cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cost Comparison From a Patient Perspective for Gamma Knife and Linear Accelerator-Based Intracranial Stereotactic Radiation Therapy.

Purpose/Objective(s) Financial toxicity is a highly prevalent and damaging consequence of oncologic therapy that is partially driven by inability to make copayments. The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently mandated that all hospitals publish a “shoppable” list of negotiated prices for ≥ 300 common services as well as a “chargemaster” documenting non-negotiated list charges for every provided service. Patients often travel to tertiary centers for intracranial stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), but cost comparison is complicated by multiple delivery systems and fractionation schemes. SRT is not included in shoppable price listing, and it is unknown whether list prices have utility in this complex setting. We hypothesized that list prices for intracranial SRT vary by delivery system and fractionation schemes and by institution. Materials/Methods In August 2020, we obtained online available chargemasters for the 63 US clinical National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated centers. Listed technical charges for Gamma Knife (GK), single fraction linear-accelerator stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and 3-fraction fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (FSRT) were obtained by searching for Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) billing codes first and then keywords. Institutional cost data was adjusted by the Medicare geographic cost price index (GPCI) to control for cost-of-living associated reimbursement differences. Pairwise comparisons were conducted to compare prices across modalities and geographic regions. Price association between modalities and relationships with cost index were examined using Spearman correlations. Results 62 chargemasters were obtainable, and 58 listed intracranial SRT prices. For each modality, prices varied widely, and after adjusting for GPCI, GK (P = 0.0003) and FSRT (P = 0.001) were more expensive than SRS (Table 1). No adjusted difference in price was noted between regions. FSRT price was positively correlated with GPCI (P = 0.033) but other modalities were not. All modality prices were positively correlated (all P Conclusion Despite overlapping indications, GK and FSRT list prices outpace SRS. Overall, institutional prices varied significantly, but differences in cost of living do not explain variability. A high institutional price for one modality corresponded to higher prices for the others. Although list prices are ill suited for absolute price estimates, motivated patients may use chargemasters to attempt relative cost comparisons. However, the impact of ancillary fees and negotiations by insurers on relative price differences is difficult to assess. Thus, policy changes promoting improved patient access to streamlined cost data are necessary to address therapy-related economic distress in this population.
Peat landforms along the Albany River, northern Ontario. An ecological study of peat landforms in Canada and Alaska

During the summer of 1985 a field investigation was started in the Hudson Bay lowland region of northern Ontario, which represents the largest expanse of peatland in North America and is an important sink in the global carbon cycle. A key area in the lowlands is situated along the Albany River near the confluence of the Chepay River. Here the striking vegetation-landforms are transitional between those found on the bed of Glacial Lake Agassiz in northern Minnesota and southern Manitoba and the more northern peatlands in the Hudson Bay lowland region. In peatland studies elsewhere the landform patterns have been used not only to classify different peatland types but also as an indicator of potential developmetnal trends. The study area is generally defined by that covered by the TM scene E-40062-15532 taken on Sept. 16, 1982. The purpose of the field work is to acquire sufficent information to interpret the TM imagery and test various hypotheses on peatland development on the gasis of the pattern transitions.
ChromSorter PC: a database of chromosomal regions associated with human prostate cancer.

Our increasing use of genetic and genomic strategies to understand human prostate cancer means that we need access to simplified and integrated information present in the associated biomedical literature. In particular, microarray gene expression studies and associated genetic mapping studies in prostate cancer would benefit from a generalized understanding of the prior work associated with this disease. This would allow us to focus subsequent laboratory studies to genomic regions already related to prostate cancer by other scientific methods. We have developed a database of prostate cancer related chromosomal information from the existing biomedical literature. The input material was based on a broad literature search with subsequent hand annotation of information relevant to prostate cancer. The database was then analyzed for identifiable trends in the whole scale literature. We have used this database, named ChromSorter PC, to present graphical summaries of chromosomal regions associated with prostate cancer broken down by age, ethnicity and experimental method. In addition we have placed the database information on the human genome using the Generic Genome Browser tool that allows the visualization of the data with respect to user generated datasets. We have used this database as an additional dataset for the filtering of genes identified through genetics and genomics studies as warranting follow-up validation studies. We would like to make this dataset publicly available for use by other groups. Using the Genome Browser allows for the graphical analysis of the associated data http://www.prostategenomics.org/datamining/chrom-sorter_pc.html . Additional material from the database can be obtained by contacting the authors (mdatta@mcw.edu).
Synthesis of some new poly(phosphonylhydrazides)

Polymers have been prepared from the condensation of phenylphosphonic diisocyanate with hydrazides using the interfacial technique. The polymers are believed to contain the following repeating structure: The reactivity of nitrogen compounds with phenylphosphonic diisocyanate is of the order amines > hydrazines ≈ hydrazides > ureas. Die Grenzflachenpolykondensation von Phenylphosphonsaurediisocyanat mit verschiedenen, „Hydraziden” wird beschrieben. Die Polymeren haben wahrscheinlich die folgende Struktur: Die Reaktivitat der Stickstoffverbindungen steht in der Reihenfolge: Amine > Hydrazine ≈ Hydrazide > Harnstoffe.
Dynamics of Axisymmetric Loops

