cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contributions of 5'-UTR and 3'-UTR cis elements to Cyt1Aa synthesis in Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis.

Abstract The biopesticide used most effectively to control mosquito and blackfly vectors of human diseases worldwide is Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis. The high efficacy of this bacterium is due to synergistic interactions among four protein entomotoxins assembled individually into a single parasporal body (PB) during sporulation. Cyt1Aa, the primary synergist, is the most abundant toxin, comprising approximately 55% of the PB’s mass. The other proteins are Cry11Aa at ∼35%, and Cry4Aa and Cry4Ba, which together account for the remaining ∼10%. The molecular genetic basis for the comparatively large amount of Cyt1Aa synthesized is unknown. Here, in addition to the known strong BtI (σE) and BtII (σK) promoters, we demonstrate a third promoter (BtIII) that has high identity to the σE promoter of Bacillus subtilis, contributes to the large amount of Cyt1Aa synthesized. We also show that a cyt1Aa-BtIII construct was not functional in a σE-deficient strain of B. subtilis. Comparison of transcription levels and protein profiles for recombinant strains containing different combinations of BtI, BtII and BtIII, or each promoter alone, showed that BtIII is active throughout sporulation. We further demonstrate that a stable stem-loop in the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR, predicted ΔG = −27.6) contributes to the high level of Cyt1Aa synthesized.
Is Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 as Effective as Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis for Vertical Bone Regeneration?

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of alveolar distraction osteogenesis (ADO) versus recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rh-BMP-2) for vertical ridge augmentation. Few data have been published on vertical bone regeneration using rh-BMP-2. Materials and Methods The authors implemented a retrospective cohort study and enrolled a sample composed of patients with deficient alveolar vertical bone height. The primary predictor variable was vertical augmentation with BMP-2 and a titanium mesh or ADO. The primary outcome variable was gain in vertical bone height (millimeters) measured using computed tomography. The secondary outcome variable was postoperative complications, namely need for further grafting before or simultaneous with implant placement, soft tissue dehiscence, paresthesia, infection, implant failure, and pain. Other outcomes included implant stability at time of placement and follow-up (implant stability quotient by resonance frequency analysis), surgical time (minutes), and total treatment time until implant placement (weeks). Other study variables included location of reconstruction (maxilla or mandible). Appropriate bivariate statistics were computed and statistical significance was set a P value less than .05. Results The retrospective review yielded 21 patients in the BMP group and 19 in the ADO group. For the BMP-2 group, the average vertical bone gain was 2.96 ± 1.8 mm overall (maxilla, mean 3.6 ± 3.1 mm; mandible, mean 2.32 ± 1.8 mm). For the ADO group, this gain was 4 ± 1.69 mm overall (maxilla, mean 2.8 ± 1.94 mm; mandible, mean 5.2 ± 4.67 mm). For complications, group BMP showed a statistically minor tendency for more postoperative problems, such as wound dehiscence. For implant survival, group BMP showed a 92.2% survival rate versus 96.3% in group ADO at 3 to 45 months after delivery of the prosthesis (average, 22 months). Conclusion The 2 techniques showed similar values in absolute vertical bone gain. Group ADO showed a slightly better outcome in outright vertical regenerative potential, albeit with a more frequent need for regrafting before and simultaneous with implant placement. Group BMP showed a lesser need for regrafting, despite having a higher postoperative complication rate.
Reaction Kinetics Direct a Rational Synthesis of an HIV-1 Inactivator of Nucleocapsid Protein 7 and Provide Mechanistic Insight into Cellular Metabolism and Antiviral Activity.

Mercaptobenzamide thioester SAMT-247 is a non-toxic, mutation-resistant HIV-1 maturation inhibitor with a unique mechanism of antiviral activity. NMR spectroscopic analyses of model reactions that mimic the cellular environment answered fundamental questions about the antiviral mechanism and inspired a high-yielding (64 % overall), scalable (75 mmol), and cost-effective ($4 mmol-1 ) three-step synthesis that will enable additional preclinical evaluation.
Reservoir Fluid Characterization of the Weber Sandstone and Madison Limestone on the Rock Springs Uplift in Southwest Wyoming

Formation brine characterization provided the data for analytical permitting requirements, evaluating reservoir confinement, and reaction path modeling. The brines of the Weber Sandstone and Madison Limestone of the Rock Springs Uplift are sodium-chloride type with total dissolved solid concentrations in excess of 75,000 mg/L. Due to the high TDS the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality has classified these as Class VI groundwater.
HEMOGLOBIN WAYNE VARIANT INTERFERING WITH HEMOGLOBIN A1C MEASUREMENT

