cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applications of principal component analysis for energy reconstruction in position-sensitive semiconductor detectors

Abstract Semiconductor detectors with pixelated anodes offer a desirable combination of position sensitivity and energy resolution that are suitable for numerous applications in gamma-ray detection and imaging. Pixelization of electrodes also entails a non-uniform amplitude response as a function of gamma-ray interaction position. Energy calibrations as a function of interaction position improve energy resolution, but systematic errors in the energy reconstruction process persist and limit energy resolution at fixed electronic noise. Digitization of signals induced on collecting and adjacent electrodes offers rich information about gamma-ray interactions and their charge drift and collection as a function of time. Despite the abundance of signals for each interaction, human intuition and rule-based approaches fail to utilize the entire set of observed signals to mitigate the sources of systematic error. In order to maximize the utility of digitized signals and improve energy resolution, principal component analysis is applied towards digitized signals observed in semiconductor detectors with pixelated anodes. Principal components identified in the process form the basis for position-specific energy corrections. By leveraging this additional information encoded within digitized signals, energy resolution improves by factors between 10 and 15% with respect to full-width at half and tenth maximum values. The feature that accounts for the maximum amount of explained variance between interactions in any given pixel correlates strongly with the depth of interaction.
Effects of psychosensory stimulation on anal pressures: Effects of alfuzosin.

Background Our aim is to explain the lack of clarity in the ways in which anxiety and depression, which are common in defecatory disorders (DD), may contribute to the disorder. In this study, we evaluate the effects of mental stress and relaxation on anal pressures and the mechanisms thereof. Methods In 38 healthy women and 36 DD patients, rectoanal pressures were assessed at rest and during mental stressors (ie, word-color conflict [Stroop] and mental arithmetic tests) and mental relaxation, before and after randomization to placebo or the adrenergic α1 -antagonist alfuzosin. Key results During the baseline Stroop test, the anal pressure increased by 6 ± 13 mm Hg (mean ± SD, P = 0.004) in healthy women and 9 ± 10 mm Hg (P = 0.0001) in constipated women. During mental arithmetic, the anal pressure increased in healthy (4 ± 8 mm Hg, P = 0.002) and constipated women (5 ± 9 mm Hg, P = 0.004). After relaxation, anal pressure declined (P = 0.0004) by 3 ± 4 mm Hg in DD patients but not in controls. Alfuzosin reduced (P = 0.0001) anal resting pressure (by 31 ± 19 mm Hg) vs placebo (16 ± 18 mm Hg). However, during the postdrug Stroop test, anal pressure increased (P = 0.0001) in participants who received alfuzosin but not placebo. Conclusions & inferences In healthy controls and DD patients, mental stressors likely increased anal pressure by contracting the internal anal sphincter; relaxation reduced anal pressure in DD patients. Alfuzosin reduced anal resting pressure but did not block the Stroop-mediated contractile response, which suggests that this response is not entirely mediated by adrenergic α1 receptors.
Defining and Optimizing Value in Total Joint Arthroplasty From the Patient, Payer, and Provider Perspectives.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study is to define value in bundled total joint arthroplasty (TJA) from the differing perspectives of the patient, payer/employer, and hospital/provider. Methods Demographic, psychosocial, clinical, financial, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) data from 2017 to 2018 elective TJA cases at a multihospital academic health system were queried. Value was defined as improvement in PROs (preoperatively to 1 year postoperatively) for patients, improvement in PROs per $1000 of bundle cost for payers, and the normalized sum of improvement in PROs and hospital bundle margin for providers. Bivariate analysis was used to compare high value vs low value (>50th percentile vs Results A total of 280 patients had PRO data, of which 71 had Medicare claims data. Diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 0.45; P = .02) predicted low value for patients; female gender (OR, 0.25), hypertension (OR, 0.17), pulmonary disease (OR, 0.12), and skilled nursing facility discharge (OR, 0.17) for payers (P ≤ .03 for all); and pulmonary disease (OR, 0.16) and skilled nursing facility discharge (OR, 0.19) for providers (P ≤ .04 for all). Conclusion This is the first article to define value in TJA under a bundle payment model from multiple perspectives, providing a foundation for future studies analyzing value-based TJA.
Telepsychiatry for patients with movement disorders: a feasibility and patient satisfaction study.

