cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and efficacy of enteral tube feeding on weight stability, lean body mass, and patient-reported outcomes in pancreatic cancer cachexia

Background Advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by progressive weight loss and nutritional deterioration. This wasting has been linked to poor survival outcomes, alterations in host defenses, decreased functional ability, and diminished health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pancreatic cancer patients. There are currently no standardized approaches to the management of pancreatic cancer cachexia. This study explores the feasibility and efficacy of enteral tube feeding of a peptide-based formula to improve weight stability and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in advanced PDAC patients with cachexia. Methods This was a single-institution, single-arm prospective trial conducted between April 2015 and March 2019. Eligible patients were adults (>18 years) diagnosed with advanced or locally advanced PDAC and cachexia, defined as greater than 5% unexplained weight loss within 6 months from screening. The study intervention included three 28 day cycles of a semi-elemental peptide-based formula, administered through a jejunal or gastrojejunal feeding tube. The primary outcome was weight stability at 3 months (Cycle 3), defined as weight change less than 0.1 kg/baseline BMI unit from baseline. Secondary outcomes included changes in lean body mass, appendicular lean mass, bone mineral density, fat mass, and percent body fat, as measured with a DEXA scan, HRQOL (EORTC QLQC30) and NIH PROMIS PROs assessed at each cycle. Daily activity (steps, distance, active minutes, heart rate, and sleep) were remotely monitored using a wearable activity monitor (Fitbit) over the 3 month study period. Results Thirty-six patients were screened for eligibility, 31 patients consented onto study and underwent jejunal tube placement, and 16 patients completed treatment: mean age 67 years (SD 9.3), 43.8% male. Among evaluable patients (n = 16), weight stability was achieved in 10 patients (62.5%), thus completing the trial early. Increases in lean body mass (1273.1, SD: 4078, P = 0.01) and appendicular lean mass (0.45, SD: 0.6, P = 0.02) were observed. Statistically significant improvements at Cycle 3 from baseline were also observed for QLQC30 role function [mean difference (MD): 20.1, P = 0.03], appetite (MD: 27.4, P = 0.02), and global health scores (MD: 13.3, P = 0.05) as well as for NIH PROMIS t-scores for depression (MD: -10.4, P = 0.006) and pain interference (MD: -7.5, P = 0.05). Objectively monitored (Fitbit) activity levels increased, although statistical significance was not reached. Conclusions Our findings suggest that enteral nutrition support may improve weight stability, lean body mass, appendicular lean mass and PROs in PDAC patients with cachexia who completed treatment, representing a subsample of the study population. The feasibility and role of enteral feeding in routine care remain unclear, and larger and randomized controlled trials are warranted.
A comprehensive county level model to identify factors affecting hospital capacity and predict future hospital demand

The sustained COVID-19 case numbers and the associated hospitalizations have placed a substantial burden on health care ecosystem comprising of hospitals, clinics, doctors and nurses. However, as of today, only a small number of studies have examined detailed hospitalization data from a planning perspective. The current study develops a comprehensive framework for understanding the critical factors associated with county level hospitalization and ICU usage rates across the US employing a host of independent variables. Drawing from the recently released Department of Health and Human Services weekly hospitalization data, we study the overall hospitalization and ICU usage-not only COVID-19 hospitalizations. Developing a framework that examines overall hospitalizations and ICU usage can better reflect the plausible hospital system recovery path to pre-COVID level hospitalization trends. The models are subsequently employed to generate predictions for county level hospitalization and ICU usage rates in the future under several COVID-19 transmission scenarios considering the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and vaccination rates. The exercise allows us to identify vulnerable counties and regions under stress with high hospitalization and ICU rates that can be assisted with remedial measures. Further, the model will allow hospitals to understand evolving displaced non-COVID hospital demand.
O SISTEMA DE PLANTIO DIRETO COMO MECANISMO DE DESENVOLVIMENTO LIMPO

R ecentemente, as questoes relativas as mudancas climaticas, aquecimento global e efeito estufa tem despertado a atencao de toda a sociedade, uma vez que estudos cientificos tem demonstrado que os crescentes volumes de emissoes de gases do efeito estufa (GEE), que vem se acumulando na atmosfera terrestre, podem trazer uma serie consequencias economicas, sociais e ambientais. O mecanismo de desenvolvimento limpo (MDL), instituido pelo Protocolo de Quioto ha quatorze anos, permite que paises desenvolvidos e poluidores invistam em projetos de reducao de emissao de GEE em paises em desenvolvimento. No Brasil, um destes paises potenciais, alem dos projetos ja consolidados nos setores florestal e energetico para mitigar a emissao dos GEE, ha outros projetos sendo estudados como e o caso do sistema de plantio direto (SPD), que devido ao enorme crescimento em area, tem a possibilidade de ser aceito no MDL, ate 2012. A utilizacao do SPD, alem do papel de sequestro de carbono, tambem pode promover o aumento da produtividade agricola, melhorar a fertilidade do solo e a qualidade da agua. Este trabalho de revisao bibliografica tem por objetivo suscitar a discussao deste importante sistema agroecologico como alternativa viavel de mecanismo de desenvolvimento limpo.
Social Work Practice with Transgender and Gender Variant Youth