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the effect of hemoglobin Wayne variant on hemoglobin A1c (A1c) accuracy and to stress the importance of patient-physician communication and trust. Methods: We presen...
Overstuffing of Unstable Scaphoid Nonunions: A Radiographic Analysis of Carpal Parameters.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to radiographically evaluate scaphoid length and carpal parameters before and after reconstruction of nonunions with interposition vascularized medial femoral condyle (MFC) bone graft to determine if the scaphoid was overstuffed or if normal anatomy was restored and to determine the effect on ulnar carpal translocation when the volar radiocarpal ligaments were left unrepaired. Methods Thirty-nine patients with established scaphoid nonunions with carpal collapse were reconstructed by interposition vascularized MFC bone grafts without repair of the volar radiocarpal ligaments. Pre- and postoperative radiographs and computed tomography scans of the 39 patients were reviewed. The scaphoid length, capitate-ulnar distance ratio (CUDR), modified carpal height ratio (MCHR), radiolunate (RL) and scapholunate (SL) angles were measured before and 3 months after surgery. Thirteen of these patients had contralateral wrist radiographs that were used for analysis of scaphoid length restoration. Results No significant changes were observed for CUDR and MCHR before and after surgery. The length of the scaphoid significantly improved after reconstruction from 21.9 ± 3.3 to 23.7 ± 3.4 mm on posteroanterior x-ray views and from 24.0 ± 2.2 to 27.7 ± 2.8 mm on lateral views. The RL and SL angles also changed significantly after surgery from 19.5° ± 13.5° to 4.1° ± 16.9° and from 67.5° ± 12.5° to 56.0° ± 12.5°, respectively. Regarding the 13 patients with contralateral x-rays, no differences were seen on CUDR, MCHR, or scaphoid length on posteroanterior x-ray views. However, the scaphoid length on lateral x-ray views increased from 23.1 ± 2.40 to 27.6 ± 2.78 mm and was significantly longer than the contralateral side by 9.6%. The RL and SL angles were restored and comparable with the contralateral side. Conclusions The use of vascularized MFC bone graft increased scaphoid length by 9.6% and restored normal carpal alignment. Despite the increased scaphoid length compared with the contralateral side, the lack of repair of the volar radiocarpal ligaments did not cause ulnar carpal translocation in short-term follow-up. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
The Prevalence and Cost of Medicare Beneficiaries Diagnosed and At Risk for Opioid Abuse, Dependence, and Poisoning.

BACKGROUND: Reliance on prescription opioids to manage pain has been associated with increases in diversion, overdose, and addiction. Prevalence of misuse and abuse has been shown to be higher amon...
National practice patterns for lymph node irradiation in 197,000 men receiving external beam radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer

Abstract Purpose Controversy surrounds the benefit of pelvic lymph node irradiation (PLN-RT) in localized prostate cancer (CaP). Our objective was to determine the practice patterns and predictors of PLN-RT in a national cohort. Materials and methods The National Cancer Data Base (2005–2015) was leveraged to obtain men diagnosed with nonmetastatic CaP treated with external beam radiotherapy (n = 197,378). Multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess temporal trends and factors associated with PLN-RT. Results PLN-RT occurred in 37% of patients overall, which increased to 41% by 2015. When stratified by risk group, there was no significant difference in PLN-RT over time in low, favorable intermediate, unfavorable intermediate, or high-risk CaP. PLN-RT increased for men with very high-risk disease (51%–60%; odds ratio per year 1.34, 95% confidence inrerval 1.06–1.70, P = 0.013). Increased odds of PLN-RT was associated with higher risk disease, addition of hormone therapy, treatment at community hospitals, and shorter patient travel distance to treatment facilities. Surprisingly, 26% and 34% of low and favorable intermediate risk CaP received PLN-RT, respectively. Predictors of PLN-RT among these patients included treatment at a community practice and use of brachytherapy or hormone therapy. Conclusions PLN-RT occurred in about one-third of men receiving external beam radiotherapy and increased over time, mostly in men with very high-risk CaP for unclear reasons. Of concern, over one-quarter of low-risk men receive PLN-RT. Further work is needed to understand the heterogeneity in PLN-RT use. We await the completion of RTO G 09-24 to better understand the role of PLN-RT for men with localized CaP.
Busulfan/Melphalan/Fludarabine (Bu/Mel/Flu) Conditioning Versus Total Body Irradiation/Thiotepa/Cyclophosphamide (HFTBI/Thio/Cy) Based Conditioning in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Undergoing CD34-Selected T-Cell Depleted Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (alloSCT)

