cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the conductivity of a proppant mixture using an experiment/simulation-integrated approach

Abstract Proppant selection in hydraulic fracturing operations is a crucial decision that influences the productivity and performance of stimulated wells. In hybrid completion designs, proppants of various sizes and materials are often mixed and incorporated into the pumping schedule. Optimization of mixing proppants of various sizes and materials has the potential to maximize proppant pack conductivity and to enhance the reservoir production performance. In this work, an experiment/simulation-integrated workflow, which combines the discrete element method (DEM) and lattice Boltzmann (LB) modeling with laboratory penetrometer experiments, was adopted to investigate the effects of proppant mixtures of different sizes and materials on the fracture conductivity. The DEM was used to simulate proppant compaction and rearrangement. Proppant embedment was determined by a load-embedment correlation obtained from the penetrometer experiments. The pore structure of the proppant pack was extracted from the DEM model and then imported into the LB simulator as internal boundary conditions of flow modeling to determine the time-dependent conductivity of the proppant-supported fracture. The integrated workflow demonstrates that the conductivity of a mixed-sized proppant pack is not simply the arithmetic average of the conductivities of the pure proppant packs. The selection of proppants with close sizes has a minor impact on the fracture conductivity when proppants develop to multilayers; whereas mixing with a much finer proppant size will downgrade the fracture conductivity significantly. It is demonstrated that proppant size combination has a lesser effect on the fracture conductivity compared to proppant material combinations. This study also suggests that the application of combinations of sand and premium proppants and modification of proppant injection schedule in the fracturing treatment design can mitigate fracture closure and improve fracture conductivity. This study investigated fundamental mechanisms of proppant mixture at the pore scale, which have significant implications to the optimization of hydraulic fracturing and proppant placement designs.
An Approximation Algorithm for Network Revenue Management Under Nonstationary Arrivals

Many revenue management problems require making capacity control and pricing decisions for multiple products. The decisions for the different products interact because either the products use a com...
Central Obesity is Associated With Neuropathy in the Severely Obese

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence of neuropathy stratified by glycemic status and the association between extensive anthropometric measurements and neuropathy. Patients and Methods We performed a cross-sectional, observational study in obese individuals, before surgery, with body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m2. Lean controls were recruited from a research website. Neuropathy was defined by the Toronto consensus definition of probable neuropathy. We compared nine anthropometric measurements between obese participants with and without neuropathy. We used multivariable logistic regression to explore associations between these measures, and other metabolic risk factors, and neuropathy. Results We recruited 138 obese individuals and 46 lean controls. The mean age (SD) was 45.1 (11.3) years in the obese population (76.1% female, n=105) and 43.8 (12.1) years in the lean controls (82.2% female, n=37). The prevalence of neuropathy was 2.2% (n=1) in lean controls, 12.1% (n=4) in obese participants with normoglycemia, 7.1% (n=4) in obese participants with pre-diabetes, and 40.8% (n=20) in obese participants with diabetes (p≤.01). Waist circumference was the only anthropometric measure that was larger in those with neuropathy (139.3 cm vs 129.1 cm, p=.01). Hip-thigh (71.1 cm vs 76.6 cm, p Conclusion Normoglycemic obese patients have a high prevalence of neuropathy indicating that obesity alone may be sufficient to cause neuropathy. Waist circumference, but not general obesity, is significantly associated with neuropathy.
Wellness project implementation within Houston's Faith and Diabetes initiative: a mixed methods study.

Faith-based health promotion has shown promise for supporting healthy lifestyles, but has limited evidence of reaching scale or sustainability. In one recent such effort, volunteers from a diverse range of faith organizations were trained as peer educators to implement diabetes self-management education (DSME) classes within their communities. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with provision of these classes within six months of peer-educator training. This study used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify patterns from interviews, observations, attendance records, and organizational background information. Two research team members thematically coded interview transcripts and observation memos to identify patterns distinguishing faith organizations that did, versus did not, conduct DSME classes within six months of peer-educator training. Bivariate statistics were also used to identify faith organizational characteristics associated with DSME class completion within this time frame. Volunteers from 24 faith organizations received peer-educator training. Of these, 15 led a DSME class within six months, graduating a total of 132 participants. Thematic analyses yielded two challenges experienced disproportionately by organizations unable to complete DSME within six months: [1] Their peer educators experienced DSME as complex, despite substantial planning efforts at simplification, and [2] the process of engaging peer educators and leadership within their organizations was often more difficult than anticipated, despite initial communication by Faith and Diabetes organizers intended to secure informed commitments by both groups. Many peer educators were overwhelmed by training content, the responsibility required to start and sustain DSME classes, and other time commitments. Other priorities competed for time in participants’ lives and on organizational calendars, and scheduling processes could be slow. In an apparent dynamic of “crowding out,” coordination was particularly difficult in larger organizations, which were less likely than smaller organizations to complete DSME classes despite their more substantial resources. Initial commitment from faith organizations’ leadership and volunteers may not suffice to implement even relatively short and low cost health promotion programs. Faith organizations might benefit from realistic previews about just how challenging it is to make these programs a sufficiently high organizational and individual priority.
The formation mechanism of the player transfer network among football clubs

Clubs compete for talented players to succeed in the global football industry. Drawing on a network analytical framework, this research explores how endogenous and exogenous factors influence the p...
State of the Art: The Therapeutic Approaches to Bulimia Nervosa.

