cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A technology tree based VND model for identifying the top technologies in the US renewable energy industry

This paper examines the technology trajectory evolution of the green energy industry in the US. In particular, it identifies the top three communities within this sector and summarizes their growth patterns. We analyzed the US green energy patents from 1980–2005 and proposed a “green technology tree”, the structure of which symbolizes the growth pattern of the core green technologies. Based on this tree, we designed the VND model that divides these top green energy communities into three separate categories: the “Veteran” category representing patent classes that have been in prominence from the initial days of green revolution, the “Newbie” category that focuses on the recently evolving green technologies and finally, the “Downgraded” category which is a representative of the once-popular-now-disappearing technologies.
Microwatt shot-noise measurement.

We report a simple scheme for sensitive measurements of optical-noise spectra. Optical noise is separated from electronic noise when the output of an analog spectrum analyzer is real-time squared and then lock-in detected. This method directly yields the desired mean-square noise voltage, i.e., the power spectrum of the optical noise on a linear scale. To demonstrate this technique, the mean-square shot noise of a laser beam is measured and found to vary linearly with the laser power from several milliwatts down to one microwatt, in excellent quantitative agreement with predictions.
Copper-rich planar defects in Gd-substituted superconductors

Abstract The structure of the high-temperature superconductor GdBa2Cu3Ox (x ≈ 7) was examined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Gd-substituted superconductors, in contrast to the yttrium-based materials, contained a large number of planar defects corresponding to a shear vector of 1 6 [301]. Detailed image simulation enabled the defects to be identified as copper-rich regions.
Cooperative Web Weaving: The Team Approach to Web Site Development at Illinois State University

(1997). Cooperative Web Weaving: The Team Approach to Web Site Development at Illinois State University. Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Information Supply: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 1-20.
The temperature dependence of electron attachment to CCl4, CHCl3 and C6H5CH2Cl☆

The temperature dependences and absolute values of the rate constants for the reaction of electrons with CCl4, CHCl3 and C6H5CH2Cl (benzyl chloride) have been measured from 20°C to 200°C. The rate constants are found to be quite well described by the Arrhenius equation k = A exp (−E∗/RT). The values of A and E∗ found are 1·55×10−7, 8·6×10−8, 2·0×10−7 cm3 s−1 and −0·57, 2·2, 2·9 kcal/mol (−2·4, 9·2, 12·2 kJ/mol) for CCl4, CHCl3 abd C6H5CH2Cl respectively. The pressure dependence of the rate constants have also been investigated.
Geographic information retrieval (GIR) ranking methods for digital libraries

This demo will presents results from an evaluation of algorithms forranking results by probability of relevance for Geographic Information Retrieval (GIR) applications. We will demonstrate an algorithm for GIR ranking based on logistic regression from samples of the test collection We also show the effects of different representations of the geographic regions being searched, including minimumbounding rectangles, convex hulls, and complex polygons.
Teaching an undergraduate electromechanical course

Electric machines, power electronic circuits and other electromechanical systems are utilized in many components in aircrafts. Electric power generation is also very important in Aerospace and Air Force projects. Setting up a remote power systems on temporary air bases or space craft and space stations are two examples of power generation systems. Electrical, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering graduates are often hired to work in power companies and other industries were their knowledge of electromechanical devices is very important. The need for power engineers who are hired to work in utility companies has also been growing in recent years and is expected to grow even more in the next five to ten years. This is due to the fact that many power engineering professionals are from the baby boomer generation and are starting to retire.
Social Capital in Britain

Recent findings show an apparent erosion in the United States over the post-war years of ‘social capital’ understood as the propensity of individuals to associate together on a regular basis, to trust one another, and to engage in community affairs. This article examines the British case for similar trends, finding no equivalent erosion. It proposes explanations for the resilience of social capital in Britain, rooted in educational reform, the transformation of the class structure, and government policy. It concludes by drawing some general lessons from the British case that stress the importance of the distributive dimensions of social capital and the impact that governments can have on it.
Dynamic Assortment Optimization with a Multinomial Logit Choice Model and Capacity Constraint

We consider an assortment optimization problem where a retailer chooses an assortment of products that maximizes the profit subject to a capacity constraint. The demand is represented by a multinomial logit choice model. We consider both the static and dynamic optimization problems. In the static problem, we assume that the parameters of the logit model are known in advance; we then develop a simple algorithm for computing a profit-maximizing assortment based on the geometry of lines in the plane and derive structural properties of the optimal assortment. For the dynamic problem, the parameters of the logit model are unknown and must be estimated from data. By exploiting the structural properties found for the static problem, we develop an adaptive policy that learns the unknown parameters from past data and at the same time optimizes the profit. Numerical experiments based on sales data from an online retailer indicate that our policy performs well.
Context-Aware Adaptation of Access-Control Policies

