cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential water resource impacts of hydraulic fracturing from unconventional oil production in the Bakken shale

Modern drilling techniques, notably horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, have enabled unconventional oil production (UOP) from the previously inaccessible Bakken Shale Formation located throughout Montana, North Dakota (ND) and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The majority of UOP from the Bakken shale occurs in ND, strengthening its oil industry and businesses, job market, and its gross domestic product. However, similar to UOP from other low-permeability shales, UOP from the Bakken shale can result in environmental and human health effects. For example, UOP from the ND Bakken shale generates a voluminous amount of saline wastewater including produced and flowback water that are characterized by unusual levels of total dissolved solids (350 g/L) and elevated levels of toxic and radioactive substances. Currently, 95% of the saline wastewater is piped or trucked onsite prior to disposal into Class II injection wells. Oil and gas wastewater (OGW) spills that occur during transport to injection sites can potentially result in drinking water resource contamination. This study presents a critical review of potential water resource impacts due to deterministic (freshwater withdrawals and produced water management) and probabilistic events (spills due to leaking pipelines and truck accidents) related to UOP from the Bakken shale in ND.
Chapter 31 – Clinical and Epidemiological Studies: Skeletal Changes across Menopause

Menopause represents a vulnerable time in a woman’s life for a number of reasons, but in particular, for her skeletal health. Estrogen deficiency associated with menopause increases bone remodeling leading to an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption and accelerated bone loss. Cross-sectional studies demonstrated lower bone mineral density (BMD) among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women. Early longitudinal studies suggested that bone loss may begin before the final menstrual period, especially at trabecular rich sites. In the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, the cumulative 10-year lumbar spine BMD loss was 10.6%; 7.38% was lost during the menopausal transition. Cumulative femoral neck BMD loss was 9.1%; 5.8% was loss during the transition. Preliminary data suggest that bones may widen during menopause because of periosteal apposition but data are limited. Low lumbar spine BMD, high N telopeptide, and positive fracture history are important risk factors for fractures across menopause.
Molecular Pathology of Fungal Lung Infection

Fungi are eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular organisms that are larger and genomically more complex than bacteria. The fungal cell wall is complex and has polysaccharides, proteins, sugars, and glycoproteins. Plasma membranes of fungi contain ergosterol, which is the primary target for antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B. Although more than 1.3 million fungal species exist in the environment, only about 150 are pathogenic to humans.1 The virulence factors of fungi resemble those of bacteria, such as possession of a capsule, adhesion molecules, toxins, free radicals, and so forth. Thus, fungi can elicit acute exudative, necrotizing, and granulomatous reactions in tissues. Although some generalizations are possible, the diverse structural and antigenic properties of individual fungi produce unique patterns of infection in individual hosts.2,5
Internal bacteria in the Chrysomelidae

The exiguous attention given thus far to the occurrence and biology of internal bacteria or other microorganisms in the Chrysomelidae, is surprising. The family is represented by a large number of species (perhaps 60,000–70,000, Jolivet et al. 1988) and many carry considerable economic importance such as the Colorado potato beetle, [Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)], the asparagus beetle [Criocerus asparagi (L.)], several members of the genus Diabrotica and many others. The considerable damage caused by the phytophagous Chrysomelidae as well as possible vectoring of plant pathogens warrants increased efforts toward the study of bacterial associations. Also, the role of an insect’s internal microbiota in the metabolism of chemical pesticides has hardly been considered. To quote Steinhaus (1955): Theoretically altering an insect’s environment in such a way as to destroy its symbiote or cause the symbiote to become pathogenic offers a possible method of biological control of certain pests’. Although such an approach does not seem practical, it is not impossible (Brooks, 1963). Recent scientific advances in molecular genetics and chemical ecology may increase attention given to the microecology of the Chrysomelidae.
Professional Support for Family Caregivers of People With Serious and Persistent Mental Illnesses

1. Professional support for family caregivers of people with serious and persistent mental illnesses is essential to ensuring the well-being of the caregivers and maximizing the functioning of the ill person. 2. Significant percentages of family caregivers had never received critical elements of instrumental and affective support from mental health care professionals. 3. The role of psychiatric nurses encompasses the responsibility to address these deficits, as well as multiple opportunities to do so.
Integration of Endovenous Laser Ablation and Photoacoustic Imaging Systems for Enhanced Treatment of Venous Insufficiency

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive technique currently deployed to treat venous insufficiencies, such as varicose veins. Currently, ultrasound (US) imaging helps vascular surgeons in guiding the ablation fiber through the diseased veins. However, in perforating veins, US imaging is unable to track and visualize the fiber because it suffers from angular dependency and low contrast to noise (CNR) ratio. At the same time, US imaging lacks the ability to distinguish between the fiber tip and the cross section of the fiber body. Additionally, existing clinical EVLA procedures lack real-time temperature monitoring, which may lead to an insufficient thermal dose or endovenous heat induced thrombosis. In this study, we propose a simple, cost-effective solution for integrating photoacoustic (PA) imaging into the current EVLA system for accurate fiber tip tracking and real-time temperature monitoring.
SO(2,1) Connection in Timelike 3+1 Foliation.

