cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of water−rock interaction in the geochemical evolution of Marcellus Shale produced waters

Abstract Knowledge of geochemical processes that occur during hydraulic fracturing of shale resources for natural gas recovery can provide insight into in situ mineral precipitation and dissolution reactions that affect shale pore and fracture networks, and ultimately the ability to recover natural gas. Measurement of dissolved chemical species in produced waters, which serve as indicators of water-rock reactions in the reservoir, is one approach for monitoring subsurface geochemistry. However, an ability to distinguish effects of water-rock reactions versus reservoir fluid mixing on chemical concentration and speciation in produced waters requires experimental investigation to better understand natural geochemical tracer behavior. In this study, we explored Li, Sr, and U as geochemical tracers of ion−exchange and mineral dissolution reactions occurring during a series of flow-through laboratory experiments designed to evaluate mineral reactions occurring in shale reacted with hydraulic fracturing fluid (HFF). The experiments, reported in detail in a separate study (Paukert Vankeuren et al., 2017), were designed to emulate shut-in conditions (period after hydraulic fracturing but before production when HFF remains in the reservoir to allow for opening of new fractures for hydrocarbon recovery) for Marcellus Shale undergoing hydraulic fracturing in southwestern Pennsylvania, USA. In the companion study presented here, effluent samples from the core flood experiments were analyzed for changes in Li isotopes (δ7Li), radiogenic Sr isotopes ( e Sr SW ), and U concentration as possible unique geochemical tracers to indicate water-rock reaction. Experimental and reactive transport modeling results demonstrated that the peak of U in experimental effluents is derived from dissolution of U-containing calcite, which may explain the pulse of U observed in produced water collected from hydraulically fractured Marcellus Shale on the first day of flowback. Experimental results also showed that changes in δ7Li values and e Sr SW from the flow-through experiments differ from values measured in a time series of produced waters from Marcellus Shale gas wells. Thus, although ion−exchange and mineral dissolution and precipitation reactions result in an observable change in Sr isotope signals in laboratory experiments, this change may not be identifiable in produced waters in the field due to complications associated with geologic heterogeneity and overprinting of other signals such as fluid mixing and transport. While U shows some promise as a tracer of HFF-shale reactions, particularly carbonate dissolution, it may be necessary to continue searching for other tracers present in produced waters to aid in elucidating in situ water-rock reactions of interest.
Effects of volatile anesthetics on the intracellular calcium transient and calcium current in cardiac muscle cells.

Volatile anesthetics at clinically useful concentrations depress the contractile force of the heart, and this effect in part contributes to a significant decrement of cardiovascular homeostasis. The mechanism of action underlying the negative inotropic effect of volatile anesthetics is not fully understood. There are several mechanisms by which agents may directly alter contractile performance of cardiac muscle. The first group represents the “upstream” mechanisms whereby intracellular calcium transients are mostly influenced by a variety of effectors at the surface membrane and sarcoplasmic reticulum. In addition, changes in sensitivity of troponin-C to calcium, and an altered response of the myofilaments to a given level of occupancy of the calcium binding sites on troponin C (“downstream” mechanisms) need to be considered as well. Accumulating evidence suggests that volatile anesthetics have multiple actions relevant to cardiac contractility, including a decrease in the sarcolemmal flux of calcium, a change in SR function, and a decrease in the level of intracellular ionized calcium during systole as well as a modification in the responsiveness of the contractile proteins to activation by calcium. A variety of the newest technology and methods, including the measurements of inward calcium current (ICa), measurement of calcium transients, and myofibrillar responsiveness to calcium, were utilized in the studies reported here in order to improve our knowledge of the effects of volatile anesthetics on cardiac muscle.
On a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm for optimizing end-to-end performance of scientific workflows in distributed environments

Large-scale distributed scientific workflows demand various system resources that are geographically scattered and typically shared by many users through wide-area network connections. These domain-specific workflows have different end-to-end performance requirements, which necessitate optimizing multiple objectives when mapped to heterogeneous network environments. We construct mathematical models for workflow mapping and formulate it as a multi-objective optimization problem to minimize latency and maximize throughput. We propose a workflow mapping solution based on a multi-objective genetic algorithm that uses a chromosome scheme to represent a set of possible workflow mapping schemes and employs genetic operators including selection, mutation and crossover to steer the evolution process. The performance superiority of the proposed mapping solution is illustrated through extensive simulations in comparison with existing workflow mapping methods.
The Use of Urinary Excretion of Purine Metabolites as an Index of Microbial Protein Supply in Ruminants