Today, public-service delivery mechanisms such as hospitals, police, and fire departments rely on digital generation, storage, and analysis of vital information. To protect critical digital resources, these organizations employ access-control mechanisms, which define rules under which authorized users can access the resources they need to perform organizational tasks. Natural or man-made disasters pose a unique challenge, whereby previously defined constraints can potentially debilitate an organization's ability to act. Here, the authors propose employing contextual parameters - specifically, activity context in the form of emergency warnings - to adapt access-control policies according to a priori configuration.
The impact of fluorodeoxyglucose F 18 positron-emission tomography on the surgical staging of non–small cell lung cancer

Abstract Objectives: Staging data on patients with non-small cell lung cancer were prospectively collected to evaluate the accuracy and anatomic information provided by fluorodeoxyglucose F 18 positron-emission tomography and its impact on improving the accuracy of surgical staging. Methods: A total of 142 patients with potentially resectable non-small cell lung cancer were imaged with positron-emission tomography (neck to pelvis). Positron-emission tomographic scans were read prospectively with thoracic computed tomographic comparison. Patients without distant metastases at positron-emission tomography underwent staging with bronchoscopy and mediastinoscopy, with or without mediastinotomy or thoracoscopy. Patients with metastases, pleural implants, or N2 or N3 disease did not undergo primary resection. Results: Positron-emission tomography revealed unsuspected distant metastases in 24 of 142 patients (16.9%) and unsuspected pleural implants in 6 others. Nodal stage was surgically established in 118 cases. Positron-emission tomography showed that 5 patients had nodal disease not accessible by mediastinoscopy. In 35 (24.6%) of these 142 cases, positron-emission tomography directed the evaluation away from routine bronchoscopy and mediastinoscopy staging that would have resulted in inappropriate treatment selection. Positron-emission tomography correctly differentiated resectable stages IA through IIIA (N1) from stages IIIA (N2) through IV in 88.7% of cases. In identifying N2 or N3 disease, positron-emission tomography had an accuracy of 90.7%, a sensitivity of 80.9%, a specificity of 96%, and positive and negative predictive values of 91.9% and 90.1%, respectively. Of the 8 cases in which positron-emission tomography missed N2 disease, 7 had the disease discovered by mediastinoscopy and 1 had it discovered at thoracotomy. Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of positron-emission tomography-enhanced clinical staging is high. Positron-emission tomography has previously been used primarily to screen for lymph node spread and distant metastases, but it also provides localizing information that allows directed and more sensitive surgical staging and refinement of patient selection for curative resection. Positron-emission tomography and surgical staging play complementary roles in the journey toward more accurate overall staging. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002;124:511-9
The Efficacy of Absorbable Suture for Microvascular Anastomoses

• Although microvascular anastomoses are routinely performed with nonabsorbable sutures, a foreign body reaction can be stimulated that acts as a nidus for inflammation, infection, and possible thrombosis. Absorbable sutures should be able to diminish this reaction. There are sparse data describing the use of absorbable sutures for both arterial and venous anastomoses. This investigation compares standard microvascular anastomotic technique using nonabsorbable 10-0 sutures (nylon) with absorbable 10-0 sutures (polyglactin 910), using a previously reported tubed superficial epigastric flap model in rats. Patency rates and histologic responses are compared at intervals of 3 days and 1, 2, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Arterial and venous patency rates were similar for both materials (overall nonabsorbable, 85.9%; overall absorbable, 84.4%). A somewhat increased inflammatory response was noted in the arterial absorbable group at 1 week and in both the venous and arterial nonabsorbable groups at 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. The later finding most probably represents the continued presence of the nylon sutures. The incidence of intraluminal thrombosis was greater for nonabsorbable suture, occurring in two arterial and four venous anastomoses, compared with only one absorbable suture venous anastomosis. We conclude that nonabsorbable suture is as efficacious as standard absorbable material in both arterial and venous microanastomoses with the potential benefit of diminished foreign body reaction. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg . 1990;116:1051-1054)
Legacy of Mohammed Dahleh

Mohammed led a broad research program that manifested itself in: key publications within and outside the control community, in a number of students with superb multidisciplinary training, a number of organized workshops that attracted researchers from all over the world, and friendships within the control community that became an integral part of Mohammed’s life. In this article, I will attempt to describe aspects of Mohammed’s broad and diverse legacy in our community.
Antibiotic Metabolites from a Marine Pseudomonad

An antibiotic-producing pseudomonad was isolated from a seawater sample from a La Jolla, Calif., tidepool. The pseudomonad produces two novel antibacterial compounds, 2-n-pentyl-4-quinolinol and 2-n-heptyl-4-quinolinol. It also synthesizes indole-3-carboxaldehyde, 6-bromoindole-3-carboxaldehyde, and the known antibiotic p-hydroxybenzaldehyde. Each of these compounds was identified by analysis of spectral data, and the structures were confirmed by synthesis or comparison with authentic samples.
An Overview of Evaluation Strategies and Procedures

