cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospective-pricing strategies for hospital and departmental effectiveness: the administrator's response.

The approach of the New England Medical Center toward case management and increased productivity, and the role of the pharmacy within this system, are described by a chief hospital administrator. External pressures that caused the hospital to alter its management style included changes in reimbursement, hospital overuse, increased competition, and a surplus of physicians. Variations in medical practice that affected admission rates, length of stay, and use of ancillary services existed because clinical and financial data had not been integrated, so clinicians had no information on the economic consequences of their decisions. The solution offered to this problem was to decentralize resource-use decisions to increase clinician accountability. The goal of the case-management system is to reduce the cost of intermediate product (e.g., laboratory tests) use through increased productivity. The system provides pharmacy with a new power base if pharmacists can reduce overall costs by influencing prescribers to use cost-effective therapies. Pharmacy can increase its influence within the institution by forming new relationships with administrators, physicians, and nurses that broaden its impact on cost.
Spontaneous, transient adenosine release is not enhanced in the CA1 region of hippocampus during severe ischemia models.

Ischemic stroke causes damage in the brain, and a slow buildup of adenosine is neuroprotective during ischemic injury. Spontaneous, transient adenosine signaling, lasting only 3 s per event, has been discovered that increases in frequency in the caudate-putamen during early stages of mild ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, spontaneous adenosine changes have not been studied in the hippocampus during ischemia, an area highly susceptible to stroke. Here, we investigated changes of spontaneous, transient adenosine in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus during three different models of the varied intensity of ischemia. During the early stages of the milder bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) model, there were fewer spontaneous, transient adenosine, but no change in the concentration of individual events. In contrast, during the moderate 2 vertebral artery occlusion (2VAO) and severe 4 vessel occlusion (4VO) models, both the frequency of spontaneous, transient adenosine and the average event adenosine concentration decreased. Blood flow measurements validate that the ischemia models decreased blood flow, and corresponding pathological changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). 4VO occlusion showed the most severe damage in histology and BCCAO showed the least. Overall, our data suggest that there is no enhanced spontaneous adenosine release in the hippocampus during moderate and severe ischemia, which could be due to depletion of the rapidly releasable adenosine pool. Thus, during ischemic stroke, there are fewer spontaneous adenosine events that could inhibit neurotransmission, which might lead to more damage and less neuroprotection in the hippocampus CA1 region. Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 800.
The dorsal visual pathway represents object-centered spatial relations for object recognition

Although there is mounting evidence that input from the dorsal visual pathway is crucial for object processes in the ventral pathway, the specific functional contributions of dorsal cortex to these processes remains poorly understood. Here, we hypothesized that dorsal cortex computes the spatial relations among an object9s parts — a processes crucial for forming global shape percepts — and transmits this information to the ventral pathway to support object categorization. Using multiple functional localizers, we discovered regions in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) that were selectively involved in computing object-centered part relations. These regions exhibited task-dependent functional connectivity with ventral cortex, and were distinct from other dorsal regions, such as those representing allocentric relations, 3D shape, and tools. In a subsequent experiment, we found that the multivariate response of posterior IPS, defined on the basis of part-relations, could be used to decode object category at levels comparable to ventral object regions. Moreover, mediation and multivariate connectivity analyses further suggested that IPS may account for representations of part relations in the ventral pathway. Together, our results highlight specific contributions of the dorsal visual pathway to object recognition. We suggest that dorsal cortex is a crucial source of input to the ventral pathway and may support the ability to categorize objects on the basis of global shape.
A machine learning approach to flood severity classification and alerting

With increased big data and computing power, machine learning is predominantly used for classification to object detection and forecasting of phenomena and relationships. Forecasting, mapping and impact assessment of flood events is one such area where machine learning is gaining momentum. While machine learning has been widely used for forecasting of flood extent and depth using rainfall/runoff datasets, impact assessment based on flood severity distribution using machine learning is still a long way from maturity. In this study, we used several machine learning classifiers such as Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting (GB), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Multinomial Logit (ML) to classify flood severity into four classes: Information, Advisory, Watch and Warning based on the training datasets obtained from the Model of Models. The Model of Models is an ensemble model which integrates flood forecasting models to determine flood severity globally at sub-watershed level based on spatial extent and duration of flooding, risk scores associated with historic flooding events. The severity classes are used to disseminate alerts to stakeholders globally. The initial results reveal that the GB followed by DT and RF classifier performed better for classifying severity based on the performance assessment metrics. While this study has implemented a first version machine learner, future advancements will focus on deploying adaptive learners to increase the forecasting ability of the machine learner with new datasets generated daily.
Air Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes

Children born with low birth weight, preterm, or with fetal growth restriction may suffer from significant short and long term morbidity and mortality, making adverse pregnancy outcomes a major public health concern with significant health, social, and economic consequences for families, communities, and the nation. Despite aggressive public heath campaigns, racial and geographic disparities in pregnancy outcomes persist. Disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards may partially account for such disparities. In this chapter, we synthesize the existing literature connecting air pollution exposures and pregnancy outcomes. We begin by providing readers with background on adverse pregnancy outcomes, including their consequences and documented disparities. Next, we summarize existing research on air pollution and pregnancy outcomes with a systematic literature review, describing the state of knowledge regarding associations between each outcome and key pollutants. While the scientific literature clearly points to a detrimental association between maternal air pollution exposure and pregnancy outcomes, the literature does not yet provide a consensus understanding of the details of this association. Thus, we describe key methodological barriers and inconsistencies that make interpretation across studies challenging, noting why these issues arise, how they impact results, and how they may be addressed. Acknowledging these challenges and the need for additional research, this chapter highlights clear evidence of a negative association between air pollution and pregnancy outcomes. Future work addressing methodological issues and, perhaps most importantly, identifying causal pathways, is critical to establishing appropriate regulatory policy and protecting maternal and infant health.
BDD vs. Constraint-Based Model Checking: An Experimental Evaluation for Asynchronous Concurrent Systems

BDD-based symbolic model checking has been successful in verification of a wide range of systems. Recently, constraint-based approaches, which use arithmetic constraints as a symbolic representation, have been used in symbolic model checking of infinite-state systems. We argue that use of constraint-based model checking is not limited to infinite-state systems. It can also be used as an alternative to BDD-based model checking for systems with integer variables which have finite but large domains. In this paper we investigate the trade-offs between these two approaches experimentally. We compare the performance of BDD-based model checker SMV to the performance of our constraint-based model checker on verification of several asynchronous concurrent systems. The results indicate that constraint-based model checking is a viable option for verification of asynchronous concurrent systems with large integer domains.
Collaborative Performance as a Function of Network Members’ Perceptions of Success

Abstract:Interorganizational networks are a common collaborative approach to tackle complex issues such as public health, national security, education, and poverty. While there is a consensus that networks are a viable approach to these issues, it is unclear what factors lead to effective collaborative performance. One issue for assessing performance is the lack of sufficient evaluation/assessment methods and, subsequently, of empirical data. Applying a conceptual model based in the literature, this study examines characteristics of network members and their perceptions of success in order to ascertain the degree to which members’ agreement on outcomes varies among networks and the characteristics of members of networks that report greater levels of success or of disagreement about success. This study contributes to the collaborative performance literature by analyzing an unprecedentedly large N (n = 98) dataset of interorganizational (whole) networks to test empirically the conceptual model. The results ...
Persistence of lysergic acid diethylamide in the plasma of human subjects

Two micrograms per kilogram of LSD-25 was administered intravenously to five normal human subjects. The concentration of drug in plasma was determined serially over the subsequent 8 hours. LSD-25 was found to be present in human plasma in relatively large quantities during the period of peak effect. The half-life of LSD-25 in human plasma was calculated to be 175 minutes.
The cog project: building a humanoid robot

To explore issues of developmental structure, physical embodiment, integration of multiple sensory and motor systems, and social interaction, we have constructed an upper-torso humanoid robot called Cog. The robot has twenty-one degrees of freedom and a variety of sensory systems, including visual, auditory, vestibular, kinesthetic, and tactile senses. This chapter gives a background on the methodology that we have used in our investigations, highlights the research issues that have been raised during this project, and provides a summary of both the current state of the project and our long-term goals. We report on a variety of implemented visual-motor routines (smooth-pursuit tracking, saccades, binocular vergence, and vestibular-ocular and opto-kinetic reflexes), orientation behaviors, motor control techniques, and social behaviors (pointing to a visual target, recognizing joint attention through face and eye finding, imitation of head nods, and regulating interaction through expressive feedback). We further outline a number of areas for future research that will be necessary to build a complete embodied system.
Modeling GaN Growth by Plasma Assisted MBE in the Presence of Low Mg Flux

A rate equation model is developed to investigate the plasma assisted MBE growth of GaN in the presence of a fractional monolayer of Mg. Four distinct cases were identified and modeled–(i) Ga-limited regime (ii) Low N-limited regime (iii) Medium N-limited regime and (iv) High N-limited regime. In the model, it is assumed that Ga arriving on a Mg site undergoes faster incorporation into the epilayer through an exchange reaction compared to Ga arriving directly on a N surface. Additionally the incorporation rate of Ga was assumed to depend on the size of the Ga cluster. The results of the model are in good agreement with that of experiments. The non-monotonic behavior of growth rate with Ga flux for moderate Mg coverage is explained based on the incorporation rate dependence of Ga on the cluster size.
Relation of Still's murmur, small aortic diameter and high aortic velocity

