cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intra-articular Osteoid Osteoma in the Femoral Neck of an 18-year-old Man: A Case Report

Abstract Objective This case study presents the delayed diagnosis, surgical management, and postsurgical follow-up of an intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the left femoral neck in an 18-year-old male patient with special emphasis on discussing the confusing clinical and imaging characteristics of the lesion often associated with delayed diagnosis and increased morbidity. Clinical Features The patient initially complained of left knee and hip pain at which time conventional radiographs were reported as normal. In magnetic resonance imaging studies, the diagnosis of intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the femoral neck was suggested; however, working diagnoses also included old posttraumatic injury, hip infection, juvenile chronic arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis. The correct diagnosis was made 31 months after presentation based on computed tomography depiction of the lesion. Intervention and Outcome Pain associated with the tumor was alleviated after surgical removal with minimal loss of motion and muscle atrophy 19 months after tumor excision. Conclusion Clinicians and radiologists should be aware of the potentially confusing clinical and imaging findings associated with intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the hip. Early correlation between juvenile joint pain and imaging abnormalities as well as the use of thin slice computed tomography imaging could reduce the time to diagnose the lesion and prevent unnecessary morbidity.
Orlistat Inhibits Dietary Cholesterol Absorption

Objective: Orlistat decreases the absorption of dietary triglycerides by inhibiting intestinal lipases. Orlistat therapy is associated with a greater decline in plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations than that expected from weight loss alone. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of orlistat treatment on dietary cholesterol absorption as a possible mechanism for the independent effect of orlistat on plasma cholesterol concentration. Research Methods and Procedures: Cholesterol absorption from a standardized meal, containing 72 mg of cholesterol, was determined in 18 subjects with class II abdominal obesity (BMI, 35.0 to 39.9 kg/m2) by simultaneous administration of intravenous ([2H6] cholesterol) and oral ([2H5] cholesterol) cholesterol tracers. In protocol 1 (n = 9), cholesterol absorption was determined on two different occasions, 10 to 20 days apart, to assess the reproducibility of the tracer method. In protocol 2 (n = 9), cholesterol absorption was determined with and without orlistat therapy in a prospective, randomized, crossover design to assess the effect of orlistat on cholesterol absorption. Results: In protocol 1, cholesterol absorption from the test meal was the same on both occasions (53 ± 5% and 51 ± 5%). In protocol 2, orlistat treatment caused a 25% reduction in cholesterol absorption, from 59 ± 6% to 44 ± 5% (p < 0.01). Discussion: These data demonstrate that orlistat inhibits dietary cholesterol absorption, which may have beneficial effects on lipoprotein metabolism in obese subjects that are independent of weight loss itself.
Ultrastructure of the epidermis of a rhabdocoel turbellarian Syndisyrinx sp.

A study of the ultrastructure of the epidermis of Syndisyrinx sp. from the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus in Jamaican waters reveals several cell types. The anterodorsal surface contains squamous cells, and some basally located cells, at least partially overlapped by the cytoplasm of other cells, within a simple epithelial layer. The squamous and low columnar cells are sparsely ciliated. The pharyngeal epithelium contains simple, tall columnar, highly ciliated cells that border a special type of pharyngeal cell modified for movement of the pharynx. The anteroventral epidermis contains tall, columnar, highly ciliated cells. The epidermis of the dorsomedian, dorsoposterior, ventromedian, and ventroposterior regions contains cells similar to those described within the more anteriorly located epidermis, except for occasional structural modifications which probably reflect the stage of activity of the cell. Both dorsal and ventral surfaces contain light and dark cells. Modified cilia, with a conspicuous expansion of cytoplasm surrounding the shaft just above the surface of the cells, and polymorphic microvilli are described.
Statistical delay computation considering spatial correlations

Process variation has become a significant concern for static timing analysis. In this paper, we present a new method for path-based statistical timing analysis. We first propose a method for modeling inter- and intra-die device length variations. Based on this model, we then present an efficient method for computing the total path delay probability distribution using a combination of device length enumeration for inter-die variation and an analytical approach for intra-die variation. We also propose a simple and effective model of spatial correlation of intra-die device length variation. The analysis is then extended to include spatial correlation. We test the proposed methods on paths from an industrial high-performance microprocessor and present comparisons with traditional path analysis which does not distinguish between inter- and intra-die variations. The characteristics of the device length distributions were obtained from measured data of 8 test chips with a total of 17688 device length measurements. Spatial correlation data was also obtained from these measurements. We demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed approach by comparing our results with Monte-Carlo simulation.
Fetal and childhood nutrition in type 2 diabetes in children and adults