Introduction In patients with poor risk AML or MDS in first complete remission (CR1), alloSCT can be potentially curative. Comparison of the non-hematologic toxicities between total body irradiation (TBI)-based conditioning versus chemotherapy alone prior to CD34-selected alloSCT requires further validation. Objective The primary objective of this analysis is to review the incidence of grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicities at day 100 and 365. Methods Patients with AML or MDS in CR1 who underwent their first CD34-selected alloSCT were identified from our institutional database. Transplant outcomes and toxicity rates were assessed using cox proportional hazards regression. Toxicities were graded according to the NCI Common Technology Criteria for Adverse Effects v4.03. Baseline characteristics were assessed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Fisher's exact test, and the chi-squared test. The cumulative incidence method was used to control for competing risks. Results 221 patients underwent CD34-selected alloSCT from Jan 2010-Dec 2016. 48 (22%) received HFTBI/Thio/Cy and 173 (78%) Bu/Mel/Flu. A statistically significant difference was noted in age, disease state, and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) score as summarized in Table 1. The cumulative incidence of non-hematologic toxicities most frequently reported at 12mo were infections (87.8%, 95% CI: 82.6-91.5), oral/GI (72.4%, 95% CI: 66-77.8) and metabolic (69.2%, 95% CI: 62.7-74.9). Incidence of gr 3/4 cardiovascular (43.4% vs. 18.8%, P = 0.002) at 12mo were significantly higher in the Bu/Mel/Flu arm. Incidence of gr 3/4 oral/GI toxicities (93.8% vs. 66.5%, P Conclusion Amongst adults with AML or MDS undergoing CD34-selected alloSCT, chemotherapy-based and TBI-based conditioning regimens appear to be associated with similar toxicity profiles. Most differences observed in the incidence of toxicities between the 2 groups can be attributed to the known side effects of the individual conditioning agents, however, we cannot determine impact of age on the toxicities due to the significant difference in age distribution between the 2 groups.
Frequency Tunable Single-Photon Emission From a Single Atomic Defect in a Solid

We demonstrate generation of frequency tunable single-photon emission based on cavity-enhanced Raman emission from a single silicon-vacancy center in diamond. The demonstrated frequency tuning range (100 GHz) significantly exceeds the spectral inhomogeneity of the emitters. © 2019 The Author(s)
An umbrella review comparing computer-assisted and conventional total joint arthroplasty: quality assessment and summary of evidence

Background Systematic reviews (SRs) of computer-assisted (CA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) report conflicting evidence on its superiority over conventional surgery. Little is known about the quality of these SRs; variability in their methodological quality may be a contributing factor. We evaluated the methodological quality of all published SRs to date, summarized and examined the consistency of the evidence generated by these SRs. Methods We searched four databases through December 31, 2018. A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) was applied to assess the methodological quality. Evidence from included meta-analyses on functional, radiological and patient-safety outcomes was summarized. The corrected covered area was calculated to assess the overlap between SRs in including the primary studies. Results Based on AMSTAR 2, confidence was critically low in 39 of the 42 included SRs and low in 3 SRs. Low rating was mainly due to failure in developing a review protocol (90.5%); providing a list of excluded studies (81%); accounting for risk of bias when discussing the results (67%); using a comprehensive search strategy (50%); and investigating publication bias (50%). Despite inconsistency between SR findings comparing functional, radiological and patient safety outcomes for CA and conventional procedures, most TKA meta-analyses favored CA TKA, whereas most THA meta-analyses showed no difference. Moderate overlap was observed among TKA SRs and high overlap among THA SRs. Conclusions Despite conclusions of meta-analyses favoring CA arthroplasty, decision makers adopting this technology should be aware of the low confidence in the results of the included SRs. To improve confidence in future SRs, journals should consider using a methodological assessment tool to evaluate the SRs prior to making a publication decision.
Structural insights into conformational switching in latency-associated peptide between transforming growth factor β-1 bound and unbound states

Transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1) is a secreted signalling protein that directs many cellular processes and is an attractive target for the treatment of several diseases. The primary endogenous activity regulatory mechanism for TGFβ-1 is sequestration by its pro-peptide, latency-associated peptide (LAP), which sterically prohibits receptor binding by caging TGFβ-1. As such, recombinant LAP is promising as a protein-based therapeutic for modulating TGFβ-1 activity; however, the mechanism of binding is incompletely understood. Comparison of the crystal structure of unbound LAP (solved here to 3.5 A resolution) with that of the bound complex shows that LAP is in a more open and extended conformation when unbound to TGFβ-1. Analysis suggests a mechanism of binding TGFβ-1 through a large-scale conformational change that includes contraction of the inter-monomer interface and caging by the `straight-jacket' domain that may occur in partnership through a loop-to-helix transition in the core jelly-roll fold. This conformational change does not appear to include a repositioning of the integrin-binding motif as previously proposed. X-ray scattering-based modelling supports this mechanism and reveals possible orientations and ensembles in solution. Although native LAP is heavily glycosylated, solution scattering experiments show that the overall folding and flexibility of unbound LAP are not influenced by glycan modification. The combination of crystallography, solution scattering and biochemical experiments reported here provide insight into the mechanism of LAP sequestration of TGFβ-1 that is of fundamental importance for therapeutic development.
Dual Carbon Dioxide Capture to Achieve Highly Efficient Ultra-Low Blood Flow Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal

Extracorporeal CO2 removal is a highly promising support therapy for patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure but whose clinical implementation and patient benefit is hampered by high cost and highly specialized expertise required for safe use. Current approaches target removal of the gaseous CO2 dissolved in blood which limits their ease of clinical use as high blood flow rates are required to achieve physiologically significant CO2 clearance. Here, a novel hybrid approach in which a zero-bicarbonate dialysis is used to target removal of bicarbonate ion coupled to a gas exchange device to clear dissolved CO2, achieves highly efficiently total CO2 capture while maintaining systemic acid–base balance. In a porcine model of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure, a CO2-reduction of 61.4 ± 14.4 mL/min was achieved at a blood flow rate of 248 mL/min using pediatric-scale priming volumes. The dialyzer accounted for 81% of total CO2 capture with an efficiency of 33% with a minimal pH change across the entire circuit. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a novel hybrid CO2 capture approach capable of achieving physiologically significant CO2 removal at ultralow blood flow rates with low priming volumes while leveraging widely available dialysis platforms to enable clinical adoption.
Challenges and Opportunities in Scientific and Technological Support for Monitoring in the Non-proliferation Regime

This paper focuses largely on the challenges and opportunities for monitoring declared and undeclared facilities for other than peaceful uses. There are five technology areas for monitoring that will be addressed: (1) wide area environmental sampling, (2) open-source satellite imagery, (3) civil society reporting, (4) antineutrino detection, and (5) data fusion and automation to combine information from multiple sources.
"It was an unexpected bond": How an emerging participant-driven online social network may be enhancing an eLearning nutrition education & supplemental produce intervention.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this paper is to describe a participant-driven, online text message-based social support network that emerged from an eLearning nutrition education and supplemental produce ...
How Preservice Teachers Begin to Develop Equitable Visions for Teaching Multilingual Learners

Given the growing numbers of multilingual learners in public school classrooms and persistent nationwide shortages of ESL-endorsed teachers, it is essential that preservice teachers (PSTs) are prep...
Effects of Cabozantinib on Human G292 Osteosarcoma Cells

Cabozantinib (CBZ) N-(4-((6,7-dimethoxyquinolin-4-yl) oxy) phenyl)-N-(4-fluorophenyl) cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide) (XL184), an inhibitor of MET and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR-2), is an agent approved for the treatment of several types of carcinoma such as medullary thyroid and renal. Recent studies are encouraging for the effectiveness of CBZ in the treatment of osteosarcoma. Because of the complex nature of the microenvironment of osteosarcoma cell sites, in order to better understand the direct effects of CBZ on osteosarcoma cells, in vitro studies were conducted with the human osteosarcoma cell line, G292. Experiments were focused on the effects of CBZ on cell metabolic activity, differentiation, and apoptosis as well as the modulation of responses to growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and insulin like growth factor (IGF-I). The results indicate that CBZ can increase the activity of caspase 3/7 as an indicator of apoptosis as well as decrease cellular activity, measured by MTT assay and differentiation assessed by alkaline phosphatase activity. The drug partially downregulated the effects of PDGF on MTT activity and had significant inhibitory effects on the G292 cells response to IGF-I and production of VEGF. This study presents original information on responses of G292 human osteosarcoma cells to the chemotherapy agent, CBZ, and provides in vitro data consistent with the potential therapeutic effects of this agent for osteosarcoma.
Dynamic Heuristics for Surveillance Mission Scheduling with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Heterogeneous Environments

In this study, our focus is on the design of mission scheduling techniques capable of working in dynamic environments with unmanned aerial vehicles, to determine effective mission schedules in real time. The effectiveness of mission schedules for unmanned aerial vehicles is measured using a surveillance value metric, which incorporates information about the amount and usefulness of information obtained from surveilling targets. We design a set of dynamic heuristic techniques, which are compared and evaluated based on their ability to maximize surveillance value in a wide range of scenarios generated by a randomized model. We consider two comparison heuristics, three value-based heuristics, and a metaheuristic that intelligently switches between the best value-based heuristics. The novel metaheuristic is shown to find effective solutions that are the best on average as all other techniques that we evaluate in all scenarios that we consider.
Proceedings of the Second NASA Formal Methods Symposium

This publication contains the proceedings of the Second NASA Formal Methods Symposium sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and held in Washington D.C. April 13-15, 2010. Topics covered include: Decision Engines for Software Analysis using Satisfiability Modulo Theories Solvers; Verification and Validation of Flight-Critical Systems; Formal Methods at Intel -- An Overview; Automatic Review of Abstract State Machines by Meta Property Verification; Hardware-independent Proofs of Numerical Programs; Slice-based Formal Specification Measures -- Mapping Coupling and Cohesion Measures to Formal Z; How Formal Methods Impels Discovery: A Short History of an Air Traffic Management Project; A Machine-Checked Proof of A State-Space Construction Algorithm; Automated Assume-Guarantee Reasoning for Omega-Regular Systems and Specifications; Modeling Regular Replacement for String Constraint Solving; Using Integer Clocks to Verify the Timing-Sync Sensor Network Protocol; Can Regulatory Bodies Expect Efficient Help from Formal Methods?; Synthesis of Greedy Algorithms Using Dominance Relations; A New Method for Incremental Testing of Finite State Machines; Verification of Faulty Message Passing Systems with Continuous State Space in PVS; Phase Two Feasibility Study for Software Safety Requirements Analysis Using Model Checking; A Prototype Embedding of Bluespec System Verilog in the PVS Theorem Prover; SimCheck: An Expressive Type System for Simulink; Coverage Metrics for Requirements-Based Testing: Evaluation of Effectiveness; Software Model Checking of ARINC-653 Flight Code with MCP; Evaluation of a Guideline by Formal Modelling of Cruise Control System in Event-B; Formal Verification of Large Software Systems; Symbolic Computation of Strongly Connected Components Using Saturation; Towards the Formal Verification of a Distributed Real-Time Automotive System; Slicing AADL Specifications for Model Checking; Model Checking with Edge-valued Decision Diagrams; and Data-flow based Model Analysis.
Incorporation of regional information in optimal 3-D graph search with application for intraretinal layer segmentation of optical coherence tomography images