We introduce 3+1 timelike foliation of the four dimensional Lorentz manifold to derive the 3+1 Sen-Ashtekar-Barbero-Immirzi formalism in case of $SO(2,1)$ rotation gauge group, which is possible due to the existence of the $so(2,1)$ algebra isomorphism to $R^3_{2,1}$ algebra with respect to the vector product. We prove that the newly introduced flux and extrinsic curvature variables preserve the symplectic structure of the original variables. We then introduce the modified rotational constraint and succeed to write it as a Gauss constraint of a newly obtained connection. The newly obtained connection is slightly different from the classical 3+1 spacelike Sen-Ashtekar-Barbero-Immirzi connection as it contains in addition the Minkowski metric $\eta_{ij}$ as a coefficient. Our result has a very simple form and clearly shows how $so(2,1)$ connection is different from $so(3)$ one. Also it is the first time that the key-stone fact that makes the whole formalism work in timelike 3+1 case, i.e. $so(2,1) \simeq R^3_{2,1}$ isomorphism and its relation to the $so(2,1)$ connection has been researched.
Three-year experience with immediate extubation in pediatric patients after congenital cardiac surgery

In pediatric cardiac anesthesiology, there is increased focus on minimizing morbidity, ensuring optimal functional status, and using health care resources sparingly. One aspect of care that has potential to affect all of the above is postoperative mechanical ventilation. Historically, postoperative ventilation was considered a must for maintaining patient stability. Ironically, it is recognized that mechanical ventilation may increase risk of adverse outcomes in the postoperative period. Hence, many institutions have advocated for immediate extubation or early extubation after many congenital heart surgeries which was first reported decades ago. 637 consecutive patient charts were reviewed for pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were placed into three groups. Those that were extubated in the operating room (OR) at the conclusion of surgery (Immediate Extubation or IE), those that were extubated within six hours of admission to the ICU (Early Extubation or EE) and those that were extubated sometime after six hours (Delayed Extubation or DE). Multiple variables were then recorded to see which factors correlated with successful Immediate or Early Extubation. Overall, 338 patients (53.1%) had IE), 273 (42.8%) had DE while only 26 patients (4.1%) had EE. The median age was 1174 days for the IE patients, 39 days for the DE patients, whereas 194 days for EE patients (p 63,826.88 < 0.001). Regional low flow perfusion, deep hypothermia, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, redo sternotomy, use of other sedatives, furosemide, epinephrine, vasopressin, open chest, cardiopulmonary support, pulmonary edema, syndrome, as well as difficult intubation were significantly associated with delayed extubation (IE, EE or DE). Immediate and early extubation was significantly associated with several factors, including patient age and size, duration of CPB, use of certain anesthetic drugs, and the amount of blood loss and blood replacement. IE can be successfully accomplished in a majority of pediatric patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease, including in a minority of infants.
Management of Patient with Parkinson’s Disease (DBS)

A 78-year-old male, 72 kg, with the diagnosis of medically intractable Parkinson’s disease (PD). PMH significant for multiple hospitalizations for pneumonia, autonomic dysfunction, and depression. Presents with “pill-rolling” tremor, muscular rigidity, postural instability, and bradykinesia. He is currently taking levodopa/carbidopa and selegiline. VS: BP 135/68 lying flat and 105/42 standing up, HR 90, RR 18, satO2 95%. Labs within normal range.
Wall-bonded heparin--historical background and current clinical applications.

Several medical devices in clinical use depend on a surface of wall-bonded heparin for their proper function. This report will summarize the development of these heparinized surfaces a portion of which has been previously related to a biomaterials symposium (3), and review the current status of their clinical application. The next presentation, by Dr. Richard Falb, will deal with the chemistry and dynamics of the surfaces.
An Integrated Approach for Preventing Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers: Two Etiologies with Distinct and Shared Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) was the 7th most common malignancy worldwide in 2018 and despite therapeutic advances, the overall survival rate for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC; ∼50%) has remained unchanged for decades. The most common types are OSCC and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC, survival rate ∼85%). Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor of HNSCC. In the developed world, the incidence of OSCC is declining as a result of tobacco cessation programs. However, OPSCC, which is also linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is on the rise and now ranks as the most common HPV-related cancer. The current state of knowledge indicates that HPV-associated disease differs substantially from other types of HNSCC and distinct biological differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC have been identified. Although risk factors have been extensively discussed in the literature, there are multiple clinically relevant questions that remain unanswered and even unexplored. Moreover, existing approaches (e.g., tobacco cessation, vaccination, and chemoprevention) to manage and control this disease remain a challenge. Thus, in this review, we discuss potential future basic research that can assist in a better understanding of disease pathogenesis which may lead to novel and more effective preventive strategies for OSCC and OPSCC.
In Black Hands: Tswana Chieftaincy and the Ethiopian Church Movements of 1880–1910

The history of colonialism in Africa is often portrayed as a confrontation between black Africans and white Europeans, but African adoption of black solidarity as a feature of their liberation move...
Promoting Critical Consciousness in Undergraduate Social Work Classrooms

Developing critical consciousness is key to social workers becoming competent practitioners, but due to its multifaceted nature, finding a single classroom strategy to effectively engage all studen...
A glimpse at the glycoRNA world.