Telemedicine is a convenient health service delivery modality for patients with movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), but is currently underutilized in the management of associated psychiatric symptoms. This study explored the feasibility of and patient satisfaction with telepsychiatry services at an academic movement disorders center. All patients seen by telepsychiatry between January and December 2017 at the UCSF Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation Center were invited to participate. Participation was voluntary. Patients received an initial survey after the first telepsychiatry visit and satisfaction surveys after each visit. Survey responses were collected online via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Frequencies were calculated for categorical variables, and means and standard deviations were generated for continuous variables. Thirty-three patients (79% with PD; 72% Medicare recipients; 64% men; mean age, 61.1 ± 10.5 years; mean distance to clinic, 79.9 ± 81.3 miles) completed a total of 119 telepsychiatry and 62 in-person visits. Twenty-two initial surveys and 50 satisfaction surveys (from 21 patients) were collected. Patients were very satisfied with the care (95%), convenience (100%), comfort (95%), and overall visit (95%). Technical quality was somewhat lower rated, with 76% patients reporting they were very satisfied, while 19% were satisfied. All patients would recommend telemedicine to friends or family members. Telepsychiatry is a feasible option for patients with movement disorders, leading to high patient satisfaction and improved access to care. Technical aspects still need optimization. Whenever available, telepsychiatry can be considered in addition to in-person visits. Future studies with larger samples should explore its impact on patient care outcomes and caregiver burden.
Assessing the Efficacy of a Product Containing Bacillus thuringiensis Applied to Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Foundation as a Control for Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Greater (Galleria mellonella L.) and lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella F.) larval feeding can cause significant damage in active honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies and stored equipment. This da...
Long-range spin dependent delocalization promoted by the pseudo Jahn-Teller effect.

Strong spin-dependent delocalization (double exchange) was previously demonstrated for the complexes, NN-Bridge-SQ-Coiii(py)2Cat-Bridge-NN (where NN = S = 12 nitronylnitroxide, Bridge = 1,4-phenylene and single bond, SQ = S = 12 orthobenzosemiquinone, Coiii = low-spin d6 cobalt 3+, and Cat = diamagnetic catecholate). The mixed-valent S = 12 SQ-Coiii-Cat triad results in ferromagnetic alignment of localized (pinned) NN spins which are ∼22 A apart (Bridge = Ph). Herein, we report similar ferromagnetic coupling of localized verdazyl (Vdz) radical spins. The origin of the magnetic exchange results from a second order vibronic effect (pseudo Jahn-Teller effect) in [Vdz-diox-Ru(py)2-diox-Vdz]0, which possesses a diamagnetic [diox-Ru-diox]0 triad by virtue of strong antiferromagnetic SQ-Ruiii exchange.
Sensory Nociceptive Neurons Contribute to Host Protection During Enteric Infection With Citrobacter rodentium

Background Neurons are an integral component of the immune system that functions to coordinate responses to bacterial pathogens. Sensory nociceptive neurons that can detect bacterial pathogens are found throughout the body with dense innervation of the intestinal tract. Methods In this study, we assessed the role of these nerves in the coordination of host defenses to Citrobacter rodentium. Selective ablation of nociceptive neurons significantly increased bacterial burden 10 days postinfection and delayed pathogen clearance. Results Because the sensory neuropeptide CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) regulates host responses during infection of the skin, lung, and small intestine, we assessed the role of CGRP receptor signaling during C rodentium infection. Although CGRP receptor blockade reduced certain proinflammatory gene expression, bacterial burden and Il-22 expression was unaffected. Conclusions Our data highlight that sensory nociceptive neurons exert a significant host protective role during C rodentium infection, independent of CGRP receptor signaling.
The Role of ASXL1/2 and Their Associated Proteins in Malignant Hematopoiesis

Advances in genomic and epigenetic research have uncovered a central role for aberrant epigenetic regulation in the pathogenesis of myeloid malignancies. In the current review, we summarize the roles of ASXL1/2 and their associated proteins in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. ASXL1/2 and their associated proteins, e.g., polycomb repressive complex 2 proteins, play key roles in regulating hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) functions. Genetic studies reveal that ASXL1/2 and their associated proteins play important roles for the establishment and maintenance of the cell fates of HSCs. Alterations of the genes coding ASXL1/2 and their associated proteins lead to the development of hematological malignancies. Epigenetic regulation is crucial for normal hematopoiesis. Alteration of multiple epigenetic modifiers contributes to myeloid malignancies. Understanding the molecular mechanisms is critical for further studying ASXL1/2 and their associated proteins in hematopoiesis and developing new therapeutic strategies to treat myeloid malignancies.
Data-Driven Load Diversity and Variability Modeling for Quasi-Static Time-Series Simulation on Distribution Feeders

This paper presents a data-driven load modeling methodology for distribution system quasi-static time-series (QSTS) simulation considering both diversity and variability characteristics of distribution loads. Based on our previous work in [1]–[2], a variability library and diversity library have been established based on the realistic high-resolution data collected from actual utility feeders. Given the load profile for the start-of-circuit load of a feeder, the loads on the feeder nodes can be modeled with both diversity and variability instead of being directly scaled from the substation load profile according to the distribution allocation factors. With diversified load models, the load-induced impact on the feeder operation characteristics, such as voltage ramp and regulator operations, can be better considered in QSTS simulation. The proposed modeling methodology has been tested on both the IEEE 123-bus feeder and an actual utility feeder model, and the simulation results have demonstrated the merits of deploying the proposed load modeling methodology.
Design and Usability of an Electronic Health Record-Integrated, Point-of-Care, Clinical Decision Support Tool for Modeling and Simulation of Antihemophilic Factors.

