cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Approaches to the drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Review the current methods for the drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts, focusing on the recent developments in the new methods of endoscopic drainage. RECENT FINDINGS Pancreatic pseudocysts are collections of inflammatory fluid associated with acute and chronic pancreatitis. A leak in the pancreatic ductal system is most commonly the source of the fluid accumulation in these inflammatory cavities adjacent to the pancreas. Although most pseudocysts are not symptomatic and many resolve spontaneously over time, drainage of pseudocysts is occasionally required. There are several different approaches to the drainage: surgical, radiologic, and endoscopic. Surgical drainage is accomplished using the creation of a large anastomosis between the gastrointestinal tract and the pseudocyst cavity. Radiologically, pseudocysts are drained externally using a percutaneous, transabdominal drainage catheter. Endoscopy has offered the most recent advance, using the placement of transgastric or transduodenal stents. Most recently, therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound scopes have been used to introduce large stents that provide drainage into the upper gastrointestinal tract. SUMMARY Of the three methods for the drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst, only the endoscopic approach can provide minimally invasive internal drainage.
SU-FF-I-31: Sub-Second CT Scanner with a 64-Row Amorphous Silicon Flat Panel

Purpose: To increase the data acquisition speed and detection limits of amorphous silicon flat panels for use in a low cost multidetector‐row CT (MDCT) scanner with diagnostic image quality. Methods and Materials: A bench‐top sub‐second flat panel (FP) multidetector‐row CTsystem has been developed using three 64‐row FP detectors. Each FP is 30 cm × 3.3 cm in active area with 576 × 64 pixels that are 0.52 mm per side. A high degree of parallel processing is used to speed the data acquisition from the panels. The FPs are overlapped slightly enabling a scan diameter of 50 cm and slice volumes up to 20 mm. The system has been tested with various detachable scintillators and scans of performance and anthropomorphic phantoms are compared with their diagnostic MDCT scans. Results: The FP MDCT system can achieve full rotation 600 projection scans in 0.5 seconds with 32 rows and 0.6 second partial rotation scans with 64 rows. The image quality of 20 cm diameter performance phantom scans is comparable to a commercial MDCT scanner with similar technique/dose. Medium sized body scans are nearly comparable except for artifacts due to the panel overlaps and lag. Thus far, large body phantom scans are less comparable due to the additional dynamic range requirement, which are not optimized with the current ASIC amplifiers.Conclusion: The results indicate the potential for FP MDCT to be used as a less expensive and less complex alternative to crystalline silicon detectors on MDCT scanners. There is pressure to increase the number of MDCT rows beyond 64 in cardiac imaging to achieve single organ coverage in one scan rotation. The use of larger area FP detectors to achieve greater than 256 rows exists and the sub second speed can be achieved with compensations and a high degree of parallel processing.
Properties and anodization of evaporated aluminum films studied by ellipsometry

Abstract The surface properties and anodization characteristics of evaporated aluminum films have been studied by ellipsometry. Correlations have been made between the surface quality and the ellipsometry measurements. The optical properties and growth characteristics of barrier anodic oxide films have been determined and found to be the same as those of anodic oxides formed on bulk aluminum.
Physical examination of venous pressure: A critical review

Objective To explain why investigations of the measurement of central venous pressure (CVP) usually reveal a discrepancy between the clinician's estimate of CVP from physical diagnosis and supine measurement with a catheter. Data from MEDLINE search, personal files, and bibliographies of textbooks on physical diagnosis and cardiology were used. Results The most important reasons for this disagreement are the failure to standardize the external reference point used by the clinician to indicate "zero" venous pressure and the failure to recognize that venous pressure often depends on the position of the patient during examination. During physical examination clinicians tend to underestimate the CVP, as measured by a catheter in the same patient positioned supine, especially when the measured value is high. This occurs because the venous pressure of patients with heart failure, in contrast to that of healthy individuals, demonstrates an exaggerated postural fall when the patient is in the more upright positions that are necessary to visualize the elevated neck veins. The cause of this postural instability, increased venoconstriction from sympathetic tone, also helps explain two other physical findings of the jugular veins, the abdominojugular test, and Kussmaul's sign. Conclusions Clinicians should avoid making decisions about degrees of CVP elevation that are imprecise and difficult to reproduce. Instead, they should determine during physical diagnosis merely whether the CVP is elevated. Until further research is done, the best definition of elevated CVP is that of Sir Thomas Lewis-when the top of the external or internal jugular veins is >3 cm of vertical distance above the sternal angle, the CVP is abnormally high.
Learning via finitely many queries

This work introduces a new query inference model that can access data and communicate with the teacher by asking finitely many Boolean queries in a language L. In this model the parameters of interest are the number of queries used and the expressive power of L. We study how the learning power varies with these parameters. Results suggest that this model may help studying query inference in a resource bounded environment.
An Attempt to Replicate the Teacher Expectancy Effect.