T H E PURPOSE of this paper is to provide a detailed introduction to the variety of purposes for which evaluation research may be used and to the range of methods that are currently employed in the practice of that field. Specific examples are given wherever appropriate to provide concrete illustrations of both the goals of evaluation researchers and the methods used. While the coverage of this paper is intended to be comprehensive in the sense of describing major uses of evaluation research, it cannot even pretend to be encyclopedic. The reader interested in pursuing any of the topics discussed in this paper is provided with references to more detailed discussions. In addition, there are several general references that survey the field of evaluation in a more detailed fashion (Suchman 1967; Weiss 1972; Cronbach 1980; Rossi, Freeman, and Wright 1979; Guttentag and Struening 1975).
Customer Relationship Management aspects of Media-on-Demand and its affects on mobile communication

With the advent of high-speed and large volume-data transfer, media has shifted from being strictly a product to become a service. Media-on-Demand (MoD) is a service provided to consumers that allows an individual to access any form of audio or video more efficiently than ever before. With this new technology, a new challenge comes to the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) process, such as determining the potential customers and the demand their service. This article will explore the key aspects of the success of MoD in relation to CRM, both in a conceptual way and through empirical examination of well-educated and technologically savvy potential and active consumers of these services. We will use the four factors most important to customers: programming, cost, ease-of-use and availability of service, especially through mobile communication technologies. Along with these aspects, we will also explore MoD's affect on the existing entertainment market.
New Methods for Monitoring Dynamic Airway Tissue Oxygenation and Perfusion in Experimental and Clinical Transplantation

A dual circulation, supplied by bronchial and pulmonary artery-derived vessels, normally perfuses the airways from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles. This vascular system has been highly conserved through mammalian evolution and is disrupted at the time of lung transplantation. In most transplant centers, this circulation is not restored. The Papworth Hospital Autopsy study has revealed that an additional attrition of periairway vessels is associated with the development of chronic rejection, otherwise known as the bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). Experimental studies subsequently demonstrated that airway vessels are subject to alloimmune injury and that the loss of a functional microvascular system identifies allografts that cannot be rescued with immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, surgical and medical strategies, which preserve the functionality of the existent vasculature in lung transplant patients, may conceivably limit the incidence of BOS. Given these unique anatomic and physiological considerations, there is an emerging rationale to better understand the perfusion and oxygenation status of airways in transplanted lungs. This article describes novel methodologies, some newly developed by our group, for assessing airway tissue oxygenation and perfusion in experimental and clinical transplantation.
Endogenous casein kinase-1 modulates NMDA receptor activity of hypothalamic presympathetic neurons and sympathetic outflow in hypertension

Key points Increased NMDA receptor activity and excitability of presympathetic neurons in the hypothalamus can increase sympathetic nerve discharges leading to hypertension. In this study, we determined how protein kinases and phosphatases are involved in regulating NMDA receptor activity and firing activity of presympathetic neurons in the hypothalamus in normotensive and hypertensive rats. We show that casein kinase-1 inhibition increases NMDA receptor activity and excitability of presympathetic neurons in the hypothalamus and augments sympathetic nerve discharges in normotensive, but not in hypertensive, rats. Our data indicate that casein kinase-1 tonically regulates NMDA receptor activity by interacting with casein kinase-2 and protein phosphatases in the hypothalamus and that imbalance of NMDA receptor phosphorylation can augment the excitability of hypothalamic presympathetic neurons and sympathetic nerve discharges in hypertension. These findings help us understand the neuronal mechanism of hypertension, and reducing the NMDA receptor phosphorylation level may be effective for treating neurogenic hypertension. Abstract Increased N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is involved in elevated sympathetic outflow in hypertension. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying augmented NMDAR activity in hypertension remain unclear. In this study, we determined the role of casein kinase-1 (CK1) in regulating NMDAR activity in the PVN. NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and puff NMDA-elicited currents were recorded in spinally projecting PVN neurons in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats. The basal amplitudes of evoked NMDAR-EPSCs and puff NMDA currents were significantly higher in SHRs than in WKY rats. The CK1 inhibitor PF4800567 or PF670462 significantly increased the amplitude of NMDAR-EPSCs and puff NMDA currents in PVN neurons in WKY rats but not in SHRs. PF4800567 caused an NMDAR-dependent increase in the excitability of PVN neurons only in WKY rats. Also, the CK1e protein level in the PVN was significantly lower in SHRs than in WKY rats. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular infusion of PF4800567 increased blood pressure and lumbar sympathetic nerve activity in WKY rats, and this effect was eliminated by microinjection of the NMDAR antagonist into the PVN. In addition, PF4800567 failed to increase NMDAR activity in brain slices of WKY rats pretreated with the protein phosphatase 1/2A, calcineurin, or casein kinase-2 inhibitor. Our findings suggest that CK1 tonically suppresses NMDAR activity in the PVN by reducing the NMDAR phosphorylation level. Diminished CK1 activity may contribute to potentiated glutamatergic synaptic input to PVN presympathetic neurons and elevated sympathetic vasomotor tone in neurogenic hypertension.
Superconductors for Tokamak Poloidal Field Coils

