cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The epidemiology of dysthymia in five communities: rates, risks, comorbidity, and treatment.

Data from a survey of five U.S. communities showed that dysthymia affected approximately 3% of the adult population. It was more common in women under age 65, unmarried persons, and young persons with low income and was associated with greater use of general health and psychiatric services and psychotropic drugs. Dysthymia had a high comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders, particularly major depression; only about 25%-30% of cases occur over a lifetime in the absence of other psychiatric disorders. The findings suggest that although the onset and highest risk periods of major depression and bipolar disorder are in young adulthood, a residual state of dysthymia occurs in middle and old age.
GaAs VLSI-Compatible OEIC Technology: Design for a Quantum Well n-i-p-i Phase Modulator

Monolithic opto-electronic integrated circuits (OEIC’s), combining integrated optics and very large scale integrated (VLSI) electronics on one chip, provide advantages over separate optics and electronics by increasing speed and density, as well as reducing interconnects, cross-talk, and alignment complications. When the entire wafer undergoes all stages of crystal growth and device processing, economies of scale are introduced. In the University of Southern California’s MOSIS program, the cost for experimental GaAs VLSI fabrication is approximately $450/mm2. The physical dimensions of integrated optics switches and modulators therefore drive the cost. The project discussed here was motivated to seek the lowest possible physical dimensions, subject to the other requirements of VLSI-compatible integrated optics.
Acne scars: classification and treatment: 2nd edition, edited by A. Tosti, M. P. De Padova, G. Fabbrocini, and K. R. Beer, Florida, CRC Press, 2018, 179 pp., $95.96 (hardback), ISBN-13: 978-1138894228

Acne affects 80–90% of teenagers and is one of the most common skin diseases evaluated by dermatologists and primary care physicians. Permanent acne scars are a frequent complication associated wit...
Reply: Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocols Decrease Outpatient Opioid Use in Patients Undergoing Abdominally Based Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have known benefits in the inpatient setting, but little is known about their impact in the subsequent outpatient setting. On discharge, multimodal analgesia has been discontinued, nerve blocks and pain pumps have worn off, and patients enter a substantially different physical environment, potentially resulting in a rebound effect. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ERAS protocol implementation on outpatient opioid use and recovery. METHODS Patients who underwent abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction before and after ERAS implementation were reviewed retrospectively. Ohio state law mandates that no more than 7 days of opioids may be prescribed at a time, with the details of all prescriptions recorded in a statewide reporting system, from which opioid use was determined. RESULTS A total of 105 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 46 (44 percent) were in the pre-ERAS group and 59 (56 percent) were in the ERAS group. Total outpatient morphine milligram equivalents used in the ERAS group were less than in the pre-ERAS group (337.5 morphine milligram equivalents versus 668.8 morphine milligram equivalents, respectively; p =0.016). This difference was specifically significant at postoperative week 1 (p =0.044), with gradual convergence over subsequent weeks. Although opioid use was significantly less in the ERAS group, pain scores in the ERAS group were comparable to those in the pre-ERAS group. CONCLUSIONS The benefits of ERAS protocols appear to extend into the outpatient setting, further supporting their use to facilitate recovery, and highlighting their potential role in helping to address the prescription opioid abuse problem. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, III.
Social Capital and Industrial Air Pollution in Metropolitan America

Large disparities in industrial air pollution exist between metropolitan areas in the United States, but we have little measurable sense of what shapes this inequality. Using data on industrial air...
Understanding plasmon dispersion in nearly free electron metals: Relevance of exact constraints for exchange-correlation kernels within time-dependent density functional theory

Small-wave-vector excitations in Coulomb-interacting systems can be decomposed into high-energy collective longitudinal plasmon and low-energy single-electron excitations. At the critical wave vector and corresponding frequency where the plasmon branch merges with the single-electron excitation region, the collective energy of the plasmon dissipates into single electron-hole excitations. The jellium model provides a reasonable description of the electron-energy-loss spectrum of metals close to the free electron limit. The random phase approximation (RPA) is exact in the high-density limit but can capture the plasmonic dispersion reasonably even for densities with ${r}_{s}g1$. The RPA and all beyond-RPA methods investigated here result in a wrong infinite plasmon lifetime for a wave vector smaller than the critical one where the plasmon dispersion curve runs into particle-hole excitations. Exchange-correlation kernel corrections to the RPA modify the plasmon dispersion curve. There is, however, a large difference in the construction and form of the kernels investigated earlier. Our current work introduces recent model exchange-only and exchange-correlation kernels and discusses the relevance of some exact constraints in the construction of the kernel. We show that, because the plasmon dispersion samples a range of wave vectors smaller than the range sampled by the correlation energy, different kernels can make a strong difference for the correlation energy and a weak difference for the plasmon dispersion. This work completes our understanding of the plasmon dispersion in realistic metals, such as Cs, where a negative plasmon dispersion has been observed. We find only positive plasmon dispersion in jellium at the density for Cs.
Hypoxia Induces Cardiomyocyte Proliferation in Humans