Abstract Purpose Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating, inappropriate compensatory behaviors, and body image concerns in persons at or above a healthy weight. BN is a serious disorder with medical sequelae and marked psychosocial impairment. To reduce and eliminate symptoms of BN, psychological and pharmacologic treatments for BN have been developed. We review the current state-of-the-art treatments for BN. Methods We conducted a narrative review of the BN treatment literature to synthesize the current evidence base, provide recommendations, and propose future directions for BN treatment research. Findings Currently, the first-line, state-of-the-art treatment for adults with BN is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Interpersonal therapy is a second-line evidence-based treatment for adults with BN, and dialectical behavior therapy and integrative cognitive-affective therapy are also promising. For BN in adolescents, family-based treatment for BN or CBT are evidence-based approaches. Pharmacotherapy is best considered adjunctive to psychotherapy in adults with BN but may be helpful, depending on the type of psychotherapy and whether psychotherapy is ineffective or unavailable. Fluoxetine 60 mg/d is the medication of choice for adults with BN. Little is known with respect to pharmacologic treatment of BN in adolescents, although fluoxetine 60 mg/d holds promise. Implications Despite decades of treatment-development research in BN, there is room for improvement because nearly 60% of those with BN do not achieve remission with specialty treatment and strikingly few randomized controlled trials for BN in adolescents exist. Moreover, the field should address issues related to treatment dissemination, access, and cost.
Evolution of apetaly in the cosmopolitan genus Stellaria

Premise Apetaly is widespread across distantly related lineages of flowering plants and is associated with abiotic (or self-) pollination. It is particularly prevalent in the carnation family, and the cosmopolitan genus Stellaria contains many lineages that are hypothesized to have lost petals from showy petalous ancestors. But the pollination biology of apetalous species of Stellaria remains unclear. Methods Using a substantial species-level sampling (~92% of known taxonomic diversity), we describe the pattern of petal evolution within Stellaria using ancestral character state reconstructions. To help shed light on the reproductive biology of apetalous Stellaria, we conducted a field experiment at an alpine tundra site in the southern Rocky Mountains to test whether an apetalous species (S. irrigua) exhibits higher levels of selfing than a sympatric, showy petalous congener (S. longipes). Results Analyses indicated that the ancestor of Stellaria was likely showy petalous and that repeated, parallel reductions of petals occurred in clades across much of the world, with uncommon reversal back to showy petals. Field experiments supported high rates of selfing in the apetalous species and high rates of outcrossing in the petalous species. Conclusions Petal loss is rampant across major clades of Stellaria and is potentially linked with self-pollination worldwide. Self-pollination occurs within the buds in S. irrigua, and high propensities for this and other forms of selfing known in many other taxa of arctic-alpine habitats may reflect erratic availability of pollinators.
Sustained local inhibition of thrombin preserves renal microarchitecture and function after onset of acute kidney injury.

Abstract Acute kidney injury (AKI) management remains mainly supportive as no specific therapeutic agents directed at singular signaling pathways have succeeded in clinical trials. Here, we report that inhibition of thrombin-driven clotting and inflammatory signaling with use of locally-acting thrombin-targeted perfluorocarbon nanoparticles (PFC NP) protects renal vasculature and broadly modulates diverse inflammatory processes that cause renal ischemia reperfusion injury. Each PFC NP was complexed with ~13,650 copies of the direct thrombin inhibitor, PPACK (proline-phenylalanine-arginine-chloromethyl-ketone). Mice treated after the onset of AKI with PPACK PFC NP exhibited downregulated VCAM-1, ICAM-1, PGD2 prostanoid, M-CSF, IL-6, and mast cell infiltrates. Microvascular architecture, tubular basement membranes, and brush border components were better preserved. Non-reperfusion was reduced as indicated by reduced red blood cell trapping and non-heme iron. Kidney function and tubular necrosis improved at 24 hours versus the untreated control group, suggesting a benefit for dual inhibition of thrombosis and inflammation by PPACK PFC NP.
Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Parts Made of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol

Fused deposition modeling (FDM), one of various additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, from the development of concept models to the creation of functional parts. FDM uses a wide variety of materials to create 3D-printed parts. However, most FDM printers in the market use polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic materials for their good mechanical properties and low cost. Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) has recently gained considerable attention due to its enhanced properties. Despite the potential attraction of PETG in the 3D printing industry, very few studies have investigated its mechanical properties, such as toughness, tensile strength, elongation at break, yield strength, and tensile modulus, which would then lead to the development of more reliable standards for testing and inspection. In this paper, the mechanical properties of PETG, as well as the mechanical properties of two popular FDM materials, PLA and ABS, are investigated and compared. A total of 75 tensile tests were carried out in order to investigate the effect of five different raster angle directions on mechanical properties. Adequate strength and high ductility were observed in PETG. Despite the ductility enhancement, PETG materials exhibited slight brittleness in tensile test results and scanning electron microscope analysis, which could be attributed to raster angle. According to the outcome of this investigation, recommendations for 3D printing of PETG material to fit the design and application will be provided. This can result in more accurate reference data for potential applications of these manufacturing technologies, as well as improved part and product quality.
Online Resource Allocation with Time-Flexible Customers

