, including its feasibility and performance in evaluating applicants. The primary outcome was the subjective utility of virtual interviews. Secondary outcomes included a comparison of responses from fellows and attending physicians. Results Thirty-six attendings and fellows completed the survey (36/53, 68% response rate). Interviewers felt applicants were able to convey themselves adequately during the virtual interview (92%) and the majority (70%) agreed that virtual interviews should be offered in future years. Attending physicians were more likely than fellows to state that the virtual interview process adequately assessed the candidates (Likert Scale Mean: 4.4 vs. 3.8, respectively, p = 0.02). Respondents highlighted decreased cost, time saved, and increased flexibility as benefits to the virtual interview process. Conclusion The use of virtual interviews provides a favorable method for conducting fellowship interviews and should be considered for use in future application cycles. Most respondents were satisfied with the virtual interview process and found they were an effective tool for evaluating applicants.
Design and Implementation of a New Discretely-Actuated Manipulator

This paper presents a new 3-D design of a discretely-actuated robot manipulator powered by binary actuators. Binary actuators have two stable states, which are, for example, closed (0) and open (1). Major benefits of this kind of discretely-actuated manipulator are repeatability, relatively low cost, and no need for feedback control. In addition, hyper-redundancy allows tasks to be performed even when some actuators fail. A prototype of the new 3-D design is presented in this paper.
Meninges and perivasculature as mediators of CNS plasticity

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that fibroblasts, perivascular and meningeal macrophages, pericytes, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells are non-neural cells that are found in brain, but often are not considered to be active players in brain function. Together with extracellular matrix molecules and fluids, these cells form the brain extraparenchyma. A basal lamina is ubiquitously found to separate extraparenchyma from parenchyma. The chapter presents the hypothesis that extraparenchymal cells, which produce and release numerous growth factors and cytokines, communicate with glial cells and neurons across the basal laminae. Basal laminae are known to bind, activate, and present the growth factors and cytokines to the adjacent cells. Considering the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system as exemplary, it speculates that meningeal vascular and perivascular cells intervene in neuroendocrine regulations. Generalizing hypothesis, it also speculates that extraparenchymal cells, ideally located at the fluid/neural cell interface, drive and promote neural plasticity. Thus, neuronal–glial interactions may represent one facet of general intercellular communication among all brain cell types. Because neurons also produce signaling molecules that potentially influence the fate and function of glial, vascular, and connective tissues communication among all brain cell types may be infinitely complex.
The novel Cer-like protein Caronte mediates the establishment of embryonic left–right asymmetry

In the chick embryo, left-right asymmetric patterns of gene expression in the lateral plate mesoderm are initiated by signals located in and around Hensen's node. Here we show that Caronte (Car), a secreted protein encoded by a member of the Cerberus/Dan gene family, mediates the Sonic hedgehog (Shh)-dependent induction of left-specific genes in the lateral plate mesoderm. Car is induced by Shh and repressed by fibroblast growth factor-8 (FGF-8). Car activates the expression of Nodal by antagonizing a repressive activity of bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). Our results define a complex network of antagonistic molecular interactions between Activin, FGF-8, Lefty-1, Nodal, BMPs and Car that cooperate to control left-right asymmetry in the chick embryo.
STRENGTH OF BEAMS WITH ECCENTRIC REINFORCED HOLES

A method of estimating the load carrying capacity of steel W-shape beams with reinforced eccentric web openings is developed. The analysis is limited to single rectangular openings and to reinforcing bars positioned above and below the opening and oriented parallel to the edges of the opening. Computer solutions in the form of interaction diagrams relating the shear and moment at the center of the opening can be generated using an iterative process. The coordinates of points defining an approximate interaction diagram suitable for design are also derived. Examples of interaction diagrams for a specified yield stress and selected beam and opening dimensions are presented to illustrate the effects of varying reinforcing area, opening length, and opening eccentricity on the strength of a beam with a web opening. For the range of opening eccentricity considered in the examples, the eccentricity could be neglected for design purposes.
Caenorhabditis elegans Nervous System

The development, differentiation and function of the Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system is understood in great detail. With the mass of molecular and cellular data available this small nematode is a powerful tool for research in the neurosciences. Keywords: caenorhabditis elegans; nervous system; genetics; neural circuitry; behavioural mutants
Androgenic therapy in malignant disease of the female genitalia Preliminary report