Background With the consequences of inadequate dosing ranging from increased bleeding risk to excessive drug costs and undesirable administration regimens, the antihemophilic factors are uniquely suited to dose individualization. However, existing options for individualization are limited and exist outside the flow of care. We developed clinical decision support (CDS) software that is integrated with our electronic health record (EHR) and designed to streamline the process for our hematology providers. Objectives The aim of this study is to develop and examine the usability of a CDS tool for antihemophilic factor dose individualization. Methods Our development strategy was based on the features associated with successful CDS tools and driven by a formal requirements analysis. The back-end code was based on algorithms developed for manual individualization and unit tested with 23,000 simulated patient profiles created from the range of patient-derived pharmacokinetic parameter estimates defined in children and adults. A 296-item heuristic checklist was used to guide design of the front-end user interface. Content experts and end-users were recruited to participate in traditional usability testing under an institutional review board approved protocol. Results CDS software was developed to systematically walk the point-of-care clinician through dose individualization after seamlessly importing the requisite patient data from the EHR. Classical and population pharmacokinetic approaches were incorporated with clearly displayed estimates of reliability and uncertainty. Users can perform simulations for prophylaxis and acute bleeds by providing two of four therapeutic targets. Testers were highly satisfied with our CDS and quickly became proficient with the tool. Conclusion With early and broad stakeholder engagement, we developed a CDS tool for hematology provider that affords seamless transition from patient assessment, to pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation, and subsequent dose selection.
Towards Growth for Spanish Heritage Programs in the United States: Key Markers of Success.

Spanish heritage language (SHL) programs are multiplying in the United States, but our understanding of what constitutes effective practices for administering such programs remains quite limited. The aim of this study is to identify successful SHL programs in postsecondary institutions nationwide and examine key characteristics that appear to be contributing to their success. A two‐part survey study was conducted for which 98 responses were received from 19 different states (80 for the first survey and 18 for the second). By means of a contrastive content analysis, results from 12 program participants (seven in the successful group and five in the unsuccessful group) where analyzed to determine key markers of success. The results pointed to four programmatic markers and four curricular markers. As Spanish or world languages departments undertake the task of building or redesigning their heritage courses, this study may help inform decisions on how to allocate resources and set priorities in order to enhance their chances of success.
The Growing Influence of Ransomware

Ransomware is a malicious cyber-attack in which a user's files are encrypted and rendered inaccessible until the attacker receives a ransomed amount in return for the decryption key. The advanced yet unsophisticated nature of the malware allows for the development of many types of ransomware; thwarting any type of long-term countermeasure from being effective. This allows both professional cyber-criminals and novice script kiddies to operate attacks with devastating potential. With the introduction of crypto-currencies most ransomware interactions can be untraceable. This paper is directed at an overview of ransomware, the stages of a typical ransomware attack, and defense mechanism against ransomware. Diving into recent attacks, using reverse engineering and methodologies to get a core idea of how all ransomware functions.
Inpatient Therapy With Calcineurin Inhibitors in Severe Ulcerative Colitis.

Background Inpatient management of severe ulcerative colitis is complicated by the use of prior immunosuppressant therapies. Our aim was to determine the rate of 1-year colectomy among individuals receiving inpatient calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based therapy stratified by prior biologic therapy. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed between January 1, 2013 and April 1, 2018. Only individuals requiring inpatient administration of intravenous cyclosporine or oral tacrolimus were included in the analysis. Individuals were stratified according to prior biologic therapy exposure. The primary outcome of interest was 1-year risk of colectomy. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated for time-to-event data, and regression models were performed to examine the effects of covariates on the clinical endpoint. Results Sixty-nine (62.3% male) patients were treated with an inpatient CNI-based therapy and were included in the analysis. Fifteen (21.7%) patients were biologic-naive, 42 (60.9%) patients had prior exposure to 1 class of biologic therapy, and 12 (17.4%) patients had prior exposure to 2 classes of biologic therapy (third-line CNI therapy). Third-line CNI therapy showed a greater risk of 1-year colectomy risk when compared with the risk for patients who were biologic-naive (hazard ratio, 3.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-13.45; P = 0.025). In a multivariate proportional hazards model, third-line CNI therapy remained significantly associated with 1-year colectomy risk (hazard ratio, 7.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.97-39.76; P = 0.003). Conclusions The use of CNI-based therapy in individuals exposed to multiple classes of prior biologic therapies leads to a significantly increased risk of 1-year colectomy. Future studies will be required to compare inpatient management strategies with the expanding novel therapies in UC.
Patterned Nickel Interlayers for Enhanced Silver Wetting, Spreading and Adhesion on Ceramic Substrates

