cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHANGES IN THE DISSOLVED NITROGEN POOL ACROSS LAND COVER GRADIENTS IN WISCONSIN STREAMS

Increases in anthropogenic nitrogen fixation have resulted in wide-scale enrichment of aquatic ecosystems. Existing biogeochemical theory suggests that N enrichment is associated with increasing concentrations of nitrate; however, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is often a major component of the total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) pool in streams and rivers, and its concentration can be significantly elevated in human-influenced basins. We examined N concentrations during summer base flow conditions in 324 Wisconsin streams to determine whether DON was a significant component of TDN and how its relative contribution changed across a gradient of increasing human (agriculture and urban) land use for 84 of these sites. Total dissolved nitrogen varied from 0.09 to 20.74 mg/L, and although DON was significantly higher in human-dominated basins relative to forested and mixed- cover basins, its concentration increased relatively slowly in response to increasing human land cover. This limited response reflected a replacement of wetland-derived DON in low-N streams by anthropogenic sources in human-dominated sites, such that net changes in DON were small across the land use gradient. Nitrate-N increased exponentially in response to greater human land cover, and NH4-N and NO2-N were present at low levels. Nitrite-N exceeded NH4-N at 20% of sites and reached a maximum concentration of 0.10 mg/L. This examination suggests that basic mechanisms driving N losses from old-growth forests subject to N saturation also shape the summertime N pool in Wisconsin streams, in addition to other processes dictated by landscape context. The overwhelming role of human land use in determining the relative and absolute composition of the summertime N pool included (1) rapid increases in NO3-N, (2) limited changes in DON, and (3) the unexpected occurrence of NO2-N. High (.3 mg/L) TDN conditions dominated by NO3-N, regardless of landscape context or forms of N inputs, indicate a state of ''N hypersaturation,'' which appears to be increasingly common in human-influenced streams and rivers. Many sites in agriculturally rich areas had NO2-N and NO3-N concentrations that, if sustained, are at chronically toxic levels for sensitive aquatic biota, suggesting that N enrichment now has local consequences for resident stream biota in addition to contributing to coastal eutrophication.
Models for chemical reactivity: Mapping of intermolecular potentials onto electron density surfaces

Visualization techniques have proven extremely valuable for understanding the dictates controlling asymmetric organic reactions. A series of chemical reactivity models has been developed, which provide a convenient connection between the structural and reactivity aspects important in chemical systems. Structural information is conveyed through the use of shading, while reactivity information, evaluated at points located upon the structural model, is displayed coincident with structure using the color dimension hue. The utility of the resulting four-information-dimensional image can be appreciated by the speed at which all the information presented is assimilated and interpreted by the viewer. While having been demonstrated to be useful in understanding the dictates of asymmetric organic reactivity, the visualization techniques discussed here should be applicable to the description of problems in molecular interactions and structure-activity relationships in general.
Treatment of vivax malaria with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and with pyrimethamine alone.

The effect of pyrimethamine and the combination of pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine (Fansidar) upon the termination of the acute attack of vivax malaria was studied in Thailand. Pyrimethamine was found to be ineffective, providing clearance of parasitaemia in only two of six patients by the end of seven days following treatment. The combination, administered in a two-tablet single dose (sulfadoxine 1 gm, pyrimethamine 50 mg) eliminated parasitaemia in only six of ten patients within seven days. Three tablets (sulfadoxine 1 . 5 gm, pyrimethamine 75 mg) given to 11 patients, provided clearance of parasitaemia in all within seven days; however, mean parasite and fever clearance times in this group were prolonged at 90 and 50 hours respectively. Chloroquine remains the drug of choice for the termination of the acute attack of vivax malaria. Subsequent primaquine is necessary for the prevention of relapse.
A new proof of partial regularity of solutions to Navier-Stokes equations

In this paper we give a new proof of the partial regularity of solutions to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation in dimension 3 first proved by Caffarelli, Kohn and Nirenberg. The proof relies on a method introduced by De Giorgi for elliptic equations.
Parallel algorithms for hierarchical clustering

Hierarchical clustering is common method used to determine clusters of similar data points in multi-dimensional spaces. $O(n^2)$ algorithms, where $n$ is the number of points to cluster, have long been known for this problem. This paper discusses parallel algorithms to perform hierarchical clustering using various distance metrics. I describe $O(n)$ time algorithms for clustering using the single link, average link, complete link, centroid, median, and minimum variance metrics on an $n$ node CRCW PRAM and $O(n \log n)$ algorithms for these metrics (except average link and complete link) on $\frac{n}{\log n}$ node butterfly networks or trees. Thus, optimal efficiency is achieved for a significant number of processors using these distance metrics. A general algorithm is given that can be used to perform clustering with the complete link and average link metrics on a butterfly. While this algorithm achieves optimal efficiency for the general class of metrics, it is not optimal for the specific cases of complete link and average link clustering.
Current problems in the weak interactions

Some reasons are discussed showing why the recent SU(2) x U(1) gauge theory of weak and electromagnetic interactions is not a complete theory of these interactions, Lepton theory, charm, and the CP problem are considered. 60 references. (JFP)
Transplantation of primary bovine adrenocortical cells into scid mice.

