cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Importance of US findings in access planning during jugular vein hemodialysis catheter placements

PURPOSE To evaluate the significance of internal jugular vein ultrasound (US) findings in long-term hemodialysis patients and to assess how frequently these findings lead to a change in access approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred consecutive hemodialysis catheter placements in 79 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Prior to catheter insertion, each patient underwent an US examination of the proposed access site by an interventional radiologist or interventional radiology fellow. The examinations were recorded on VHS tapes. The procedure notes, dictated radiology reports, and VHS tapes were reviewed for evidence of total occlusion, non-occlusive thrombus, presence of venous collaterals, stenosis, or variation in normal anatomy. The number of months that the patient required hemodialysis prior to catheter placement was also noted. RESULTS Significant US findings were present in 28 patients (35%). Findings included total occlusion (n = 18), non-occlusive thrombus (n = 11), stenosis (n = 5), and anatomic variation (n = 1). These required a change in access approach in 21 patients. Unexpectedly, 54% of the patients with US findings had been undergoing dialysis for 12 months or less. CONCLUSION These results underscore the importance of sonography in planning and performing vascular access procedures. A thorough US examination of the internal jugular veins is warranted prior to hemodialysis catheter placement, especially in patients with previous temporary or tunneled catheters. Three-quarters of patients with sonographic abnormalities required a change in access approach.
Upper bounds on the probability of error for M-ary orthogonal signaling in white Gaussian noise

The optimum detection of M orthogonal equiprobable equal-energy signals in additive white Gaussian noise is considered, and two upper bounds for the probability of error are derived. The behavior of these bounds is discussed and they are compared with previously known bounds for various values of signal-to-noise ratio and M. Some numerical results are presented. >
Measuring product market efficiency: A new methodology

This paper proposes a new methodology to measure product market efficiency. Our approach is based on the economic theory of product market equilibrium where consumers have incomplete information, and it allows quality to be multidimensional. We illustrate the methodology and compare it with other methodologies including the data envelopment analysis (DEA)-based procedure of Kamakura, Ratchford, and Agrawal (1988). The empirical results show that our model is robust to the precise distributional form of the disturbance term. In addition, our efficiency estimates are always equal to or lower than the DEA estimates of efficiency.
Indirect effects of elevated body mass index on memory performance through altered cerebral metabolite concentrations.

OBJECTIVE Elevated body mass index (BMI) at midlife is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline in later life. The goal of the current study was to assess mechanisms of early brain vulnerability by examining if higher BMI at midlife affects current cognitive performance through alterations in cerebral neurochemistry. METHODS Fifty-five participants, aged 40 to 60 years, underwent neuropsychological testing, health screen, and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy examining N-acetylaspartate, creatine (Cr), myo-inositol (mI), choline, and glutamate concentrations in occipitoparietal gray matter. Concentrations of N-acetylaspartate, choline, mI, and glutamate were calculated as a ratio over Cr and examined in relation to BMI using multivariate regression analyses. Structural equation modeling was used to determine if BMI had an indirect effect on cognition through cerebral metabolite levels. RESULTS Higher BMI was associated with elevations in mI/Cr (F(5,45) = 3.843, p = .006, β = 0.444, p = .002), independent of age, sex, fasting glucose levels, and systolic blood pressure. Moreover, a χ(2) difference test of the direct and indirect structural equation models revealed that BMI had an indirect effect on global cognitive performance (Δχ(2) = 19.939, df = 2, p < .001). Subsequent follow-up analyses revealed that this effect was specific to memory (Δχ(2) = 22.027, df = 2, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Higher BMI was associated with elevations in mI/Cr concentrations in the occipitoparietal gray matter and indirectly related to poorer memory performance through mI/Cr levels, potentially implicating plasma hypertonicity and neuroinflammation as mechanisms underlying obesity-related brain vulnerability.
Bootstrap Fit Testing, Confidence Intervals, and Standard Error Estimation in the Factor Analysis of Polychoric Correlation Matrices

Ordinary least squares estimation is considered for fitting a factor analysis model to polychoric correlation matrices. A parametric bootstrap procedure is proposed for obtaining test statistics, standard error estimates, and confidence intervals associated with the OLS estimates. The adequacy of the proposed procedure is demonstrated using a simulation study.
WO bacteriophage transcription in Wolbachia-infected Culex pipiens

Bacteriophages are commonly found in association with free-living bacteria, both as exogenic phages (virions) and as prophages integrated into the bacterial genome. In contrast, the observation of bacteriophages associated with obligate intracellular bacteria has been described infrequently. An exception is provided by Wolbachia endosymbionts, which harbor multiple phage elements that have been designated as WO phage. Wolbachia are maternally inherited bacteria that occur in the cytoplasm of many invertebrates, where they often manipulate host reproduction. Previously, the WO phage orf7 locus and ankyrin repeat-encoding genes have been observed to represent sources of genetic diversity between Wolbachia (wPip) strains infecting mosquitoes of the Culex pipiens complex and have been suggested as potential participants in the reproductive manipulations. We have characterized WO phage associated with multiple Wolbachia-infected Culex strains and an uninfected strain using electron microscopy and RT-PCR. For each strain, different developmental stages were examined for transcription of three WO phage orf7 genes. The results provide evidence for the presence of both actively transcribed virions and inactive prophages. Variable orf7 transcription patterns are observed in comparisons of differing Cx. pipiens strains. Variability includes both mosquito stage-specific and sexually dimorphic orf7 expression patterns. This report provides additional support for the hypothesis that bacteriophages play an important role in Wolbachia and host evolution.
Treatment of splenic artery aneurysm with use of a stent-graft.

