cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A side-by-side comparison of three allergen sampling methods in settled house dust

Understanding allergen exposure and potential relationships with asthma requires allergen sampling methods, but methods have yet to be standardized. We compared allergen measurements from dust collected from 200 households with asthmatics and conducted a side-by-side vacuum sampling of settled dust in each home's kitchen, living room and subject's bedroom by three methods (EMM, HVS4 and AIHA). Each sample was analyzed for dust mite, cockroach, mouse, rat, cat and dog allergens. The number of samples with sufficient dust mass for allergen analysis was significantly higher for Eureka Mighty Mite (EMM) and high volume small surface sampler (HVS4) compared with American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) in all rooms and surfaces tested (all P<0.05). The allergen concentration (weight of allergen divided by total weight of dust sampled) measured by the EMM and HVS4 methods was higher than that measured by the AIHA. Allergen loadings (weight of allergen divided by surface area sampled) were significantly higher for HVS4 than for AIHA and EMM. Cockroach and rat allergens were rarely detected via any method. The EMM method is most likely to collect sufficient dust from surfaces in the home and is relatively practical and easy. The AIHA and HVS4 methods suffer from insufficient dust collection and/or difficulty in use.
A parallel algorithm for exact solution of linear equations via congruence technique

Abstract We present a parallel algorithm for computing the exact solution of a system of linear equations via the congruence technique. The basic idea of the technique is to convert the original system of equations into a system of congruences modulo various primes, and combine the solutions by the application of the Chinese remainder theorem. The parallel congruence algorithm proposed in this paper requires only local communication among the processors and is particularly suitable for implementation on distributed-memory multiprocessors and systolic computing systems. We have implemented the parallel congruence algorithm on an Intel cube and obtained an efficiency of greater than 90%.
Fast turn-on characteristics of tungsten-based dispenser cathodes following gas exposures

Abstract The problems associated with the reactivation following shelf storage of different types of tungsten-based dispenser cathodes have been investigated. Reactivation times were found to be severely limited by repoisoning processes, which have been isolated and identified. Data are presented, indicating the finite times (in the absence of repoisoning), which are required to reactivate the cathodes following exposure to various gases. Of the gases studied, exposure to oxygen and water vapour caused the slowest reactivations. Water vapour was the component of the vacuum system ambient responsible for the poisoning caused by exposure to the ambient. Following exposure to each of the gases studied, the “M” type cathode reactivated slower than the “B” type cathode. The results have shown that both the choice of cathode and the design of the microwave tube are important if a fast turn-on following shelf storage is to be achieved.
The Szilard-Chalmers effect in solid-state systems containing octa-μ3-chloro-octahedro-hexamolybdenum(II) clusters

Abstract The Szilard-Chalmers effect for the 99 Mo radioisotope was measured for various systems containing the Mo 6 Cl 8 4+ cluster. Chromatrographic sepaations have indicated the production of four chemical species although the major component recovered was molybdate(VI). Retention as the target cluster was determined by recrystallization to constant specific activity. Retention was only 0.63% for an aqueous solution of (Mo 6 Cl 8 )Cl 6 2− in 1.5 . M HCl. Retention in solid-state systems was inversely dependent upon the degree of hydration and appeared to be inhibited somewhat by air. Thermal annealing of irradiated samples gave marginally measurable increases in retention up to temperatures where some decomposition of the compounds occurred.
Characterization of Corneal Keratocyte Morphology and Mechanical Activity within 3-D Collagen Matrices

The purpose of this study was to assess quantitatively the differences in morphology, cytoskeletal organization and mechanical behavior between quiescent corneal keratocytes and activated fibroblasts in a 3-D culture model. Primary cultures of rabbit corneal keratocytes and fibroblasts were plated inside type I collagen matrices in serum-free media or 10% FBS, and allowed to spread for 1-5 days. Following F-actin labeling using phalloidin, and immunolabeling of tubulin, alpha-smooth muscle actin or connexin 43, fluorescent and reflected light (for collagen fibrils) 3-D optical section images were acquired using laser confocal microscopy. In other experiments, dynamic imaging was performed using differential interference contrast microscopy, and finite element modeling was used to map ECM deformations. Corneal keratocytes developed a stellate morphology with numerous cell processes that ran a tortuous path between and along collagen fibrils without any apparent impact on their alignment. Fibroblasts on the other hand, had a more bipolar morphology with pseudopodial processes (P </= 0.001). Time-lapse imaging of keratocytes revealed occasional extension and retraction of dendritic processes with only transient displacements of collagen fibrils, whereas fibroblasts exerted stronger myosin II-dependent contractile forces (P < 0.01), causing increased compaction and alignment of collagen at the ends of the pseudopodia (P < 0.001). At high cell density, both keratocytes and fibroblasts appeared to form a 3-D network connected via gap junctions. Overall, this experimental model provides a unique platform for quantitative investigation of the morphological, cytoskeletal and contractile behavior of corneal keratocytes (i.e. their mechanical phenotype) in a 3-D microenvironment.
Evidence for a new class of solids. First-principles study of K(Al13)