The metal current collectors used in electronic, energy conversion, and energy storage devices often have difficulty wetting and adhering to ceramic substrates. Here, a novel Particle Interlayer Directed Wetting and Spreading (PIDWAS) technique is demonstrated that utilizes 1) the low wetting angle of silver on nickel and 2) the high work of adhesion between nickel and various ceramics to produce well-adhered, self-assembled silver patterns on ceramics not normally wet by silver. This is achieved by partially sintering nickel patterns and melt infiltrating either 1) locally-applied silver or 2) silver that simultaneously dewets the ceramic and laterally spreads through the porous nickel network. The resulting Ag-Ni patterns have higher sapphire adhesion strengths, higher densities, and similar electronic resistivities to those made using commercially-available silver circuit pastes. Further, these dense Ag-Ni patterns can be produced without the need for externally-applied pressure, making them desirable for circuit, sealing, die-attach, joining and other applications.
Cognitive achievement production in Madagascar: a value-added model approach

In this paper, we measure the contribution of an additional year of schooling on skills acquisition for a cohort of young adults in Madagascar. We estimate a value-added model of learning achieveme...
In women aged 40 to 48 y, annual mammography vs. usual care reduced breast cancer mortality at 10 but not 23 y

SOURCE CITATION Duffy SW, Vulkan D, Cuckle H, et al. Effect of mammographic screening from age 40 years on breast cancer mortality (UK Age trial): final results of a randomised, controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 2020;21:1165-72. 32800099.
An Invited Guest Column: E-mail and Collaborations

Somehow, an important chain of events went unnoticed by me, and probably by not just a few of my senior colleagues. While I was busy working on some research project, the existence of the Internet became a big deal.
Estimation of land-cover linkage to trends in hydrological variables of river basins in the Indian sub-continent using satellite observation and model outputs

Abstract The Indian subcontinent suffers from a decline in the per capita of water resources in the course of recent decades due to exponential population growth. In India, the majority of the population is reliant on agribusiness which is in turn primarily dependent on water from monsoons. Regions that get lower precipitation than needed experience water deficits which impact agriculture. However, investigation of linkages between the trends in water balance components and land-cover distribution has not been performed. In our work, we focus on the water balance for the major river basins in India utilizing the following satellite and model-based datasets: Terrestrial Water Storage Anomaly (TWSA) from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), Precipitation (P) from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), Evapotranspiration (ET) from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and Total Runoff (surface overflow and baseflow) (R) from the NASA Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS). We assessed the seasonal spatio-temporal changes in the water balance from 2002 to 2019 and observed that ‘Agriculture’ and ‘Urban’ are the two most disrupted land-cover types displaying a monotonic increasing/decreasing trend in the components of water balance. We also observed from the SVD (Singular Value Decomposition) analysis that the inherent spatial variability between P-ET-R and TWSA do not correlate well. We also found that North-Eastern India and regions in Southern India along the west coast show large negative trends of P (-15 to -20 mm) and R (-10 to -15 mm) in the monsoon season, indicating that these regions suffer from drier monsoon seasons over the study period (2002-2019). From the land-cover linkages, it was found that 74% of monotonic trends observed in several of river basins were linked to ‘Agricultural’ land cover type and 19% were linked to ‘Urban’ land cover type. These linkages suggest that agricultural lands are more vulnerable to changes in the components of the water balance.
The Potential Influence of Researchers’ “Hidden” Procedure Decisions on Estimates of Visitor Spending and Economic Impact

The potential influence of eight decisions made by researchers that are unlikely to be reported in economic impact analyses are identified and empirically tested. The data set was comprised of studies undertaken at nine state parks in Texas. Four of the decisions were categorized as being potentially relatively malignant in that they used obviously inappropriate procedures and were likely to substantially exaggerate expenditure estimates: using group weighting rather than individual weighting; omitting a measure of the extent to which visiting a park was the primary trip purpose; retaining outlier values; and aggregating different visitor segments. The four relatively benign decisions were: convenience or probability samples; managers’ or samples’ estimates of number of nonlocal visitors; treating nonresponses as missing data or as zero expenditures; and sector selection for assignment of government expenditures.
Expression: “Instant Coherence”

We have been asking ourselves, what makes works of art hang together? The artist, being an artist, must ask himself this question fairly constantly, since he does not act from instinct like the bee building a hive or the beaver a dam. Even if he denies any concern about coherence, the chances are very great that he has merely decided to abandon the use of unifying devices handed down from an earlier generation, such as the employment of recognizable figures in painting or sculpture, or tonality in music, and resorted to others. He will almost certainly be asking himself about unity and coherence if he undertakes to employ only “abstract” devices. Even if he trusts to aleatory techniques, to chance, the form or coherence question is certain to arise again. For he is very unlikely to accept every “poem-shaped” object that chance or a computer turns up: he will accept some things and delete others. Among the untold billions of things that chance may turn up may also be all the sentimental ditties or picture post-card paintings a serious artist may heartily despise. Choice and guidance are thus in any event a compelling necessity.
43 Evaluation of Combined Therapy |[lpar]|Steroids and Cyclophosphamide|[rpar]| in the Steroid Resistant |[lpar]|SR|[rpar]| and Steroid Dependent |[lpar]|SD|[rpar]| Nephrotic Syndrome