Abstract A series of patients with previously treated but progressively advancing malignancies of the female genitalia have been given testosterone propionate in arbitrary dosage of 140 to 150 mg, weekly. Cases include carcinomas of the breast, ovary, Fallopian tube, uterine corpus and cervix. A preliminary report of five cases in detail including carcinomas of the uterine corpus and cervix is presented. These patients have been receiving treatment for ten months. A theoretical consideration of the basis for this clinical investigation is given and our observations noted. Symptomatically, these patients have been definitely improved. Feeling of well-being, improved morale, control of menopausal symptoms, and increased libido have all been regularly observed and these observations alone seemed to us to warrant the administration of male hormone in this unfortunate group of patients. To date, there is nothing to indicate any regression or even retardation of the malignant process.
Isolated injury of the cuboid bone.

The purpose of this study was to describe isolated injury of the cuboid bone as a potentially radiographically occult cause of foot pain. The imaging studies of 17 patients, 13 women and 4 men aged 17–79 years (average 45 years), who presented with pain over the lateral aspect of the midfoot were retrospectively reviewed. Frontal, lateral, and inversion-oblique radiographs were available for all patients. In addition, MR imaging was performed in eight patients, CT in two, conventional tomography in two, and bone scan in one. Conventional radiographs revealed cuboid fracture in seven patients. Of the remaining ten, eight underwent MR imaging which demonstrated four fractures, three bone bruises, and one stress reaction, and two had tomography, CT, and/or bone scan, all of which documented an isolated cuboid fracture. Isolated fracture of the cuboid may be radiographically occult. Other imaging modalities, particularly MR imaging, can document this injury as the source of pain.
The importance of definitive recognition of intestinal disease from a suspected gynecologic process

Abstract Patients may be seen for a suspected gynecologic problem when in reality the disease involves the intestinal tract. The gynecologist should consider this probability when confronted by a patient with abdominal-pelvic complaint or mass. A high index of suspicion, followed by appropriate radiologic and laboratory procedures to arrive at the correct diagnosis, will permit the capable physician to select the proper procedure for the best interests of the patient. This may include bowel preparation, selection of optimal incision, and timing of indicated surgery. Case histories, hospital records, x-rays of representative patients with diverticulitis and pelvic abscess, appendiceal abscess, carcinoma of the sigmoid or cecum, regional enteritis, blunt trauma to the cecum, and diseased appendices epiploicae were reviewed. Recommendations are made to the gynecologist regarding salient components of the history and physical examination, selection of interpretation of laboratory determinations, and the exceptional usefulness of radiologic studies.
Taxol metabolism and disposition in cancer patients.

The objective of this study was to determine the metabolic fate and disposition of taxol in cancer patients. Five patients received 225 or 250 mg/m2 of taxol together with 100 microCi of [3H]taxol as a 3-hr infusion, followed by cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Urine, feces, and blood samples were collected for 120 hr and analyzed for total radioactivity, taxol, and metabolites by reversed-phase HPLC and tandem MS. Total urinary excretion was 14.3 +/- 1.4% (SE) of the dose, with unchanged taxol and an unknown polar metabolite as the main excretion products. Total fecal excretion was 71.1 +/- 8.2%, with 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol being the largest component by far. Unchanged taxol and four other metabolites could also be identified from fecal extracts. The plasma area under the curve for unchanged taxol was 20.5 +/- 2.3 microM.hr and that for total taxol metabolites was 14.2 +/- 4.5 microM.hr. The half-life of total metabolites (5.6 +/- 0.4 hr), however, greatly exceeded that of unchanged taxol (2.9 +/- 0.3 hr). Thus, at 5-hr posttaxol infusion, the plasma concentrations of the five metabolites together exceeded the taxol concentration by 2.4-fold. The findings from this study should be of importance as a guide to further therapeutic evaluation of this drug.
The Literary Miracle