Abstract The stability of the crystalline phase of a cluster-assembled solid K(Al 13 ) has been investigated using first-principles total energy calculations. We find that K(Al 13 ) may form in the CsCl structure with a lattice constant of 6.52 A. Unlike the gas phase, in which the ground state of the Al 13 cluster is icosahedral, the Al 13 becomes cuboctahedral in the solid phase due to crystal field effects. The system is metallic and is stable against lattice distortions. The calculations suggest that a new metastable solid could be made from two immiscible elements through specially designed synthesis processes.
BN-tools: a software toolkit for experimentation in BBNs

In this paper, I describe BN-Tools, an open-source, Java-based library for experimental research in Bayesian belief networks (BBNs) that implements several popular algorithms for estimation (approximate inference) and learning along with a graphical user interface for interactive display and editing of graphical models.
Maize Stover and Cob Cell Wall Composition and Ethanol Potential as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilization

Maize (Zea mays L.) stover and cobs are potential feedstock sources for cellulosic ethanol production. Nitrogen (N) fertilization is an important management decision that influences cellulosic biomass and grain production, but its effect on cell wall composition and subsequent cellulosic ethanol production is not known. The objectives of this study were to quantify the responses of maize stover (leaves, stalks, husks, and tassel) and cob cell wall composition and theoretical ethanol yield potential to N fertilization across a range of sites. Field experiments were conducted at rainfed and irrigated sites in Minnesota, USA, over a 2-year period. Stover cell wall polysaccharides, pentose sugar concentration, and theoretical ethanol yield decreased as N fertilization increased. Stover Klason lignin increased with N fertilization at all sites. Cob cell wall composition was less sensitive to N fertilization, as only pentose and Klason lignin decreased with N fertilization at two and one site(s), respectively, and hexose increased with N fertilization at one of eight sites. Cob theoretical ethanol yield was not affected by N fertilization at any site. These results indicate variation in stover cellulosic ethanol production is possible as a result of N management. This study also demonstrated that cell wall composition and subsequent theoretical ethanol yield of maize cobs are generally more stable than those with stover because of overall less sensitivity to N management.
An Experimental and Computational Study of Sulfur-Modified Nucleophilicity in a Dianionic NiN2S2 Complex

The dianionic NiN2S2 complex, Ni(ema)2-, ema = N,N‘-ethylenebis-2-mercaptoacetamide, known as a reasonable model of the tripeptide complex Ni(CGC)2- (C = cysteine; G = glycine) with respect to the two carboxyamido nitrogens and cis-dithiolates in a (N2S2)4- ligand scaffold as found in acetyl CoA synthase, has been explored for S-based reactivity toward oxygenation and alkylation. The isolation and structural characterization of a sulfinato species, [Et4N]2[Ni(ema)·O2], prepared through a unique direct reaction of molecular O2 with crystalline [Et4N]2[Ni(ema)] is described. Reaction of [Et4N]2[Ni(ema)] with Br(CH2)3Br yields a neutral N2S2 macrocyclic complex shown by DFT computations and electrostatic-potential mapping to be opposite in electron distribution from the neutral NiN2S2 complexes in which the anionic charge is localized on sulfur.
Aluminum hydrolysis constants to 250°C from boehmite solubility measurements

Abstract Boehmite solubilities were measured at 150, 200, and 250°C at pH values from 1 to 10 at 100 bars total pressure and used to determine the stability constants for the mononuclear aluminum hydroxide complexes (Al(OH)2+, Al(OH)2+, Al(OH)30, Al(OH)4−),and the solubility product of boehmite. Buffer solutions of HCl-KCl, acetic acid-sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate-carbonic acid, and boric acid-potassium hydroxide were used to control pH. Our solubility data are in good agreement with boehmite solubility measurements in perchloric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions reported by Kuyunko et al. (1983). The stability constants for the aluminum hydroxide species were determined from the solubility data using a Ridge regression technique. The results indicate that aluminum ion hydrolysis becomes stronger at higher temperatures, and the stability field of the neutral complex Al(OH)30 becomes larger. The results are used to provide a set of equilibrium constants for aluminum hydroxide complex formation and boehmite hydrolysis from 0–300°C.
Diabetic β Cells: To Be or Not To Be?

β cell dysfunction with subsequent apoptosis is considered a significant contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes. Emerging data from Talchai et al. suggest β cell dedifferentiation as an alternative mechanism of insulin insufficiency that might be more amenable to intervention in at least a subset of patients.
Influence of cisplatin and doxorubicin on 125I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine uptake in human neuroblastoma cell lines.