Bovine adrenocortical cells were transplanted into scid mice, using a small cylinder inserted beneath the kidney capsule. The tissue formed from primary bovine adrenocortical cells replaced the essential functions of the animals’ own adrenal glands, which were removed during the cell transplantation procedure. Most adrenalectomized animals bearing transplanted cells survived indefinitely, whereas adrenalectomized control animals died following surgery. Formation of well-vascularized tissue at the site of transplantation was associated with stable levels of cortisol in the blood, replacing the mouse glucocorticoid (corticosterone). Ultrastructurally, the cultured cells before transplantation had characteristics of rapidly growing cells, but tissue formed in vivo showed features associated with active steroidogenesis. We investigated two potentially critical aspects of the procedure: the provision of support for angiogenesis in the transplant by the inclusion of FGF-secreting 3T3 cells with the adrenocortical cells; and the administration of synthetic steroids as a temporary replacement for steroids lost by adrenalectomy. We found that FGF was required for the rapid formation of well-vascularized tissue, whereas steroid administration avoided some early mortality but was not absolutely required. In contrast to transplants formed from clonal cells, which did not usually secrete aldosterone, transplants formed from primary bovine adrenocortical cells, even though derived from the zona fasciculata, secreted aldosterone as well as cortisol.
Chemical analysis of norrisolide-induced Golgi vesiculation.

The chemical origin of the norrisolide-induced irreversible Golgi vesiculation was studied using a variety of norrisolide probes. This natural product was found to bind to a receptor on the Golgi membranes using the perhydroindane core fragment as the recognition element. The acetylated γ-lactol-γ-lactone side chain of norrisolide is essential for the irreversible Golgi vesiculation and can be replaced by other electrophilic motifs without loss of biological function. In particular, compound 10 reproduces the cellular phenotype of the natural product.
Relationships between the actin cytoskeleton and cell volume regulation.

The actin cytoskeleton mediates a variety of essential biological functions in cells, including division, shape changes, and movement. A number of studies have suggested that the abundant submembranous actin cytoskeleton present in the cortex of many cell types is involved in the regulation of cell volume. This relationship is supported by numerous works which document the changes in the structural organization of the actin cytoskeleton which accompany cell volume changes and the F-actin-dependence of the regulatory volume responses. In addition, other studies demonstrate structural and functional relationships between the actin cytoskeleton and the membrane transporters known to be involved in cell volume homeostasis. This review provides a summary of the current level of knowledge in this area and discusses the mechanisms which may underlie the linkage between the actin cytoskeleton and cell volume regulation. Microsc. Res. Tech. 47:155–162, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nanopatterning using NSOM probes integrated with high transmission nanoscale bowtie aperture

Nanoscale ridge aperture antennas have been shown to have high transmission efficiency and confined nanoscale radiation in the near field region compared with regularly-shaped apertures. The radiation enhancement is attributed to the fundamental electric-magnetic field propagating in the TE10 mode concentrated in the gap between the ridges. This paper reports experimental demonstration of field enhancement using such ridge antenna apertures in a bowtie shape for the manufacture of nanometer size structures using an NSOM (near field scanning optical microscopy) probe integrated with nanoscale bowtie aperture. Consistent lines with width of 59 nm and as small as 24 nm have be written on photoresist using such probes.
Divestiture and Its Implications for Innovation and Productivity Growth in U.S. Telecommunications

This study has sought to determine the impact of policy changes that led to the breakup of the monopoly structure of U.S. telecommunications on productivity and research activities of AT&T. A simultaneous-equations model is used to examine the relationship between research intensity, market share, firm size, and total factor productivity (TFP) before and after divestiture. The results show that the effect of divestiture on productivity is negative but that competition has a significantly positive effect. Contrary to popular argument, competition led to significant increases in R&D investment by AT&T. The study also finds a strong and positive relationship between R&D and productivity in the postdivestiture period, marked by its absence in the predivestiture years. Scale economies remain important, indicating the industry continues to favor large firms.
Nucleotide specificity of succinate thiokinases from bacteria.

