cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk factors associated with postoperative morbidity in over 500 colovesical fistula patients undergoing colorectal surgery: a retrospective cohort study from ACS-NSQIP database.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of various factors on 30-day postoperative morbidity in patients who underwent colorectal surgery (CRS) for colovesical fistula (CVF) in the elective and emergency settings. Patients who underwent CRS for CVF between 2005 and 2013 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database by using current procedural terminology codes. Demographics, perioperative, and operative factors were assessed and compared between two groups classified according to the presence or absence of postoperative complications. Five hundred twelve patients met the inclusion criteria [mean age of 61.4 (±14.7) years, female 214 (42%)]. Etiology of fistula was diverticulitis [N = 438 (85.5%)], colon cancer [N = 39 (7.6%)], and Crohn’s disease [N = 35 (6.8%)]. One hundred fifty-two procedures (29.7%) were performed laparoscopically. In 186 patients (36%), no bladder intervention was performed. One hundred forty-nine patients (29.1%) had at least one postoperative complication. Patients who developed complication were older (P = <0.001), more often female (P = <0.001), hypertensive (P = 0.005), anemic (P = <0.001), preoperatively transfused (P = 0.02), and with class 2–3 wound classification (P = 0.01). Independent risk factors affecting morbidity were increased age [odds ratio (OR) 1.23 (1.03–1.47), P = 0.01], decreased hematocrit level [OR 3.04(1.83–5.06), P < 0.0001], and open approach [OR 2.56 (1.35–4.84), P = 0.003]. Morbidity for CVF remains high. Lower preoperative hematocrit level and increased age were associated with higher risk of complication. Laparoscopic surgery may be preferable when possible as morbidity is less with this approach.
Hydrogen-plasma patterning of multilayer graphene: Mechanisms and modeling

Abstract We study the atomic-scale etching mechanisms of multilayer graphene, and the subsequent formation of nanopores, when exposed to downstream hydrogen plasma. Our molecular dynamics simulations based on reactive force-field potential reveal precise energy regimes for the transport of ions through, and selective etching of, individual graphene layers within the multilayer structure. Etching initiates with hydrogenation of the graphene basal plane, followed by localized C C bond breaking which leads to the formation of CH 2 , and subsequently, unstable CH 3 bond configurations. We establish the basal plane and edge etching rates of the individual graphene layers as a function of ion energy, and introduce a micromechanics model to predict the 3D-patterned pore structure at experimental length- and time-scales. Our results demonstrate the development of columnar holes in multilayered graphene, which transition to stepped-edge holes at higher fluence due to cumulative effects of basal-plane etching. The contributions of thermal radicals and dehydrogenation effects on the hole growth process are discussed.
Permaculture, A Natural Systems Design Approach For Teaching Sustainability In Higher Education: Pacific University'S B-Street Permaculture Project

Environmental security is dependent on establishing global social systems that mimic natural ecosystems and promote ecological literacy, environmental stewardship, and the equitable distribution of resources and power. The use of fossil fuels as the primary global energy source has resulted in disturbing consequences, some of which must be immediately and judiciously addressed by the global community. As leaders in the global community, institutions of higher education must abandon tradition and embrace innovation to become responsible for imparting the knowledge and skills that produce ecologically literate students. These forward-thinking institutions will embrace experiential, project-based learning practices and produce students who are environmental stewards and active citizens with a deep understanding of local ecosystems and the ways that humans can interact with them in a sustainable way. Permaculture principles have been tested and developed for over 30 years and could serve as an effective tool for teaching the concepts of sustainability in higher education. This paper describes the integration of permaculture principles into the curriculum of a small liberal arts university.
Ibn Sīnā’s Philosophical Interpretation of 'Sūrat al-Falaq'

Philosophical hermeneutics of the Qurʾān in the classical period has three major characteristics that are discussed in this paper in light of Ibn Sīnā’s work. First, philosophical hermeneutics falls under the category of symbolic interpretation ( taaʾwīl ) 1 rather than technical/linguistic exegesis ( tafsīr ). Second, it selectively chooses Qurʾānic passages that lend themselves to philosophical interpretations. Third, it tends primarily towards metaphysical and moral issues, and is, for the most part, disinterested in ideological biases. This paper examines Ibn Sīnā’s interpretation of sūrat al-Falaq (Kor 113), and has two objectives: to elucidate the hermeneutical methodology adopted by Ibn Sīnā, and to investigate the consistency between the philosopher’s understanding of evil as well as the discourse used in his interpretation of al-Falaq and the treatment of the same issue in his major and minor philosophical writings. It demonstrates that, in the commentary on al-Falaq , evil emerges at the level of “particular realization” ( qadar ), while at the level of predetermination ( qaḍā ) evil is only a latent potentiality. Ibn Sīnā, in both his commentary on al-Falaq and his philosophical texts, tries to prove that evil at the level of predetermination can be explained as intended by accident ( bi- al-ʿaraḍ ).
The estimation of growth dynamics for Pomacea maculata from hatchling to adult