Rosenthal suggests teachers' expectancies can influence pupil behavior as measured by gain in IQ. Following his design, 19% of 796 Ss in 36 classes at 3 elementary schools were identified to their ...
Using simulation in a dangerous-drinking prevention campaign

The Advanced Health Communication (AHC) Simulation models a subdivision of an actual campus organization, the Communication and Health Issues Partnership for Education and Research (CHI). To address dangerous drinking at Rutgers University, CHI created a dangerous-drinking prevention campaign, RU SURE? and designed the AHC simulation for students to participate centrally in the campaign. The simulation was incorporated into an advanced course in health communication. The three major sets of activities in the AHC simulation are (a) the design and pilot testing of campaign messages and materials, (b) the implementation of the campaign, and (c) the evaluation of the campaign. The simulation provides a structure in which students learn about a set of behavioral processes regarding campaign design and organizational behavior on the macrolevel while learning about their drinking-related behaviors on the microlevel. Participants reported learning about working in a complex organization, designing and implementin...
THE RESPONSE OF MALE GAMETES OF ALLOMYCES TO THE SEXUAL HORMONE SIRENIN

Autraction of male gametes of Allomyces to sirenin concentrations as low as 10-10 M has been demonstrated. Increasingly strong responses are observed to concentrations up to 10-6 M. The response is slightly weaker at 10- M and very weak at 10- M. Microscopic studies suggest that the attraction comes into the category of tropotaxis, a direct approach to a sirenin source occurring. Male gametes have been shown to inactivate sirenin. The possibility that this inactivation is an adaptation process enabling the gametes to maintain sirenin sensitivity over a 100,000-fold concentration range is discussed. MALE GAMETES of the watermold Allomyces are
Brauer induction for G0 of certain infinite groups

F. Quinn has recently proven a Brauer induction theorem for K, of certain infinite groups [9]. F. T. Farrell points out [3] that the theorem does not extend to more general coefficient rings. Arguments of Formanek have lead to such an extension on the level of trace functions, which requires an Artin exponent [S]. We begin by analyzing the structure of a Noetherian ring U graded by a virtually polycyclic group r, and with units in all degrees. For each such U and I’ and each finite H c f, denote by U, the subring of U supported on H. Then we prove surjectivity of the induction map:
Tempered Radicals: How People Use Difference to Inspire Change at Work

The article reviews the book “Tempered Radicals: How People Use Difference to Inspire Change at Work,” by Debra B. Meyerson.
The effect of 1‐deamino 8 D‐arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) in a nonhaemophilic patient with an acquired type II factor VIII inhibitor

Summary. DDAVP (1-deamino 8 D-arginine vasopressin) was administered on two occasions to a patient with an acquired factor VIII inhibitor. Because the patient's autoantibody was low titre (1.8 Bethesda units) and had type II kinetic properties, it was expected that endogenous factor VIII/VWF released by DDAVP would be inactivated at a slow enough rate to permit satisfactory haemostasis during dental procedures. In both instances there was a 7–9-fold increase in factor VIII above the baseline level (13 units/dl), and factor VIII activity remained above 35 units/dl for 5 h after the infusion. The inhibitor could not be detected in his plasma during this period and the activated PTT was shortened into the normal range. Our experience with this patient suggests that DDAVP has a role in the management of some patients with low titre autoantibodies that inactivate factor VIII.
Interactions Between Land Use and Urban Water Resources Planning

The patterns of land use and their relationship to urban water resources are examined from the point of view of population growth, consumer behavior, and preferences of price, income, and land use controls. The changes that need to be made in present social attitudes or water resources laws to satisfy the desired new developments are examined. Several implementation methods that are feasible and effective for changing urban development patterns are considered as well as models for assessing alternate development plans. The needs for research are outlined.
Growth of shear lips in surface cracked shafts subjected to fatigue loading