Introduction to Practice with Transgender and Gender Variant Youth, Carrie Davis 1. Knowledge for Practice with Transgender and Gender Variant Youth, Gerald P. Mallon 2. Ethical Issues in the Mental Health Treatment of Transgender and Gender Variant Youth, Stephanie Swann & Karen Herbert 3. Internal and External Stress Factors Associated With the Identity Development of Transgender and Gender Variant Youth, W. Christian Burgess 4. Social Work Practice with Transgender and Gender Variant Children and Youth, Gerald P. Mallon and Teresa De Crescenzo 5. Social Work Practice with Female to Male Transgender and Gender Variant Youth, Sophia Pazos 6. "For Colored Girls" Reflections of an Emerging Male to Female Transgender and Gender Variant Youth Consciousness, Wendell D. Glenn 7. Group Work Practice with Transgender and Gender Variant Youth, Gus Klein 8. Social Work Practice with Transgender and Gender Variant Youth and Their Families, Ken Cooper 9. Legal Issues, Cole Thaler, Flor Bermudez, and Susan Sommer 10. A Call for Organizational Trans -Formation, Gerald P. Mallon 11. Summary of Recommendations for Clinical Treatment Of Trans and Gender Variant Youth, Gerald P. Mallon
Elasticity, Rubber-like

Long, flexible polymer chains with high mobility and weak interchain interactions may be covalently linked together to form network structures. These materials exhibit a unique behavior called rubber-like elasticity, which is high and reversible deformability (up to 10 times the original dimension). The origin of elasticity at thermodynamic equilibrium is the decrease in entropy of the chains between cross-linking points resulting from the extension. Elastomers therefore follow thermodynamic laws similar to those for gases. There is a minor intramolecular energetic component in the retractive force which can be extracted from thermoelasticity experiments and is related to conformational energy changes of the chains. Most of the theoretical and experimental works in the field of rubber-like elasticity have been devoted to the characterization of network structures. Molecular models based on statistical mechanics have been applied to the analysis of equilibrium properties such as stress–strain measurements in uniaxial extension and swelling by a solvent. The real behavior of rubbers is between the predictions of the simple affine and phantom models and is well represented by molecular models which include entanglement constraints. These models associated with topological descriptions of networks are powerful tools to describe network structures. Keywords: rubber-like elasticity; deformability; entropy; cross-linking; retractive force; thermoelasticity; network; molecular elasticity; solvent swelling; entanglement; chain statistics
Investment Returns and Risk for Art: Evidence from Auctions of American Paintings

The literature on return and risk for investment in paintings is extended by disaggregating for artist, genre, and quality. A hedonic log price model generates yearly price indices and shadow values for painting characteristics using a large sample of U.S. artists sold at auction from 1971 to 1996. Overall returns to holding paintings are low, and have high annual variation although disparities are found across categories. High quality paintings show the highest returns, second only to equities, and are not offset by higher risk. Buying the highest quality superstar paintings seems to be the best overall investment strategy.
Transgenic Mice Expressing a Ligand-Inducible Cre Recombinase in Osteoblasts and Odontoblasts : A New Tool to Examine Physiology and Disease of Postnatal Bone and Tooth

The skeleton supports body structures in vertebrates and helps maintain calcium homeostasis throughout life. Disruption of genes involved in mammalian bone formation has often led to embryonic lethality, hence preventing study of these genes’ role in adult animals. To develop a usable tool for such study, we generated transgenic mice in which a 2.3-kb mouse Col1a1 proximal promoter, which is active in all osteoblasts, drives a transgene coding for a polypeptide consisting of Cre recombinase fused to a mutated ligand-binding domain of the estrogen receptor. In this Col1a1-CreERT2 mouse line, expression patterns of the transgene and of the resulting Cre-mediated DNA recombination are analyzed by crossing with ROSA26 reporter mice and by measurement of β-galactosidase activity and X-gal staining. Exposure to 4-hydroxytamoxifen induced Cre-mediated recombination in osteoblasts in virtually all bones and in odontoblasts in teeth of both embryos and postnatal mice. The generation of these transgenic mice provides a new and important tool with which to study the function of specific genes in bone and tooth physiology and diseases in intact animals after birth.
Microsatellite survey reveals possible link between triploidy and mortality of quaking aspen in Kaibab National Forest, Arizona

In the southwestern United States, populations of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) are experiencing widespread mortality. Although environmental factors contributing to mortality have been well characterized, less is known about how genotype and particularly ploidy level affect susceptibility. We used five microsatellite markers to infer the ploidy level of 212 aspen stems in Kaibab National Forest, Arizona. Many multilocus genotypes showed three alleles at one or more loci, suggestive of frequent triploidy among our samples. Sites populated with putative triploids had higher mortality. In addition, heterozygosity was positively associated with mortality and crown dieback. Our results suggest that triploidy is a predisposing factor for aspen mortality in Kaibab National Forest.
Prediction of quantum dot-like behavior in polymer nanoparticles: Quantum drops