The authors present a case of a 63-year-old woman with portal hypertension discovered incidentally to have a 2.5-cm splenic artery aneurysm. Mainly because of concern about rupture, the aneurysm was successfully excluded with use of a Wallgraft. This article will discuss the surgical and endovascular management of patients with splenic artery aneurysms.
The size of prometaphase chromosome segments Tables using percentages of haploid autosome length (750 band stage

Tables of prometaphase chromosome segment sizes (750 band stage) are presented in units of percentage of haploid autosome length designating the distances from interband borders to telomeres. The Tables utilize ISCN (1981) nomenclature.
In vitro immunogenicity of silicon-based micro- and nanostructured surfaces

The increasing use of micro- and nanostructured silicon-based devices for in vivo therapeutic or sensing applications highlights the importance of understanding the immunogenicity of these surfaces. Four silicon surfaces (nanoporous, microstructured, nanochanneled, and flat) were studied for their ability to provoke an immune response in human blood derived monocytes. The monocytes were incubated with the surfaces for 48 h and the immunogenicity was evaluated based on the viability, shape factors, and cytokine expression. Free radical oxygen formation was measured at 18 h to elicit a possible mechanism invoking immunogenicity. Although no cytokines were significantly different comparing the response of monocytes on the tissue culture polystyrene surfaces to those on the micropeaked surfaces, on average all cytokines were elevated on the micropeaked surface. The monocytes on the nanoporous surface also displayed an elevated cytokine response, overall, but not to the degree of those on the micropeaked surface. The nanochanneled surface response was similar to that of flat silicon. Overall, the immunogenicity and biocompatibility of flat, nanochanneled, and nanoporous silicon toward human monocytes are approximately equivalent to tissue culture polystyrene.
An exploratory survey of end-of-life attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of adolescents with HIV/AIDS and their families

Abstract Context For youths with life-limiting conditions, little is known regarding families' understanding of their adolescent's wishes for end-of-life (EOL) care. Objectives To examine congruence in HIV positive adolescents and their families' thoughts about death and dying. Methods The Lyon Advance Care Planning Survey-Adolescent and Surrogate versions were administered within a randomized controlled trial. Participants ( n =48) were medically stable adolescents aged 14–21 years with HIV/AIDS and their families. Congruence was measured by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for continuous variables and by kappa for ordinal or dichotomous responses. Results Adolescent participants were as follows: mean age 16.6 years (range 14–21); 37.5% males; 92% African American; 38% CD4 count P =0.721). Families' knowledge of teens' preferences for the timing of EOL conversations (early vs. late in course of illness) was poor (kappa=−0.1186). Adolescents (90%) wanted to talk about EOL issues before they entered the dying phase. Conclusion Although important areas of congruence emerged, equally important areas, such as the timing of these conversations and adolescents' EOL needs and wishes, are not known by their families. Families need help initiating conversations to assure that their adolescents' EOL wishes are known to them.
Secondary Bifurcation of the Evolution of a Rossby Wave Packet in Barotropic Flows on the Earth'sδ-Surface

Abstract Based on a simplified mathematical model (Yang), using the Rossby wave packet approximation and the WKB method, the bifurcation properties of the evolution of a single geostrophic synoptic disturbance system were further studied. This analytical investigation was in the presence of an asymmetric basic current and utilized general topography as the topography parameter changes, using bifurcation diagrams and the WKB phase space. The results showed that both the basic current and topography play very important roles in the bifurcation properties of geophysical flows. The results suggest that with the same type of topography, topological structure on one side of an asymmetric basic current will be different from that on the other side. On one side of an asymmetric basic current there exists only the primary bifurcation with three equilibrium states. However, on the other side of the asymmetric basic current, there are two distinct bifurcations. As the topography parameter reaches the first critical ...
Magnetic field enhanced plasma (MFEP) deposition of inner surfaces of tubes

