cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How to Speed Up Computations

In this chapter, we describe cases for which we can speed up computations. We start, in Sect. 3.1, with the case of fuzzy uncertainty under min t-norm, for which, as we mentioned in Chap. 1, data processing means using Zadeh’s extension principle, or, equivalently, interval computations on \(\alpha \)-cuts. In this case, processing different types of uncertainty separately can drastically speed up computations. For the important case of t-norms different from min, a similar speedup is described in Sect. 3.2. In Sect. 3.3, we describe a speedup for the case of probabilistic uncertainty. Finally, in Sect. 3.4, we speculate on the possibility of use quantum computing to further speed up data processing.
A Critical Race Perspective of Police Shooting of Unharmed Black Males in the United States: Implications for Social Work

Recent high-profile killings of unarmed Black males underscore a stark reality in America: though Black men have the same constitutional rights as all other citizens of the United States, in practice their rights are often violated. The negative stereotype that all Black males are criminals has created an environment that perpetuates the killing of unarmed Black males by police officers as justifiable self-defense. In this article, critical race theory (CRT) provides a theoretical lens to examine and understand the persistent racism underlying the social inequities that have been thrust upon Black males in the United States of America. The authors conclude with implications and recommendations for social work education.
An Investigation of Diamond Growth on Ferrous Metals

Abstract Continuous diamond films with good adhesion have been deposited on 304 stainless steel using the hot filament chemical vapor deposition method. The most serious problems for growing diamond films on ferrous metals are a long nucleation period, the catalytic effect of iron, and thermal expansion mismatch. In order to minimize these problems, an intermediate layer was used to improve diamond growth and low temperature deposition used to reduce the thermal expansion effect. The morphology and quality of the deposited films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. Pull-off adhesion tests showed that the intermediate layer was strongly bonded to both the steel substrate and diamond film.
The mucosal milieu creates tolerogenic dendritic cells and T(R)1 and T(H)3 regulatory cells.

Certain types of regulatory T cells are preferentially induced at mucosal surfaces to maintain tolerance. However, the mechanisms involved in their induction are unclear. New evidence suggests DCs orchestrate this mucosal tolerogenic immune response.
Environmental Music in a Hospital Setting: Considerations of Music Therapists and Performing Musicians

Abstract Background: This qualitative study explores the considerations of music therapists and musicians who provide environmental music therapy (EMT) and environmental music (EM) in hospital settings. EMT is an approach within the field of music therapy, utilized by trained, certified professionals who apply live music to address the physical, psychological, and cultural needs of patients, caregivers, and staff in the hospital environment. EM is defined as live music performed by musicians in public areas of hospitals typically on a volunteer basis. Both models might appear to be similar in actual presentation. However, the underlying differences warrant discussion. Objective: This study explores the similarities and differences between musicians and music therapists’ experiences of playing music within the sound environment of hospitals, and the unique considerations and impact their music conditions may have upon patients, and caregivers. Method: Interviews were conducted with 6 musicians providing EM and 5 music therapists providing EMT. Data were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. Results: Results suggest that music therapists and musicians consider their contributions to be beneficial to the hospital environment and to the emotional states of individuals, as well. Findings indicate that music therapists’ considerations are more goal-directed. Of the 11 participants- 5 were music therapists from urban hospital settings and 6 were performing musicians who were involved with community music programs. All of the interviewees expressed unique understanding of music’s value in medical settings, which can often be associated with anxiety and stress. Discussion includes considerations for collaborations between music therapists and musicians in the hospital setting inclusive of administrative understanding of the essential differences between music therapists and musicians. Keywords: music and medicine, music and health, environmental music, Environmental music therapy, community music, attunement, deep listening. multilingual abstract | mmd.iammonline.com
Bundled Payments in Otolaryngology: Early Lessons from Arkansas.

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 established value-based reimbursement as the new norm in health care. As part of this shift, public and private insurers have adopte...
A Randomized Study of Geriatric Assessment with Management (GAM) in Older Adults with Cancer.

10055Background: In older adults without cancer, GAM reduces adverse outcomes. This study‘s aim was to evaluate the feasibility and impact of incorporating GAM into the clinical care of older cance...
Sea bass (can't) smell trouble under elevated CO2

![Graphic][1] Elevated levels of dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2), such as those expected by the end of this century, have been shown to harm marine fish by affecting how they sense and interact with their environment, ultimately increasing their mortality. The sensory and behavioural changes
Probabilistic evaluation of the one-dimensional Brinson model’s sensitivity to uncertainty in input parameters

Brinson model is one of the most widely used shape memory alloy models due to its prediction power over a wide range of operating temperatures and inclusion of measurable engineering variables. The...
Impact of Hydroxyurea on Survival and Risk of Thrombosis Among Older Patients With Essential Thrombocythemia