Abstract The origin of Still's innocent murmur, first described in 1909, is obscure. Seventy normal children and young adults, 29 with Still's murmur and 41 with no murmur, were studied. Pulsed Doppler and 2-dimensional echocardiography were used to evaluate possible causes, including tricuspid regurgitation, left ventricular bands, ascending and descending aortic and pulmonary velocities, ascending aortic diameter, and magnitude of spectral widths. Mean ascending aortic diameter relative to body surface area was significantly smaller for the group with Still's murmur (p
Vacancy concentrations in metals

Abstract The experimental techniques available for the measurement of equilibrium vacancy concentrations, vacancy formation enthalpies and entropies are reviewed. Such methods as differential dilatometry, positron annihilation spectroscopy, fieldion and transmission electron microscopy and resistometry are considered in terms of their particular contributions, advantages and limitations in obtaining information regarding these quantities. The present status of our knowledge of these vacancy properties is assessed. Finally, the ability to combine vacancy formation enthalpy data with self-diffusion data in order to obtain quantitative information regarding vacancy migration properties is discussed.
Positive surgical margins and ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence predict disease-specific survival after breast-conserving therapy.

BACKGROUND The current study identified determinants of systemic recurrence and disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with early-stage breast carcinoma treated with breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy (breast-conserving therapy, or BCT). METHODS The study population consisted of 1,043 consecutive women with Stages I or II breast carcinoma who underwent BCT between 1970 and 1994. Clinical and pathologic characteristics evaluated included age, tumor size, tumor grade, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, surgical margins, axillary lymph node involvement, and use of adjuvant therapy. RESULTS At a median follow-up time of 8.4 years, 127 patients (12%) had developed an ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR), and 184 patients (18%) had developed a systemic recurrence. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, tumor size greater than 2 cm, positive lymph nodes, lack of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy, and positive margins (odds ratio [OR], 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-12.3; P = 0.034) were predictors of systemic recurrence. When IBTR was added into the model, adjuvant therapy and surgical margins were not independent predictors; however, IBTR was an independent predictor of systemic recurrence (IBTR vs. no IBTR; OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 3.1-12.3; P < 0.001). The 10 year DSS rate after BCT was 87%. On multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis, the following factors were independent predictors of poor DSS: tumor size greater than 2 cm (vs. ≤ 2 cm; relative risk [RR], 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.3; P = 0.010), negative progesterone receptor status (vs. positive; RR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4-5.1; P = 0.003), positive margins (vs. negative; RR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.4-11.5; P = 0.011), and IBTR (vs. no IBTR; RR, 5.5; 95% CI, 2.8-11.0; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Positive surgical margins and IBTR are predictors of systemic recurrence and disease-specific survival after BCT. Aggressive local therapy is necessary to ensure adequate surgical margins and to minimize IBTR. Cancer 2003;97:926–33. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11222
Electronic Properties Of Grain Boundaries In Polycrystalline Silicon

The electrical characteristics of grain boundaries in polycrystalline silicon have been investigated. Experiments were performed using a focused laser beam to measure the GB parameters. Theoretical models of phonon-assisted and charge scattering processes are presented in relation to attenuation of the thermionic emission. The results indicate that the GB states behave as extrinsic impurity states which are not sensitive to the misorientation angle between grains. Both majority and minority carrier behavior are described.
Do American citizens consider their food supply at risk for terrorism attack

Since the attacks on 9/11, 2001 Americans have been told to be alert and observant. The purpose of this research was to investigate if Americans feel that the food supply is in danger and if their food habits have changed in any way due to the traumatic events. The results indicate that very few individuals in this survey have actually changed their food habits since 9/11. However, a large percentage of our surveyed group feels that the food supply is at risk.
Social modulation of behavioral reproductive senescence in female rats

During aging, the lordosis reflex of female rats changes from a state of cyclic lordosis, when the lordosis reflex can be elicited by manual palpation only on proestrus, to a state of constant lordosis (CL), when it can be elicited daily. Social signals from other females altered this pattern of behavioral senescence. Group living decreased the lordosis reflex intensity in both old and young rats and delayed the onset of CL. Long-term group living delayed CL until late in the life span, while temporary group living delayed it only until rats returned to isolation. Long-term group living also changed the temporal relationship between CL and the acyclic, anovulatory state of estrus. Finally, the lordosis reflex intensity, measured by manual palpation, predicted the old rats' receptivity to a male, indicating that constant lordosis is a biomarker for other aspects of behavioral reproductive senescence.
Transillumination of interproximal caries lesions with 830-nm light