Recent technological advances in the production of polymer particles suggests the feasibility of generating polymer nanoparticles from solution with discrete electronic structure in close analogy with quantum dots. We call these new particles quantum drops, which have controllable physical properties including radius, composition, chemical potential, and magnetic properties. We consider the electronic properties of electrons confined on the surface of these spherical polymer nanoparticles using a new Hamiltonian and semiclassical quantization.
Biohazards of Investigations on the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

There is considerable current interest in the agents that cause the spongiform encephalopathies: scrapie, transmissible mink encephalopathy, kuru, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). The unusual properties of these agents, their elusiveness, and their pathogenicity for humans (in the cases of kuru and CJD) make these agents interesting subjects of investigation but also make imperative a consideration of their potential biohazards in the laboratory. In view of both the potential pathogenicity of these agents and the potential hazards of many laboratory procedures, a series of physical containment levels, each of which corresponds to a range of composite risk factors, are suggested. The estimated composite risk factor used is a function of the potential pathogenicity or relative risk factor of the agent and the potential hazard of a laboratory procedure. The lowest risk factors (1 to 2+) correspond to levels of containment similar to those recommended by the Center for Disease Control for class II microorganisms, while the highest risk factors (5 to 8+) correspond to levels similar to those for class III microorganisms. The use of such a biohazard ranking system aids in a rational approach to selection of equipment and procedures.
Intensity-dependent laser ionization experiments involving the 1B1u state of benzene

Abstract Benzene is two-step photoionized with ArF laser radiation and the resulting mass- and photoelectron spectra obtained versus laser intensity. In agreement with previous work, benzene ionizes very inefficiently at this wavelength. Attempts to probe the rapid non-radiative relaxation of its 1B1u excited state by monitoring the intensity dependence of the photoelectron spectrum are impeded by ionization of neutral atomic carbon fragments.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Vitivirus Isolated from Grapevine

A novel virus-like sequence from grapevine was identified by Illumina sequencing. The complete genome is 7,551 nucleotides in length, with polyadenylation at the 3' end. Translation of the sequence revealed five open reading frames (ORFs). The genomic organization was most similar to those of vitiviruses. The polymerase (ORF1) and coat protein (ORF4) genes shared 31 to 49% nucleotide and 40 to 70% amino acid sequence identities, respectively, with other grapevine vitiviruses. The virus was tentatively named grapevine virus F (GVF).
Finite element analysis of the mouse tibia: Estimating endocortical strain during three-point bending in SAMP6 osteoporotic mice

To support future studies of tibial bending in a murine model of senile osteoporosis (SAMP6), we sought to determine the relationship between applied external bending force and peak endocortical strain in the tibiae of SAMP6 and control SAMR1 mice. The lower hindlimbs of mice were loaded by three-point bending in the lateral-medial plane with a support length of 10 mm. Force-periosteal strain relations were first determined using standard strain gauge methods. Finite-element analysis (FEA) models of the tibia-fibula were generated based on microcomputed tomography images. After choosing appropriate boundary conditions, FEA predictions of periosteal strains were within 15% of measured values. FEA revealed a narrow (3-4 mm) region of the central tibia with well-developed bending strains (tension medially, compression laterally); outside this region, we observed high shear strains. Both the strain gauge data and the finite-element simulations indicated that the tibia of the SAMP6 mouse was 20-25% stiffer than the SAMR1 tibia, consistent with a larger moment of inertia and higher cortical bone modulus. Thus, higher levels of force are required to produce the same target values of strain in the SAMP6 tibia. The ratio of periosteal to endocortical strain in the region of interest was similar for the two mouse strains (1.5-1.6). Based on these ratios, we scaled the strain gauge data to estimate the force-endocortical strain relations for the two mouse strains. In conclusion, FEA, with supporting strain gauge measurements, has provided unique insight regarding the strain environment throughout the tibia during three-point bending in mice.
On Non-conservative Forces and Topological Quantum Phases

A generic non-conservative force, applied to an interferometer particle for a period in the past and then turned off, leaves stationary phase and fringe shifts in the now force-free interferometer. Both Aharonov-Bohm and Aharonov-Casher topological phase and fringe shifts can be created in this way. The specific sources of the non-conservative forces behind Aharonov-Bohm and Aharonov-Casher stationary fringe shifts are, respectively, Faraday induction fields and Maxwell displacement currents, now off.
A reexamination of the local time asymmetry of lobe encounters at geosynchronous orbit: CRRES, ATS 5, and LANL observations

