cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Availability and Variability of Consumer Prices for Lumbar Discectomy Across US Hospitals in 2018

To determine the availability and variability of consumer pricing data for an elective lumbar discectomy in the USA. Hospital representatives were contacted via telephone, hospital websites, and state price-transparency websites. A total of 153 hospitals were contacted via telephone calls under the guise of a patient requesting a self-pay price for elective lumbar discectomy. The same hospitals were then researched for price comparison between those requested by phone and those listed on hospital websites after installment of the price transparency law by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on 1 January 2019. Complete and partial prices were recorded for both datasets when available. Hospitals were grouped based on profit status, teaching status, and geographical region. Statistical analysis compared rates of price availability and mean prices between hospital groups and between datasets. Thirty-four (23.0%) of 148 hospitals included in the final analysis were able to provide complete price information via telephone. An additional 70 (47.3%) were able to provide a partial price. A total of four (2.7%) institutions provided a complete price and an additional 65 (43.9%) provided a partial price via website. The mean complete price for microdiscectomy when provided was $27,342.36 (n = 34). When compared to government and non-profit hospitals combined, private hospitals had significantly lower partial-prices. A patient seeking to undergo a common surgical procedure in the USA will likely be met with difficulty and few options if motivated by price. A high degree of variability exists among US hospitals in 2018 with regards to availability and comprehensiveness of pricing information.
Structure and Dynamics of N-Glycosylated Human Ribonuclease 1.

Glycosylation is a common modification that can endow proteins with altered physical and biological properties. Ribonucle-ase 1 (RNase 1), which is the human homolog of the archetypal enzyme RNase ...
Risk of skin cancer associated with metformin use: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies

Previous studies demonstrate mixed evidence regarding the association between metformin and skin cancer risk. To synthesize prior evidence and evaluate the association between metformin and skin cancer risk in patients with diabetes/prediabetes, we conducted a meta-analysis. A systematic literature search was performed up to March 23, 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies of metformin that reported any event of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and melanoma. In a meta-analysis of 6 trials involving 8,541 patients (Peto method), compared with controls, metformin was not significantly associated with decreased risk of melanoma [OR, 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.27-2.43], BCC (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.36-1.57), SCC (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.06-15.60), total nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC; OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.38-1.24), or total skin cancer (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.42-1.20). This nonsignificant association pattern was consistent with the random-effects meta-analysis of 4 cohort studies with 354,746 patients (melanoma: RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.62-1.33; NMSC: RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.35-1.18; total skin cancer: RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.59-1.16). In conclusion, meta-analyses of both RCT and cohort studies showed no statistically significant association between metformin and skin cancer risks, although suggestive evidence of modestly reduced risks of skin cancer among metformin users was observed. Further studies are needed. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: Meta-analyses of RCT and cohort studies showed no significant association between metformin and skin cancer, although suggestive evidence of modestly reduced skin cancer risks among metformin users was observed. These findings suggest metformin use should not influence current medical decision making for diabetes patients at risk of developing skin cancer.
Supergravity and a Confining Gauge Theory: Duality Cascades and $\chi$SB-Resolution of Naked Singularities

We revisit the singular IIB supergravity solution describing M fractional 3-branes on the conifold [hep-th/0002159]. Its 5-form flux decreases, which we explain by showing that the relevant \NN=1 SUSY SU(N+M)xSU(N) gauge theory undergoes repeated Seiberg-duality transformations in which N -> N-M. Far in the IR the gauge theory confines; its chiral symmetry breaking removes the singularity of hep-th/0002159 by deforming the conifold. We propose a non-singular pure-supergravity background dual to the field theory on all scales, with small curvature everywhere if the `t Hooft coupling g_s M is large. In the UV it approaches that of hep-th/0002159, incorporating the logarithmic flow of couplings. In the IR the deformation of the conifold gives a geometrical realization of chiral symmetry breaking and confinement. We suggest that pure \NN=1 Yang-Mills may be dual to strings propagating at small g_s M on a warped deformed conifold. We note also that the standard model itself may lie at the base of a duality cascade.
Apparent Size and Visual Accommodation under Day and Night Conditions

Abstract : Six subjects on a building roof viewed the outside terrain through a projection device which superposed a full horizon moon on that view. Subjects judged the size of the moon in various scenery configurations by adjusting a comparison disc while accommodation measurements were taken using a laser optometer. Results showed a strong correlation between mean accommodative states and size judgments during the day and a weaker correlation at night. Accommodation responses were not identical to all scenes and as accommodation shifted inward, the judged size of the moon decreased. 'Night myopia' was also clearly evident. The relatively nearer accommodation responses and smaller size judgments of the isolated zenith-type moon as compared to the horizon moon suggests that the moon illusion is mediated by the accommodation mechanism. The results are discussed in connection with a similar study by Iavecchia, Iavecchia and Roscoe, and differences in the mean 'dark focus' of accommodation between the two groups are related to the findings. (Author)
Oxidation of Lipids in Biological Tissue and Its Significance