New imaging technology is needed for the early detection of dental caries (decay) in the interproximal contact sites between teeth. Previous measurements have demonstrated that dental enamel is highly transparent in the near-IR near 1310-nm making that wavelength range ideal for the transillumination of interproximal lesions. However, imaging at 1310-nm involves the use of expensive InGaAs technology. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of a low cost near-IR sensitive imaging system employing a CCD camera with enhanced near-IR sensitivity operating at 830-nm with the 1310-nm InGaAs system. Images of simulated caries lesions were acquired through tooth sections of varying thickness and whole teeth in order to demonstrate the utility of a near-IR dental transillumination system for the imaging of early dental caries (decay). Simulated lesions, representing the optical scattering of natural dental caries, were placed in plano-parallel dental enamel sections and whole anterior teeth. The contrast ratio between the simulated lesions and surrounding sound enamel was calculated from analysis of the respective spatial intensity profiles in the acquired projection images. This study shows that near-IR transillumination at 830-nm offers significantly improved image contrast over the visible range, but less image contrast than at 1310-nm.
Prolapsed gastric mucosa: Roentgenologic demonstration of ulcer crater in prolapsed polypoid mucosa

A case of prolapsed polypoid gastric mucosa, visualized by roentgen examination and verified by surgery, is presented. Severe melena arising from two ulcers on the prolapsing mucosa was the outstanding symptom. At least one of the ulcers was demonstrable on the roentgenograms.
Legal issues for the knowledge economy in the twenty-first century

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine legal opportunities to develop creativity and innovation in a knowledge‐based economy.Design/methodology/approach – This paper approaches legal issues from the perspective of the knowledge holder who is, more often than not, an individual in possession of some creative output that may potentially be of interest to a knowledge acquirer that is, more often than not, a business. The scope is limited to legal constraints and control mechanisms currently in use that restrict or discourage knowledge holders from achieving full creative potential, with the hope of encouraging further research on how to achieve the promise of a knowledge‐based economy. It is also limited, from a legal perspective, to US laws, with reference to a few international treaties.Findings – While conducting research for this paper, it was found that, although there is a plethora of technological means that attempt to codify and harness innovation and encourage creativity, some legal mecha...
Proinflammatory cytokines in the prefrontal cortex of teenage suicide victims

Teenage suicide is a major public health concern, but its neurobiology is not well understood. Proinflammatory cytokines play an important role in stress and in the pathophysiology of depression—two major risk factors for suicide. Cytokines are increased in the serum of patients with depression and suicidal behavior; however, it is not clear if similar abnormality in cytokines occurs in brains of suicide victims. We therefore measured the gene and protein expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tissue necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of 24 teenage suicide victims and 24 matched normal control subjects. Our results show that the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly increased in Brodmann area 10 (BA-10) of suicide victims compared with normal control subjects. These results suggest an important role for IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the pathophysiology of suicidal behavior and that proinflammatory cytokines may be an appropriate target for developing therapeutic agents.
Comparison of Mississippi Submarine Trench with Iberian Trough: ABSTRACT

The Mississippi submarine trench differs from other submarine valleys in being "trench-like" with a broad, flat floor rather than "V-shaped." Domes and ridges stand out in topographic relief along the southwest margin of the trench; others, less prominent, lie along the northeast margin. These domes and ridges may be related to underlying salt structures. The Iberian trough is flanked by the "Five Islands" along its southwest margin and by another series of domes along the northeast flank. The "Five Islands" are unique among onshore South Louisiana salt domes in having pronounced topographic expression. They are described briefly to illustrate the similarity of the Five Islands and the Iberian trough to the Mississippi submarine trench and the salt domes along its margin. The two major structural troughs have the same trend and are in alignment. This similarity and their probable common or related origin are discussed. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1603------------
Three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition magnetic resonance imaging for stereotactic radiosurgery of trigeminal neuralgia.