ABSTRACTBackground: Current guidelines recommend hydroxyurea (HU) as frontline therapy for patients with high-risk essential thrombocythemia (ET) to prevent thrombosis. However, little is known about the impact of HU on thrombosis or survival among these patients in the real-world setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted of older adults (aged ≥66 years) diagnosed with ET from 2007 through 2013 using the linked SEER-Medicare database. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the effect of HU on overall survival, and multivariable competing risk models were used to assess the effect of HU on the occurrence of thrombotic events. RESULTS Of 1,010 patients, 745 (73.8%) received HU. Treatment with HU was associated with a significantly lower risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.43-0.64; P<.01). Every 10% increase in HU proportion of days covered was associated with a 12% decreased risk of death (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.86-0.91; P<.01). Compared with nonusers, HU users also had a significantly lower risk of thrombotic events (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.41-0.64; P<.01). CONCLUSIONS Although underused in our study population, HU was associated with a reduced incidence of thrombotic events and improved overall survival in older patients with ET.
To Be a (M)other: A Feminist Performative Autoethnography of Abortion:

This is an abortion story. A feminist story. A body story. An autoethnographic story. This is a story of learning how to story abortion in a culture unforgiving to abortion stories. A story of embo...
Testing a mobile app for child abuse treatment: A mixed methods study.

Abstract Objective This study provides a preliminary evaluation of the usability and acceptability of a mobile application (sexual assault care algorithm, SACA). Methods An explanatory sequential mixed methods research was used. A quantitative survey was followed up by a qualitative study. A convenience sample of participants (n = 4) was recruited. The research was conducted on a one-on-one basis. In the quantitative phase, a random assignment technique was used to divide four participants into two groups of two participants each. Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire(PSSUQ) and Acceptability e-Scale were used to collect quantitative data. In the qualitative phase, interview, observation, and documentation were used to collect qualitative data. Data were analyzed both quantitative and qualitatively. The qualitative data were linked with the initial quantitative data to determine how the follow-up qualitative data helped explain the initial quantitative results. Results The quantitative results suggested that SACA has high usability (5.05 ± 1.83) and acceptability (3.81 ± 1.22). The qualitative results further indicate that the participants thought SACA was easy to use and useful, and most of them would recommend it to others. Areas of improvement include adding features that would calculate and validate the elapsed time since the sexual assault, adding explanations to some buttons, and providing training. Conclusions Our findings highlight the value of using a mixed methods research design to conduct a usability and acceptability test. Nurses are more likely to adopt a new technology for their evidence-based practice when the technology is easy to use and useful and requires less time to find the right piece of guideline evidence. Individualized training needs to be designed based on users’ characteristics.
Food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition

Summary Food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms are responsible for more ill health than any other cause. Maternal and child undernutrition contributes to more than 10% of the world's disease burden. Undernutrition contributes up to 45% of preventable deaths among children under 5 years of age, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. The health consequences of overweight and obesity contribute to an estimated 4 million deaths (7.1% of all deaths) and 120 million healthy years of life lost. The global prevalence of severe food insecurity was 10.2% in 2017, affecting 770 million people. Food insecurity and malnutrition are caused by unequal and unjust distribution of nourishing food due to deficiencies in social, economic, political, and ecological systems. Organizations, politicians, and community leaders are demanding and promising transformative approaches to deep poverty and the climate and nature crises that cause malnutrition and hunger. Policies that protect basic human rights and rights of nature can create well-nourished resilient societies.
Carbonization of 3D printed polymer structures for CMOS-compatible electrochemical sensors

Carbon based electrodes suitable for integration with CMOS readout electronics are of great importance for a variety of emerging applications. In this study, we have looked into the prerequisites for the optimized pyrolytic conversion of 3D printed polymer microstructures and nanostructures with the goal of developing sensing electrodes for a lab-on-CMOS electrochemical system. As a result, we identified conditions for a sequence of anneals in oxidative and inert environments that yield carbonized structures on metallized substrates with improved shape retention, while also providing electrical insulation of the surrounding metal stack. We demonstrated that titanium metal layers can be conveniently used to form electrically insulating titanium oxide on the substrate outside the carbonized structures in a self-aligned fashion. However, significant shrinkage of polymer structures formed by 3D printing or stereolithography is inevitable during their pyrolysis. Furthermore, the catalytically active titanium oxide present during initial stages of carbonization leads to additional loss of carbon and significant artifacts in the resulting structures. To minimize these adverse effects of titanium oxide on the shape retention of the carbonized structures, we developed an optimized processing sequence. Various processing steps in this sequence were characterized in terms of their effects on titanium oxide growth and geometrical changes in the 3D printed structures, while impedance and Raman spectroscopy were performed to evaluate their degree of pyrolytic conversion and, therefore, potential for electrochemical sensing.
Organ Preservation in the Treatment of Stage II and III Rectal Cancer.

CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old man underwent colonoscopy to evaluate rectal bleeding and was found to have a low rectal mass. Biopsy revealed moderately differentiated microsatellite stable adenocarcinoma. The tumor was palpable at the fingertip in the anterior rectum with the inferior border 5 cm from the anal verge by rigid proctoscopy. CEA was 0.8 ng/mL. CT imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed no evidence of distant metastases. MRI confirmed a 5-cm mass with one 8-mm mesorectal lymph node metastasis and no extramural venous invasion. The tumor penetrated the mesorectal fat to a depth of 4 mm, and the circumferential margin was estimated to be 1 mm from the tumor (). He was presented at the multidisciplinary tumor board conference and interviewed and examined at the multidisciplinary clinic. He was dismayed at the prospect of his surgical options, a low anterior resection versus abdominoperineal resection, and wished to keep the options for organ preservation available. Standard long-course chemoradiation was initiated, with resolution of his bleeding after 2 weeks. He then completed 6 cycles of folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) chemotherapy (consolidation total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT)). The tumor was no longer palpable on office examination. A complete clinical response (cCR) was confirmed by flexible sigmoidoscopy () and MRI (). He was entered into the nonoperative management program with intense surveillance scheduling and has no evidence of recurrent disease almost 2 years after completion of TNT.
Commentary: Economics of Improving Practice

This article comments on contributions to this special issue of School Psychology Review that focus on using cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) to support decision making about implementation of evi...
Where Not to Eat? Improving Public Policy by Predicting Hygiene Inspections Using Online Reviews

This paper offers an approach for governments to harness the information contained in social media in order to make public inspections and disclosure more efficient. As a case study, we turn to restaurant hygiene inspections ‐ which are done for restaurants throughout the United States and in most of the world and are a frequently cited example of public inspections and disclosure. We present the first empirical study that shows the viability of statistical models that learn the mapping between textual signals in restaurant reviews and the hygiene inspection records from the Department of Public Health. The learned model achieves over 82% accuracy in discriminating severe offenders from places with no violation, and provides insights into salient cues in reviews that are indicative of the restaurant’s sanitary conditions. Our study suggests that public disclosure policy can be improved by mining public opinions from social media to target inspections and to provide alternative forms of disclosure to customers.
A proposed revision of the ACOEM Code of Ethics. American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

The 1993 revision of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) Code of Ethical Conduct is insufficiently demanding of physicians in important areas, such as conflicts of interest, reporting unethical or incompetent colleagues, and confidentiality of medical information. The International Commission on Occupational Health's International Code of Ethics, drafted for all occupational health professionals worldwide, does not apply well to American legal and economic relationships. The best way to revise the 1993 ACOEM Code is to incorporate key provisions of the Amen can Occupational Medical Association's 1976 Code. A proposed revised ACOEM Code is presented combining elements of the 1993 ACOEM and 1976 AOMA Codes. The resulting code is a clearer description of individual standards of conduct and group ideals.
A single institution experience with papillary thyroid cancer: Are outcomes better at comprehensive cancer centers?

Abstract Introduction Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common form of thyroid cancer. Although the survival rate is excellent, recurrence is as high as 20%. The mainstay of therapy is thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection based on risk factors. Data from other cancers suggest that surgical outcomes are most optimal at comprehensive cancer centers. We hypothesize that patients with PTC who had their initial operation at a comprehensive cancer center would have a better oncologic outcome. Methods We utilized an IRB-approved cancer care registry database of patients with thyroid cancer who were seen at our institution between 2000 and 2018. Patient records were updated with cancer-specific outcomes including recurrence and need for re-intervention. Clinical and surgical outcomes were then compared between patients who had their initial operation at a comprehensive cancer center (CCC group, n = 503) versus those who did not (non-CCC group, n = 72). Results Mean patient age was 49 ± 16 years and 70% were female. Average tumor size was 1.6 ± 1.6 cm. There was no difference in tumor size, age, gender or race between groups. Pre-operative ultrasound was more frequently performed at the CCC (89%) than at non-CCC’s (51%, p Conclusions Patients with PTC who have their initial thyroidectomy at non-CCC have higher recurrence rates, higher rates of positive tumor margins on pathology, and increased need for additional operations. These data suggest that patients who have their initial procedure at a CCC for PTC have better long-term outcomes.
Managing a Product Family Under Stochastic Technological Changes

This paper characterizes a decision framework by which a firm can manage generational product replacements under stochastic technological changes. First, we characterize an optimal threshold-based product replacement policy that maximizes the firm’s expected total profit for a finite planning horizon. With this policy, the firm should optimally replace its current product when the performance gap of the product is above a threshold. Upon each product replacement, we also show that the firm should adopt the latest technology for the new product. Second, using stochastic ordering concepts,we quantify the negative impact from the accelerated technological changes on the expected total profit. Finally, we provide an analytical example based on a consumer choice model and characterize a technology follower’s joint product replacement and pricing decisions upon the arrival of each innovation from a technology leader.
Autoimmune neuropathies