The local time of occurrence of a geosynchronous plasma flux dropout or lobe encounter is dependent on the longitude of the observing spacecraft. Satellites located on or west of the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) model magnetic dip prime meridian (magnetic dip meridian) observe almost exclusively (77{percent}) dawnside lobe encounters, while satellites located east of the magnetic dip meridian observe mostly duskside lobe encounters (67{percent}). However, the transition from observing dawnside or duskside lobe encounters is not symmetric about the magnetic dip meridian. Three satellites (ATS 5, 1991-080, and 1990-095) located essentially at the magnetic dip meridian observed a majority (73{percent}) of dawnside encounters. This study therefore concludes that there is a dawn-dusk asymmetry of the synchronous orbit altitude magnetic equatorial plane during active geomagnetic periods with the dawnside magnetosphere experiencing more radical distortions than the duskside. A case study of near-simultaneous lobe observations from CRRES and 1989-046 supports this conclusion. Note that it is found that the IGRF model dip prime meridian better organizes the local time occurrence frequency than does the magnetic dipole magnetic meridian, which has been shown to organize the seasonal dependence of geosynchronous lobe encounters in previous studies (i.e., Thomsen {ital et al.}, 1994). Hencemore » this study emphasizes the importance of considering the relative position of satellites with respect to both the magnetic dipole equator and the geomagnetic equator when utilizing geosynchronous plasma, magnetic field, and energetic particle data as diagnostics of the energy state of the magnetosphere. {copyright} 1998 American Geophysical Union« less
Receptor EphA2 activation with ephrinA1 suppresses growth of malignant mesothelioma (MM)

The objective of this study was to understand the possible mechanisms of activation of receptor EphA2 by its ligand ephrinA1 in malignant mesothelioma cell (MMC) growth. Activation of receptor EphA2 by its ligand ephrinA1 triggered the phosphorylation of EphA2. Ligand activation of EphA2 also induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and significantly decreased MMC proliferation. Ligand activated and ephrinA1 vector (pcDNA/EFNA1) transfected MMC demonstrated decreased clonal growth in 3-D matrigels when compared to resting MMC. These studies suggest that EphA2 activation by its ligand ephrinA1 transmits intracellular signals from cell membrane to nucleus via ERK1/2 signaling cascade and inhibits MM growth.
results for alkali feldspars containing diffusion domains with differing activation energy

Abstract Extension of the single diffusion domain/activation energy closure model of Dodson to apply to minerals with a discrete distribution of domain sizes appears to reconcile 40 Ar 39 Ar age spectra of alkali feldspars with their associated Arrhenius plots. However, small remaining discrepancies, particularly apparent in log ( r r 0 ) plots, suggest that some, and perhaps most, alkali feldspars contain diffusion domains with activation energies that may vary by as much as 8 kcal/mol. An important consequence of even relatively small variations in activation energy between domains is that the shape of an age spectrum can change dramatically by varying the laboratory heating schedule. We find that Arrhenius and log (r r 0 ) plots have the potential to reveal even small differences in activation energy (~2 kcal/mol) between domains, at least in cases where the domains are well separated in size. Variations in activation energy of ~5 kcal/mol can result in differences in calculated closure temperature of up to 30°C from that obtained assuming equal activation energies for all domains. Overestimates of apparent activation energy and other inconsistencies resulting from reversed heating experiments may reflect annealing of subgrain features which define the smallest diffusion domain size. Use of the diffusion compensation relationship may provide a way to assess the relative distribution of diffusion domain sizes in a sample containing domains with multiple activation energies.
Characterization of Tropospheric Spatial Decorrelation Errors Over a 5-km Baseline

: A new DGPS data collection system is specifically designed to characterize the tropospheric spatial decorrelation error (TSDE) over a 5-km baseline near Athens, OH. In this setup, multipath-limiting antennas (MLA) are used at both locations to limit the multipath errors in both the pseudorange (PR) and carrier phase (CP) measurements. The new antenna configuration combined with ionospheric corrections is able to reduce the TSDE processing error to a maximum of approximately 12 cm. Weather instruments are set up for collecting and comparing meteorological data at the two receiver sites. Using this new configuration, continuous GPS and meteorological data are collected from the two sites. Approximately 80 days of GPS data collected at the two receiver sites during the summer of 2006 were processed. For this baseline of 5-km near Athens, OH, TSDEs up to 0.41 m were observed. The largest TSDE observed was on a satellite (SV) with a 5 deg elevation angle. As expected, good correlation was found between large TSDEs and severe weather conditions.
Initial expansion phase of an artificially injected electron beam

Abstract We consider the expansion of an electron beam ( E ∼ 20 keV, I ∼ 1 A) artificially injected into the magnetosphere at a high latitude ( Λ ∼ 60°). We show that, although the space charge effects play an important role during the initial phase of the expansion, it is the magnetic field at the place of the injection which governs the beam radius and the beam density. For an injection parallel to the magnetic field, the ratio between the beam kinetic energy density and the magnetic energy when the beam passes through the Equator, may reach important values (∼ 2–5). However, taking into account possible beam instabilities could strongly modify this conclusion.
Rapid dissolution of propofol emulsions under sink conditions.