Abstract The nucleotide specificity of succinate thiokinases, isolated from Escherichia coli , Aerobacter aerogenes , and Pseudomonas citronellolis , was determined and found to be nonspecific for adenine and 6-oxopurine nucleotides, guanine, and hypoxanthine. The enzyme from Herellae vaginicola was specific for the 6-oxopurine nucleotides. Succinate thiokinases from E. coli , A. aerogenes , and P. citronellolis also demonstrated purine nucleoside diphosphokinase activity (P-NDPK), which was 4, 9, and 40%, respectively, of the succinate thiokinase activity. P-NDPK activity was slightly stimulated by coenzyme A (CoA) and slightly inhibited by succinate; in the presence of both CoA and succinate, P-NDPK activity increased three-, three-, and sevenfold for the E. coli , A. aerogenes , and P. citronellolis enzymes, respectively. Isoelectric focusing demonstrated multiple forms of each enzyme, and the molecular weights of the A. aerogenes , P. citronellolis , and H. vaginicola enzymes were approximately 155,000.
Measuring Traction Forces in Long-Term Cell Cultures

This report describes an approach to extend indefinitely the duration of traction force measurements with cells cultured on soft polyacrylamide gels. Typical observation times in traction force measurements on similar substrates have been limited to 24–48 h, but cell differentiation or responses to external stimuli often occur over much longer periods of several days or weeks. This study describes a method for covalently linking fluorescent marker beads to a polyacrylamide matrix that renders the hydrogels useful for traction force measurements over several days. This approach was validated by comparing the contractility of C2C12 murine skeletal muscle cells prior to myotube formation, after one day in culture, with that of myotubes after 7 days in culture. Measured tractions increased concurrent with the differentiation of C2C12 cells to the contractile, myotube phenotype. Covalent bead linkage thus extends the useful period during which traction force data can be obtained with cells cultured on optically transparent polyacrylamide hydrogels with controlled elastic moduli.
Eubacterium cellulosolvens Alters its Membrane Protein, Lipoprotein, and Fatty Acid Composition in Response to Growth on Cellulose

Abstract The cellulolytic bacterium, Eubacterium cellulosolvens, altered its cytoplasmic membrane protein composition in response to growth on specific energy substrates. Electrophoresis profiles obtained from membrane protein fractions of cellulose-grown cells were different from that obtained from cells cultivated with other carbohydrates, such as cellobiose or glucose. In addition, [3H]palmitic acid labelling of cellulose-grown E. cellulosolvens revealed two lipoproteins that were not detected in glucose- or cellobiose-grown cultures. These lipoproteins partitioned with the membrane fraction, indicating their association with the cytoplasmic membrane. Proteinase K treatment of whole cells further suggested that these lipoproteins were exposed to the surface of the cell envelope. These membrane proteins and lipoproteins appear to be under some substrate-specific regulatory control with distinct, but as yet undetermined, roles in cellulose utilization. In addition, cellulose-grown E. cellulosolvens was found to posses a higher ratio of oleic acid (C18:1) to palmitic acid (C16:0) than cells cultivated on soluble carbohydrates. This change in the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids was consistent with a comparative increase of membrane fluidity. Further analysis of this shift in the fatty acid profile revealed a correlation with the appearance of protruberances on the cell surface. Such a shift of fatty acid composition may indicate that the assembly and function of proteins for cellulose utilization necessitates an increase of the membrane fluidity.
Risk factors for recurrent fever after the discontinuation of empiric antibiotic therapy for fever and neutropenia in pediatric patients with a malignancy or hematologic condition

Abstract We studied episodes of fever and neutropenia in children and adolescents without documented infections to determine the risk of recurrent fever after early discontinuation of empiric antibiotic therapy; 213 episodes occurred in 106 patients. All patients received empiric antibiotic therapy after cultures were obtained. Antibiotic therapy was discontinued if no infection was found, culture results were negative for 48 hours, and the patient was afebrile for 24 hours. In 83 episodes without documented infection, antibiotic therapy was stopped with absolute neutrophil counts 9 /L ( 3 ); 50 episodes occurred in patients with solid tumors, leukemia in remission, and other hematologic conditions (group 1), and 33 in patients with active leukemia (group 2). Fever recurred before neutropenia resolved in 6% of group 1 and 45% of group 2 episodes; five patients in group 2 had documented infection. Recurrent fever risk correlated with absolute neutrophil count and monocyte count at the time antibiotic therapy was stopped, in both groups, as did increasing absolute neutrophil count and increasing leukocyte count in group 2. We conclude that discontinuing antibiotic therapy is safe in febrile episodes without documented infections before neutropenia resolves in patients with high potential for bone marrow recovery. The risk of recurrent fever and infection is significant for patients with neutropenia and poor marrow recovery potential. (J P EDIATR 1994;124:703-8)
Surgical reconstruction of iliofemoral veins and the inferior vena cava for nonmalignant occlusive disease.