The poloidal field (PF) system in a tokamak fusion device provides a time-varying flux, which is used initially to break down the plasma and build up the plasma current and, subsequently, to compensate for plasma losses in sustaining the burn. Although the coil parameters vary somewhat from device to device, maximum fields up to 7 T and field sweep rates up to 7 T/sec are common. This combination of maximum field and field sweep rate is somewhat beyond the state of the art and, when combined with the large size of the magnets (stored energy ∼ 1 G J), presents a rather demanding technological challenge. In this paper, stability and loss measurements on superconducting cables similar to those that could be used in PF coils are presented, along with a model, which aids in the interpretation of the loss.
Zhang Hongren and the Introduction of Transient Flow Theory to China

Puzzled over a Pumping Test Zhang Hongren (Figure 1) was trained in the 1950s as a classical geologist, first in China and then in the former Soviet Union. From 1959 to 1962, he worked on mineral exploration and geological mapping in Yunnan Province, southern China. After a 3-year stint in the field, he moved to the capital city of Beijing and became a technical specialist in the Ministry of Geology. Then, in 1970, Zhang was sent to the Hydrogeological Survey of Beijing to work on water resource evaluation for the rapidly growing city. For those who are familiar with recent Chinese history, 1970 was still at the height of the ‘‘Cultural Revolution,’’ a chaotic period from 1966 to 1976 during which many intellectuals were sent to the remote countryside or factories to receive ‘‘reeducation’’ from peasants and workers. But everyone needed drinking water no matter what they did. So Zhang was assigned the responsibility to do whatever it took to solve the water supply problem quickly. With little background in hydrogeology, Zhang and his coworkers decided to conduct a pumping test in a river basin not far from Beijing. At that time, the ground water texts available in China were mostly translated from Russian, and they only discussed the theory of ground water flow to wells under steady-state conditions. Having read some of these texts, Zhang expected to observe a stable radius of influence and then use that information to establish the long-term pumping rate for the water supply well. However, it became immediately apparent that things were not adding up. Head measurements at the observation wells indicated that the cone of depression continued to expand. A small creek near the pumping well went dry not long after the start of the pumping test, causing some fish to be out of water. Zhang and his colleagues managed to complete the pumping test. But the experience planted a seed of doubt in the mind of Zhang about the validity of the prevailing theory of well hydraulics that assumed steady-state conditions.
Industrial Recruitment And Economic Development: A Positional Analysis Of Competing Southeastern States

In this study of industrial recruitment and economic development, perceptual mapping was used to identify the collective and individual positions of 10 competing southeastern states. The perceived position of the "ideal" state also was captured by the study's findings. Industrial real estate executives who were surveyed indicated that some states have positioned themselves strategically in terms of quality of life, whereas others are recognized because of their resources and markets or pro-business environment. Some states appear better able to take advantage of their position, whereas others face economic development obstacles.
Xylem morphology determines the drought response of two Arundo donax ecotypes from contrasting habitats

Arundo donax exhibits rapid growth and requires little nutrient input, making it an ideal perennial biomass crop species. However, this growth is accompanied by high rates of water use, potentially restricting the use of A. donax in rain-fed marginal lands. Here, we investigated the physiological and morphological responses to drought in two ecotypes of A. donax from contrasting habitats: one from an arid environment in Morocco, and the second from a warm humid sub-Mediterranean climate in central Italy. Prolonged drought resulted in identical reductions in leaf-level photosynthesis (PN) and stomatal conductance (Gs) in the two ecotypes. However, water deficit induced an increase in xylem vessel diameter in the Moroccan plants, improving the movement of water along the stem, but also likely reducing the resistance to embolism. In contrast, the Italian ecotype reduced xylem vessel area, thus increasing resistance to water transport and xylem embolism. The increased xylem vessel size and associated vulnerability to embolism in the Moroccan plants may have contributed to an increase in the loss of leaf numbers, but also to higher relative water content (RWC) in the remaining leaves in comparison to the Italian ecotype, where a greater number of leaves persisted. Despite the Moroccan plants possessing stems with a lower basal area than their Italian counterparts, both ecotypes exhibited identical leaf to supporting stem area ratios under both control and water deficit conditions. This may account for the similarities observed in leaf area measures of PN and Gs in this and previous studies of different A. donax ecotypes. Selection of A. donax ecotypes on the basis of xylem responses to drought may facilitate the development of varieties suited to arid environments prone to severe drought and wetter habitats where prolonged droughts occur less frequently.
A Hierarchical Pattern Learning Framework for Forecasting Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events, like extreme rainfalls, are severe weather hazards and also the triggers for other natural disasters like floods and tornadoes. Accurate forecasting of such events relies on the understanding of the spatiotemporal evolution processes in climate system. Learning from climate science data has been a challenging task, because the variations among spatial, temporal and multivariate spaces have created a huge amount of features and complex regularities within the data. In this study we developed a framework for learning patterns from the spatiotemporal system and forecasting extreme weather events. In this framework, we learned patterns in a hierarchical manner: in each level, new features were learned from data and used as the input for the next level. Firstly, we summarized the temporal evolution process of individual variables by learning the location-based patterns. Secondly, we developed an optimization algorithm for summarizing the spatial regularities, SCOT, by growing spatial clusters from the location-based patterns. Finally, we developed an instance-based algorithm, SPC, to forecast the extreme events through classification. We applied this framework to forecasting extreme rainfall events in the eastern Central Andes area. Our experiments show that this method was able to find climatic process patterns similar to those found in domain studies, and our forecasting results outperformed the state-of-art model.
Climate Change, Opinions, and Imagination: Toward a New Ethic of Curiosity