In classic online resource allocation problems, a decision-maker tries to maximize her reward through making immediate and irrevocable choices regarding arriving demand points (agents). However, in many settings, some arriving agents may be patient and willing to wait a short amount of time for the resource. Motivated by this, we study the online resource allocation problem in the presence of time-flexible agents under an adversarial online arrival model. We present a setting with flexible and inflexible agents who seek a resource or service that replenishes periodically. Inflexible agents demand the resource immediately upon arrival while flexible agents are willing to wait a short period of time. Our work presents a class of POLYtope-based Resource Allocation (POLYRA) algorithms that achieve optimal or near-optimal competitive ratios under an adversarial arrival process. Such POLYRA algorithms work by consulting a particular polytope and only making decisions that guarantee the algorithm's state remains feasible in this polytope. When the number of agent types is either two or three, POLYRA algorithms can obtain the optimal competitive ratio. We design these polytopes by constructing an upper bound on the competitive ratio of any algorithm, which is characterized via a linear program (LP) that considers a collection of overlapping worst-case input sequences. Our designed POLYRA algorithms then mimic the optimal solution of this upper bound LP via its polytope's definition, obtaining the optimal competitive ratio. When there are more than three types, we show that our overlapping worst-case input sequences do not result in an attainable competitive ratio, adding an additional challenge to the problem. Considering this, we present a near-optimal nested POLYRA algorithm which achieves at least 80% of the optimal competitive ratio while having a simple and interpretable structure.
How much time is enough? Sentinel lymph node mapping time depends on the radiotracer agent

Background In 2014, technetium-99m tilmanocept (TcTM) replaced technetium-99m sulfur colloid (TcSC) as the standard lymphoscintigraphy (LS) mapping agent in melanoma patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The aim of this study was to examine differences in mapping time, intra-operative identification of sentinel lymph node (SLN), and false negative rate (FNR) between patients who underwent SLNB with TcTM compared to TcSC. Methods Patients who underwent SLNB between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively identified. Patient demographic, tumor, and imaging data was stratified by receipt of TcSC (n = 258) or TcTM (n = 133). Student's t test and χ2 test were used to compare characteristics and outcomes. Results Both cohorts were similar in demographic, primary tumor characteristics, and total number of SLN identified (TcTM 3.56 vs. TcSC 3.28, p = 0.244). TcTM was associated with significantly shorter LS mapping times (51.8 vs. 195.1 min, p Conclusion TcTM was associated with significantly shorter LS mapping time while identifying similar numbers of SLN. Our results support further study to ensure similar FNR and oncologic outcomes between agents.
The Ideological Transformation of the PKK regarding the Political Economy of the Kurdish Region in Turkey

When founded in 1978, the PKK defined itself as a socialist movement aiming to create a classless society through the formation of a new state-power. In the 1990s, the ideology of the PKK began to change and this transformation became apparent in the 2000s. The PKK has since completely abandoned its statist Marxist-Leninist national liberationist ideology, and has instead proposed to build “democratic modernity” through the creation of an anti-capitalist, anti-industrialist, women emancipatory and ecologist “democratic confederalism” framework. This project defines the ecologist-rural communes grounded on food sovereignty as its basic economic units. This article argues that the transformation of the PKK’s goals on the political economy of the Kurdish region is shaped by, on the one hand, the world systemic and internal restraints acting upon the PKK, and on the other hand, the ideological responses of the PKK to those restraints. Keywords: The PKK; Abdullah Ocalan; democratic modernity; democratic confederalism; anti-capitalist movements. Guherina ideolojik di PKKye de u aboriya siyasi ya herema kurdi li Tirkiyeye Gava di sala 1978an de hate damezrandin, PKKye xwe wek hereketeke sosyalist penase kiribu u armanca xwe wisa danibu ku civakeke becin durist bike bi reya avakirina desthilata dewleteke nu. Di salen 1990an de ideolojiya PKKye dest bi guherine kir u di salen 2000an de ev guherin pir askera bu. Ji hinge ve, PKKye bi temami dest ji ideolojiya xwe ya Marksi-Lenini ya azadiya neteweyi kesaye, li bati we, ragihandiye ku dixwaze “moderniteya demokratik” ava bike bi reya duristkirina carcoveyeke “konfederaliya demokratik” a dij-sermayedari, dij-endustrigeri, jin-rizgarkerane u ekolojik. Di ve projeye de yekeyen abori yen esasi ew komunen ekolojist-gundi ne ku li ser serbixweyiya xwe ya xureki pek hatine (anku ji bo bidestxistina xureka xwe ne muhtace derve ne). Ev gotar diyar dike ku guherinen di armancen PKKye yen li ser aboriya siyasi ya herema kurdi, ji aliyeke ve, ji ber wan zext u berbest u mehdudiyeten sistemi yen global u navxweyi pek hatine ku kar di PKKye dikin, ji aliye di ve, ji ber bersiven ideolojik en PKKye ne bo wan berbest u mehdudiyetan.
“That's who I am: A fat person in a thin body”: Weight loss, negative self-evaluation, and mitigating strategies following weight loss surgery