In the four decades that encompass this observer’s identification with the field of pediatric endocrinology, undreamed of advances have accompanied the development of radioimmunoassay and the molecular biology revolution. The virtual abolition in the US of cretinism from congenital hypothyroidism, the availability of unlimited supplies of recombinant growth hormone (GH), and other revolutionary advancements in pediatric endocrine knowledge, diagnostic capability, and treatment resulting from scientific and technological progress are not the only dramatic differences from midcentury practice. The inaugural ‘Hot Topic’ Fetal and childhood nutrition in type 2 diabetes in children and adults is one that would likely be considered outside the interests of pediatric endocrinologists by a founder of our subspecialty, Lawson Wilkins, and many of his early disciples. The third, 1965 edition of what was then the only textbook of pediatric endocrinology, Wilkin’s 600 page The diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders in childhood and adolescence, devotes a short paragraph to diabetes mellitus as one of half a dozen causes of hyperglycemia. For many years, beginning in the mid-1970s, diabetes sessions at the Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society annual meetings were held in the evening, adjunctive to the Society, rather than integral, as diabetes sessions are now. The movement of diabetology into mainstream pediatric endocrinology has multiple causes beyond the clinical importance and challenge of the problem, including the scientific excitement about diabetes research (and its funding!), the extensive endocrine physiology that diabetes affects, and the inclusion of diabetes in the accreditation requirements of training programs and board certification for pediatric endocrinology. This history comes to mind because we are presently engaged in a comparable revolution in what is considered to be within the purview of pediatric endocrinology. One need not go back to the 1960s, as with diabetes, to recall when obesity was unequivocally outside the clinical interest of this specialty. In just the past few years, ever increasing numbers of pediatric endocrinologists, as they earlier did for diabetes, are becoming involved in developing teams to deal with this difficult and growing clinical challenge. For most, if not all, this interest and assumption of responsibility is a direct result of seeing an increasing proportion of new diabetes patients, especially those over 10 yr of age, who have type 2 diabetes, and whose treatment entails major behavioral
Fuzzy logic models for ranking process effects

When modeling and analyzing manufacturing processes, it may be helpful to know the relative importance of the various process parameters and their interactions. This ranking has traditionally been accomplished through regression modeling and analysis of variance (ANOVA). In this paper, we develop a fuzzy logic modeling technique to rank the importance of process effects. Several different cases are presented using functions that allow the determination of the actual importance of effects. The impact of noisy data on the results is considered for each case. It is shown that in many cases the fuzzy logic model (FLM) ranking methodology is capable of ranking process effects in the exact order or in an order reasonably close to the exact order. For complex processes where regression modeling and ANOVA techniques fail or require significant knowledge of the process to succeed, it is shown that the FLM-based ranking can be performed successfully with little or no knowledge of the process.
Acoustic considerations of flight effects on jet noise suppressor nozzles

The inflight acoustic characteristics of high velocity jet noise suppressor nozzles for supersonic cruise aircraft were reviewed. The inflight effects at the peak noise level were discussed. Both single and inverted velocity profile multistream suppressor nozzles were considered. The importance of static spectral shape on the noise reduction due to inflight effects was stressed.
Oxidative damage-induced PCNA complex formation is efficient in xeroderma pigmentosum group A but reduced in Cockayne syndrome group B cells

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a processivity factor for DNA polymerases delta and epsilon, is essential for both DNA replication and repair. PCNA is required in the resynthesis step of nucleotide excision repair (NER). After UV irradiation, PCNA translocates into an insoluble protein complex, most likely associated with the nuclear matrix. It has not previously been investigated in vivo whether PCNA complex formation also takes place after oxidative stress. In this study, we have examined the involvement of PCNA in the repair of oxidative DNA damage. PCNA complex formation was studied in normal human cells after treatment with hydrogen peroxide, which generates a variety of oxidative DNA lesions. PCNA was detected by two assays, immunofluorescence and western blot analyses. We observed that PCNA redistributes from a soluble to a DNA-bound form during the repair of oxidative DNA damage. PCNA complex formation was analyzed in two human natural mutant cell lines defective in DNA repair: xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XP-A) and Cockayne syndrome group B (CS-B). XP-A cells are defective in overall genome NER while CS-B cells are defective only in the preferential repair of active genes. Immunofluorescent detection of PCNA complex formation was similar in normal and XP-A cells, but was reduced in CS-B cells. Consistent with this observation, western blot analysis in CS-B cells showed a reduction in the ratio of PCNA relocated as compared to normal and XP-A cells. The efficient PCNA complex formation observed in XP-A cells following oxidative damage suggests that formation of PCNA-dependent repair foci may not require the XPA gene product. The reduced PCNA complex formation observed in CS-B cells suggests that these cells are defective in the processing of oxidative DNA damage.
Hinged elbow external fixation for severe elbow contracture.