The mammalian heart has a substantial regenerative capacity in the first few days of life mediated by cardiomyocyte proliferation; however, this capacity is lost shortly after birth ([1][1]). Transition from the embryonic to postnatal circulation results in a rapid and substantial increase in oxygen
Apoptosis regulation by androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer biology

1480 Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. Androgen and androgen receptor (AR) play vital roles in all phases of PCa development. Thus, inhibition of AR function is a major treatment option for PCa, which eventually becomes refractory to such hormonal therapy. Hence, it is crucial to identify novel therapies that can inhibit both AR-dependent (AR+) and AR-independent (AR-) PCa. A pro-apoptotic gene, prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is up-regulated during apoptosis in PCa cells. However, in most PCa cells, Par-4 is either nonfunctional or current therapies fail to up-regulate Par-4, thereby creating a major obstacle for the treatment of PCa. Our focus is to identify agents that will restore Par-4 function and consequently initiate the apoptotic cascade in PCa cells. Our preliminary studies show that Withaferin-A (WA), a major constituent of the herb Withania somnifera, is capable of inducing apoptosis in AR- PC-3 cells by up-regulating Par-4 expression and translocating Par-4 to the nucleus. Recent in vivo xenograft assays substantiate these in vitro findings and show that WA inhibits tumor growth by inducing apoptosis. Moreover, suppression of Par-4 by dominant negative constructs or restoration of AR-signaling in AR- PC-3 results in inhibition of WA-induced apoptosis. In AR+ PCa cells or normal immortalized PzHPV-7 cells, WA neither induced Par-4 expression nor translocated Par-4 to the nucleus; accordingly, WA failed to induce apoptosis in these cells. However, in combination with AR inhibitors, WA elevated Par-4 levels, translocated Par-4 to the nucleus, and induced apoptosis in AR+ PCa cells. These data suggest that WA is cancer-selective in its action and not toxic to normal cells. These targets can be exploited to develop chemotherapeutic and/or chemoprevention strategies for androgen-dependent and androgen-independent PCa.
Towards In-Band Telemetry for Self Driving Wireless Networks

Self-driving network is an emerging network automation design principle for building next generation autonomous networked systems based on machine learning algorithms trained on real-time experiences, i.e., network state measurements. However, existing network measurement techniques are designed on centralized architecture leading to considerable control overheads in wireless networks. In this work, we designed and implemented a distributed In-band network telemetry system (S-INT) and Wireless Network Operating System (WINOS) for self-driving wireless networks. On one hand, our proposed S-INT system significantly reduces network measurement overhead by embedding telemetry into flowing data traffic with a specialized packet header. WINOS system, on the other hand, seamlessly integrates programmable measurement, i.e., the proposed S-INT framework, with the programmable network control, while providing rich APIs to facilitate fast implementation of machine learning algorithms for intelligent and distributed network control. To show the effectiveness of our proposed system design, we implemented a multi-agent reinforcement routing as a traffic engineering application to optimize end-to-end delay performance. To the best of our knowledge, our implementation is the first one in the literature that enables multi-agent reinforcement learning algorithm to run on an actual physical wireless multihop network.
It's a Matter of Degree: Different Credentials Can Provide a Diversity of Perspectives

According to a 2011 survey, most legal writing specialists do not possess law degrees. This article reports the available data on legal writing specialist numbers and explores how law schools benefit from having faculty with diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Meta-regression analyses of relationships between burnout and depression with sampling and measurement methodological moderators.

Despite 35 years of study, burnout researchers have failed to reach a consensus about whether burnout is distinct from depression. This review compiled reports containing zero-order correlations between scores on burnout, depression, and other measures of negative affect (NA) based on (a) reviews published by Kahill (1988), Glass and McKnight (1996), and Bianchi et al. (2015b), and (b) a search of PsycInfo using "depression" and "burnout" as search terms to find relevant studies published after 2014. The resulting data set contained 69 studies with 196 burnout-depression correlations based on 46,191 participants. We found an overall effect size of .492 between scores on burnout and depression measures (essentially equivalent to the .52 value reported in Koutsimani et al.'s, 2019, review) and an effect size of .546 between the Maslach Burnout Inventory emotional exhaustion scale and depression. Similarly, a correlation of .53 between burnout and NA measures is similar in size to the .46 correlation found by Koutsimani et al. Moderator analyses indicated that a larger burnout-depression correlation was associated with a higher proportion of female participants in a study, older participants, participants who had worked longer, and burnout measures with higher reliability estimates. The effects of age and years employed on the burnout-depression relationship suggest that repeated and negative work experiences are required for burnout to develop to the extent that its effects overlap with symptoms of depression. Conceptualizing the empirical relation between burnout and depression as a single point estimate may miss the more complex empirical picture. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
The SARS-CoV2 pandemic explained via asymptomatic infection and susceptibility heterogeneity. Buenos Aires first wave