We present a method for the incorporation of regional image information in a 3-D graph-theoretic approach for optimal multiple surface segmentation. By transforming the multiple surface segmentation task into finding a minimum-cost closed set in a vertex-weighted graph, the optimal set of feasible surfaces with respect to an objective function can be found. In the past, this family of graph search applications only used objective functions which incorporated "on-surface" costs. Here, novel "in-region" costs are incorporated. Our new approach is applied to the segmentation of seven intraretinal layer surfaces of 24 3-D macular optical coherence tomography images from 12 subjects. Compared to an expert-defined independent standard, unsigned border positioning errors are comparable to the inter-observer variability (7.8 ± 5.0 µm and 8.1 ± 3.6 µm, respectively).
Future optical and infrared telescopes

New telescopes, new detectors and new regions of the electromagnetic spectrum have often revealed totally unsuspected aspects of the Universe. How can we maximize the chances of such serendipity in the future?
Wertorientierte Produkt- und Vertriebswegesteuerung

Versicherer befinden sich derzeit in einem turbulenten Marktumfeld; erhothe Produkt- und Preistransparenz, kurzere Produktlebenszyklen, verstarkte Konzentration von Wettbewerbern, gestiegene Kundenerwartungen, Veranderungen der demographischen Entwicklung sowie eine verscharfte Gesetzgebung stellen Versicherer vor immer neue Herausforderungen. In diesem Marktumfeld wird der effiziente Einsatz der knappen Ressource „Kapital“ zum kritischen Erfolgsfaktor (vgl. Nguyen 2008, S. 6). Zwar haben viele Versicherer bereits im Rahmen von Solvency II damit begonnen, wertorientierte Steuerungsgrosen in ihrer Unternehmenssteuerung zu berucksichtigen (vgl. Nguyen/Spath/Ahr/Hiendslmeier 2005, S. 1745), in den meisten Unternehmen sind Prozesse und intern definierte
Diversifying the options for interacting with patients

Shared medical appointments or group visits have proven to be a promising way of providing planned care to older and chronically ill patients with two powerful added attractions—patient peer support and improved practice efficiency
Decadal-scale soil redistribution along hillslopes in the Mojave Desert

Abstract. This study estimates the relative magnitude of decadal-scale soil redistribution (i.e., soil loss or gain) by slope wash using 137Cs inventories measured in 46 soil profiles at four study sites in the Ft. Irwin area of the Mojave Desert of California, USA. The variability in 137Cs inventories on a
Emergency Department Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) Incidence in the Era of Prevention Practices

Objectives The incidence of central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) attributed to central venous catheters (CVCs) inserted in the emergency department (ED) is not widely reported. The goal was to report the incidence of ED CLABSI. Secondary goals included determining the effect of a CVC bundle introduced by the hospital infection prevention department to decrease CLABSI during the surveillance period. Methods This was a prospective observational study over a 28-month period at an academic tertiary care center. A standardized electronic CVC procedure note identified CVC insertions in the ED. Abstractors reviewed inpatient records to determine ED CVC catheter-days. An infection prevention specialist identified CLABSIs originating in the ED using National Hospital Safety Network definitions from blood culture results collected up to 2 days after ED CVC removal. During the period of surveillance, a hospital-wide CVC insertion bundle was introduced to standardize insertion practices and prevent CLABSIs. Institutional CLABSI rates were determined by infection prevention from routine surveillance data. Results Over the 28-month study period, 98 emergency physicians inserted 994 CVCs in 940 patients. The ED CVCs remained in place for more than 2 days in 679 patients, and the median number of days an ED CVC remained in use during the hospital stay was 3 (interquartile range = 2 to 7 days). There were 4,504 ED catheter-days and nine CLABSIs attributed to ED CVCs. The ED CLABSI rate was 2.0/1,000 catheter-days (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0 to 3.8). The concurrent institutional intensive care unit (ICU) CLABSI rate was 2.3/1,000 catheter-days (95% CI = 1.9 to 2.7). The ED CLABSI rate prebundle was 3.0/1,000 catheter-days and postbundle was 0.5/1,000 catheter-days (p = 0.038). Conclusions The CLABSI rates in this academic medical center ED were in the range of those reported by the ICU. The effect of ED CLABSI prevention practices requires further research dedicated to surveying ED CLABSI rates.
Starting School: Welcoming Young Children and Families into Early School Experiences