Both plants and animals possess biochemical systems to sequentially transform glyceride lipid into fatty acid derivatives by a process that could be given the generic name, “polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) cascade.” Although similarities exist between the plant and animal cascade, substantial differences exist not only in the pathways of the sequence, but also in the control mechanisms regulating the pathways and the so-called end products formed. Typically, the cascade is composed of the following steps: (a) hydrolysis of glyceride lipids by phospholipase, lipase, or other lipolytic acyl hydrolases; (b) oxidation of the released PUFA by lipoxygenase (LOX) or prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase; and (c) enzymatic conversion of these oxidized fatty acids (either fatty acid hydroperoxides or fatty acid hydroperoxyendoperoxides) into a variety of fatty acid derivatives. The compounds produced by the cascade usually play an indispensable role in controlling certain metabolic functions of organisms.
THE ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF GALACTITOL FROM THE BRAINS OF GALACTOSEMIA PATIENTS.

The presence of acyclic polyols in mammalian tissue was formerly considered a rare finding confined to specialized tissue (I). Van Heyningen reported the occurrence of significant quantities of galactitol in the lens of galactose-fed rats, although only minor amount,s of the hexitol were located in the heart and leg muscle (2). Other tissues which were examined, blood, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney, contained no detectable amounts of galactitol. Recently, however, galactitol was isolated from the urine of two’ male, galactosemia patients (3). By utilizing the convenient and sensitive technique of gas-liquid chromatography (4, 5) for the analysis of the urine and lens of rats fed a 35% galactose-containing diet, we have confirmed the ability of normal rats to convert significant amounts of galactose to galactitol.2 In addition, however, these studies led to the detection of large amounts of free galactitol in brain and kidney tissue. It therefore became of interest to examine organs of galactosemia subjects for possible deposition of galactitol. This report describes the analysis and isolation of galactitol from the brains of two galactosemia patients.
Predictors of psychiatric hospitalization: a multivariate analysis.

Inpatient treatment continues to be the most expensive form of mental health service. This study sought to improve the methodological weaknesses, e.g., poor statistical controls, in the literature by using multivariate statistics to predict hospitalization. Results revealed that aftercare, i.e., outpatient treatment, is an important factor in reducing the utilization of inpatient resources, even when controlling for demographic and psychiatric history variables. Further, background characteristics, while easily measured, are not important predictors of hospitalization.
Increased human scleral permeability with prostaglandin exposure.

Purpose To investigate the effect of prostaglandins (PGs) on the permeability of human sclera in vitro. Methods Twenty-three pairs of human eye bank eyes were studied. Circular pieces of sclera were cultured in low-serum DMEM/F-12 media. Scleral hydration was assessed by measuring wet and dry weight of scleral cultures incubated with medium for 3 days and with Hanks' buffered saline solution (HBSS) for 4 hours. To assess scleral permeability, organ-cultured scleral tissues were exposed to 100 to 500 nM PGF(2alpha), 17-phenyltrinor PGF(2alpha), or PhXA85 (the active form of latanoprost) for 1, 2, and 3 days. Scleral permeability was measured using a two-chamber Ussing apparatus and rhodamine-dextran polymers dissolved in HBSS (MW = 10,000, 40,000, and 70,000). The movement of each rhodamine-dextran across the cultured sclera was measured using a spectrofluorometer. To understand the biological basis of the permeability change, the media were collected from the treated cultures, and the concentration of MMP-1, 2, and 3 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results There was no difference in scleral hydration among fresh sclera and sclera incubated with medium for 3 days, with HBSS for 4 hours, or with medium for 3 days followed by HBSS for 4 hours. Compared to tracer movement across untreated scleral cultures (1.5 x 10(-6) cm/sec for 10 kDa dextran, 0.7 x 10(-6) cm/sec for 40 kDa dextran, and 0.4 x 10(-6) cm/sec for 70 kDa dextran), exposure to PGF(2alpha), 17-phenyltrinor PGF(2alpha), or PhXA85 each increased scleral permeability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Increases in permeability were greater with the10 kDa dextran than with the 40 or 70 kDa dextran. The magnitude of these effects was greatest with exposure to PhXA85 and similar with exposure to PGF(2alpha) or 17-phenyltrinor-PGF(2alpha). MMP expression also was significantly increased after PG exposure. These increases were generally time and dose dependent and greater with MMP-2 and -3 than with MMP-1. Conclusions There is increased permeability of human sclera exposed to various PGs in organ culture. This increased permeability is accompanied by increased expression of MMPS:
Linking Educational Materials to Encyclopedic Knowledge

This paper describes a system that automatically links study materials to encyclopedic knowledge, and shows how the availability of such knowledge within easy reach of the learner can improve both the quality of the knowledge acquired and the time needed to obtain such knowledge.
Analysis of line-fed antenna coupler

As power is fed into the transmission line of the line-fed antenna coupler, energy is coupled from the transmission line to the patch. Two resonant modes are excited at two different frequencies with orthogonal linear polarizations if the patch is rectangular. Theoretical analysis with experimental verification has been conducted to study the characteristics of this configuration. The antenna can transmit and receive two independent orthogonal, and linear polarized signals.
Background removal in image indexing and retrieval