I have already participated in the Truman Capote Prize for Criticism, first as a nominator, then as an evaluator, so I am familiar not only with this award's selection process, but with many of the texts which have been considered for it in the past. They comprise a company I should be proud to say I keep, and I am grateful that you have now encouraged me to that immodesty. I have always been interested in miracles (not just in the one we are presently celebrating) but especially in the secular kinds. A miracle is something that cannot happen, and shouldn't, and won't again, but has occurred all the same, despite laws, odds, expecta tions. A miracle is also something fortunate, and suggests the influ ence of a higher power?doubtless a holdover from its sacred days. We don't say, "wow, five hundred people died from eating the same ice cream cone. It's a miracle!" though it is remarkable, even deplor able, depending upon the flavor. There is another sort of miracle though, equally unlikely, equally difficult to explain, but one that occurs with satisfactory frequency despite enemies almost as persistent as mortality itself, and that is a phenomenon called consciousness and its tendency toward individuation.
Nuclear winter revisited with a modern climate model and current nuclear arsenals : Still catastrophic consequences

[1] Twenty years ago, the results of climate model simulations of the response to smoke and dust from a massive nuclear exchange between the superpowers could be summarized as ‘‘nuclear winter,’’ with rapid temperature, precipitation, and insolation drops at the surface that would threaten global agriculture for at least a year. The global nuclear arsenal has fallen by a factor of three since then, but there has been an expansion of the number of nuclear weapons states, with additional states trying to develop nuclear arsenals. We use a modern climate model to reexamine the climate response to a range of nuclear wars, producing 50 and 150 Tg of smoke, using moderate and large portions of the current global arsenal, and find that there would be significant climatic responses to all the scenarios. This is the first time that an atmosphere-ocean general circulation model has been used for such a simulation and the first time that 10-year simulations have been conducted. The response to the 150 Tg scenario can still be characterized as ‘‘nuclear winter,’’ but both produce global catastrophic consequences. The changes are more long-lasting than previously thought, however, because the new model, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Institute for Space Studies ModelE, is able to represent the atmosphere up to 80 km, and simulates plume rise to the middle and upper stratosphere, producing a long aerosol lifetime. The indirect effects of nuclear weapons would have devastating consequences for the planet, and continued nuclear arsenal reductions will be needed before the threat of nuclear winter is removed from the Earth.
Mirror neurons are not evidence for the Simulation Theory

Recently, there as been a resurgence of interest in theories of mindreading. New discoveries in neuroscience have revitalized the languishing debate. The discovery of so-called mirror neurons has revived interest particularly in the Simulation Theory (ST) of mindreading. Both ST proponents and theorists studying mirror neurons have argued that mirror neurons are strong evidence in favor of ST over Theory Theory (TT). In this paper I argue against the prevailing view that mirror neurons are evidence for the ST of mindreading. My view is that on an appropriate construal of their function, mirror neurons do not operate like simulation theorists claim. In fact, mirror neurons are more appropriately understood as one element in an information-rich mindreading process. As such, mirror neurons fit in better with some sort of TT account of mindreading. I offer a positive account, the Model TT, which better explains the role of mirror neurons in social cognition.
Effects of chronic lead administration on acquisition and performance of serial position sequences by pigeons.

Abstract Male White Carneaux pigeons were trained to peck three illuminated response keys in a predetermined four-step position sequence. For one group of birds the correct sequence was changed each day (repeated acquisition group) and for the other group of birds the sequence remained the same each day (performance group). Errors committed during periods of chronic intragastric sodium acetate (initial and recovery control) were compared to those errors recorded during chronic intragastric 6.25 mg/kg lead acetate intubation. Errors by birds in the performance group increased soon after lead intubations were begun while birds in the repeated acquisition group failed to demonstrate visible increases in errors, although a split middle trend analysis detected a statistically significant error increase during lead intervention in both groups. Peak blood concentrations for the performance group ranged between 588 and 1099 μg/dl and between 876 and 2320 μg/dl for the repeated acquisition group. Decreases in blood lead concentrations were seen approximately 5 weeks after termination of lead exposure. Only one performance bird showed a satisfactory recovery during this nonlead period. These data suggest that the more stable error rates maintained under the performance schedule are more sensitive to the effects of lead than the less stable error rates maintained under the acquisition schedule.
Political Ideologies and Support for Censorship: Is It a Question of Whose Ox Is Being Gored?

Two studies are described. one of 381 university students and the other a statewide survey of 295 adults, both of which examine the relationship between attitudinal support for censorship and political ideologies. The results of these studies are interpreted as challenging the view of Suedfeld, Steel, and Schmidt (1994) that support for censorship is a function of both the works in question and the political ideologies of the respondents. In both studies we find that support for censorship is somewhat consistent across messages and images of differing political content. and that support for censorship is generally greater among those with conservative political attitudes, regardless of the content of the works in question. A model of political attitudes (Maddox & Lilie. 1986) that conceptualizes American political idcologies as consisting of two relatively independent dimensions, rather than a single left-right dimension. is proposed as a more effective means of conceptualizing this issue.
Safety and efficacy of curative intent surgery for peri-ampullary liver metastasis.