Abstract Purpose: Venous reconstructions are rarely performed, and factors affecting long-term results of bypass grafts implanted in the venous system are not well defined. In this report we updated our experience. Methods: The clinical data of all patients who underwent venous reconstruction for iliofemoral or inferior vena caval (IVC) occlusion due to nonmalignant disease between January 1985 and June 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified, and outcomes were compared according to the guidelines of the Joint Vascular Societies. Results: Forty-two patients, 23 males and 19 females (mean age, 40 years; range, 16-81), underwent 44 venous reconstructions. Thirty-six patients had limb swelling or venous claudication, 38 had pain, and 14 had healed or active ulcers. The cause of obstruction was congenital in two and acquired in 40 (deep vein thrombosis, 25; trauma, 5; retroperitoneal fibrosis, 4; IVC occlusion devices, 4; others, 2). Eighteen patients underwent saphenous vein crossover grafts (Palma procedure), 17 had expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts implanted (femorocaval, 8; iliocaval, 5; crossfemoral, 3; cavoatrial, 1), 6 patients had spiral vein grafts (5 iliac/femoral and 1 cavoatrial), and 1 underwent femoral vein patch angioplasty. Clinical follow-up averaged 3.5 years (median, 2.5), and graft follow-up with imaging studies averaged 2.6 years (median, 1.6). Seven patients were lost to follow-up. The secondary 3-year patency rate for all reconstructions was 62%. Palma procedures had a 4-year patency rate of 83%. The secondary patency rate of iliocaval and femorocaval ePTFE bypass grafts at 2 years was 54%. The secondary patency was lower in patients with an arteriovenous fistula ( P =.023). All ePTFE grafts had a 45% patency rate at 2 years, not significantly different from saphenous vein grafts (83%, P =.16). Clinical scores improved with graft patency (median, 0.0 vs 1.5; P =.044). Conclusions: Venous reconstructions for iliofemoral or IVC obstruction offer 3-year patency rates of 62%. The Palma procedure with autologous saphenous vein had the best long-term patency, whereas long-term success with ePTFE was moderate. The use of an arteriovenous fistula to improve graft patency remains controversial. (J Vasc Surg 2001;33:320-8.)
Fuzzy Data Mining Approach for Quantifying Signalized Intersection Level of Services Based on User Perceptions

This paper deals with how users perceive quality of service at signalized intersections and how many levels of service (LOS) drivers are able to perceive. A carefully designed laboratory experiment was conducted to create a user perception database of 100 subjects assessing 24 approaches in terms of stopped delay and rating of service. The data were subsequently processed to detect abnormal records and unusual subjects before any data mining tool was applied. The preprocessed data were then mined for hidden knowledge using a fuzzy c-means data clustering technique, which is unsupervised learning for discovering distinct clusters of user perceived delays and rating of services. The clustering results are presented and analyzed according to approach membership, delay membership, and rating membership of the clusters. The conclusion is that drivers are able to differentiate among six levels of service, but not the existing Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) ones. A set of new six levels of service are proposed, with the existing HCM LOSs A and B merged for a single level and the existing HCM LOS F split into two. The study demonstrates that fuzzy membership is appropriate to address subjective perception, and with the aid of fuzzy membership, each new level of service has its primary members of full degree and secondary members of varying degrees.
Reduced graphene oxide-linked stacked polymer forests for high energy-density supercapacitor

Hierarchical nanostructured materials consisting of stacked polymer nanowires forests interconnected by monolayer graphene sheets were fabricated through bottom-up nanofabrication. Driven by external voltage, aniline molecules and graphene oxide were alternatively assembled for hierarchical porous stacked nanostructures while graphene oxide was in-situ reduced to graphene during the assembly process. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope results indicated that monolayer graphene sheets served as the transition nodes for the neighboring nanowire arrays. As-produced hierarchical nanostructures were used as supercapacitor electrodes, and stack-dependent device properties were discovered. In the organic electrolyte, specific energy density was increased and power density was maintained as the stack of forests increased at each scan rate. The specific energy density of as-produced supercapacitors was as high as 137 Wh/Kg while the power density was 1980 W/Kg. Further analysis found that the distinctive energy-storage behavior originated from the electrode/electrolyte interactions and the dependence on the diffusion and charge transferring process. This work pointed out a simple pathway to tailor electrode architecture for supercapacitors with both high energy density and high power density.
Jordan forms of completions of partial upper triangular matrices

Abstract The possible Jordan forms of completions of a matrix prescribed in its upper triangular part are studied. It is shown that there always exists a nonderogatory completion for such a matrix. Jordan forms of nilpotent completions are considered as well.
Considering the Chalkless Classroom

Abstract This article shares some personal reflections on several years of integrating educational technology into mathematics courses while retaining the direct interaction strengths of the traditional classroom.
Variational approach to optimal dispersion compensation

The variational method is used to model output pulse widths in concatenated fiber links designed for dispersion compensation. The expressions for the output widths are given in analytical form with explicit dependence on the key parameters of initial width and chirp, the dispersion constant ofeach fiber section and the length of each section. In the ideal linear case, perfect compensation occurs when the sum ofthe dispersion-distance products of the two links is zero. However, in the presence ofnonlinearities a new relationship is found to govern many operating systems. Specifically, the dispersion-distance product ofthe second link should equal minus one-half the dispersion-distance product ofthe first link.
A universal trigonometric function generator

A synthesis principle applied to a monolithic circuit capable of generating trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant and cotangent, plus arctangent) will be Presented. Analog inputs represent angle and amplitude. Law conformance is as close as ∓ 0.02%.
An infrared photothermal beam deflection fourier transform spectrometer