AbstractObjective:To explore negative self-evaluation following weight loss surgery (WLS).Methods:In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 women who had WLS. Thematic analysis was conducted through an iterative process, allowing categories and themes to emerge. To ensure rigor, two coders analyzed
Definitions of Factor Abundance and the Factor Content of Trade

This paper points out that the different definitions of factor abundance in the empirical trade literature are weaker than in the Heckscher-Ohlin model, which compares endowments of two factors across two countries. These different definitions in practice lead to different factor abundance rankings when there are three or more countries or factors. A lack of correlation between a weak measure of factor abundance and the factor content of trade provides no ground to claim that factor proportions trade theory fails. A working definition of factor abundance more in line with the traditional one is proposed.
Women's Organizations and the Development of Civil Society

Organizing Women: Formal and Informal Groups in the Middle East. Dawn Chatty and Annika Rabo. eds. New York: New York University Press, 1997.224pp. Crazy for Democracy: Women in Grassroots Movements. Temma Kaplan. New York: Routledge, 1997.243 pp. Women and Social Movements in Latin America: Power from Below. Lynn Stephen. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1997.332 pp. Feminist Nationalism. Lois A. West. ed. New York: Routledge, 1997.294pp.
Induction of the acrosome reaction and zona-free hamster oocyte penetration by a bull with complete teratospermia versus a half brother with normal sperm.

A fertile bull producing normal sperm and a sterile half brother exhibiting 100% teratospermia were available to study an induced sperm acrosome reaction and oocyte penetration. Pedigree analysis indicated that this condition was inherited. Experiments were undertaken to study the induction of the acrosome reaction using dilaurylphosphatidylcholine (PC12) liposomes, because this procedure was previously established to be highly correlated with bull fertility. The sperm from each bull were incubated with several PC12 concentrations for varying time periods. The initial percentages of sperm from the sterile bull with intact, partially intact, and lost acrosomes were 67%, 18%, and 14%, respectively, vs 82%, 13%, and 5% for the fertile bull (P < .05). After incubation for 15 minutes with 50 microM PC12 liposomes the corresponding values were, respectively, 51%, 26%, and 19%; and 60%, 28%, and 12%. Thus, the differences after induction of the acrosome reaction, although significant (P < .05), were small. The number of sperm adhered to each oocyte averaged 22 and 10, respectively, for the fertile and sterile bulls, whereas 74% of the fertile bull sperm and only 11% of the sterile bull sperm penetrated oocytes. Mixing the sperm-oocyte complex during incubation and increasing the sperm concentration during incubation to compensate for differences in sperm motility did not markedly affect oocyte penetration by teratogenic sperm, which is consistent with this bull being sterile. In other studies, microinjection of this type of sperm was demonstrated to induce fertilization, so the consequences of using sperm with hereditary defects in assisted reproductive programs to overcome human male sterility may be a concern.
COMMENTARY. morphologic texture characterization allied to cigarette smoke increase pigmentation in composite resin restorations

Statement of the Problem: The staining effect of tobacco smoke on resin color is clinically observed. However, there is no evidence determining whether this staining is increased on texturized surfaces or if the color change is superficial and can be removed by repolishing procedures. Objective: To evaluate the effect of tobacco smoke on the color of a composite with smooth or texturized surfaces, before and after repolishing. Materials and Methods: Forty composite specimens were allocated into four groups (N = 10): Smooth surface not exposed (G1) and exposed to tobacco smoke (G2), texturized surface not exposed (G3), and exposed to tobacco smoke (G4). During 21 days, G2 and G4 were daily exposed to the smoke from 20 cigarettes. Color measurements were carried out at baseline, after 21 days, and after repolishing. Variables L* (luminosity), b* (blue-yellow), and ΔE (total color change) were statistically analyzed (repeated measures analysis of variance/Tukey). Results: Texturized and smooth specimens presented similar luminosity at baseline. Tobacco smoke significantly reduced L* in G2 and G4, and increased b* in G4. After repolishing, L* increased and b* reduced in stained groups, but values continued to be different from baseline ones. Repolishing significantly reduced ΔE, but values from stained groups were still greater than that from unstained groups. Conclusion: Tobacco smoke changes the color of composite, and surface texture can increase the staining. Repolishing reduces superficial staining, but this procedure may not return the composite to baseline color. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Smokers that will receive anterior composite restorations should be warned about the negative cosmetic effect of the smoking habit on the color of restorations. (J Esthet Restor Dent 22:252–261, 2010)
High-speed visualization of disturbed pathlines in axial flow ventricular assist device under pulsatile conditions.