Background: When it was first introduced, it was hoped that hinged external fixation with a built-in gear mechanism for applying passive motion and static progressive stretch by turning a dial would improve the arc of ulnohumeral motion, by gradually stretching contracted muscles, after open release of a severe elbow contracture. Methods: Forty-two patients were evaluated at an average of thirty-nine months after operative release of a severe posttraumatic elbow contracture (defined as ≤40° of motion). Twenty-three patients had been treated, during the early part of the study, with a hinged external fixator that incorporated a worm gear to apply static progressive stretch postoperatively. These patients were compared with nineteen patients who had been treated without hinged external fixation during the later part of the study, when the hinge was used less frequently. The operative techniques did not otherwise change during the study period. Demographic and injury characteristics as well as associated problems were comparable between the two groups. Results: The average gain in the range of motion after the index procedure was 89° in the patients treated with a hinge and 78° in those treated without a hinge, an insignificant difference with the numbers available (p = 0.175). Complications associated with use of the hinge included five pin-track infections, one case of pin-track osteomyelitis, one ulnar fracture through a pin site, two broken Schanz screws, and two cases of irritation of the ulnar nerve. Conclusions: Open release of a severe elbow contracture results in a substantial gain in motion, with or without hinged elbow fixation. The slightly greater improvement in motion provided by the hinge does not justify the associated increase in risk, expense, and complications. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Conductive Polymer "Molecular Wires" Increase Electrical Conductance Across Artificial Cell Membranes

Highly intimate contact between an electrode and a living neuron is strongly desired by both basic neuroscientists and engineers seeking to develop more effective neural pros- theses. The net resistance between electrode and cell must be decreased in order to improve the quality of recordings and deliver the minimum necessary stimulating current specifically to the target cell. The ideal situation would be to establish chronic intracellular contact, bypassing the resistance of the cell membrane and the surrounding tissue. We present here evidence that regioregular polythiophene conductive polymers increase the electrical conductance of an artifical lipid bilayer that simulates a cell membrane. Our initial data on its behavior suggest that the polymer is freely diffusing within the lipid phase. This implies that these polymers, if tethered to a larger microelectrode, could permit long-term sustainable intracellular stimulation and recording. We therefore believe that this new molecule, when further developed, has the potential to significantly improve the performance of existing chronic electrode systems and possibly to enable new types of biosensors.
In Search of a Theory of Polarization: Lessons from Venezuela, 1999-2005

The Hugo Chavez Frias administration (1999-present) is the most polarizing government in Venezuela since the late 1940s and in Latin America as a whole since the Sandinistas ruled Nicaragua in the 1980s. Supporters admire Chavez for having inaugurated a new form of democracy, so-called ‘participatory’, which is unabashedly anti-party and presumably more attuned to ordinary citizens. They also admire his call for an alternative economic model, a ‘socialism of the 21st century’, which is decidedly anti-globalization and pro-poor, at least in words. For critics, these are pretty-sounding slogans intended to disguise a new form of authoritarianism – one that uses democratic instruments (electoral majorities) to produce undemocratic outcomes (exclusion of political opponents). Each side sees the other as politically threatening. The disputes between them plunged Venezuela into new levels of political instability. Venezuela in the 1970s was considered a paradigmatic case for the study of democratization, and in the 1980s, for the study of democratic decay. In the 1990s, it became a paradigmatic case for the study of policy incoherence. In the early 2000s, it has emerged as a paradigmatic case for the study of political polarization. The best works on the Chavez administration focus on the evolution of the political regime – what exactly happened to Venezuela’s democracy in the past 40 years? Yet, even these works have made insufficient progress in understanding the nature of opposition politics under Chavez. In most democracies, the opposition obsesses about how to defeat incumbents. Only in few democracies do opponents and incumbents take the extreme steps witnessed in Venezuela in 2001-04. This essay is an attempt at drawing lessons from the Venezuelan case to construct theories of political polarization. However, the most recent arguments on the issue of regime type in Venezuela will first be reviewed. This issue is crucial because to understand the dynamics of polarization requires first understanding state policy, which is intrinsically linked to regime type. For that reason, the first part of this essay reviews existing arguments on: 1) the conceptualization of the Chavez regime – is it democratic?; and 2) the origins of the regime, which depending on how the first question is answered, is an exercise in debating theories about the origins of democracy or authoritarianism. I will focus mostly on works published since 2000. After discussing the debate on regime type, I offer some thoughts on how the Venezuelan case can illuminate our theoretical understanding of political polarization.
On the Determination of Age of Air Trends from Atmospheric Trace Species