This paper presents our research in image content-based indexing and retrieval, a key technology in digital image libraries. In most of the existing image content-based techniques, image features used for indexing and retrieval are global, features computed over the entire image. The major problem with the global image feature-based retrieval methods is that background features can be easily mistaken as object features. When a user attempts to retrieve images using color features, he/she usually means the color feature of objects of interests contained in the image. The approach we describe in this paper utilizes color clusters for image background analysis. Once the background regions are identified, they are removed from the image indexing procedure, and therefore no longer interfere with the meaningful image content during the retrieval process.
μ‐Carbonylhexacarbonyl[μ‐[1,1‐dimethylethyl‐2‐[(mercapto‐S:S)methyl]‐1‐pyrrolidinecarboxylato]]diferrate

[188625-67-4] C17H18Fe2NO9S (MW 524.088) InChI = 1S/C10H18NO2S.7CO.2Fe/c1-10(2,3)13-9(12)11-6-4-5-8(11)7-14;7*1-2;;/h8H,4-7H2,1-3H3;;;;;;;;;/q+1;;;;;;;;;-1/t8-;;;;;;;;;/m0........./s1 InChIKey = CLDYMDAPWHMOIY-UQDQVLRLSA-N (reagent used to prepare optically active isoxazolines by promoting dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones) Physical Data: yellow-brown color in solution. Solubility: soluble in THF. Form Supplied in: prepared from Fe3(CO)12, N-Boc-protected (pyrrolidin-2-yl)methanethiol in the presence of Et3N. Purification: the reagent is prepared and used in situ. Preparative Methods: complex 1 is readily prepared by adding triethylamine to a solution of Fe3(CO)12, THF, and optically active pyrrolidine thiol 2. The reaction is stirred under nitrogen for 20 minutes and the complex is used without isolation or purification.1 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: not available.
A Bayesian model of psychosis symptom trajectory in Alzheimer's disease

Objective Psychosis, like other neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, has many features that make predictive modeling of its onset difficult. For example, psychosis onset is associated with both the absolute degree of cognitive impairment and the rate of cognitive decline. Moreover, psychotic symptoms, while more likely than not to persist over time within individuals, may remit and recur. To facilitate predictive modeling of psychosis for personalized clinical decision making, including evaluating the role of risk genes in its onset, we have developed a novel Bayesian model of the dual trajectories of cognition and psychosis symptoms. Methods Cognition was modeled as a four-parameter logistic curve with random effects for all four parameters and possible covariates for the rate and time of fall. Psychosis was modeled as a continuous-time hidden Markov model with a latent never-psychotic class and states for pre-psychotic, actively psychotic and remitted psychosis. Covariates can affect the probability of being in the never-psychotic class. Covariates and the level of cognition can affect the transition rates for the hidden Markov model. Results The model characteristics were confirmed using simulated data. Results from 434 AD patients show that a decline in cognition is associated with an increased rate of transition to the psychotic state. Conclusions The model allows declining cognition as an input for psychosis prediction, while incorporating the full uncertainty of the interpolated cognition values. The techniques used can be used in future genetic studies of AD and are generalizable to the study of other neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical Spectra of Unfolded Proteins: A Partially Ordered Polymer Problem

Proteins are hetero-sequence polypeptides with complex folded structures whose topology and structural details are vital to their biological function. In this paper, uses of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) in the uv, infrared (IR) absorption and its chiroptical variant, vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) for study of residual structure in peptide models and unfolded proteins under various conditions are addressed. The complementary information gained from analysis of the short range vibrational coupling (with IR and VCD) vs. long range dipole coupling (from ECD) allow detection of partial ordering. The vibrational techniques show an ability to detect local order often missed by ECD (or fluorescence). Perturbation with thermal and solvent variation can then probe stabilities. Furthermore the rapid timescales allow such spectra to follow dynamic changes. Examples from protein folding of cytochrome c and various beta containing proteins are given.
The locked metacarpophalangeal joint: Diagnosis and treatment

The locked metacarpophalangeal joint of a finger is an unusual condition frequently confused with a "trigger finger." The causes can be classified into degenerative and spontaneous groups. Ten cases are presented. The cause of locking of one patient in the degenerative group was gouty arthritis, a cause not previously reported in the literature. Although surgery is usually necessary, joint mobility was restored in 30% of the cases by distending the joint capsule with an intraarticular injection of a local anesthetic followed by gentle manipulation. In addition to routine x-ray films, arthrotomography was found to be a useful diagnostic technique in determining the cause of locking.
New Genetic Methods for Mammalian Cells

The power of genetics for the elucidation of gene function has been clearly established. In mammalian systems, the limited scope of available methods for the genetic manipulation of cultured cells has discouraged the widespread application of genetic approaches for the study of many current issues in molecular biology. Several recent technological developments hold out the promise of facilitating the manipulation of genes in mammalian cells. Three particular areas are emphasized in this review: 1) mutational analysis using nonsense suppression; 2) gene regulation by rapid, controlled amplification; and 3) gene targeting by homologous recombination.
Adult Support and Substance Use Among Homeless Youths Who Attend High School