Pomacea maculata is a relatively new invasive species to the Gulf Coast region and potentially threatens local agriculture (rice) and ecosystems (aquatic vegetation). The population dynamics of P. maculata have largely been unquantified, and therefore, scientists and field-workers are ill-equipped to accurately project population sizes and the resulting impact of this species. We studied the growth of P. maculata ranging in weights from 6 to 105 g, identifying the sex of the animals when possible. Our studied population had a 4:9 male:female sex ratio. We present the findings from initial analysis of the individual growth data of males and females, from which it was apparent that females were generally larger than males and that small snails grew faster than larger snails. Since efforts to characterize the male and female growth rates from individual data do not yield statistically supported estimates, we present the estimation of several parameterized growth rate functions within a population-level mathematical model. We provide a comparison of the results using these various growth functions and discuss which best characterizes the dynamics of our observed population. We conclude that both males and females exhibit biphasic growth rates, and thus, their growth is size-dependent. Further, our results suggest that there are notable differences between males and females that are important to take into consideration in order to accurately model this species' population dynamics. Lastly, we include preliminary analyses of ongoing experiments to provide initial estimates of growth in the earliest life stages (hatchling to ≈6 g).
Atherosclerosis and Blood Pressure Variability

See related article, pp 465–472 In this issue, Johansson et al1 find that markers of atherosclerosis and inflammation (which is present in atherosclerotic plaques) are associated with postural hypotension. When we stand, >500 mL of blood descend into the legs, decreasing blood pressure. The baroreflex is the initial mechanism called into play to stabilize blood pressure. Blood pressure changes are sensed by the baroreceptors in the carotids and aortic arch and signaled to the brain stem, which initiates an increase in heart rate in a single heartbeat. Sympathetic nerves then lead to vasoconstriction so that blood pressure returns toward baseline levels in ≈20 seconds after standing. When this system fails, postural hypotension ensues. Postural hypotension is not just a risk for falls, it is also associated with an increased incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction.2 Baroreflex control of blood pressure slowly deteriorates with advancing age, diminishing both sympathetic3 and parasympathetic4 nervous responses to hypertension and hypotension. Loss of baroreflex function is accelerated in hypertension and atherosclerosis. Consequently, the incidence of postural hypotension and episodic hypertension also increases with age and vascular disease. The baroreflex is impaired in subjects with carotid plaque and coronary atherosclerosis.5 Diminished heart rate variability is a sign of baroreflex loss and is associated with excess cardiovascular mortality and total mortality6 and predicts coronary artery disease. After a myocardial infarction, depressed baroreflex sensitivity predicted a 280% increase in cardiac mortality.7 Johansson et al1 report that proteins associated with atherosclerosis are also associated with impaired blood pressure control. Why should this be so? Baroreceptors are …
Transmission patterns of Streptococcus mutans demonstrated by a combined rep-PCR and MLST approach

Clinical typing methods of the oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans with molecular analysis can be very specific, but expensive. Repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (rep-PCR) is a relatively inexpensive pre-screening alternative for isolate selection for additional analyses. This study evaluated the prediction accuracy of using rep-PCR to identify S. mutans multilocus sequence typing (MLST) sequence types (ST) among children and their family members. Potential S. mutans strain sources were evaluated for evidence of transmission. Ten dendrograms (rep-PCR), with 20 isolates each of the 10 most common S. mutans genotypes, were generated from different subjects. Using a cut-off of 98% similarity, 7–11 isolates of each genotype were selected for MLST analysis to determine ST match/no-match. Overall, rep-PCR was 75% effective at determining MLST ST match/no-match and 90% effective when applied to related individuals. Most genotypes were further differentiated by MLST. MLST ST diversity was greatest for one genotype (genotype 12, G12) and evidence of transmission among children and their family members was identified by rep-PCR and MLST. Younger children (6 months to 4 years old) shared ST with their mothers but 50% of older children (5–9 years old) had ST not identified in their mother. Six ST were shared between different families and probable source members were identified. This study confirms that rep-PCR offers an affordable option to predict diverse isolates for downstream applications. Using a combined rep-PCR and MLST approach, it is possible to track probable transmission and strain sources for S. mutans genotypes.
Tuberculosis: Molecular Basis of Pathogenesis

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a devastating disease in vast global areas, with up to eight million new cases and close to two million deaths per year. TB–HIV coinfection, MDR-TB, and XDR-TB present newer complications. In conjunction with progress on new vaccine and drug development has been an understanding of the basis of disease pathogenesis. The molecular basis of the interaction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with its primary host cell, the macrophage, and its survival therein is well understood. The greatest challenge now is a cellular, immunological, and molecular understanding of TB latency, known to affect one-third of humankind. Various models point to a nonreplicating bacterium in a hypoxic, nitrosative, nutrient-deficient environment, awaiting resuscitation and the onset of transmissible disease.
A PROBLEM WITH BAYESIAN CONDITIONALIZATION