Trace chemical species have been used in numerical models to calculate the age of air (AOA), which is a measure of the strength of the mean meridional circulation. The trend in the AOA has also been computed and found to be negative in simulations where greenhouse gases increase with time, which is consistent with the acceleration of the mean meridional circulation calculated under these conditions. This modeling result has been tested recently using observations of SF6, a very long lived species whose atmospheric concentration has increased rapidly over the last half century, and of CO2, which is also very long lived and increasing with time. Surprisingly, the AOA estimated from these gases exhibits no significant trend over the period 1975‐ 2005. Here the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) is used to derive estimates of the AOA from SF6 and CO2 over the period 1965‐2006. The calculated AOA yields trends that are smaller than the trend derived from a synthetic, linearly growing tracer, even after accounting for the nonlinear growth rates of SF6 and CO2. A simplified global transport model and analytical arguments are used to show that this follows from the variable growth rate of these species. It is also shown that, when AOA is sampled sparsely as in the observations, the resulting trends have very large error bars and are statistically undistinguishable from zero. These results suggest that trends in the AOA are difficult to estimate unambiguously except for wellsampled tracers that increase linearly and uniformly. While such tracers can be defined in numerical models, there are no naturally occurring species that exhibit such idealized behavior.
[Comment on “Submarine hot springs: Origin of life?”] Hydrothermal vents revisited

It was gratifying to read Peter Bell's synopsis of our paper [Corliss et al., 1981] in the March 23 issue of Eos (Submarine hot springs: Origin of life?) however, in the last sentence, he wrote, ‘They note that microorganisms found in recent expeditions to the submarine hot springs of the East Pacific Rise would be evidence that the processes are still occurring.’ In our final paragraph we actually said that while “events leading to the formation of complex organic compounds and “protocell” structures may still be occurring in present-day oceanic hydrothermal systems … the complex communities of bacteria in modern oceanic environments would outcompete and consume abiotically synthesized protocells…” Modern-day vent microbiota will probably mask or destroy any evidence for abiotic synthesis in the hydrothermal vents.
Process modeling across the web information infrastructure

Web-based open source software development (OSSD) project communities provide interesting and unique opportunities for software process modeling and simulation. While most studies focus on analyzing processes in a single organization, we focus on modeling software development processes both within and across three distinct but related OSSD project communities: Mozilla, a Web artifact consumer; the Apache HTTP server that handles the transactions of Web artifacts to consumers such as the Mozilla browser; and NetBeans, a Java-based integrated development environment (IDE) for creating Web artifacts and application systems. In this article, we look at the process relationships within and between these communities as components of a Web information infrastructure. We employ expressive and comparative techniques for modeling such processes that facilitate and enhance understanding of the software development techniques utilized by their respective communities and the collective infrastructure in creating them. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trauma in organizations: Prevention and treatment with emergent strategies from alternative psychology

Effective organizations intend to select employees who are already emotionally healthy and can be resilient in the face of difficult challenges. There is also growing interest in helping employees learn to be even more resilient, on the principle that prevention is preferred to subsequent treatment. Plans are also made for treatment for situations where selection and prevention efforts prove inadequate and when employees become negatively affected by difficult events. This article describes innovative strategies that can be used for both prevention and treatment.
Using performance measures for budgeting: A new beat, or is it the same old tune?

The challenges that face governments in developing performance-based budgeting systems are described in this chapter. Performance-based budgeting is placed in the context of past and current performance-based management reforms.
Viscoelastic properties of confined polymer films measured via thermal wrinkling

We present a new wrinkling-based measurement technique for quantifying the viscoelastic properties of confined polymer thin films. This approach utilizes real-time laser-light scattering to observe the kinetics of thermally-induced surface wrinkling, which evolves isothermally as a function of annealing time. Specifically, wrinkling is induced by applying a thermal stress to a polystyrene film that is sandwiched between a silicon substrate and an aluminium thin film superstrate. By following the time evolution of the wrinkle wavelength and amplitude, we can infer the rubbery modulus and shear viscosity of the polystyrene film with the aid of a theoretical model.
Dispatching from Depot Repair in a Recoverable Item Inventory System: On the Optimality of a Heuristic Rule

This paper examines real-time decision rules for a U.S. Air Force inventory system where items are repaired rather than “used up.” The problem is to decide which user in the system has the greatest need for the newly available inventory items coming out of repair. The system is modeled as a Markov decision process and a heuristic rule is presented. This rule, the Transportation Time Look Ahead policy, is justified theoretically by showing that the rule is optimal for a modified model. Thus we have a theoretical justification of a decision rule in a large scale dynamic programming application.
Marijuana Effects on the Speed of Memory Retrieval in the Letter-Matching Task