Abstract Shear lip growth was monitored on the fracture surfaces of notched and plain surface cracked shafts subjected to constant amplitude axial fatigue loads. Results showed that shear lip growth in the plain specimens was slightly slower than predictions based on equations derived from through cracked plate data. This is in contrast to shear lip growth in the notched shafts, which was much slower than predicted. The reduced rate of shear lip growth in the shaft geometries is attributed to the decreasing stress intensity factor along the surface crack front and the tensile circumferential stress in the notch shafts. It was also seen that the formation of shear lips had a significant effect on the shape of the crack front. Overall specimen fatigue life, however, was relatively unaffected by shear lip growth.
Long‐term effects of antidepressants on cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Summary Purpose: Approximately 25–40% of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may develop depression. Antidepressants are typically used to treat depression in this population. However, their effect on cognition has been rarely studied and the results are conflicting. In addition, the long-term effects of antidepressants on cognition have not been studied. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effects on cognition in patients with AD treated with antidepressants for at least 9 months. Methods: Data on antidepressant use over a minimum period of 9 months were retrospectively collected for patients with AD receiving cholinesterase inhibitors. Data on cognition were analyzed to compare those taking antidepressant therapy and those not receiving antidepressants. Results: Ninety-nine of 210 patients met our inclusion criteria. Fifty-eight patients were prescribed an antidepressant (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), newer generation antidepressants). Sertraline (mean dose: 82 mg/day) and citalopram (mean dose: 35 mg/day) were the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. The baseline mean Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was 16·32 with an average annual rate of cognitive decline of 2·55 for patients receiving antidepressants compared with 16·59 (P = NS) and 2·27 (P = NS) for those not taking antidepressants. Conclusions: Our small sample data indicate no differences in baseline MMSE scores and cognitive decline between the two groups, suggesting antidepressants did not contribute significantly to cognitive decline over a utilization period of at least 9 months.
IN VIVO EFFECT OF FREE FATTY ACIDS (FFA) ON BILIRUBIN (BR) BINDING

In healthy adults a wide range (0.28 to 5.34mMol/L) of plasma FFA levels were generated by the fat meal-heparin regimen (Schalch DS, Kipnis DM, J.Clin.Invest.44:2010,1965). In each experiment 4-5 blood samples were collected, albumin (Alb) and FFA concentrations were measured and BR binding assessed using: (a) BR titration of sera using Sephadex (S) Column Chromatography (Valaes T, Hyte M, Pediatrics 59:881,1977); (b) the Undiluted Peroxidase (P) method (Ahlfors CE, Clin.Chem.27:692,1981); and (c) the automated Bilirubin Hematofluorometer (HMF) (Wells R et al Clin.Chem.28:432,1982). With S a significant negative correlation was found between the BR/Alb (molar ratio) at the BR titration point ("BR binding capacity") and the FFA/Alb (Y=0.883 -0.088·X, r=-0.90, p<0.001, n=38). Similarly, after "spicing" the sera to BR/Alb of 0.367±0.029(SD) the Apparent Unbound BR (nMol/L) by the P method was significantly related to the FFA/Alb (Y=13.5±41.66.X, r=0.957, p<0.001, n=28). The BR/Alb at BR binding capacity by HMF was only weakly related to FFA/Alb (Y=0.711-0.009·X, r=-0.353, p<0.05, n=34). However, "spicing" of the blood samples to BR/Alb of 0.54±0.054(SD) improved the correlation (Y=0.929-0.041·X, r=-0.835, p<0.001, n=12). The reasons for this effect of "spicing" are not clear. Previous conclusions of no effect up to FFA/Alb of 4, derived from studies with Alb solutions and in vitro additions of FFA, should be revised.
Revision Behaviors in the Speech of Normal Children Developing Language

Revision behaviors in the speech of normal children were investigated. The subjects were 18 children, six at Brown’s Language Stages I, II, and III. During the collection of a one-hour spontaneous ...
Presolution performance functions for markov models

Performance measures, conditionalized on the last error and other events, have been of central concern in the development of absorbing Markov-chain models for learning and problem solving. Expressions for response probabilities and expected latencies conditional on the occurrence of the last error and other events are derived using matrix methods.
PET Imaging and Biodistribution of Silicon Quantum Dots in Mice.

Investigation of nanomaterial disposition and fate in the body is critical before such material can be translated into clinical application. Herein a new macrocyclic ligand−64Cu2+ complex was synthesized and used to label dextran-coated silicon quantum dots (QD), with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 15.1 ± 7.6 nm. The chelate showed exceptional stability, demonstrated by no loss radiolabel under a ligand competition reaction with EDTA. The QDs’ biodistribution in mice was quantitatively evaluated by in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and ex vivo gamma counting. Results showed that they were excreted via renal filtration shortly postinjection and also accumulated in the liver.
Acrylamide-Induced Increases in Deposition of Axonally Transported Glycoproteins in Rat Sciatic Nerve

The axonal transport of proteins, glycoproteins, and gangliosides in sensory neurons of the sciatic nerve was examined in adult rats exposed to acrylamide via intraperitoneal injection (40 mg/kg of body weight/day for nine consecutive days). The L5 dorsal root ganglion was injected with either [35S]methionine to label proteins or [3H]glucosamine to label, more specifically, glycoproteins and gangliosides. At times ranging from 2 to 6 h later, the sciatic nerve and injected ganglion were excised and radioactivity in consecutive 5-mm segments determined. In both control and acrylamide-treated animals, outflow profiles of [35S]methionine-labeled proteins showed a well defined crest which moved down the nerve at a rate of approximately 340 mm/day. Similar outflow profiles and transport rates were seen for [3H]glucosamine-labeled glycoproteins in control animals. However, in animals treated with acrylamide, the crest of transported labeled glycoprotein was severely attenuated as it moved down the nerve. This finding suggests that in acrylamide-treated animals, axonally transported glycoproteins were preferentially transferred (unloaded or exchanged against unlabeled molecules) from the transport vector to stationary axonal structures. We also examined the clearance of axonally transported glycoproteins distal to a ligature on the nerve. The observed impairment of clearance in acrylamide-treated animals relative to controls is supportive of the above hypothesis. Acrylamide may directly affect the mechanism by which axonally transported material is unloaded from the transport vector. Alternatively, the increased rate of unloading might reflect an acrylamide-induced increase in the demand for axonally transported material.
Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix cytologic and clinicopathologic analysis