Bayesianism is often divided into a static and dynamic part. The static part is a theory of rational belief at an instant, and the dynamic part is a theory of rational belief change. In this paper I will begin by looking closely at the rule of conditionalization, which is central to the dynamic side of Bayesianism. I will argue that the dynamic side of Bayesianism needs to make distinctions central to traditional non-Bayesian epistemology; Bayesians may consider this unfortunate, since Bayesianism is supposed to be a way to avoid many of the problems that arise in classical epistemology. I will then give a counterexample that shows we can be rational even if we do not conditionalize in situations in which conditionalization is applicable. This counterexample also raises problems for the view that conditionalization is a way to manage our beliefs in pursuit of some ideal. Contrary to Bayesian doctrine, I will argue that we generally cannot use conditionalization to manage our beliefs. The reason for this is that conditionalization is an externalist requirement that aims at the goal of being in a good epistemic situation, but rationality contains only internal requirements; thus conditionalization is not required in order to be rational. I will then look at whether we can develop an internalist version of
Validation of Robotic Surgery Simulator (RoSS)

Recent growth of daVinci Robotic Surgical System as a minimally invasive surgery tool has led to a call for better training of future surgeons. In this paper, a new virtual reality simulator, called RoSS is presented. Initial results from two studies - face and content validity, are very encouraging. 90% of the cohort of expert robotic surgeons felt that the simulator was excellent or somewhat close to the touch and feel of the daVinci console. Content validity of the simulator received 90% approval in some cases. These studies demonstrate that RoSS has the potential of becoming an important training tool for the daVinci surgical robot.
An Integrated Distributed Economic Dispatch-Droop Control Architecture for Distribution System Operation

With a proliferation of distributed energy resources integrated into electric distribution systems, secure and economic operation of distribution systems becomes more challenges, while conventional distribution system control architecture is expected to experience a transformation. In this paper, a bi-layer control architecture is proposed, in which the upper layer executes a distributed economic dispatch (ED) and the lower layer conducts individual DERs’ droop control. Specifically, minimum generation cost is pursued through incremental cost (IC) consensus among all DERs, and an efficient update law is explored to guarantee convergence of the consensus algorithm. Furthermore, optimal ED decisions are dynamically incorporated into individual DERs’ droop controllers by setting primary frequency control references. A bi-layer ED-droop co-simulation framework is developed to verify the proposed control scheme. A 4-bus medium-voltage primary distribution system is built in PSCAD, and the IC consensus based economic dispatch model is implemented in MATLAB. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is conducted to explore optimal coordination between the two layers for the best tradeoff between power output tracking and total system generation cost.
Child, Mother, Father, and Teacher Beliefs About Child Academic Competence: Predicting Math and Reading Performance in European American Adolescents.

Beliefs about child competence in math and reading have important implications for academic performance in adolescence. However, it is unclear whether children's own beliefs are the most important predictor of their academic performance or whether parents' and teachers' beliefs about child competence influence child academic performance. We assessed mothers', fathers', teachers', and children's beliefs about European American children's (N = 189) competence in math and reading at age 10 and children's math and language performance at ages 10, 13, and 18 years. Confirmatory factor models demonstrated that children's and teachers' beliefs had lower loadings on a latent variable of child competence in math and reading than mothers' beliefs. Children's self-competence beliefs in math and reading were not significantly correlated, suggesting children may use dimensional comparisons when assessing their own competence. Mothers', fathers', and teachers' assessments of child competence in math were strongly correlated with their assessments of child competence in reading. Controlling for stability in academic performance, family socioeconomic status, and other reporters, mothers and fathers who rated their children's math competence higher had adolescents who performed better in math, and fathers who rated their children's reading competence higher had adolescents who performed better in language tasks. However, children who rated their own competence higher in math and reading had lower math and language (for girls only) performance in adolescence. European American children may use dimensional comparisons that render them poorer judges of their math and reading competence than parents.
Creating a Digital Memory Notebook Application for Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment to Support Everyday Functioning