Objective The aim of this study was to demonstrate the use and applications of the three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (3-D-FIESTA) magnetic resonance imaging sequence in targeting and planning for stereotactic radiosurgery of trigeminal neuralgia. Methods A 3-D-FIESTA sequence for visualization of cranial nerves in the cranial base was added to the routine magnetic resonance imaging scan to enhance the treatment planning for trigeminal neuralgia. T1-weighted images, 1 mm thick, were directly compared with the FIESTA sequence for the exact visualization of the trigeminal entry zone and surrounding vasculature. The target accuracy was evaluated by image fusion of computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans. The anatomy visualized with the FIESTA sequence was validated by direct inspection of the gross anatomic specimens of the trigeminal complex. Results A total of 15 consecutive patients, 10 women and 5 men, underwent radiosurgery for essential trigeminal neuralgia between April and July, 2003. The mean age of the patients was 65.2 years (range, 24-83 yr). Nine patients had right-sided symptoms. Four patients had had previous surgery (two microvascular decompression, one percutaneous rhizotomy, and one radiofrequency thermocoagulation). The 3-D-FIESTA sequence successfully demonstrated the trigeminal complex (root entry zone, trigeminal ganglion, rootlets, and vasculature) in 14 patients (93.33%). The 3-D-FIESTA sequence also allowed visualization of the branches of the trigeminal nerve inside Meckel's cavity. This exact visualization correlated precisely with the anatomic specimens. In one patient (6.66%), it was not possible to demonstrate the related vasculature. However, the other structures were clearly visualized. Conclusion The 3-D-FIESTA sequence is used in this study for demonstration of the exact anatomy of the trigeminal complex for the purpose of radiosurgical planning and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. With such imaging techniques, radiosurgical targeting of specific trigeminal nerve branches may be feasible. It has not been possible previously to target individual branches of the trigeminal nerve.
Mobility in free-space optics based wireless sensor networks

This paper proposes an FSO-based mobile sensor network that is not subject to RF interference common to wireless sensor networks. FSO-based mobile sensor networks can potentially be used in a battlefield where security of communication, including freedom from susceptibility to enemy-induced jamming, is important. The paper discusses the design of nodes containing multiple transceivers composed of LEDs and photo detectors. Results of initial experiments are included. The work reported in this paper is part of an ongoing investigation on mobile FSO networks, including the design of efficient protocols that can allow the mobile sensor nodes to function as a mesh network permitting information exchange among nodes directly and, possibly, through an intermediate node.
Lean mass and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Insulin resistance is common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Muscle is the major tissue utilizing glucose while excess adipose tissue relates to insulin resistance. Thus, body composition is likely to be an important regulator of insulin sensitivity. Thirty-nine PCOS patients (age: 29.9 ± 1.0 years; BMI: 33.8 ± 1.2 kg/m2) participated in a cross sectional study. Body composition was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Insulin resistance and secretion were assessed using oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FS-IVGTT). In contrast with the conventional expectations, lean mass correlated directly (P < .05) with the insulin resistance measure HOMA (r = 0.440); and inversely with the insulin sensitivity index QUICKI (r = −0.522) independent of fat mass. In 11 pairs of subjects matched for fat mass (35.6 ± 2.2 and 35.6 ± 2.4 kg) but with discordant lean mass (52.8 ± 1.8 vs 44.4 ± 1.6 kg), those with higher lean mass had a higher glucose response during OGTT (AUCGlucose; P = .034). In contrast, 17 pairs matched for lean mass (48.7 ± 1.7 and 48.9 ± 1.6 kg) but discordant for fat mass (43.3 ± 2.6 vs 30.3 ± 8.9 kg) showed no differences in insulin resistance parameters. These novel findings indicate that lean mass relates directly to insulin resistance in PCOS.
Characterization of Silicon Nitride Films

Various "silicon nitride" films have been prepared from , N2, , and in an rf‐promoted glow discharge reaction. These films are described primarily through the use of infrared absorption. Aided by ultraviolet absorption, the inclusion of excess silicon or of oxygen in the films is readily followed. Changes in index of refraction, etch rates in HF acid, and electrical conductivity of the films are correlated with the optical absorption study. Comparisons of these films with those formed by pyrolysis or by reactive sputtering are made. Some reproducible physical properties of an amorphous film are stated.
Photoinduced Charge Separation of Methylphenothiazine in Vanadium- and Titanium-Containing AlPO-5 and AlPO-11

The photoinduced charge separation of methylphenothiazine in aluminophosphate type 5 and 11 (AlPO-5 and AlPO-11) containing Ti(TAPO-5, 11) and V(VAPO-5,11) is studied with near UV irradiation at room temperature. Methylphenothiazine cation radicals (PC1+) are produced in MAPO-5, 11(M = Ti4+ and V5+) molecular sieves, and characterized by electron spin resonance and diffuse reflectance UV−vis spectroscopy. MAPO-5,11 molecular sieves are shown to be effective heterogeneous hosts to accomplish long-lived photoinduced electron transfer of methylphenothiazine (PC1) molecules at room temperature. A series of MAPO-5,11 samples are synthesized that increase the PC1 photoionization efficiency in comparison with AlPO-5,11. The photoionization efficiency increases in the order AlPO-11< AlPO-5 < TAPO-11 < TAPO-5 < VAPO-11 < VAPO-5. It is found that the photochemistry in MAPO-5,11 molecular sieves depends on the type of transition metal ion and the AlPO pore size.
TAP: token-based adaptive power gating