The combination of 131I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) with chemotherapy has recently been employed in the treatment of advanced stage neuroblastoma with encouraging results. However, the mechanisms underlying the interaction between these two different modalities of treatment have not yet been explored. In this study, human neuroblastoma cell lines pretreatment with cisplatin and doxorubicin increased cellular 125I-MIBG accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis showed that increased 125I-MIBG accumulation correlated with the drug-induced G2/M phase block. Northern blot analysis demonstrated an increase in gene expression of the noradrenaline transporter induced by doxorubicin, but not by cisplatin treatment. Increased 125I-MIBG accumulation was also observed in murine xenografts of the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-DZ or BE(2)M17 treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with cisplatin or doxorubicin, respectively. These results suggest that the combination of 131I-MIBG and these drugs could selectively increase radiation doses delivered to neuroblastomas.
Dopaminergic supersensitivity at distant sites following induced epileptic foci

Abstract Injection of ferric chloride (FeCl 3 ) into the left amygdaloid nucleus of the rat produced partial complex seizures. Subsequent repeated apomorphine challenges revealed steady development of behavioral dopaminergic supersensitivity, above that observed in saline-injected controls. The behavioral supersensitibity observed in FeCl 3 -injected animals was accompanied by increases in 3 H-spiroperidol binding in contralateral amygdala, striatum and ipsilateral nucleus accumbens. In contrast, saline-injected controls demonstrated bilateral decreases in 3 H-spiroperidol binding in amygdala and striatum. The effects of FeCl 3 injection on the behavioral dopaminergic supersensitivity and 3 H-spiroperidol binding were eliminated when the anterior commissure was severed.
Aging, Reaction Time, and Stages of Information Processing

Using Sternberg's (1969) Additive Factors Method (AFM), previous investigations in search of the locus of age-related slowing in reactive capacity have found conflicting results possibly due to inconsistencies in research methodologies. This experiment was conducted to examine age differences in the performance of AFM intratask manipulations of a reaction time task using both fixed and variable foreperiod conditions with subject testing at both naive and practiced skill levels. Twenty male subjects, ten young and ten old, performed a visual four-choice RT task with intratask manipulations of stimulus-degradation, stimulus-response compatibility, and response-stimulus intervals (RSIs were fixed at 0, 2, and 5 sec and variable with random presentations at 0, 2, and 5 sec), once when subjects were naive and again when practiced. The results varied by level of practice and RSI, but clearly the older subjects had difficulty with the intratask manipulations. The older subjects took twice as long, on the average...
Community-Supported Agriculture in the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina: Demographics and Effects of Membership on Household Food Supply and Diet

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is relatively new in North Carolina and growing rapidly with approximately 60 CSA farms. CSA members belonging to 5 farms in the Research Triangle (central) region of North Carolina were administered a survey instrument designed to collect data in the following areas: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) how members first learned about their CSA and reasons for joining, (3) the different sources from which fruit and vegetables enter the household, (4) outcomes and utilization of their weekly CSA share, and (5) fruit and vegetable consumption. The survey was distributed to 448 members of 5 CSA farms during the 2007 season and a non-CSA control group (n = 97); 210 CSA member surveys were completed and analyzed. Findings indicated that CSA members tend to be Caucasian, middle-aged, married, economically secure, and highly educated. The primary ways consumers heard of their CSAs were friends/acquaintances and the Internet/CSA Web sites. Additionally, members cited support...
Critical opalescence in ammonium chloride

Abstract From Lazay's measurements it is inferred that edge dislocations control the development of domains above 242°K, while point defects govern domain growth at lower temperatures.
Langevin equation with stochastic damping - Possible application to critical binary fluid

We solve the familiar Langevin equation with stochastic damping to represent the motion of a Brownian particle in a fluctuating medium. A connection between the damping and the random driving forces is proposed which preserves quite generally the Einstein relation between the diffusion and mobility coefficients. We present an application to the case of a Brownian particle in a critical binary mixture.
The inflammatory tissue microenvironment in IBD.

A current view of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) includes the luminal triggering of innate immune disease in a genetically susceptible host. Given the unique anatomy and complex environment of the intestine, local microenvironmental cues likely contribute significantly to both disease progression and resolution in IBD. Compartmentalized tissue and microbe populations within the intestine result in significant metabolic shifts within these tissue microenvironments. During active inflammatory disease, metabolic demands often exceed supply, resulting in localized areas of metabolic stress and diminished oxygen delivery (hypoxia). There is much recent interest in harnessing these microenvironmental changes to the benefit of the tissue, including targeting these pathways for therapy of IBD. Here, we review the current understanding of metabolic microenvironments within the intestine in IBD, with discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of targeting these pathways to treat patients with IBD.
Non-radiative decay lifetime standards