Purpose: Memory impairment can necessitate use of external memory aids to preserve functional independence. As external aids can be difficult to learn and remember to use, technology may improve the efficacy of current rehabilitation strategies. We detail the iterative development of a digital application of a paper-and-pencil memory notebook.Methods: Twenty participants (aged 54+) of varying levels of cognitive ability were recruited for four iterations of usability testing (five participants per iteration). Each participant completed a series of tasks using the digital memory notebook (DMN), followed by questionnaires that assessed satisfaction (Questionnaire for User Interface Satisfaction) and usability ratings (Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire) for the application.Results and Conclusions: Between Iterations 2 and 5, participants demonstrated marked reductions in time to complete several types of tasks (e.g., add event, navigate interface) using the DMN. Participants in Iteration 5 also rated all subscales of both the usability and satisfaction questionnaires very highly. Faster task completion times were correlated with more favourable system ratings. However, neither task performance times nor system ratings were correlated with cognitive abilities, scheduling tool use or comfort with technology. Both the questionnaire and performance-based data indicate the final iteration of the DMN was easy to use. Furthermore, the application was user-friendly despite individual differences in cognitive ability, familiarity with scheduling tools and comfort with technology. Future work will demonstrate whether the DMN will support everyday retrospective and prospective memory lapses and increase the functional independence and quality of life for persons with cognitive impairment.Implications for rehabilitationBuilding on practice standards and user-centred design, the digital memory notebook (DMN) application is an "all-in-one" memory aid and organizational tool with an intuitive interface designed to help improve everyday functioning.The DMN's today page, to do list and calendar functions can support everyday prospective and retrospective memory abilities.The DMN's notes, journaling and motivational functions can support longer-term goal planning and mood management.The DMN's alarm functions can support learning to use the DMN and serve as reminders to support prospective memory and aid in activity completion.
The attenuator of the tryptophan operon in E.coli: rho-mediated release of RNA polymerase from a transcription termination complex in vitro.

In vivo, termination of transcription at the attenuator site of the tryptophan (trp) operon of E. coli is influenced by the protein termination factor rho. In vitro, termination does not depend on rho factor, and is very efficient in a purified system consisting only of RNA polymerase, the DNA template, nucleoside triphosphates, and buffer. The extent of termination in this system is unaffected over a wide range of salt and nucleoside triphosphate concentration. However, there is a 10-fold stimulation of trp leader mRNA synthesis if rho factor is present during the transcription reaction. This stimulation occurs only at low molar ratios of polymerase to template, and can be blocked by rifampicin. It is thus most likely due to the recycling of RNA polymerase molecules that have been released from the attenuator site by rho factor. In fact, transcription of the trp leader region in vitro results in the fomration of a stable termination complex which can be observed on sucrose gradients or by binding to nitrocellulose filters. These data indicate that a major function of rho at the trp attenuator is to release completed transcripts from a pre-formed termination complex, rather than to cause the cessation of elongation.
Characteristics and Variations of Low-Level Jets and Environmental Factors Associated with Summer Precipitation Extremes over the Great Plains

AbstractLow-level jets (LLJs) are associated with 10%–45% of the summer precipitation in the U.S. Great Plains region (GPR). This study uses the NCEP North American Regional Reanalysis data product...
A hyperbolic Out(Fn)-complex

For any finite collection fi of fully irreducible automorphisms of the free group Fn we construct a connected i-hyperbolic Out.Fn/-complex in which each fi has positive translation length.
From Data Collectors to Data Producers: Shifting Students’ Relationship to Data

This paper contributes a theoretical framework informed by historical, philosophical and ethnographic studies of science practice to argue that data should be considered to be actively produced, ra...
Pneumonia of an Entire Lung

Another cause for a completely opacified hemithorax, pneumonia affecting an entire lung, is introduced in this chapter. Highlighted topics from this section include defining an air bronchogram and discussing the radiographic presentation of pneumonia of an entire lung.
Behavioral, Histopathologic, and Molecular Biological Responses of Nanoparticle- and Solution-Based Formulations of Vincristine in Mice.

Clinical use of the chemotherapeutic agent vincristine (VCR) is limited by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CiPN). A new formulation of VCR encapsulated by nanoparticles has been propose...
Nanomagnetic Boolean Logic—The Tempered (and Realistic) Vision

The idea of nanomagnetic Boolean logic was advanced more than two decades ago. It envisaged the use of nanomagnets with two stable magnetization orientations as the primitive binary switch for implementing logic gates and ultimately combinational/sequential circuits. Enthusiastic proclamations of how nanomagnetic logic will eclipse traditional (transistor-based) logic circuits proliferated the applied physics literature. Two decades later there is not a single viable nanomagnetic logic chip in sight, let alone one that is a commercial success. In this perspective article, I offer my reasons for why this has come to pass. I present a realistic and tempered vision of nanomagnetic logic, pointing out many misconceptions about this paradigm, flaws in some proposals that appeared in the literature, shortcomings, and likely pitfalls that might stymie progress in this field.
The Hand and Wrist: Congenital and Developmental Conditions

This chapter discusses the common and uncommon forms of carpal coalition and then presents a variety of manifestations of amniotic bands. Following split-hand anomaly, macrodystrophia lipomatosa is discussed, followed by a brief discussion of symphalangism. Poland syndrome is discussed in greater depth. Four digital curvatures (clinodactyly, camptodactyly, Kirner deformity, longitudinal epiphyseal bracket) are presented. The chapter concludes with a discussion of thumb malformations, including those that are accompanied with potentially serious systemic manifestations (VACTERL association, Holt-Oram syndrome, Fanconi anemia, erythrogenesis imperfecta, and thrombocytopenia-absent radius).
Tofacitinib therapy intercepts macrophage metabolic reprogramming instigated by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein.