Time-dependent, 2D MHD simulations in cylindrical geometry are presently employed to study the evolution of a solar magnetic loop in response to rotation within circular sections at the loop ends. While the magnetic energy initially increases as time-squared, and the solution fluctuates at a characteristic loop frequency, the average kinetic energy subsequently increases rapidly and levels off at a higher value that is still substantially lower than the magnetic energy release. Magnetic energy thenceforth increases exponentially with time, and deviations from a force-free field begin to appear. Finally, the current and field are no longer force-free, and the solution becomes highly nonlinear.
Dead Man's Float

from the bed pillows. In the shallow end of a lake, you sink to its floor where the filtered daylight covers your back like a blanket. You swear if this lasts any longer you might explode. You see the second hand of a clock stop, your lungs admitting only water. Now there are footsteps coming down a hallway and your entire body lifts uncontrollably to the surface, your room focuses, your father appears at the end of your bed and replaces the kicked-away blanket, combs his hand through your hair, clicks off the lamp and the last thing he says is Goodnight.
Quantifying clinical narrative redundancy in an electronic health record.

Objective Although electronic notes have advantages compared to handwritten notes, they take longer to write and promote information redundancy in electronic health records (EHRs). We sought to quantify redundancy in clinical documentation by studying collections of physician notes in an EHR. Design and methods We implemented a retrospective design to gather all electronic admission, progress, resident signout and discharge summary notes written during 100 randomly selected patient admissions within a 6 month period. We modified and applied a Levenshtein edit-distance algorithm to align and compare the documents written for each of the 100 admissions. We then identified and measured the amount of text duplicated from previous notes. Finally, we manually reviewed the content that was conserved between note types in a subsample of notes. Measurements We measured the amount of new information in a document, which was calculated as the number of words that did not match with previous documents divided by the length, in words, of the document. Results are reported as the percentage of information in a document that had been duplicated from previously written documents. Results Signout and progress notes proved to be particularly redundant, with an average of 78% and 54% information duplicated from previous documents respectively. There was also significant information duplication between document types (eg, from an admission note to a progress note). Conclusion The study established the feasibility of exploring redundancy in the narrative record with a known sequence alignment algorithm used frequently in the field of bioinformatics. The findings provide a foundation for studying the usefulness and risks of redundancy in the EHR.
Crystal and molecular structure of tin(IV) dithiocarbamates: IV. monoclinic and triclinic bis (N,N-diethyldithiocarbamato)dimethyltin(IV), unusual six coordination

The structure of the title compound has been determined by three-dimensional X-ray diffaction techniques in two crystallographic modifications, containing a total of three symmetry-independent molecules. This has clearly established that the observed rather unusual six-coordinated geometry is not a result of crystal packing effects. The triclinic modification (P¯1) has cell dimensionsa = 10.600(3),b = 10.899(3),c = 10.585(4) A, α = 95.8(1), β = 85.4(1), and γ = 126.2(1) °. The observed density of 1.52 g cm−3 agrees well with the calculated density of 1.51 g cm−3, based on two molecules per unit cell. For the structure solution and refinement 3156 reflections measured with a scintillation detector and withF 0 2 ⩾ 3σ(F 0 2 ) were used and gave a final agreement factor (R) of 0.027. The monoclinic modification is described by the following:a = 27.630(1),b = 12.350(1),c = 17.777(1) A,β = 100.9(2) °, space group =C2/c,Z = 12,d 0 = 1.48 g cm−3,d c = 1.489 g cm−3. The structure was solved and refined using 3289 reflections measured with a scintillation detector and withF 0 2 ⩾3σ(F 0 2 ). The final agreement factor was 0.065. The molecular structure involves bidentate coordination of the sulfur atoms of the two dithiocarbamate ligands and coordination of the two methyl groups to the tin(IV) atom. The bidentate coordination of each of the dithiocarbamate ligands involves one short Sn-S distance (average = 2.52 A) and one long Sn-S distance (average = 2.95 A). The average Sn-C distance is 2.12(1) A, and the C-Sn-C bond angle is 141(1) °. The geometry about the tin atom is then highly distorted from octahedral and cannot be considered eithercis- ortrans-octahedral. The structure is compared with several other six-coordinated tin(IV) dithiocarbamate complexes and with spectroscopic predictions of the structure.
Outcomes of sutureless gastroschisis closure