A clinicopathologic analysis of 15 patients with glassy cell carcinoma confirmed that this is a rare disease, having an incidence of 1.2%. It is a rapidly progressive and biologically aggressive disease with early extrapelvic metastasis. The five-year survival and the median survival in our series were 28% and 14 months, respectively. The majority of patients (87%) were understaged, which may have played a role in the poor prognosis. Four of 12 patients (33%) were initially diagnosed as having a benign disease (false-negatives). Defining of cytologic characteristics and differential features of this tumor may facilitate an early and more accurate diagnosis to improve prognosis. Cancer 52:307-312, 1983.
Electromagnetically induced transparency and dark fluorescence in a cascade three-level diatomic lithium system

at resonance implies that the molecules were trapped in the ground state. We used density matrix methods to simulate the response of an open molecular three-level system to the action of a strong coupling field and a weak probe field. The analytical solutions were obtained under the steady-state condition. We have incorporated the magnetic sublevel (M) degeneracy of the rotational levels in the lineshape analysis and report |M| dependent lineshape splitting. The theoretical calculations are in excellent agreement with the observed fluorescence spectra. We show that the coherence is remarkably preserved even when the coupling field was detuned far from the resonance.
Uncertainty in spatially explicit population models

Spatially explicit population models (SEPMs) are often used in conservation planning. However, confidence intervals around predictions of spatially explicit population models can greatly underestimate model uncertainty. This is partly because some sources of uncertainty are not amenable to the classic methods of uncertainty analysis. Here, we present a method that can be used to include multiple sources of uncertainty into more realistic confidence intervals. To illustrate our approach, we use a case study of the wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) in the fragmented forest of the North Carolina Piedmont. We examine 6 important sources of uncertainty in our spatially explicit population model: (1) the habitat map, (2) the dispersal algorithm, (3) clutch size, (4) edge effects, (5) dispersal distance, and (6) the intrinsic variability in our model. We found that uncertainty in the habitat map had the largest effect on model output, but each of the six factors had a significant effect and most had significant interactions with the other factors as well. We also found that our method of incorporating multiple sources of uncertainty created much larger confidence intervals than the projections that incorporated only sources of uncertainty included in most spatially explicit population model predictions.
An analysis of the first year of MAP3S rain chemistry measurements

Abstract We have analysed rain chemistry measurements from the MAP3S program to derive numerical values of parameters for theoretical models of wet deposition of sulfur. These agree generally with values estimated earlier for Western Europe; the probability of rain is approximately equal to 0.12, the characteristic rainout rate about 0.3 h −1 , and the residence time for atmospheric sulfur species about 100 h. Both SO 4 2− and NO 3 − affect the pH at all stations. Factor analyses and meteorological analysis of selected high deposition events reveal inadequacies in present reporting and collecting procedures. From these we derive recommendations for future rain chemistry measurement programs.
Neurobiological factors in personality and depression.

There is very little empirical work that directly assesses the neurobiological association of personality superfactors with the liability to depression. Therefore, as a means of providing a framework for future research, this article outlines the putative neurobiological foundation of three major personality superfactors: positive emotionality or extraversion, constraint or psychoticism, and negative emotionality or neuroticism. The neurobiology of these superfactors, particularly the central dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine projection systems, respectively, is derived largely from animal biobehavioral research, although human work is discussed where available. In an attempt to explore the association of this framework to depression, extreme quantitative variation in the resulting neurobiological systems, alone and in interaction with each other, is discussed in terms of different forms of depression and of modification of the phenotype and course of depression. The effects of experience on neurobiological functioning is briefly considered as a therapeutic approach, in lieu of, or in interaction with, pharmacological modulation of behavior.
The silent sinus syndrome. A cause of spontaneous enophthalmos.

