Methods A prospective study of the first 40 consecutive VATS lobectomies performed by a single experienced thoracic surgeon over a 3-year period. All patients were divided equally into two groups with Group A being the first 20 patients. Mortality, operative time, complications, conversion rate and need for blood transfusion were recorded for all patients. All procedures were performed via ante...

Background Women now constitute 49% of medical school matriculants. The percentage of women in orthopaedic surgery training programs has not kept pace with the increase in the number of women medical students. Although the number of female orthopaedic residents has increased and continues to do so slightly over time, the results of the 2008 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) census...

We construct a polynomial of degree d in two variables whose Hessian curve has (d − 2) connected components using Viro patchworking. In particular, this implies the existence of a smooth real algebraic surface of degree d in RP 3 whose parabolic curve is smooth and has d(d− 2) connected components. “Salut à toi Che Guevara”

In this paper we consider a problem of an unsupervised clustering of multidimensional numerical data. We propose a new method for determining an optimal number of clusters in a data set which is based on a parametric model of a Rate-Distortion curve. The proposed method can be used in conjunction with any suitable clustering algorithm. It was tested with artificial and real numerical data sets ...

The SCS curve number (SCS-CN) method has gained widespread popularity for simulating rainfall excess in various events due to its simplicity and practicality. However, it possesses inherent structural issues that limit performance accurately infiltration over time. objective of this study was develop a modified CN with temporally varying intensity (MCN-TVR) by combining soil moisture accounting...

cyclic groups, torsion-free extensions, Betti numbers We describe algorithms to determine extensions of infinite polycyclic groups having certain properties. In particular, we are interested in torsion-free extensions and extensions whose Fitting subgroup has a minimal centre. Then we apply these methods in topological applications. We discuss the calculation of Betti numbers for compact manifo...

Methods of contacting customers are constantly evolving. An increasing number of manufacturers have established experience stores, plazas or centers that provide marketing, education, and trade functions to enhance business performance. This paper develops integer programming models to analyze the experience store establishment decision. Demand functions, cost parameters, and firm learning curv...