Abstract Introduction A new technique of gastroschisis closure in which the defect is covered with sterile dressings and allowed to granulate without suture repair was first described in 2004. Little is known about the outcomes of this technique. This study evaluated short-term outcomes from the largest series of sutureless gastroschisis closures. Methods and Patients A retrospective case control study of 26 patients undergoing sutureless closure between 2006 and 2008 was compared to a historical control group of 20 patients with suture closure of the abdominal fascia between 2004 and 2006. Four major outcomes were assessed: (1) time spent on ventilator, (2) time to initiating enteral feeds, (3) time to discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit, and (4) rate of complications. Results In multivariate analysis, sutureless closure of gastroschisis defects independently reduced the time to extubation as compared to traditional closure (5.0 vs 12.1 days, P = .025). There was no difference in time to full enteral feeds (16.8 vs 21.4 days, P = .15) or time to discharge (34.8 vs 49.7 days, P = .22) with sutureless closure. The need for silo reduction independently increased the time to extubation (odds ratio, 4.2; P = .002) and time to enteral feeds (odds ratio, 5.2; P Conclusion Sutureless closure of uncomplicated gastroschisis is a safe technique that reduces length of intubation and does not significantly alter the time required to reach full enteral feeds or hospital discharge.
Bronchial rupture in children following blunt chest trauma. Report of five cases with emphasis on radiologic findings.

We present five patients with fracture of the bronchus, in whom the diagnois of bronchial rupture was first suggested because of persistent leakage of air, atelectasis of a segment of the lung or of the entire lung, mediastinal and deep cervical emphysema. In all patients the bronchoscopy was essential to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the full extent of injury.
Variations among woody plants in stomatal conductance and photosynthesis during and after drought

Acer saccharum, Fraxinus americana, Juglans nigra, Acer rubrum, Cornus amomum, and Ulmus americana seedlings were subjected to a soil drying cycle and then rewatered. At frequent intervals during the drying cycle and following rewatering, determinations were made of equilibrium photosynthesis rates, leaf conductances and leaf water potentials. As the drying cycle progressed, leaf water potentials decreased, stomata closed, and rates of transpiration and photosynthesis were reduced. Stomata of the two Acer species initially were more sensitive to water stress than were those of the other species. At low leaf water potentials, stomata of Juglans and Cornus were more open than those of the other species. Photosynthesis of Acer saccharum, Fraxinus and Juglans was significantly reduced by plant water stress, while photosynthetic water use efficiency of Cornus and Juglans was most unfavourable. Photosynthesis/leaf conductance ratios in water stressed leaves were higher in Fraxinus than in the other species. Immediately after rewatering, only limited stomatal opening occurred in Acer saccharum and Cornus with recovery of stomatal opening most protracted in Fraxinus and Ulmus. There was extended reduction of photosynthesis of all species as a result of the soil drying treatment. This effect was most significant in Acer saccharum and Juglans. Survival of plants on moist and dry sites is discussed in relation to stomatal control of transpiration and metabolic responses to water stress.
Impact of supplier's lead time and forecast demand updating on retailer's order quantity variability in a two-level supply chain

Abstract Motivated by the dramatic boom-and-bust cycles in semiconductor industry, we use an analytical model to analyze two important factors that can contribute to the high degree of order quantity variability experienced by semiconductor manufacturers: supplier's lead time and forecast demand updating. Specifically, we use a two-level supply chain model to study how the supplier's variable delivery lead times and the correlation of the external demands can amplify the variability of the order quantities of the downstream member in the supply chain. Based on our analytical and numerical results, some useful insights are used for managing supplier's lead time performance in order to reduce order quantity variability in a supply chain. For instance, our results suggest that in allocating scarce capacity by the supplier, higher priority should be given to those products whose demands are highly variable and correlated for maintaining consistent delivery lead times for these products.
Vascular smooth muscle cell effect on endothelial cell endothelin-1 production

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent mitogen secreted by endothelial cells (ECs) in culture and is a putative factor in vascular lesion development. The purpose of this study was to examine whether smooth muscle cells (SMCs) inhibit EC secretion of ET-1. The effect of SMCs on EC ET-1 and constitutively expressed nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity was examined by using a bilayer co-culture model. SMCs inhibited both EC ET-1 protein and RNA levels, compared with ECs cultured alone. SMCs increased EC NO production when compared with ECs cultured alone. In addition, SMC inhibition of EC ET-1 production could be blocked by the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester. ECs stimulated SMC proliferation, and the ET-1 AB and B receptor blockers inhibited EC stimulation of SMC proliferation. The ET-1 A blocker had no effect on SMC proliferation. We conclude that SMCs regulate EC ET-1 and ecNOS synthase transcript levels and protein levels. SMC inhibition of ET-1 production by ECs may be mediated through SMC-modulated changes in EC NO activity. Finally, EC stimulation of SMC proliferation in bilayer co-culture is mediated by ET-1 through the ET-1 B receptor.
Ma huang and alpha subtype adrenoceptors in the cat pulmonary vascular bed.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that ma huang induces a pressor response in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat and identify the alpha (1)-adrenoceptor subtype pathway(s) involved in the mediation or modulation of these effects. Design: Prospective vehicle controlled study. Setting: University research laboratory. Subjects: Intact chest preparation; adult mongrel cats. Interventions: In separate experiments, the effects of phentolamine, the alpha-adrenergic antagonist; prazosin, a selective alpha (1)-adrenoceptor antagonist; BMY 7378, a selective alpha (1) D-subtype adrenoceptor antagonist; 5-methyl-urapidil, the selective alpha (1)A-subtype adrenoceptor antagonist; and chloroethylclonidine, an alpha (1)B-subtype and (1) D-subtype adrenoceptor antagonist, were investigated on pulmonary arterial responses to ma huang and other agonist agents in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat. Measurements and Main Results: Under constant flow conditions, lobar arterial perfusion pressure and systemic pressure we...
Variation in polar lipid composition among near-isogenic wheat lines possessing different puroindoline haplotypes