Abstract A set of simple, convenient non-radiative decay standards based on heat deposited in the quenching of the benzophenone triplet by KI in solution have been developed. A broad band piezo film (PVF 2 ) transducer was used to measure the energies and lifetimes of benzophenone triplet in the presence of KI. The Stern-Volmer plot for the quenching of benzophenone triplet by KI is linear from a few microseconds to 3 ns, indicating that the lifetime can be accurately computed from KI concentration in a solution. It is also found that more than 97% of the energy released from the excited benzophenone is in the form of heat.
Implementation of insulin infusion guidelines in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Hyperglycemia is common in very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants. The frequency of hyperglycemia is inversely proportional to birth weight and ranges from 2% in infants greater than 2000 g to 60–80% in infants less than 750 g.[1][1] Factors that influence the occurrence of hyperglycemia include
Central Bank Independence, Inflation and Uncertainty: The Case of Colombia

Colombia undertook reform of its central bank in 1991, pushing it in the direction of greater independence. We find that this reform led to a significant decrease in the level of inflation, as well as inflation uncertainty, suggesting an increase in credibility. However, there has also been an increase in inflation persistence since reform. The lower mean but greater persistence of inflation indicates that central bank independence has shifted the Phillips curve inward but also flattened it, a result consistent with recent research for the Euro-zone and the United States. Finally, further analysis reveals that, in accordance with the Friedman-Ball hypothesis, higher inflation raises uncertainty in Colombia, but that uncertainty does not increase inflation.
A randomized trial of platelet transfusions over 30 vs 120 minutes: is there an effect on post-transfusion platelet counts?

To determine whether platelet infusion time affects platelet counts in thrombocytopenic newborns. This was a prospective randomized control study of 43 platelet transfusions given to newborns. Transfusions were randomized to run over either 30 min or 2 h. Platelet counts taken 30 min and 6 h after transfusion were compared using parametric, nonparametric, Pearson’s correlation and logistic regression. Changes in platelet counts 30 min and 6 h after transfusion were not different between the groups. Weak but significant negative correlations existed between postmenstrual age and change in platelet count at 30 min (r=−0.33, P=0.04) and 6 h (r=−0.37, P=0.018) after transfusion. There were no differences between the mean blood pressures before and after transfusion in either group. Transfusion duration does not affect post-transfusion platelet counts in newborns. Babies of lower postmenstrual age (PMA) may have better responses to platelet transfusions. Finally, platelet transfusions over both durations are well tolerated in neonates.
Hydrogenase and NADP-reduction reactions by a cell-free preparation of Anabaena cylindrica

Abstract Subcellular preparations which retained activities of hydrogenase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) photoreduction and 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP) Hill reaction were obtained from Anabaena cylindrica . The hydrogenase bound in the subcellular preparation reduced not only redox dyes in a manner similar to that of the solubilized enzyme obtained from acetone-dried cells but also those coupled with a NADP-reducing system retained in the same preparation. NADP reduction by the hydrogenase reaction was stimulated by addition of ferredoxin, but the NADP photoreduction was not affected by exogenous ferredoxin under the same condition, suggesting some differences in the mechanism of the redox reaction between hydrogenase and ferredoxin from that of the redox reaction between the photochemical system and ferredoxin. Light did not affect NADP reduction via hydrogenase or cause hydrogen evolution.
Broken SU(3) × SU(3) × SU(3) × SU(3) symmetry☆

Abstract We argue that the “Eightfold Way” version of SU(3) symmetry should be extended to a product of up to four separate and badly broken SU(3) groups, including the γ5 type SU(3) symmetry. A hierarchy of subgroups (or subalgebras) are considered within this framework, and two candidates are found to be interesting in view of experimental evidence. Main features of the theory are: (1) the baryons belong to a nonet; (2) there is an octet of axial vector gauge mesons in addition to one or two octets of vector mesons; (3) pseudoscalar and scalar mesons exist as “incomplete” multiplets arising from spontaneous breakdown of symmetry.
Edward W. Blyden, “The Jewish Question,” and the Diaspora Theory and Practice

Dr. Blyden’s booklet, “The Jewish Question,” has been largely ignored, as it relates not only to the Jewish Question, proper, but also to the question of African American identifications with Afric...
The influence of diffusivity on liquid phase mass transfer to the free interface in a stirred vessel

Liquid phase mass transfer coefficients were measured in a continuous flow, stirred vessel containing a gas and a liquid phase. Helium, hydrogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide were desorbed from distilled water into nitrogen at seven different levels of agitation. At low stirring speeds the system was stratified and mass transfer coefficients were proportional to diffusivity raised to a power between 0.5 and 0.6. At higher stirring speeds the interface was broken and corrections for desorption into the entrained bubbles indicated that the mass transfer coefficient at the main free interface was proportional to a higher power of diffusivity. The results are interpreted in the light of a general model considering eddy diffusion and surface renewal effects.
Excess molar enthalpies and excess molar volumes for (pronane + propan-1-ol) at a temperature of 348.15 K and at pressures of 5, 10, and 15) MPa