Abstract This paper describes a newly developed technique, magnetic field enhanced plasma (MFEP) deposition, by which inner diameter of tubes or pipes can be deposited with various coatings. Deposition of hard coatings onto inner diameter (ID) of tubes with high aspect ratios is always a challenging task. The MFEP technique is a novel method of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). It utilizes a magnetic field to generate hollow cathode glow discharge inside a long tube and enhance the plasma production. By proper arrangement of the magnetic field and selection of precursors, hard coatings such as diamondlike carbon and silicon carbide can be deposited on to the ID of tubes. Using this method DLC and SiC films have been deposited on the inner walls of tubes with small diameters and high aspect ratios (0.9–2.5 cm in diameter, up to 71 cm long). In this paper, we will also discuss the design and the construction of the MFEP device, properties of the plasma and characteristics of the coatings obtained. Finally, we will present some practical applications.
Abraham Heschel and the Catholic Heart

This essay associates the deep abiding influence of Rabbi Heschel on Christians with his unique expression of an incarnational religious imagination, appealing to all Christians with a “Catholic heart.” In this view, the opposing worldview to dualism, life is experienced sacramentally, God is experienced immanently and religious symbols are experienced as deeply efficacious. The essay focuses especially on the incarnational trait of associating mystical experience and contemplative prayer with prophetic action and reveals how this link is nurtured and cultivated by Heschel and by his friend, Thomas Merton.
Effects of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) on arsenite-induced genotoxicity.

Arsenic, a human carcinogen, is genotoxic, although its mechanism(s) of action for tumorigenesis is not well understood. Among the toxicity-related properties of this chemical are its clastogenic and aneugenic activities, as well as its capacity for inducing stress-response in the form of elevated heat shock protein (HSP) expression. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of Hsp70 expression on arsenite (As)-induced structural and numerical chromosome anomalies in human cells. Human MCF-7 Tet-off cells stably transfected with a pTRE/Hsp70-1 transgene construct were used to regulate Hsp70 levels prior to in vitro As exposures. Separate cultures of relatively high vs. low Hsp70-expressing cells were established. A cytokinesis block micronucleus assay with kinetochore immunostaining was used to detect micronuclei (MN) derived from chromosome breakage (K−MN) or loss (K+MN). These studies demonstrated significant increases in micronucleus frequencies in response to As following either a long exposure (5 or 10 μM for 46 hr), or short exposure (10 or 40 μM for 8 hr) protocol. Overall, the long protocol was more efficient in producing K+MN and cells with multiple MN. Overexpressing Hsp70 resulted in significant reductions in the percent of cells positive for MN for both the long and short As exposure protocols. Both K+ and K− types of As-induced MN were lower in cells with elevated Hsp70 as compared to cells without overexpression of Hsp70. We conclude that the dose and duration of As exposure influence the type as well as amount of chromosomal alteration produced and that inducible Hsp70 protects against both the clastogenic and aneugenic effects of this chemical. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 40:236–242, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fan-beam and cone-beam image reconstruction via filtering the backprojection image of differentiated projection data.

In this paper, a new image reconstruction scheme is presented based on Tuy's cone-beam inversion scheme and its fan-beam counterpart. It is demonstrated that Tuy's inversion scheme may be used to derive a new framework for fan-beam and cone-beam image reconstruction. In this new framework, images are reconstructed via filtering the backprojection image of differentiated projection data. The new framework is mathematically exact and is applicable to a general source trajectory provided the Tuy data sufficiency condition is satisfied. By choosing a piece-wise constant function for one of the components in the factorized weighting function, the filtering kernel is one dimensional, viz. the filtering process is along a straight line. Thus, the derived image reconstruction algorithm is mathematically exact and efficient. In the cone-beam case, the derived reconstruction algorithm is applicable to a large class of source trajectories where the pi-lines or the generalized pi-lines exist. In addition, the new reconstruction scheme survives the super-short scan mode in both the fan-beam and cone-beam cases provided the data are not transversely truncated. Numerical simulations were conducted to validate the new reconstruction scheme for the fan-beam case.
Gastrocolocutaneous Fistula as a complication of peg tube placement

A gastrocolocutaneous fistula after placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is a rare complication. This fistula is defined as an epithelial connection between the mucosa of the stomach, colon, and skin. We present an interesting case in which a PEG tube was placed inadvertently through the colon. During a subsequent fever workup, an abdominal computed tomography scan suggested that the feeding tube had traversed the colon. Gastrograffin enema and colonoscopy confirmed the location of the misplaced feeding tube. We review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, errors in procedural technique, and treatment of gastrocolocutaneous fistulas.
Developing fluency through restructuring the task of guided oral reading

(1991). Developing fluency through restructuring the task of guided oral reading. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 30, Fluency in Oral Reading, pp. 185-194.
Targeted cancer nanotherapy

Significant progress has been made in the development of new agents against cancer and new delivery technologies. Proteomics and genomics continue to uncover molecular signatures that are unique to cancer. Yet, the major challenge remains in targeting and selectively killing cancer cells while affecting as few healthy cells as possible. Nanometer-sized particles have novel optical, electronic, and structural properties that are not available from either individual molecules or bulk solids. When linked with tumor-targeting moieties, such as tumor-specific ligands or monoclonal antibodies, these nanoparticles can be used to target cancer-specific receptors, tumor antigens (biomarkers), and tumor vasculatures with high affinity and precision.
The Changing of the Guard: Past, Present, and Future Directions for the Journal of Personality Assessment