Tracer studies were undertaken at the University of New England to investigate the kinetics of metabolism and excretion of the purine derivative (PD), allantoin. Its rate of flux through the plasma compartment of sheep was determined using both single injection (Study 1) and continuous infusion (Study 2) of [14C]-allantoin into the bloodstream of sheep given a roughage diet providing maintenance levels of metabolizable energy and nitrogen. The results indicated that there are two or more kinetically distinct allantoin compartments in sheep. The rate of irreversible loss of labelled allantoin from the primary mixing compartment was delayed by its exchange between this and other compartments. The recovery of 14C in urinary allantoin in urine was greater than 94% after 3–4 d in both studies, suggesting that excretion of allantoin via the gut (a non-renal route) was negligible. The appearance of low amounts of [14C]-bicarbonate in the blood confirmed that only a small fraction of the allantoin leaving the bloodstream was degraded in the sheep, probably by gut microorganisms. The results also suggested that formation of allantoin was inhibited when its concentration in plasma was raised by infusion of unlabelled allantoin, possibly by allosteric regulation of uricase or xanthine oxidase. In Study 3, the rate of excretion of urinary purine derivatives (PD) was determined in 40 Merino sheep from flocks that had been selected over 40 years for high (‘fleece-plus’) or low (‘fleece-minus’) greasy wool production. Higher rates of excretion of PD in fleece-plus sheep suggested more microbial protein was synthesised in the rumen of these sheep. This was partly attributable to their higher feed dry matter intake (DMI), but the fleece-plus sheep also had a higher yield of PD per kg DMI, a higher flow of amino acids through the portal blood and their wool growth rate was linearly related to the estimated microbial yield in the rumen. The latter findings suggest that there are heritable traits affecting rumen microbial growth efficiency of Merino sheep that might be detected by the urinary PD excretion method in breeding programs.
Currently Adopted Criteria for Pedicle Screw Diameter Selection.

ABSTRACT Background: Transpedicular screw insertion has become widely accepted for the correction of spinal deformity as well as degenerative and traumatic injury, but adoption of this technique has remained less widespread in the thoracic compared to the lumbar spine. This is thought to be associated with the relative technical difficulty of screw insertion into the narrower widths of the thoracic pedicles and the neurologic and mechanical risks associated with breach of the pedicle wall. The surgical decision making involves determining the appropriate sized screw for maximum fixation strength while simultaneously respecting the structural integrity of the vertebral pedicles to prevent a breach and provide better fixation. This paper presents a systematic review of criteria for thoracic pedicle screw diameter (SD) selection in order to orient inexperienced surgeons on the impact of this selection on pedicle breaching and fixation strength. Methods: We performed a systematic literature review focused on studies reporting SD selection in relation to pedicle dimensions, measures of fixation strength, and breach rate. Results: Twenty-nine articles that measured fixation strength, breach rate, and/or provided SD in relation to pedicle width were selected for inclusion. Conclusions: A commonly accepted criteria for pedicle SD selection has not yet been proposed. Screw diameters approximately 80% of the pedicle width have been adopted, but this proportion is rarely reported in the midthoracic vertebrae for which smaller pedicles and inadequate hardware specificity result in higher breach rates. Depending upon the insertion technique adopted, greater specificity in diameter selection by vertebral level should be pursued in order to maximally target cortical bone purchase. Clinical Relevance: Based on this review of the literature, we believe that proper selection of the SD for individual vertebral level directly affects the insertion technique and the potential breach.
The Impact of Culture through Synergy and Interdependency on a Global Enterprise

This research attempts to contribute to organizational theory by exploring the impact of culture on the success of a multinational organization. While the literature review produced five cultural attributes, the study produced seven attributes that emerged from a case using a multinational organization with a global supply chain. These seven attributes are discussed in the context of the presence of synergy and interdependency within the organization. The study concludes in tactical detail that the culture in a global organization can be enabled by synergistic opportunities and business unit interdependency.
Asthma epidemiology and risk factors

Asthma is a clinical syndrome that affects all age groups. Asthma prevalence worldwide has seen a rapid increase in the latter part of the last century. Recent data has shown that asthma prevalence has plateaued and even decreased in some areas of the world, despite continuing to increase in other areas of the world. Many risk factors have been associated with asthma and the differences in distributions of these risk factors may explain the differences in prevalence. This article will review recent trends in the prevalence of asthma and recent studies that investigate risk factors of asthma.
Uncooled $\text{SI}_{\mathrm{x}}\text{GE}_{\mathrm{y}}\mathrm{O}_{1-\mathrm{x}-\mathrm{y}}$ Microbolometer Stack for LWIR Detection

This paper presents design, fabrication, characterization, and noise reduction of two uncooled Si 0 . 622 Ge 0.298 O 0.08 microbolometer stacked in a single pixel. Each microbolometer captures a portion of the spectrum across the long wavelength infrared region (LWIR) and the combined structure was optimized to maximize the total absorptance, transmittance, and reflectance of the individual surfaces with Frequency Selective Surface (FSS). The inclusion of the FSS on the bottom microbolometer permits engineering the IR absorptance with respect to wavelength. While the top microbolometer utilizes the need for a ¼-wave resonant cavity under the microbolometer. In addition, the metasurface can significantly improve the electrical performance of the temperature-sensing layer. These parameters scale with the periodicity and area fraction of the metasurface. The voltage noise power spectral density was reduced by annealing the devices in vacuum. The measured responsivity and detectivity approached 104 V/W and 108 cm Hz1/2/W for the bottom microbolometer with FSS.
Weighted mixed-norm $L_p$-estimates for elliptic and parabolic equations in non-divergence form with singular coefficients