Abstract Purpose Pain accompanying intravenous injections of propofol is a major problem in anesthesia. Pain is ascribed to the interaction of propofol with the local vasculature and could be impacted by rapid dissolution of the emulsion formulation to release the drug. In this paper, we measure the dissolution of propofol emulsions including the commercial formulation Diprivan ® . Methods We image the turbidity of blood protein sink solutions after emulsions are injected. The images are digitized, and the drug release times are estimated from the pixel intensity data for a range of starting emulsion droplet size. Drug release times are compared to a mechanistic model. Results After injection, pixel intensity or turbidity decreases due to reductions in emulsion droplet size. Drug release times can still be measured even if the emulsion does not completely dissolve such as with Diprivan ® . Both pure propofol emulsions and Diprivan ® release drug very rapidly (under five seconds). Reducing emulsion droplet size significantly increases the drug release rate. Drug release times observed are slightly longer than the model prediction likely due to imperfect mixing. Conclusions Drug release from emulsions occurs very rapidly after injection. This could be a contributing factor to pain on injection of propofol emulsions.
Charge Transfer Effects for Medium Energy Bremsstrahlung Spectra

In this paper, we discuss the development of refinements to existing SGEMP coupling models in order to predict the response of a Plated Wire Memory (PWM) to a medium energy flash X-Ray (FXR) exposure. Comparison is made with the results of this exposure and previous exposures at lower energy in order to develop a methodology by which the FXR data can be interpreted and extrapolated.
Spontaneous formation of dipolar metal nanoclusters.

The adsorption of three- and four-atom Ag and Pd clusters on the α-Al2O3 (0001) surface is explored with density functional theory. Within each adsorbed cluster, two different cluster−surface interactions are present. We find that clusters simultaneously form both ionic bonds with surface oxygen and intermetallic bonds with surface aluminum. The simultaneous formation of disparate electronic structure motifs within a single metal nanoparticle is termed a “dipolar nanocluster”. This coexistence is ascribed to a balance of geometric constraints and metal electronic structure, and its importance for nanoparticle catalysis is highlighted.
Intercultural communication competence: Continuing challenges and critical directions

Abstract This essay reviews and extends calls for researchers and trainer/practitioners to clarify what is meant by culture, intercultural communication, and competence; ask critical questions about the validity and relevance of our work; and reconsider who benefits from research and training. Several limitations of previous research about intercultural competence are demonstrated, e.g., approaching culture as a nationally shared, homogenous, mental program developed through socialization, or as a communicative system associated with a single and unitary group identification. The author also problematizes instances when communication competence is presented as an individual impression rather than a contextually and relationally contingent process of negotiation and struggle. The author offers examples from her program of research that began in 1989 to illustrate how she began to give more attention to contextual factors, status hierarchies and power relations and differential benefits for diverse parties in intercultural encounters. The essay concludes with further recommendations related to how to incorporate broader notions of macro, meso and micro contexts, approach cultures as plural and contested; attend to status positions of interactants as negotiated and dynamic; and ensure that outcomes and consequences of intercultural competence research and training are oriented toward justice, equity and inclusion.
Cell investigation of nanostructures: zero-mode waveguides for plasma membrane studies with single molecule resolution

Plasma membranes are highly dynamic structures, with key molecular interactions underlying their functionality occurring at nanometre scales. A?fundamental challenge in biology is to observe these interactions in living cells. Although fluorescence microscopy has enabled advances in characterizing molecular distributions in cells, optical techniques are restricted by the diffraction limit. We address this limitation with an approach based on zero-mode waveguides (ZMWs), which are optical nanostructures that confine fluorescence excitation to sub-diffraction volumes. Successful use of ZMWs with cell membranes is reported in this paper. We demonstrate that plasma membranes from live cells penetrate these nanostructures. Cellular exploration of the nanoapertures depends heavily on actin filaments but not on microtubules. Thus, membranes enter the confined excitation volume, and diffusion of individual fluorescent lipids can be monitored. Through fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, we compared DiIC12 and DiIC16 fluorescent labels incorporated into plasma membranes and found distinctive diffusion behaviours. These results show that the use of optical nanostructures enables the measurement of membrane events with single molecule resolution in sub-diffraction volumes.
Geochemical effects of deep-well injection of the Paradox Valley brine into Paleozoic carbonate rocks, Colorado, U.S.A.

Abstract Brine seepage into the Dolores River from ground water in Paradox Valley, Colorado constitutes a major source of salt to the Colorado River. Plants are enderway to remove this source of salt by drawing down the Paradox Valley brine (PVB) and forcibly injecting it into a deep disposal well (4.8 km). Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of deep-well injection of PVB. The results show that PVB is near saturation with anhydrite at 25°C, and that heating results in anhydrite precipitation. The amount and the rate at which anhydrite forms is temperature, pressure, and substrate dependent. Paradox Valley brine heated in the presence of Precambrian rocks from the drill core produces the same amount of anhydrite as PVB heated alone, but at a greatly accelerated rate. A 30% dilution of PVB with Dolores River water completely eliminates anhydrite precipitation when the fluid is heated with the Precambrian rocks. Interaction of PVB and Leadville Limestone is characterized by dolomitization of calcite by brine Mg which releases Ca to solution. This added Ca reacts with SO 4 to form increased amounts of anhydrite. A 20% dilution of PVB by Dolores River water has no effect on dolomitization and reduces the amount of anhydrite only slightly. A 65% dilution of PVB by Dolores River water still does not prevent dolomitization but does suppress anhydrite formation. Computer modeling of PVB by programs utilizing the Pitzer ion-interaction parameters is in general agreement with the experimental results. Ion-activity products calculated by both SOLMINEQ and PHRQPITZ are close to equilibrium with both anhydrite and dolomite whenever these phases are present experimentally, although the calculations over-estimate by a factor of 2 the degree of saturation. Some discrepancies in the calculated results between the two programs are due largely to differences in mineral solubility data.
Aggregation under complete markets