The molecular mechanism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike protein was characterized to identify novel therapies. The impact of tofacitinib, IL-6R Ab, or TNFi therapy was determined on Spike protein or LPS/IFN-I³-induced signaling, inflammation, and metabolic reprogramming in MΦs and/or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS). ACE2 frequency was markedly expanded in MΦs compared to T cells and RA FLS. Tofacitinib suppresses Spike protein potentiated STAT1 signaling, whereas this function was unchanged by TNFi. Tofacitinib impairs IL-6/IFN/LPS-induced STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation in RA MΦs and FLS. Interestingly, tofacitinib had a broader inhibitory effect on the monokines, glycolytic regulators, or oxidative metabolites compared to IL-6R Ab and TNFi in Spike-protein-activated MΦs. In contrast, all three therapies disrupted IFN-α and IFN-s secretion in response to Spike protein; nonetheless, the IFN-I³ was only curtailed by tofacitinib or IL-6R Ab. While tofacitinib counteracted MΦ metabolic rewiring instigated by Spike protein, it was inconsequential on the glycolysis expansion mediated via HK2 and/or LDHA in the activated RA MΦ and FLS. Nevertheless, the potentiated inflammatory response and the diminished oxidative phosphorylation modulated by Spike protein and/or LPS/IFN-I³ stimulation in MΦs or RA FLS were reversed by tofacitinib. In conclusion, tofacitinib suppresses MΦ inflammation and immunometabolism triggered by Spike protein and may provide a promising strategy for COVID-19 patients.
The Business of the Supreme Court, O.T. 1982

For at least the past decade, the workload of the Supreme Court of the United States has been too great to dispatch efficiently and thoughtfully within an annual term. Ten years ago, almost everyone except the Justices themselves agreed that there was a serious problem. (The Court, of course, was divided.) The only question was what, if anything, should be done about it. Today, the Court is virtually united, but only in recognizing the existence of a problem. At the conclusion of October Term 1981, seven Justices-speaking individually and extrajudicially-certified that they had too much to do each year to perform at a level that the profession and the country are entitled to expect. But the question remained, what to do? Before any debate-if there is to be a serious debate and not simply an annual end-of-term amusement on the op-ed pages-focuses exclusively on remedies, it is necessary to look more carefully at the problems. The right answer depends on the right question. Too often, the Court and its critics define the problems in terms of numbers: too many petitions for certiorari,
Regulation of thioltransferase expression in human lens epithelial cells.

PURPOSE. To study how the expression of thioltransferase (TTase), a critical thiol repair and dethiolating enzyme, is regulated in human lens epithelial cells under oxidative stress. Also to examine whether depleting the primary cellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in these cells has any influence on TTase expression under the same conditions. METHODS. Human lens epithelial cells (B3) were grown to confluence (1.6 million) and gradually weaned from serum in the medium before exposing to 0.1 mM H 2 O 2 for 2 hours. Cells were removed at the time intervals of 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes for protein measurements of GSH and TTase activity and for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or Northern hybridization analysis to quantify TTase mRNA. The effect of GSH depletion on TTase mRNA expression was examined by treating the cells with buthionine S,R-sulfoximine (BSO); 1-chloro, 2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB); or 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). Lens epithelial cells, depleted of cellular GSH by treatment with BCNU, were subjected to oxidative stress to examine the effect on TTase activity and mRNA level. RESULTS. A transient increase was detected in TTase mRNA after 5 minutes of H 2 O 2 treatment. The upregulation reached a maximum of 80% above the normal level by 10 minutes and gradually decreased as the oxidant was detoxified by the cells. Manipulation of cellular GSH level by treatment with BSO, CDNB, and BCNU resulted in a minimum change in TTase expression. It is noteworthy that when cells depleted of GSH were subjected to oxidative stress, TTase expression was also found to be strongly upregulated. CONCLUSIONS. These observations suggest that the upregulation of TTase expression in the lens epithelial cells could be an adaptive response of the cells to combat oxidative stress to restore the vital functions of the lens proteins and enzymes. Such regulation is independent of cellular GSH concentration.
Mixing and Blending

Fluid mixing is a unit operation carried out to homogenize fluids in terms of concentrations, physical properties, and temperature, and create dispersions of mutually insoluble phases. It is frequently encountered in process industries such as petroleum, chemical, food, pharmaceutical, paper, and mining. Applications range from 0.01 m3 reactors to 20,000 m3 product storage tanks and continuous in-line mixers. The fundamental mechanism of mixing involves physical movement of material between various parts of the whole mass by transmitting mechanical energy. Adequate mixing is a prerequisite for the success of chemical processes for minimizing investment and operating costs. In addition, chemical reactions with mass-transfer limitation can be enhanced to provide high yields. Good mixing, therefore, plays a significant role in the profitability of the process industry. Mixing systems are broadly divided into single-phase systems involving miscible liquids; and multiphase systems such as solid–liquid, mutually insoluble liquids, and gas–liquid. Fundamental mixing concepts and suitable mixer types, design, and scale-up issues for these mixing classes are discussed. The mixing equipment described includes agitated tanks, jets, static mixers, unique designs for powders and pastes, and devices for transferring heat. Blending of low and high viscosity liquids and suspension of sinking and floating solids are covered in more detail. Keywords: Fundamentals; Pumping; Power; Macromixing; Micromixing; Blending; Miscible liquids; Sinking solids; Suspensions; Floating solids; Immiscible liquids; Gas-liquid mixing; Large tanks; Mixers; sludge control; Inline motionless mixers; heat transfer; Agitated tanks; Jet mixing; Dry solids; Pastes
Atmospherics, the marketing concept, and a marketing tool for hospitals.