In this paper, we study non-divergence form elliptic and parabolic equations with singular coefficients. Weighted and mixed-norm Lp-estimates and solvability are established under suitable partially weighted BMO conditions on the coefficients. When the coefficients are constants, the operators are reduced to extensional operators which arise in the study of fractional heat equations and fractional Laplace equations. Our results are new even in this setting and in the unmixed norm case. For the proof, we explore and utilize the special structures of the equations to show both interior and boundary Lipschitz estimates for solutions and for higher-order derivatives of solutions to homogeneous equations. We then employ the perturbation method by using the Fefferman–Stein sharp function theorem, the Hardy–Littlewood maximal function theorem, as well as a weighted Hardy’s inequality.
The distribution of numbers with many factorizations

Let f(m) denote the number of factorizations of the positive integer m, i.e., the number of ways of writing m as product of integers larger than 1, where the order of the factors is not taken into account. Let $$\epsilon > 0$$ and $$\alpha \in (0,1)$$ . We prove that for all $$x > x_0(\epsilon ,\alpha )$$ and every $$\mathscr {S}\subset [1,x]$$ with $$\#\mathscr {S}\le x^{1-\alpha }$$ , $$\begin{aligned} \sum _{m \in \mathscr {S}} f(m) \le x/L(x)^{\alpha -\epsilon }, \end{aligned}$$ where $$L(x) = \exp (\log x\cdot \log \log \log {x}/\log \log x)$$ . This generalizes a recent result of the author concerning popular values of Euler’s $$\varphi $$ -function. We also estimate the $$\beta $$ -th moment of f(m), for all $$\beta > 0$$ .
Context, Language Modeling, and Multimodal Data in Finance

The authors enhance pretrained language models with Securities and Exchange Commission filings data to create better language representations for features used in a predictive model. Specifically, they train RoBERTa class models with additional financial regulatory text, which they denote as a class of RoBERTa-Fin models. Using different datasets, the authors assess whether there is material improvement over models that use only text-based numerical features (e.g., sentiment, readability, polarity), which is the traditional approach adopted in academia and practice. The RoBERTa-Fin models also outperform generic bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) class models that are not trained with financial text. The improvement in classification accuracy is material, suggesting that full text and context are important in classifying financial documents and that the benefits from the use of mixed data, (i.e., enhancing numerical tabular data with text) are feasible and fruitful in machine learning models in finance. TOPICS:Quantitative methods, big data/machine learning, legal/regulatory/public policy, information providers/credit ratings Key Findings ▪ Machine learning based on multimodal data provides meaningful improvement over models based on numerical data alone. ▪ Context-rich models perform better than context-free models. ▪ Pretrained language models that mix common text and financial text do better than those pretrained on financial text alone.
Integration of polarization in the LUTDavis model for optical Monte Carlo simulation in radiation detectors.

OBJECTIVE Cerenkov photons have distinctive features from scintillation photons. Among them is their polarization: their electric field is always perpendicular to the direction of propagation of light and parallel to the plane of incidence. Scintillation photons are instead considered unpolarized. APPROACH This study aims at understanding and optimizing the reflectance of polarized Cerenkov photons for optical Monte Carlo simulation of scintillation detectors with Geant4/GATE. First, the Cerenkov emission spectrum and polarization were implemented in the previously developed look-up-table Davis model of crystal reflectance. Next, we modified Geant4/GATE source code to account for scintillation and Cerenkov photons LUTs simultaneously. Then, we performed optical Monte Carlo simulations in BGO using GATE to show the effect of Cerenkov features on the photons' momentum at the photodetector face, using two surface finishes, with and without reflector. MAIN RESULTS In this work, we describe the new features added to the algorithm and GATE. We showed that Cerenkov characteristics affect their probability to be reflected/refracted and thus their travel path within a material. SIGNIFICANCE We showed the importance of accounting for accurate Cerenkov photons reflectance while performing advanced optical Monte Carlo simulations.
Inhalation of Ultrafine Titanium Dioxide Augments Particle-Dependent Microvascular Dysfunction

We have shown that pulmonary exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) impairs endothelium dependent dilation in systemic arterioles. Ultrafine PM has been suggested to be more toxic by virtue of it...
Effects of Long Term Thermal Exposure on Chemically Pure (Cp) Titanium Grade 2 Room Temperature Tensile Properties and Microstructure