Abstract This paper proves a complete market aggregation result for a multiple good economy in which the consumers have time-additive, von Neumann–Morgenstern utility functions. This result applies to all concave intraperiod functions, and provides a contrast to many of the results in the microeconomics literature which depend on such stringent assumptions as linear Engel curves.
MONETARY CORRECTION, CAPITAL MARKETS, AND OPEN‐MARKET OPERATIONS IN COLOMBIA

This paper is concerned with three interrelated aspects of financial development in Colombia‐first, the use of monetary correction, which involves the adjustment of various assets and liabilities for changes in the price level; second, the development of efficient capital markets; and, third, the use of open‐market operations by the central bank to control money and inflation. The discussion of monetary correction begins with a consideration of the recent experience of the savings and housing corporations, which have applied a form of adjustment for price level changes to their assets (mortgages) and liabilities (deposits). Further, unlike other financial institutions in Colombia, these corporations have been largely immune from governmental restrictions on criteria for approving loans. It is suggested that a major positive impact of the particular type of monetary correction that has been used by the savings and housing corporations is the creation of flexibility in nominal rates of interest. This flexibility has led, in turn, to a tremendous short‐term increase in deposits and loans. However, it appears that the short‐term success of this sector is likely to become a long‐term contribution to financial development in Colombia only if monetary correction becomes widespread throughout the economy.
Diffuse granulomatous mesenteric disease caused by intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillation masquerading as peritoneal carcinomatosis

Intravesical instillation with bacillus Calmette-Guerin is the most common therapy used for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer in North America. Although local side effects are common, systemic side effects are rare when it is administered correctly. We present a case of diffuse mesenteric granulomatous disease resulting from inappropriate instillation of this agent. This patient was thought to have peritoneal carcinomatosis. One must be cognizant of the possibility when evaluating patients with similar findings and images after bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy.
Accuracy of 1942 Oregon water‐supply forecasts

Stream-flow throughout Oregon in 1942 exceeded the amount forecast except in one small area on the east slope of the Cascades near Bend. This behavior agreed with the distribution of precipitation during April to May. Since all forecasts are based on expectation of normal temperature and precipitation during runoff, the effect of State-wide, April to May precipitation 60 per cent, above normal was notable. Precipitation by districts, expressed as per cent above normal, followed Southeastern, 59; South-central, 86; North-central, 19; Columbia River, 43; Wallowa Mountains, 79; Blue Mountains, 65; Southern, 75; Willamette Valley, 65.
Inhibition of renin release following left circumflex bradykinin injection in dogs

Abstract We examined the renin secretory response to bradykinin (BK) injection into the left circumflex coronary artery (LCx) in dogs. Studies were conducted in anesthetized, carotid sinus denervated dogs which had been maintained on a low sodium diet. A 25 ga needle was inserted into the LCx for injection of BK (0.15 μg/kg). The rate of renin secretion (RS) was obtained during a 30 min control period, at 5 min after a non-hypotensive hemorrhage (10 ml/kg), at 1, 3 and 5 min after BK injection and at 15 min after the reinfusion of withdrawn blood. Four series of studies were conducted. Series I: BK injection into the LCx, Series II: saline injection into the LCx (sham), Series III: intravenous injection of BK, and Series IV: BK injection into the LCx in dogs with prior renal denervation. RS was suppressed by 80% (P
The reproducibility of the L5/S1 moment during sagitally symmetric lifting

Abstract In biomechanical studies of lifting, forces and moments acting on the lumbar spine are often analyzed. Since these mechanical quantities are influenced by the technique of lifting, reproducibility becomes an issue when determining the effect of changes in lifting parameters. The purpose of this study was to determine the reproducibility of the L5/S1 flexion-extension moment during lifting. Nine subjects performed the same lift ten times. The L5/S1 moment was compared between experiments and subjects and was predicted with a dynamic rigid link model. The profile for the L5/S1 moment and its magnitude was consistent for each lift performed by the same individual. Between individuals the moment magnitude changed, while the moment profile remained similar.
Recent Results from Bes II ψ(2S) Data