Over the past 5 years there has been a revival of interest in the combined use of steroids and immunosuppressive agents in the child with the idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) who is either SR or SD. The combined administration of steroids and cyclophdsphamide is usually effective in inducing an initial response in the majority. Little information is available on the cource of these patients after cyclophosphamide is discontinued.
Capabilities and Capability Development

Capabilities are sets of organized activities that are employed regularly and consistently by firms to marshal and apply their resources when faced with internal or external requirements for action. Capabilities are complex, organizationally embedded, path dependent, diffuse, and at least partially tacit firm-specific knowledge resources capable of supporting competitive advantage in the marketplace. Keywords: capabilities; knowledge resources; competitive advantage
The US General Accounting Office: Is freedom of audit access imperiled?

The General Accounting Office (GAO) has been Congress’ long‐serving auditor, issuing reports designed to improve the operations of government agencies and to enhance their cost effectiveness. In order to do this effectively, it must have unrestricted access to records. The GAO, in response to a request from two congressmen, sought access to records and names of attendees at an energy planning group meeting held in 2001. Access was denied by Vice President Cheney. The GAO then brought a suit to secure access. The suit was dismissed by District Circuit Judge Bates and the Comptroller General decided not to appeal. At this time the GAO's continuation as a super audit agency appeared highly uncertain, resulting in an emasculation of Congress’s powers.
omega -orbit finite automata for data compression

omega -orbit finite automata ( omega -OFA) are introduced to develop more efficient and powerful data compression techniques. Barnsley's iterated function systems (IFS) define an image as an attractor. Regulator set plotters (RSP) interpret a regular language as an image. These two techniques can be unified into one more powerful system. omega -OFA are more powerful than RSP and IFS in image generation and the efficiency of data compression for omega -OFA is equally good. The authors prove that the class of images defined by IFS and that defined by RSP partially overlap and the union of these is a proper subset of the class defined by omega -OFA. >
Insertion of Temporary Dialysis Catheters with the Aid of Real-time Ultrasound.

Central venous catheters are widely used for both temporary and long-term angioaccess for hemodialysis. Insertion of these catheters is commonly performed using anatomic landmarks to guide vessel cannulation. Using traditional landmark-techniques, internal jugular venous catheter insertion is successful 82-88% of the time, with successful first-attempt cannulation of only 35-38%. Variations in anatomic relationships between the vein and surrounding structures may contribute to difficulty in venous cannulation using these traditional techniques. Real-time ultrasound guidance permits direct visualization of the target vein during catheter placement and is associated with increased successful cannulation (78-83% on first pass; 97-100% overall), a decreased number of attempts and a decreased complication rate. For this reason, we believe that real-time ultrasound-guided catheter insertion is superior to the traditional anatomic-landmark techniques and is emerging as the new standard of care
Solutions of Einstein's field equation modified for the cosmological constant

In this paper, we derive the stellar structure equations (modified Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations) which account for a finite value of the cosmological constant Λ for spherically symmetric mass distributions. The equations are then used to study the role that Λ may have on these mass distributions. The form of this modified TOV equation has been suggested in the literature by a few authors already, however, with disagreeing results and conclusions. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bosonic and fermionic transport phenomena of ultracold atoms in one-dimensional optical lattices

Using the microcanonical picture of transport—a framework ideally suited to describe the dynamics of closed quantum systems such as ultracold atom experiments—we show that the exact dynamics of noninteracting fermions and bosons exhibits very different transport properties when the system is set out of equilibrium by removing the particles from half of the lattice. We find that fermions rapidly develop a finite quasisteady-state current reminiscent of electronic transport in nanoscale systems. This result is robust—it occurs with or without a harmonic confining potential and at zero or finite temperature. The zero-temperature bosonic current instead exhibits strong oscillatory behavior that decays into a steady-state of zero current only in the thermodynamic limit. These differences appear most strikingly in the different particle number fluctuations on half of the lattice as a consequence of the spin statistics. These predictions can be readily verified experimentally.
Spontaneous perforation of a non-aneurysmal visceral aorta

A 77 year-old woman with mild osteoarthritis and Sjogren's Syndrome presented to an outside hospital with mild abdominal and back pain. The initial computed tomography (CT) scan was essentially negative. The repeat CT scan after 1 week of medical therapy was suspicious for a contained rupture of the visceral aorta. She was emergently transferred to the University of Chicago. Emergent aortography confirmed the diagnosis and revealed wide patency of the visceral and renal arteries. Upon exploration, there was obvious rupture of the entire right posterior aortic wall at the level of the celiac axis with a large right retroperitoneal hematoma. Aorto-aortic bypass was performed. The visceral and renal vessels were revascularized using separate jump grafts to this 'parallel aorta'. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged after 12 days. Pathologic examination of the aortic wall was essentially negative. She is well on follow-up after 20 months. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of spontaneous contained rupture of the visceral aorta.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for decompression of the stomach and small bowel