Room temperature tensile testing of Chemically Pure (CP) Titanium Grade 2 was conducted for as-received commercially produced sheet and following thermal exposure at 550 and 650 K for times up to 5,000 h. No significant changes in microstructure or failure mechanism were observed. A statistical analysis of the data was performed. Small statistical differences were found, but all properties were well above minimum values for CP Ti Grade 2 as defined by ASTM standards and likely would fall within normal variation of the material.
Languages of the World: Aboriginal languages of Australia and Papua New Guinea

With the exception of Austronesian languages, discussed in Chapter 8, languages spoken in Australia and Papua New Guinea are relatively poorly studied, nor are the genetic relationships among them clear either. Although some sources refer to these languages as constituting Australian and Papuan language families, these groupings are best understood as geographical terms rather than as valid linguistic classifications since convincing proof for these groupings is yet to be presented. Attempts have been made – most notably by Joseph Greenberg – to relate Papuan languages to languages outside Papua New Guinea. For instance, Greenberg (1971) proposed that all Papuan languages, as well as Andamanese and the now extinct Tasmanian languages constitute a macro language family which he named “Indo-Pacific”, but other linguists accept the more cautious theory that while some of the languages of Papua New Guinea are related to each other, not all of them are.
Urinary fistulae after partial nephrectomy

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVE To report the risk factors and natural history of urinary fistula (UF) after partial nephrectomy (PN), as their incidence has been reported to be 3–6% in large series of PN but there are few reports of the risk factors associated with the development of UF after PN, and the natural history of UF in a large group of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective review of 1118 PN at one tertiary-care institution. Most patients had a drain placed in the perinephric space after surgery. Fifty-two patients were identified as having a UF if they had persistent flank drainage for >14 days after surgery, or presented with evidence of a UF after the drain had been removed. Risk factors for development and the course of the UF are reported. RESULTS Fifty-two patients developed a UF after PN (4.4%, 95% confidence interval, CI, 3.5–6.1%) The rate of a persistent urine leak (defined as drain fluid consistent with urine for >2 weeks after surgery) was 4.0 (95% CI 2.9–5.3)%. The overall rate of delayed UF presentation was only 0.4 (0.09–0.9)%. Patients who developed a UF had larger tumours (3.5 vs 2.6 cm, P= 0.03), a higher estimated blood loss (400 vs 300 mL, P 2.5 cm were twice as likely to develop a UF than patients with tumours of <2.5 cm (P= 0.02). Most patients were managed conservatively with a percutaneous drain until the UF resolved, if they were asymptomatic. Overall, in 36 patients (69%) the fistula resolved with no intervention, while 16 (31%) required intervention. Stenting was the commonest intervention (15%). No patient required re-operative open surgery. CONCLUSION The rate of development of UF after PN is low. Tumour size, blood loss and ischaemia time were all associated with the development of a UF. In most patients with a urine leak immediately after surgery the UF will resolve with no intervention, and can be managed conservatively with patience, in the absence of clinical symptoms.
An Empirical Look at Atkins v. Virginia and its Application in Capital Cases

In Atkins vs. Virginia, the Supreme Court declared that evolving standards of decency and the Eighth Amendment prohibit the death penalty for individuals with intellectual disability (formerly, "mental retardation"). Both supporters and opponents of the categorical exemption, however, have criticized the Atkins opinion. The Atkins dissent, for example, urged that the decision would open the gates of litigation to a flood of frivolous claims. Another prominent criticism, heard from those more supportive of the Court's ruling, has been that the language the Court used communicating that states must "generally conform" to the clinical definitions of mental retardation is ambiguous enough to permit states to stray from the clinical definitions and, consequently, for death eligibility to vary depending upon the jurisdiction in which a defendant is charged. This Article presents preliminary data responsive to these issues, and reports three basic findings. First, Atkins has not opened floodgates of non-meritorious litigation. Second, the success rates for Atkins claims vary dramatically between states and state deviations from the clinical definitions appear to have a palpable impact. Third, as compared to their representation on death row, African-American defendants both file and win a disproportionately high number of Atkins claims.
Anxiety in the adult learner in an RN to BSN program: real or imagined.

(1988). Anxiety in the Adult Learner in an RN to BSN Program: Real or Imagined. Health Education: Vol. 19, No. 4, pp. 13-15.
Haiti After the Earthquake: Book Review

The UN’s Deputy Special Envoy for Haiti Paul Farmer wrote this book about the devastation, despair and chaotic failed state that Haiti has fallen to. But in the mist of it all, he shows how resilient the people are despite their poverty, illiteracy, victimization and illnesses. His book is an indictment of the economic roles that the global community has played in keeping this nation in such a failed state.
CURRENT STATUS OF GENE THERAPY FOR INHERITED LUNG DISEASES