Abstract A photothermal Fourier transform spectrometer built to accommodate a beam deflection detection system is described. The instrument, which can also function as conventional absorption FT spectrometer, and also a conventional FT photoacoustic spectrometer, covers the 3950−450 cm−1 range. With quantities of l mg of powdered organic or inorganic material, infrared spectra of high quality can be obtained in minutes. Sample cells are not needed, and sample preparation is not required. The surface of truly massive objects may be examined, and surface studies may be carried out under rigorously controlled conditions.
Beyond the Farmgate: Factors Related to Agricultural Performance in Two Dairy Communities1

This study compares the logic of agricultural production across two dairy farming communities in the Northeast using a measure of agricultural performance as the dependent variable. Both communities have similar farm structural and environmental characteristics, but significantly different levels of agricultural performance. Our analysis indicates that dairy farmers in both communities are following the same basic path toward the optimization of milk production, but achieving quite different results. A comparison of structural factors shows that the high-production community is in a more advantageous position than the low-production community in terms of opportunities for formal education, access to markets, and proximity to an urban center. Acknowledgment of structural differences across agricultural communities is crucial to the development of adequate sociological theory, agricultural policy, and extension programming.
Overview of the Epidemiology of Obesity and the Early History of Procedures to Remedy Morbid Obesity

Obesity may be defined by weight, body mass index (BMI) (calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared), and percentage of body fat, although no categorization is universally accepted. The cause is multifactorial, with genetic, environmental, socioeconomic, and behavioral or psychological influences.
Impact of Videotaped Instruction in Dialogic Reading Strategies: An Investigation of Caregiver Implementation Integrity.

Research during the past 15 years has repeatedly demonstrated the beneficial effects of dialogic reading (DR), a form of shared storybook reading, on the development of language in preschool children. Although much is known about the effects of DR on children, little attention has been paid to the role that adult caregivers play in the DR experience. Specifically, we do not yet have an understanding of the frequency and consistency with which caregivers use DR strategies in daily practice, prior to and following training. In the current study, the integrity with which six caregivers used DR strategies with their preschool-aged children subsequent to viewing a commercially available training videotape was investigated. Results indicate that caregivers can learn to use several DR strategies through videotaped training; however, supplemental training may be necessary to teach caregivers certain strategies if they are to use them with integrity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detoxification History and 2-Year Outcomes of Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Mutual-Help Group Participation

Little is known about detoxification (detox) history as a risk factor for poor treatment outcomes among dually diagnosed (substance use and other mental health disorders) patients. We compared pati...
The Pain Protective Haplotype: Introducing the Modern Genetic Test

Chronic pain is a major health problem, affecting 2%–46.5% of adult populations (1)(2). In the United States, common pain conditions account for approximately $61.2 billion in lost workplace time (3). The human sensation of pain is affected by an individual’s past experiences, health status, psychological state, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, pain-coping skills, age, sex, and even pending litigation (4)(5). Emotional variables profoundly influence the perception of painful stimuli (6). In addition, genetic contributions to the experience of pain have increasingly been recognized (7). However, the complexity of pain processing, the multiplicity of influences on it, and the sensation’s inherent subjectivity and protean manifestations make the elucidation of relevant heritable factors extremely challenging. Neuropathic pain is caused by injury to, or dysfunction of, the peripheral or central nervous system (8). It is particularly troublesome because of its prevalence, severity, chronicity, and resistance to therapy (9). Patients with conditions as diverse as diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, HIV, multiple sclerosis, postherpetic neuralgia, and spinal radiculopathies may suffer from chronic neuropathic pain. Radiculopathic pain is among the most frequently encountered neuropathic pain syndromes (8)(9). Sciatica associated with intervertebral disc herniation is the most common type of radicular leg pain in adult working populations (10). Although many patients with herniated discs have favorable outcomes with medical therapy, individuals who have ongoing or severe pain often undergo lumbar discectomy. Recently, Tegeder et al. (11) described a putative association between an apparently common haplotype (15.4% of alleles in the study population) of the GTP cyclohydrolase gene (dopa-responsive dystonia, GCH1 ) and lower degrees of persistent pain after back surgery. GTP cyclohydrolase is the rate-limiting enzyme in tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis. BH4 serves as an essential cofactor in the production of catecholamines, serotonin, and nitric oxide, as well as in phenylalanine metabolism. Inactivating mutations …
A new distributed real-time controller for robotics applications

A description is given of a dual-board real-time distributed control module based on the INMOS T414/T800 transputers. The CPU board provides fast external memory, support for the four 10-MHz serial transputer links including two fiber-optic links, and an I/O expansion connector. The board's backplane connector is pin-compatible with the INMOS ITEM development system. The plug-in I/O board provides a bidirectional latched 32-bit I/O bus with full handshaking support. Half of this board is allotted to a wire-wrap prototyping area allowing for customization to specific I/O needs. It is asserted that an easily configurable network built from this low-cost modular design should be able to tackle the most demanding real-time control applications, with respect to computation as well as I/O requirements. A description is given of two particular applications presently underway in the Yale Robotics Laboratory. >
Gross Anatomy of the Canine Portal Vein