In the past several decades, there has been an increased appreciation of RNA modifications and their biological functions. In this issue of Cell, Flynn et al. describe the discovery of glycoRNAs present on the surface of cells. Like proteins and lipids, conserved non-coding RNAs are functionalized with carbohydrates.
Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, and S. agalactiae membrane phospholipid remodeling in response to human serum

Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus; GAS), and S. agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus; GBS) are major etiological agents of diseases in humans. The cellular membrane, a crucial site in host-pathogen interactions, is poorly characterized in streptococci. Moreover, little is known about whether or how environmental conditions influence their lipid compositions. Using normal phase liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, we characterized the phospholipids and glycolipids of S. pneumoniae, GAS, and GBS in routine undefined laboratory medium, streptococcal defined medium, and, in order to mimic the host environment, defined medium supplemented with human serum. In human serum-supplemented medium, all three streptococcal species synthesize phosphatidylcholine (PC), a zwitterionic phospholipid commonly found in eukaryotes but relatively rare in bacteria. We previously reported that S. pneumoniae utilizes the glycerophosphocholine (GPC) biosynthetic pathway to synthesize PC. Through substrate tracing experiments, we confirm that GAS and GBS scavenge lysoPC, a major metabolite in human serum, thereby using an abbreviated GPC pathway for PC biosynthesis. Furthermore, we found that plasmanyl-PC is uniquely present in the GBS membrane during growth with human serum, suggesting GBS possesses unusual membrane biochemical or biophysical properties. In summary, we report cellular lipid remodeling by the major pathogenic streptococci in response to metabolites present in human serum.
Diffuse Reticulated Rash in a Newborn.

1. Elizabeth Null, MD*,† 2. Dillon Clarey, MD*,† 3. Simone Warrack, MD*,† 1. *Department of Pediatrics 2. †Department of Dermatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE A female infant is born at 39 weeks’ gestation to a 25-year-old gravida 1 para 0 woman at a community hospital. A diffuse rash is noted on physical examination at birth resulting in the infant’s transfer to the nearby level III neonatal intensive care unit for evaluation. The mother had received appropriate prenatal care throughout pregnancy, during which routine fetal sonograms demonstrated no abnormalities. Prenatal laboratory results included negative hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus, and VDRL status, in addition to maternal immunity to rubella and varicella. Gonorrhea and chlamydia status were unknown. The infant is born by spontaneous vaginal delivery. Apgar score is 7 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes of life. Heart rate, temperature, and blood pressures are within normal range for gestational age. Weight and head circumference are near the 40th percentile, with length near the 95th percentile. Physical examination reveals a normocephalic cranium with an open, flat, and soft anterior fontanelle; normally set ears; mildly up-slanting palpebral fissures; intact hard and soft palate; normal lung, abdominal, and cardiovascular examinations; normal female genitalia. Brachial and femoral pulses are 3+ bilaterally with capillary refill under 3 seconds. Reflexes, strength, and tone are normal for gestational age. Dermatologic examination reveals retiform (netlike) and stellate red-purple patches, many of which are centrally atrophic and some of which are ulcerated (see lower extremities in Fig 1), involving primarily the trunk and lower extremities. The upper extremities are less affected, and the lesions are asymmetrical with respect to the midline (Fig 2). Figure 1. Retiform and stellate red-purple patches distributed over the trunk and bilateral lower extremities. Note central atrophy and ulceration located in the vicinity of the right patella and tibia. Figure 2. Retiform and stellate red-purple patches distributed over the back and gluteus with …
Understanding Autonomy in Patients with Moderate to Severe Asthma.