Abstract Background The rapid global spread of SARS-COV-2 forced governments to implement drastic interventions. The existence of a large but undetermined number of mild or non-symptomatic but infectious cases seems to be involved in the rapid spread, creating a high level of uncertainty due to the difficulty to measure them, and difficulty for epidemiologic modelling. Methods We developed a compartmental model with deterministic equations, that accounts for clinical status, mobility, r heterogenous susceptibility and non-pharmaceutical interventions. The model was calibrated using data from different regions and we used it to predict the dynamic in Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA). Results The model adjusted well to different geographical regions. In AMBA the model predicted 21400 deaths at 300 days, with 27% of the population in the region immunized after the first wave, partly due to the high incidence of asymptomatic cases. The mobility restriction is approximately linear, with any restriction bringing a positive effect. The other interventions have a combined effect of 27% reduction in infection rates. Conclusion Our research underlines the role of asymptomatic cases in the epidemics’ dynamic and introduces the concept of susceptibility heterogeneity as a potential explanation for otherwise unexplained outbreak dynamics. The model also shows the big role of non-pharmaceutical interventions both in slowing down the epidemic dynamics and in reducing the eventual number of deaths. The model results are closely compatible with observed data.
Liver Endothelium Microenvironment Promotes HER3-mediated Cell Survival in KRAS Wild-type and Mutant Colorectal Cancer

We previously showed that primary liver endothelial cells (ECs) secreted soluble factors in a paracrine fashion (angiocrine) and activated human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3, also known as ERBB3) mediated colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and chemoresistance. However, Ras proteins play a critical role in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways, and KRAS mutations mediate CRC resistance to therapies targeting EGFR, another HER protein. Therefore, the role of KRAS mutation status in EC-induced HER3 activation and CRC survival was investigated as it has therapeutic implications. We used CRC cell lines and patient-derived xenografts harboring KRAS wild-type or mutant genes and demonstrated that liver EC-secreted factors promoted HER3-mediated CRC cell growth independent of KRAS mutation status. Also, blocking HER3 in CRC by siRNAs or a HER3 antibody seribantumab attenuated EC-induced CRC cell survival. Our findings highlight the potential of utilizing HER3-targeted therapies for treating patients with mCRC independent of RAS mutational status
The diphoton $$q_T$$ q T spectrum at N $$^3$$ 3 LL $$^\prime $$ ′ + NNLO

We present a $$q_T$$ -resummed calculation of diphoton production at order N $$^3$$ LL $$^\prime $$ + NNLO. To reach the primed level of accuracy we have implemented the recently published three-loop $${\mathcal {O}}(\alpha _s^3)$$ virtual corrections in the $$q\bar{q}$$ channel and the three-loop transverse momentum dependent beam functions and combined them with the existing infrastructure of CuTe-MCFM, a code performing resummation at order N $${}^3$$ LL. While the primed predictions are parametrically not more accurate, one typically observes from lower orders and other processes that they are the dominant effect of the next order. We include in both the $$q\bar{q}$$ and loop-induced gg channel the hard contributions consistently together at order $$\alpha _s^3$$ and find that the resummed $$q\bar{q}$$ channel without matching stabilizes indeed. Due to large matching corrections and large contributions and uncertainties from the gg channel, the overall improvements are small though. We furthermore study the effect of hybrid-cone photon isolation and hard-scale choice on our fully matched results to describe the ATLAS $$\text {8}$$ TeV data and find that the hybrid-cone isolation worsens agreement at small $$q_T$$ compared to smooth-cone isolation.
Algorithms for the Diagnosis and Management of Head and Face Pain

This chapter will review different proposed algorithms to guide practitioners to make a precise diagnosis and hence better utilize interventional management for common headaches and facial pain syndromes. In intractable resistant headaches, patients usually benefit the most from a multidisciplinary approach incorporating physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy (biofeedback and relaxation therapy), and the judicious utilization of interventional pain management modalities.
A comparison of methods to determine phytoplankton bloom initiation

[1] Phytoplankton bloom phenology has important consequences for marine ecosystems and fisheries. Recent studies have used remotely sensed ocean color data to calculate metrics associated with the phenological cycle, such as the phytoplankton bloom initiation date, on regional and global scales. These metrics are often linked to physical or biological forcings. Most studies choose one of several common methods for calculating bloom initiation, leading to questions about whether bloom initiation dates calculated with different methods yield comparable results. Here we compare three methods for finding the date of phytoplankton bloom initiation in the North Atlantic: a biomass-based threshold method, a rate of change method, and a cumulative biomass-based threshold method. We use these methods to examine whether the onset of positive ocean-atmosphere heat fluxes coincides with subpolar bloom initiation. In several coherent locations, we find differences in the patterns of bloom initiation created by each method and differences in the synchrony between bloom initiation and positive heat fluxes, which likely indicate various physical processes at play in the study region. We also assess the effect of missing data on the chosen methods.
El Paso Customs District Cross-Border Trade Flows

An important issue in applied international economics is the extent to which trade flows adjust to changes in economic activity, relative prices, and exchange rates. While there have been numerous studies regarding aggregate trade flows, relatively little empirical work has been completed with respect to analyzing international merchandise trade growth throught the United States - Mexico border region. To examine whether border trade flows can be successfully modeled, short-term time series characteristics of cross-border trade flows through El Paso, Texas are analyzed. A transfer function ARIMA econometric methodology is employed using data from January 1995 to December 2002. Results indicate that economic activity in the United States and Mexico, along with relative prices adjusted for exchange rates play important roles in determining monthly fluctuations in border area trade flows.
Catalysis of the hydrolysis of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene by carbonic anhydrase.