Throughout the world, young children and their families anticipate the start of school with expectations and hopes, as well as concerns. Although the approaches and customs differ from one nation, region, or culture to another, one constant is the recognition that a collaborative effort is needed to welcome young children and their families into formal schooling experiences. The transition process should be proactive and responsive to the children’s needs. This article addresses four key components of appropriate support for young children who are starting school: (1) a consideration of the developmental characteristics of young children, (2) a recognition of factors that affect adjustment to new situations, (3) the establishment of relationships with families, and (4) the implementation of strategies that assist young children in making this important transition. Strategies for assisting children who are beginning their school careers are shared.
Bred-ensemble ocean forecast of loop current and rings

Abstract Ocean forecasting with a General Circulation Model (GCM) commonly begins from an initial analysis obtained by data assimilation. Instead of a single initial state, bred-ensemble forecast [BEnF; which is used for weather forecasting at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction] begins from an ensemble of initial states obtained by using the GCM to breed fast-growing modes into the analysis. Here we apply the technique to forecast the locations and strengths of the Loop Current and rings from July through September 2005. Model results are compared against satellite observations, surface drifter trajectories, and moored currents. It is found that BEnF gives closer agreements with observations than the conventional single forecast. The bred-vectors (perturbed minus unperturbed state-vectors) have growth rates ≈0.04–0.08 day−1 and spatial (cyclone–anticyclone) scales ≈200–300 km suggestive of baroclinic instability mode in the Loop Current and rings. As in atmospheric applications, initializations with these growing vectors contribute to the more accurate ensemble mean forecast.
Gold Nanorods for Ovarian Cancer Detection with Photoacoustic Imaging and Resection Guidance via Raman Imaging in Living Mice

Improved imaging approaches are needed for ovarian cancer screening, diagnosis, staging, and resection guidance. Here, we propose a combined photoacoustic (PA)/Raman approach using gold nanorods (GNRs) as a passively targeted molecular imaging agent. GNRs with three different aspect ratios were studied. Those with an aspect ratio of 3.5 were selected for their highest ex vivo and in vivo PA signal and used to image subcutaneous xenografts of the 2008, HEY, and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell lines in living mice. Maximum PA signal was observed within 3 h for all three lines tested and increased signal persisted for at least two days postadministration. There was a linear relationship (R2 = 0.95) between the PA signal and the concentration of injected molecular imaging agent with a calculated limit of detection of 0.40 nM GNRs in the 2008 cell line. The same molecular imaging agent could be used for clear visualization of the margin between tumor and normal tissue and tumor debulking via surface-enhanced Raman s...
Butterfly community ecology: the influences of habitat type, weather patterns, and dominant species in a temperate ecosystem

We compared variation in butterfly communities across 3 years at six different habitats in a temperate ecosystem near Boulder, Colorado, USA. These habitats were classified by the local Open Space consortium as Grasslands, Tallgrass, Foothills Grasslands, Foothills Riparian, Plains Riparian, and Montane Woodland. Rainfall and temperature varied considerably during these years. We surveyed butterflies using the Pollard-Yates method of invertebrate sampling and compared abundance, species richness, and diversity across habitats and years. Communities were most influenced by habitat, with all three quantitative measures varying significantly across habitats but only two measures showing variation across years. Among habitats, butterfly abundance was higher in Plains Riparian sites than in Montane Woodland or Grassland sites, though diversity was lowest in Plains Riparian areas. Butterfly species richness was higher in Foothills Riparian sites than it was in all but one other habitat (Tallgrass). Among years, butterfly abundance and species richness were lower during the year of least rainfall and highest temperatures, suggesting a substantial impact of the hot, dry conditions. Across habitats and years, butterfly abundance was consistently high at Plains Riparian and Foothills Riparian sites, and richness and diversity were consistently high in Foothills Riparian areas. These two habitats may be highly suitable for butterflies in this ecosystem, regardless of weather conditions. Generally low abundance and species richness in Montane Woodlands sites, particularly in 2002, suggested low suitability of the habitat to butterflies in this ecosystem, and this may be especially important during drought-like conditions. Finally, to examine the effect that the presence of the very abundant non-native species Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) has on these communities, we re-analyzed the data in the absence of this species. Excluding P. rapae dramatically reduced variation of both butterfly abundance and diversity across habitats, highlighting the importance of considering community membership in analyses like ours.
A Fully-Coupled Free and Adsorptive Phase Transport Model for Shale Gas Reservoirs Including Non-Darcy Flow Effects