Purpose: Spontaneous enophthalmos and hypoglobus, in the absence of other symptoms and unrelated to trauma or surgery, may be alarming to both physician and patient. The authors describe the clinicopathologic features of a benign syndrome ("silent sinus syndrome") with this constellation of features and discuss the possible pathophysiology. Methods: A multicenter retrospective search for similar clinical cases was performed. All clinical records, computed tomographs, and pathology reports for each case were reviewed at one center. A literature search for similar cases also was conducted. Results: Nineteen cases of a new syndrome are presented. This syndrome affects individuals at approximately the fourth decade of life (average age, 36 years; range, 29–46 years); is characterized by bone resorption and remodeling of the orbital floor due to otherwise asymptomatic maxillary sinus disease; is associated with ipsilateral maxillary sinus hypoplasia; and is not fully explained by any previously described, classic cystic lesion of the maxillary antrum. Conclusion: Enophthalmos and hypoglobus unassociated with prior trauma, surgery, or other symptoms may represent "silent sinus syndrome," which is ipsilateral maxillary sinus hypoplasia and orbital floor resorption.
A case of mistaken identity: giant cystic pheochromocytoma.

A 39-year-old Marshall Islands woman was referred for evaluation of an abdominal mass. Medical history was significant only for pulmonary tuberculosis and scrofula. The patient denied a personal or family history of pancreatic or endocrine disease. Physical examination revealed normal vital signs and a 12-cm mildly tender left upper quadrant mass. A computed tomography scan revealed an 11-cm cystic mass contiguous with the distal pancreas and closely associated with the hilum of the spleen and the left kidney. Based on these findings and the patient’s history, a cystic neoplasm of the pancreas was suspected, and she was subsequently taken to the operating room for exploration. Intraoperatively, the patient became markedly hypertensive with manipulation of the mass, requiring intravenous nitroprusside. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of cystic pheochromocytoma (PCC). The patient’s postoperative course was uncomplicated. Cystic PCCs may not present with the classic prodromal symptoms associated with solid PCCs. This case represents the complex and unsuspected presentation of an extremely rare functional cystic neoplasm. A high index of suspicion for cystic PCC is necessary when confronted with cystic lesions in the vicinity of the adrenal glands. Failure to recognize cystic PCC before resection may lead to uncontrollable hypertension in the operating room, with potentially serious consequences.
Attitude-toward different systems of medicine: a survey of four villages in the Punjab-India.

Abstract This study reports the type of medical practitioners and the system of medicine preferred by one hundred and four rural heads-of-households in four selected villages in Ropar District of Punjab (India). There are three main systems of medicine prevalent in the rural areas of Punjab; allopathy (modern or angrezi ), ayurveda (indigenous Indian) and unani (Ionian). The latter two are popularly called desi medicine. The practitioners of allopathy, ayurveda and unani are respectively called doctors, vaidyas and hakims . The four villages were selected such that one had a “broad range” of medical and health facilities, the second one had only a vaidya , the third one only a hakim and finally, the fourth had no physician at all. The results of the survey indicated, contrary to the views of many social scientists, that angrezi medicine and allopathic physicians were generally preferred over the desi (indigenous) medicine and its practitioners. The survey data were then classified to reflect the major caste groupings in the study area; the untouchables (scheduled castes), the landowning caste ( Jats ), and others. All groups showed a substantial preference for the angrezi system of medicine. Less than 4% of the sampled heads-of-households showed a clear preference for desi medicine. In none of the four villages was the indigenous physician preferred solely on the basis of either his ayurvedic or unani system of treatment. About a third of the sampled heads-of-households indicated that their preference for either angrezi or desi medicine would depend upon the particular malady. This suggests that the expectancy of cure is more consequential than a traditional commitment to a system of medicine. It is suggested that a culturally relevant classification of acute and chronic diseases, be developed to better appreciate the preferences of rural people for a specific system of medicine. The question of preference for the indigenous physicians also cannot be divorced from their social role in the rural milieu .
Correlates of caregiving satisfaction: prerequisites to elder home care

In this comparative study, a path analytic model was used to identify variables predictive of satisfaction in providing care to elderly family members, and to determine differences in the predictor variables between past and present caregivers as potential precipitators of institutionalization. Nineteen current caregivers and 29 past caregivers were recruited from health agencies in a rural area. Demographic predictors of caregiving satisfaction included age and sex of the client and age of the caregiver; psychological problems of the client influenced caregiver satisfaction. Measures of situational stress (medical, psychological, environmental) revealed that the past caregivers had higher psychological and environmental stress and less life satisfaction than current caregivers. Additional analysis revealed that the most common pattern of nursing home admission was hospitalization of the client for physical illness, with subsequent physician-recommended nursing home placement. Areas of identified need for preventing premature relinquishing of the caregiving role are discussed.
Materials for Loss-Based Switching in Silicon-Organic Hybrid Devices

We determine the critical parameters to produce highly efficient all-optical switching via nonlinear-loss-based decoupling in silicon microring resonators with organic material claddings. Switching energies as low as 100 fJ are possible.
Crosslinking in keratins. III. Acid hydrolysis of keratins