ABSTRACT Background Autonomy is the ability of patients to make informed medical decisions. Autonomy is rooted in disease state understanding. Medical ethics, especially the principle of autonomy, plays an important role in healthcare delivery when caring for diverse populations. Objective We sought to identify patient characteristics that influence autonomy. Methods 295 adults with moderate to severe asthma completed two surveys at the beginning of a one year randomized clinical trial. The Navigating Ability and Inhaled Corticosteroids Knowledge questionnaires were combined to create a 21-question assessment of autonomy with possible scores ranging from 10-105. Linear regression was performed on the derived autonomy score predicted by patient baseline characteristics. Results Comparison revealed statistically significant differences in baseline autonomy scores in patients who reported Spanish as their primary language (p=0.01), patients with diabetes (p=0.01), and those with depressive symptoms (p=0.03) at -11.4 (95% CI, -20.5, -2.3), -4.8 (95% CI, -8.3, -1.3), and -3.1 (95% CI, -5.9, -0.3) points respectively. Non-Hispanic White participants on average were found to have 8.2 (95% CI, 4.5, 12.0) points higher autonomy scores compared to non-Hispanic Black participants (Bonferroni adjusted p Conclusions Autonomy is associated with comorbidities, demographics, and literacy. These results may reflect differences in social, educational, and economic opportunities encountered by patients. Further investigation is needed to assess and understand how socioeconomic and educational factors influence autonomy. By identifying differences in autonomy based on baseline patient characteristics, this project serves as an initial step in adjusting current and developing new treatment guidelines and interventions to improve patient autonomy.
The Structure of IS Research and IS Discipline Development

Following the results of the bibliometric study presented in the Appendix, we define the structure of IS research in terms of five research areas and 51 research topics. The identified research areas closely mirror those in the Sidorova et al. (2008) study. The research areas include IT artifact and IS development, IT and organizations, IT and individuals, IT and markets, and IT for teamwork and collaboration. Our ability to replicate the results of the earlier study with an expanded basket of journals and an updated time frame suggests that these areas represent a robust intellectual core of the IS discipline.
Nonlinear Low Frequency Phenomenological Engine Modeling and Analysis

The paper contains a bibliography and discussion of recent activity in nonthermodynamic (low frequency) internal combustion engine model development where spark advance, fuel, throttle, and exhaust gas recirculation are the elected control variables. Modeling considerations are delineated and the modeling relationship to experimental verification is discussed. Examples with explicit methods of parameter determination and dynamic validation are presented.
A fast algorithm for unit level team resource allocation in a game environment

This paper deals with the problem of allocating tasks to members of a non-homogeneous team of entities that is in conflict with another team of non-homogeneous entities. Each team is assumed to have a finite number of tasks that need to be assigned to its members. The task assignment within each team is done in such a way as to optimize an overall team objective function which depends not only on the task assignments in that team, but also on the task assignment in the adversarial team as well. In this sense, the task assignment in each team must take into account the task assignment in the other team. Because of the presence of an adversarial relationship between the two teams, this problem is best formulated and solved within the framework of game theory. The Nash strategy is an important solution concept for this type of problems. Task assignments that are formulated as Nash strategies yield an equilibrium in that no team has an incentive to unilaterally alter the assignments in an attempt to improve its position. An issue that arises when solving for the Nash strategies is the dimensionality of the search space, which quickly becomes overwhelming even with relatively small numbers of entities and tasks. In this paper we discuss an algorithm, called unit level team resource allocation (ULTRA), which overcomes this scalability issue. We also present simulation results to illustrate the performance of this algorithm when compared to an exhaustive search.
Building energy forecasting using system identification based on system characteristics test

Buildings, consuming over 70% of the electricity in the U.S., play significant roles in smart grid infrastructure. The automatic operation of buildings and their subsystems in responding to signals from a smart grid is essential to reduce energy consumption and demand, as well as improve the resilience to power disruptions. In order to achieve such automatic operation, high fidelity and computationally efficiency building energy forecasting models under different weather and operation conditions are needed. Currently, data-driven (black box) models and hybrid (grey box) models are commonly used in model based building control operation. However, typical black box models often require long training period and are bounded to weather and operation conditions during the training period. On the other hand, creating a grey box model often requires long calculation time due to parameter optimization process and expert knowledge during the model structure determining and simplification process. An earlier study by the authors proposed a system identification approach to develop computationally efficient and accurate building energy forecasting models. This paper attempts to extend this early study and to quantitatively evaluate how the most important characteristics of a building energy system: its nonlinearity and response time, affect the system identification process and model accuracy. Two commercial building: a small-size and a medium-size commercial building, with varying chiller nonlinearity, are simulated using EnergyPlus in lieu of real buildings for model development and validation. The system identification method proposed in the early study is applied to these two buildings that have varying nonlinearity and response time. Adaption of the proposed system identification method based on systems’ nonlinearity and response time is proposed in this study. The energy forecasting results demonstrate that the adaption is capable of significantly improve the performance of the system identification model.
THE ELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF FRACTAL STRUCTURES

A theory for the elastic properties of percolating networks and other fractals is presented. The scaling of the macroscopic elastic moduli with the size is shown to be different than the corresponding scaling of the electrical conductance, leading to a new exponent for the macroscopic moduli near criticality. The theoretical results are discussed in relation to recent experiments and numerical simulations. The corresponding dynamical behavior is characterized by a spectral dimensionality which is smaller than unity, implying a divergence of the density of vibrational modes at low frequencies. As a consequence of this property there are limits to the inherent stability of fractal objects. Tenuous fractal objects are very susceptible to external stresses. The effects of an external stress on the linear elastic response and the main features of the non-linear elasticity are discussed.
High Obliquity as an Alternative Hypothesis to Early and Late Proterozoic Extreme Climate Conditions