We propose a low-overhead technique, Token-Based Adaptive Power Gating (TAP), to power gate an actively executing out-of-order core during memory accesses. TAP tracks every system memory request, providing a lower-bound estimate for the response time. TAP also tracks the state of every power-gateable core in the system, to provide minimal latency wake-up modes to cores such that voltage noise safety margins are not violated. A power-gating switch that utilizes TAP can deterministically power gate its core with energy savings up to 22.39% and no performance hit.
Effects of subanesthetic concentrations of nitrous oxide on cold-pressor pain in humans

PIREC, V., T. H. PATTERSON, P. THAPAR, J. L. APFELBAUM AND J. P. ZACNY. Effects of subanesthetic concentrations of nitrous oxide on cold-pressor pain in humans. PHARMACOL BIOCHEM BEHAV 51(2/3) 323-329, 1995. -Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) has analgesic properties as determined in both animal and human research. In the present study, we sought to determine whether N 2 O given in subanesthetic concentrations would reduce cold pressor (CP) -induced pain. A crossover, double-blind study was conducted in 10 healthy volunteers. Each subject participated in four separate sessions, and in each session the effects of one of four concentrations of N 2 O in oxygen (0, 20, 30, and 40%) were assessed. The duration of inhalation was 40 min, and within each session, subjects immersed their nondominant arm in water (2-3°C) twice for 3 min (at 10 and 30 min intrainhalation). Pain intensity, the degree to which the pain was bothersome (measured on a verbal scale of 0-10, 0 = not at all and 10 = extremely painful/bothersome), and pain quality [measured by the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ)] were assessed during the forearm immersion. Mood effects were measured with the use of visual analogue scales (VAS) in the presence and absence of pain. Self-reported pain intensity and bothersomeness, SF-MPQ ratings of sharp pain and throbbing pain, and VAS rating of unpleasant bodily sensations were significantly reduced by N 2 O (p < 0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner. Nitrous oxide had a number of effects on mood (e.g., increased VAS ratings of stimulated, high, coasting, carefree, and having pleasant bodily sensations). The cold-water immersion also influenced mood, but had little impact on modulating N 2 O effects. Results from our study indicate that the CP test is a sensitive assay to measure the analgesic properties of subanesthetic concentrations of N 2 O in humans.
Convergence of the Born series

Three types of Born series which can be associated with a transition amplitude are discussed, and the criteria for the convergence of the different series are compared. With regard to the divergence of the Born series, the ordering, matrix‐element series diverges implies vector series diverges implies operator series diverges, is obtained for the natural vector and operator Born series that can be abstracted from the expression for the transition amplitude. The conclusion that the divergence of the operator Born series does not ensure that the Born series of physical matrix‐elements divergences is applied to an example of three‐body rearrangement scattering.
Biological weapons as a strategic threat.

Paul Bracken, PhDa What are the implications of the proliferation of biological weapons and its effects on changing the world balance of power? This is a chilling subject. I don’t think biological weapons had much of an effect on the Cold War, even though there were many of them in the Soviet Union and, early on, in the United States as well. My first introduction to biological warfare—in which there are probably no experts, only specialists—was when I got a job out of college. I had to go up to a place—I don’t even know if it exists anymore—called Edgewood Arsenal, and I had to read something called the Mandrake Route War Game. They locked me in a vault, and I read the study. It was about a biological attack on western Europe, and it was absolutely nauseating and repulsive. When anyone is exposed to biological warfare, he/she has a beginner’s mind. Biological warfare is overwhelming in its depressing aspects. In 1973 I was doing a study for the US Army. At the Aberdeen Proving Ground, they actually had some of the chemical warfare suits that we captured in the 1973 Middle East war. These are chemical suits, not biological protection. We did some experimentation and found out that anyone who wore them for more than two hours would collapse from heat prostration. These were not very effective, and they leaked badly, not a good feature for protective suits. The point of these anecdotes is to suggest that for biological and even chemical weapons, although huge stockpiles were built during the Cold War, they did not have much effect on the balance of world power. Rather, these elements were not in any way, shape, or form integrated into the armed forces of either side. The Soviets produced a lot of anthrax and other biological weapons, but the average Soviet division was untrained in how to work with them and did not have good protective cover. Biological weapons were kind of an existential deterrent, and that’s how I think they were viewed. They were put in the background. This reinforced a strong belief in the policy community in the United States that chemical and biological weapons had a certain opprobrium attached to them, that they had such a stigma that decision makers would never want to use them. Actually, I think this was true in the past, but it’s a lot less true
Dimension measurements of hydrodynamic attractors in circulating fluidized beds