You are not here merely to make a living. You are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world...
The 1999 Fresno Particulate Matter Exposure Studies: Comparison of Community, Outdoor, and Residential PM Mass Measurements

Two collaborative studies have been conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) and National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory to determine personal exposures and physiological responses to particulate matter (PM) of elderly persons living in a retirement facility in Fresno, CA. Measurements of PM and other criteria air pollutants were made inside selected individual residences within the retirement facility and at a central outdoor site on the premises. In addition, personal PM exposure monitoring was conducted for a subset of the participants, and ambient PM monitoring data were available for comparison from the NERL PM research monitoring platform in central Fresno. Both a winter (February 1-28, 1999) and a spring (April 19-May 16, 1999) study were completed so that seasonal effects could be evaluated. During the spring study, a more robust personal exposure component was added, as well as a more detailed evaluation of physical factors, such as air-exchange rate, that are known to influence the penetration of particles into the indoor environment. In this paper, comparisons are made among measured personal PM exposures and PM mass concentrations measured at the NERL Fresno Platform site, outside on the premises of the retirement facility, and inside selected residential apartments at the facility during the two 28-day study periods. The arithmetic daily mean personal PM2.5 exposure during the winter study period was 13.3 micrograms/m3, compared with 9.7, 20.5, and 21.7 micrograms/m3 for daily mean overall apartment, outdoor, and ambient (i.e., platform) concentrations, respectively. The daily mean personal PM2.5 exposure during the spring study period was 11.1 micrograms/m3, compared with 8.0, 10.1, and 8.6 micrograms/m3 for the daily mean apartment, outdoor, and ambient concentrations, respectively.
Dental Cleaning Before and During Pregnancy Among Maryland Mothers

Despite increasing recognition of the importance of oral health to overall health, dental care utilization remains low in the US. Given the established link between maternal oral health and child oral health, this study examined factors related to preventive dental care utilization at two critical time points, before and during pregnancy. Data were obtained from a sample of 6,171 women who delivered a live birth during 2004–2008 and completed the Maryland Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System postpartum survey. Multinomial logistic analyses examined associations between predisposing and enabling factors with dental cleaning before and during pregnancy. Women with less than a high school education or a history of physical abuse and non-Hispanic black and Hispanic women were less likely to report teeth cleaning before and during pregnancy. Having no insurance at the start of pregnancy was associated with significantly lower risk of teeth cleaning before pregnancy and both before and during pregnancy. Receipt of oral health counseling during pregnancy was positively related to teeth cleaning during pregnancy. Dental cleaning is associated with insurance, oral health counseling and maternal factors such as race, ethnicity, education and history of physical abuse. Better integration of oral health into prenatal health care, particularly among ethnic and racial minority groups, may be beneficial to maternal and infant well-being. Oral health promotion, disease prevention and health care should be a part of the local, state and national health policy agendas.
Influence of endothelin on systemic arterial pressure and regional blood flow in the cat

Abstract Regional vascular responses to endothelin were investigated in the anesthetized cat. I.v. injection of endothelin at 0.1 nmol/kg decreased arterial pressure and renal vascular resistance but increased vascular resistance in the small intestine. At 0.3 nmol/kg i.v. the peptide caused a greater decrease in arterial pressure and increased mesenteric resistance but had no significant effect on renal resistance. In contrast, at 1 nmol/kg i.v. endothelin caused a biphasic change in arterial pressure and marked in mesenteric and renal resistance. Injection of the peptide in doses of 0.1 – 1 nmol/kg i.v. caused only increases in carotid blood flow. These data suggest that responses to endothelin are dependent on dose and vascular bed studied.
Simple, broadband relative phase measurement of intermodulation products

Single tone and two-tone tests are used to characterize the nonlinear response of RF and microwave systems. One-tone testing is relatively straightforward. In contrast, two-tone testing results in the generation of intermodulation frequencies and generally only the magnitudes of these are measured. However full characterization requires that phase be extracted as well as magnitude. Measurement of the phase of intermodulation frequencies has historically been difficult. In this paper we present a broadband technique for performing the relative phase measurement of the intermodulation frequency components generated in a two-tone test. The method uses three phase-locked sources and common equipment found in a microwave laboratory.
Transformation of Epithelial Cells Stably Transfected with H2O2-generating Peroxisomal Urate Oxidase