Abstract Objective To investigate potentially prothrombotic flow patterns within an axial flow ventricular assist device under clinically relevant pulsatile hemodynamic conditions. Methods A transparent replica of the HeartMate-II left ventricular assist device (Thoratec, Pleasanton, Calif) was visualized using a high speed camera at both low and high frame rates (125 and 3000 fps). Three steady-state conditions were studied: nominal (4.5 lpm), low flow (3.0 lpm), and high flow (6.0 lpm). Time-varying conditions were introduced with an external pulsatile pump that modulated the flow rate by approximately ±50% of the mean, corresponding to a pulsatility index of 1.0. Results At nominal and high flow rates, the path lines within the upstream region were generally stable, well attached, and streamlined. As the flow rate was reduced below 3.8 lpm, a rapid transition to a chaotic velocity field occurred, exhibiting a large toroidal vortex adjacent to the upstream bearing. The pathlines in the downstream stator section were consistently chaotic for all hemodynamic conditions investigated. It was common to observe tracer particles trapped within recirculation bubbles and drawn retrograde, causing repeated contact with the bearing surfaces. The addition of pulsatility caused the flow field to become periodically chaotic during the diastolic portion of the cardiac cycle depending on the instantaneous flow rate and acceleration. Conclusions The contribution of pulsatility by the native heart may induce a periodic disturbance to an otherwise stable flow field within an axial flow ventricular assist device, particularly during the diastolic and decelerating portion of the cardiac cycle. Potentially prothrombotic flow features were found to occur periodically in the region of the upstream bearing.
Restoration of mesenchymal retinal pigmented epithelial cells by TGFβ pathway inhibitors: implications for age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness. Most vision loss occurs following the transition from a disease of deposit formation and inflammation to a disease of neovascular fibrosis and/or cell death. Here, we investigate how repeated wound stimulus leads to seminal changes in gene expression and the onset of a perpetual state of stimulus-independent wound response in retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells, a cell-type central to the etiology of AMD. Transcriptome wide expression profiles of human fetal RPE cell cultures as a function of passage and time post-plating were determined using Agilent 44 K whole genome microarrays and RNA-Seq. Using a systems level analysis, differentially expressed genes and pathways of interest were identified and their role in the establishment of a persistent mesenchymal state was assessed using pharmacological-based experiments. Using a human fetal RPE cell culture model that considers monolayer disruption and subconfluent culture as a proxy for wound stimulus, we show that prolonged wound stimulus leads to terminal acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype post-confluence and altered expression of more than 40 % of the transcriptome. In contrast, at subconfluence fewer than 5 % of expressed transcripts have two-fold or greater expression differences after repeated passage. Protein-protein and pathway interaction analysis of the genes with passage-dependent expression levels in subconfluent cultures reveals a 158-node interactome comprised of two interconnected modules with functions pertaining to wound response and cell division. Among the wound response genes are the TGFβ pathway activators: TGFB1, TGFB2, INHBA, INHBB, GDF6, CTGF, and THBS1. Significantly, inhibition of TGFBR1/ACVR1B mediated signaling using receptor kinase inhibitors both forestalls and largely reverses the passage-dependent loss of epithelial potential; thus extending the effective lifespan by at least four passages. Moreover, a disproportionate number of RPE wound response genes have altered expression in neovascular and geographic AMD, including key members of the TGFβ pathway. In RPE cells the switch to a persistent mesenchymal state following prolonged wound stimulus is driven by lasting activation of the TGFβ pathway. Targeted inhibition of TGFβ signaling may be an effective approach towards retarding AMD progression and producing RPE cells in quantity for research and cell-based therapies.
Local times of continuous N-parameter strong Martingales

Let M be a 4N-integrable, real-valued continuous N-parameter strong martingale. By extending Ito-type formulas for M to a function whose 2Nth derivative is Dirac's δ-distribution, Tanaka-type formulas for M are obtained. They represent local time of M with respect to occupation time scaled by the N-fold product of the Stieltjes measure defined by the quadratic variation of M and its kth derivatives in space, where k ≤ N − 1. Applications of Doob's and Burkholder's inequalities give continuity properties: space time continuity for local time, space continuity for the derivatives. In case N is even, for the continuity of the (N − 1)st derivative an additional condition on M is needed which may have a relation to the existence of local times of M w.r.t. different occupation time scales.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Hand: Functional Reconstruction and Outcome Analysis