Marijuana's effect on the speed of retrieving simple information from memory was studied using a task in which subjects saw two letters and decided whether or not they had the same name. Subjects smoked a single marijuana or placebo cigarette under double-blind conditions. Marijuana slowed reaction time relative to placebo, but this effect was not influenced by the demands on memory retrieval or by providing advance information relevant to the required decisions, suggesting that memory retrieval was unimpaired.
Increasing Social Interaction Skills of Secondary School Students with Autism and/or Intellectual Disability: A Review of Interventions:

We reviewed studies to identify strategies effective at increasing social interaction skills across a range of secondary school students with autism and/or intellectual disability who experienced l...
Stress, adherence to preventive measures for reducing influenza transmission and influenza-like illness

Background Using data from a randomised intervention trial of facemask use and hand hygiene for reducing transmission of seasonal influenza among university students, we examined if levels of perceived stress were negatively associated with adherence to these preventive measures and incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI). Methods Longitudinal analyses using generalised estimating equations were examined. Perceived stress was self-reported at baseline using a validated scale. Compliance with preventive measures was self-reported throughout the study period and reported ILI symptoms were defined as cough and one or more of fever/feverishness, chills and body aches. Results Higher levels of perceived stress were not associated with facemask or hand hygiene compliance. However, perceived stress was significantly associated with a greater ILI incidence (HR1.25, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.45) even after controlling for demographic and behavioural risk factors. Conclusions Among students in the university setting, higher levels of perceived stress affect ILI symptom reporting but not compliance with preventive measures for reducing transmission of influenza. Further studies are needed to examine whether psychological stress is a key mechanism explaining socio-demographic health disparities in confirmed influenza infection among healthy persons in the community setting.
Medication Appropriateness Index: Putting a Number on an Old Problem in Older Patients:

ELDERLY PATIENTS deserve the utmost attention to their prescribed regimens. They now receive more than 25% of all medications prescribed, and our best prediction is that this proportion will increase to almost 50% at the turn of the century. I Drugs are the most widely used intervention among the elderly and, when used carefully, offer hope of relief from a multitude of diseases as well as improved quality of life. Excessive drug therapy results in increased risk of noncompliance, adverse effects, drug interactions, and unnecessary costs. Inappropriate medication use is a common problem among elderly in the community.2-4 Some drugs clearly have no place in the treatment of elder­ ly patients. s However, inappropriate use is often not appar­ ent and requires added vigilance on behalf of prescribers and pharmacists. Even small indiscretions with medica­ tions can lead to additional suffering, especially for frail el­ derly persons. Investigators from the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development at Duke University have devel­ oped and tested the medication appropriateness index (MAl) to systematically review the prescription regimens of elderly patients by using implicit criteria. This instru­ ment measures the magnitude of inappropriate prescribing to elderly patients for most of the dimensions of drug use
Migration Patterns During a Period of Political and Economic Shocks in the Former Soviet Union: A Case Study of Yaroslavl' Oblast∗

This paper examines migration in Russia during the period that preceded the breakup of the former Soviet Union (FSU) and during the current transition period. An unusually rich dataset is used to conceptualize the impact that the political and economic collapse of a world superpower has on a migration system. A regional case study of migration in Yaroslavl' Oblast from 1989 through 1992 is used to examine the relevance of expected outcomes given standard theories of migration, empirical regularities found in capitalist economies, and past trends in the FSU. The data clearly show a migration system undergoing political and economic shocks. A significant decline of the volume of flows and a relative increase in the importance of interrepublic movement indicate disruptions. Increased relative mobility for those in the later years of the working-age population and increased importance of urban-to-rural migration flows are also important changes evident in this migration system undergoing shock.
Association between treatment-related lymphopenia and overall survival in elderly patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma

Management of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) often includes radiation (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ). The association between severe treatment-related lymphopenia (TRL) after the standard chemoradiation and reduced survival has been reported in GBM patients with the median age of 57. Similar findings were described in patients with head and neck, non-small cell lung, and pancreatic cancers. This retrospective study is designed to evaluate whether elderly GBM patients (age ≥65) develop similar TRL after RT/TMZ and whether such TRL is associated with decreased survival. Serial total lymphocyte counts (TLC) were retrospectively reviewed in patients (age ≥65) with newly diagnosed GBM undergoing RT/TMZ and associated with treatment outcomes. Seventy-two patients were eligible: median KPS 70, median age 71 years (range 65-86) with 56 % of patients >70 years, 53% female, 31% received RT ≤45 Gy. Baseline median TLC was 1100 cells/mm(3) which fell by 41% to 650 cells/mm(3) 2 months after initiating RT/TMZ (p < 0.0001). Patients with TLC <500 cells/mm(3) at 2 months had a shorter survival than those with higher TLCs with a median overall survival of 4.6 versus 11.6 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between TRL and survival (HR 2.76, 95% CI 1.30-5.86, p = 0.008). Treatment-related lymphopenia is frequent, severe, and an independent predictor for survival in elderly patients with GBM. These findings add to the body of evidence that immunosuppression induced by chemoradiation is associated with inferior clinical outcomes. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings suggesting that immune preservation is important in this cancer.
Regulation of Septal-Hippocampal Cholinergic Neurons by Catecholamines