Accurate modeling of gas through shale-gas reservoirs characterized by nano-meter pores where the effects of various non-Darcy flow regimes and the adsorbed-layer are important is presented and demonstrated by several examples. Quantification of gas transport may be accomplished using the transport equation that is valid for all flow regimes. This equation though needs further modification when transport is through a media where the gas is adsorbed onto the pore wall. In the presence of adsorption, there is a pore pressure dependent loss of porosity and cross-sectional area to free gas transport. The apparent gas permeability correction is accomplished for various flow regimes using the Knudsen number by consideration of the reduction of the cross-sectional area to free gas transport in the presence of adsorption. We show that transport in the adsorbed layer may contribute significantly in the total gas transport in these nanopores. An effective transport model is presented to account for the impact of adsorption through two mechanisms. First, we modify the transport equation to account for the pore-pressure dependent-reduction in the volume available to free gas transport; second, we model transport through the adsorbed layer using Fick’s law of diffusion. The coupled model is then compared to conventional transport models over a wide range of reservoir properties and conditions.
Exercise-induced hypertension in the arms due to impaired arterial reactivity after successful coarctation resection

Abstract Exercise-induced hypertension of the arms is a wellknown late complication after coarctation repair. Residual narrowing at the anastomosis site as well as abnormalities of the precoarctation arterial system may be the cause of this problem. Blood pressure response to exercise and flow-mediated arterial dilatation of the arms and legs were studied in 29 young adults after successful coarctectomy in childhood and compared with 13 control subjects. Peak exercise systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in patients than in control subjects: 238 versus 199 mm Hg (p = 0.007). Both groups had a positive systolic arm-leg gradient during exercise: 59 versus 37 mm Hg (p = 0.05). Flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was significantly reduced in patients compared with that in control subjects: 4.2% (range 0% to 9.4%) versus 9.4% (range 3.7% to 16%) (p
Developmental aspects of psychological defenses: their relation to self-complexity, self-perception, and symptomatology in adolescents.

This study investigated developmental aspects of psychological defenses in relation to self-complexity, self-perception, and symptomatology through a comparison of two groups of adolescents characterized by defense maturity level (i.e., immature versus mature defenses). The Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-78), the Self-Complexity Inventory (SCI), the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents, and the Youth Self Report behavior checklist (YSR) were completed by 79 high school students ranging in age from 15 to 18 years. Subjects were characterized as either employing predominantly mature or immature defensive strategies based on median splits of the two defense factors. Dependent variables included the Self-Complexity Inventory, The Youth Self Report and the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents. The mature defense group (N = 26) reported significantly higher self-complexity than the immature defense group (N = 26), supporting a developmental approach to defense mechanisms. In general, mature defense mechanisms seem to be more adaptive in late adolescence than immature defenses as indicated by higher global self-worth and fewer internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The findings lend support to the developmental approach to the self and highlight the importance of examining psychological indices of development independent of chronological age.
Conservative pressure groups and the supreme court

Starting with the late 1960's, for thirty years the U.S. Supreme Court was the darling of liberals. School desegregation, the vast expansion of defendants’ rights in cases like Mapp (1961) Miranda (1966) and Gideon (1963) the wide ranging defense of First Amendment rights in the Pentagon Papers (New York Times v. United States) (1971) and Flag Burning Cases (Texas v. Johnson) (1989), not to mention the Court's hostility to prayer in the schools—all these decisions gladdened the hearts of those on the left wing of the political spectrum.
HIGHER BORN APPROXIMATIONS FOR THE COULOMB SCATTERING OF A SPINLESS PARTICLE

The Coulomb scattering amplitude of a Klein-Gordon particle is computed exactly to the third order in $\ensuremath{\beta}=\frac{Z{e}^{2}}{\ensuremath{\hbar}v}$ by perturbation theory using the potential $\frac{\mathrm{Ze}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\lambda}r}}{r}$ in the limit $\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$. It contains only finite terms except for terms containing powers of $\mathrm{ln}(\frac{|\mathrm{Q}|}{\ensuremath{\lambda}})$ which can be shown to arise from the expansion of a common phase factor. Thus, first- and second-order corrections to the relativistic Rutherford cross section are obtained.
Sensitivity analysis of upper confidence bounds on the range of treatment effects

Abstract In this paper the influence of the sample size on the upper confidence bound on the range of a set of k location parameters, such as the k treatment effects in a one-way layout, is considered. This confidence bound, discussed in Bofinger et al. ( J. Amer. Statist Assoc. , 88 (1993) 423, 906–911), is useful to the experimenter in assessing the “equivalence” of the location parameters. The tables provided in this paper allow an experimenter to determine the sample size required to achieve a desired amount of sensitivity in an experiment.
Magnesium nanocrystal-polymer composites: A new platform for designer hydrogen storage materials