Recent results on charmonia decays at BES II are reported, including the measurements of ψ(2S) → Vector-Pseudoscalar, ψ(2S) → Vector-Tensor and for a test of the pQCD "12% rule" between ψ(2S) and J/ψ decays; the first observations of χc0 → f0(980)f0(980), ; and a study of the pentaquark state in ψ(2S) and J/ψ decays.
Conservation of brain amyloid proteins in aged mammals and humans with Alzheimer's disease

The formation of clusters of altered axons and dendrites surrounding extracellular deposits of amyloid filaments (neuritic plaques) is a major feature of the human brain in both aging and Alzheimer's disease. A panel of antibodies against amyloid filaments and their constituent proteins from humans with Alzheimer's disease cross-reacted with neuritic plaque and cerebrovascular amyloid deposits in five other species of aged mammals, including monkey, orangutan, polar bear, and dog. Antibodies to a 28-amino acid peptide representing the partial protein sequence of the human amyloid filaments recognized the cortical and microvascular amyloid of all of the aged mammals examined. Plaque amyloid, plaque neurites, and neuronal cell bodies in the aged animals showed no reaction with antibodies to human paired helical filaments. Thus, with age, the amyloid proteins associated with progressive cortical degeneration in Alzheimer's disease are also deposited in the brains of other mammals. Aged primates can provide biochemically relevant models for principal features of Alzheimer's disease: cerebrovascular amyloidosis and neuritic plaque formation.
Penetration of Calcium Carbonate Substrates by the Boring Sponge, Cliona

Clionid sponges are noted for their capacity to bore into calcareous substrates. During penetration the substrate is gradually destroyed as the sponge hollows out an extensive system of cavities and tunnels. Preliminary studies revealed that these excavations are produced as small fragments of calcareous material are removed by a special type of amoebocyte which exhibits an etching activity. Cellular penetration occurs along the interface where these cells contact the substrate and is characterized by a unique pattern of cell-substrate relationships.Each active cell releases a substance which dissolves the substrate around its edge, forming a linear etching which corresponds in size and shape to the contours of the cell. Deeper etching occurs as the cell edge, moving gradually downward through the initial etching, sinks into the substrate in a noose-like fashion. During this movement the cell border is drawn down through the slit-like crevice cut by the cell edge, while the nucleus remains in position on the surfaceof the substrate within the original etched outline. Eventually the undercutting action is completed and a small chip is freed from the substrate. Penetration is achieved by the precise cellular release of a chemical agent which dissolves the calcareous substrate along restricted zones of contact between cell and substrate.
Adaptive search with stochastic acceptance probabilities for global optimization

We present an extension of continuous domain Simulated Annealing. Our algorithm employs a globally reaching candidate generator, adaptive stochastic acceptance probabilities, and converges in probability to the optimal value. An application to simulation-optimization problems with asymptotically diminishing errors is presented. Numerical results on a noisy protein-folding problem are included.
Optical Absorption Properties of Semiconducting Nanostructures with Different Shapes

In this study, a detailed experimental and theoretical investigation of optical absorption properties of indium sulfide (In2S3) nanostructure arrays in different shapes are presented. Zigzags, springs, screws, tilted rods, and vertical rods of In2S3 are grown using a glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique. Nanostructured coatings are of similar material volume and porosity, yet with different shapes. Total optical reflection, transmission, and absorption profiles of In2S3 nanostructures are obtained by UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy using an integrating sphere. Measurements reveal that optical absorption of semiconducting nanostructures can strongly depend on their shapes. Under normal incidence of light, 3D geometries such as springs, screws, and vertical rods can provide enhanced absorption compared to zigzags, and tilted rods. Results of finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations predict that spring, screw, and tapered-rod shapes can introduce a uniform distribution of diffracted light intensity and stronger absorption within the nanostructured layer, indicating an enhanced diffuse light scattering and light trapping. Zigzags and tilted rods show a relatively weaker absorption, similar to the experimental results. Experimental and simulation results are also compared to the predictions of effective medium theory. Current effective medium approximations are not sufficient to explain the high optical absorption of the nanostructures.
Human EEG, behavioral stillness and biofeedback

This theoretical synthesis affirms that the normal human EEG is: (1) an indicator of movements of behavior; (2) an undifferentiated indicator of cortical work; but (3) not an indicator of mental processes. A majority of cortical work for an awake person is the mobilization and regulation of all the processes involved in the production, control and prediction of movements of behavior. Abundant synchronous slow waves (alpha, mu, sensory-motor rhythm) indicate a demobilization of voluntary and reflexive, phasic neuromuscular processes which predict, initiate, regulate, and terminate voluntary behavior and movement with a corresponding reduction of afferent feedback associated with sensory data capture, sensory motor integration and behavior. Cortical theta in association with drowsiness indicates that there is further demobilization of reflexive, synergistic, neuromuscular process (as for gait, defensive responses, anti-gravity support), and a reduction of tonic processes which maintain muscle tone or tension with concomitant further reduction of afferent feedback. These various states of behavioral stillness are the catalyst of beneficial psychological and behavioral processes which have been observed to follow biofeedback training to increase synchronous EEG rhythms, and may provide a therapeutic context for psychotherapeutic interventions.
No barbiturate protection in a dog model of complete cerebral ischemia