Abstract Researchers have demonstrated that the conscious use of atmospheric structuring can induce marketer-desired behaviors in service consumers. This may be particularly relevant to marketers of hospital care since consumer judgments often depend upon peripheral rather than core evidences ofquality and satisfaction. Under these circumstances, health care marketers have an obligation to explore the phenomenon of atmospherics and its practical implications in the health care marketing mix.
Complement alterations in inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract A prospective evaluation of the activity of the complement system was undertaken in 32 patients at the time of diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, before the onset of therapy. Serum classical pathway components and function were normal, while significant abnormalities of the alternative pathway were found. Depressions of serum properdin and properdin convertase were noted in association with diminished consumption of C3–C9 after reaction with cobra venom. These abnormalities of alternative pathway integrity were most significant in regional enteritis and in ulcerative colitis with extraintestinal complications. Sequential studies extending into clinical remission revealed resolution of all significant abnormalities.
Multiple Mobile Robot Systems

Within the context of multiple mobile, and networked robot systems, this chapter explores the current state of the art. After a brief introduction, we first examine architectures for multirobot cooperation, exploring the alternative approaches that have been developed. Next, we explore communications issues and their impact on multirobot teams in Sect. 53.3, followed by a discussion of networked mobile robots in Sect. 53.4. Following this we discuss swarm robot systems in Sect. 53.5 and modular robot systems in Sect. 53.6. While swarm and modular systems typically assume large numbers of homogeneous robots, other types of multirobot systems include heterogeneous robots. We therefore next discuss heterogeneity in cooperative robot teams in Sect. 53.7. Once robot teams allow for individual heterogeneity, issues of task allocation become important; Sect. 53.8 therefore discusses common approaches to task allocation. Section 53.9 discusses the challenges of multirobot learning, and some representative approaches. We outline some of the typical application domains which serve as test beds for multirobot systems research in Sect. 53.10. Finally, we conclude in Sect. 53.11 with some summary remarks and suggestions for further reading.
Food scarcity, not economic constraint limits consumption in a rural Aboriginal community.

Objective: To determine whether food scarcity or economic constraint is more strongly associated with purchasing patterns in a rural Aboriginal community. Design: Store receipts were collected to determine money spent in the community shop across a four-month period from January to April 2006. Variability in expenditures is then studied using measures of food scarcity (days since shop loading) and economic constraint (days since payday). Setting: Parnngurr Outstation in the Western Desert of Australia. Main outcome measures: Daily gross and per-household gross expenditures at the community shop. Results: There is a significant association between food scarcity and money spent in the shop (−42.89, confidence interval −62.62 to −23.18, P < 0.001). There is no association between economic constraint and money spent in the shop. Conclusion: In rural and remote communities, reliable access to food is critical to food security. Circumstantial constraints such as seasonal flooding and political insecurity can augment food access problems and put Aboriginal people at risk of malnutrition and other dietary harms.
Automated image analysis to quantify the subnuclear organization of transcriptional coregulatory protein complexes in living cell populations

Regulated gene transcription is dependent on the steady-state concentration of DNA-binding and coregulatory proteins assembled in distinct regions of the cell nucleus. For example, several different transcriptional coactivator proteins, such as the Glucocorticoid Receptor Interacting Protein (GRIP), localize to distinct spherical intranuclear bodies that vary from approximately 0.2-1 micron in diameter. We are using multi-spectral wide-field microscopy of cells expressing coregulatory proteins labeled with the fluorescent proteins (FP) to study the mechanisms that control the assembly and distribution of these structures in living cells. However, variability between cells in the population makes an unbiased and consistent approach to this image analysis absolutely critical. To address this challenge, we developed a protocol for rigorous quantification of subnuclear organization in cell populations. Cells transiently co-expressing a green FP (GFP)-GRIP and the monomeric red FP (mRFP) are selected for imaging based only on the signal in the red channel, eliminating bias due to knowledge of coregulator organization. The impartially selected images of the GFP-coregulatory protein are then analyzed using an automated algorithm to objectively identify and measure the intranuclear bodies. By integrating all these features, this combination of unbiased image acquisition and automated analysis facilitates the precise and consistent measurement of thousands of protein bodies from hundreds of individual living cells that represent the population.
Positive definite functions and stable random vectors