Introduction The management of patients with peri-ampullary liver metastasis remains controversial. We sought to assess the safety and efficacy of curative intent surgery for peri-ampullary liver metastasis. Methods Between 1993 and 2009, 40 patients underwent curative intent surgery (resection and/or radiofrequency ablation (RFA)) for peri-ampullary liver metastasis. Clinicopathologic and outcome data were collected and analyzed. Results Location of the primary tumor was pancreas head (n = 20), ampulla of Vater (n = 10), distal bile duct (n = 5), or duodenum (n = 5). Most patients (n = 27) presented with synchronous disease, while 13 patients presented with metachronous disease following a median disease-free interval of 22 months. Most patients (n = 25) presented with hepatic metastasis from pancreaticobiliary origin (pancreatic or distal common bile duct) compared with 15 patients who had metastasis from an intestinal-type primary (ampullary or duodenal). There were no differences in metastatic tumor number or size between these groups (P > 0.05). Post-operative morbidity and mortality was 30% and 5% respectively. Overall 1- and 3-year survival was 55% and 18%. Patients who underwent resection of liver metastasis from intestinal-type tumors experienced a longer survival compared with patients who had pancreaticobiliary lesions (median: 13 months vs. 23 months; P = 0.05). Conclusion Curative intent surgery for peri-ampullary liver metastasis was associated with post-operative morbidity and a 5% mortality rate. Although the overall survival benefit was modest, patients with liver metastasis from intestinal-type tumors experienced improved survival following resection of liver metastasis compared with pancreaticobiliary lesions.
Cloud computing applications for large-scale satellite ground systems

Cloud computing enables harmonization for a variety of ground system stakeholders by providing a consistent set of interfaces to the shared data. These interfaces are accessed from a common cloud, thus reducing the duplication of data that often occurs in conventional ground systems. The benefits to ground system cost and architectural quality attributes include reduced cost, increased availability, scalability, and flexibility. Among the primary concerns of adopting cloud computing technologies are security as well as lack of ownership of infrastructure and platform services. These concerns can be alleviated by adopting the appropriate implementation approaches. In this paper, we will discuss the applicability of cloud computing to large-scale satellite ground systems. While these approaches will work for any large-scale ground system, the examples and much of the discussion in this paper will focus on the large-scale satellite ground system domain. In addition, we will discuss typical architectures that illustrate how several cloud computing implementation approaches apply to these systems and what aspects of satellite ground system architectures lend themselves to cloud computing technologies.
Health Insurance and Mortality: Evidence From a National Cohort

Objective. —To examine the relationship between lacking health insurance and the risk of subsequent mortality. Design. —Adults older than 25 years who reported they were uninsured or privately insured in the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a representative cohort of the US population, were followed prospectively from initial interview in 1971 through 1975 until 1987. Participants. —Complete baseline and follow-up information was obtained on 4694 (91%) persons of the 5161 who reported not receiving publicly funded insurance at baseline. Main Outcome Measure. —The relationship between insurance status and subsequent mortality was examined using Cox proportional hazards survival analysis. The analysis adjusted for gender, race, and baseline age, education, income, employment status, the presence of morbidity on examination, self-rated health, smoking status, leisure exercise, alcohol consumption, and obesity. The effects of interactions between insurance and all other baseline variables were also examined. Results. —By the end of the follow-up period, 9.6% of the insured and 18.4% of the uninsured had died. After adjustment for all other baseline variables, the hazard ratio for lacking insurance was 1.25 (95% confidence interval [Cl], 1.00 to 1.55). The effect of insurance on mortality was comparable to that of education, income, and self-rated health. There were no statistically significant ( P Conclusions. —Lacking health insurance is associated with an increased risk of subsequent mortality, an effect that is evident in all sociodemographic health insurance and mortality groups examined. ( JAMA . 1993;270:737-741)
Stopping Criteria for Non-Negative Matrix Factorization Based Supervised and Semi-Supervised Source Separation