The gross anatomy of the portal vein of 21 dogs was studied by venous portography, corrosion casting, and gross dissection. The portal vein in all specimens originated by confluence of the cranial and caudal mesenteric veins. Its large tributaries were the splenic and gastroduodenal veins, which entered the portal vein between its origin and the hepatic porta. At the hepatic porta, the portal vein divided into a short right branch and a larger left branch. The right branch ramified in the caudate process of the caudate lobe and in the right lateral lobe of the liver. The left branch was essentially the continuation of the portal vein from which successive branches passed to each of the remaining lobes of the liver and the papillary process of the caudate lobe.
Polycrystalline silicon-germanium films for integrated microsystems

Two approaches were demonstrated for fabricating microstructures after completion of CMOS circuits with aluminum metallization. The first approach employed n-type poly-Ge deposited at 400/spl deg/C as a structural material with an SiO/sub 2/ sacrificial layer and an HF release. The CMOS circuits were protected from the release etchant with an amorphous Si layer. Clamped-clamped lateral resonator test structures had quality factors in vacuum as high as /spl sim/30000. Following a 500/spl deg/C, 30 s RTA the poly-Ge stress was 200 MPa (tensile) and the resistivity was 5.3 m/spl Omega/-cm. In the second integration approach, p-type poly-Si/sub 0.35/Ge/sub 0.65/ deposited at 450/spl deg/C was the structural material with poly-Ge as the sacrificial material and H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ as the release etchant. The H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ did not significantly etch the p-type poly-SiGe structural layer and no protection of the underlying CMOS layers was needed. For the first time, the fabrication of LPCVD surface microstructures directly on top of standard electronics was demonstrated, providing dramatic reductions in both MEMS-CMOS interconnect parasitics and device area. A folded flexure lateral resonator had a quality factor in vacuum as high as /spl sim/15000. No stress or dopant-activation anneal was needed, since the in situ boron-doped poly-SiGe was found to have an as-deposited stress of only -10 MPa (compressive) and a resistivity of only 1.8 m/spl Omega/-cm.
Commensal bacteria drive endogenous transformation and tumour stem cell marker expression through a bystander effect

Objective Commensal bacteria and innate immunity play a major role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). We propose that selected commensals polarise colon macrophages to produce endogenous mutagens that initiate chromosomal instability (CIN), lead to expression of progenitor and tumour stem cell markers, and drive CRC through a bystander effect. Design Primary murine colon epithelial cells were repetitively exposed to Enterococcus faecalis -infected macrophages, or purified trans -4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE)—an endogenous mutagen and spindle poison produced by macrophages. CIN, gene expression, growth as allografts in immunodeficient mice were examined for clones and expression of markers confirmed using interleukin (IL) 10 knockout mice colonised by E. faecalis . Results Primary colon epithelial cells exposed to polarised macrophages or 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal developed CIN and were transformed after 10 weekly treatments. In immunodeficient mice, 8 of 25 transformed clones grew as poorly differentiated carcinomas with 3 tumours invading skin and/or muscle. All tumours stained for cytokeratins confirming their epithelial cell origin. Gene expression profiling of clones showed alterations in 3 to 7 cancer driver genes per clone. Clones also strongly expressed stem/progenitor cell markers Ly6A and Ly6E. Although not differentially expressed in clones, murine allografts positively stained for the tumour stem cell marker doublecortin-like kinase 1. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 and Ly6A/E were expressed by epithelial cells in colon biopsies for areas of inflamed and dysplastic tissue from E. faecalis -colonised IL-10 knockout mice. Conclusions These results validate a novel mechanism for CRC that involves endogenous CIN and cellular transformation arising through a microbiome-driven bystander effect.
Applications of group cohomology to the classification of quasicrystal symmetries

In 1962, Bienenstock and Ewald described the classification of crystalline space groups algebraically in the dual, or Fourier, space. After the discovery of quasicrystals in 1984, Mermin and collaborators recognized in this description the principle of macroscopic indistinguishability and developed techniques that have since been applied to quasicrystals, including also periodic and incommensurately modulated structures. This paper phrases these techniques in terms of group cohomology. A quasicrystal is defined, along with its space group, without requiring that it come from a quasicrystal in real (direct) space. A certain cohomology group classifies the space groups associated to a given point group and lattice, and the dual homology group gives all gauge invariants. This duality is exploited to prove several results that were previously known only in special cases, including the classification of space groups (plane groups) for lattices of arbitrary rank in two dimensions. Extinctions in x-ray diffraction patterns and degeneracy of electronic levels are interpreted as physical manifestations of non-zero homology classes.
Low complexity hybrid analog/digital phased array for ad-hoc networks