Abstract Human carbonic anhydrases catalyze the hydrolysis of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. This catalysis is abolished by the same inhibitors that inhibit other reactions catalyzed by these enzymes. Human carbonic anhydrase B cannot be saturated with this substrate up to its maximum water solubility. Carbonic anhydrase B is approximately 10 times as powerful a catalyst for this reaction as anhydrase C.
Breast Cancer Screening in Women Aged 80 and Older: Results from a National Survey

Objectives: To estimate the national rates of mammography screening in women aged 80 and older and examine the relationship between health status and screening within the previous 2 years. Design: Population-based survey. Setting: United States. Participants: Eight hundred eighty-two women aged 80 and older who responded to the 2000 National Health Interview Survey, representing an estimated 3.83 million noninstitutionalized women nationally. Measurements: Screening mammography, disease burden, and functional status were assessed using a questionnaire. Results: Of the 882 women, 41.5% were aged 85 and older; 19.6% had two or more significant diseases; and 12.1% were dependent in at least one activity of daily living (ADL). More than half (50.8%) had received a screening mammogram within the previous 2 years. Women with two or more significant diseases were less likely to have received screening than those without significant disease, but the difference was not statistically significant (43.9% vs 54.0%, P=.152). Women dependent in at least one ADL were less likely to receive screening mammography than women without functional impairment (37.2% vs 55.9%, P<.001). After adjustment, the likelihood of screening remained lower in women with two or more significant diseases (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.40–1.05) and in women with at least one ADL dependency (AOR=0.44, 95% CI=0.22–0.88). Of 294 women likely to have life expectancies of less than 5 years because of poor health, 39.4% received screening mammography. Conclusion: More than half of women aged 80 and older in the United States receive screening mammograms. Nearly 40% of women very unlikely to benefit because of poor health received screening mammography.
Randomized clinical trial of pigtail catheter versus chest tube in injured patients with uncomplicated traumatic pneumothorax

Background Small pigtail catheters appear to work as well as the traditional large-bore chest tubes in patients with traumatic pneumothorax, but it is not known whether the smaller pigtail catheters are associated with less tube-site pain. This study was conducted to compare tube-site pain following pigtail catheter or chest tube insertion in patients with uncomplicated traumatic pneumothorax. Methods This prospective randomized trial compared 14-Fr pigtail catheters and 28-Fr chest tubes in patients with traumatic pneumothorax presenting to a level I trauma centre from July 2010 to February 2012. Patients who required emergency tube placement, those who refused and those who could not respond to pain assessment were excluded. Primary outcomes were tube-site pain, as assessed by a numerical rating scale, and total pain medication use. Secondary outcomes included the success rate of pneumothorax resolution and insertion-related complications. Results Forty patients were enrolled. Baseline characteristics of 20 patients in the pigtail catheter group were similar to those of 20 patients in the chest tube group. No patient had a flail chest or haemothorax. Pain scores related to chest wall trauma were similar in the two groups. Patients with a pigtail catheter had significantly lower mean(s.d.) tube-site pain scores than those with a chest tube, at baseline after tube insertion (3·2(0·6) versus 7·7(0·6); P < 0·001), on day 1 (1·9(0·5) versus 6·2(0·7); P < 0·001) and day 2 (2·1(1.1) versus 5·5(1·0); P = 0·040). The decreased use of pain medication associated with pigtail catheter was not significantly different. The duration of tube insertion, success rate and insertion-related complications were all similar in the two groups. Conclusion For patients with a simple, uncomplicated traumatic pneumothorax, use of a 14-Fr pigtail catheter is associated with reduced pain at the site of insertion, with no other clinically important differences noted compared with chest tubes. Registration number: NCT01537289 (http://clinicaltrials.gov).
X-rays, color, and the Vaughan-Preston gap

Stellar activity is a function both of stellar mass (or color) and rotation period. If the period dependence in a plot of normalized x-ray luminosity vs. B-V color is accounted for, the remaining color dependence strongly resembles the convective turnover time. A connection is suggested between this color dependence and the existence of regions of lower star density in activity-color diagrams.
Optical network utilizing nonlinear optic devices - present and future

Recent progress in time domain optical signal processing based on optical nonlinear phenomena is discussed to realize optical networks. All-optical time-division multiplexing and add/drop multiplexing experiments are described as key functions of any optical network.
Biologically-based auditory signal processing in analog VLSI