Despite high rates of substance use among homeless youths, little is known about the interaction of substance-use risk and protective factors. Further, limited research exists on substance use by school-attending homeless youths, as extant studies have relied on street- and shelter-based samples. The purpose of this study was to examine how risk and protective factors influence school-attending homeless youths’ substance use as well as how protective influences can mediate and moderate the impact of risk factors on substance use. Empirical precedents on adolescent substance use and social capital theory were used to construct a theoretical model. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships among risk and protective factors associated with substance use. The theoretical model was tested with a representative sample of 2,146 high-school-attending homeless youths from the 2007–2008 California Healthy Kids Survey dataset. Three hypotheses were tested to examine the direct effects of gang involvement, partner abuse, truancy and adult support on substance use as well as both the mediating and moderating effects of adult support. Greater substance use was associated with gang membership, partner abuse and truancy. Lower levels of substance use were associated with higher levels of adult support. Additionally, adult support acted as both a mediator and moderator between the hypothesized risk factors and substance use. Findings highlight the mediating and moderating effects of adult support on substance-use risk factors. Future longitudinal research is needed to illuminate the causal pathways between substance-use risk factors, adult support, and actual use.
Undergraduates as Teaching Assistants: A Comparison of Two Discussion Methods:

Superiority of one of the methods depends upon the criteria selected, and the value of undergraduate TAs is clearly supported.
Lipogenesis and Lipolysis in Fed and Fasted Chicks from High and Low Body Weight Lines

Lipogenic and lipolytic capacities were examined in fasted and nonfasted 28-day-old chicks from high-weight (HW) and low-weight (LW) selected lines. Lipogenesis was assessed in liver and bone (sternum) tissues through the activities of malic enzyme (EC 1.1.1.40), citrate cleavage enzyme (EC 4.1.3.8), and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.2), as well as through the in vitro incorporation of acetate-1-14C into liver and bone lipid fractions. Lipolysis was estimated through the in vitro release of free fatty acids (FFA) from abdominal adipose tissue and through plasma FFA. Fasting depressed lipogenesis and increased lipolysis. Regardless of the feeding state, LW chicks exhibited higher lipogenic and lipolytic capacities than their HW counterparts, suggesting that lipid degradation may be relatively more important than synthesis in determining net fat deposition. In addition, the incorporation of radioactive acetate into bone lipid was associated with detectable activity of lipogenic enzymes, providing further evidence that the skeleton is an important site of lipogenesis in the chicken.
Tuned limiter for receiver amplifier in a fast‐recovery pulsed NMR spectrometer

A simple tuned limiter is described which limits the rf voltage amplitude at the input of the receiver amplifier of a pulsed NMR spectrometer. This device prevents overload of the receiver amplifier during the high‐power rf pulse and thereby allows fast recovery of the spectrometer following the pulse. When used with Avantek unit amplifiers at 24 MHz, a recovery time of 2.5 μs is achieved.
Electroosmotic Pumps Fabricated From Porous Silicon Membranes

Large flow rates per applied potential are obtained from electroosmotic (EO) pumps fabricated from n-type porous silicon. Porous silicon membranes have ideal geometries for EO pumping. These membranes have hexagonally packed, uniform pores with near-unity tortuosity and are well suited to maximize flow rate for a given applied voltage. The 350 μm thick membranes were passivated with a SiO2 layer and exhibit a maximum flow rate of 1.2 ml/min/cm2 /V. This is 4.4 times higher than previously demonstrated silica-based frit EO pumps. LPCVD polysilicon deposition followed by wet oxidation was used to control the pore size. The impact of these coatings on the pump performance has also been characterized.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Challenges in coupled-channels calculations of heavy-ion fusion reactions

The approximations that are commonly made in coupled-channels calculations of heavy-ion fusion reactions are reviewed in order to show where uncertainties exist and improvements can be made. In particular, the failure in modeling the fusion at extreme subbarrier energies is discussed.
Joint design of channel-optimized multistage vector quantizer

A novel channel-optimized multistage vector quantization (COMSVQ) codec is presented in which the stage codebooks are jointly designed. The proposed codec uses a signal source and channel-dependent distortion measure to encode line spectral frequencies derived from segments of a speech signal. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the consistent reduction in the spectral distortion obtained using the proposed codec as compared to the conventional sequentially designed channel-matched multistage vector quantizer.
On explicit solution, stability, and reduction of a class of linear time-varying discrete-time systems

Explicit results on solution, stability and reduction of a class of discrete-time linear time-varying systems are presented. It is shown that the state transition matrix can be computed explicitly by φ(k,0)=A1 kA2 k ,where A 1and A 2are constant matrices. The stability is completely determined by eigenvalues of A 1 and A 2. It is also shown that the system can be reduced to a time-invariant one by an algebraic transformation. Examples are given to show that stability criteria of linear time-invariant systems cannot, in general, be applied to time-varying cases.
An active dimanganese(III)-tyrosyl radical cofactor in Escherichia coli class Ib ribonucleotide reductase