Gene therapy as a treatment modality for pulmonary disorders has attracted significant interest over the past decade. Since the initiation of the first clinical trials for cystic fibrosis lung disease using recombinant adenovirus in the early 1990s, the field has encountered numerous obstacles including vector inflammation, inefficient delivery, and vector production. Despite these obstacles, enthusiasm for lung gene therapy remains high. In part, this enthusiasm is fueled through the diligence of numerous researchers whose studies continue to reveal great potential of new gene transfer vectors that demonstrate increased tropism for airway epithelia. Several newly identified serotypes of adeno-associated virus have demonstrated substantial promise in animal models and will likely surface soon in clinical trials. Furthermore, an increased understanding of vector biology has also led to the development of new technologies to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of gene delivery to the lung. Although the promise of gene therapy to the lung has yet to be realized, the recent concentrated efforts in the field that focus on the basic virology of vector development will undoubtedly reap great rewards over the next decade in treating lung diseases.
Sauvetage d’un accès vasculaire et traitement d’un œdème grave du membre : Rapport de cas sur l’utilisation originale du dispositif d’accès vasculaire Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow

Nous rapportons deux cas de patients en hemodialyse chronique qui se sont presentes avec un œdeme unilateral severe du membre superieur et du thorax du cote d’un acces arterioveineux fonctionnel. Les deux patients etaient connus du service de chirurgie vasculaire et avaient precedemment eu des tentatives multiples de creation et de maintien d’acces vasculaire. L’œdeme grave et invalidant et la necessite de maintenir l’acces etaient des problemes significatifs. Les patients ont operes pour corriger les deux aspects. La phlebographie du membre superieur avec visualisation du lit d’aval montrait une stenose et/ou l’occlusion veineuse centrale inaccessible a l’angioplastie et au stenting. Finalement, ces deux patients ont ete traites avec le dispositif d’acces vasculaire Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow. Les experiences de cette etude demontrent l’utilisation originale d’un dispositif d’acces vasculaire relativement nouveau pour le sauvetage d’une fistule ou d’un pontage arterioveineux dysfonctionnant ou pour le traitement des symptomes et des complications resultant d’un acces vasculaire fonctionnant depuis longtemps.
Adenoma-Like Adenocarcinoma: A Subtype of Colorectal Carcinoma with Good Prognosis, Deceptive Appearance on Biopsy, and Frequent KRAS Mutation

Aims A subset of colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) architecturally and cytologically resembles adenomatous change, making them difficult to diagnose on biopsy. This subset has not been well-characterized to date.
Are interracial daters more supportive of same-sex unions? ☆

Abstract Researchers have theorized a relationship between interracial and same-sex unions, but little empirical work has been done to substantiate this connection. This study examines whether individuals who engage in interracial dating are more likely to express support for both same-sex marriage and civil unions, net of sociodemographic and ideological controls. Data are taken from Wave 2 of the Baylor Religion Survey. Ordered logit regression models are estimated in order to examine the relationship between interracial romance and support for same-sex unions, net of various controls such as attribution of sexual orientation, political ideology, and religious conservatism. Analyses reveal that individuals who have engaged in interracial romance are more supportive of same-sex marriage and civil unions. Further research should be conducted to provide a more robust causal understanding of the link between interracial dating and one's attitudes toward same-sex unions.
Refinement of the commonly deleted segment in myeloid leukemias with a del(20q)

A deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20 [del(20q)] is a recurring abnormality in a wide spectrum of myeloid disorders. Loss of genetic material from 20q may confer a proliferative advantage to myeloid cells, possibly through loss of function of a tumor suppressor gene. Previously, we analyzed leukemia cells from 19 patients with a del(20q) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and identified a segment that was deleted in 95% of all patients examined. The deleted interval extended from 20q11.2 to q12, spanned approximately 13 Mb, and was flanked proximally by RPN2 and distally by D20S17. To narrow the commonly deleted segment and facilitate the identification of candidate genes, we have employed molecular approaches in combination with FISH. By using 21 microsatellite markers positioned in a recently generated physical map of 20q, we performed allele loss studies in myeloid leukemia cells from 23 patients with a del(20q). The results of these studies allowed us to delineate a new proximal border, flanked by marker D20S206. By FISH analysis of additional leukemia samples from patients with a del(20q), we have also delineated a new distal boundary between markers D20S119 and UT654. As a result of the redesignation of both the proximal and distal boundaries, we have successfully narrowed the commonly deleted segment within 20q12 to a region spanning approximately 8 Mb. Identification of the smallest deleted segment will facilitate the eventual cloning of a candidate myeloid tumor suppressor gene.
The adhesion cascade and anti-adhesion therapy: an overview.