This paper investigates a hybrid analog/digital beam former (ADBF). Traditional analog beam formers (ABF) steer a single beam using a single transceiver, power splitter/combiner, and electronically controlled analog phase shifters. In contrast modern digital beam formed arrays (DBF) or ‘smart antennas’ use separate transceiver chains, A/D and D/A converters, and DSPs. This enables direct digital control of array weights to optimize criteria such as mean square error (MSE) or signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) in real time. DBF technologies are effective but are not suitable for every application due to their relative high cost and complexity. The technique proposed here is similar to ADBF approaches using a single transceiver and analog phase shifters, but phase shifters are digitally controlled to provide flexible multiple nulls and beams defined in real time.
Depression, antidepressant medications, and risk of Clostridium difficile infection

An ancillary finding in previous research has suggested that the use of antidepressant medications increases the risk of developing Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Our objective was to evaluate whether depression or the use of anti-depressants altered the risk of developing CDI, using two distinct datasets and study designs. In Study 1, we conducted a longitudinal investigation of a nationally representative sample of older Americans (n = 16,781), linking data from biennial interviews to physician and emergency department visits, stays in hospital and skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and other outpatient visits. In Study 2, we completed a clinical investigation of hospitalized adults who were tested for C. difficile (n = 4047), with cases testing positive and controls testing negative. Antidepressant medication use prior to testing was ascertained. The population-based rate of CDI in older Americans was 282.9/100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI)) 226.3 to 339.5) for individuals with depression and 197.1/100,000 person-years for those without depression (95% CI 168.0 to 226.1). The odds of CDI were 36% greater in persons with major depression (95% CI 1.06 to 1.74), 35% greater in individuals with depressive disorders (95% CI 1.05 to 1.73), 54% greater in those who were widowed (95% CI 1.21 to 1.95), and 25% lower in adults who did not live alone (95% CI 0.62 to 0.92). Self-reports of feeling sad or having emotional, nervous or psychiatric problems at baseline were also associated with the later development of CDI. Use of certain antidepressant medications during hospitalization was associated with altered risk of CDI. Adults with depression and who take specific anti-depressants seem to be more likely to develop CDI. Older adults who are widowed or who live alone are also at greater risk of CDI.
Cesarean delivery under ultrasound-guided spinal anesthesia, in a parturient with poliomyelitis and Harrington instumentation

Purpose: To describe the anesthetic implications, and management of a medically complex parturient, who presented for Cesarean delivery (CD). The patient had poliomyelitis complicated with severe kyphoscoliosis, which had been treated with extensive spinal surgery. We used ultrasound guidance to facilitate successful spinal analgesia and anesthesia. Clinical features: A 27-yr-old woman, with a history of poliomyelitis and moderate restrictive lung disease secondary to kyphoscoliosis, presented at 38 weeks gestation for elective CD because of cephalopelvic disproportion. The woman had Harrington rods in situ from the level of the second thoracic vertebra, to the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. Ultrasound guidance enabled one intervertebral space to be visualized (L5-S1), 3 cm from the expected spinal midline, and spinal anesthesia was performed at this interspace without any complications. A healthy infant was delivered, and the mother recovered uneventfully. Conclusions: Spinal anesthesia can be effectively performed in patients with poliomyelitis and severe kyphoscoliosis, that has been treated with extensive Harrington instrumentation. To facilitate regional techniques in such patients, bedside ultrasound may be greatly beneficial in identifying the correct spinal interspace.
The Milberg Weiss Prosecution: No Harm, No Foul?

For the last 30 years, Milberg Weiss was the dominant plaintiffs' securities class action firm. The Justice Department's decision to indict the firm and several of its most prominent partners for allegedly paying kickbacks to individuals willing to serve as representative plaintiffs in these actions has been controversial, in large part because both sides dispute whether these payments harmed absent class members. This paper analyzes this empirical question using a database of approximately 730 class action settlements and fee awards. The paper finds no statistically significant correlation between cases alleged in the indictment and class recoveries, but substantial differences in both fee requests and fee awards. Simple means comparisons show that: (1) average fee requests and awards in the indictment cases were significantly higher than those in the non-indictment cases; (2) Milberg Weiss' average fee requests and awards were significantly larger than those of other plaintiffs' law firms; and (3) within the subset of Milberg Weiss cases, the firm's average fee requests and awards were higher in the indictment cases than in other cases. Linear regression analysis shows the impact of the Indictment variable is not uniform across cases but instead varies with the size of the settlement. As settlements grew larger, the fee requests and awards in the indictment cases grew at a faster rate than those in the non-indictment cases. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that absent class members were harmed by the kickback scheme.
Justice for the Poor in the New Metropolis

Poverty, in the public imagination and the academic literature alike, has long fixated on the system of “urban containment” that trapped the minority poor in low-income urban neighborhoods. The face of poverty that became anchored in the American public mind was African American, urban, and nonworking. The increasing dispersion of poverty throughout the metropolitan area requires reconceptualizing the problem of metropolitan poverty. The paper provides a new typology of to frame the institutional context of metropolitan poverty.
BENCHMARKING OF “SINGLE CHECKER” PATIENT GROUP DIRECTIONS (PGDS) DURING INITIAL NURSE ASSESSMENT WITHIN PERUKI EDS