Peroxisome proliferators, a group of structurally diverse nongenotoxic agents, induce predictable pleiotropic responses in liver, including the development of liver tumors in rats and mice. These agents transcriptionally activate the three genes of the peroxisomal beta oxidation enzyme system by interacting with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(s). It has been proposed that H2O2 generated by the peroxisomal beta oxidation system leads to DNA damage and neoplastic transformation. Consistent with this hypothesis is that cells stably transfected with H2O2-generating peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase cDNA, which encodes the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the beta oxidation system, undergo transformation in the presence of a fatty acid substrate. To test whether H2O2 generated by other peroxisomal oxidases can also lead to transformation, a full-length cDNA encoding rat urate oxidase (UOX), which oxidizes uric acid to allantoin and in the process generates H2O2, was introduced into African green monkey kidney cells (CV-1 cells) under the control of constitutively active human peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase gene promoter. Five stably transfected CV-1 cell lines expressing recombinant rat UOX were isolated in which the recombinant protein was targeted to peroxisomes and formed crystalloid structures or cores similar to those present in rat liver peroxisomes. Increased levels of H2O2 were found when cells stably expressing UOX were exposed to the substrate uric acid. These five clones, designated A-U1 to A-U5, exhibited anchorage-independent growth, as demonstrated by the formation of transformed colonies in soft agar in proportion to the duration of exposure to uric acid. These transformants exhibited clonal growth under serum-deprived conditions. One of these transformed cell lines, the A-U3 cell line, was evaluated for tumorigenicity by s.c. injection in nude mice. All five mice injected with transformed A-U3 cells developed adenocarcinomas, but no tumors developed in mice injected with control CV-1 cells or cells stably expressing UOX that were not exposed to uric acid. These results provide further evidence indicating that sustained overexpression of a peroxisomal H2O2-generating oxidase causes cell transformation.
STUDIES ON INFLAMMATION : IV. FIXATION OF FOREIGN PROTEIN AT SITE OF INFLAMMATION.

Foreign protein such as horse serum injected into an inflamed peritoneal cavity penetrates into the blood stream less rapidly than when introduced into the normal cavity. Foreign protein injected into a cutaneous inflammatory area is held in situ for a longer period than when injected into an inflamed peritoneal cavity. Foreign protein introduced into the circulating blood stream accumulates in an inflamed area, where it is found in greater concentration than in normal tissue. Accumulation of foreign protein at the site of inflammation explains the phenomenon of local anaphylaxis described by Auer in rabbits sensitized to horse serum. The antigen accumulating in the inflamed ear reacts with antibody, intensifies a pre-existing inflammatory reaction and produces necrosis of the ear.
Arenavirus Evasion of Host Anti-Viral Responses

The innate response to infection by an Old World arenavirus is initiated and mediated by extracellular and intracellular receptors, and effector molecules. In response, the invading virus has evolved to inhibit these responses and create the best environment possible for replication and spread. Here, we will discuss both the host’s response to infection with data from human infection and lessons learned from animal models, as well as the multitude of ways the virus combats the resulting immune response. Finally, we will highlight recent work identifying TLR2 as an innate sensor for arenaviruses and how the TLR2-dependent response differs depending on the pathogenicity of the strain.
Real analyticity of Hausdorff dimension of finer Julia sets of exponential family

We deal with all the mappings $f_\lambda(z)=\lambda e^z$ that have an attracting periodic orbit. We consider the set $J_r(f_\lambda)$ consisting of those points of the Julia set of $f_\lambda$ that do not escape to infinity under positive iterates of $f_\lambda$ . Our ultimate result is that the function $\lambda\mapsto{\rm HD}(J_r(f_\lambda))$ is real-analytic. In order to prove it we develop the thermodynamic formalism of potentials of the form $-t\log|F_\lambda'|$ , where $F_\lambda$ is the natural map associated with $f_\lambda$ closely related to the corresponding map introduced in Urbanski and Zdunik (2001). The formalism includes appropriately defined topological pressure, Perron–Frobenius operators, and geometric and invariant generalized conformal measures (Gibbs states). We show that our Perron–Frobenius operators are quasicompact and that they embed into a family of operators depending holomorphically on an appropriate parameter, and we obtain several other properties of these operators. We prove an appropriate version of Bowen's formula that the Hausdorff dimension of the set $J_r(f_\lambda)$ is equal to the unique zero of the pressure function. Since the formula for the topological pressure is independent of the set J r ( f ), Bowen's formula also indicates that J r ( f ) is the right set to deal with. We also study in detail the properties of quasiconformal conjugacies between the maps $f_\lambda$ . As a byproduct of our main course of reasoning we prove stochastic properties of the dynamical system generated by $F_\lambda$ and the invariant Gibbs states $\mu_t$ such as the Central Limit Theorem and exponential decay of correlations.
Dissolved Oxygen Saturation Controls PAH Biodegradation in Freshwater Estuary Sediments