Numerous audio signal processing and analysis techniques using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) have been developed in the past decade, particularly for the task of source separation. NMF-based algorithms iteratively optimize a cost function. However, the correlation between cost functions and application-dependent performance metrics is less known. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no formal heuristic to compute a stopping criterion tailored to a given application exists in the literature. In this paper, we examine this problem for the case of supervised and semi-supervised NMF-based source separation and show that iterating these algorithms to convergence is not optimal for this application. We propose several heuristic stopping criteria that we empirically found to be well correlated with source separation performance. Moreover, our results suggest that simply integrating the learning of an appropriate stopping criterion in a sweep for model size selection could lead to substantial performance improvements with minimal additional effort.
High spatial resolution mapping of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide using airborne imaging spectroscopy: Radiative transfer modeling and power plant plume detection

Abstract Carbon dioxide is emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels and is an important contributor to anthropogenic climate change. Multiple current and planned satellite missions are designed to quantify atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations on a global scale, but most of these sensors do not have the spatial resolution necessary to resolve point sources such as fossil fuel power plants. Airborne imaging spectrometer data, such as those from the Airborne Visible InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS), can have multiple, contiguous bands covering shortwave infrared (SWIR) absorption features produced by carbon dioxide. Therefore, high spatial resolution data from AVIRIS-like sensors may offer a means for detecting plumes and retrieving carbon dioxide concentrations for point source emissions. The objectives of this study include modeling minimum carbon dioxide anomalies detectable in AVIRIS data under different conditions and applying a Cluster-Tuned Matched Filter for detection of carbon dioxide plumes in simulated data and in AVIRIS images acquired over power plants. Radiative transfer simulations were used to model the residual radiance produced by increased absorption by carbon dioxide as concentration was elevated above background levels within a 0–500 m layer. Carbon dioxide anomalies, surface reflectance, water vapor concentration, solar zenith angle, sensor height, and aerosol scattering were varied in simulation sets and the resulting residual radiance spectra were compared against noise equivalent delta radiance (NEdL) for the “classic” and “next generation” AVIRIS instruments. Sensitivity to carbon dioxide anomalies improved with increased surface reflectance and declined with increased water vapor concentration, solar zenith angle, sensor height, and aerosol scattering. Zero to 500 m concentration anomalies as low as 100 parts per milion by volume (ppm) for AVIRIS C and 25 ppm for AVIRIS NG produced residual radiance values that exceeded SWIR NEdL. Carbon dioxide concentrations modeled for a generic power plant emissions scenario using a plume dispersion model were combined with randomly-generated reflectance spectra to create simulated images with varying surface reflectance and NEdL. For these simulated images, true positive and false positive detection rates improved as background reflectance increased and as NEdL decreased. Apparent plumes were detected in all four AVIRIS C images acquired over power plants, although the characteristics of the plumes varied according to solar-plume-sensor geometry. Improvements in modeling may allow retrieval of plume concentration, providing a valuable means for quantifying point source emissions and a basis for comparison with column concentrations retrieved from in situ measurements and coarse resolution satellite data.
Scalable parallelization of FLAME code via the workqueuing model

We discuss the OpenMP parallelization of linear algebra algorithms that are coded using the Formal Linear Algebra Methods Environment (FLAME) API. This API expresses algorithms at a higher level of abstraction, avoids the use loop and array indices, and represents these algorithms as they are formally derived and presented. We report on two implementations of the workqueuing model, neither of which requires the use of explicit indices to specify parallelism. The first implementation uses the experimental taskq pragma, which may influence the adoption of a similar construct into OpenMP 3.0. The second workqueuing implementation is domain-specific to FLAME but allows us to illustrate the benefits of sorting tasks according to their computational cost prior to parallel execution. In addition, we discuss how scalable parallelization of dense linear algebra algorithms via OpenMP will require a two-dimensional partitioning of operands much like a 2D data distribution is needed on distributed memory architectures. We illustrate the issues and solutions by discussing the parallelization of the symmetric rank-k update and report impressive performance on an SGI system with 14 Itanium2 processors.
Chemical and physiological aspects of the actions of lithium and antidepressant drugs