Conflicts over what to do about environmental problems can stretch social cohesion to a breaking point. Groups with different value commitments find it hard to communicate with each other when collaborative action will demand a shift of perspective. Especially when there are significant uncertainties, discussion may become focused on minor factual disputes. This chapter explores the obstacles to social learning in the context of climate change. It suggests that the familiar format of debate and argument discourages recognition of ambiguities and complexities. Debate and analogous forms of discourse, including litigation, should find a way to formally accommodate “curiosity” about what is known and what is yet to be discovered. In addition, there is a need for presentation of policy options in more extended and publicly accessible formats.
Low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins: molecular switches regulating diverse cellular functions

Low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins (LMWG proteins) form a family of proteins that shows homology with Ras, are 18-30 kDa in mass, and bind and hydrolyze GTP. They act as molecular switches, being active when binding GTP. Their activity is regulated by other proteins that influence the dissociation of GDP and the rate of GTP hydrolysis. Roles are emerging for these proteins in regulation of membrane fusion and cytoskeletal organization and growth. In the gastrointestinal tract, the best studied physiological processes that may be regulated by LMWG proteins are digestive enzyme and gastric acid secretion
Mating Behavior, Sex Pheromone Responses, and Radiation Sterilization of the Greater Wax Moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Laboratory and field studies of mating behavior, sex pheromone responses, and radiation sterilization were conducted with Galleria mellonella (L.). Observations of the premating behavior of the moths in the wind tunnel indicated that stationary calling males produce 0.5- to 1-sec bursts of wing fanning and are then closely approached by attracted females. Sperm was transferred to the spermathaeca of females without transfer of a spermatophore in 32% of the matings. Only one type of sperm was found in mated females. Weight loss studies showed that hollow polyethylene caps containing 0.2 ml of the pheromone (7:3 ratio of nonanal-undecanal) had a half-life of 18 days, with an emission rate of ca. 4.7 mg/day (27°C). Wind tunnel tests indicated that polyethylene caps containing either a 1:1 or 7:3 ratio of components were as effective as three male moths used as bait in delta traps for catching released virgin female moths (ca. 50% recovery of females within 48 h). However, captures of native female wax moths in an apiary, using traps baited with the pheromone, indicated that the combination was not effective. Subsequent recoveries of laboratory females sterilized by 20 krad of gamma radiation and released in the apiary were 1 and 2%. Releases of laboratory females into greenhouses (3 by 4 m) containing traps baited with either three live males or pheromone baits indicated that males were significantly more attractive than the pheromone baits (16.5% vs. 4.2% recovery, respectively). These results indicate that the pheromone bait tested is not attractive beyond a few meters.
Time and cost analysis of gallbladder surgery under acute care surgery model