The fraction soluble during hydrolysis in an HCOOH–HCl–H2O mixture was measured as a function of time for Lincoln wool, human hair, and kid mohair. Evaluation by crosslinking theory of the equivalent relative increase in sulfur content of the three insoluble residues shows the likely presence of two components in each with equal sulfur content although the less abundant component differs by having mainly intramolecular crosslinking. Overall variation in sulfur content entirely accounts for the variation in rate of hydrolysis among these α-keratins. The data of Leach, Rogers, and Filshie for the amino acid content of the insoluble residue following hydrolysis of wool in dilute HCl also depend in a simple way on the amount dissolved; in this case the disproportionation of amino acids between the residue and extract depends on the degree of their affiliation with the crosslink-containing cystine.
Geophysical Investigations of Ground Failure Related to Ground‐Water Withdrawal — Picacho Basin, Arizona

Precise geophysical surveys across ground failure zones related to ground-water withdrawal at nine sites in Picacho basin in south-central Arizona indicate that earth fissures in alluvium near exposed bedrock are spatially associated with local gravity and magnetic anomalies ranging from local highs to convex-upward changes in slope. We interpret the gravity anomalies, which range from 0.1 to 1 mGal with half-widths of 50 to 300 m (160 to 980 ft), to be caused by convex-upward irregularities in the bedrock surface underlying the alluvial aquifer. Most irregularities are inferred to be at depths less than 250 m (820 ft). Bedrock irregularities were not detected beneath failures that are more than 2 km (1.2 mi) from bedrock outcrop. The association of earth fissures with zones of variable aquifer thickness suggests that differential compaction is occurring near these fissures. Theoretical estimates, based on the finite element method, of horizontal strains generated by localized differential compaction suggest that this mechanism is the dominant source of horizontal tension causing earth fissures in Picacho basin. Our analysis indicates that tensile strains at fissures at the times of their formation ranged from 0.1 to 0.4 percent. Prediction of the location of earth fissures near exposed bedrock in Picacho basin and in adjacent basins with similar geologic settings appears feasible by delineation of convex-upward bedrock irregularities. Failures far from exposed bedrock, however, may not be as readily predicted on this basis. If the rheological properties and thicknesses of subsurface materials are known, prediction of the magnitude of water-level decline required to induce sufficient differential compaction to cause failure at potential earth fissures appears feasible.
STUDIES ON THE BACTERIOPHAGE OF D'HERELLE : IX. EVIDENCE OF HYDROLYSIS OF BACTERIAL PROTEIN DURING LYSIS.

1. During the process of lysis by bacteriophage, there is an appreciable increase in the amount of free amino acid present in the culture. 2. The increase of free amino acid is due to hydrolysis of bacterial protein.
3D image reconstruction from sparse measurement of wideband millimeter wave SAR experiments

Nonuniform random sampling is applied to a wideband 3D synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging system to reduce the number of measurement points in both frequency and space domains. Experimental tests were performed on a construction foam specimen using uniformly sampled Q-band frequencies in 35.04 GHz to 44.96 GHz and at a grid of two millimeter step sizes. Using discrete Fourier transform (DFT) or discrete cosine transform (DCT) sparse representations, the 3D images can be reconstructed from 7% random samples of the experimental data achieving comparable quality as the one from original full-set data. This can translate to significant time reduction of measurement from more than one hour to less than 20 minutes.
Integrating sea level rise into development suitability analysis

Abstract Global climate change and rising sea levels are impacting the sustainability and vitality of coastal communities, making identifying vulnerable areas particularly important to minimize the population and infrastructure at risk. In this paper, we expand the classic overlay method developed by Ian McHarg by incorporating sea level rise projections for the 2020s and 2050s into a GIS-based land use suitability analysis of New York City. This analysis considers elevation, slope, distance to coast, rock type, land cover, and sea level rise, which was modeled using a bathtub model. We use the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to produce weights for the criteria considered. Our results suggest that Eastern Staten Island and the southern shore of Brooklyn and Queens are especially unsuitable for future development without major adaptation measures. We also offer recommendations for improving this analysis through improved hydrological connectivity measures in modeling sea level rise, as well as better methods of accounting for policies influencing the manner of development in flood zones.
Habit reversal following single-alternative training and partial reinforcement