Abstract Experimental measurements of the correlation dimension, Kolmogorov entropy, and Lyapunov exponent of circulating fluidized bed (CFB) chaotic attractors were obtained by recording differential pressure and γ-ray porosity time series along the height of a cold experimental CFB operating with 75 μm diameter fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst. The attractor dimension did not vary with respect to the type of measurement taken. Both differential pressure and localized γ-ray densitometry measurements showed the existence of a low order hydrodynamic attractor, whose dimension varied between 1.5 and 2.0 over the range of gas velocities and solids fluxes studied. Differential pressure measurements indicated that the attractor dimension decreased slightly in the lower section of the CFB and at higher solids fluxes. Localized radial γ-ray bed porosity measurements indicate that the attractor dimension did not significantly vary across the bed cross-section but did show a tendency to be slightly lower near the riser wall.
On estimation of discriminant coefficients

Abstract Estimation of discriminant coefficients arises in linear discriminant analysis when the Fisher's linear discriminant function is viewed as the posterior log-odds. Accordingly, we treat the problem of estimating the discriminant coefficients under the quadratic loss. We obtain a class of improved estimators dominating the ‘unbiased’ estimator, considerably generalizing earlier work of Haff (1986).
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for obstructing pancreatic duct calculi

AbstractPurpose: A review was done to determine the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL† †Dornier Medical Systems, Inc., Marietta, Georgia.) in the treatment of impacted pancreatic duct calculi.Materials and Methods: A total of 19 patients, who were potential candidates for radical pancreatic surgery after unsuccessful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, sphincterotomy and attempted stone extraction from the pancreatic ducts, underwent ESWL of the calculi. Followup ranged from 6 months to 6 years.Results: Of the 19 patients 14 avoided a major operation and 6 have remained pain-free for the long term. Two patients died of causes not related to ESWL or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Five patients eventually underwent a Whipple or Puestow procedure for relief of symptoms or persistent obstruction. Complications were minimal.Conclusions: ESWL is a valuable adjunct in patients with impacted pancreatic duct calculi unretrievable by primary endoscopic retrogr...
Template based rotation: A method for functional connectivity analysis with a priori templates

Functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) is a powerful tool for understanding the network level organization of the brain in research settings and is increasingly being used to study large-scale neuronal network degeneration in clinical trial settings. Presently, a variety of techniques, including seed-based correlation analysis and group independent components analysis (with either dual regression or back projection) are commonly employed to compute functional connectivity metrics. In the present report, we introduce template based rotation,(1) a novel analytic approach optimized for use with a priori network parcellations, which may be particularly useful in clinical trial settings. Template based rotation was designed to leverage the stable spatial patterns of intrinsic connectivity derived from out-of-sample datasets by mapping data from novel sessions onto the previously defined a priori templates. We first demonstrate the feasibility of using previously defined a priori templates in connectivity analyses, and then compare the performance of template based rotation to seed based and dual regression methods by applying these analytic approaches to an fMRI dataset of normal young and elderly subjects. We observed that template based rotation and dual regression are approximately equivalent in detecting fcMRI differences between young and old subjects, demonstrating similar effect sizes for group differences and similar reliability metrics across 12 cortical networks. Both template based rotation and dual-regression demonstrated larger effect sizes and comparable reliabilities as compared to seed based correlation analysis, though all three methods yielded similar patterns of network differences. When performing inter-network and sub-network connectivity analyses, we observed that template based rotation offered greater flexibility, larger group differences, and more stable connectivity estimates as compared to dual regression and seed based analyses. This flexibility owes to the reduced spatial and temporal orthogonality constraints of template based rotation as compared to dual regression. These results suggest that template based rotation can provide a useful alternative to existing fcMRI analytic methods, particularly in clinical trial settings where predefined outcome measures and conserved network descriptions across groups are at a premium.
Dynamic Material Response of Aluminum Single Crystal Under Microscale Laser Shock Peening