The author reviews many recent analog silicon implementations of computational models of neural auditory processing. These implementations are based on physiological and psychophysical knowledge about biological auditory systems. Particular attention is given to peripheral processing, the use of silicon cochleas, and correlation models. >
Detecting and Resolving Misconfigurations in Role-Based Access Control (Short Paper)

In Role Based Access Control (RBAC) systems, formulating a correct set of roles, assigning appropriate privileges to roles, and assigning roles to users are the fundamental design tasks. Whether these tasks are performed by a human (e.g., system administrator) or by a machine (e.g., expert system), misconfigurations are likely to occur. The misconfigurations could manifest as under-privileges (fewer privileges assigned) or over-privileges (more privileges than necessary). In this paper, we describe an approach based on role mining to detect and correct such misconfigurations. Here, the overlap among the users and privileges of different roles is used to identify possible misconfigurations.
Oral fluid as a specimen for detection and confirmation of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Paired serum and oral fluid specimens (n = 287) were collected with the Omni-Sal device and were assayed for the presence of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Enzyme immunoassays (EIAs)--Abbott 3A11, an Organon Teknika Corporation research-use-only test, and the Murex GACELISA--were used per the manufacturers' inserts or were modified slightly to accommodate the oral fluid specimens. Compared with serum Western blot (immunoblot) results, each EIA had a sensitivity of 100% and the specificities were 89.6% for the Abbott 3A11 EIA, 96.5% for the GACELISA, and 97.8% for the Organon Teknika Corporation EIA. Specificities based on specimens that were repeatedly reactive were 99.3% for all EIAs. A miniaturized Western blot technique used for confirmatory testing of both the serum and oral fluid specimens found 149 of the 287 samples to be HIV-1 antibody positive in both sample types. The Western blot banding patterns observed for the serum and oral fluid specimens were essentially identical. Immunoglobulin G concentrations were determined for all oral fluid specimens and ranged from 40.0 micrograms/ml. Immunoglobulin G concentrations did not correlate with the ability of any of the EIAs to detect HIV-1-specific antibody or with the ability of the modified Western blot to detect HIV-1 protein-specific antibodies.
Celebrity versus Company President as Endorsers of High Risk Products for Elderly Consumers

Abstract This study examines the effectiveness of a celebrity endorser vs. a company president as an endorser for a high financial/performance risk product, supplemental health insurance, with a sample of 280 senior citizens (65+) drawn from six geographically dispersed markets. The results show significant differences between a celebrity and a company spokesperson in initial interest in the product and likelihood of seeking additional information but no differences in belief of claim or likelihood of enrolling in the insurance program.
Bloch surface wave-coupled emission from quantum dots by ensemble and single molecule spectroscopy

We report the spectral properties and spatial distribution of quantum dot (QD575) emission on a one-dimensional photonic crystal (1DPC). Our 1DPC substrate consists of multiple layers of dielectrics with a photonic band gap (PBG) near the QD575 emission maximum. The 1DPC was designed to display a surface-trapped electromagnetic state known as a Bloch surface wave (BSW) at the 1DPC–air (sample) interface. Ensemble angle-dependent emission intensities revealed a sharp angular emission peak near 41° from the normal which is consistent with the BSW resonance at 575 nm. We further examined the emission from single QDs on the 1DPC. A notable increase in fluorescence intensity from QD575 particles was observed on the BSW substrate compared to the glass substrate from the scanning confocal fluorescence images and from the intensity–time trajectories of single QD575 particles. The intensity-decays showed substantially faster decay (4-fold decrease in emission lifetime) from the single QD575 particles on the 1DPC substrate (∼4.8 ns) as compared to the glass substrate (∼18 ns). We observed the spectral characteristics of the individual QD575 particles on 1DPC and glass substrates, by recording the single particle emission spectra through the 1DPC. The emission spectra of the single QD575 particles are similar (with emission maxima around 575 nm) on both substrates except for a substantial increase in intensity (about 10-fold) on the BSW substrate. Our results demonstrate that quantum dots can interact with Bloch Surface Waves (BSW) on a 1DPC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the single particle fluorescence studies on a 1DPC substrate. The ∼10-fold increase in total intensity in combination with 4-fold reduction in emission lifetime suggest 1DPCs with BSW modes have potential use in sensing and single molecule spectroscopy.
An analysis of seventy-nine cases of placenta previa

Abstract It is the purpose of this paper to present an analytic study of a series of cases of placenta previa as they occurred in a general hospital, where the obstetric work is done largely by general practitioners and a staff of three specialists; the latter being called as counsel in the greater percentage of the difficult cases. What I intend to give here is purely a summary of results which may be used and interpreted as the average in the occurrence of this obstetric abnormality. The study consists of the cases of placenta previa encountered at our hospital in the last five years. During this period there was a total of 7,928 women delivered, among whom there occurred 79 cases of placenta previa, or a very small fraction over 1 per cent of the total. This average of 1:100 agrees fairly well with the generally accepted statistics. Williams 1 gives the ratio for hospital practice as 1:250. Peterson 2 states that placenta previa occurs about once in every 300 cases in hospital practice. DeLee 3 gives it at 1:1500 to 1:300; Edgar 8 quotes an average of 1:250. Hitschmann, 7 quoting the various German clinics, gives the average occurrence as 1:250 to 1:1000. Our average is slightly higher than the others, inasmuch as the percentage of abnormal cases entering the hospital is very high. As a point of interest, I tabulated the frequency of occurrence as to month and season and found that our cases occurred evenly distributed throughout the various months, there being no seasonal variation.
An Improved Second Order Method for Optimal Load Flow