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common contaminants in terrestrial and aquatic environments and can represent a significant constituent of the carbon pool in coastal sediments. We report here the results of an 18-month seasonal study of PAH biodegradation and heterotrophic bacterial production and their controlling biogeochemical factors from 186 sediment samples taken in a tidally influenced freshwater estuary. For each sampling event, measurements were averaged from 25–45 stations covering ∼250 km2. There was a clear relationship between bacterial production and ambient temperature, but none between production and bottom water dissolved oxygen (DO) % saturation or PAH concentrations. In contrast with other studies, we found no effect of temperature on the biodegradation of naphthalene, phenanthrene, or fluoranthene. PAH mineralization correlated with bottom water DO saturation above 70% (r2 > 0.99). These results suggest that the proportional utilization of PAH carbon to natural organic carbon is as much as three orders of magnitude higher during cooler months, when water temperatures are lower and DO % saturation is higher. Infusion of cooler, well-oxygenated water to the water column overlying contaminated sediments during the summer months may stimulate PAH metabolism preferentially over non-PAH organic matter.
Preferential cleavage of SS and CS bonds in electron detachment dissociation and infrared multiphoton dissociation of disulfide-linked peptide anions

Abstract Disulfide bonds generally show only limited cleavage in positive ion mode collision activated dissociation (CAD). However, it has been demonstrated that a reverse situation exists in negative ion mode in which preferential S S and C S bond cleavage occurs. Here, we show that electron detachment dissociation (EDD) and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) of peptide anions containing disulfide linkages also result in preferential cleavage of S S and C S bonds. Resulting products are mainly radical ions in EDD whereas IRMPD produces even-electron product ions, as expected, thereby supporting different disulfide cleavage mechanisms for these two fragmentation processes. We also show that, in EDD, the presence of tryptophan can result in abundant side chain loss (129 Da), which effectively can compete with disulfide bond cleavage.
Implementing Employer and Individual Mandates

As is true of automobile insurance, a strong case can be made for a mandate that requires individuals to purchase health insurance rather than shifting costs to others. A mandate by itself, however, is likely to be regressive. By dealing with individual needs through the back door, an employer mandate generally keeps costs hidden and raises employment problems, while an employer subsidy will be poorly targeted. An individual mandate, in turn, raises other difficult administrative issues of collection and enforcement. No employer mandate is sufficient without an individual mandate, and millions of Americans will fall outside of any mandated system.
Statistical air quality predictions for public health surveillance: evaluation and generation of county level metrics of PM2.5 for the environmental public health tracking network.

Background The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed county level metrics for the Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network) to characterize potential population exposure to airborne particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5). These metrics are based on Federal Reference Method (FRM) air monitor data in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Quality System (AQS); however, monitor data are limited in space and time. In order to understand air quality in all areas and on days without monitor data, the CDC collaborated with the EPA in the development of hierarchical Bayesian (HB) based predictions of PM2.5 concentrations. This paper describes the generation and evaluation of HB-based county level estimates of PM2.5.
Cross-National Stability of a Quality Management Model: A Comparative Study of the United States and Turkey

This study explores the perceptions of American and Turkish managers with respect to difierent dimensions of product quality. Survey data on perceptions of prod- uct quality were obtained from managers in both countries. Analyses using structural equation modeling and mean comparison tests were performed to evaluate flve research hypotheses. Results provided partial support for the hypothesized difierences in quality perceptions. The data indicated that although the conceptualization of quality did not difier across the two samples, there were some difierences in terms of importance assigned to various aspects of quality. In particular, Turkish managers rated aspects pertaining to communication and shared deflnition, quality execution, and quality control higher than American managers. Implications for the rationalist and culturalist approaches to international management are discussed.
Adaptation of lnstron to Determine the Surface Tension of Ice Cream Mix

A study was conducted to compare surface tension values measured by the DuNouy Method using the Cahn Electrobalance (an accepted procedure) with a procedure developed for use with an Instron. Surface tension was measured on a standard ice cream mix. Results indicate that the method developed for the Instron gave results which were not only similar to the Cahn Electrobalance procedure but also more precise.
Intraoperative adverse events can be compensated by technical performance in neonates and infants after cardiac surgery: a prospective study

Objective Our objective was to define the relationship between surgical technical performance score, intraoperative adverse events, and major postoperative adverse events in complex pediatric cardiac repairs. Method Infants younger than 6 months were prospectively followed up until discharge from the hospital. Technical performance scores were graded as optimal, adequate, or inadequate based on discharge echocardiograms and need for reintervention after initial surgery. Case complexity was determined by Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) category, and preoperative illness severity was assessed by Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III score. Intraoperative adverse events were prospectively monitored. Outcomes were analyzed using nonparametric methods and a logistic regression model. Results A total of 166 patients (RACHS 4-6 [49%]), neonates [50%]) were observed. Sixty-one (37%) had at least 1 intraoperative adverse event, and 47 (28.3%) had at least 1 major postoperative adverse event. There was no correlation between intraoperative adverse events and RACHS, preoperative PRISM III, technical performance score, or postoperative adverse events on multivariate analysis. For the entire cohort, better technical performance score resulted in lower postoperative adverse events, lower postoperative PRISM, and lower length of stay and ventilation time ( P Conclusions In neonatal and infant open heart repairs, technical performance score is one of the main predictors of postoperative morbidity. Outcomes are not affected by intraoperative adverse events, including surgical revisions, provided technical performance score is at least adequate.
Pilot Study to Evaluate Compliance and Tolerability of Cranberry Capsules in Pregnancy for the Prevention of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria.