Percentage of reinforcement (100% vs 50%) had no effect on acquisition or reversal scores of 48 rats trained in a T maze. The Ss with previous exposure to both arms of the maze made more errors during reversal than Ss that had not been permitted entry during acquisition to the arm that was correct during reversal. Running speed data showed no differences among groups.
Obesity Adversely Affects Survival in Pancreatic Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND: Higher body-mass index (BMI) has been implicated as a risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer, but its effect on survival has not been thoroughly investigated. The authors assessed the association of BMI with survival in a sample of pancreatic cancer patients and used epidemiologic and clinical information to understand the contribution of diabetes and hyperglycemia. METHODS: A survival analysis using Cox proportional hazards by usual adult BMI was performed on 1861 unselected patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma; analyses were adjusted for covariates that included clinical stage, age, and sex. Secondary analyses incorporated self-reported diabetes and fasting blood glucose in the survival model. RESULTS: BMI as a continuous variable was inversely associated with survival from pancreatic adenocarcinoma (hazard ratio [HR], 1.019 for each increased unit of BMI [kg/m2], P < .001) after adjustment for age, stage, and sex. In analysis by National Institutes of Health BMI category, BMIs of 30 to 34.99 kg/m2 (HR, 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-1.33), 35 to 39.99 kg/m2 (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.08-1.62), and ≥40 (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.26-2.04) were associated with decreased survival compared with normal BMI of 18.5 to 24.99 kg/m2 (overall trend test P < .001). Fasting blood glucose and diabetes did not affect the results. CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMI is associated with decreased survival in pancreatic cancer. Although the mechanism of this association remains undetermined, diabetes and hyperglycemia do not appear to account for the observed association. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Clinical experience with the delay phenomenon in autologous breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap.

Purpose. The delay phenomenon has been used for breast reconstruction with pedicled flaps but has not been widely reported with free flaps. Our goals were to (1) describe our operative technique for vascular delay of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps when a large percentage of the contralateral hemiabdomen would be needed for added volume of a breast reconstruction, (2) document any clinical improvement in flap vascularization after the delay period, and (3) develop a patient selection algorithm for this procedure. Methods. From August 2008 through July 2009, six patients at The Johns Hopkins Breast Center underwent autologous breast reconstruction with vascularly delayed DIEP flaps, a technique that preserves lateral skin bridges to the flap. This technique was used based on preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography angiograms showing potential vascular compromise. We assessed length of delay, flap weight, length of stay, and outcome. Results. Transfer delay averaged 15.8 ± 4.1 days from the original surgery. Transferred flap weight averaged 620.2 ± 156.7 g. The flaps in all six patients developed adequate arterial inflow and/or venous drainage on reassessment at final transfer. Preoperative screening with three-dimensional computed tomography angiography of the abdominal wall and modification of the flap harvest technique, including use of the clamp test to establish need for delay, were thought to be paramount for patient selection. Conclusion. In a very select group of patients undergoing breast reconstruction whose DIEP flaps showed vascular compromise before detachment, the delay phenomenon successfully enhanced vascularity and prevented fat necrosis. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:526–531, 2010.
Effects of Coulomb collisions on cyclotron maser and plasma wave growth in magnetic loops

The evolution of nonthermal electrons accelerated in magnetic loops is determined by solving the kinetic equation, including magnetic field convergence and Coulomb collisions in order to determine the effects of these interactions on the induced cyclotron maser and plasma wave growth. It is found that the growth rates are larger and the possibility of cyclotron maser action is stronger for smaller loop column density, for larger magnetic field convergence, for a more isotropic injected electron pitch angle distribution, and for more impulsive acceleration. For modest values of the column density in the coronal portion of a flaring loop, the growth rates of instabilities are significantly reduced, and the reduction is much larger for the cyclotron modes than for the plasma wave modes. The rapid decrease in the growth rates with increasing loop column density suggests that, in flare loops when such phenomena occur, the densities are lower than commonly accepted.
Myocardial infarction-induced N-terminal fragment of cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) impairs myofilament function in human myocardium.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with depressed cardiac contractile function and progression to heart failure. Cardiac myosin-binding protein C, a cardiac-specific myofilament protein, is proteolyzed post-MI in humans, which results in an N-terminal fragment, C0-C1f. The presence of C0-C1f in cultured cardiomyocytes results in decreased Ca2+ transients and cell shortening, abnormalities sufficient for the induction of heart failure in a mouse model. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigate the association between C0-C1f and altered contractility in human cardiac myofilaments in vitro. To accomplish this, we generated recombinant human C0-C1f (hC0C1f) and incorporated it into permeabilized human left ventricular myocardium. Mechanical properties were studied at short (2 μm) and long (2.3 μm) sarcomere length (SL). Our data demonstrate that the presence of hC0C1f in the sarcomere had the greatest effect at short, but not long, SL, decreasing maximal force and myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. Moreover, hC0C1f led to increased cooperative activation, cross-bridge cycling kinetics, and tension cost, with greater effects at short SL. We further established that the effects of hC0C1f occur through direct interaction with actin and α-tropomyosin. Our data demonstrate that the presence of hC0C1f in the sarcomere is sufficient to induce depressed myofilament function and Ca2+ sensitivity in otherwise healthy human donor myocardium. Decreased cardiac function post-MI may result, in part, from the ability of hC0C1f to bind actin and α-tropomyosin, suggesting that cleaved C0-C1f could act as a poison polypeptide and disrupt the interaction of native cardiac myosin-binding protein C with the thin filament.
Metformin: A Potential Drug to Treat Hyperpigmentation Disorders