Escherichia coli class Ib ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) converts nucleoside 5′-diphosphates to deoxynucleoside 5′-diphosphates and is expressed under iron-limited and oxidative stress conditions. This RNR is composed of two homodimeric subunits: α2 (NrdE), where nucleotide reduction occurs, and β2 (NrdF), which contains an unidentified metallocofactor that initiates nucleotide reduction. nrdE and nrdF are found in an operon with nrdI, which encodes an unusual flavodoxin proposed to be involved in metallocofactor biosynthesis and/or maintenance. Ni affinity chromatography of a mixture of E. coli (His)6-NrdI and NrdF demonstrated tight association between these proteins. To explore the function of NrdI and identify the metallocofactor, apoNrdF was loaded with MnII and incubated with fully reduced NrdI (NrdIhq) and O2. Active RNR was rapidly produced with 0.25 ± 0.03 tyrosyl radical (Y·) per β2 and a specific activity of 600 units/mg. EPR and biochemical studies of the reconstituted cofactor suggest it is M...
WHAT IF YOU HELD A DEBATE AND ONLY ONE SIDE SHOWED UP

All too many students of international relations tend to dismiss postpositivist discourse, Richard Ashley writes, as “new wave,” “Parisian jargon,” and a “passing trend.” Yet, postpositivism is not entirely new wave, it is more than the sum parts of its jargon and its method, and it is proving to be other than a passing trend in international relations. Neither postpositivist nor assuredly modernist, this paper is an overview of the third debate in international relations and a call to engage and counter the postpositive challenge. It is an effort at mediation between the postpositivist discourse and the discipline of international relations, identifying common areas of interest and knowledge which may help to make this discourse less obscure and remote. The thesis advanced is similar to that of Pauline Rosenau who suggests that the immediate relevance of postpositivism for an understanding of international relations lies in its “substantive themes.” In fact, some postpositivist themes have parallels in both the classical and positivist discourses of international relations.
Evolutionary analysis of human H2N2 and early H3N2 influenza viruses: evidence for genetic divergence and multiple reassortment among H2N2 and/or H3N2 viruses

Abstract Pandemic influenza H2N2 viruses emerged in humans in 1957 and caused widespread morbidity and mortality in humans until 1968 when they were displaced by emerging H3N2 viruses. Although it is known that both the appearance and disappearance of H2N2 viruses involved reassortment between human and avian influenza viruses, genetic characterization of these viruses is limited. In this study, detailed genetic analysis of all eight gene segments of human H2N2 viruses isolated from 1957 until 1968 from geographically diverse regions was undertaken to establish a better understanding of the evolutionary nature of this virus. In addition, a number of human H3N2 viruses isolated from 1968 until 1972 were examined to investigate genetic events associated with the emergence of pandemic H3N2 viruses in humans. Phylogenic analysis of all gene segments of human H2N2 viruses consistently demonstrated divergent evolution. Genes of late H2N2 isolates were located in either of two distinct clades (I and II). Analysis of H3N2 viruses of 1968 revealed that all gene segments that were retained from H2N2 viruses were most similar to H2N2 virus genes of clade I. However, genes of both lineages were found to cocirculate among H3N2 isolates of 1969–1971. Furthermore, each gene segment demonstrated unique phylogenic topologies, indicating multiple reassortment events between late H2N2 and/or H3N2 viruses. The H3N2 viruses of 1972 analyzed here appeared to possess the genome constellation that represents the ancestral virus of contemporary H3N2 viruses. This constellation was first observed among isolates of 1970 and was distinct from that found among the earliest human H3N2 viruses from 1968. This evidence demonstrates that establishment of H3N2 viruses in humans was associated with multiple-reassortment events that contributed to genetic diversity among viruses.
Our experience with acute non-variceal gastrointestinal hemorrhage: the role of catheter-directed angiogram in 93 patients in a tertiary center