We say that a random vector X = (X 1, …, X n ) in ℝ n is an n-dimensional version of a random variable Y if, for any a ∈ ℝ n , the random variables Σa i X i and γ(a)Y are identically distributed, where γ: ℝ n → [0,∞) is called the standard of X. An old problem is to characterize those functions γ that can appear as the standard of an n-dimensional version. In this paper, we prove the conjecture of Lisitsky that every standard must be the norm of a space that embeds in L 0. This result is almost optimal, as the norm of any finite-dimensional subspace of L p with p ∈ (0, 2] is the standard of an n-dimensional version (p-stable random vector) by the classical result of P. Levy. An equivalent formulation is that if a function of the form f(‖ · ‖ K ) is positive definite on ℝ n , where K is an origin symmetric star body in ℝ n and f: ℝ → ℝ is an even continuous function, then either the space (ℝ n , ‖·‖ K ) embeds in L 0 or f is a constant function. Combined with known facts about embedding in L 0, this result leads to several generalizations of the solution of Schoenberg’s problem on positive definite functions.
Buprenorphine and cocaine effects on social behavior of monkeys

We administered for 2 weeks intramuscular buprenorphine 0.3 mg/kg per day (and in a separate series, its vehicle) to each of 7 male, group-living Macaca fuscata (Japanese Snow Monkeys). Animals received one injection of cocaine 0.75 mg/kg and one of saline (about Days 9 and 14) in each series; after each of these doses ethologic observers recorded for 3 h the frequency of occurrence of 64 separate social, self-care, position and other behaviors. Cocaine alone changed the frequency of many behaviors. Buprenorphine alone only reduced the frequency of eating, yawning and ejaculation. The drugs had no interactive effects on behavior. In a dose reported to suppress monkeys' heroin and cocaine self-administration, buprenorphine showed remarkably few disruptions of normal group behavior. But it neither reversed nor enhanced cocaine's behavioral effects.
Inkjet-printed, flexible, and photoactive thin film strain sensors

In an effort to improve the resilience and reliability of infrastructure systems, many advanced sensors have been developed for structural health monitoring. However, these sensors often suffer from high energy demand, large form factors, and have difficulties conforming to complex structural surfaces. Recently, a self-sensing poly(3-hexylthiophene)–based thin film sensor was proposed, and it was shown that light illumination generates an electrical current that was also proportional to applied strains. However, its strain sensing range was limited largely due to the brittleness of the electrodes. In this study, inkjet printing was employed for printing flexible polymer electrodes that enhanced fabrication scalability and its strain sensing range. First, a commercial off-the-shelf Canon inkjet printer was customized for electrode fabrication. Second, a conductive ink solution was prepared for printing the conductive and transparent thin film electrodes. Then, the printed thin film electrodes were characte...
DRINKING MOTIVES AS MEDIATORS IN THE RELATION BETWEEN PERSONALITY DISORDER SYMPTOMS AND ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

Research shows high comorbidity between Cluster B Personality Disorders (PDs) and Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs). Studies of personality traits and alcohol use have identified coping and enhancement drinking motives as mediators of the relation among impulsivity, negative affectivity or affectivity instability, and alcohol use. To the extent that certain PDs reflect extreme expression of these traits, drinking motives were hypothesized to mediate the relation between PD symptoms and presence/absence of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). This hypothesis was tested using a series of cross-sectional and prospective path models estimating the extent that coping and enhancement drinking motives mediated the relation between cluster A, B, and C PD symptom counts and AUD diagnosis among a sample of 168 young adults between ages 18 and 21. Enhancement motives mediated the cross-sectional relation between Cluster B symptoms and AUD. Prospectively, enhancement motives partially mediated the relation between Cluster B personality symptoms and AUD through the stability of Year 1 AUD to Year 3 AUD. Results suggest that enhancement motives may be especially important in understanding the relation between Cluster B personality disorders and AUDs.
Semantic bookmarking for non-visual web access

Bookmarks are shortcuts that enable quick access of the desired Web content. They have become a standard feature in any browser and recent studies have shown that they can be very useful for non-visual Web access as well. Current bookmarking techniques in assistive Web browsers are rigidly tied to the structure of Web pages. Consequently they are susceptible to even slight changes in the structure of Web pages. In this paper we propose semantic bookmarking for non-visual Web access. With the help of an ontology that represents concepts in a domain, content in Web pages can be semantically associated with bookmarks. As long as these associations can be identified, semantic bookmarks are resilient in the face of structural changes to the Web page. The use of ontologies allows semantic bookmarks to span multiple Web sites covered by a common domain. This contributes to the ease of information retrieval and bookmark maintenance. In this paper we describe highly automated techniques for creating and retrieving semantic bookmarks. These techniques have been incorporated into an assistive Web browser. Preliminary experimental evidence suggests the effectiveness of semantic bookmarks for non-visual Web access.
Improving On‐time starts for patients scheduled with general anesthesia in a MRI suite