Investigations in the past decade have greatly advanced our knowledge of both the molecular pathways of leukocyte adhesion and the contribution of leukocytes to a wide range of organ injuries. As a result, it is now possible to separate the leukocyte adhesion/emigration process into discrete steps, defined by specific molecular interactions. The multistep process of leukocyte-endothelial adhesion (cell activation, leukocyte rolling, firm adhesion, and transendothelial migration) presents a number of potential therapeutic targets. In the appropriate clinical setting, disruption of the adhesion cascade may prevent or limit leukocyte-mediated injuries. Several approaches — monoclonal antibodies, soluble oligosaccharides and polypeptides, small molecules, and antisense oligonucleotides — have demonstrated efficacy in vitro or in animal models. There are, however, several potential obstacles to the use of these agents in clinical settings. Adhesion blockade may interfere with normal leukocyte-mediated defense against microbial organisms and pose a significant risk of infection. Given the multiple adhesion pathways that appear to be involved in some inflammatory or immune disorders, it is not certain whether therapy directed at a single adhesion molecule will be of significant benefit. Although less extensively investigated to date, blockade of VLA-4-mediated leukocyte adhesion is of particular interest due to the likely importance of this pathway in leukocyte recruitment in a wide variety of acute and chronic diseases, immune disorders, and malignant processes.
Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an abnormal increase in pulmonary pressures that may occur in the setting of known disease or from an unidentifiable cause. The most common presenting symptoms are dyspnea and fatigue; however, the average delay between symptom onset and final diagnosis remains close to 2 years. A definitive diagnosis of PH relies on the presence of elevated pressures during right heart catheterization. Nonetheless, several more diagnostic tests are available that contribute to the evaluation of these patients. The clinical history and physical examination, chest roentgenogram, electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiogram and pulmonary function tests are all useful modalities in the early evaluation of possible PH. Some contributory illnesses, such as connective tissue diseases or human immunodeficiency virus infection, can be detected serologically. Finally, more advanced imaging may be warranted depending on the suspected etiology of PH. Objective: To review the various diag...
Complications of Thoracoscopic Pulmonary Resection

Thoracoscopic strategies are becoming increasingly utilized in the management of patients with thoracic disease processes, including primary pulmonary malignancy, secondary pulmonary malignancy, granulomatous lung disease, and pleural processes. Although minimally invasive approaches have been demonstrated to improve outcomes and reduce complications, as compared to the conventional approach, the prevention, early recognition, and effective management of complications after thoracoscopic pulmonary resection are still critical factors in optimizing outcomes.
Computer-simulation study of the thermal conductivity of amorphous insulating solids.

We study by computer simulation an amorphous solid modeled as a percolating cluster of atoms on the fcc lattice. The atoms interact by nearest neighbor Lennard-Jones pair potentials. In contrast to past simulation efforts, the present simulation allows for full three-dimensional motion of the atoms, and exhibits results for the thermal conductivity and density of states of the vibrational modes which differ from previous simulation results. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
κ-Opioid antagonist strongly attenuates drinking of genetically polydipsic mice

Effects of opioid antagonists on the genetic polydipsia of the STR/N strain of mice were investigated. Naltrexone (0.5-5.0 mg/kg) injected subcutaneously before dark period attenuated spontaneous drinking for the first 3 h after injection only in the inbred polydipsic mice (STR/N), whose water intake was 5 times that of controls (non-polydipsic mutant, STR/1N, and Swiss/Webster mice). The highest dose (5 mg/kg) of naltrexone administration reduced drinking also during the next 3-6 h period and overnight feeding. Cerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of naltrexone, 1.0 and 2.5 micrograms (per mouse), suppressed drinking only in the polydipsic mice, while the higher dose (5.0 micrograms) attenuated drinking and feeding of both the polydipsic mice and their controls. However, i.c.v. injection of specific kappa-receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI, 0.5-2.5 micrograms), suppressed drinking only in the polydipsic strain of mice at one-half dose of that needed for naltrexone. Furthermore, even a higher dose of nor-BNI administration was without effect on food intake in all strains. These findings suggest that the central opioid system plays an important role in causing the polydipsia in the STR/N mice, probably through the kappa-opioid receptor.
The use of lists in the study of undecidable problemsin automata theory

Many of the problems in automata theory are unsolvable and can be classified intodegrees of unsolvability by their relative difficulty. In this note, natural reference sets are presented which belong to the complete degrees at each level of the arithmetic hierarchy. Also, some questions regarding lists of recursively enumerable sets are considered. These results resolve some apparent peculiarities and provide simple methods of determining the degrees of unsolvability for several well-known problems and permit easy construction of natural problems with high degrees of unsolvability.
Screening plasma aluminum levels in relation to aluminum bone disease among asymptomatic dialysis patients.