The septum occupies a pivotal site in the brain, connecting the lower centers of the central nervous system with higher centers including the limbic areas. It is, therefore, in a position to be involved in such important processes as the organization of memory and emotional responsiveness. Of the neuronal projections from the septum a cholinergic projection from the septum to the hippocampus has been described in particular detail.
Particulate and Droplet Reactions in Turbulent Flows

In the last chapter we discussed the importance of the turbulent fluid mechanics on the homogeneous gas-phase chemistry. Different approaches for incorporating the chemistry—turbulence interactions were investigated. An approach for mixing-limited reactions with local instantaneous chemical equilibrium was examined in some detail. The importance of the homogeneous reactions in overall coal combustors and gasifiers was emphasized.
Runtime adaptation of high performance computing applications

The complexity and the diversity of today's high performance computing systems mandate significant efforts and expertise by end users to tune their applications to achieve the best possible performance for each particular platform. One of the main challenges of High Performance Computing is to empower current applications with methodologies and techniques that allows them to adapt to the execution environment. These techniques also represent building blocks that enable them to keep pace with the incredible rate of hardware and software advancement. However, current runtime optimization algorithms, libraries, and tools require a considerable time for tuning, especially when the number of parameters is large. The objective of this dissertation is to present novel techniques aiming at enhancing the process of dynamic tuning of high performance computing applications. The first main contribution of this work is the historic learning component which reuses the knowledge learned from previous optimizations to speed up the runtime tuning procedure of subsequent similar problems. New algorithms are designed to predict the best possible solution for a problem which has not been solved before based on previous optimizations. In addition, the solution prediction problem is transformed into a classification problem to take advantage of machine learning techniques and algorithms. Second, an advanced search algorithm from the experimental design theory is utilized to speed up the automatic performance tuning of very large set of parameters and methodologies for tuning parallel applications are developed based on that.
Interplay of electron hopping and bounded diffusion during charge transport in redox polymer electrodes.

Redox polymer electrodes (RPEs) have been prepared both by attachment of random copolymers of hydroxybutyl methacrylate and vinylferrocene (poly(HBMA-co-VF)) to carbon substrates by grafting either “to” or “from” the substrate surfaces, and by impregnation of porous carbon substrates with redox polymer gels of similar composition. An observed linear dependence of peak current on the square root of the applied voltage scan rate in cyclic voltammetry (CV) led to the conclusion that the rate controlling step in the redox process was the diffusive transfer of electrons through the redox polymer layer. The variation in the peak current with increasing concentration of the redox species in the polymer indicated that the electron transport transitioned from bounded diffusion to electron hopping. A modified form of the Blauch-Saveant equation for apparent diffusivity of electrons through a polymer film indicated that bounded diffusion was the dominant mechanism of electron transport in RPEs with un-cross-linked p...
Effect of Phorate on the Twospotted Spider Mite, Associated Predators, and Aphids on Strawberry in Southern California

The effect of a preplanting application of phorate on Tetranychus urticae Koch, associated predators, and aphids on strawberry was investigated in southern California in 1969–70. The spider mite population was significantly lower in the phorate plot from March 3–April 28, reaching a peak averaging 226.8 active stages per leaflet on May 5, compared to 445.5/leaflet in the check on April 28. Except for March 24 and April 14, the predator population was significantly higher in the check plot from March 17–May 12. Scolothrips sexmaculatus (Pergande) and Geocoris spp. were the most common predators present. The seasonal mean number of spider mites and predators was significantly lower in the phorate plot and the mean fruit yield (g/plant) was significantly higher. The aphid population never exceeded an average of 0.3 aphids per leaflet in the phorate plot compared to a peak of 59.2/leaflet in the check on March 24. The strawberry aphid, Chaetosiphum fragaefolii (Cockerell), comprised 96% of the aphid population. The use of phorate in an integrated control program for strawberry pests is discussed.
Formation of TiO2 nanomaterials via titanium ethylene glycolide decomposition