BACKGROUND: The acute care surgery (ACS) model has been shown to improve work flow efficiency and to reduce hospital stay. We hypothesized that, in patients with gallbladder (GB) disease who were admitted through our emergency department (ED) and then underwent surgery, the ACS model shortened the time to surgery, decreased the length of hospital stay, and reduced hospital costs. METHODS: We retrospectively queried our GB surgery practice records for 2008 (before the establishment of the ACS model at our institution in 2009). We then performed time and cost comparison with our prospectively maintained GB surgery practice database for 2010. We excluded any inpatient GB surgeries and any GB surgeries that were performed for choledocholithiasis and acute pancreatitis. RESULTS: Our study was composed of 94 patients from the pre-ACS period (2008) and 234 patients from the ACS period (2010). Patients’ baseline characteristics were similar between the two periods, except for a higher percentage of females in the ACS period (77% vs. 66%, p = 0.04). Approximately one third of patients from both periods had acute cholecystitis. In the ACS period, the mean time to surgery, that is, from ED arrival to operating room arrival, was shorter (20.8 [13.8] hours vs. 25.7 [16.2] hours, p = 0.007); more patients underwent surgery within 24 hours after ED arrival (75% vs. 59%, p = 0.004); and more patients underwent surgery between 12:00 midnight and 7:00 AM (25% vs. 6.4%, pG 0.001). As a result, hospital length of stay was 1.4 days shorter in the ACS period, with cost saving per patient of approximately $1,000. CONCLUSION: We found that implementation of ACS model led to benefits for patients who came to our ED with GB disease, including shorter time to surgery, shorter hospital stay, and decreased hospital costs. The ACS model benefits the health care system. (J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2014;76: 710Y714. Copyright * 2014 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins) LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.
Clinical Features, Disease Modifiers, and Natural History of Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The clinical spectrum of ALD includes fatty liver, steatohepatitis with or without fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The diagnosis of ALD is made in patients with evidence of liver injury based on clinical history, physical findings, and laboratory abnormalities, when there is evidence of significant alcohol consumption and after other causes of chronic liver disease have been excluded. Signs and symptoms may be essentially nonexistent in steatosis or possibly mild fatigue and abdominal discomfort. On the other hand, those with decompensated disease may present with massive ascites, muscle wasting, gastrointestinal bleeding, and encephalopathy. Many people drink heavily, yet only a limited number (~35 %) develop more advanced liver diseases (alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis). Thus, there must be modifying factors that either prevent or facilitate disease activity/progression. These modifiers can either be fixed (e.g., genetic) or can undergo intervention (e.g., continued drinking, smoking, diet). We review ten disease modifiers of particular importance to ALD. Patients with steatosis only may “normalize” with cessation of drinking; however, outcomes are highly variable once the patient has progressed to cirrhosis. Some subjects die quickly with acute-on-chronic liver disease; other patients who abstain from alcohol and correct other disease modifiers may live a relatively normal life; others may do well for long periods of time only to expire from hepatocellular carcinoma. The biggest variable is continued drinking, and cessation of this and modification of other disease modifiers such as smoking should be aggressively pursued.
Notching tumor: Signaling through Notch receptors improves antitumor T cell immunity

ABSTRACTNotch signaling is crucial for lymphocyte effector and memory differentiation. While tumor suppress Notch signaling in antitumor lymphocytes, recent studies show that the pharmacological Delta-like ligand-1 multivalent cluster or proteasome inhibitor bortezomib can restore Notch–NF-κB signaling in T cells of tumor-bearing hosts with a potential to overcome cancer cell resistance to therapy.
Matrix elements of explicitly correlated Gaussian basis functions with arbitrary angular momentum

A new algorithm for calculating the Hamiltonian matrix elements with all-electron explicitly correlated Gaussian functions for quantum-mechanical calculations of atoms with arbitrary angular momentum is presented. The calculations are checked on several excited states of three and four electron systems. The presented formalism can be used as unified framework for high accuracy calculations of properties of small atoms and molecules.
Study on nanomemter aperture of porous Ti membranes

A porous Ti membrane with nanomemter apertures for ultrafilteration was prepared by dip-coating.The Ti powder,zinc stearate,ethanol absolute and dimethylformamide were mixed together for Ti slurry.The effects of zinc stearate on the properties of the porous membrane were investigated.The membrane only containes Ti element by X-ray diffraction,and has a good integrity structure and pores interconnected by scanning electron microscope images.The thickness of membrane,the size and distribution of the pores decrease along with the increase of zinc stearate content in Ti slurry,however,the retention rate of proteins gradually increases.When the content of zinc stearate in green body exceeds 80%,the most probable pore size is less than 50 nm and the flux of pure water doesn′t obviously decrease along with the rapidly increase of zinc stearate,however,the passage of large molecular substances with molecular weight over 156 kDa is restricted.
Determinants of myocardial water content during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Increased myocardial water content has been shown to be accompanied by decreased ventricular compliance. We determined the effect of cardiopulmonary bypass for 2 (2CBP) and 3 (3CBP) hours, hypercalcemic cardiopulmonary bypass (CA), normothermic cross-clamping (CCNT), and hypothermic cross-clamping (CCHT) on myocardial water content. We found that myocardial water content was increased in the CA, CCNT, and CCHT groups. The distribution of myocardial water was different in the three groups with edema. Water accumulated in the subepicardium more than in the subendocardium in the CCNT group. The distribution of myocardial water and the histologic examinations suggest that subendocardial edema occurs in CA and CCHT because of venous obstruction in the subendocardium with intact capillary membranes. The greater accumulation of water in the subepicardium in CCNT may be related to increased capillary permeability and decreased interstitial pressure in the subepicardium. We conclude that myocardial edema during bypass may be greater in the small, firmly-contracted heart and after normothermic or hypothermic aortic cross-clamping.
Differential cross-section for n p elastic scattering in the angular region 50-degrees < Theta* < 180-degrees at 459-MeV