The possible mechanisms underlying the anti-manic actions of lithium have been examined in a variety of interdisciplinary experiments. The possibility that lithium can regulate the sensitivity changes in dopaminergic transmission produced by chronic treatment with haloperidol has been tested. Although a modest modification of behavioral responses to the dopamine agonist apomorphine was found, there was no evidence that this action of lithium reflected alterations of the binding parameters of dopamine-related ligands. In other studies, consistent, dose-dependent increases in brain enkephalin content were found after rats consumed a specially manufactured lithium diet for 2-3 weeks. Not only were brain enkephalin levels increased after this treatment, but some signs of basal analgesic responsiveness also suggested that the elevated levels of enkephalins were functionally significant. To test the possibility that the effects of lithium may not be seen in normal rats, the effects of lithium were compared on spontaneously hypertensive and unaffected, normotensive rats of a related strain. Treatment with lithium altered blood pressure in the hypertensive strain but did not affect blood pressure in the controls. These studies suggest that multiple brain systems may be regulated by treatment with lithium but that the critical pathophysiological process may not be demonstrable in the normal rat
Forced reconnection and current sheet formation in Taylor’s model

The problem of forced reconnection in Taylor’s model, first investigated by Hahm and Kulsrud [Phys. Fluids 28, 2412 (1985)], is revisited. After the linear phases A, B, and C, described by Hahm and Kulsrud, the plasma enters a nonlinear phase W with a current sheet, described by Waelbroeck [Phys. Fluids B 1, 2380 (1989)]. After the W phase, the plasma passes into the Rutherford regime. The reconnected flux at the separatrix increases monotonically from zero to its asymptotic value in the Rutherford regime. Analytical expressions for the reconnected flux and the island width are given.
Using Visual Basic in the CS curriculum

Visual Basic is currently the most popular programming language in the United States. And yet, it is rarely found in traditional Computer Science (and related) curriculums. Perhaps this is due to the fact that VB is not truly object-oriented, but object-based. Or perhaps because VB is not an open language, instead supported only by tools from Microsoft Corporation and available only on the Windows platform. Or perhaps it is simply Microsoft itself, with its monopolistic tendencies.This panel will argue that Visual Basic --- while it should not replace the use of more traditional languages such as C++, Java, or Scheme --- fulfills an important role in modern CS and related curriculums. The panelists will highlight a few of the cases in which they have found VB to be exceedingly useful, and discuss their rationale for choosing VB over other languages.
Fluorescent Hydroxyl Emissions from Saturn's Ring Atmosphere

Just before earth passed through Saturn's ring plane on 10 August 1995, the Hubble Space Telescope Faint Object Spectrograph detected ultraviolet fluorescent emissions from a tenuous atmosphere of OH molecules enveloping the rings. Brightnesses decrease with increasing distance above the rings, implying a scale height of about 0.45 Saturn radii (Rs). A spatial scan 0.28Rs above the A and B rings indicates OH column densities of about 10(13) cm(-2) and number densities of up to 700 cm(-3). Saturn's rings must produce roughly 10(25) to 10(29) OH molecules per second to maintain the observed OH distribution.
Antigenic phenotypes of hairy cell leukemia and monocytoid B-cell lymphoma: An immunohistochemical evaluation of 66 cases

Using a large panel of antibodies on multi-tumor block sections of routinely processed, paraffin-embedded fixed tissue, we compared the antigenic phenotype of 42 clinically, morphologically, and immunologically well-characterized cases of hairy cell leukemia (HCL) with 24 cases of monocytoid B-cell lymphoma (MBCL) selected from the Monocytoid B-Cell Lymphoma Registry at the City of Hope National Medical Center. The predominant antigenic phenotype of hairy cells was CD45 (leukocyte common antigen)+, CD45Ra (4KB5, MB1, MT2)+, L26+, CDw75 (LN1)+, CD74 (LN2)+, LN3+, MB2+, CD45RO (UCHL1)-, MT1-, CD15 (Leu-M1)-, neuron-specific enolase (NSE)-, epithelial membrane antigen-, and CD30 (Ber-H2)-. The immunophenotype of neoplastic monocytoid B lymphocytes was essentially identical to that of the hairy cells, with one exception: the neoplastic monocytoid B lymphocytes were stained by epithelial membrane antigen in seven cases. An interesting observation was the staining by anti-muscle-specific actin of the neoplastic cells of MBCL in 53% of cases, but of none of the cases of HCL. The results of our study (1) indicate that HCL and MBCL can be immunophenotyped reliably on fixed tissue samples, (2) further confirm the proposed lineage relationship between these two lymphoproliferative disorders, and (3) indicate that decalcification of bone marrow biopsies does not adversely affect the immunoreactivity of hematopoietic-associated antigens.
Observation of excited state species due to N+/N2+ and CH3HgX (X=Cl, Br, I) collisions