Complete global ischemia was produced in 39 dogs by temporary ligation of the aorta. Prior to the ischemic episode, pentobarbital (30 to 45 mg per kilogram of body weight) was administered to 19 of these dogs. The neurological effects of cerebral ischemia episodes lasting 8, 9, or 10 minutes were compared in dogs treated with pentobarbital and those not treated. At 48 hours following the ischemic episode most of the dogs made ischemic for 8 minutes were normal, whereas most animals made ischemic for 10 minutes were dead or comatose. The 9-minute ischemic period resulted in a relatively even distribution of normal and damaged dogs. There were no differences between treated and untreated dogs. Cerebral blood flow, cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen, and various cerebral metabolites were measured in dogs surviving 48 hours. Again, there were no differences between treated and undertreated dogs. We conclude that barbiturates provide no protection in this model of complete global ischemia. This conclusion supports the hypothesis that the likely mechanism of barbiturate protection in models of incomplete ischemia or hypoxia is based on cerebral metabolic depression; such a mechanism would not be expected to be effective in complete global ischemia.
Mucormycosis of the vulva following bone marrow transplantation

Mucormycosis is uncommon in bone marrow transplant recipients. Primary cutaneous mucor in any setting is unusual. It may mimic necrotizing bacterial infection particularly in patients with severe neutropenia. We report a case of vulvar mucormycosis in a transplant recipient. Diagnosis depends on histological identification of fungal hyphae invading tissue and blood vessels.
Comments on "A model for human ventricular tissue".

The experimental and clinical possibilities for studying cardiac arrhythmias in human ventricular myocardium are very limited. Therefore, the use of alternative methods such as computer simulations is of great importance. In this article we introduce a mathematical model of the action potential of human ventricular cells that, while including a high level of electrophysiological detail, is computationally cost-effective enough to be applied in large-scale spatial simulations for the study of reentrant arrhythmias. The model is based on recent experimental data on most of the major ionic currents: the fast sodium, L-type calcium, transient outward, rapid and slow delayed rectifier, and inward rectifier currents. The model includes a basic calcium dynamics, allowing for the realistic modeling of calcium transients, calcium current inactivation, and the contraction staircase. We are able to reproduce human epicardial, endocardial, and M cell action potentials and show that differences can be explained by differences in the transient outward and slow delayed rectifier currents. Our model reproduces the experimentally observed data on action potential duration restitution, which is an important characteristic for reentrant arrhythmias. The conduction velocity restitution of our model is broader than in other models and agrees better with available data. Finally, we model the dynamics of spiral wave rotation in a two-dimensional sheet of human ventricular tissue and show that the spiral wave follows a complex meandering pattern and has a period of 265 ms. We conclude that the proposed model reproduces a variety of electrophysiological behaviors and provides a basis for studies of reentrant arrhythmias in human ventricular tissue. Comments on “A model for human ventricular tissue” by K. H. W. J. ten Tusscher et al.
Divided, thus Conquered: The Troubled History of Exhibitor Trade Organizations, 1907–1928

One of the truisms of American film history has been the centrality of theatrical exhibition to the ability of the major studios to control the film industry as a whole. This is best known in regar...
A View from the Pew: Lay Orthodox Christian Perspectives on American Religious Diversity*

This study offers an analysis of how Orthodox Christians in America today grapple on a daily basis with the pluralism of the American religious landscape. Based on interviews conducted with converts and “cradle Orthodox” in the Greek, Ukrainian, Carpatho-Russian, and American (Orthodox Church in America) Churches, Slagle constructs an image of the imagined and actual worldviews of Orthodox practitioners in Southwest Pennsylvania and Northern Ohio—a region of the US with dense and well-establish Orthodox communities. Slagle finds a range of exclusivist and inclusivist attitudes among the Orthodox she interviewed—some practitioners seeing in Orthodoxy the lone true faith, while others situating the church in a larger, pluralistic environment. This study offers a close-up view of how Orthodox Americans view themselves and their larger religious contexts, and how the Church’s teachings, culture, liturgical life, and history inform and shape these widely varying views.
Fumagillin affects Nosema apis and honey bees (Hymonopterai Apidae)

Two formulations of bicyclohexy lammonium fumagillin, Fumagilin Band Fumidil B, were equally effective treatments for Nosema apis Zander infecting honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Caged worker bees consumed either formulation in sucrose syrup as readily as syrup without fumagillin. Either formulation suppressed infection when fed with Nosema spores to caged workers for 7 d or when fed to workers for 3 d after they had consumed spores without fumagillin for 4 d. When consumed in sucrose syrup by bee colonies, neither fumagillin formulation significantly affected queen survival. More uncapped brood was reared by the colonies consuming fumagillin than those consuming syrup without fumagillin. Capped brood and total brood rearing was similar for colonies consuming fumagillin or syrup without fumagillin. Fumagilin B is more soluble in sucrose solution than Fumidil B, but both are easily prepared at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved level of 26 mg/liter in sucrose solution.