The differential cross section for n-p elastic scattering at 459 MeV in the c.m. angular region 50\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}^{\mathrm{*}}$180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} has been measured with high statistical precision and good relative accuracy. The uncertainty in the absolute normalization (based on the simultaneously measured yield of deuterons from the np\ensuremath{\rightarrow}d${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{0}$ reaction) was initially estimated to be \ensuremath{\sim}7%. The results agree well with back-angle data obtained independently at LAMPF but less well with results from Saclay and the Princeton-Pennsylvania Accelerator and, except for a normalization difference of 10%, are fairly well represented by a phase-shift fit. The pole-extrapolation method of Chew was used to extract the pion-nucleon coupling constant ${\mathit{f}}^{2}$ from the back-angle portion of the data. The value obtained, ${\mathit{f}}^{2}$=0.069, is somewhat smaller than the values 0.0735--0.0790 obtained from analyses of pion-nucleon scattering, tending to confirm the need for an upward renormalization of the angular distribution by \ensuremath{\sim}10%.
Prenatal care in a specialized diabetes in pregnancy program improves compliance with postpartum testing in GDM women.

AbstractObjective: To evaluate whether prenatal care in a specialized diabetes in pregnancy program (DMC) improves compliance with completion of the 2-h 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (2HrOGTT) in GDM women.Methods: A retrospective cohort study of GDM women delivering in a university health system between January 2011 and March 2014 was performed. Women were divided into two groups: those receiving care in prenatal clinics over an 18-month period prior to the establishment of the diabetes in pregnancy clinic (pre-DMC) and those receiving prenatal care in a specialized diabetes in pregnancy clinic (post-DMC). The primary outcome was completion of the 2HrOGTT postpartum. Clinical characteristics associated with 2HrOGTT completion were evaluated. Time trend analysis was performed to evaluate month to month variation in 2HrOGTT compliance for secular trends.Results: A total of 292 women were analyzed, 147 post-DMC and 118 pre-DMC. The 2HrOGTT was ordered more frequently in the post-DMC compared to pre-DMC (...
CHAPTER 30 – Ovarian Carcinoma Complicating Pregnancy

The ovarian cancer rate ranks second in incidence among gynecologic cancer and causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. Among women it occurs in approximately one out of every 18,000 pregnancies. The malignancy rate of ovarian tumors complicating pregnancy is 2–5%.The signs and symptoms of ovarian neoplasm are not different from those seen in the nonpregnant state. The pelvic findings help deciding whether to operate immediately or to observe the patient until the second trimester. However, surgical intervention is indicated if a complication occurs irrespective of the trimester. The management of ovarian cancer during pregnancy follows a simple approach that includes making the diagnosis early and then tailoring the treatment to the needs of the patient and the extent of disease. It is important to communicate with patient so that the patient is assured that an argument against operation is not valid and danger to the fetus is very low as delay in surgery can pose a potential danger to the patient that far exceeds the danger to the fetus. Before undertaking surgery in the pregnant patient with possible ovarian cancer, it is necessary that the problem be completely disclosed to the patient and informed consent be obtained, to allow the surgeon to proceed in any manner necessary. Thus, the mortality rate from ovarian carcinoma can only be lowered by early diagnosis and aggressive management approach.
Previous medicaid expansion may have had lasting positive effects on oral health of non-hispanic black children

Healthy tooth development starts early in life, beginning even before birth. We present new evidence suggesting that a historic public health insurance expansion for pregnant women and children in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s may have had long-lasting effects on the oral health of the children gaining eligibility. We estimated the relationship between adult oral health and the extent of state public health insurance eligibility for pregnant women, infants, and children throughout childhood separately for non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Hispanics. We found that expanded Medicaid coverage geared toward pregnant women and children during their first year of life was linked to better oral health in adulthood among non-Hispanic blacks. Our results also suggested that there might be a benefit to expanded public health insurance eligibility for children at ages 1–6 among non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics. Medicaid expansions appear to have had long-lasting effects for certain low-income...
Renal Failure—Remarks On Its Causes

For at least 150 years urologists have known that obstruction to the outflow of urine from the urinary tract increases its susceptibility to infection with pyogenic microorganisms. As long as the obstruction persists, infection is more difficult to eradicate. Elimination of the obstruction often leads to spontaneous disappearance of the infection..
Primary hyperparathyroidism treated by transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOEPVA).