Abstract Emission spectra of HgX (B-X), CH (A-X), CH (B-X) and mercury atomic lines have been observed during collisions of N + or N 2 + - ions and CH 3 HgX (X = Cl, Br, I) molecules in the kinetic energy range of 300–1000 eV. By using the integrated intensities of the strongest bands of the (A–X) and (B-X) transitions of CH and HgX radicals (X=Br, I) respectively, and intense atomic lines of mercury due to transitions from various highly excited levels to lower levels, emission cross sections have been measured at different laboratory kinetic energies of these ions.
Always flush the sampling port before flushing the arterial cannula in pediatric patients.

Background Blood sampling from arterial lines is a frequent event in anesthesia and critical care. To avoid clot formation, both the stopcock outlet and the cannula must be flushed after sampling. We investigated in a bench experiment whether fluid flow through the cannula is affected by the sequence of flushing procedures. Methods Continuity of fluid delivery from a vascular cannula was gravimetrically determined using two different flushing techniques with either a syringe pump flush system or a bag flush system. The procedures comprised first flushing the stopcock towards the cannula and then towards the stopcock sampling outlet or the reverse order. Experiments were repeated in triplicate and two sets for each flushing system at hydrostatic pressures of 37 mm Hg and 74 mm Hg. Results The main finding of the study was that flushing the stopcock towards the outlet after flushing the cannula resulted in considerable retrograde aspiration volumes and zero flow times, in particular in combination with syringe pump flush systems. At a hydrostatic pressure of 74 mm Hg, the observed zero flow time at the cannula tip amounted to (mean+/-SD) 0.1+/-0.01 min with the bag flush system and 7.7+/-0.5 min with the syringe pump flush system. The related retrograde aspiration volumes were 2.2+/-0.7 microl with the bag system and 30.0+/-2.0 microl with the syringe pump system. No backflow was recorded when the stopcock was first flushed to ambient pressure and then afterwards towards the cannula. Conclusion Opening a flush system to ambient pressure affects the continuity of fluid delivery, particularly when using syringe pump flush systems. After blood sampling, the stopcock outlet should be flushed first followed by cannula flushing.
On transmission and recovery of three-dimensional image information in optical waveguides*

The paper considers two questions. The first one is: Is it possible to transmit three-dimensional pictorial information through transparent glass (or other dielectric) fibers? We find that due to modal dispersion, pictorial information is invariably "smeared" in transmission. The second question is: Given nature's reluctance to transmit pictures through fibers, is there anything we can do about it? We suggest that the answer is yes and point to a class of solutions involving nonlinear optical mixing.
“Organic brain syndrome” secondary to 5-fluorouracil toxicity

A 68-year-old woman, who was treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) intravenous therapy weekly for variable periods following hemicolectomy for adenocarcinoma of the cecum, had at least two well-described episodes of mental confusion, disorientation, and deterioration, in the absence of cerebellar tract signs. The sensorium cleared after cessation of 5-FU, only to deteriorate following readministration of the drug. She was thought to have organic brain syndrome during her most recent mental relapse. Her mental status has now been intact for more than one year since her last exposure to 5-FU. This is believed to be the third patient who has shown mental changes which could be attributable to 5-FU toxicity. Since 5-FU is the most frequently used chemotherapy for the treatment of colonic cancer, it is important that this form of toxicity be recognized lest subject patients be judged to have irreversible organic brain syndrome or metastatic carcinoma.
Prophylactic Bracing Decreases Ankle Injuries in Collegiate Female Volleyball Players

Background:Ankle injuries account for the highest percentage of injuries among female collegiate volleyball players. Since 1998, all female volleyball players at the authors' institution have worn bilateral double-upright padded ankle braces at all times.Purpose:To review the authors' experience with this brace in preventing ankle injuries that result in a loss of play.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Injury data, preparticipation medical histories, and total exposure data were collected prospectively on all female volleyball players at the authors' institution from 1998 to 2005. Injuries and exposures were defined based on established National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System criteria. Injury rate was calculated as the number of injuries per 1000 exposures. The National Collegiate Athletic Association female volleyball injury data from 1998 to 2005 were used for comparison.Results:During the study period, there were a total of 13 500 exposures and 1 injury ...
LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMAS TREATED WITH FRACTIONATED STEREOTACTIC RADIOTHERAPY: AN INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE