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials, as important photocatalysis materials, have been synthesized with many approaches. In this study, we reported the synthesis of TiO2 nanomaterials by reacting titanium isopropoxide with ethylene glycol under basic condition followed by calcination at high temperatures. The structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of the TiO2 nanomaterials were studied with x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, x-ray and ultraviolet (UV) photoemission spectroscopy, UV–vis diffusive reflectance, and photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue. We found that the titanium ethylene glycolide decomposes at 330 °C and transforms into pure anatase TiO2 around 400 °C. The anatase phase further transforms into core/shell rutile/anatase TiO2 composite at 550 °C and displays the highest photocatalytic activity among the samples prepared. The high photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the improved charge separation at the rutile/anatase n/n junction interface and the high crystallinity of the sample after calcination.
Bonds and Bond Funds

Bonds can play an important role in your quest for retirement income. As in many other financial decisions, however, they may force you to compromise between certainty and risk. Quite simply, bonds are IOUs. They represent debt obligations or sums of money owed to the purchaser, and they act as vehicles for companies or governments to raise capital rapidly. But they come with a price for the borrower: interest. Customers receive “rent” or interest on those bonds as a price for loaning their money. Despite bonds’ utility as income generators, they should not constitute the majority of one’ holdings. Although inflation makes bonds problematic, they do have significant advantages: (1) they are not as volatile as stocks; (2) they pay income as a matter of course; and (3) bond holders are the first to be paid when a bankruptcy occurs.
Intrathecal management of complex regional pain syndrome: A case report and literature.

Abstract Background and purpose Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition typically resulting from a traumatic event. Pain control in these patients is often difficult and requires a multimodal approach. Our objectives are to present a single intrathecal pain management regimen for CRPS and provide a literature review of intrathecal pain management options in CRPS. Methods Case report from an academic pain management clinic. Case report We present the case of a 29-year-old female with a past medical history of multiple lumbar spine surgeries and lumbar post-laminectomy syndrome who presented to clinic with CRPS type II of the bilateral lower extremities. After failing conservative measures, she underwent placement of a successful intrathecal drug delivery system. Conclusion The use of intrathecal medications is useful for pain control in CRPS patients. Implications We provide a framework for treatment of CRPS, which could be useful for practitioners dealing with this difficult and painful condition.
Band Offsets of III–V and II–VI Materials Studied by Temperature-Dependent Internal Photoemission Spectroscopy

The band offset at the interface of a heterojunction is one of the most important parameters determining the characteristics of devices constructed from heterojunction. Accurate knowledge of band offsets and their temperature dependence will allow one to simulate and predict the device performances. We present a temperature-dependent internal-photoemission spectroscopy (TDIPS) for studying the band offsets. Applications of the TDIPS into III–V and II–VI materials are discussed.
Building community one child at a time: A grassroots approach to taking young South Africans off the streets:

Young South Africans face challenges in their attempts to rise out of the poverty and community violence surrounding them. These challenges might affect their sense of well-being. A thematic analysis based on semi-structured interviews from 18 field workers who work for a non-governmental organization focused on helping children in the Western Cape area return to school revealed several themes. These themes illustrate links between the young South Africans, their families, their schools, and their communities—and the struggles they face. Analysis also revealed that interpersonal processes may change perceptions about social support, the ability to enhance well-being, and create a sense of joint responsibility. These may contribute to Prilleltensky’s wellness as fairness and point to the important role that communal coping may serve in helping South Africans rebuild their communities.
Dietary Supplements for ADHD: A Controlled Trial

The effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation (345 mg/d) on the symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was determined in 63 children, ages 6 to 12 years, at the Mayo Clinic and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Expanding the Scope of an Automated Radiology Recommendation-Tracking Engine: Initial Experiences and Lessons Learned

An automated radiology recommendation-tracking engine for incidental focal masses in the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and adrenal glands was launched within our institution in July 2013. For 2 years, the majority of CT, MR, and US examination reports generated within our health system were mined by the engine. However, the need to expand the system beyond the initial four organs was soon identified. In July 2015, the second phase of the system was implemented and expanded to include additional anatomic structures in the abdomen and pelvis, as well as to provide non-radiology and non-imaging options for follow-up. The most frequent organs with incidental findings, outside of the original four, included the ovaries and the endometrium, which also correlated to the most frequently ordered imaging follow-up study of pelvic ultrasound and non-imaging follow-up study of endometrial biopsies, respectively. The second phase expansion has demonstrated new venues for augmenting and improving radiologist roles in optimal communication and management of incidental findings.
The applicability of dental wear in age estimation for a modern American population