Climate model simulations are used to assess the high obliquity hypothesis as a solution to Palaeoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic low-latitude glacial conditions. Climate model simulations show that if a low-latitude land mass is assembled it can explain the Paleoproterozoic glacial deposits. In the Neoproterozoic, the High Obliquity hypothesis can explain the Sturtian low-latitude glacial deposits when the super-continent Rodinia was located in low-latitudes. The High Obliquity hypothesis cannot explain Varangian high-latitude glacial deposits because of the high amounts of incident solar radiation, which will not allow for the accumulation of snow. However the high-latitude Varangian glacial deposits are the least reliable and should be viewed with caution. Moreover, if the majority of glacial deposits are in low-latitudes in support of the high obliquity hypothesis it is possible that local environmental conditions such as elevated topography may have been responsible for high latitude glacial deposits. The most problematic issue for high obliquity is the mechanism responsible for significantly reducing obliquity on a 100-million year time-scale.
Experimental feline infectious enteritis in the germfree cat

In the absence of other microorganisms the virus of feline infectious enteritis produced a mild, non-fatal clinical disease in germfree cats. A biphasic temperature rise occurred on post inoculation day (PID) 2 and 4. All of the germfree cats began to recover by PID 7. Absolute lymphopenia occurred on the first day followed by absolute neutropenia on PID 4. The leucocyte counts were within the normal range by PID 10. Severe atrophy of the thymus was the only macroscopic lesion produced. Depletion of mature lymphocytes and reticuloendothelial cell hyperplasia occurred in all other lymphocytic tissue. No inclusion body considered to be of diagnostic significance could be demonstrated. There was no evidence of enteritis grossly or microscopically in germfree cats.
Voltage-tunable ferromagnetism in semimagnetic quantum dots with few particles: Magnetic polarons and electrical capacitance

Magnetic semiconductor quantum dots with a few carriers represent an interesting model system where ferromagnetic interactions can be tuned by voltage. By designing the geometry of a doped quantum dot, one can tailor the anisotropic quantum states of magnetic polarons. The strong anisotropy of magnetic polaron states in disklike quantum dots with holes comes from the spin splitting in the valence band. The binding energy and spontaneous magnetization of quantum dots oscillate with the number of particles and reflect the shell structure. Due to the Coulomb interaction, the maximum binding energy and spin polarization of magnetic polarons occur in the regime of Hund’s rule when the total spin of holes in a quantum dot is maximum. With increasing number of particles in a quantum dot and for certain orbital configurations, the ferromagnetic state becomes especially stable or may have broken symmetry. In quantum dots with a strong ferromagnetic interaction, the ground state can undergo a transition from a magnetic to a nonmagnetic state with increasing temperature or decreasing exchange interaction. The characteristic temperature and fluctuations of magnetic polarons depend on the binding energy and degeneracy of the shell. The capacitance spectra of magnetic quantum dots with few particles reveal the formation of polaron states.
DJ-1 Is a Redox-Dependent Molecular Chaperone That Inhibits α-Synuclein Aggregate Formation

Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology is characterized by the degeneration of midbrain dopamine neurons (DNs) ultimately leading to a progressive movement disorder in patients. The etiology of DN loss in sporadic PD is unknown, although it is hypothesized that aberrant protein aggregation and cellular oxidative stress may promote DN degeneration. Homozygous mutations in DJ-1 were recently described in two families with autosomal recessive inherited PD (Bonifati et al. 2003). In a companion article (Martinat et al. 2004), we show that mutations in DJ-1 alter the cellular response to oxidative stress and proteasomal inhibition. Here we show that DJ-1 functions as a redox-sensitive molecular chaperone that is activated in an oxidative cytoplasmic environment. We further demonstrate that DJ-1 chaperone activity in vivo extends to α-synuclein, a protein implicated in PD pathogenesis.
A remark on approximate M-estimators

Abstract An approximate M-estimator is defined as a value that minimizes certain random function up to a e n , where { e n } is a sequence of real numbers converging to zero. We determine the rate of e n so that the approximate M-estimator is asymptotically normal with rate n 1/2 . Our results apply to common M-estimators such as the least absolute deviations estimator for the linear model.
Late complications after blunt liver injury in a child: Hemobilia with pseudoaneurysm, hemocholecystitis and biloma

Complications following blunt hepatic trauma in children are rare and are generally only seen in high grade injuries. As such, the trauma surgeon must be aware of the increased risk for these complications in severe liver injuries. We present a 6-year old patient who sustained a significant liver laceration following a handlebar injury and developed a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm with hemobilia which was treated with angioembolization, hemocholecystitis, and biloma requiring percutaneous drainage and endoscopic sphincterotomy with stent placement. Despite these complications, our patient ultimately had a good outcome with full return to activities.
Review of Improving irrigation governance and management in Nepal edited by G. P. Shivakoti and E. Ostrom