Hyperpigmentation disorders are generally difficult to treat because of the limited availability of effective therapeutics with minimal side effects. In this issue, Lehraiki et al. report that metformin, an antidiabetic drug, inhibited melanogenesis, in vitro and in vivo, and they suggest that metformin may be used to treat hyperpigmentation disorders. This commentary reviews the molecular mechanisms through which metformin inhibits melanogenesis and examines metformin as a potential drug to treat hyperpigmentation.
Systematic comparison of positron- and electron-impact excitation of the ν 3 vibrational mode of CF 4

Absolute measurements are presented for the excitation of the ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{3}$ vibrational mode in ${\mathrm{CF}}_{4}$ by positron and electron impact from 0.1 to 2 eV. To minimize systematic differences, these measurements were made using the same trap-based electron or positron beam, associated experimental apparatus, and procedures. Unlike other vibrational excitation cross sections studied to date, the near-threshold cross section for the ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{3}$ vibrational mode in ${\mathrm{CF}}_{4}$ is similar, both in magnitude and shape, for positrons and electrons. Comparison of the cross sections with an analytic Born dipole model yields good agreement, while comparison of this model with other measured positron-impact vibrational cross sections indicates that the contribution of this long-range dipole coupling varies widely. The maximum value of the cross section in ${\mathrm{CF}}_{4}$ is the largest of any positron-impact vibrational excitation cross section measured to date. This provides a likely explanation of the observation that ${\mathrm{CF}}_{4}$ is very effective when used as a buffer gas to cool positron gases and plasmas.
T/QRS ratio best distinguishes ventricular aneurysm from anterior myocardial infarction.

Abstract Objectives Reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is indicated in the presence of ST elevation (STE) and ischemic symptoms. Previous MI may present with persistent STE or "left ventricular aneurysm" (LVA) morphology that mimics AMI. Hypothesis A high ratio of T amplitude to QRS amplitude best distinguishes AMI from LVA. Methods This was a retrospective cohort analysis. Patients with anatomical LVA by echocardiography were identified and those who presented to the ED with ischemic symptoms and STE of at least 1 mm in 2 consecutive leads and ruled out for acute left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion were selected. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were compared with a control group of 37 consecutive anterior AMI (aAMI) with proven acute LAD occlusion. Bundle-branch block was excluded. Various ECG measurements and ratios were compared. Results Twenty patients with LVA met the inclusion criteria. The best discriminator was T amplitude sum to QRS amplitude sum ratio V1-V4, misclassifying only 4 (6.8%) of 59 cases at a cutoff of >0.22 for AMI. For aAMI and LVA, respectively, mean (±95% CI) ratio of the sum of T amplitudes in V 1 to V 4 to the sum of QRS amplitude in V 1 -V 4 was 0.54 ± 0.085 and 0.16 ± 0.021 ( P 0.22; the false negatives (ratio P -7 ). Conclusion T amplitude/QRS amplitude ratio best distinguishes aAMI from LVA in ECGs that meet STE criteria for reperfusion therapy. A high ratio is associated with an AMI.
Full QCD thermodynamics on the columbia 64-node parallel supercomputer

Abstract Current status of the full QCD thermodynamics simulation on the second generation machine of the Columbia Parallel Supercomputer project is reported.
Urologic problems in anorectal malformations. Part 1: Urodynamic findings and significance of sacral anomalies

Abstract A series of 90 children with anorectal malformations received a total of 163 urodynamic studies. The mean number of studies per patient was 1.8 (range, 1 to 7), and the mean age at the time of initial evaluation was 17 months (range, 1 to 128). Sacral anomalies were found in 38 children (42%); 30 of them had partial sacral agenesis and eight had sacral dysplasia without bony defect. Normal lower urinary tract function was found in 98% of the children who had a normal sacrum, in all children who had sacral dysplasia, and in a small number of those who had partial sacral agenesis that affected smaller parts of the S-4 and S-5 pedicles. Severe lower urinary tract dysfunction was observed in 22 patients (24%), all but one of whom had partial sacral agenesis. There was no correlation between the type of sacral agenesis and a specific urodynamic pattern. It is concluded that virtually all children with an anorectal malformation and associated sacral agenesis have neurogenic bladder-sphincter dysfunction and therefore should receive early urodynamic assessment and appropriate urologic treatment.
Layer reduction technique for composite laminate analysis

Abstract In this study, a layer reduction technique to decrease the number of degrees-of-freedom in composite analysis by combining a multiple-layer approach with a single-layer approach is presented. The single-layer approach is of classical laminate theory or high-order shear deformation theory while the multiple-layer approach is the interlaminar shear stress continuity theory. The layer reduction technique increases computational efficiency in composite analysis by reducing an n -layer laminate to a four-layer laminate but retaining the easiness and accuracy in calculating the transverse stresses from constitutive equations directly. The feasibility of this technique is demonstrated by numerical examples of composite laminates under both bidirectional bending and cylindrical bending.