The Reduced Hessian method, which is inherently a second order method, has been applied to the optimal load flow problem. This method, in conjunction with a procedure for handling the constraints on the control variables, results in highly reliable convergence and excellent accuracy. Unlike most other methods, the algorithm in this paper is not dependent upon the proper selection of acceleration factors. The effectiveness of this method has been demonstrated by applying to sample systems.
Open-Ended Activities: Differentiation through Learner Responses.

This article explores the meaning of curricular differentiation for identified gifted students by examining learner responses to open-ended activities. Very little research supports or describes how open-ended activities—which have been advocated as a strategy to allow students to work in their own interest areas, in their own learning styles, and at their own ability level—serve to differentiate the curriculum. This paper sets curriculum differentiation in an historical perspective, reviews a comprehensive investigation into the nature of open-ended activities, and focuses on how and in what ways the responses to open-ended activities of children identified as gifted differed from responses of children who were not identified as gifted in a third-grade and a fourth-grade heterogeneously grouped classroom. The study also focuses on teacher perceptions of classroom activities and learner responses. Data sources included observations over the course of one academic year, interviews with teachers and student...
Use of a COTS X-ray scanner for 2-D neutron activation analysis

Results from the use of a commercial, off-the-shelf X-ray scanner using storage phosphors to measure neutron activation in 1- and 2-D are presented. The technique consists of irradiating thin foils or wires of various elements, then placing the activated material on the storage phosphors to expose them. The amount of exposure is proportional to the activation obtained. Examples of wires, small foils, and large area foils with asymmetric irradiation using critical assemblies are presented. Combined with isotope-specific gamma counting of the entire foil or wire, the technique offers a simple way to obtain both qualitative and quantitative 2-D activation information.
Protein Synthesis on Rat Liver Polysome-Membrane Complexes formed in vitro and Disposition of the Discharged Chains

Rough membranes reconstituted by combination in vitro of hepatic polysomes and rough microsomes stripped of their-endogenous polysomes will incorporate amino-acids and vectorially transport the puromycin-released protein across the membrane. Both of these rough membrane activities were quantitatively similar to rough microsomes; however, the membrane binding sites appeared undiscriminatory in binding nearly all postmitochondrial polysomes with equal affinity.
Magnetostatic modes in thin film antiferromagnet/ferromagnet layered systems

Abstract We present the first study of spinwave modes in antiferromagnet/antiferromagnet and antiferromagnet/ferromagnet combinations. We investigate propagation in the long wavelength region in an arbitrary direction parallel to the interface between two thin magnetic layers. In the ferromagnet/antiferromagnet combination, reciprocality with respect to propagation direction is lost as the films are brought closer together.
Influence of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation on Winter Precipitation and Drought during Years of Neutral ENSO in the Western United States

Abstract The influence of the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on important hydroclimatic variables during years of neutral ENSO for 84 climate divisions in the western United States is analyzed from 1925 to 1998. When the 34 neutral ENSO years are split by cold (12 yr) and warm (22 yr) PDOs, the resulting winter precipitation patterns are spatially similar to those that occur during years of La Nina–cold PDO and, to a lesser extent, years of El Nino–warm PDO, respectively, although the characteristic ENSO dipole is not evident. The PDO influence is similar when the winter Palmer drought severity index is analyzed, although the core area of influence moves from the Southwest to the northern Rockies. Correlations between Nino-3.4 SSTs and the hydroclimatic variables reverse sign when the neutral ENSO years are split by PDO phase. The greatest difference between correlations occurs in the characteristic dipole between the Pacific Northwest and the desert Southwest. Since seasonal forecast guidance based on...
Non-Elastic Deformation of Myocardium in Low-Flow Ischemia and Reperfusion: Ultrastructure–Function Relations