Autoimmune neuropathies are common and treatable disorders of the peripheral nerves, which should be properly recognized. This article discusses their diagnosis, differential diagnosis and proper treatment.
Broadband UV-Vis Frequency Combs from High-harmonic Generation in Quasi-phase-matched Waveguides

We report efficient, phase-coherent high-harmonic generation in chirped periodically poled lithium niobate waveguides pumped with a watt-scale 3 µm frequency comb. Simulations support a mechanism of cascaded quadratic nonlinearity and provide insight into spectral optimization.
Adult and pediatric emergency department visits for dermatological conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multicenter analysis

During the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, many emergency departments (EDs) across the United States experienced significant declines in patient volumes. The aim of this study was to quantify the degree to which COVID-19 impacted ED visits for adult and pediatric dermatologic conditions. A descriptive study was performed using TriNetX, a national federated real time database of 69 million records. Common dermatologic conditions were identified a priori via ICD-10 codes. The prevalence of adult and pediatric ED encounters (EDE) with each skin condition was assessed from 3/20/2020 to 3/19/2021 and compared to the preceding year. The number of EDE for any dermatological condition (ICD10: L00-L99) decreased 23% overall from 19,705 to 15,218 per 100,000 of all healthcare encounters (HCE). All dermatological disease categories assessed in both adult and pediatric patients showed a significant decrease in total EDE compared to the prior year. Diagnoses assessed included cellulitis (-38% and -53% for adult and pediatrics, respectively), other skin infections (-38%, -56%), bullous skin disorders (-46%, -53%), dermatitis/eczema (-40%, -61%), papulosquamous disorders (-35%, -64%), urticaria/erythema (-46%, -64%), radiation-related skin disorders (-44%, -38%), skin appendages disorders (-43%, -54%), and other skin disorders (-39%, -53%). Adult and pediatric ED visits for dermatological conditions significantly decreased during the pandemic compared to the prior year with decreases in pediatric ED visits being more notable. Further studies are necessary to determine if these patients received care in other settings (i.e. outpatient offices, telehealth), and associated outcomes. Future studies are also needed to examine the degree to which ED visits for dermatologic conditions resume and if COVID-19 has lasting impacts on the setting in which skin care is sought.
Memory impairment in alcohol use disorder is associated with regional frontal brain volumes.

Abstract Background Episodic memory deficits occur in alcohol use disorder (AUD), but their anatomical substrates remain in question. Although persistent memory impairment is classically associated with limbic circuitry disruption, learning and retrieval of new information also relies on frontal systems. Despite AUD vulnerability of frontal lobe integrity, relations between frontal regions and memory processes have been under-appreciated. Methods Participants included 91 AUD (49 with a drug diagnosis history) and 36 controls. Verbal and visual episodic memory scores were age- and education-corrected. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data yielded regional frontal lobe (precentral, superior, orbital, middle, inferior, supplemental motor, and medial) and total hippocampal volumes. Results AUD were impaired on all memory scores and had smaller precentral frontal and hippocampal volumes than controls. Orbital, superior, and inferior frontal volumes and lifetime alcohol consumption were independent predictors of episodic memory in AUD. Selectivity was established with a double dissociation, where orbital frontal volume predicted verbal but not visual memory, whereas inferior frontal volumes predicted visual but not verbal memory. Further, superior frontal volumes predicted verbal memory in AUD alone, whereas orbital frontal volumes predicted verbal memory in AUD+drug abuse history. Conclusions Selective relations among frontal subregions and episodic memory processes highlight the relevance of extra-limbic regions in mnemonic processes in AUD. Memory deficits resulting from frontal dysfunction, unlike the episodic memory impairment associated with limbic dysfunction, may be more amenable to recovery with cessation or reduction of alcohol misuse and may partially explain the heterogeneity in episodic memory abilities in AUD.
History of the Prevention of Maternal Mortality Network.