The process of laser shock peening induces compressive residual stresses in a material to improve material fatigue life. For micron sized laser beams, the size of the laser-target interaction zone is of the same order of magnitude as the target material grains, and thus the target material must be considered as being anisotropic and inhomogeneous. Single crystals are chosen to study the effects of the anisotropic mechanical properties. It is also of interest to investigate the response of symmetric and asymmetric slip systems with respect to the shocked surface. In the present study, numerical and experimental aspects of laser shock peening on two different crystal surfaces (110) and (114) of aluminum single crystals are studied. Lattice rotations on the top surface and cross section are measured using electron backscatter diffraction, while residual stress is characterized using X-ray microdiffraction. A numerical model has been developed that takes into account anisotropy as well as inertial terms to predict the size and nature of the deformation and residual stresses. Obtained results were compared with the experimental finding for validation purpose.
Acoustic Doppler velocimeter-induced acoustic streaming and its implications for measurement

The acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) is widely used for the characterization of fluid flow. Secondary flows (“acoustic streaming”) generated by the ADV’s acoustic pulses may affect the accuracy of measurements in experiments with small velocities. We assessed the impact of acoustic streaming on flow measurement using particle image velocimetry. The probes of two different ADVs were successively mounted in a tank of quiescent water. The probes’ ultrasound emitters were aligned with a laser light sheet. Observed flow was primarily in the axial direction, accelerating from the ultrasound emitter and peaking within centimeters of the velocimeter sampling volume before dropping off. We measured the dependence of acoustic streaming velocity on ADV configuration, finding that different settings induce streaming ranging from negligible to more than 2.0 cm s−1. From these results, we describe cases where acoustic streaming affects velocity measurements and also cases where ADVs accurately measure their own acoustic streaming.
Cording following treatment for breast cancer

Treatment for breast cancer may result in the formation of palpable cords in the axillary region. Our aim was to evaluate cording incidence, risk factors, and association with upper extremity functional impairment and measured arm volume change. We included 308 patients with unilateral breast cancer prospectively screened for upper extremity lymphedema, symptoms and function. Patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively and at 3–8-month intervals with perometer arm measurements and the LEFT-BC questionnaire. Cording was determined by patient self-report. The cumulative incidence of cording and its association with clinicopathologic factors, upper extremity functional impairment, and measured arm volume change were analyzed. 31.5 % (97/308) of patients reported cording, with a cumulative incidence of 36.2 % at 24 months post-operative. Clinicopathologic factors significantly associated with cording by multivariate analysis included axillary lymph node dissection (p < 0.0001) and younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.0005). Cording was associated with increased functional impairment (p = 0.0018) and an arm volume increase of ≥5 % (p = 0.028). Cording following breast cancer treatment is common, and may occur beyond the post-operative period. Our findings emphasize the importance of identifying patients at high risk for cording, and developing strategies to minimize functional impairment and arm volume elevation associated with cording. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of interventions for cording following breast cancer treatment.
Performance of mixers at the Chasov Yar Refractories Combine

During the blending of bodies, containing a mixture of chamotte and clay ground in combination in tube mills, on mixers of four types used at the Chasov Yar Combine, the best pressed specimens were obtained when the bodies were worked on the centrifugal runnermills 115 M with normal rollers. Therefore, we do not recommend the removal from these mixers of factory-made rollers, although the mixers require improvement.
Reliability-based life cycle costing

Abstract Given the system life cycle and the number of hours the system is in operation in a year, a discounted life cycle cost of using the system during its life cycle is obtained under an uncertain system design parameter (its failure distribution).
An astroblastoma mimicking a cavernous malformation: case report.

OBJECTIVE: Astroblastomas are rare glial neoplasms that usually occur in young adults and have a predilection for the cerebral hemispheres. Patients typically present with signs of increased intracranial pressure and seizures Imaging studies reveal circumscribed, contrast-enhancing tumors that contain both cystic and solid components with variable perituirioralederna, Hemorrhage, which suggested the presence of a vascular lesion in this patient, has not been previously described as a feature of this neoplasm. CLINICAL PRESENTATION:The authors report the case of a 33-year-old woman who presented with spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage. The collective radiographic data suggested the presence of a cavernous malformation. INTERVENTION: A right frontotemporal craniotomy was performed under frameless stereotactic image guidance. An astroblastoma was diagnosed after resection and neuropathological examination. CONCLUSION: A rare radiological to pathological correlation of astroblastoma is presented in which the evolving hematoma, as observed onmagnetic resonance imaging scans, complicated the radiographic diagnosis of this lesion. The clinical, radiographic, and pathological features of astroblastoma, as well as the natural history of these rare glial neoplasms, are reviewed. This case illustrates the capacity of astroblastoma to hemorrhage, disguising the classic radiographic findings typical of this glial neoplasm.