Objectives Though applied in bioarchaeology, dental wear is an underexplored age indicator in the biological anthropology of contemporary populations, although research has been conducted on dental attrition in forensic contexts (Kim et al., 2000, Journal of Forensic Sciences, 45, 303; Prince et al., 2008, Journal of Forensic Sciences, 53, 588; Yun et al., 2007, Journal of Forensic Sciences, 52, 678). The purpose of this study is to apply and adapt existing techniques for age estimation based on dental wear to a modern American population, with the aim of producing accurate age range estimates for individuals from an industrialized context. Materials and methods Methodologies following Yun and Prince were applied to a random sample from the University of New Mexico (n = 583) and Universidade de Coimbra (n = 50) cast and skeletal collections. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between tooth wear scores and age. Results Application of both Yun et al. (2007) and Prince et al. (2008) methodologies resulted in inaccurate age estimates. Recalibrated sectioning points correctly classified individuals as over or under 50 years for 88% of the sample. Linear regression demonstrated 60% of age estimates fell within ±10 years of the actual age, and accuracy improved for individuals under 45 years, with 74% of predictions within ±10 years. Discussion This study demonstrates age estimation from dental wear is possible for modern populations, with comparable age intervals to other established methods. It provides a quantifiable method of seriation into “older” and “younger” adult categories, and provides more reliable age interval estimates than cranial sutures in instances where only the skull is available.
Comparison of screening CEDM and MRI for women at increased risk for breast cancer: A pilot study.

Abstract Objectives Contrast enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) is a new breast imaging technology increasingly used in the diagnostic setting but its utility in the pure screening setting has not been reported. The goal of this pilot study is to prospectively compare screening CEDM to breast MRI in women with an increased risk for breast cancer. Methods In this IRB-approved HIPAA-compliant study, 318 women at increased breast cancer risk were consented (December 2012–May 2015) to undergo CEDM in addition to their scheduled MRI. CEDM was performed within 30 days of screening MRI. CEDM was interpreted blinded to MRI. The reference standard was defined as a combination of pathology and 2-year imaging follow-up. Results Data from 307/318 patients were evaluable. Three cancers (two invasive cancers, one ductal carcinoma in situ) were detected at first round screening: MRI detected all three and CEDM detected the two invasive cancers. None of the three cancers was seen on the low energy mammograms which are comparable to conventional mammography. At 2 year imaging follow up, there were 5 additional screen detected cancers and no palpable cancers. The positive predictive value 3 (PPV3) for CEDM was 15% (2/13, 95% CI: 2–45%) and 14% for MRI (3/21, 95% CI: 3–36%). The specificity of CEDM and MRI were 94.7% and 94.1% respectively. Conclusions Both CEDM and MRI detected additional cancers not seen on conventional mammography, primarily invasive cancers. Our pilot data suggest that CEDM could be valuable as a supplemental imaging exam for women at increased risk for breast cancer who do not meet the criteria for MRI or for whom access to MRI is limited. Validation in larger multi institutional trials is warranted.
The potential impact of aquatic nuisance species on recreational fishing in the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi and Ohio River Basins

Concern over the potential transfer of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) between the Great Lakes basin and the Upper Mississippi River basin has motivated calls to re-establish hydrologic separation between the two basins. Accomplishing that goal would require significant expenditures to re-engineer waterways in the Chicago, IL area. These costs should be compared to the potential costs resulting from ANS transfer between the basin, a significant portion of which would be costs to recreational fisheries. In this study, a recreational behavior model is developed for sport anglers in an eight-state region. It models how angler behavior would change in response to potential changes in fishing quality resulting from ANS transfer. The model also calculates the potential loss in net economic value that anglers enjoy from the fishery. The model is estimated based on data on trips taken by anglers (travel cost data) and on angler statements about how they would respond to changes in fishing quality (contingent behavior data). The model shows that the benefit to recreational anglers from re-establishing hydrologic separation exceeds the costs only if the anticipated impacts of ANS transfer on sport fish catch rates are large and widespread.
Televisions, Physicians, and Life Expectancy

This dataset contains information on life expectancies in various countries of the world and the densities of people per television set and of people per physician in those countries. The example h...
How Robust is Your System Resilience

Abstract. Robustness and resilience are concepts in systems thinking that have grown in importance and popularity. For many complex social-ecological systems, however, robustness and resilience are difficult to quantify and the connections and trade-offs between them difficult to study. Most studies have either focused on qualitative approaches to discuss their connections or considered only one of them under particular classes of disturbances. In this study, we present an analytical framework to address the linkage between robustness and resilience more systematically. Our analysis is based on a stylized dynamical model that operationalizes a widely used conceptual framework for social-ecological systems. The model enables us to rigorously delineate the boundaries of conditions under which the coupled system can be sustained in a long run, define robustness and resilience related to these boundaries, and consequently investigate their connections. The results reveal the tradeoffs between robustness and resilience. They also show how the nature of such tradeoffs varies with the choices of certain policies (e.g., taxation and investment in public infrastructure), internal stresses and external disturbances.