Purpose We assessed clinical outcome and long-term tumor control after fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for unilateral schwannoma. Methods and Materials Between 1995 and 2007, 496 patients were treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy at Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD); 385 patients had radiologic follow-up that met the inclusion criteria. The primary endpoint was treatment failure. Secondary endpoints were radiologic progression and clinical outcome. Logistic regression analysis assessed the association of age, race, tumor side, sex, and pretreatment symptoms. Results In 11 patients (3%) treatment failed, and they required salvage (microsurgical) treatment. Radiologic progression was observed in 116 patients (30.0%), including 35 patients (9%) in whom the treatment volume more than doubled during the follow-up period, although none required surgical resection. Tumors with baseline volumes of less than 1 cm 3 were 18.02 times more likely to progress than those with tumor volumes of 1 cm 3 or greater (odds ratio, 18.02; 95% confidence interval, 4.25–76.32). Treatment-induced neurologic morbidity included 8 patients (1.6%) with new facial weakness, 12 patients (2.8%) with new trigeminal paresthesias, 4 patients (0.9%) with hydrocephalus (1 communicating and 3 obstructive), and 2 patients (0.5%) with possibly radiation-induced neoplasia. Conclusions Although the rate of treatment failure is low (3%), careful follow-up shows that radiologic progression occurs frequently. When reporting outcome, the "no salvage surgery needed" and "no additional treatment needed" criteria for treatment success need to be complemented by the radiologic data.
Phr1 regulates retinogeniculate targeting independent of activity and ephrin-A signalling.

Proper functioning of the mammalian visual system requires that connections between the eyes and their central targets develop precisely. At birth, axons from the two eyes project to broad, overlapping regions of the dorsal–lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). In the adult, retinal axons segregate into distinct monocular regions at stereotyped locations within the dLGN. This process is driven by both molecular cues and activity-dependent synaptic competition. Here we demonstrate that Phr1, an evolutionarily conserved regulator of synapse formation and axon guidance, defines a novel molecular pathway required for proper localization of retinogeniculate projections. Following conditional excision of Phr1 in the retina, eye-specific domains within the dLGN are severely disturbed, despite normal spontaneous retinal wave activity and monocular segregation. Although layer placement is dramatically altered, Phr1 mutant retinal axons respond to ephrin-A in vitro. These findings indicate that Phr1 is a key presynaptic regulator of retinogeniculate layer placement independent of activity, segregation, or ephrin-A signaling.
Historical aspirations and the domestic politics of Russia's pursuit of international status

Abstract What determined Russia's national interests and grand strategy in the first decade after the Cold War? This article uses aspirational constructivism, which combines social psychology with constructivism, to answer this question. Central to aspirational constructivism are the roles that the past self and in-groups, and their perceived effectiveness play in the selection of a national identity and the definition of national interests. This article explains why Russian political elites settled on a statist national identity that focused on retaining Russia's historical status as a Western great power and hegemon in the former Soviet Union and in engaging the country in bounded status competition with the United States.
Isolation and characterization of mutants of mesophilic methanogenic bacteria resistant to analogues of DNA bases and nucleosides

Spontaneous mutants of mesophilic Methanobacterium, Methanobrevibacter and Methanosarcina species resistant to 6-mercaptopurine, 5-fluorouracil, 8-azaguanine, 6-azauracil or 5-fluorodeoxyuridine were isolated. Low level resistant mutants were unstable but highly resistant strains (resistance factor greater than 10-fold) were stable and showed growth characteristics comparable to the parent. Wild type strains showed linear uptake of hypoxanthine and uracil into cells, but guanine uptake was only detected in Methanosarcina mazei. 6-Mercaptopurine-resistant clones of Methanobacterium and Methanobrevibacter species and 8-azaguanine-resistant clones of Methanosarcina mazei showed reduced uptake of hypoxanthine and guanine respectively, but no evidence for altered permeability of 5-fluoro-and 6-azauracil-resistant strains to uracil was obtained. Double resistant mutants of Methanobacterium sp. strain FR-2 were characterised. Although these generally exhibited reduced specific growth rates, several were selected which showed similar growth to the parent.