In these introductory remarks to a Prevention of Maternal Mortality (PMM) Network conference the author describes the following landmark publications and events: 1) the 1985 Rosenfield and Maine article that asked "where is the M [maternal] in MCH [maternal-child health]"; 2) the 1985 Harrison survey revealing the appalling degree of mortality associated with childbirth in Nigeria as well as the underlying sociocultural factors; 3) the 1987 Safe Motherhood Conference in Kenya; and 4) the Fathalla presentation at the 1986 World Health Organizations Safe Motherhood Conference entitled "Why did Mrs. X die?" Conclusions drawn from these publications and events were that 1) at least half a million women die each year of pregnancy-related causes; 2) the clinical causes of death are known and treatable; 3) popular simplistic approaches fail to reduce maternal mortality; and 4) knowledge-based science-based action is necessary. The PMM Network proposal to develop a maternal mortality research network in West Africa was credible and relied on multidisciplinary teams composed of an obstetrician a midwife a public health professional and a social scientist. The Network assumed that the timely provision of emergency obstetric care would reduce the maternal mortality rate in developing countries. The "M" in MCH that should have represented "maternal health" all too often represents maternal deaths missed opportunities muddled thinking mistaken priorities and messy organization of health services. The important difference between child and maternal health services is the absolutely necessity of providing emergency obstetric services through timely referrals provision of appropriate transportation and immediate care.
New shock detector for shock-boundary layer interaction

Standard compact scheme or upwind compact scheme have high order accuracy and high resolution, but cannot capture the shock which is a discontinuity. This work developed a modified compact scheme by an effective shock detector to block compact scheme to cross the shock, a control function, and an adaptive scheme which uses some WENO flux near the shock. The new scheme makes the original compact scheme able to capture the shock sharper than WENO and, more important, keep high order accuracy and high resolution in the smooth area which is particularly important for shock boundary layer interaction and shock acoustic interaction. The scheme is robust and has no case-related coefficients.
Stabilization of the cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 activator, p35, by paclitaxel decreases β‐amyloid toxicity in cortical neurons

One hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, aggregated paired helical filaments composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. Amyloid-beta (Abeta) induces tau hyperphosphorylation, decreases microtubule (MT) stability and induces neuronal death. MT stabilizing agents have been proposed as potential therapeutics that may minimize Abeta toxicity and here we report that paclitaxel (taxol) prevents cell death induced by Abeta peptides, inhibits Abeta-induced activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) and decreases tau hyperphosphorylation. Taxol did not inhibit cdk5 directly but significantly blocked Abeta-induced calpain activation and decreased formation of the cdk5 activator, p25, from p35. Taxol specifically inhibited the Abeta-induced activation of the cytosolic cdk5-p25 complex, but not the membrane-associated cdk5-p35 complex. MT-stabilization was necessary for neuroprotection and inhibition of cdk5 but was not sufficient to prevent cell death induced by overexpression of p25. As taxol is not permeable to the blood-brain barrier, we assessed the potential of taxanes to attenuate Abeta toxicity in adult animals using a succinylated taxol analog (TX67) permeable to the blood-brain barrier. TX67, but not taxol, attenuated the magnitude of both basal and Abeta-induced cdk5 activation in acutely dissociated cortical cultures prepared from drug treated adult mice. These results suggest that MT-stabilizing agents may provide a therapeutic approach to decrease Abeta toxicity and neurofibrillary pathology in AD and other tauopathies.
Agents in the World of Active Web-Services

Agents, as well as many other technologies around the semantic web, have shown an increased maturity through standards and open-source. These improvements have been very self-centered and led to the creation of silos. Time has come to integrate these improvements into an ecosystem, bringing a larger picture towards active web-services, that is capable of serving each individual user personally. This article presents these evolutions, positions agents, and introduces the open testbed of this ecosystem currently in construction under the auspices of Agentcities.
Computing Crime: Information Technology, Police Eectiveness, and the Organization of Policing

How does information technology (IT) aect the organization of police work? How does it in turn aect police crime-fighting eectiveness? To answer these questions, we construct a new panel data set of police departments covering 1987-2003. We find that while IT adoption had substantial eects on a wide range of police organizational practices, it had, by itself, a negligible impact on crime-fighting eectiveness. These results are robust to various methods for controlling for agency-level characteristics and the endogeneity of IT use. We then suggest and test two explanations for this puzzle. First, we demonstrate that use of a particular technology, computerized record-keeping, increased recorded crime rates. Second, we provide evidence that IT investments only had a substantial impact on crime clearance rates and crime rates when undertaken as part of a broad set of complementary organizational practices such as those in the Compstat program.
Improvability analysis of a machining transfer line: an application

Improvability properties of a machining transfer line consisting of eight operations connected by a conveyer material handling system are considered. It is shown that, as is, the line produces at a rate substantially lower than the slowest machine in isolation. Improvability with respect to work-in-process and machine efficiency is analysed and it is shown that the production rate of the system can be increased by almost 70%. >
The role of orthotics in the rehabilitation of patients with fracture of the calcaneum