Purpose: To present our experience with catheterdirected digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) in the management of non-variceal acute gastrointestinal bleed (GIB) and to assess the utility of positive Technetium-99m-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy (Tc99m-RBC) in predicting extravasation. Materials and Methods: 93 patients with acute GIB referred for DSA between May 2011 and April 2012 based on endoscopic findings, clinical status or a positive Tc99mRBC were evaluated retrospectively. There were 33 males and 60 females with mean age of 63 years (SD 13; range 2 to 87). Upper GIB was suspected in 57 and lower GIB in 36. 68 patients had undergone at least one endoscopy prior to DSA. The patients’ (n1⁄493) care pathway was divided into two strategies for comparison. Patients in strategy 1 (n1⁄417) had a positive Tc99m-RBC scintigraphy within 24 hours of DSA. Patients in strategy 2 (n1⁄476) underwent DSA based on endoscopic and or clinical status alone without a Tc99m-RBC scintigraphy. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare these two strategies in identifying extravasation in DSA. Results: Large proportion of patients who underwent DSA in acute non-variceal GIB, did not exhibit extravasation (79%, n1⁄473). During DSA, extravasation was seen in 18% of patients in strategy 1 (n1⁄43) and 22% in strategy 2 (n1⁄417). Among patients with extravasation, strategy 1 was followed in 15% and strategy 2 in 85%. The odds ratio of identifying extravasation in strategy 1 was 0.74 (95% CI of 0.19 to 2.89) compared to strategy 2 and this did not reach statistical significance (p value of 0.76). Conclusion: In acute non-variceal GIB, a strategy that uses positive Tc99m-RBC scintigraphy identifies patients who are likely to exhibit extravasation similar to a strategy based on clinical and or endoscopic guidance without a scintigraphy. Although our sample size is small, our experience suggests the need to develop a care pathway that better identifies patients likely to benefit from DSA. Scientific Session 27
Low-Frequency Dielectric Constant of LiF, NaF, NaCl, NaBr, KCl, and KBr by the Method of Substitution

The 1000-Hz 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K dielectric constants of some alkali halides were measured to an accuracy of 0.01% by the method of substitution. Reproducibly different values for various crystals of the same type were obtained which varied beyond the experimental error. The ranges of results for various crystals of each type measured are LiF, 9.0355-9.0360; NaF, 5.0719-5.0722; NaCl, 5.8940-5.8956; NaBr, 6.3957-6.3974; KCl, 4.8112-4.8182; and KBr, 4.8735-4.8762. The spread for each type of crystal is thought to be attributable to random trace impurities. The numbers are discussed in the light of past values.
Di-n-butyltin halide hydrides

Abstract Reactions of di-n-butyltin dihydride with di-n-butyltin dihalides lead to the formation of di-n-butyltin halide hydrides. By this method di-n-butyltin fluoride hydride, di-n-butyltin chloride hydride, di-n-butyltin bromide hydride, and di-n-butyltin iodide hydride were prepared. Infrared and proton magnetic resonance spectra were obtained showing characteristic Sn-H stretching frequencies in the infrared and characteristic chemical shifts in the magnetic resonance spectra. Di-n-butyltin chloride hydride was shown to be formed during the reaction of di-n-butyltin dihydride with hydrochloric acid in dioxane with a 1:1 acid/hydride ratio. Thermal decomposition of di-n-butyltin chloride hydride at 100° gave mainly hydrogen and 1,1,2,2-tetra-n-butylditin 1,2-dichloride.
Evaluation of the Patient With Chest Pain: Are the Bells and Whistles Evidence Based?

Cardiac care units (CCUs) were created to identify serious dysrhythmias in patients with acute myocardial infarction.1 Concurrent with their evolution, the mortality of patients with acute myocardial infarction decreased. It didn’t take long for cardiologists and hospital administrators to realize that CCU beds were not cost-effective for patients without high-risk presentations. Because of high costs of CCUs and the low “rule in” rate for patients without high-risk presentations, non-ICU–monitored beds (telemetry beds) were established for lowto intermediate-risk patients with chest pain.1 Specific clinical algorithms were developed to distinguish high-risk patients who required admission to CCUs from lower-risk patients who did not require such intensive monitoring.2 Studies demonstrated that 12 to 24 hours of observation in non-ICU–monitored beds would suffice for the majority of lowto intermediaterisk patients with chest pain.3-5 These studies usually found “rule in” rates of less than 5% to 10% and shortterm cardiovascular death rates of less than 1% during hospitalization. Thus began the race for shorter and shorter periods of observation. A great step forward was taken with the advent of emergency department chest pain observation units.4-7 Early chest pain observation units were cautiously designed. Each patient received a “rule out” with serial cardiac markers and then received an echocardiogram C A R D I O L O G Y / E D I T O R I A L
Populism, Politics, and Public Policy: 1970s Conservatism

A quarter century and more has passed since the 1970s made its debut. History, always problematic as an objective undertaking, encourages present-mindedness when proximity to events in question governs our perspectives. This article does not pretend to have avoided this pitfall. Today the animus against government dominates political discourse. “Outsiders” who aspire to office boast of that status; “insiders” obscure theirs. All politicians design to show their commonness, their oneness with the people, the beleaguered people, victims of the socially privileged, of haughty bureaucrats, and the sundry occult forces that sustain their misery. Ours, it has been observed, has become a dominantly “populist” culture, its anti-elitism resounding from local Serb Halls in Milwaukee and elsewhere to the very chambers of the Capitol itself.
Parental Handling in Two Strains of Mice Reared by Foster Parents

The amount of handling received in ten daily tests by infant mice reared by foster parents was significantly affected by the strain of pups and by the strain of foster parents. This finding siggests that at least some behavioral differences between highly inbred strains may be due to early environmental rather than genetic variation.
Quality analysis of in vivo near-infrared fluorescence and conventional gamma images acquired using a dual-labeled tumor-targeting probe.