Abstract Aluminum accumulation in plasma and tissues is a well-described complication among persons undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. Excess bone aluminum is associated with low bone formation rates and increased risk for fractures. Current recommendations for care of patients with end-stage renal disease include screening for aluminum toxicity with plasma aluminum levels; patients with levels below 40 μg/L are considered to be at low risk for aluminum bone disease (ABD). We examined data from the Toronto Renal Osteodystrophy Study to evaluate the performance of plasma aluminum levels in screening for ABD. Two hundred fifty-eight unselected patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (n = 143) or hemodialysis (n = 115) underwent diagnostic bone biopsy and measurement of plasma aluminum level. Sixty-nine patients (26.7%) were identified as having ABD, defined as low or normal bone formation rates with 25% or more bone surface aluminum staining. Plasma aluminum level was strongly associated with the presence of ABD; the odds ratio was 1.4 for each increase of 10 μg/L (95%CI, 1.2, 1.6). However, only 50.1% of patients with a plasma aluminum level of 40 μg/L or greater had ABD, whereas 14.2% of patients with a level below this threshold also had ABD. Using this cutoff level of 40 μg/L, the sensitivity and specificity were 65.2% and 76.7%, respectively. We conclude that although there is a correlation between high aluminum levels and ABD, a patient's plasma aluminum level does not predict well the presence of ABD in spite of a relatively high prevalence of disease.
Learning-by-doing and input demand of a rate-of-return regulated firm

Abstract The significance of learning by doing to input demand of a cost-minimizing rate-of-return-regulated firm is examined. Using a panel data, the results indicate that the firm's cost and input demand decisions are both influenced by learning-by-doing. The firm's cost and the rate-base (capital) input requirements decline as learning-by-doing measured by cumulative production expands. However, LBD may have different effects on the non-rate-base inputs (labor and fuel) considered in this study. While LBD ambiguously reduces fuel usage, it moderately increases labor employment. In addition to changing input intensity, LBD also influences returns to scale and elasticity of substitution.
Sequential Monte Carlo simulated annealing

In this paper, we propose a population-based optimization algorithm, Sequential Monte Carlo Simulated Annealing (SMC-SA), for continuous global optimization. SMC-SA incorporates the sequential Monte Carlo method to track the converging sequence of Boltzmann distributions in simulated annealing. We prove an upper bound on the difference between the empirical distribution yielded by SMC-SA and the Boltzmann distribution, which gives guidance on the choice of the temperature cooling schedule and the number of samples used at each iteration. We also prove that SMC-SA is more preferable than the multi-start simulated annealing method when the sample size is sufficiently large.
Effect of sphere radius variation on the guided waves of a metafilm

A metafilm consisting of a planar periodic array of electrically small dielectric spheres that are electrically small in spacing is known to support guided waves in certain frequency ranges. In this paper, we examine the effect of slight radius variations between spheres in the array. Such variations may be due to process effects during fabrication, or may be introduced intentionally in order to obtain certain behavior (guidance or radiation) in prescribed frequency ranges. For a checkerboard-type alternation of sphere radii, we observe Fano resonances in the surface susceptibilities of the metafilm, which carry over to analogous resonant behavior of the guided-wave propagation constants that is not observed for a uniform array.
Firearm Injury Prevention Counseling and Pediatricians' Underestimates of Gun Ownership by their Patients. † 525

Despite the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, most pediatricians counsel few of their patients about firearm injury prevention. One possible reason is that pediatricians may not believe that their own patients have guns. We sought to determine if physicians systematically underestimate their patients' ownership of guns, and to assess whether currently practiced firearm injury prevention counseling (FIPC) is directed toward those at risk.
A Mechanistic Model of Spent Fuel Dissolution, Secondary Mineral Precipitation, and Np Release

A mechanistic spent fuel dissolution model has been developed, based on the generalreaction-transport code of AREST-CT. It considers the dissolution of spent fuel under flow conditions. The kinetic reactions of spent fuel dissolution and precipitation of schoepite, uranophane, soddyite, and Na-boltwoodite are included in the model. The results of model prediction are compared against the results of drip-tests that simulate the conditions that may occur in the Yucca Mountain Repository. Comparison shows that the modeling results match the laboratory observations very well and no contradiction has been found. It indicates that the model is a reasonably good representation of the real system. After validation, the model was used to investigate the release rate of Np from the dissolution of secondary uranyl minerals by examining various degrees of Np incorporation into secondary uranyl minerals. The predicted Np concentration in the aqueous phase is 3 orders of magnitude lower than the upper-bound of the Np solubility range currently used in DOE performance assessment analyses. It suggests that the Np solubility range currently used is too conservative and could be replaced with more realistic values.
Prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of infant disability: breaking the news to mothers.

The birth of an infant with a disability is often perceived as the loss of a “perfect” baby and is typically an unanticipated event for the mother and family. Mothers may experience self-blame for the disability; therefore, sensitive communication is crucial. A private setting is recommended, with a minimum of health-care professionals in attendance when the diagnosis is revealed. The perinatal educator can guide the mother through the early emotional phases of processing and accepting the new information by offering support and incorporating timely information and interventions. The perinatal educator can also inform and prepare other expectant couples in the childbirth class and encourage them to support the mother and father in celebrating the forthcoming birth. The objective of nursing care for a mother whose infant is newly diagnosed with a disability is to facilitate a positive outcome for her and to promote optimal infant bonding. In all communication and information, replacing the term “disabled infant” with “infant with a disability” is emphasized in order to recognize the infant first and the disability second.
Highly-compliant, microcable neuroelectrodes fabricated from thin-film gold and PDMS.