The exact mechanism underlying wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) kernel hardness is unknown. Similar to puroindoline proteins, polar lipids are present on the surface of starch granules. The objective of this research was to determine the specific polar lipid species present on the surface of wheat starch from near-isogenic wheat lines that have different puroindoline haplotypes and endosperm hardness. Four near-isogenic wheat lines were used in this study, all derived from the soft cultivar Alpowa. Direct infusion tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify the lipid species in whole-meal, flour and starch samples. Endosperm hardness had no significant effect on the polar lipid contents in wheat whole-meal, a slight influence on the polar lipid contents of the flour fractions and a significant influence on the polar lipid composition of the polar lipids located on the surface of wheat starch. The greatest quantities of polar lipids on the starch-surface occurred when both puroindoline proteins were present in their wild-type form. Starch-surface polar lipid content dramatically decreased when one of the puroindoline proteins was null or if pin-B was in the mutated form. The least amount of polar lipids was present when pin-B was in its mutated form and pin-A was in its wild-type form.
Septal inhibition of aversive emotional states

Two experiments were carried out to test the proposition that electrical stimulation of the septal region of the cat has the capacity to inhibit aversive emotional states. In the first experiment the source of aversive stimulation was electrical stimulation of various hypothalamic regions. The results were: (1) The animals would perform a learned response in order to obtain septal stimulation only if given concomitant aversive hypothalamic stimulation. (2) If septal stimulation was omitted the animal showed a conventional extinction effect. (3) If non-aversive hypothalamic stimulation was substituted for aversive stimulation the animal did not perform to obtain septal stimulation. In the second experiment a side preference was influenced by septal stimulation only when carbachol was administered to the hypothalamus, otherwise septal stimulation was neutral. It was concluded that these data provide evidence of an emotion inhibitory function of activity of the septal region.
Hemodynamics in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms at Rest and Graded Levels of Exercise

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are characterized by a permanent, localized dilation of the abdominal aorta. As AAA grow in size, the risk of rupture increases and open surgery or endovascular repair may be required. We hypothesize that increased flow resulting from exercise may alter the hemodynamics in the abdominal aorta, reduce the inflammatory burden on the vessel wall and slow the growth of small AAA thereby avoiding the need for endovascular or surgical intervention [1]. The purpose of this study is to quantify hemodynamic conditions in the abdominal aorta at rest, mild exercise and moderate exercise states in individual patients using computational fluid dynamics techniques based on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) anatomic data and cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (cine PC-MRI) flow data obtained at rest and during upright exercise on an MR-compatible exercise cycle.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Postural Stability While Walking and Carrying Loads in Various Postures

Falls, over-exertion injuries and other potential consequences of balance losses continue to be serious ergonomic concerns. Stability issues are important in the prevention of these injuries, especially when the task is complicated by handling loads. However, stability analyses are not typical components of ergonomic job analyses. This study demonstrated that stability assessments can be effective in recommending load-carrying strategies. In particular, the effects of load positioning and magnitude on stability were investigated. Unladen walking was also tested for comparison. Several stability measures were defined based on the body-and-load's center of mass displacement in the frontal plane. Statistical differences among the load positions and magnitudes were found and are discussed. Results were consistent across measures. Additional work is needed to better define the limits of stability while carrying and to relate these, or other, stability measures to the likelihood of a balance loss.
Effects of oscillator frequency on phase-locking in the lamprey central pattern generator.

Abstract The central pattern generator (CPG) for locomotion can be thought of as a chain of segmental oscillators coupled together that produces the basic locomotor pattern. The isolated spinal cord of the lamprey is an excellent preparation in which to formulate general principles for the operation of the CPG. The stability of the preparation and the ease with which surgical lesions can be made in the cord have allowed the study of the coordinating system with a convenience unobtainable in more complex vertebrates. Mathematical models have been developed to help analyze the CPG and other systems of coupled oscillators. The models have pointed to two important parameters for determining the relative timing of a system of coupled oscillators: the nature of the coupling and the difference in frequency among the oscillators. The latter is dealt with here. In lampreys, the frequency differences of the segmental oscillators along the cord can be quite large. This factor is shown to be related to changes in the intersegmental phase lags during serotonin modulation of fictive swimming. An understanding of some effects of the frequency difference is also shown to have been important in helping to formulate a protocol for the demonstration of functional regeneration in the isolated spinal cord preparation.
The rhodopsin system of the squid.