Metal hydrides, with their inherently high gravimetric and volumetric densities, present a compelling platform for hydrogen storage for mobile applications. However, several fundamental barriers have persistently impeded technological progress. This perspective provides an overview of the current hurdles plaguing metal hydride technology and the novel approaches recently adopted that may potentially surmount these challenges. In particular, nanocomposites, a homogenous matrix of two or more components synergistically integrated for enhanced material performance, is emerging as a new and promising class of material for hydrogen storage. This perspective highlights the potential of nanocomposites, specifically magnesium nanocomposites, for hydrogen storage. First, the existing challenges of metal hydrides are reviewed, followed by the progress achieved thus far by metal hydride size reduction to the nanoscale, and incorporation in a matrix material. Lastly, a novel nanocomposite synthesized by confining magnesium nanocrystals within a gas-selective polymer matrix is highlighted and the potential for improvement is discussed. This metal-polymer nanocomposite holds great promise as a general approach for future work on hydrogen-storage composites, as it simultaneously provides air-stability, high hydrogen storage density, and rapid hydrogenation kinetics.
Voltammetric analysis of europium at screen-printed electrodes modified with salicylamide self-assembled on mesoporous silica.

Mercury-free sensors for europium (Eu3+) assay based on the chemical modification of screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) with self-assembled salicylamide on mesoporous silica (Sal-SAMMS) have been developed. The preconcentration of Eu3+ at SAMMS-based sensors utilizes the binding affinity of the salicylamide and Eu3+, accomplished at open circuit potential without electrolyte and solution de-gassing. Optimal Eu detection was obtained after 3–5 min preconcentration in Eu solution (pH 2–6), electrolysis at −0.9 V for 60 s in a new medium (0.1–0.2 M NH4Cl, pH 3.5), followed by a square-wave voltammetric detection of Eu in the same electrolyte. Attributed to the strong covalent bonding of the functional groups on mesoporous silica and silane cross-linking, the SAMMS-modified SPCEs with a built-in 3-electrode system can be re-used for tens of measurements with minimal degradation, enabling the establishment of the calibration curve and lowering the costs. A linear calibration curve was found in the range of 75 to at least 500 ppb Eu3+ after 5 min preconcentration. The experimental detection limit was 10 ppb after 10 min preconcentration, which can be improved with increased preconcentration time. Reproducibility (% RSD) of 100 ppb Eu2+ was 10% for a single sensor and 10% for 5 sensors, which can be improved through the precision of sensor manufacturing, in which SAMMS modification can be made in-situ.
Synthesis and patterning of hydrogel-nanoparticle composites

We have developed a novel method for patterning nanoscale composite hydrogel materials on silicon through electron beam lithography. Gold particles were introduced into poly N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAam) patterned by e-beam lithography. By including BAC, the polymer can covalently bond to the colloidal gold nanoparticles. Such composites can be stable for long periods of time. We describe the structure, quality, and properties of the resulting patterned hydrogel-nanoparticle composite films.
An evaluation of the Connecticut Farmers' Market coupon program

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the Connecticut Farmers' Market Project. Hypotheses were that the distribution of Farmers' Market coupons would lead to increased use of farmers' markets and increased frequency of consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Four hundred eighty-nine WIC participants were surveyed: 411 from six WIC programs that provided Farmers' Market coupons (treatment group) and 78 from three programs that did not provide the coupons (control group). Data were collected through a pre-assessment interview and follow-up by telephone or mail. One hundred seventy-two treatment and 44 control group subjects completed the follow-up. Participants who received Farmers' Market coupons were significantly more likely to go to farmers' markets, but the use of coupons was not significantly associated with differences in the overall consumption of fresh produce. However, treatment subjects who spent their own money or food stamps in addition to coupons at the farmers' markets and/or went back to the farmers' markets after using their Farmers' Market coupons showed significantly greater increases in the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables than treatment subjects who did not do so.
Precision Alignment of a Large Beam Transport System

The beam criteria for the SLAC beam switchyard and the effect of these criteria upon alignment tolerances and placement of components in the switchyard are discussed. The methods developed in the shop and in the field for meeting the stringent alignment tolerances are also covered.
Uses and limitations of simulated patients in psychiatric education.

Objectives The use of standardized patients (SPs) is becoming prominent as a learning and evaluation tool in both undergraduate and graduate medical education. As increasing attempts are made to extend this tool to psychiatric training and education, it has been suggested that SPs can be useful not only to expose students to the variety of psychopathologic states, but also to teach and assess complex interpersonal processes such as empathic engagement and psychodynamic psychotherapy. The author argues that current enthusiasm for this modality should be tempered with caution about its limitations.
Semantic richness: The role of semantic features in processing spoken words

A lexical decision and two visual world paradigm experiments are reported that investigated the role of semantic representations in recognizing spoken words. Semantic richness (NOF: number of features) influenced lexical decision reaction times in that semantically rich words (high NOF) were processed faster than semantically impoverished words (low NOF). Processing in the VWP was faster for high NOF words but only when an onset competitor was present in the display (target BREAD, onset competitor BRICK). Adding background speech babble to the spoken stimuli resulted in an advantage for processing high NOF words with and without onset competitors in the display. The results suggest that semantic representations directly contribute to the recognition of spoken words and that sub-optimal listening conditions (e.g., background babble) enhance the role of semantics.