This study tested the hypothesis that regional low-flow ischemia and reperfusion alter myocardial material properties by causing non-elastic deformation. Twenty-two anesthetized, open-chest pigs were studied. Pigs underwent 90 min of regional low-flow ischemia (anterior LV subendocardial blood flow 29+/-7% of baseline) followed by 90 min reperfusion. LV pressure and regional subendocardial segment length were recorded to derive end-diastolic pressure vs segment length (EDP vs EDL) and preload-recruitable stroke work (PRSW) relations. In vivo, non-elastic myocardial deformation was inferred from increases in minimally loaded myocardial dimensions: the EDL at zero EDP (L0) and the EDL at which no regional external work was performed (Lw, the PRSW intercept). In 15 pigs, ultrastructural confirmation of non-elastic deformation was obtained from sarcomere dimensions measured by transmission electron microscopy after in situ perfusion fixation under non-ischemic conditions, after 90 min ischemia, or after 90 min ischemia plus 90 min reperfusion. Ischemia increased L0 and Lw to 1.17+/-0.05 and 1. 13+/-0.04 times baseline, respectively. After reperfusion, L0 and Lw remained increased to 1.09+/-0.03 and 1.15+/-0.02 times baseline (all P<0.05). After reperfusion, PRSW slope was not different from baseline, but regional external work remained depressed (0.38+/-0.03 times baseline) due to the persistent increase in Lw. Neither L0 nor Lw changed in the posterior (non-ischemic) region. In hearts fixed after ischemia or after ischemia plus reperfusion, sarcomere length was significantly greater and transverse distance between thick myofilaments was significantly smaller in the anterior (ischemic) subendocardium than in the posterior (non-ischemic) subendocardium (P<0.01). We conclude that regional low-flow ischemia and reperfusion cause non-elastic deformation of myocardium, manifest in vivo by increased minimally loaded myocardial dimensions (L0 and Lw) and ultrastructurally by increased sarcomere length and decreased transverse interfilament distance. Non-elastic deformation of myocardium may contribute to contractile dysfunction in low-flow ischemia and reperfusion.
Air Cushion Vehicle Turbofan Propulsion Feasibility Analysis

This paper explores the feasibility of utilizing turbofan gas turbines for combined propulsion and lift on an amphibious air cushion vehicle (ACV). The required thrust and bleed flow were identified, and employed to select possible COTS turbofans for this application. In addition, the turbofan cycle was evaluated for ACV applicability. The investigation revealed that a turbofan configuration would require a new inlet filtration system, which was categorized as high risk. Furthermore, fuel comparisons showed that the turbofan arrangement would require significantly more fuel when compared to the traditional propeller and lift fan system.
Determination of selenium by tungsten coil atomic absorption spectrometry using iridium as a permanent chemical modifier

Abstract Permanent chemical modifiers have been shown to prolong graphite tube lifetime while reducing the furnace cycle time, thus improving cost-effectiveness. In this work, iridium is used as a permanent chemical modifier for the first time in the determination of selenium by tungsten-coil atomic absorption spectrometry (W-Coil AAS). The iridium modifier is thermally coated onto the tungsten coil. After coating, the coil can be used for 300–400 firings without further application of the modifier. Thermal treatment with iridium permits operating with higher pyrolysis temperature and coil lifetime is extended up to 1600 firings. The sensitivity and linearity of the method is improved, and the analytical procedure allows the use of analyte solutions containing up to 8% nitric acid. The short-term stability of the absorbance measurements is demonstrated by the reproducibility in the measurements of a Se amount (6 ng) 30 times higher than the limit of detection (0.2 ng). A 7% relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) was observed for 10 consecutive measurements of 6 ng Se. The long-term stability is almost as good: less than 9% R.S.D. over a 3-week period and 1500 firings. The surface of the tungsten-coil treated with iridium is examined before and after intensive use by scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the thermal treatment of the tungsten-coil with iridium appears to delay the appearance of selenium atoms by approximately 0.2 s although the integrated absorbance measurements are unaffected. The magnitude of delay decreases with coil age.
Left atrial mass.

A 48-year-old-man with a 3-month history of cough was involved in a motorcycle accident complicated by chest trauma and right ankle fracture. The CAT scan of the chest revealed a left-sided pneumothorax, a left hilar mass, mediastinal adenopathy, and renal masses. The transbronchial biopsy showed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. A follow-up CAT scan revealed a rapidly progressing lung mass with obstruction of the entire left lung, and a thrombus versus mass in the left atrium. The 2D echocardiogram confirmed a 2.7-cm left atrial lesion. The transesophageal echocardiogram described a mass within the left atrium (LA), coming out of the pulmonary vein (Figure 1A). The appearance of the mass changed during systole and diastole (Figure 1A, 1B). This was consistent with an arm of the primary lung tumor extending into the left atrium and did not support the diagnosis of thrombus.1–3 The patient received one cycle of chemotherapy, but died shortly thereafter from progression of his lung cancer. In this case, the transesophageal echocardiogram clarified the etiology of the left atrial mass and prevented unnecessary anticoagulation.
Microcellular foams: phase behaviour of poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) in diisopropylbenzene

Abstract Microcellular foams are an important component of Inertially Confined Fusion (ICF) targets. The spatial distribution of the material is critical as the target implodes. In an effort to improve the spatial uniformity, we have explored the phase separation behaviour of poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) solutions with diisopropylbenzene solvent. The cloud-point phase-separation diagram from pure solvent to pure polymer is discussed. Microstructures of the various density foams and the need for a three-dimensional phase diagram are presented.
The elastic, plastic, and time dependent properties of thin films as determined by ultra low load indentation