266 / JOURNAL OF IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING / JULY/A Issues that are often overlooked in intervention projects that are aimed at improving production of food resources in developing countries, include the sociological aspects that determine the long-term success of management of a limited resource such as irrigation water. Although technological fixes can be critical in improving the efficiency of water use in irrigation, work presented in this book demonstrates that without a stable, social network of stakeholders managing the system, the buy-in by farmers that is critical to the project success will be lacking. Control by outside parties, who do not have a direct stake in the success of the system, can result in political objectives taking precedence over efficient use and fair distribution of the resource. Furthermore, contribution of stakeholders’ time and resources depends on their receiving fair compensation in the form of reliable use of the water resource. A technological fix that does not involve the stakeholders can be expensive and may require continued support from outside financial interests. The writers touched on a key limitation to governance resting primarily with farmers, which is the question of what mechanisms would be available for dealing with external competition for resources that include increases in use by industrial and domestic sectors. This issue should be further developed considering the worldwide impact of increasing population pressures on water resources. In the same light, managing water resources on a watershed level during drought was not fully explored. However, the stakeholder process involving consortia of involved farmers appeared to be the best mechanism for maintaining fair distributions of water resources regardless of the source of limitations on overall water availability. The book has a broader appeal than just for those interested in irrigation in Nepal. People who are involved with the development or enhancment of irrigation systems in developing countries, including those directly involved in agriculture and those who commit funds to improving such activities, will learn much about what approaches are optimal and where obstacles lie in the management of irrigation systems. Review of Improving irrigation governance and management in Nepal edited by G. P. Shivakoti and E. Ostrom
Cosmetic results of a ventrally based advancement flap for closure of total ear canal ablations in 6 cats: 2002-2003.

Objective— To report the outcome of a modified total ear canal ablation (TECA) technique to maintain normal ear carriage in cats. Study Design— Case series. Animals— Six cats with external ear canal disease. Methods— Medical records were reviewed to identify cats in which a modified TECA using a single pedicle advancement flap was used to maintain normal ear carriage. Signalment, histopathologic diagnosis, complications, and outcome were retrieved. Owners were contacted to document long-term outcome. Results— Modified TECA procedures (7) were performed in 6 cats. Normal ear carriage was present immediately after surgery and was preserved at follow-up interview. Owners were satisfied with cosmetic appearance. Histopathologic diagnosis of excised ear masses included ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma (2 cats), ceruminous gland adenoma (2 cats, 3 ears), and inflammatory polyp (2 cats). Conclusions— Modification of the TECA skin incision preserved normal ear carriage in all cats. Owners were satisfied with overall outcome and with cosmetic result. Rate and nature of complications were similar to previously published data. Clinical Relevance— A simple modification of the TECA skin incision to create a single pedicle advancement flap maintains normal ear carriage in cats.
Penile incarceration with metal objects--a review of procedure choice based on penile trauma grade.

Objective: To outline treatment guidelines according to level of penile trauma for penile incarceration by metal devices. Method: A post-1950 (hand-held powered cutting tool era) Medline search was performed. Cases were divided into four groups: string techniques and variants with and without aspiration of blood from the glans; aspiration techniques; cutting devices; and surgical techniques. Trauma grade (according to Bhat et al., 1991), site time (incarceration time), removal technique, removal time, anesthesia and recovery time were assessed. Results: The string technique and variants were used for grades 1-3. They had short removal (30-120 min), site (3-72 h) and recovery (1-24 h) times. Occasional glans decompressive with blood aspiration was required. Anesthesias included none (wrapping without glans aspiration), i.m. morphine and general (glans aspiration). Pure aspiration techniques used multiple needle punctures for grades 2-3. Aspiration cases had short site times (8-14 h), but required a spinal ...
Molecular interactions between the photoreceptor G protein and rhodopsin.

1. The visual transduction system of the vertebrate retina is a well-studied model for biochemical and molecular studies of signal transduction. The structure and function of rhodopsin, a prototypical G protein-coupled receptor, and transducin or Gt, the photoreceptor G protein, have been particularly well studied. Mechanisms of rhodopsin-Gt interaction are discussed in this review. 2. The visual pigment rhodopsin contains a chromophore, and thus conformational changes leading to activation can be monitored spectroscopically. A model of the conformational changes in the activated receptor is presented based on biophysical and biochemical data. 3. The current information on sites of interaction on receptors and cognate G proteins is summarized. Studies usng synthetic peptides from amino acid sequences corresponding to Gt and rhodopsin have provided information on the sites of rhodopsin-Gt interaction. Synthetic peptides from the carboxyl terminal region ofαt mimic Gt by stabilizing the active conformation of rhodopsin, Metarhodopsin II. 4. The conformation of one such peptide when it is bound to Metarhodopsin II was determined by 2D NMR. The model based on the NMR data was tested using peptide analogs predicted to stabilize or break the structure. These studies yield molecular insight into why toxin-treated and mutant G proteins are uncoupled from receptors.
Design and Optimization of PLGA-Based Diclofenac Loaded Nanoparticles