In the author’s study there was a relationship p“ between fractures involving the calcaneocuboid joint and protracted rehabilitation, an increased frequency of prescription of orthopaedic shoes and the size of the pension awarded. Although fractures with involvement of the midtarsal joint are usually mentioned in planning treatment, the late s quelae are barely discussed in the literatur Mattel’s (1983) investigation on %$treatment and rehabilitation of patients with fractures of the calcaneum consisted of a review of 111 cases which by the very nature of the clinic (Bellikon, Switzerland) was pre-selected. It is therefore clearly of interest to compare the results of this study with a randomly selected group of patients; specifically to compare the results in patients with a fracture of the calcaneum involving the midtarsal joint with those without involvement of the midtarsal joint. As an
edTPA: You, Too, Shall Pass

EdTPA was more than an assessment of teacher preparedness. It was more than a reflective writing task. It was a measurement of one’s own sanity and will to reach the light at the end of a tremendously redundant tunnel.
Exercise capacity of hemodialysis patients following recombinant human erythropoietin treatment

The purpose of this study was to determine if correction of anemia by recombinant human erythropoietin (r‐HuEPO) treatment would improve the exercise capacity of patients maintained on chronic hemodialysis. Eleven patients (age, 55 ± 13 years) underwent a modified Balke treadmill test before and after r‐HuEPO treatment. A small but significant (p ≤0.05) increase in hematocrit (Hct; 26.7 ± 3% to 34.3 ± 0%) and hemoglobin (Hb; 8.8 ± 0.9 to 11.2 ± 0.8 mg·dl−1) was observed following treatment. No significant change was observed in either submaximal mean arterial pressure or heart rate (HR) at a defined work rate. Although all subjects subjectively reported (verbally) that they felt better, no statistically significant increase was noted in peak oxygen uptake (1078 ± 201 to 1090 ± 234 ml·min−1) or total test time (11.4 ± 4 to 12.2 ± 5 min). No significant change was seen in peak HR (143 ± 15 to 137 ± 21 beats/min) or peak ventilation (46 ± 16 to 48 ± 13 L·min−1). Our results differ from those of previous stud...
Standing Wave Annealing Technique: For the Design and Optimization of Nonlinear Simulated Moving Bed Systems with Significant Mass-Transfer Effects

This paper introduces a flexible and computationally efficient technique for the optimization of nonlinear simulated moving bed (SMB) systems with significant mass-transfer effects. The efficiency results from a combination of standing wave design equations (SWD), with a stochastic optimization algorithm, simulated annealing. Standing wave annealing technique (SWAT) extends the applicability of the SWD to the simultaneous optimization of a large number of variables that include material parameters. Several interrelated issues regarding the design of an SMB system are addressed through an example, the resolution of racemic mixtures of FTC-esters. Models containing 16, 18, and 19 decision variables are considered in terms of two alternative objectives: maximum productivity or minimum purification cost. SWAT's computational efficiency (each optimization takes minutes rather than hours or days) helps identify the important role that maximum operating pressure plays in determining the economical design of an ...
A low bioimpedance phase angle predicts a higher mortality and lower nutritional status in chronic dialysis patients

Bioelectrical impedance analysis is an established technique for body composition analysis. The phase angle parameter, an index of body cell mass, tissue hydration, and membrane integrity, makes it suitable for assessing nutritional status and survivability. We evaluated the significance of a low phase angle value on nutritional status and mortality in 285 chronic dialysis patients during a longitudinal prospective observational study. Patients in the lower phase angle tertile had decreased body weight, body mass index, fat free mass, body cell mass, and lower serum albumin concentrations than those in the higher tertile (P<001). In addition, mortality rates were significantly lower (P=0.05) in the highest tertile patients. In conclusion, the phase angle is a useful method for identifying dialysis patients at high risk for malnutrition and increased mortality.
Estimation of the dominant degrees of freedom for air pollutant concentration data: Applications to ozone measurements

A nonlinear dynamic analysis of air quality data has been performed and applied to a time series of ozone concentration data from the Cincinnati air shed. The analysis helped to identify the nature of the dynamics of the ozone concentrations and determine the number of degrees of freedom or dimensionality of the system. Results indicated that the dimensionality of the system was 3, indicating that there are three dominant variables affecting ozone concentration levels in the Cincinnati air shed. Statistical analysis was performed to infer that NO was correlated to ozone concentration levels.
Multicomponent Photochemical Studies by Rapid Scanning Fluorescence Spectroscopy

A novel technique for initiating and probing photochemical reactions is described. The technique involves the use of a video fluorometer for polychromatic sample illumination. This polychromatic illumination provides the energy for photo-induction of the monitored reaction as well as a method for simultaneously monitoring the excitation and emission spectra of all fluorescing species in the reaction. The advantages of this multicomponent approach are discussed using the photo-induced reactions of anthracene in polychlorinated alkanes as an example.
Production of232Pa from thorium

A procedure is described for the accelerator production of232Pa and its isolation in radiochemically pure form, suitable for isotope tracing of protactinium/thorium chemical separations.
Corrosion behavior of cast and forged cobalt-based alloys for double-alloy joint endoprostheses†