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies are used most commonly for enteral feeding. We report the use of such gastrostomies for decompression of the obstructed gastrointestinal tract. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies were performed on 53 patients over a 2-year period for gastrointestinal decompression because of gastric or small bowel obstruction. Forty-six patients had malignant obstruction from a primary abdominal or metastatic carcinoma and 7 patients had non-malignant obstruction or stasis. Gastrostomy for decompression was successful in 41 of 46 (89%) cases of malignant obstruction and in all 7 of the non-malignant cases. Tube utilization for decompression averaged 60 +/- 91 days. A 28 F tube with a 4-inch perforated intragastric portion was fashioned to maximize drainage. This efficient decompression tube allowed oral intake of liquids and soft foods in 88% of patients. Complications, which occurred in 4%, included one case of fatal peritonitis and one case of cellulitis.
Decomposition of aspirin in the solid state in the presence of limited amounts of moisture

When limited amounts of moisture are added to aspirin in a closed system, the model for decomposition differs from that experienced in an open system, i.e., a system at constant relative humidity. The composition of the liquid decomposition layer on the surface of the aspirin crystals will constantly change, and a model for accounting for both the change in volume and composition of the decomposition layer as a function of time has been developed. Solid-state decomposition data, when plotted as a function of time, exhibit a profile similar to the one predicted, but the position of the decomposition curve observed differs from that of the predicted. The predicted curve indicates better stability than the observed data.
Cross-regulation of VPAC2 receptor internalization by m2 receptors via c-Src-mediated phosphorylation of GRK2.

The aim of the study was to examine the mechanisms by which ACh, acting via m2 receptors, regulates GRK2-mediated VPAC2 receptor desensitization in gastric smooth muscle cells. VIP induced VPAC2 receptor phosphorylation and internalization in freshly dispersed smooth muscle cells. Co-stimulation with acetylcholine (ACh), in the presence of m3 receptor antagonist, 4-DAMP, augmented VPAC2 receptor phosphorylation and internalization. The m2 receptor antagonist methoctramine or the c-Src inhibitor PP2 blocked the effect of ACh, suggesting that the augmentation was mediated by c-Src, derived from m2 receptor activation. ACh induced activation of c-Src and phosphorylation of GRK2 and the effects of ACh were blocked by methoctramine, PP2, or by uncoupling of m2 receptors from Gi3 with pertussis toxin. In conclusion, we identified a novel mechanism of cross-regulation of GRK2-mediated phosphorylation and internalization of Gs-coupled VPAC2 receptors by Gi-coupled m2 receptors via tyrosine phosphorylation of GRK2 and stimulation of GRK2 activity.
Regulation of cellular sterol flux and synthesis by human serum lipoproteins.

Abstract The effects of human serum and serum lipoproteins on cellular sterol flux and synthesis were measured in an L-cell mouse fibroblast tissue culture system. Since L cells synthesize desmosterol as their major sterol, endogenous cellular sterol (desmosterol) can easily be differentiated from exogenous serum lipoprotein sterol (cholesterol). Taking advantage of this unique property, influx, efflux and synthesis of sterol were measured. Therefore, following incubation with serum or serum lipoproteins, cellular incorporation of cholesterol was a measure of influx, and desmosterol released from the cells into the media was a measure of cellular efflux. The effect of sterol flux on cellular desmosterol synthesis was determined using the incorporation of [14C] acetate into sterol and measurement of net desmosterol synthesis. Time-course experiments demonstrated that after the addition of human serum, sterol flux was rapid, with influx and efflux approaching maximum values within 8 h, and cellular sterol synthesis was reduced by 50% within 24 h. Comparative determinations made at 4 and 24 h after the addition to the media of human high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or serum yielded the following results: (a) HDL at both sampling times promoted the greatest efflux of desmosterol from the cell; (b) influx of cholesterol was similar in the presence of both HDL and LDL; (c) in all instances an increase in cellular sterol occurred; (d) sterol synthesis was not related solely to cellular sterol content, and was most reduced in the presence of LDL.
The growth of the Widmanstätten pattern in metallic meteorites

Abstract The effects of pressure, temperature and time on the formation of the Widmanstatten pattern found in metallic meteorites have been established. A means of analysis, using the method of finite differences, was developed for the study of the diffusion-controlled growth of the Widmanstatten pattern. The growth analysis accounted for 1. (1) the change of D with Ni concentration; 2. (2) the change of D and the Fe-Ni phase diagram with pressure; 3. (3) the average meteorite composition; 4. (4) the radius of the parent body and the pressure within it; 5. (5) the degree of undercooling before precipitation took place; and 6. (6) the distance between precipitates. The individual effect of each of these factors was determined and displayed in the form of parametric curves. Two cooling models with low internal pressure and two with high internal pressure were examined for the formation of the Widmanstatten pattern. These models were used to determine the temperature—time relationship in the growth analysis. Excellent agreement between the measured and the calculated taenite composition gradients was found for the low-pressure (
Rational Functions with a Polynomial Iterate