Drug based nanoparticle (NP) formulations have gained considerable attention over the past decade for their use in various drug formulations. NPs have been shown to increase bioavailability, decrease side effects of highly toxic drugs, and prolong drug release. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac block cyclooxygenase expression and reduce prostaglandin synthesis, which can lead to several side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding and renal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to formulate and characterize diclofenac entrapped poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) based nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were formulated using an emulsion-diffusion-evaporation technique with varying concentrations of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, or 1%) or didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DMAB) (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, or 1%) stabilizers centrifuged at 8,800 rpm or 12,000 rpm. The resultant nanoparticles were evaluated based on particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficacy. DMAB formulated NPs showed the lowest particle size (108±2.1 nm) and highest zeta potential (−27.71±0.6 mV) at 0.1 and 0.25% respectively, after centrifugation at 12,000 rpm. Results of the PVA based NP formulation showed the smallest particle size (92.4±7.6 nm) and highest zeta potential (−11.14±0.5 mV) at 0.25% and 1% w/v, respectively, after centrifugation at 12,000 rpm. Drug entrapment reached 77.3±3.5% and 80.2±1.2% efficiency with DMAB and PVA formulations, respectively. The results of our study indicate the use of DMAB for increased nanoparticle stability during formulation. Our study supports the effective utilization of PLGA based nanoparticle formulation for diclofenac.
Photoacoustic detection of OH molecules in a methane-air flame.

Pulsed photoacoustic signals from OH molecules in a methane–air flame have been observed. Quantitative measurements are made and compared with the results of a theoretical model. Very good agreement between theory and experiment is obtained. A detection sensitivity of 250 ppb for OH molecules in a combustion environment has been obtained.
Contextual and Family Determinants of Immigrant Women’s Self-Employment: The Case of Vietnamese, Russian-Speaking Jews, and Israelis

While a growing body of literature addresses the experience of migrant women’s involvement in self-employment, this work has focused on relatively few groups and has emphasized gender to the neglec...
Decision making and the P300 component of the cortical evoked response

The amplitude of P300, and of other components of the evoked potentials, was examined during a task which required Ss to make a response appropriate to the conjoint properties of two rapidly successive visual patterns. In one set of conditions, the task was structured such that both stimuli were needed for the choice judgment. In another set of conditions, the task was changed from choice to simple RT by presenting the patterns in a predictable order. It was observed that P300 was enhanced during the choice RT conditions and that this enhancement was present only for the P300 following the stimulus permitting the choice and not the other, relevant but not decisive, stimulus appearing in close temporal proximity. An appreciable degree of independence between P300 and other components was indicated by the appearance of P300 under conditions in which other evoked potential components were entirely refractory. The data support an account for P300 in terms of poststimulus processes, such as decision making, and not in terms of preparatory adjustments.
Hydroxylation of camphor by reduced oxy-cytochrome P450cam: mechanistic implications of EPR and ENDOR studies of catalytic intermediates in native and mutant enzymes.

We have employed γ-irradiation at cryogenic temperatures (77 K and also ∼6 K) of the ternary complexes of camphor, dioxygen, and ferro-cytochrome P450cam to inject the “second” electron of the catalytic process. We have used EPR and ENDOR spectroscopies to characterize the primary product of reduction as well as subsequent states created by annealing reduced oxyP450, both the WT enzyme and the D251N and T252A mutants, at progressively higher temperatures. (i) The primary product upon reduction of oxyP450 4 is the end-on, “H-bonded peroxo” intermediate 5A. (ii) This converts even at cryogenic temperatures to the hydroperoxo-ferriheme species, 5B, in a step that is sensitive to these mutations.Yields of 5B are as high as 40%. (iii) In WT and D251N P450s, brief annealing in a narrow temperature range around 200 K causes 5B to convert to a product state, 7A, in which the product 5-exo-hydroxycamphor is coordinated to the ferriheme in a nonequilibrium configuration. Chemical and EPR quantitations indicate the ...
Fabrication and characterization of a piezoelectric gallium nitride switch for optical MEMS applications

The utilization of gallium nitride (GaN) in the area of microelectronics continues to increase due to the advantages it offers over other semiconductors. This paper presents GaN as a candidate material well suited for novel microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The potential of GaN for MEMS is demonstrated via the design, analysis, fabrication, testing and characterization of an optical microswitch device actuated by piezoelectric and electrostrictive means. The piezoelectric and electrostrictive properties of GaN and its differences from common piezoelectrics are briefly discussed before touching upon the device configuration used to implement the microswitch device. Subsequently, the development of two recent fabrication technologies, photoelectrochemical etching and bias-enabled dark electrochemical etching, used to realize the three-dimensional device structure in GaN are described in detail. Lastly, an ultra-low-cost, laser-based, non-contact approach to test and characterize the microswitch device is described, followed by the device testing results.
Trace metal concentrations in two shellfish species of commercial importance.