The cyclic peptide, cyclopentapeptide cyclo(lys-Arg-Gly-Asp-phe) (c(KRGDf)), which is known to target v3 integrin, is dual-labeled with a radiotracer, 111indium, for gamma scintigraphy as well as with a near-infrared dye, IRDye800, for continuous-wave (cw) imaging of v3 positive human M21 melanoma in xenografts. Twenty-four hours after administration of the dual-labeled peptide at a dose equivalent to 90 µCi of 111In and 5 nmol of near-infrared (NIR) dye, whole-body gamma scintigraphy and cw imaging was conducted. Image acquisition time was 15 min for the gamma scintigraphy images and 800 ms for the optical images acquired using an NIR sensitive intensified charge-coupled device. The results show that while the target-to-background ratio (TBR) of nuclear and optical imaging were similar for surface regions of interest and consistent with the origin of gamma and NIR radiation from a common targeted peptide, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was significantly higher for optical than nuclear imaging. Furthermore, an analysis of SNR versus contrast showed greater sensitivity of optical over nuclear imaging for the subcutaneous tumor targets. While tomographic reconstructions are necessary to probe TBR, SNR, and contrast for interior tissues, this work demonstrates for the first time the direct comparison of molecular optical and planar nuclear imaging for surface and subsurface cancers.
Data assimilation by field alignment

Abstract Classical formulations of data assimilation, whether sequential, ensemble-based or variational, are amplitude adjustment methods. Such approaches can perform poorly when forecast locations of weather systems are displaced from their observations. Compensating position errors by adjusting amplitudes can produce unacceptably “distorted” states, adversely affecting analysis, verification and subsequent forecasts. There are many sources of position error. It is non-trivial to decompose position error into constituent sources and yet correcting position errors during assimilation can be essential for operationally predicting strong, localized weather events such as tropical cyclones. In this paper, we propose a method that accounts for both position and amplitude errors. The proposed method assimilates observations in two steps. The first step is field alignment, where the current model state is aligned with observations by adjusting a continuous field of local displacements, subject to certain constraints. The second step is amplitude adjustment, where contemporary assimilation approaches are used. We demonstrate with 1D and 2D examples how applying field alignment produces better analyses with sparse and uncertain observations.
Finite element analysis of particle and liquid flow through an ultraviolet reactor

A computational fluid dynamics program was used to simulate liquid flow through an ultraviolet (UV) reactor. Salt tracer tests were performed at different flow rates to validate results from the program. Temporal and spatial descriptions of particle trajectories from the flow model were used to quantify flow pathways through the UV reactor. Particle trajectory information was then used in a separate numerical program to estimate temporal distribution of particles exiting the domain during discrete time steps for the flow solution. From these data, the exit time for particles transported through the modeled flow domain were compared with experimental tracer results. At low flow rates, the simulation results were within 95% confidence intervals established from the experimental data. At higher flow rates, the simulation results tended to predict a shorter exit time for particles than that observed experimentally with salt tracer studies. The results of this research can be used to compare UV disinfection efficacy on low transmission liquids without the need for extensive experiments or construction of prototypes.
Large-Scale Field Trial Using a Combination of Aldicarb and Wing Traps to Suppress Boll Weevil Populations

A large-scale field trial was conducted in the rolling plains of west Texas to evaluate the effectiveness and operational feasibility of using 10% aldicarb granules incorporated with trapping, for suppression of overwintered Anthonomus grandis Boheman. It was determined that the treatment of a large area with aldicarb was feasible from an operational standpoint. Cotton fields having traps and receiving an infurrow application of aldicarb (1 lb/acre) had average reductions of 90.6% in percent punctured squares and 77.3% in adult boll weevils. The in-furrow + sidedress treatment of aldicarb gave a higher degree of boll weevil suppression but resulted in a heavier infestation of bollworms, Heliothis spp. Boll weevil wing traps were more effective around cotton fields receiving an in-furrow application of aldicarb then around untreated fields. No increase in trap effectiveness was obtained by addition of a sidedress treatment.
Numerical analysis of an anastomotic device

The explicit dynamic finite element method was utilized to investigate the deformation behaviour of a woven wire mesh tubular device that is used in a side-to-side anastomotic procedure for achieving gastrointestinal anastomosis. The numerical model was initially verified by comparison to experimental results that were obtained using a specialized testing mechanism. Once validated, the finite element model (FEM) was parameterized to ascertain the influence of several device parameters on its deformation behaviour. The importance of these parameters, as related to its optimal design for use in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), was subsequently ascertained and discussed.
An interdisciplinary review of resistance to consumption, some marketing interpretations, and future research suggestions

This article provides an interdisciplinary review of consumer resistance, an overarching term that includes various forms of anti‐consumerist behaviour. The review draws from disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, political economy, and cultural studies to explore the historical and discursive constructions of resistance and other key marketing concepts. In so doing, it identifies two distinct paradigms in the social sciences and humanities, namely, the “manipulation and enslavement” and the “agency and empowerment” discourses, and examines how these paradigms reflect onto theories of resistance in marketing. Lastly, the article suggests several new directions for resistance research that pertain to globalization, emerging markets, and ideological consumption.
Further studies in the liquid-drop theory on nuclear fission