Using a highly spatially resolved mechanical properties microprobe, the elastic, plastic and time dependent mechanical properties of sapphire and a 1.9 {mu}m amorphous alumina film on a sapphire substrate have been studied. Young's modulus, hardness, and stress-exponent data are reported. The technique for characterizing time dependent properties via indentation (hardness versus displacement rate/displacement) are directly compared to standard uniaxial compressive techniques (stress vs strain rate) for a bulk Pb-In alloy to further quantify the relationships between the two techniques.
Role of Histone Acetylation in the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy and the Metabolic Memory Phenomenon

Hyperglycemia is considered as one of the major determinants in the development of diabetic retinopathy, but the progression of retinopathy resists arrest after hyperglycemia is terminated, suggesting a metabolic memory phenomenon. Diabetes alters the expression of retinal genes, and this continues even after good glycemic control is re-instituted. Since the expression of genes is affected by chromatin structure that is modulated by post-translational modifications of histones, our objective is to investigate the role of histone acetylation in the development of diabetic retinopathy, and in the metabolic memory phenomenon. Streptozotocin-induced rats were maintained either in poor glycemic control (PC, glycated hemoglobin, GHb >11%) or good glycemic control (GC, GHb <6%) for 12 months, or allowed to be in PC for 6 months followed by in GC for 6 months (PC-GC). On a cellular level, retinal endothelial cells, the target of histopathology of diabetic retinopathy, were incubated in 5 or 20 mM glucose for 4 days. Activities of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and histone acetyltransferase (HAT), and histone acetylation were quantified. Hyperglycemia activated HDAC and increased HDAC1, 2, and 8 gene expressions in the retina and its capillary cells. The activity HAT was compromised and the acetylation of histone H3 was decreased. Termination of hyperglycemia failed to provide any benefits to diabetes-induced changes in retinal HDAC and HAT, and histone H3 remained subnormal. This suggests "in principle" the role of global acetylation of retinal histone H3 in the development of diabetic retinopathy and in the metabolic memory phenomenon associated with its continued progression.
Estimating direct and indirect rebound effects for U.S. households with input-output analysis. Part 2: Simulation

Abstract This is the second part of a two-part paper that integrates economic and industrial ecology methods to estimate the indirect rebound effect from residential energy efficiency investments. We apply the model developed in part one to simulate the indirect rebound, given an estimate of the direct rebound, using a 2002 environmentally-extended input–output model and the 2004 Consumer Expenditure Survey (in 2002$) for the U.S. We find an indirect rebound of 5–15% in primary energy and CO 2 e emissions, assuming a 10% direct rebound, depending on the fuel saved with efficiency and household income. The indirect rebound can be as high as 30–40% in NO x or SO 2 emissions for efficiency in natural gas services. The substitution effect modeled in part one is small in most cases, and we discuss appropriate applications for proportional or income elasticity spending assumptions. Large indirect rebound effects occur as the U.S. electric grid becomes less-carbon intensive, in households with large transportation demands, or as energy prices increase. Even in extreme cases, there is limited evidence for backfire, or a rebound effect greater than 100%. Enacting pollution taxes or auctioned permits that internalize the externalities of energy use would ensure that rebound effects unambiguously increase consumers' welfare.
Associated atrial septal defects increase perioperative morbidity after ventricular septal defect repair in infancy

Although closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) is currently associated with a relatively low risk, infants with associated atrial septal defects (ASDs) seem to have a higher perioperative morbidity. To clarify this impression, we reviewed our entire experience (since 1977) with closure of simple VSDs in 163 infants (age, ≤12 months). Of these, 57 had significant ASDs (ASD-VSD subgroup). Hospital mortality was 3.7% (6/163) overall and 1.4% (2/145) since 1980. Actuarial survival at 10 years was 92% ± 5%. Significant morbidity occurred in 15.5% (16/103) of the VSD subgroup versus 48.1% (26/54) of the ASD-VSD subgroup ( p ≤ 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified the presence of multiple VSDs and early date of operation as risk factors for hospital death, and younger age, an associated ASD, the size of the VSD, and use of hypothermic circulatory arrest as risk factors for significant perioperative morbidity. Compared with the VSD subgroup, the ASD-VSD subgroup had a higher hospital mortality (5.3% [3/57] versus 2.8% [3/106]), were younger (5.1 ± 2.9 versus 7.2 ± 2.9 months; p = 0.001), had a higher preoperative pulmonary artery pressure (70.2 ± 19.0 versus 62.7 ± 21.8 mm Hg; p = 0.08), needed more inotropic support (12.3% versus 3.7%; p = 0.07), needed more prolonged ventilation (3.3 versus 1.8 days; p = 0.02), and had longer postoperative hospital stays (11 versus 8 days; p = 0.005). The increased postoperative morbidity associated with infants who have a significant ASD in addition to a VSD is generally unappreciated, and may relate to the different hemodynamics associated with left-to-right shunting at both the atrial and ventricular levels.