Functional hand reconstruction following treatment of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) is a difficult surgical problem. Because survival rates between amputation and limb salvage do not differ, there is a trend toward reconstruction. Unlike amputation, hand salvage usually requires multiple complex operations in combination with adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy, prolonged rehabilitation, and carries a high complication rate. We investigated tumor recurrence, survival, and scored functional outcomes to determine if limb salvage is justified after hand STS resection. Patients treated for hand STS between years 1985 and 2005 were reviewed by two surgeons in three medical centers. All patients having functional reconstruction instead of amputation were reviewed. Patient demographics, tumor type and grade, resection extent, reconstruction procedure, timing, adjuvant therapy use, complications, tumor recurrence, survival, and functional outcome were recorded and analyzed. Five patients underwent functional reconstruction for hand STS. All patients underwent attempted curative resections, and four patients received neoadjuvant or postoperative radiation therapy. Three patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Reconstructive techniques included three modified pollicizations, one free-tissue transfer, and one groin flap. All patients were alive and disease-free at a mean follow-up of 5 years (range 1.5–17 years). Three patients (60%) had local complications, requiring secondary surgeries. Two complications were related to radiation therapy. Hand function was evaluated using the Enneking Scoring System, and ranged from 17 to 28. The average Enneking score was 22.4, representing an average preservation of 74.6% of function. Because most patients retain excellent function and survival is unaffected, we advocate functional reconstruction despite high complication rates.
Development of bioartificial liver: Bilirubin conjugation in gunn rats☆☆☆

We developed a novel bioartificial liver using microcarrier-attached hepatocytes and a bioreactor. The bioreactor consists of an intracapillary chamber made up of porous (0.2 μm) cellulose acetate hollow fibers enclosed in a polycarbonate module forming an extracapillary chamber. Cryopreserved (−80°C, 3 weeks) microcarrier-attached hepatocytes (3–4 × 107) were inoculated into the extracapillary chamber. The bioartificial liver, containing either microcarrier hepatocytes (n = 6) or microcarriers alone (n = 5); was attached to adult Gunn rats via cannulas in the aorta and inferior vena cava. Bile samples were collected before and at hourly intervals after attachment to the bioartificial liver. The same animal model was used to demonstrate de novo conjugation of free bilirubin by the bioartificial liver (n = 3) following systemic administration of unconjugated [3H]bilirubin. Bile was analyzed for bilirubin mono- and diglucuronides by high-performance liquid chromatography and confirmed by digestion with β-glucuronidase and cochromatography with normal rat bile. A progressive increase in the concentration of bilirubin monoglucuronide and bilirubin diglucuronide in bile was seen as early as 30 min and lasted up to 4 hr following attachment to a bioartificial liver containing microcarrier hepatocytes (3.53 ± 0.68 to 8.07 ± 0.85 μM; P < 0.01). Approximately 22% of the radiolabeled bilirubin excreted in bile was seen in the form of bilirubin conjugates, no radioactivity was seen in the free bilirubin fraction. In conclusion, we developed a bioartificial liver using microcarrier hepatocytes which carry out an important differentiated liver function which results in partial correction of a specific metabolic liver defect, i.e., conjugation of bilirubin.
Preparation, NMR, and ab Initio/IGLO Study of Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Carboxonium Ions1

The preparation and study of trifluoromethyl-substituted carboxonium ions CF3C(OH)CH3+ (2), CF3C(OCH3)CH3+ (3), CF3C(OH)OCH3+ (8), and CF3C(OCH3)2+ (9) by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy under superacidic conditions at low temperature and by ab initio molecular orbital theory at the MP2(fu)/6-31G* level are reported. Attempted preparation of bis(trifluoromethyl)-substituted ions CF3C(OH)CF3+ (5) and CF3C(OCH3)CF3+ (6) by protonation and methylation, respectively, of hexafluoroacetone (4) were not successful under similar conditions, due to the strongly electron-withdrawing effect of two trifluoromethyl groups on the carbonyl moiety.
Kip3, the yeast kinesin-8, is required for clustering of kinetochores at metaphase

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, chromosome congression clusters kinetochores on either side of the spindle equator at metaphase. Many organisms require one or more kinesin-8 molecular motors to achieve chromosome alignment. The yeast kinesin-8, Kip3, has been well studied in vitro but a role in chromosome congression has not been reported. We investigated Kip3's role in this process using semi-automated, quantitative fluorescence microscopy and time-lapse imaging and found that Kip3 is required for congression. Deletion of KIP3 increases inter-kinetochore distances and increases the variability in the position of sister kinetochores along the spindle axis during metaphase. Kip3 does not regulate spindle length and is not required for kinetochore-microtubule attachment. Instead, Kip3 clusters kinetochores on the metaphase spindle by tightly regulating kinetochore microtubule lengths.
High-contrast artifact reduction in cone beam computed tomography by using geometric techniques