Abstract Let φ(z)∈ C (z) be a rational function of degreeD≥2. A well known theorem in dynamical systems says that if some iterate φn(z)=φ∘φ∘···∘φ(z) is a polynomial, then already φ2(z) is a polynomial. More generally, this is true for φ(z)∈K(z) for any fieldKprovided that φ is separable (i.e., φ′(z)≠0). However, it need not be true for inseparable φ. In this note we give a complete description, in all characteristics and with no separability assumptions, of the rational functions which have a polynomial iterate.
Monolithic nonlinear pulse compressor on a silicon chip

Projected demands in information bandwidth have resulted in a paradigm shift from electrical to optical interconnects. Switches, modulators and wavelength converters have all been demonstrated on complementary metal-oxide semiconductor compatible platforms, and are important for all optical signal and information processing. Similarly, pulse compression is crucial for creating short pulses necessary for key applications in high-capacity communications, imaging and spectroscopy. In this study, we report the first demonstration of a chip-scale, nanophotonic pulse compressor on silicon, operating by nonlinear spectral broadening from self-phase modulation in a nanowire waveguide, followed by temporal compression with an integrated dispersive element. Using a low input peak power of 10 W, we achieve compression factors as high as 7 for 7 ps pulses. This compact and efficient device will enable ultrashort pulse sources to be integrated with systems level photonic circuits necessary for future optoelectronic networks.
Thin-film catalyst layers for polymer electrolyte fuel cell electrodes

New structures for the Pt/C catalyst layer of polymer electrolyte fuel cell electrodes have been developed that substantially increase the utilization efficiency of the catalyst. Fabricating the catalyst layers and gas diffusion backings separately makes it possible to formulate each structure with the properties that are most suitable for its function. In the case of the catalyst layer, the optimal properties are hydrophilicity, thinness, uniformity, and the proper ratio of ionomer and supported catalyst. The catalyst layers are cast from solution as thin films that utilize the ionomer itself as a binder. The thin films are hot pressed directly onto the ionomer membranes, and the hydrophobic gas diffusion backings are inserted when the cells are assembled. The performances of fuel cells based on the thin film catalyst layers are comparable with those of gas diffusion electrode designs that utilize several times as much platinum, thus the specific activities of the Pt catalysts in the new structures are significantly higher.
Use of artificial neural networks (computer analysis) in the diagnosis of microcalcifications on mammography.

Abstract Introduction/objective: the purpose of this study was to evaluate a computer based method for differentiating malignant from benign clustered microcalcifications, comparing it with the performance of three physicians. Methods and material: materials for the study are 240 suspicious microcalcifications on mammograms from 220 female patients who underwent breast biopsy, following hook wire localization under mammographic guidance. The histologic findings were malignant in 108 cases (45%) and benign in 132 cases (55%). Those clusters were analyzed by a computer program and eight features of the calcifications (density, number, area, brightness, diameter average, distance average, proximity average, perimeter compacity average) were quantitatively estimated by a specific artificial neural network. Human input was limited to initial identification of the calcifications. Three physicians–observers were also evaluated for the malignant or benign nature of the clustered microcalcifications. Results: the performance of the artificial network was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. ROC curves were also generated for the performance of each observer and for the three observers as a group. The ROC curves for the computer and for the physicians were compared and the results are:area under the curve (AUC) value for computer is 0.937, for physician-1 is 0.746, for physician-2 is 0.785, for physician-3 is 0.835 and for physicians as a group is 0.810. The results of the Student's t -test for paired data showed statistically significant difference between the artificial neural network and the physicians’ performance, independently and as a group. Discussion and conclusion: our study showed that computer analysis achieves statistically significantly better performance than that of physicians in the classification of malignant and benign calcifications. This method, after further evaluation and improvement, may help radiologists and breast surgeons in better predictive estimation of suspicious clustered microcalcifications and reduce the number of biopsies for non-palpable benign lesions.
Standards for multilateral and worldwide exchange of geothermal data

Standards for the exchange of machine-readable data are discussed at five levels covering (1) physical characteristics of the medium used in the exchange, (2) overall structure of the data file, (3) format of individual records, (4) types of information contained in a record, and (5) authority files for information definition. The standards are used by the National Geothermal information Resource for compilations of geothermal energy data.
Theoretical study on the effects of pressure-induced remodeling on geometry and mechanical non-homogeneity of conduit arteries

A structure-based mathematical model for the remodeling of arteries in response to sustained hypertension is proposed. The model is based on the concepts of volumetric growth and constitutive modeling of the arterial tissue within the framework of the constrained mixture theory. The major novel result of this study is that remodeling is associated with a local change in the mass fractions of the wall constituents that ultimately leads to mechanical non-homogeneity of the arterial wall. In the new homeostatic state that develops after a sustained increase in arterial pressure, the mass fraction of elastin decreases from the intimal side to the adventitial side of arteries, while the collagen fraction manifests an opposite trend. The results obtained are supported by some experimental observations reported in the literature.
Fracking and the Neoliberalization of the Hydro‐Social Cycle in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale

: Oil and gas firms are utilizing a controversial drilling technique, hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to access unconventional natural gas reserves in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale. The potential impacts of fracking are creating sharp tensions between stakeholders over the costs and benefits of drilling within their communities. In particular, much contention has emerged over water resources as the process both uses and degrades billions of gallons of water. This paper takes a critical look at the way multi-scale neoliberal discourses obfuscate comprehensive understandings of fracking's effect on water resources. We turn to the neoliberal environments literature as a way to situate the economic logic that normalizes the impacts of fracking on resources, particularly in the absence of an effective regulatory framework. We argue that neoliberal pro-fracking arguments are (re)defining the relationship among people, the environment, and institutions, which in turn normalizes the impacts on communities and the resources on which they depend.
THE COGNITIVE ROOTS OF CHIROPRACTIC THEORIES AND TECHNIQUES

The various chiropractic techniques, in addition to prescribing specific corrective procedures, usually come coniplete with a theoretical framework to explain the rationale behind the technique. Explicitly or implicitly, each of these techniques claims a unique relationship with the Although medicine has endocrinologists and pediatricians and neurosurgeons, all of whom practice in very different ways, they are treating different patient populations with a different set of problems. Even among these sub-specialties there is a great deal of overlap in the diagnostic and therapeutic techniques used. The chiropractic techniques are all intended to be used on the same set of patients: everyone.
Characterization of α2-macroglobulin receptor low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (α2MR/LRP) in White Carneau pigeon peritoneal macrophages: its role in lipoprotein metabolism

Abstract White Carneau pigeons develop atherosclerosis naturally, and at an accelerated rate with cholesterol feeding. Macrophages play a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in pigeons, as they do in man. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pigeon macrophages express the α2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (α2 MR/LRP) and whether this receptor would recognize β-VLDL, the major cholesterol-transporting lipoprotein in cholesterol-fed pigeons. The binding of 125I-methylamine-treated α2M (125I-α2M+) at 4°C was saturable (>10 nM), specific, Ca2+ dependent, was competed for by the receptor-associated protein (RAP), and had a Kd of binding of 1–5.6 nM, similar to mouse peritoneal macrophages studied simultaneously. At 37°C the bound 125I-α2M+ was rapidly internalized and degraded in lysosomes. The binding of α2M+ was not down-regulated with cholesterol loading, as is the LDL receptor on pigeon macrophages. At 4°C there was no competition for binding of 125I-α2M+ by either pigeon or rabbit β-VLDL, nor was binding of 125I-pigeon or rabbit β-VLDL competed for by α2M+. Stimulation of cholesterol esterification by rabbit or pigeon β-VLDL was unaffected by RAP, lactoferrin, or α2M+. Metabolism of 125I-pigeon or rabbit β-VLDL was not competed by RAP, lactoferrin, or α2M+ even in the presence of lipoprotein lipase. Pigeon macrophages, and a 500 kDa membrane protein isolated from them, were recognized by several antihuman α2MR/LRP monoclonal antibodies. The 500 kDa membrane protein also bound 45Ca. These data suggest considerable sequence homology with the human α2MR/LRP. This is the first study to characterize a functional α2MR/LRP on peritoneal macrophages from an avian species. There was no evidence, however, that the α2MR/LRP mediates uptake of β-VLDL by pigeon macrophages.
New apparatus and method for testing refractories under tension at high temperatures

An improved method and apparatus for high-temperature testing of refractories for tensile deformation has been developed and introduced. Some experimental data were obtained characterizing the behavior under tension of firebrick, magnesite, unfired magnesite-chromite and silica refractories at high temperatures. The apparatus can be used for testing refractories under tension both with constant load and increasing temperature and in isothermal conditions. The apparatus and method are recommended for the accumulation of experimental material on different types of refractories, and also for work on the development of goods subjected to tensile strains in service at high temperatures.
Electric current effects in wear phenomena at a rotating Cu-Ag interface

Abstract Two silver wire brushes were held in contact with a rotating copper slip ring in an ultrahigh vacuum system. After initial sputter cleaning of the copper slip ring, the vacuum system was backfilled with humidified CO2 to a pressure of 1 atm. A d.c. electric current was passed across the silver brushcopper slip ring-silver brush assembly and the resulting wear particles were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis. The slip ring surface was analyzed using Auger electron spectroscopy to determine the amount of silver transferred. Currents ranging from 0 to 50 A were used. In each case the numbers of pure copper, pure silver, copper-rich and silver-rich particles were recorded as a function of the current. The Auger signal from the slip ring and the concentrations of the elements in the wear debris were plotted versus the current to determine the role of current in the present Cu-Ag system.