Bio-electrodes have traditionally been made of materials such as metal and silicon that are much stiffer than the tissue from which they record or stimulate. This difference in mechanical compliance can cause incomplete or ineffective contact with the tissue. The electrode stiffness has also been hypothesized to cause chronic low-grade injury and scar-tissue encapsulation, reducing stimulation and recording efficiency. As an initial step to resolve these issues with electrode performance, we have developed and characterized electrically-functional, low-Young’s modulus, microcable-shaped neuroelectrodes and demonstrated electrophysiological recording functionality. The microcable geometry gives the electrodes a similar footprint to traditional wire and microwire neuroelectrodes, while reducing the difference in Young’s modulus from nervous tissue by orders of magnitude. The electrodes are composed of PDMS and thin-film gold, affording them a high-level of compliance that is well suited for in vivo applications. The composite Young’s modulus of the electrode was experimentally determined to be 1.81 ± 0.01 MPa. By incorporating a high-tear-strength silicone, Sylgard 186, the load at failure was increased by 92%, relative to that of the commonly used Sylgard 184. The microcable electrodes were also electromechanically tested, with measurable conductivity (220 kΩ) at an average 8% strain (n = 2) after the application of 200% strain. Electrophysiological recording is demonstrated by wrapping the electrode around a peripheral nerve, utilizing the compliance and string-like profile of the electrode for effective recording in nerve tissue.
New technology enables many-fold reduction in the cost of refreshable Braille displays

By analysis of the primary cost factors for existing refreshable Braille displays, a team at NIST has pioneered a new technology that can reduce the cost of the electromechanical portions of a Braille display by an extremely large factor, and the overall cost of a Braille display by as much as a factor of ten. A massive cost reduction in displays creates a new model for the purchase and use of Braille displays by individuals, by employers, and by educators. Readability and user control issues are are addressed. It is hoped that this technology will open a significant new market for low cost, high performance refreshable Braille displays.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) mobilizes intracellular free calcium in cultured rat type-2, but not type-1, astrocytes

We investigated the effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP38) on cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) at a single cell level in both type-1 and type-2 cultured rat astrocytes using a calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye, fura-2. Type-1 astrocytes were relatively silent during the 20 min observation of baseline [Ca2+]i and PACAP38 did not alter [Ca2+]i in type-1 astrocytes at concentrations up to 1 microM. In contrast, type-2 astrocytes could be divided into three subtypes (silent type, randomly-firing type and oscillatory type) based on the observation of baseline [Ca2+]i. Of 166 type-2 astrocytes tested, 145 (87.4%) were the silent type (stable basal [Ca2+]i levels) and 13 (7.8%) were the randomly-firing type (random increases in [Ca2+]i). PACAP38 could stimulate [Ca2+]i in subpopulations of all three subtypes. In the silent type-2 astrocytes (4 experiments with 255 cells/experiment), 54.4 +/- 3.6% of the total number responded to PACAP38. The half maximal concentration (ED50) of PACAP38 was 2.89 +/- 1.89 nM. Removing Ca2+ from the superfusion media did not alter the PACAP38-induced increase of [Ca2+]i. Neither 1-30 microM of forskolin nor 1-10 mM of dibutyryl cyclic AMP increased [Ca2+]i in the same type-2 astrocytes which responded to PACAP38. These findings suggest that PACAP increases [Ca2+]i in type-2, not type-1, rat astrocytes by mobilizing Ca2+ from intracellular stores, and that this action is not linked to activation of the cyclic AMP second messenger system.
Stroke Treatment Using Intravenous and Intra-Arterial Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Acute ischemic stroke is the most common cause of adult disability in the world and the third most common cause of death. Early restoration of perfusion to ischemic brain has been a highly successful strategy to decrease the disability associated with acute ischemic stroke. For acute stroke, intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is the only proven acute treatment that results in improved clinical outcomes. IV t-PA is indicated for ischemic stroke when administered within 4.5 h or less of symptom onset. This 4.5-hour treatment window represents a significant expansion from the previous 3-hour treatment window for therapy. Despite a longer time window, patients have the greatest chance for an improved outcome when treatment occurs as soon as possible from the time of symptom onset. The Emergency Department goal for treatment is a door to t-PA administration time of 60 min. In order to facilitate rapid evaluation and treatment, systems of care that streamline treatment should be developed at every institution that cares for acute ischemic stroke patients. For those with contraindications to t-PA and those outside the treatment window, catheter-directed intra-arterial (IA) t-PA administration or mechanical clot extraction is a potential means of restoring brain perfusion. These therapies should not preclude the use of IV t-PA when feasible and are frequently only available at tertiary care centers. Technological advances in IA devices for mechanical clot extraction make this a promising and growing area for advancing stroke therapy but remain under ongoing investigation to establish improved clinical outcomes.