Objectives & Background New ways to optimise ED patient flow, without sacrificing quality of care, are at a premium.1 Doubt has been cast on the efficacy of double checking in all but high risk medications,2 and a study in Geelong, Australia, showed no difference in error rates between double-checked and single-checked medications.3 We aimed to benchmark single-checked PGD medications at triage within PERUKI EDs (Paediatric Emergency Research in the UK and Ireland). A PGD is a legal instruction that allows the supply/administration of a select group of licensed medicines by a select group of healthcare professions, approved beforehand by a doctor, to groups of patients who might not be identified individually prior to presentation. Methods Online survey distributed to the research representative at each PERUKI site. The survey was open for 5 weeks (March–April 2015) and was completed by any appropriate clinician within the site. Results The response rate was 84% (36 out of 43 EDs). From these, 22 out of 36 EDs (61%) were using single-checker PGDs. The commonest single-checker medications in use were paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain (Figure 1). 22% of EDs reported drug errors related to standard (double-checked) PGDs, while 14% of those with single-checked PGDs reported drug errors. The commonest errors reported were: duplicated dose, incorrect weight, incorrect volume drawn up, contraindication missed. Barriers to single-checked medications in the 11 EDs that did not use them included lack of training courses, lack of staffing in pharmacy for policy preparation and variation in practice from other paediatric areas. Conclusion Single checker PGDs are currently in use in nearly two thirds of PERUKI sites, with no evidence for increased medication errors with their use. Barriers to the introduction of this practice, together with solutions, have been shared amongst all PERUKI sites.
Stability of Supported Amine Adsorbents to SO2 and NOx in Postcombustion CO2 Capture. 1. Single-Component Adsorption

Flue gases from coal-fired power plants typically contain not only CO2 but other acid-gas impurities such as SOx and NOx that can dramatically influence the CO2 capture efficiency. Whereas postcombustion CO2 capture by aminosilica materials has been extensively studied over the past few years because of their high equilibrium CO2 capacities, the performance of these materials under realistic conditions (in the presence of SOx, NOx, and O2) remains relatively unexplored. In this study, the degree of irreversible binding of SO2, NO, and NO2 to four supported amine adsorbents is evaluated to assess the SO2, NO, and NO2 adsorption capacities of aminosilica sorbents and their effects on the CO2 adsorption capacities. Adsorbents constructed using poly(ethyleneimine) and three different silane coupling agents (based on propyltrimethoxysilane linkers) with primary, secondary, and tertiary amines are evaluated. Under the experimental conditions used in this investigation, it is found that primary amines with high ...
Extracting Airplane Performance for a Fatal Accident in the Absence of a Flight Data Recorder

On February 20, 2013, a Beechcraft 390 Premier 1A, registration N777VG, crashed after a go-around attempt from runway 10 at Thomson-McDuffie Regional Airport, Thomson, Georgia. The airplane struck a utility pole about 1/4 mile east of the departure end of the runway, separating the left wing from the fuselage. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and fire, the airline transport-rated pilot and copilot were seriously injured, and the five passengers were fatally injured. The accident airplane was not equipped with a flight data recorder. However, N777VG did have a cockpit voice recorder and an enhanced ground proximity warning system installed. This paper describes the airplane performance analysis that was performed by the NTSB using the limited data available to help establish the accident chain and to develop a probable cause.
A model-based ELM for atmospheric correction over Case 2 water with Landsat 8

The Landsat 8 satellite, recently launched (February 2013), carries the next generation of Landsat sensors and extends over 40 years of continuous imaging acquisition. Landsat 8, with its improved spectral coverage and radiometric resolution, has the potential to dramatically improve our ability to simultaneously retrieve the three primary Color Producing Agents (CPAs) (chlorophyll, colored dissolved organic matter, and suspended minerals) from water bodies and considering its 30-meter resolution should be especially useful for studying the nearshore environment. In the Case 2 water problem, accurate atmospheric correction is essential, yet remains a significant source of water-constituent retrieval error particularly since the sensor-reaching signal, due to water, is very small compared to the signal from atmospheric effects. Furthermore, the standard black target assumption commonly used for open ocean studies is not valid in turbid water due to the presence of water-leaving signal in the near infrared (NIR). In this work, a modified version of the traditional empirical line method (ELM) has been developed, which utilizes reectance from both an in-water radiative transfer model (Hydrolight) and a reectance product (Landsat surface reectance product) to atmospherically correct Landsat 8 images. This method employs pseudo-invariant feature (PIF) pixel extraction to mask urban landscape from the reectance product for the bright pixel determination. For the dark pixel, Hydrolight is used to obtain the field spectra that replaces ground-truth measurements normally used in the traditional ELM. The radiance values for the dark and bright pixels are extracted from the corresponding regions in the Landsat 8 image. Initial results of this method are compared to results obtained from a traditional ELM for validation.