Abstract We study the properties of the division of an idealized nucleus using a simplified version of the liquid-drop model. The shape of the nuclear surface is specified by means of a parameterization that has six degrees of freedom, defined in terms of three smoothly joined portions of quadratic surfaces of revolution (e.g. two spheroids connected by a hyperboloidal neck). The system's Hamiltonian is treated in an approximation in which the potential energy is considered to be a sum of surface and Coulomb energies. The kinetic energy is calculated according to the method of Werner and Wheeler, which approximates the internal hydrodynamical flow by the flow of circular layers of fluid; this type of flow corresponds approximately to the irrotational flow of a non-viscous incompressible fluid. On the basis of this model, we calculate probability distributions for the masses and kinetic energies of the fragments at infinity. For nuclei throughout the periodic table, the calculated distributions are compared with experimental distributions as functions of the internal excitation energy of the compound nuclei undergoing fission. The comparisons indicate that this simplified version of the non-viscous irrotational liquid-drop model is not capable of accounting for the properties of the division of heavy nuclei at low excitation energies (e.g. for the observed mass asymmetry). However, it does reproduce approximately experimental fission-fragment mass and energy distributions for the fission of heavy nuclei at high excitation energies (energies above about 40 MeV) and medium-weight nuclei at all excitation energies. In all cases, the experimental kinetic energies and widths are larger than the calculated ones (for non-viscous irrotational flow), and this and other evidence suggest that in the fission process the flow of nuclear matter is either rotational or viscous.
Fatigue of Ship Critical Structural Details

During the past six years, a joint government-industry-sponsored project titled Ship Structural Maintenance Project (SMP) has been conducted at the University of California at Berkeley. As part of the SMP, fatigue of ship critical structural details (CSD) has been studied. This paper summarizes developments in the stress range—number of cycles to failure (SN ) analysis developed during the SMP. Nominal stress and hot spot stress procedures were employed to evaluate fatigue damage to ship CSD. A “cracked SN curve” approach was developed based on a hybrid SN -FM (fracture mechanics) methodology to evaluate the residual life of cracked ship CSD. The fatigue durability characteristics of repaired CSD was studied. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate these developments.
Role of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 in regulating cortical parvalbumin and GABA membrane transporter 1 expression: Implications for schizophrenia

Markers of GABA neurotransmission are altered in multiple regions of the neocortex in individuals with schizophrenia. Lower levels of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) mRNA and protein, which is responsible for most cortical GABA synthesis, are accompanied by lower levels of GABA membrane transporter 1 (GAT1) mRNA. These alterations are thought to be most prominent in the parvalbumin (PV)-containing subclass of interneurons, which also contain lower levels of PV mRNA. Since GAT1 and PV each reduce the availability of GABA at postsynaptic receptors, lower levels of GAT1 and PV mRNAs have been hypothesized to represent compensatory responses to an upstream reduction in cortical GABA synthesis in schizophrenia. However, such cause-and-effect hypotheses cannot be directly tested in a human illness. Consequently, we used two mouse models with reduced GAD67 expression specifically in PV neurons (PV(GAD67+/-)) or in all interneurons (GABA(GAD67+/-)) and quantified GAD67, GAT1 and PV mRNA levels using methods identical to those employed in studies of schizophrenia. Cortical levels of PV or GAT1 mRNAs were not altered in PV(GAD67+/-) mice during postnatal development or in adulthood. Furthermore, cellular analyses confirmed the predicted reduction in GAD67 mRNA, but failed to show a deficit in PV mRNA in these animals. Levels of PV and GAT1 mRNAs were also unaltered in GABA(GAD67+/-) mice. Thus, mouse lines with cortical reductions in GAD67 mRNA that match or exceed those present in schizophrenia, and that differ in the developmental timing and cell type-specificity of the GAD67 deficit, failed to provide proof-of-concept evidence that lower PV and GAT1 expression in schizophrenia are a consequence of lower GAD67 expression. Together, these findings suggest that the correlated decrements in cortical GAD67, PV and GAT1 mRNAs in schizophrenia may be a common consequence of some other upstream factor.
Dynamics of a dust crystal with two different size dust species

Abstract A self-consistent 3D model for a complex (dusty) plasma is used to study the effects of multiple-sized dust grains in a dust crystal. In addition to the interparticle forces, which interact through a Yukawa potential, the model includes the effects of gravity, the variation of the sheath potential above the powered electrode, and a radial confining potential. Simulations studied various ratios of a mix of 6.5 and 8.9 μm monodisperse particles and compared their correlation functions, electric potential energy of the crystal formations, and the dispersion relations for in-plane and out-of-plane dust lattice wave modes for two different sheath thicknesses. In the 7 mm sheath, the particles formed two layers in the vertical direction by size, and acted as a two-layer crystal with weak correlation between the layers. In the 3 mm sheath, the particles formed an essentially monolayer crystal; however the crystal dynamics showed some characteristics of a bilayer crystal.