Abstract Excess molar enthalpiesHmEand excess molar volumesVmEhave been determined for (propane + propan-l-ol) at a temperatureT= 348.15 K and pressuresp= (5, 10, and 15) MPa. Large and positiveHmEwith a large positive temperature coefficient (excess molar heat capacity)Cp,mEare explained in terms of hydrogen bonds being broken when the propan-1-ol is diluted with the propane.VmEis negative with a large positive pressure coefficient, suggesting that the propane fits into cavities in the hydrogen-bonded structure of the propan-1-ol, with the number of cavities decreasing with increasing pressure. TheVmEfor (propane + propan-1-ol) is intermediate between the values obtained for (ethane + propan-1-ol) and (butane + propan-1-ol). The relative magnitudes ofVmEfor these three systems are explained in terms of the relationship of the temperature of measurement to the critical temperature of the alkanes.
Enhanced Atmospheric Models For IR Image Simulation

Several techniques are presented for modeling sky backgrounds in an infrared scene simulation. Each technique provides a part of the overall requirements for an accurate sky background model. A description of each technique is given and examples of each are presented. The main result of these investigations is that it is possible to combine both physically accurate models of atmospheric radiative transfer with computer algorithms for the generation of realistic cloud imagery.
Family-based association study of the BDNF, COMT and serotonin transporter genes and DSM-IV bipolar-I disorder in children

Background Over the past decade pediatric bipolar disorder has gained recognition as a potentially more severe and heritable form of the disorder. In this report we test for association with genes coding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT).
Antarctic sea ice concentrations inferred from Nimbus 5 ESMR and Landsat imagery

Landsat Multispectral Scanner near-infrared band images (MSS-7) are used to calculate Antarctic ice concentration values and these results are quantitatively compared to those derived from Nimbus 5 electrically scanning microwave radiometer (ESMR) brightness temperature data. The set of images includes regions near the ice edge and near the continental boundary during late winter or spring. The percentage of ice cover is derived from the microwave data, using an algorithm that incorporates the brightness temperature emissivity and interpolated climatological physical temperatures and that is not dependent on spatial resolution. Cloud-free Landsat images are used to provide an alternative determination of large-scale ice concentrations, but this method is limited in its ability to resolve individual ice flows, especially near the ice edge. A proportional classification procedure is applied to Landsat data based on observed reflection and the results are correlated with similarly-derived ESMR ice concentration values. The corresponding ice concentration values are found to agree to + or - 15%, with the largest uncertainties occurring in regions of low ice concentration.
Introducing PROFESS 3.0: An advanced program for orbital-free density functional theory molecular dynamics simulations

Orbital-free density functional theory (OFDFT) is a linear-scaling first-principles quantum mechanics method used to calculate the ground-state energy of a given system. Here we present a new version of PRinceton Orbital-Free Electronic Structure Software (PROFESS) with new features. First, PROFESS 3.0 provides a set of new kinetic energy density functionals (KEDFs) which are designed to model semiconductors or transition metals. Specifically, PROFESS 3.0 includes the Huang–Carter (HC) KEDF [1], a density decomposition method with fixed localized electronic density [2], the Wang–Govind–Carter (WGC) decomposition KEDF [3], and the Enhanced von Weizsacker (EvW)-WGC KEDF [4]. Other major new functions are included, such as molecular dynamics with different statistical mechanical ensembles and spin-polarized density optimizers.
Food versus Feed and the Dynamics of the World Food Situation: Discussion

A comprehensive picture of the world food situation must account specifically for the three strategic claimants of the world's food supplies: the less developed countries (LDCs), the USSR, and the People's Republic of China. The three papers, respectively by Mellor, Desai, and Tang, do a creditable job in putting the three components in place. Do they also manage jointly to provide an accurate picture of the dynamics of the world food situation? Past experience with similar global projections is sombering. This paper "postcasts" the record of the recent years, by using the methodology implicit in the authors' projections, for the purpose of seeking explanations for the frailty of global food forecasts. The starting point of projections makes the time derivative of food a function of the time
Sample size in obesity trials: patient perspective versus current practice.

Objective. To evaluate patient opinions on acceptable risks in exchange for a given degree of weight loss and their implications for sample size determination in obesity randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Design. Survey of patients entering RCTs for weight loss in a university-based clinical research setting and power calculations based on their responses. Participants. Men (n = 8) and women (n = 66) between 24 and 73 years of age with body mass indices ranging from 26.8 to 40.5 kg/m2. Measurements. Survey responses to questions assessing the added risk of serious adverse events (SAEs) or death one is willing to assume for a given degree of weight loss. Results. For 5% and 10% weight loss against risk for death per se, the mean acceptable risk tended to be about 3.5%, but the median (0.00) and mode (0.00) suggested that for most individuals, only a risk of ≤ 1% would be acceptable. Figures, estimated dropout rates, and base rates of SAEs (including deaths) from recent obesity trials indicate that 1-year 2...
Recent Progress in the Understanding and Management of Postoperative Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Dysfunction in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease

Palliative surgery for conotruncal congenital cardiovascular defects such as tetralogy of Fallot and truncus arteriosus includes reconstruction of the right ventricular (RV) outflow tract (RVOT). Depending on patient age, anatomy, and other factors, a variety of techniques, prosthetic materials, and valves are used to reconstruct the RVOT, but essentially all become dysfunctional over time, with obstruction, pulmonary regurgitation (PR), or both. One of the challenges of managing patients with dysfunction of a surgically reconstructed RVOT has been balancing the risks of ongoing RVOT dysfunction against the risks and benefits of open heart surgery to replace the pulmonary valve. This calculus is complicated by the fact that the replacement valve will have a finite lifespan that is substantially shorter than the life expectancy of the patient, so the “wait-or-intervene” dilemma will recur again and again. In general, the information used to populate these risk-benefit calculations has been limited and confounded by a variety of factors, so clinicians caring for these patients have often been tasked with making recommendations that are based on inadequate or conflicting data. Moreover, there is such wide and often unexplained variability between patients in how the RV remodels in response to dysfunction of the RVOT that it is difficult to systematize practice and to serve all patients optimally. Given the expanding population of adults with tetralogy of Fallot and other disorders associated with RVOT dysfunction, who constitute a large proportion of adults with significant congenital heart disease,1 this clinical problem will only continue to grow. In recent years, there have been numerous advances in our understanding of and methods for evaluating the physiological and clinical sequelae of RVOT dysfunction, as well as in the conceptual and technical aspects of managing such dysfunction and in therapeutic technologies. Although these advances have not resolved the difficulties that clinicians …
Importance of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients undergoing resection of synchronous colorectal liver metastases.

The purpose of this study was to compare the treatment and outcome in patients referred for staged re section of synchronous colorectal liver metastases. The records of patients who had undergone colon or rectal resection and were then referred for evaluation of clinically resectable synchronous liver metastases between January 1995 and January 2000 were reviewed. Comparisons were made between patients who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy and had exploratory operations after recovery from colon re section and patients who did receive chemotherapy before liver resection. A total of 106 patients were treated during the 5-year period. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given to 52 of the patients; in 29 of them the disease did not progress, but in 17 patients the disease progressed while they were receiving treatment. Median follow-up was 30 months. Patient- and tumor-related variables were similar between groups. Five-year survival was statistically similar between patients who did and those who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (43% vs. 35%, P = 0.49). Patients within the neoadjuvant group whose dis ease did not progress while they were receiving chemotherapy experienced significantly improved sur vival as compared to patients who did not receive chemotherapy (85% vs. 35%, P = 0.03). In the setting of synchronous colorectal liver metastases, the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be a prognos tic indicator of survival and may assist in the selection of patients for conventional or experimental adju vant therapies.
SpecCheck: automated generation of tests for interface conformance

Grading code in large introductory programming classes is fraught with difficulties. In particular, students deviate from the required specification---and these deviations in turn break instructors' test code, delay feedback, hurt grades, and drive instructors to create oppressive homework policies. We present a system called SpecCheck for automatically generating tests that inform students of these deviations before they submit their homework. Our system inspects a instructor's reference implementation of a homework and produces tests to validate student code for interface conformance. It aids in conditioning code for faster grading but avoids the hazards introduced by some autograders. We present the tool and an experience report of its effectiveness in a large first-semester programming course.
Prevention of toxic environmental illness in the twenty-first century.

Previous introductions of new technologies have frequently resulted in unanticipated occupational and environmental illness. Prevention of such illness in the twenty-first century requires stringen...
A Markov Model Applied to the Circulation of Social Science and Literature Books in a Public Library

Use studies are often important in making decisions about weeding shelves. Circulation records, combined with measures of inhouse use and with more subjective estimations of the value of books, help determine which books may be discarded or relegated to storage. For example, one can predict—and studies have borne out this prediction—that if a book has not circulated within five years of its acquisition, chances are it will not circulate at all. Such a book may be a good candidate for weeding. The question is whether one can also make predictions about books that are used. Studies have shown that books decline in use as they age. If one can determine the rate of this decline, one may be able to predict when books in use will fall into disuse—and thus become candidates for weeding.
Deploying the chronic care model to implement and sustain diabetes self-management training programs.