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the compliance with and tolerability of daily cranberry capsule ingestion for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) prevention in pregnancy. Design: A total of 49 pregnant women from two sites were randomly assigned to cranberry or matching placebo, two doses daily, at gestational ages less than 16 weeks. Patients were followed monthly for urinary tract infection until delivery. Up to seven monthly visits were scheduled for each patient. Delivery data were evaluated. Results: Of 38 evaluable patients, the mean compliance rate over the study period was 82% (range, 20%–100%). This compliance rate and the 74% of patients achieving good (≥75%) compliance were similar between those who received cranberry capsules and placebo. Compliance evaluation revealed that most patients stopped capsule consumption after 34–38 weeks of participation. Multivariate logistic regression and longitudinal analysis showed a significant interaction time effect with cranberry treatment. However, cranberry ...
Efficacy of Epiroprim (Ro11-8958), a New Dihydrofolate Reductase Inhibitor, in the Treatment of Acute Toxoplasma Infection in Mice

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a major cause of focal encephalitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Epiroprim, an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase, was evaluated in vitro and in a mouse model of acute infection for activity against T. gondii. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of epiroprim for T. gondii dihydrofolate reductase was 0.9 µM, similar to that of pyrimethamine, but epiroprim was 650-fold more selective than pyrimethamine for T. gondii compared with human dihydrofolate reductase. While intraperitoneally administered epiroprim (300 mg/kg/day for 14 days) alone was ineffective in mice acutely infected with the RH strain of T. gondii, 100% survival was seen when it was combined with orally administered sulfadiazine (375 mg/kg/day), which alone was also ineffective. Increases in survival were seen in combination with doses of sulfadiazine as low as 0.375 mg/kg/day. Orally administered epiroprim combined with dapsone also prolonged survival. Thus, epiroprim is an active and potentially less toxic alternative to pyrimethamine for the treatment of toxoplasmosis.
Explaining the formation of business-environmentalist collaborations: Collaborative windows and the Paper Task Force

Building on the agenda setting theory of Kingdon (1984), this paper develops a collaboration forming model to explain the creation of multi-party initiatives as an addition to Gray's (1985 and 1989) explanation for collaborations as a response to environmental turbulence, crisis, or complexity. It tests this model by examining the Paper Task Force, a collaboration of five multi-national companies, an environmental group, and a university intended to determine environmentally sound guidelines for paper procurement. The study finds that multi-stakeholder collaborations can require ‘collaborative windows’ for their formation. These windows occur when four process streams – problem, policy, organizational, and social/political/economic – converge. In the case of the Paper Task Force, the problem stream was an increasing recognition of the environmental burdens throughout the lifecycle of paper production. The policy stream included new governmental initiatives to make paper-making processes cleaner and use paper with more recycled content. The organizational stream consisted of an increasing willingness among corporations to improve their environmental performance combined with their development of paper making technology with lower environmental impacts. The social/political/economic stream included strong public support for the environment in the United States and demand for chlorine free paper in Europe. A collaborative entrepreneur, the Environmental Defense Fund, working with the other Task Force members, was able to join solutions to problems. Implications for other collaborative ventures are developed.
The Epidemiology of Finger Dislocations Presenting for Emergency Care Within the United States.

BACKGROUND: There are little demographic data on finger dislocation injuries. This study examines the epidemiological characteristics of patients presenting for emergency care of finger dislocations within the United States. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for finger dislocation injuries treated in US emergency departments between 2004 and 2008. Weighted estimates, in conjunction with Census data, were used to analyze patient demographics, injury locales, and incidence rates within and between, demographic groups. RESULTS: During the 5-year study period, an estimated 166 561 finger dislocations were treated in 1 499 222 917 person-years: an incidence rate of 11.11 per 100 000 person-years. Males were predominantly affected (78.7%) at an incidence rate of 17.8 per 100 000. The rate in females was 4.65 per 100 000 person-years. Most dislocations occurred in the 15- to 19-year age group (38.6 dislocations per 100 000 person-years). Among racial groups, blacks (16.8) were affected more than whites (7.72) or patients characterized as "other" (4.90). In terms of injury venue, 35.9% of cases took place at a sporting or recreational facility. In addition, 44.7% of sports-related dislocations occurred while playing either basketball or football. CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, finger dislocations appear to occur most often in black males 15 to 19 years of age and among sports participants, particularly basketball and football players. Language: en
Prediction of experimentally unavailable product branching ratios for biofuel combustion: The role of anharmonicity in the reaction of isobutanol with OH