Squid rhodopsin (λmax 493 mµ)—like vertebrate rhodopsins—contains a retinene chromophore linked to a protein, opsin. Light transforms rhodopsin to lumi- and metarhodopsin. However, whereas vertebrate metarhodopsin at physiological temperatures decomposes into retinene and opsin, squid metarhodopsin is stable. Light also converts squid metarhodopsin to rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is therefore regenerated from metarhodopsin in the light. Irradiation of rhodopsin or metarhodopsin produces a steady state by promoting the reactions, See PDF for Equation Squid rhodopsin contains neo-b (11-cis) retinene; metarhodopsin all-trans retinene. The interconversion of rhodopsin and metarhodopsin involves only the stereoisomerization of their chromophores. Squid metarhodopsin is a pH indicator, red (λmax 500 mµ) near neutrality, yellow (λmax 380 mµ) in alkaline solution. The two forms—acid and alkaline metarhodopsin—are interconverted according to the equation, Alkaline metarhodopsin + H+ ⇌acid metarhodopsin, with pK 7.7. In both forms, retinene is attached to opsin at the same site as in rhodopsin. However, metarhodopsin decomposes more readily than rhodopsin into retinene and opsin. The opsins apparently fit the shape of the neo-b chromophore. When light isomerizes the chromophore to the all-trans configuration, squid opsin accepts the all-trans chromophore, while vertebrate opsins do not and hence release all-trans retinene. Light triggers vision by affecting directly the shape of the retinene chromophore. This changes its relationship with opsin, so initiating a train of chemical reactions.
Grain-boundary activated pyramidal dislocations in nano-textured Mg by molecular dynamics simulation

Abstract The generation and structures of first- and second-order pyramidal 〈c + a〉 dislocations, 1 / 3 { 1 0 1 ¯ 1 } 〈 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 2 3 〉 and 1 / 3 { 1 1 2 ¯ 2 } 〈 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 2 3 〉 , are determined in pure magnesium using molecular dynamics simulation. In particular, simulations of [ 1 1 2 ¯ 0 ] - and [ 1 0 1 ¯ 0 ] -textured polycrystalline Mg display pyramidal 〈c + a〉 slip nucleated at grain boundaries. Both the first- and second-order dislocations appear as a partial or extended edge type. In the [ 1 1 2 ¯ 0 ] -textured Mg, the first-order pyramidal 〈c + a〉 slip occurs with 1 / 6 〈 2 ¯ 0 2 3 〉 partials or 1 / 9 [ 0 1 ¯ 1 3 ] + 1 / 18 [ 6 ¯ 2 4 3 ] + 1 / 6 [ 0 2 ¯ 2 3 ] extended dislocations. Secondary pyramidal dislocations are created with edge type from grain boundaries in the [ 1 0 1 ¯ 0 ] -texture . The pyramidal 〈c + a〉 slip on the { 1 1 2 ¯ 2 } plane can extend to the basal plane, on which it is terminated by a screw dislocation on the { 1 0 1 ¯ 1 } plane.
Double fault! Ocular hazards of a tennis sunglass.

B sur glasse lenses are currently being marketed as devices to enhance visual performance in tennis and as sunglasses for children. These include the Bolle Competivision sunglasses (Bolle, a division of Bushnell, Inc, Overland Park, Kan) and the ProSoft contact lens (Wesley Jesson, Des Plaines, Ill), both of which are intended for tennis, and the Bolle Kids Collection sunglasses. The Competivision lenses are the official lenses of the US Professional Tennis Association (teaching professionals), and they were given to linespersons at the 2000 French Open Championship (at Roland Garros). Tennis players of all skill levels may be purchasing these tennis lenses with the expectation of better performance-and of safety in the bright sunlight. Kids may ask for cool-looking blue children's glasses. However, I would argue that the spectral transmission characteristics of all of these lenses make them not only ineffective with respect to visual performance on most tennis courts (and elsewhere) but also a potential hazard to the eyes in bright sunlight.
Design and simulation of molecular single-electron resistive switches

We have carried out a preliminary design and simulation of a single-electron resistive switch based on a system of two parallel, electrostatically-coupled molecules: one implementing a single-electron transistor and another serving as a single-electron trap. To verify our design, we have performed transport simulations based on the ab-initio calculation of molecules' electronic structure, and the general theory of single-electron tunneling. Our results show that molecular assemblies with a length below 10 nm and a footprint area of about 5 nm2 may combine millisecond-scale switching times with multi-year retention times, as well as high (> 103) ON/OFF current ratios, at a room temperature. Moreover, Monte Carlo simulations of self-assembled-monolayers (SAM) of the designed molecules show that such monolayers may be also used as resistive switches, with comparable characteristics, and as an addition, a substantial tolerance to fabrication defects and random offset charges.
Controlling the charging energy of arrays of tunnel junctions

Abstract We describe a new technique to control in situ charging energy of systems of coupled metallic or superconducting islands. To illustrate the technique, we have fabricated two-dimensional arrays of Al islands on GaAs/AlAs heterostructures. Each island is coupled to its nearest-neighbor by a submicron Al/AlO x /Al tunnel junction and to the three-dimensional electron gas (3DEG) located below the surface of the heterostructure by a capacitance C g . We vary C g , which dominates the charging energy of the array, by depleting the electrons in the 3DEG by means of a negative voltage applied to the array. With the array driven normal by a magnetic field, a decrease in C g increases in both the offset voltage and the period of the Coulomb blockade oscillations.
A determinantal inequality for correlation matrices