Summary Objective We applied quality improvement methodology to identify unnecessary, redundant parts of processes that can lead to delayed on-time starts for patients scheduled with general anesthesia (GA) in the radiology department. Aim To address the issue of delayed on-time starts by improving work flow for the first patient scheduled with GA. Background Unplanned imaging in a high-volume MRI suite can result in a significant ripple effect throughout the day. Delayed on-time starts can lead to patient, family, and staff dissatisfaction due to significant wait times. Materials and methods The team conducted a 5 month improvement project. Baseline data were obtained from pilot time studies allowed the team to identify reasons why the first case was not starting on time and to identify several key drivers to improve the process. Using the framework of small tests of change or the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, our key interventions primarily focused on standardizing the processes for completing the preimaging evaluation and for anesthesia induction. The primary objective measure of successful on-time start was defined as obtaining the first MRI image within 10 min of the scheduled start time, for the first patients of the day scheduled with GA. The secondary outcome measure was the extent of the delay quantified in minutes. Results Prior to the initiation of the project, only 36% of the first patients scheduled with GA each day met the primary objective measure. At the conclusion of the project 84% started on time. The secondary measure also showed significant improvement. Conclusions Process improvement projects in anesthesia can yield positive results, using small incremental standardized changes. We used a quality improvement methods to successfully improve on-time start for patients scheduled with GA in high-volume MRI suite.
Inka Settlement Planning

Inka Settlement Planning. John Hyslop. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1990. 377 pp. $30.00 (cloth). ISBN 0-292-73852-8.
The algebra of bounded holomorphic martingales

Abstract The algebra of bounded holomorphic martingales introduced by N. Th. Varopoulos (J. Funct. Anal., in press) is studied. In particular, it is shown that this is a logmodular algebra with a spectrum having no analytic structure.
Cystic fibrosis: in vivo reversal of the ciliostatic character of serum and parotid secretions by heparin.

THE oyster cilia inhibition test provides an assay system for the detection of a ciliostatic factor characteristically present in the serum of subjects with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their heterozygous (H) parents1–3. There is also evidence in sweat and saliva from subjects with CF of an abnormal factor which inhibits electrolyte transport4–5, but this may or may not be the same factor responsible for the rough-to-mucoid conversion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in which these microorganisms produce large amounts of extracellular mucopolysaccharide in the majority of CF subjects6–8.
Compatibility and commutativity in non-two-phase locking protocols

Research on concurrency control mechanisms for database systems has had as a primary goal the discovery of techniques for allowing increased levels of concurrent execution of transactions. In this paper, we study this problem in the context of non-two-phase locking protocols which are defined for data bases in which a directed acyclic graph structure is superimposed on the data items. We introduce a new lock mode, called INV, with properties fundamentally different from locking modes previously studied and show how this allows increased concurrency. Through the introduction of the INV mode of locking we have enunciated a new principle of the theory of data base concurrency control. This principle involves the separation of the effects of the commutativity and compatibility of data manipulation operations. We then examine how the introduction of such a lock mode affects the occurrence of deadlocks in a system. Certain conditions under which deadlock-freedom is maintained are identified, and simple methods for removing deadlocks in other situations are presented.
An Investigation of Abnormal Program Phenomena with S/D Junctions and Dopant Profiles for Sub-20 nm NAND Flash Memory Devices

In this paper, we discuss about the abnormal program phenomena of sub-20 nm NAND Flash memory devices based on floating gates. These phenomena are varied with the doping concentration and isolations. In sub-20 nm NAND technology, the optimized S/D junction and well-controlled dopant profiles under channel should be adopted to improve reliability characteristics.
Predator response to releases of American shad larvae in the Susquehanna River basin

— Predation on American shad (Alosa sapidissima) larvae within the first two hours of release was examined from 1989 to 1992 on 31 occasions at stocking sites in the Susquehanna River basin. Twenty-two fish species consumed shad larvae; the dominant predators were spotfin shiner (Cyprinella spiloptera), mimic shiner (Notropis volucellus) and juvenile smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu). The number of shad larvae found in predator stomachs ranged from 0 to 900. Mortality of shad larvae at the stocking site was usually less than 2%. The greatest mortality (9.6%) occurred at the highest stocking level (1.5 million larvae). Highly variable predation rates and release levels of shad insufficient to achieve predator satiation hindered the ability to determine a specific type of functional response of predators. Predator numbers increased with stocking density, indicating short-term aggregation at the release site. Because of practical problems associated with releasing the large numbers of larvae that would be required to satiate predators, routine stocking at these levels is probably unreasonable. Releases of 400,000 to 700,000 larvae may reduce predation by offsetting depensatory mechanisms that operate on small releases and the effects of increased predation due to predator aggregation on large releases. Night stocking may reduce predation on larval shad at the release site.