The use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is growing in the clinical arena, due to its ability to provide 3-D information during interventions, its high diagnostic quality (sub-millimeter resolution), and its short scanning times (10 seconds). In many situations, the reconstructions suffer from artifacts from high contrast objects (due mainly to angular sampling by the projections or by beam hardening) which can reduce image quality. In this study, we propose a novel algorithm to reduce these artifacts. In our approach, these objects are identified and then removed in the sinogram space by using computational geometry techniques. In particular, the object is identified in a reconstruction from a few views. Then, the rays (projection lines) intersecting the high contrast objects are identified using the technique of topological walk in a dual space which effectively models the problem as a visibility problem and provides a solution in optimal time and space complexity. As a result, the corrections can be performed in real time, independent of the projection image size. Subsequently, a full reconstruction is performed by leaving out the high contrast objects in the reconstructions. Evaluations were performed using simulations and animal studies. The artifacts are significantly reduced when using our approach. This optimal time and space complexity and relative simple implementation makes our approach attractive for artifact reduction.
Reading the World: Reconceptualizing Reading Multicultural Literature in the English Language Arts Classroom in a Global World

This is the final draft, after peer-review, of a manuscript published in Changing English. The published version is available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13586840903194755
Interventional radiology procedures in the liver. Biopsy, drainage, and ablation

Radiologically guided interventional procedures in the liver have continually increased, in number and variety, over the years. Factors promoting these advances include new technology, innovative ideas, and growing acceptance by clinicians and patients. Percutaneous biopsy and drainage procedures are firmly established techniques with low complication rates. Ablation by injected substances is useful for treating certain tumor types. The most exciting development is the introduction of percutaneous thermal techniques for tumor ablation. Although more experience is needed to optimize the use of focal thermal ablation, early results seem promising.
Gait Variability Is Associated with Subclinical Brain Vascular Abnormalities in High-Functioning Older Adults

Background: Gait variability is an index of how much gait parameters, such as step length, change from one step to the next. Gait variability increases with age and in individuals affected by cortical and subcortical neurodegenerative conditions, and it is associated with falls and incident mobility disability. The brain anatomical correlates of gait variability have not been studied in high-functioning communitydwelling older adults. Methods: Gait variability and brain MRIs were assessed in a cohort of 331 men and women (mean age = 78.3 years) free from stroke, dementia or Parkinson’s disease. Gait variability was computed for spatial parameters (step length and step width) and for temporal parameters (stance time). Subclinical brain vascular abnormalities were measured on brain MRIs as infarcts and white matter hyperintensities. Results: Greater variability of step length was associated with greater prevalence of infarcts, including infarcts in the basal ganglia, and with greater white matter hyperintensities severity, independent of age, gender, cognitive function and cardiovascular disease. Weaker
Effect of electronic structure on carrier multiplication efficiency: Comparative study of PbSe and CdSe nanocrystals

Recently, we demonstrated that PbSe nanocrystal quantum dots can efficiently produce multiple electron-hole pairs (excitons) in response to a single absorbed photon. To address the generality of this carrier-multiplication phenomenon to other materials, we perform a comparative study of multiexciton generation in PbSe and CdSe nanocrystals that have distinctly different electronic structures. We find that both materials exhibit high-efficiency carrier multiplication and the activation threshold is lower in CdSe nanocrystals than in PbSe nanocrystals (∼2.5 vs ∼2.9 energy gaps). Furthermore, the efficiencies of multiexciton generation are nearly identical for both materials despite a vast difference in both energy structures and carrier relaxation behaviors, strongly suggesting that this phenomenon is general to quantum-confined semiconductor nanocrystals.
Real-time spectroscopic assessment of thermal damage: Implications for radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an evolving technology used to treat unresectable liver tumors. Currently, there is no accurate method to determine RFA margins in real-time during the procedure. We hypothesized that a fiber-optic based spectroscopic monitoring system could detect thermal damage from RFA in real-time. Fluorescence (F) and diffuse reflectance (Rd) spectra were continuously acquired from within the expected ablation zone during canine hepatic RFA using a fiber-optic microinterrogation probe (MIP). The F and Rd spectral feedback were continuously monitored and ablations were stopped based on changes in spectra alone. After each ablation, the MIP tract was marked with India ink and the ablation zone was excised. The relationship of the MIP to the zone of ablation was examined grossly and microscopically. F and Rd spectral changes occurred in three characteristic phases as the ablation zone progresses past the MIP. Phase 1 indicates minimal deviation from normal lives. Phase 2 occurs as the MIP lies within the hemorrhagic zone of the ablated tissue. Phase 3 correlates with complete tissue coagulation. The absolute magnitude of spectral change correlates with the gross and histologic degree of thermal damage. Optical spectroscopy is a technology that allows real-time detection of thermal tissue damage. In this study, both F and Rd spectroscopy accurately defined the advancing hemorrhagic edge of the zone of ablation and the central coagulation zone. These results suggest that F and Rd spectroscopy can be used to create a real-time feedback system to accurately define RFA margins.
Stress Relaxation in Sn-Based Films: Effects of Pb Alloying, Grain Size, and Microstructure