Abstract Let A = ( a ij ) be a positive semidefinite matrix with a 11 = a 22 ⋯ = a nn = 1, and let B = (| a ij | 2 ). It is shown that every eigenvalue λ of B satisfies λ ⩾ det A . The case of equality for nonsingular A is given.
Monopoly Under General Equilibrium: A Geometric Exercise

Introduction, 147. â€” I. Monopoly in an exchange economy, 147. â€” II. Monopoly in a production economy: assumptions, 147. â€” III. The factor market: the general equilibrium cost curve, 149. â€” The distribution of income, 150. â€” IV. The product market: the cost curve, 150. â€” The monopoly frontier, 152. â€” V. Extension, 153.
Spatial learning in rats: Correlation with cortical choline acetyltransferase and improvement with NGF following NBM damage

Rats display an acquisition deficit in a circular water maze following excitotoxic lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM). Experiments were therefore performed to determine if acquisition behavior on this task could predict the degree of cortical cholinergic deafferentation and if the acquisition deficit could be pharmacologically reversed. Performance on acquisition was highly correlated with the lesion-induced reduction in cortical choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity. Accuracy of spatial behavior was highly correlated to percentage ChAT depletion (r = 0.75). Neither lesioned rats nor controls displayed a retention deficit after a 9-day interval, nor did either group display a passive-avoidance retention deficit. To test the causal relationship between cholinergic dysfunction and spatial behavior, the central nervous system cholinergic enhancer nerve growth factor (NGF) was intraventricularly infused for 4 weeks. NGF infusion resulted in improved acquisition of the water maze task compared to NBM-lesioned rats receiving vehicle infusion and untreated rats with NBM lesions. These studies indicate that the decrease in cortical ChAT activity is likely to be responsible for the observed acquisition deficit and that pharmacological manipulations can be successfully used to improve behavior following NBM lesions.
Manipulating Elissa: the uses and abuses of Elissa Rhaïs and her works

This article will examines the trajectory of the literary reputation of the Jewish-Algerian writer, Elissa Rhais (1876–1940) through the thematic lens of authenticity and its relationship to colonial and post-colonial celebrity. Its focus is not on her work per se but on the meaning of authenticity, celebrity and charisma as framed by colonial and post-colonial perceptions of gender and ethnicity. From a general perspective, it is about the political, social and cultural forces that make or break a literary career during an author's lifetime, and about the shifting nature of the literary afterlife. More specifically, it will examine the differing intersections of identity and authenticity over time and their significance to the changing nature of Rhais'literary celebrity. The analysis of the paper revolves around three discrete periods: one during her lifetime (1920s-30s) and two posthumously (1982, 2000s) in an attempt to unravel the significance of the intersection between authenticity and celebrity as ...
The identification of the subclasses of human IgG by analytical isotachophoresis.

Abstract A new method is described for demonstrating the individual subclasses of human IgG immunoglobulins by means of analytical isotachophoresis. Individual subclasses of IgG purified from sera of multiple myeloma patients have distinct mobility patterns. When a mixture with purified IgG for each of the 4 subclasses is analyzed, a characteristic mobility pattern with 4 unique peaks is obtained. An IgG of unknown subclass can be identified by the superimposition of the peak for the unknown upon one of the 4 well characterized peaks. The method using microgram quantities of purified protein in a 1.0-μl volume can be performed easily in 15 min.
Likelihood of malignancy in gallbladder polyps and outcomes following cholecystectomy in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Likelihood of Malignancy in Gallbladder Polyps and Outcomes Following Cholecystectomy in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Hysterectomy for treatment of pain associated with endometriosis

The literature was searched for endometriosis and hysterectomy on PubMed and the individual search engines of the Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Fertility and Sterility, BJOG, Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Human Reproduction. Eighty references of interest were identified and included in this review. Analysis of hysterectomy for pain associated with endometriosis is difficult for many reasons. These include a lack of differentiation of various forms of cyclic pain from other forms of non-cyclic pain, the retrospective nature of much of the literature, and a low specificity for identifying pain. Hysterectomy for chronic non-specified pelvic pain associated with endometriosis is a successful approach in many women. It can not be determined whether this is due to intermingling of patients with and without cyclic pain or if both of these respond equally well. Focused prospective research is needed to determine whether symptoms, signs, or laboratory findings might be useful in determining more specific response patterns.
Telling time from fossils: A phylogeny-based approach to chronological ordering of paleobiotas