An ideal combination of mechanical and corrosion properties of long-term implants such as joint endoprostheses has yet to be found. Besides being resistant to pitting and crevice attack, which can lead to corrosion fatigue and stress corrosion cracking failures, the implant material must be highly resistant to wear and abrasion. Two cobalt-based alloys, wrought CoNiMoTi and air-cast CoCrMo, were subjected to a number of selected in vitro electrochemically and chemically accelerated corrosion tests in chloride-containing solutions with wrought AISI-316L used as a reference alloy. A limited number of immersion tests in FeCl3 and acidified FeCl3 solutions were also conducted. It is found that the mechanical properties of wrought CoNiCrMoTi alloy qualify it as a substitute for cast CoCrMo alloy and wrought AISI-316L in anchorage shaft production for all types of joint endoprostheses. Wrought CoNiCrMoTi has a higher resistance to fatigue cracking compared with cast CoCrMo and is as resistant to selective corrosion phenomena such as stress corrosion cracking.
A developmental study of the Bonner Foundation's scholarship recipients: Impact of a four-year, cocurricular service-learning model

Preliminary research findings indicate that a four-year, cocurricular service-learning model supports an exemplary group of low-income students in sustaining and deepening their commitments to service. It also provides skills germane to life success as well as unique opportunities for experience and reflection.
Phase equilibria in the system CO2-H2O I: New equilibrium relations at low temperatures

Abstract Graphical analysis of free-energy relationships involving binary quadruple points and their associated univariant equilibria in the system CO 2 -H 2 O suggests the presence of at least 2 previously unrecognized quadruple points and a degenerate binary invariant point involving an azeotrope between CO 2 -rich gas and liquid. Thermodynamic data extracted from the equilibrium involving clathrate (hydrate), gas, and ice (H = G+I) are employed along with published data to calculate the P-T range of the 3-ice equilibrium curve, S+I = H, where S is solid CO 2 . This equilibrium curve intersects the H = G+I curve approximately where the latter curve intersects the S+H = G curve, thus confirming the existence of one of the inferred quadruple points involving the phases S, G, H, and I. Recognition of some binary equilibria probably have been hampered by extremely low mutual solubilities of CO 2 and H 2 O in the fluids phases which, for example, render the S+H = G virtually indistinguishable from the CO 2 -sublimation curve. To make the published portion of the L(liquid CO 2 )-G-H equilibrium “connect” with the other new quadruple point involving S, L, G, and H, it is necessary to change the sense of the equilibrium from L = G+H at higher pressures to L+H = G at lower pressures by positing a L = G azeotrope at very low concentrations of H 2 O. At the low-pressure origin of the azeotrope, which is only a few bars above the CO 2 -triple point, the azeotrope curve intersects the 3-phase curve tangentially, creating a degenerate invariant point at which the 3-phase equilibrium changes from L+H = G at lower pressures to L = G+H at higher pressures. The azeotrope curve is offset at slightly lower temperature from the L = G+H curve until the 3-phase equilibrium terminates at the quadruple point involving G, L, H, and W (water). With further increase in pressure the azeotrope curve tracks the L = G+W equilibrium and apparently terminates at a critical end point in close proximity to critical endpoints for the CO 2 -saturation curve and the L = G+W curve. Thermodynamic data for clathrate extracted from the slope of the H = G+I curve are consistent with a solid-state phase transformation in CO 2 -clathrate between 235 and 255 K. Published work shows that the type-I clathrate phase, whose atomic structure is a framework of water molecules with CO 2 molecules situated in large “guest” sites within the framework, is variable in composition with ∼1 guest site vacancy per unit cell at the high-temperature limit of its stability; the number of water molecules, however, remains constant. The formula (CO 2 ) 8-y ·46H 2 O, where y is the number of vacancies per unit cell, is in keeping with the atomic structure, whereas the traditional formula, CO 2 ·nH 2 O, where n (hydration number) = 5.75, is misleading. Ambient P-T conditions in the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are compatible with sequestering large amounts of carbon as liquid CO 2 and/or clathrate.
BRAIN SPECIFIC CREATINE KINASE IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH SHORT-TERM NEUROLOGICAL OUTCOME IN VLBW INFANTS

Perinatal asphyxia and intracranial hemorrhage are known to be major determinants of neurodevelopmental outcome in VLBW neonates, but specific and accurate predictors are not well established. Recent investigations have indicated that serum creatine kinase isoenzyme BB (CK-BB) levels are associated with outcome.
The Graduate Teaching Academy: Implementing graduate learning communities