Bilateral open cervical exploration with identifying all parathyroid glands and removing one or more enlarged parathyroid tumor(s) was the standard of care in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). With the introduction of preoperative imaging and intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) measurements [1, 2], various minimally invasive parathyroidectomy approaches have been developed, both open and endoscopic [3–8]. The most commonly used approach currently in the USA is the minimally invasive open parathyroidectomy (MIP), which can be performed in the ambulatory setting with excellent cure and minimal complication rates [9–12]. However, the operation requires a cervical incision, with occasionally poor cosmesis. The transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOEPVA) provides a novel “scarless” approach to parathyroid surgery. The aim of the video is to provide detailed instruction of the TOEPVA in pHPT and how to interpret IOPTH measurements in this setting. The TOEPVA uses three incisions in the vestibule of the oral cavity, using two 5-mm ports and one central 11-mm port. The subplatysmal space is enlarged by hydrodissection and manual dilation. The working space is enhanced by insufflation to 6 mmHg. With the adjunct of preoperative imaging and IOPTH measurements, the extent of the operation is tailored to achieve biochemical cure. TOEPVA is feasible and safe and provides an excellent cosmetic outcome. It is a more direct approach than other remote endoscopic parathyroidectomy techniques. TOEPVA is an excellent option for select patients with pHPT wishing to avoid a neck incision.
CryoSEM: Revealing Microstructure Development in Drying Coatings

This chapter provides a brief overview of cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryoSEM) and how it can be used to characterize wet coating microstructure and its development. As one of the few tools capable of studying wet coating microstructure, cryoSEM reveals transient states in the microstructure that develop as the coating dries. In this chapter, the basic concepts of cryoSEM sample preparation are reviewed including sample vitrification, cryo-fracture, and sublimation. Additionally, several possible artifacts of cryoSEM sample preparation are highlighted and the challenges of image interpretation are discussed. Lastly, several case studies are presented where cryoSEM was used to characterize the microstructure of wet coatings. The examples include: drying-induced gradients in particle concentration, understanding the origin of dry film microstructure from the microstructure of the initial dispersions, and understanding the fundamentals of drying-induced stress development in hard particle coatings.
Imaging features of mammary-type myofibroblastoma of soft tissue: a case series with literature review

Mammary-type myofibroblastoma (MTM) is a rare, benign neoplasm that is histologically identical to myofibroblastoma of the breast, but occurring in an extramammary site. The masses have been reported in superficial and deep soft tissue sites and visceral locations with the inguinal area and lower extremities are the most common. Most previous reports of MTMs have concentrated on clinical and pathological findings, with very limited information regarding imaging characteristics. Here, we describe three cases of MTM diagnosed at our institution, with a focus on imaging findings. We compare our findings with previously reported cases. Although MTM is rare, radiologists should be aware of this benign diagnosis as imaging characteristics can mimic those of liposarcomas and atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma. Unlike those tumor types, MTM virtually never recurs post-resection, even when there are positive margins. Biopsy is necessary for proper diagnosis and recommended as an initial step to avoid overly aggressive treatment.
Oligocene and Miocene albatross fossils from Washington State (USA) and the evolutionary history of North Pacific Diomedeidae

ABSTRACT Albatross fossils have been collected from the late Oligocene Lincoln Creek Formation and the early/middle Miocene Astoria Formation near the townsite of Knappton, Pacific County, Washington (USA). The albatross from the Lincoln Creek Formation, Diomedavus knapptonensis, n. gen. et sp., is smaller than all extant albatrosses and represents the oldest published fossil albatross from the North Pacific Basin. Diomedavus knapptonensis is clearly distinguished from extant albatrosses in several osteological features; some are likely plesiomorphic, supporting a phylogenetic position outside the crown group. The unusual shape of the deltopectoral crest of the humerus suggests that D. knapptonensis also differed from extant albatrosses in its flight performance. A partial skeleton from the Astoria Formation likely represents another new albatross species; however, it is not named because there is no overlap with the skeletal elements of other fossil Diomedeidae. This species, here informally termed the “...
QUALITY ASSURANCE PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT COLLABORATIVES: A NOVEL APPROACH TO NURSING HOME QUALITY

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid introduced the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) program to improve quality of care and resident outcomes in nursing facilities, but is not currently used broadly or consistently. QAPI integrates tenets of the Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement, and Lean Six Sigma approaches to quality to create a data-based process for systems change. Under the direction of the Indiana State Department of Health, seven regional collaboratives were formed across Indiana as a pilot to implement the QAPI approach in their regions. Collaboratives included a leadership team and membership of at least 20 skilled nursing facilities and community and regional partners. The University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community provided training, technical assistance, guidance, and overall program management. Goals included building the collaborative, educating members on the QAPI process, and completing two Process Improvement Projects (PIPs) in each region. Project topics included reducing rates of UTIs, hospitalizations, pneumonia, falls, staffing retention, and inappropriate antipsychotic use. Improving staff retention, particularly for certified nursing assistants was also targeted. Collaborative leadership and members were surveyed about their experiences and attitudes about the collaborative process. Initial results show overall positive impact of the pilot program. Project one outcomes included reductions by 16% for pneumonia incidence, 29% for falls, 38% for hospitalizations, 40% (average) for UTIs. Savings of more than $289,343 were identified in six months. Collaborative members reported improved utilization of the QAPI model and positive attitudes toward the collaborative approach. Discussion will include additional outcomes and implications for expansion of the pilot.