The potential for using fossils for temporal ordering of sedimentary rocks is as old as historical geology itself. In spite of this, however, most current biostratigraphic and biochronologic techniques do not make use of phylogenetic information, but rely instead on some measure of species' presence or absence or their turnover in the fossil record. A common phylogenetic approach to biochronology has been to use “stage of evolution” arguments, whereas more rigorous, cladogram-based methods have been proposed but have seen little use. Cladistic biochronologic analysis (CBA) is developed here as a new method for determining biochronologic order between paleobiotas based on the phylogenetic relationships of their constituent taxa. CBA is adapted from Brooks' parsimony analysis, and analyzes syntaxon information from clades that transcend a number of paleobiotas to determine relative temporal order among these paleobiotas. Because CBA is based on phylogenetic information, it is suited to problems where a good fossil record is available, but where stratigraphic or chronologic relationships are poorly constrained, such as the terrestrial vertebrate record. A practical example, based on the Cenozoic fossil record of North America, pits CBA against a test case in which the correct temporal order of biotas is known beforehand. The method successfully recovers correct temporal order between paleobiotas with reasonable levels of support, and is also shown to outperform a previously proposed cladistic biochronologic method. In a second example, CBA is used to achieve the first empirical temporal ordination for several Late Cretaceous localities in the Gobi Desert that produce fossils crucial to the understanding of modern amniote clades, but which have poorly resolved temporal relationships. CBA is sensitive to large amounts of extinction and poor sampling of the fossil record, but problems such as gaps in the fossil record (Lazarus taxa) can be dealt with efficiently through a number of a priori and a posteriori scoring techniques. CBA offers a novel approach for biochronologic analysis that is independent of, but complementary to and readily combinable with other chronologic/stratigraphic methods. © The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
A Numerical Model for the Evaporation of a Nanoliter Droplet on a Solid, Heated Substrate

A finite-element numerical model is developed to study the evaporation of a sessile nanoliter droplet on a flat substrate in the isothermal and non-isothermal case. All equations are expressed in a Lagrangian framework, which provides accurate modeling of the free surface motion and the associated Laplace stresses. The evaporative flux at the free surface is defined as a function of the drop geometry and thermodynamic conditions. The boundary conditions at free surface are the mass and energy jump conditions. Results for fluid dynamics, evaporation time and evaporative flux are described for substrate temperature levels of 27°C (ambient), 82°C and 122°C. Comparisons with experiments are made, in terms of the evolution of volume, wetting angle and wetted radius.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The Molecular Basis of the Caskin1 and Mint1 Interaction with CASK

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK) is a conserved multi-domain scaffolding protein involved in brain development, synapse formation, and establishment of cell polarity. To accomplish these diverse functions, CASK participates in numerous protein–protein interactions. In particular, CASK forms competing CASK/Mint1/Velis and CASK/Caskin1/Velis tripartite complexes that physically associate with the cytoplasmic tail of neurexin, a transmembrane protein enriched at presynaptic sites. This study shows that a short linear EEIWVLRK peptide motif from Caskin1 is necessary and sufficient for binding CASK. We also identified the conserved binding site for the peptide on the CASK calmodulin kinase domain. A related EPIWVMRQ peptide from Mint1 was also discovered to be sufficient for binding. Searching all human proteins for the Mint1/Caskin1 consensus peptide ExIWVxR revealed that T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 (TIAM1) contains a conserved EEVIWVRRE peptide that was also found to be sufficient for CASK binding in vitro. TIAM1 is well known for its role in tumor metastasis, but it also possesses overlapping cellular and neurological functions with CASK, suggesting a previously unknown cooperation between the two proteins. This new peptide interaction motif also explains how Caskin1 and Mint1 form competing complexes and suggests a new role for the cellular hub protein CASK.
Advances in functional protein microarray technology.

Numerous innovations in high-throughput protein production and microarray surface technologies have enabled the development of addressable formats for proteins ordered at high spatial density. Protein array implementations have largely focused on antibody arrays for high-throughput protein profiling. However, it is also possible to construct arrays of full-length, functional proteins from a library of expression clones. The advent of protein-based microarrays allows the global observation of biochemical activities on an unprecedented scale, where hundreds or thousands of proteins can be simultaneously screened for protein–protein, protein–nucleic acid, and small molecule interactions. This technology holds great potential for basic molecular biology research, disease marker identification, toxicological reponse profiling and pharmaceutical target screening.
The determination of bifunctional compounds. Part 1. Boronic acids with electron-capturing properties

3,5-dichlorobenzeneboronic acid and 3-nitrobenzeneboronic acid have been evaluated as selective reagents for the derivatization of proximinal bifunctional compounds. Their gas chromatographic properties and response to the electron-capture detector are described.
Noninvasive Testing for Selection of Patients for Electrophysiological Study