The graduate teaching academy at Texas A&M University has provided a graduate student learning community across all academic disciplines focused on preparing students for future faculty positions. PhD candidates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics constitute the majority of program participants. Participation statistics and surveys during the 2005, 2006, and 2007 academic years indicate that program participation has doubled and student retention has improved based on the establishment of learning community groups led by experienced graduate students in the early stages of each program cycle. Senior graduate students in the second level learning community plan, implement, and assess the overall program as an academic unit and participate in center for teaching excellence programs, courses offered through the center for the integration of research, teaching, and learning network, and teaching as research projects with faculty mentors.
Production of heteropolymeric polyhydroxyalkanoate in Eschericha coli from a single carbon source

Poly[beta-hydroxybutyrate-co-beta-hydroxyvalerate] co-polymer, PHBV, is a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) that has greater utility as a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester than poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate, PHB. In order to produce PHBV, a system of pathways is required to produce both hydroxybutyrate (HB) and hydroxyvalerate (HV) monomers from the sources of carbon. A working model for conversion of glucose to PHBV via acetyl- and propionyl-coenzyme A was constructed by expressing the PHA biosynthesis genes from Alcaligenes eutrophus in Escherichia coli strain K-12 under novel growth conditions. When 1 mM valine was added to 1% glucose medium, growth ceased and up to 2.5% of the incorporated monomers were HV; up to 4% were HV when 1 mM threonine was added as well. Threonine dehydratase (TD) converts threonine to alpha-ketobutyrate; TD is required for HV to be incorporated into PHA unless its transaminated reaction product, alpha-aminobutyrate, is added to the medium. Intracellular alpha-ketobutyrate accumulates when valine is added to the medium because valine, which cannot be metabolized to HV by E. coli strain K-12, stimulates TD and inhibits acetolactate synthase. In turn, alpha-ketobutyrate is converted to propionyl-CoA by the E. coli pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. This constitutes a defined system of pathways for synthesis of a heteropolymeric PHA from a single carbon source, which in the future could be transferred to other organisms including plants.
Use of medications to reduce cardiovascular risk among individuals with psychotic disorders and Type 2 diabetes

Abstract Objective Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with serious mental illness (SMI) and in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Inadequate pharmacologic care for CVD may partially explain poor health outcomes in individuals with both conditions. We sought to identify patients in this group at greatest risk for suboptimal pharmacologic management. Methods Among individuals with Type 2 diabetes and SMI identified from Maryland Medicaid data, we evaluated patient and service utilization factors associated with the prescription of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (“statins”) for hyperlipidemia and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. Results From 2001 to 2003, the annual prevalence of use of statins and ACE-inhibitors/ARBs ranged from 44 to 59%, with rates increasing each year. Being female, having certain cardiovascular conditions, and having a greater number of outpatient visits for diabetes increased the odds of receiving statins and ACE-inhibitors/ARBs. More frequent contact with the mental health system was associated with a lower likelihood of receipt of both medication classes; having a substance use disorder was associated with reduced use of statins. African-Americans were less likely than Caucasians to receive statins, but more likely to receive prescriptions for ACE-inhibitors/ARBs. Conclusions Although the use of cardioprotective medications in individuals with Type 2 diabetes and SMI increased over the study period, a considerable proportion of patients remained inadequately managed despite their considerable cardiac risk. Further study should focus on observed racial variations and strategies to increase the capacity of mental health contacts to improve prescribing of these agents.
Rapid On-Site Evaluation of Endoscopic Ultrasound Core Biopsy Specimens Has Excellent Specificity and Positive Predictive Value for Gastrointestinal Lesions

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a safe and effective way to sample lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. Rapid on-site specimen evaluation (ROSE) improves the accuracy of EUS–FNA. While data suggests that EUS with fine-needle biopsy (EUS–FNB) is effective, it remains unclear if ROSE is predictive of a final diagnosis when obtaining core specimens. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of ROSE in achieving a final diagnosis for EUS–FNB core specimens. We evaluated 60 consecutive patients referred for EUS guided sampling of lesions within or adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract. All patients underwent EUS–FNB to evaluate the additive value of ROSE to the diagnostic accuracy of specimens obtained using a core biopsy needle. EUS–FNA was also performed in a majority of cases. EUS–FNB was feasible in all 60 cases; on-site specimen adequacy and final diagnostic accuracy was 58 % [95 % confidence intervals (CI) 45.1–71.2] and 83 % (95 % CI 71.9–91.5), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value of ROSE for core biopsies were 65, 100, 100, and 39 %, respectively. On-site adequacy and diagnostic accuracy for EUS–FNA was 38 % (95 % CI 22.2–53.5) and 63 % (95 % CI 50.1–75.8), respectively. There were no significant complications. EUS–FNB is safe, feasible, and effective. ROSE of the core biopsy provides excellent PPV; however, an inadequate ROSE appears to be of limited value. Further prospective studies are needed to assess the optimal handling and onsite processing of core specimens to determine whether ROSE is beneficial for EUS–FNB.