The Public Health Service (Shellfish Sanitation Branch) continually collects and maintains data on metal levels in shellfish from approved shellfish areas. On the East Coast, three species are surveyed: the quahaug, Mercenaria mercenaria; the surf clam, Spisula solidisma; and the eastern oyster, Ostrea virginica. While a standard for cadmium in shellfish does not exist, the highest value for this metal in any of these shellfish from approved areas is 1.9 ppM (wet wt.) (PHS data, April 1976). In the present Public Health Program, neither the sea scallop Placopecten magellanicus nor ocean quahaug Arctica islandica are regularly surveyed (LAMB, 1976). Both species are found in deeper continental shelf areas and hence presumably farther removed from coastal sources of contamination. In recent years in the mid-Atlantic, the marketing of the sea scallop has become increasingly inportant with landings between 1974 and 1975 increasing by 81 percent (PILEGGI and THOMPSON, 1976). Furthermore, more than 80 percent of these commercial landings were caught between 12 and 200 miles offshore (a total of 3557 kg, wet weight with shell). There is at present much more limited fishing for the ocean quahaug; however, the potential for commercial exploitation is great (SAILA and PRATT, 1973). In viewmore » of the present importance of the sea scallop and the potential of the quahaug in the shellfish industry, in addition to the lack of published information on cadmium levels in these species, we present here some data on cadmium (and other trace metals) in these organisms. Samples are from a region of the continental shelf (Figure 1) which at present is reportedly fished for scallops (SAILA and PRATT, 1973). This area is removed from any large-scale inputs of trace metals from human activity (e.g., dredge spoils, industrial or municipal sewage sludge disposal).« less
10265-84 Impact of the Defibrillating Surface Area of an Additional Superior Vena Cava Electrode on the Unipolar Right Ventricular Coil/Defibrillator Can System

We assessed the hypothesis that the surface area of an additional superior vena cava (SVC) defibrillation electrode may impact on the defibrillation efficacy of a right ventricular (RV) coil/CAN system. In ten dogs we randomly compared the energy requirements for defibrillation (DFT) using the RV/CAN configuration and three triple lead systems employing an additional lead in the SVC with a defibrillating surface area of 90 mm 2 , 160 mm 2 and 617 mm 2 respectively. Biphasic shocks with 65% fixed tilt were used for defibrillation. Triplicate defibrillation thresholds were determined with each lead system. With every electrode system the RV coil was used as cathode. Energy (J), peak voltage (VI and impedance at defibrillation threshold are shown below: RV/CAN 90 mm 2 160 mm 2 617 mm 2 DFT(J) 8.6 ± 3.3 8.1 ± 2.6 8.2 ± 2.5 4.9 ± 1.9 * Voltage(V) 373 ± 73 365 ± 58 367 ± 65 284 ± 53 * Impedance 74 ± 24 53 ± 13 + 48 ± 11 + 52 ± 10 + * 617 mm 2 vs RV/CAN p l 0.01 + 90 mm 2 160 mm 2 , 617 mm 2 vs RV/CAN p l 0.01 These results indicate that the surface area of an additional SVC defibrillating electrode may be critical to improving the energy requirement for defibrillation achieved with a single lead right ventricular coil/defibrillator can system.
Remembering “Mrs. M.”

In 1966, I went to the Soviet Union for ten months as an exchange student to pursue research on a dissertation about the poetry of Andrei Belyi. I had asked to be attached to Moscow University, as the lion's share of the Belyi archive is located in the capital, but with the kind of logic known only to bureaucrats, the Ministry of Education assigned me to Leningrad. That, as it turned out, was an unexpected blessing, as it gave me the good fortune to meet and become close to some of the most remarkable survivors of the old literary intelligentsia and to an equally exceptional group of young critics, scholars, and poets. And during the four months that I managed to wrest from the ministry for a research trip to the Moscow archives, I became friendly with many similar people there. Among them was Nadezhda Iakovlevna Mandel'shtam.
Low power State Machine design on FPGAs

This paper presents an approach to reduce the power consumption of FPGA based digital circuits at FSM design level. The approach is based on clock gating technique. By using control signals at FSM level, we have limited the clock switching and other signals transitions in the system, leading to reduced dynamic power consumption of the systems. Our results have shown up to 7% reduction in dynamic power consumption.
All Dielectric Unidirectional Grating Output Coupler

A novel design for an all-dielectric unidirectional output double-grating coupler is proposed and rigorously analyzed. It is shown that virtually all the energy is output coupled into the substrate region.