Background:The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has underscored the limitations of our methods of risk assessment. ICDs should be available to patients at high risk for arrhythmic death, but because of the potential for adverse effects and high cost it should be scrupulously avoided in patients whose lives will not be prolonged. Unfortunately, discrimination between these two groups of patients remains a challenge. Recent clinical trial results have not only shown that electrophysiological studies (EPS) in combination with other risk stratifiers identify patients with ischemic heart disease at high risk for arrhythmic death, but they have linked the efficacy of ICD therapy to the results of EPS. However, to perform EPS in all potential candidates for ICD therapy would be a time-consuming and costly burden to medical services and would expose many patients to the risks and discomfort of an invasive procedure. Noninvasive identification of appropriate candidates is therefore essential to successful application of EPS. Methods:Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was used to select patients for EPS in two important trials, but it is not certain that these are the optimal tests or that the optimal thresholds 1 episode of NSVT 3 beats; EF 0.35 or EF 0.40) were used. A number of studies have addressed the accuracy of clinical factors for predicting the results of EPS and a number of noninvasive tests have been proposed including the signal-averaged electrocardiogram, heart rate variability, T-wave alternans, and high spatial resolution (multilead) electrocardiography. In some contexts, combinations of factors provide significant improvements in accuracy. However, the populations studied were often highly selected, which makes comparisons between techniques or prediction of responses in the populations that would require screening difficult. Results from recently completed and ongoing clinical trials should provide important new information. A greater problem is that EPS has not been shown to consistently provide accurate discrimination of patients with nonischemic cardiac disorders. Conclusions:Effective widespread application of ICD therapy will require greater precision of patient selection. Noninvasive tests under investigation demonstrate considerable promise in selecting appropriate candidates for EPS. However, because the most precise methods of risk assessment are likely to be those most closely linked to the mechanisms of fatal arrhythmias, it is important that further development of noninvasive techniques incorporates advances in basic cardiac electrophysiology. A.N.E. 1999;4(4):434–442
Salicylate-induced rhabdomyolysis

A 42-year-old woman was hospitalized with aspirin intoxication. The patient developed massive skeletal muscle damage without any evidence of muscle compression, hyperthermia, or other predisposing factors. The exact mechanism by which salicylates cause muscle damage is unknown, but the muscle damage appears to be the result of a direct toxic effect. This represents the first case of isolated salicylate-induced rhabdomyolysis.
Stent-grafts for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation: specialized TIPS stent-graft versus generic stent-graft/bare stent combination.

Purpose To compare functional and anatomic outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPSs) created with the specialized Viatorr stent versus a Wallstent/Fluency stent combination. Materials and Methods Retrospective review of patients who underwent TIPS creation with stent-grafts was conducted over a 54-month period ending in June 2008. Patients were divided into three groups: Viatorr only, Fluency only, and combined Viatorr/Fluency, the latter of which was included in the overall evaluation but excluded from the comparative analysis between the Viatorr and Fluency groups. Patient demographics, Child-Pugh scores, and portosystemic gradient (PSG) reduction were compared. Patencies were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared. Results A total of 126 TIPSs created with stent-grafts were found: 28 with Fluency stents, 93 with Viatorr devices, and five combined. No significance in demographic factors or PSGs was found among groups ( P > .05). Major encephalopathy rates were 3.6% and 4.3% in the Fluency and Viatorr groups, respectively ( P = 1.000). Hemodynamic success rates were 93% and 98% in the Fluency and Viatorr groups, respectively ( P = .099). The primary unassisted patency rates at 6, 9, and 12 months were 87%, 81%, and 81%, respectively, in the Fluency group and 95%, 93%, and 89%, respectively, in the Viatorr group ( P = .03). Portal and hepatic end stenoses were the causes of TIPS narrowing in the Fluency and Viatorr groups, respectively. Conclusions The Wallstent/Fluency stent combination is associated with a 1-year patency rate greater than 80%, with no significant difference versus the Viatorr stent regarding technical and hemodynamic success and encephalopathy rate. However, the Viatorr stent is associated with improved patency (89%) versus this bare stent/stent-graft combination.
Pyrolysis Model for an alpha Waste Incinerator Prototype.

Nomenclature As = polymer surface area exposed to the radiant heat flux Aw = surface area of furnace walls above polymer surface B = pre-exponential factor for pyrolysis process Cj = specific heat at constant pressure of species / Cp = specific heat at constant pressure of the polymer d - effective fiber diameter E = activation energy of pyrolysis process $ws = angle factor between the primary walls and the surface of the polymer Hi = enthalpy per unit mass for species / Kps = ratio of the density of the polymer at the surface to the density of the polymer far from the surface Ls == heat of gasification of the monomer at the surface temperature Ts mp =rate of mass loss of polymer due to the pyrolysis process n = spatial average of the dielectric constant qR =net heat flux to the surface of the polymer from the walls of the primary per unit area of polymer surface qRo = defined by Eq. (7) r = regression rate R = universal gas constant t = time t* = time for the polymer surface to reach a temperature Ts T = temperature Fs = temperature of the polymer surface during quasisteady regression Tw = temperature of the primary walls T^ = initial temperature of the polymer Vj = velocity of species / with respect to that of the nondegraded polymer w, = mass of species / produced per unit volume per second by chemical reactions wp = mass of polymer consumed per unit volume per second by chemical reactions y = spacial coordinate a = thermal diffusivity of the porous polymer A = ratio of the density of the porous polymer to the density of solid polymer AHp = heat of depolymerization X = thermal conductivity of the porous polymer