Isobutanol is a prototype biofuel, and sorting out the mechanism of its combustion is an important objective where theoretical modeling can provide information that is unavailable and not easily obtained by experiment. In the present work the rate constants and branching ratios for the hydrogen abstraction reactions from isobutanol by hydroxyl radical have been calculated using multi-path variational transition-state theory with small-curvature tunneling. We use hybrid degeneracy-corrected vibrational perturbation theory to show that it is critical to consider the anharmonicity difference of high-frequency modes between reactants and transition states. To obtain accurate rate constants, we must apply different scaling factors to the calculated harmonic vibrational frequencies at the reactants and at the transition states. The factors determining the reaction rate constants have been analyzed in detail, including variational effects, tunneling contributions, the effect of multiple reaction paths on transmi...
Chlorosulfonyl)carbamic Acid Benzyl Ester

[89979-13-5] C8H8ClNO4S (MW 249.665) InChI = 1S/C8H8ClNO4S/c9-15(12,13)10-8(11)14-6-7-4-2-1-3-5-7/h1-5H,6H2,(H,10,11) InChIKey = BCSYQDOKTDVISP-UHFFFAOYSA-N (sulfamidating reagent; precursor for modified Burgess reagents) Alternate Names: benzyl N-chlorosulfonyl)carbamate, N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)sulfamoyl chloride. Physical Data: not reported. Solubility: benzene, dichloromethane, THF. Form Supplied in: white solid. Analysis of Reagent Purity: NMR. Preparative Method: some commercial sources, it can also be easily synthesized in one step:1, 3, 9 reaction of benzyl alcohol with chlorosulfonyl isocyanate in good yield.
Developing a coaching mechanism for practicing surgeons

Background While performance feedback and assessment are hallmarks of surgical training, they abruptly cease after training is completed. In their absence, performance may stagnate and poor habits persist. Our aim was to develop a coaching mechanism for practicing surgeons with feedback provision based on objective performance assessment. Methods Technical and nontechnical intraoperative video recordings from laparoscopic or robotic cholecystectomies, colectomies, and hysterectomies were assessed by a blinded surgeon and a human factors expert, respectively. Aspects of performance in need of improvement were noted, and a coaching session was developed for feedback provision to participating surgeons. This 4-hour coaching session consisted of a didactic lecture with video review and hands-on practice using procedural and mannequin-based simulation. Results Thirty-two practicing surgeons (18 general; 14 gynecologists) from 6 different hospitals were assessed, and 9 of them participated in coaching. Technical aspects identified for performance improvement included suboptimal trocar placement, inadequate critical view achievement during laparoscopic cholecystectomies, poor visualization of the operating field, bimanual dexterity, and dissection techniques, while nontechnical aspects included inappropriate handling of distractions and interruptions, poor ergonomic positioning and situational awareness, and inadequate mitigation of delays. Most surgeons appropriately accomplished some of the objectives of the distraction scenario, but none was able to achieve expert levels on Fundamentals of Laparoscopy tasks. Participants perceived the coaching sessions as highly valuable. Conclusion Our study identified several technical and nontechnical skill sets of practicing surgeons in need of improvement and provided support for the implementation of coaching programs for surgeons on an ongoing basis.
Advancing multidisciplinary team care.

The author describes a multidisciplinary, community-based team approach to the management of eating disorders and argues that such a model has potential for application to a variety of complex health conditions.
SU-F-T-515: Increased Skin Dose in Supine Craniospinal Irradiation Due to Carbon Fiber Couch and Vacuum Bag Immobilization Device

Purpose: To measure the surface dose for supine craniospinal irradiation employing posterior beams, treating through an imaging couch and BlueBag immobilization device. Methods: The percentage depth dose (PDD) in the buildup region of a clinical 6 MV photon beam was measured using an Advanced Markus parallel plate ionization chamber in a solid water phantom. The PDD from a 10×10 cm2 anterior beam was measured at 100 cm SSD, simulating a traditional prone craniospinal technique. The measurements were compared to commissioning and treatment planning system data. The PDD was also measured in a posterior setup with the phantom surface laying directly on the Brainlab carbon fiber imaging couch, with the phantom surface 100 cm from the source, simulating a supine craniospinal setup. The posterior measurements were repeated with a BlueBag vacuum immobilization device between the couch and phantom, with thicknesses of 1.7 cm and 5 cm. The PDD from a 10×10 cm2 field and a typical 6×30 cm2 craniospinal field were also compared. The PDDs were normalized at 5 cm to reflect typical craniospinal prescription dose normalization. Results: The measured PDD curve from the anterior setup agreed well with commissioning and treatment planning data, with surface doses of 19.9%, 28.8% and 27.7%, respectively. The surface doses of the 10×10 cm2 and 6×30 cm2 fields delivered through the imaging couch were both 122.4%. The supine setup yielded surface doses of 122.4%, 121.6%, and 119.6% for the couch only, 1.7 cm bag, and 5 cm bag setups, respectively. Conclusion: Delivering craniospinal irradiation through a carbon fiber couch removes the majority of skin sparing. The addition of a vacuum bag immobilization device restores some skin sparing, but the magnitude of this effect is negligible.