PURPOSE The purpose of this project was to evaluate the utility of using the 6 elements of the chronic care model (CCM; health system, community, decision support, self-management support, clinical information systems, and delivery system design) to implement and financially sustain an effective diabetes self-management training (DSMT) program. METHODS The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) uses all elements of the CCM. Partnerships were formed between UPMC and western Pennsylvanian community hospitals and practices; the American Diabetes Association DSMT recognition program provided decision support. A clinical data repository and reorganization of primary care practices aided in supporting DSMT. The following process and patient outcomes were measured: number of recognized programs, reimbursement, patient hemoglobin A1C levels, and the proportion of patients who received DSMT in primary care practices versus hospital-based programs. RESULTS Using elements of the CCM, the researchers were able to gain administrative support; expand the number of recognized programs from 3 to 21; cover costs through increased reimbursement; reduce hemoglobin A1C levels (P < .0001), and increase the proportion of patients receiving DSMT through delivery in primary care (26.4% suburban; 19.8% urban) versus hospital-based practices (8.3%; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS The CCM serves as an effective model for implementing and sustaining DSMT programs.
Frailty Index Predicts Mortality but Not Rehospitalization after Destination Left Ventricular Assist Device

Purpose Frailty is increasingly recognized as an indicator of poor prognosis in heart failure (HF). Pre-operative frailty may be associated with worse outcomes after destination left ventricular assist device (LVAD). While many methods of assessing frailty exist, the deficit index is one method that defines frailty by data extracted from medical records. The deficit index correlates with other methods to assess frailty in community HF patients, but has not been applied to patients undergoing LVAD. Methods and Materials Patients undergoing destination LVAD at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota from February 2007 to June 2012 were included. The deficit index is based on 30 deficits (impairments, disabilities, and comorbidities) and defined as the proportion of deficits present for each patient. Frailty was defined as an index >0.25. Andersen-Gill models were used to examine whether frailty predicted all-cause rehospitalization. Cox models were used to examine the association between frailty and death. Patients were censored at the time of death or last follow-up through September 2012. Results Among 99 patients undergoing destination LVAD (mean age 65 years, 18% female, 55% ischemic HF), 61 (62%) were frail. The deficit index ranged from 0.1 to 0.65, with a mean of 0.3. The presence of frailty did not differ by age or sex, but frailty was more common in patients with ischemic (67%) vs. nonischemic HF (37%, p=0.003). After a mean follow-up of 1.5 ±1.3 years, 76% of patients had been rehospitalized (range 0-9 per person) and 41% had died. Adjusting for age, sex, and ischemic status, frailty was associated with increased risk of death (HR 2.58, 95%CI 1.26-5.73, p=0.008), but not rehospitalization (HR 1.26, 95% CI 0.93, 1.71, p=0.13). Conclusions Frailty, as assessed by the deficit index, is common pre-destination LVAD and is associated with increased risk of death but not rehospitalization. If frailty can be modified pre-LVAD improved outcomes may be possible for these high-risk patients.
Weekly variability in total body water using 2H2O dilution in college-age males

The variability in measuring total body water (TBW) using deuterium oxide (2H2O) dilution has not been extensively tested. The purpose of this study was to determine the variability of weekly measurements of TBW utilizing the 2H2O dilution technique in 10 males and to determine the amount of biological versus technical variability using a generalizability ANOVA (GENOVA). Ten male subjects aged 21-32 yr were tested on four separate occasions for body weight (BW), underwater weight (UwWt), and TBW. BW remained quite stable across the four sessions with a 0.7% coefficient of variation (CV). Both UwWt and TBW had a CV of 4% across the four sessions. No differences were found between TBW estimates from plasma, saliva, or urine. GENOVA analysis determined that 25-50% of the total variability in measuring TBW was attributed to the sample analysis/separation procedures. Four percent of the TBW in these subjects was 1.8 l. This technique would therefore not be expected to detect changes less than 0.9 l (50% of 1.8 l). The estimates of %FAT from TBW were lower but not significantly different from UwWt. Blood, urine, and saliva were able to produce similarly repeatable measures of TBW.
Physicochemical Properties of Hydrated Complexes in the Earth's Atmosphere

Theoretical and experimental studies have recently attempted to investigate the role of molecular complexes in the Earth's atmosphere. The extent to which these weakly bound molecular species affect atmospheric chemistry and the climate is ultimately determined by their abundance. In this paper, we discuss the standard statistical procedures that are used in calculating equilibrium constants and dimer abundances. We also highlight the competition that arises between energy and entropy when complexation is considered at atmospherically relevant temperatures. For illustration, the abundance of select hydrated complexes, namely, O2−H2O, O3−H2O, H2O−H2O, and HNO3−H2O, are estimated. Using the results of our calculations, we evaluate and compare the physicochemical properties of these hydrated complexes and discuss how monomer concentrations, temperature, and dimer binding energies influence their calculated atmospheric abundances. We further examine the shortcomings of our estimates and include a short analys...
Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Spontaneous CSF Leaks