Stress is believed to provide the driving force for growth of Sn whiskers, so stress relaxation in the Sn layer plays a key role in their formation. To understand and enhance stress relaxation in Sn-based films, the effects of Pb alloying and microstructure on their mechanical properties have been studied by observing the relaxation of thermal expansion-induced strain. The relaxation rate is found to increase with film thickness and grain size in pure Sn films, and it depends on the microstructure in Pb-alloyed Sn films. Measurements of multilayered structures (Sn on Pb-Sn and Pb-Sn on Sn) show that changing the surface layer alone is not sufficient to enhance the relaxation, indicating that the Pb enhances relaxation in the bulk of the film and not by surface modification. Implications of our results for whisker mitigation strategies are discussed.
Bonding and energetics in small clusters of gallium and arsenic

Density functional theory is used to study the electronic, geometric, and bonding properties of small Gan, Asm, and GanAsm clusters with up to eight atoms. New ground state structures for many of these clusters are reported. Electronic states, stabilities, and charges are also reported and discussed in terms of the bonding in the clusters. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:189–196, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10127
Physical Results from Partially Quenched Simulations

We describe how one can use chiral perturbation theory to obtain results for physical quantities, such as quark masses, using partially quenched simulations.
An Exploratory Study of Institutional Change: Personal Control and Environmental Satisfaction in a Gang-Free Prison

This study explores inmates' perceptions of institutional change when a Midwestern state converted a minimum-security prison to a gang-free facility. The discussion examines inmates' perspectives of the prison environment using H. Toch's 1992 eight prison environmental dimensions through focus-group interviews with three different subgroups. The first group consisted of inmates imprisoned at the facility pre- and postconversion. The second was composed of inmates transferred to the gang-free facility from other minimum-security facilities as part of the conversion. The third focus group consisted of newly admitted offenders sent directly to the facility from the correctional system's reception and classification centers. The findings suggest that two dimensions of personal control—choice and predictability—influenced inmates' acceptance of major institutional environment change. Implications for program design and institutional management are discussed.
How Textiles and Clothing Students Spend Their Time and the Stressors They Reportedly Experience

A sample of undergraduate students majoring in textiles and clothing was used to measure students' time spent, perceived stress, and the correlation between these variables. Students (N = 61) recorded how their time was spent during a 2-week period. Students (N = 99) also reported the intensity of stress in their lives. Findings indicated that during a school week, students spent almost the same amount of time socializing as studying and spent more time engaged in personal activities than for class preparation. Significant causes of stress included too many things to do at once, having to make important decisions about future career, and having many responsibilities. Suggestions for improving time and stress management are included.
Percutaneous absorption of hydroquinone in humans: effect of 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one (azone) and the 2-ethylhexyl ester of 4-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid (Escalol 507).

Hydroquinone was found to penetrate readily human forehead skin in vivo following a single topical exposure, in an alcoholic vehicle, of 24 h duration. Percutaneous absorption was estimated using radiotracer methodology and 14C‐labeled hydroquinone. The effects of a penetration enhancer, 1‐dodecylazacycloheptan‐2‐one, and a sunscreen, the 2‐ethylhexyl ester of 4‐(dimethylamino)benzoic acid, on the percutaneous absorption of hydroquinone were investigated. In vivo penetration of hydroquinone was significantly decreased (a 0.05) the absorption of hydroquinone. From all hydroquinone preparations, percutaneous absorption was rapid and peak elimination occurred within the first 12 h following application. Elimination was complete within 5 d.
The rad21 gene product of Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a nuclear, cell cycle-regulated phosphoprotein.

Abstract The rad21 gene of Schizosaccharomyces pombe is involved in the repair of double-strand breaks in DNA and is essential for mitotic growth (Birkenbihl, R. P., and Subramani, S.(1992) Nucleic Acids Res. 20, 6605-6611). We show that the [Medline] Rad21 protein migrates with an aberrantly slow mobility, has a thrombin cleavage site, and is multiply phosphorylated mainly at serine residues. The expression of the rad21 mRNA and the Rad21 protein is cell cycle-regulated, with the peak of mRNA and protein expression occurring near the G1 to S transition. Following translation of the protein, hypophosphorylated forms of the protein appear. However, the most phosphorylated form of Rad21 appears only later in the cell cycle (in S to G2). Analysis of the radiosensitive mutant rad21-45 revealed that the mutant protein is permanently hypophosphorylated. The Rad21 protein is nuclear during the cell cycle. The nuclear localization signal was identified in the C-terminal third of the protein. Upon repression of the Rad21 protein expressed from the repressible nmt1 promoter, the unphosphorylated and hypophosphorylated forms of Rad21 disappeared first. When the concentration of the most highly phosphorylated form of Rad21 sank under a critical level, the cells underwent aberrant mitoses. They exhibited loss of proper nuclear organization and abnormal septation.
The Dispersion by Hydrogen-Like Atoms in Undulatory Mechanics.

In view of the recent experimental determination of the dispersion by atomic hydrogen [1] it seems interesting to apply the theory of dispersion developed by Schrodinger [2] to this case. In this paper we restrict ourselves to an approximation in which terms of the order of relativistic correction are neglected. For this purpose it is simpler to obtain our wave equation by the operational method of Schrodinger [3] and Eckart [4], as extended by Epstein [5], for in this way we immediately obtain an equation free of relativistic terms.