MR imaging has truly revolutionized the diagnosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). A substantially larger number of patients are now diagnosed and a broader clinical and imaging spectrum of the disorder is recognized. It is now realized that SIH nearly always results from spontaneous CSF leaks. The majority of these leaks occur at the level of the spine and only rarely at the skull base. Considerable variability exists in clinical manifestations, including the headaches. Although the typical headache is an orthostatic headache, not all headaches in CSF leaks are orthostatic and not all orthostatic headaches are caused by intracranial hypotension or CSF leaks. Furthermore, imaging and CSF findings also reveal considerable variability, including patients who may display CSF opening pressures that are consistently within normal limits or head MRIs that may not show abnormal pachymeningeal enhancement. The core pathogenetic factor is decreased CSF volume (CSF hypovolemia) as the independent variable, while CSF pressures, clinical manifestations, and MRI abnormalities are variable and dependent on loss of CSF volume. Epidural blood patch (EBP) has emerged as the treatment of choice for patients who fail initial conservative measures. However, response to EBP in spontaneous leaks is far less impressive than in post-lumbar puncture headaches. In spontaneous leaks, the anatomy of the leak is frequently complex and quite different from a simple hole or rent as might be seen in post-lumbar puncture headaches. These two entities should not be equated. At least a significant minority of the patients with spontaneous CSF leaks have pre-existing dural weakness, likely based on a disorder of connective tissue matrix. There is also a considerable variability in the rate of leakage of CSF in these patients. This can create diagnostic challenges and novel diagnostic techniques are evolving to address the fast- and slow-flow leaks. A large majority of the patients make excellent recovery spontaneously, with conservative measures, with epidural injections, or surgery. A small minority, however, continue to remain symptomatic. Subdural hematomas may complicate CSF leaks, may become symptomatic, and create therapeutic challenges but, fortunately, uncommonly. Rarely, cerebral venous thrombosis may develop. Sometimes, after treatment of spontaneous CSF leaks, rebound intracranial hypertension may occur which is likely self-limiting.
An empirical study of the business value of the U.S. airlines’ computerized reservations systems

The U.S. airlines’ computerized reservations systems (CRSs) have frequently been cited as examples of the successful use of information technologies (TTs) for strategic purposes. Recent literature contains logical arguments and anecdotal evidence which suggest that the carriers that have invested in the systems have been able to use them, in concert with other operating and marketing strategies, to achieve competitive advantage. However, very little rigorous, model‐based empirical evidence has been brought to bear on this issue. The purpose of this article is to develop economic models for examining the business value of the CRSs and to provide empirical evidence regarding that value during the early 1980s. The modelling builds upon previous research aimed at estimating the business value of ITs and is gener‐alizable to estimating the value of ITs in other settings. We find that increases in the use of the CRSs were associated with more highly significant increases in their owners’ shares of air passenger...
The Status of Women in Japan: Has the Equal Employment Opportunity Law Made a Difference?

Abstract This paper seeks to determine if the Japanese Equal Employment opportunity Law has had an impact on university-educated women in Japan. The law, which went into effect in April, 1986, prohibits gender discrimination with respect to vocational training, fringe benefits, retirement, and dismissal. It also encourages firms to provide equal opportunity with regard to recruitment, hiring, job assignment, and promotion. I find that since the passage of the law, young women have demonstrated a heightened interest in pursuing career jobs. In particular, they have increased their attendance at four-year colleges and universities and have chosen college majors more conducive to a business career. In contrast, the response to the law on the part of firms has been weak. In the future, however, an impending labor shortage in Japan will result in enhanced labor market opportunities for educated Japanese women.
Immigrants and African Americans

We examine how recent immigration to the United States has affected African Americans. We first review the research on the growing diversity within the black population, driven largely by the presence of black immigrants from the Caribbean and Africa. As their children and grandchildren come of age, relations between immigrants and African Americans are complicated by the fact that a growing portion of the African American community has origins in both groups. We then review literature on both new destinations and established gateway cities to illustrate the patterns of cooperation, competition, and avoidance between immigrants of diverse races and African Americans in neighborhoods, the labor market, and politics. We explore the implications of the population's increasing racial diversity owing to immigration for policies that aim to promote racial equality but that are framed in terms of diversity. We conclude with suggestions for new areas of research.
Resistance in Lettuce to Diabrotica balteata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): The Roles of Latex and Inducible Defense

Abstract A previous study showed that feeding of adult banded cucumber beetle, Diabrotica balteata LeConte, and development of the female reproductive system were strongly inhibited by a diet of fresh Valmaine (Val) romaine lettuce, Lactuca sativa L., relative to Tall Guzmaine (TG). Leaf surface chemicals have been shown not to be involved in the resistance of Val. In this study, leaves of TG and Val were freeze-dried and incorporated into an artificial diet to evaluate whether the chemicals within the lettuce leaves were responsible for resistance to D. balteata feeding. The amount consumed and mature eggs produced were not significantly different when adults were given either a choice or no choice of TG or Val diets. However, latex from TG and Val strongly inhibited D. balteata feeding on a favorite food, lima bean leaves, when applied to leaf surfaces. Latex from Val turned brown faster than that from TG, and flowed for a longer period of time before ceasing. Localized induced resistance to feeding was...