cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COPD Care Bundle in Emergency Department Observation Unit Reduces Emergency Department Revisits

BACKGROUND: COPD exacerbations lead to accelerated decline in lung function, poor quality of life, and increased mortality and cost. Emergency department (ED) observation units provide short-term care to reduce hospitalizations and cost. Strategies to improve outcomes in ED observation units following COPD exacerbations are needed. We sought to reduce 30-d ED revisits for COPD exacerbations managed in ED observation units through implementation of a COPD care bundle. The study setting was an 800-bed, academic, safety-net hospital with 700 annual ED encounters for COPD exacerbations. Among those discharged from ED observation unit, the 30-d all-cause ED revisit rate (ie, the outcome measure) was 49% (baseline period: August 2014 through September 2016). METHODS: All patients admitted to the ED observation unit with COPD exacerbations were included. A multidisciplinary team implemented the COPD bundle using iterative plan-do-study-act cycles with a goal adherence of 90% (process measure). The bundle, adopted from our inpatient program, was developed using care-delivery failures and unmet subject needs. It included 5 components: appropriate inhaler regimen, 30-d inhaler supply, education on devices available after discharge, standardized discharge instructions, and a scheduled 15-d appointment. We used statistical process-control charts for process and outcome measures. To compare subject characteristics and process features, we sampled consecutive patients from the baseline (n= 50) and postbundle (n= 83) period over 5-month and 7-month intervals, respectively. Comparisons were made using t tests and chi-square tests with P RESULTS: During baseline and postbundle periods, 410 and 165 subjects were admitted to the ED observation unit, respectively. After iterative plan-do-study-act cycles, bundle adherence reached 90% in 6 months, and the 30-d ED revisit rate declined from 49% to 30% (P = .003) with a system shift on statistical process-control charts. There was no difference in hospitalization rate from ED observation unit (45% vs 51%, P = .16). Subject characteristics were similar in the baseline and postbundle periods. CONCLUSIONS: Reliable adherence to a COPD care bundle reduced 30-d ED revisits among those treated in the ED observation unit.
Thinning Florida Peaches for Larger Fruit

Fruit size is an important factor in a fruit crop’s marketability. This 6-page document discusses fruit thinning, a process that is critical to achieving larger-sized peaches, and thus is critical to the success of peaches grown in Florida. Written by Yuru Chang, Ali Sarkhosh, Jeffrey Brecht, and Peter Andersen and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, January 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1324
The road to resegregation: Northern California and the failure of politics, by Alex Schafran

In The Road to Resegregation, Alex Schafran provides a deep and complex analysis of why the Bay Area of Northern California, a region known for its progressive politics and great wealth, remains de...
Multimodal Imaging Characteristics of ADRP in a Family with p.Thr58Arg Substituted RHO Mutation.

Background. Autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) is a rare cause of progressive visual impairment in young patients and is frequently a result of RHO gene mutations. p.Thr58Arg rhodopsin mutation leads to misfolding of rhodopsin, subsequent accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum, and leads to consecutive atrophy of photoreceptor cells through apoptosis. Materials and Methods. We describe multimodal imaging findings in a 58-year-old female with adRP due to a c.173 C > G, p.Thr58Arg rhodopsin mutation (confirmed on genotyping), including ultra-wide-field fundus autofluorescence (UWF-FAF), color scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, structural optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography (OCT-A), electroretinography (ERG), and visual field testing (HVF). Additionally, we compare the patient’s phenotypic findings to those of her offspring, who was also affected by adRP. Results. The 58-year-old female and her son with symptoms of nyctalopia and decreased vision showed macular pigmentary changes in a bull’s-eye pattern along with bone spicules in periphery with retinal atrophy. Genotyping confirmed p.Thr58Arg rhodopsin mutation. Wide area of dystrophic retina was noted on UWF-FAF, along with corresponding atrophy of photoreceptor layer on OCT. OCTA revealed complete nonperfusion of the superficial capillary plexus in areas of retinal dystrophy. ERG revealed increased latency and decreased amplitudes; HVF revealed constriction of visual fields consistent with retinal findings. Conclusions. Multimodal imaging is extremely helpful in delineating the extent of retinal dystrophy and comparable to ERG for monitoring of progress in retinitis pigmentosa. Photoreceptor layer thickness (measured with OCT) strongly correlated with ERG and can be used as a secondary surrogate for monitoring the disease progress.
Crude Decisions: Re-Examining Degrees of Negligence in the Context of the BP Oil Spill

The blowout of the Macondo well caused the worst environmental disaster in history and the ensuing high-stakes litigation is the largest ever mass tort case. The pivotal issue in the case is whether this cataclysmic event was caused by the “gross negligence” or “willful misconduct” of the responsible parties. Such a determination could result in exponentially increased compensatory and punitive damages, augmented environmental sanctions and potential criminal liability. These heightened degrees of fault are frequently used in regulatory statutes, like the Clean Water Act and Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as liability triggers for substantially increased damages and sanctions. As such, a finding of gross negligence or willful misconduct serves to both deter and punish the more culpable behavior they connote, as well as to assure an adequate reparative mechanism for the damage caused. Despite their ubiquitous statutory usage, the jurisprudence surrounding use of these terms is largely in a state of disarray, riddled with contradictory and conflated definitions that provide scant interpretative guidance for courts applying them, especially in factually and technically complex cases like the BP litigation. Lacking meaningful criteria for their application, courts have struggled, unsuccessfully, to develop a coherent doctrine which distinguishes ordinary negligence from these advanced forms of fault and the more severe punishment they merit. The BP litigation provides a unique opportunity to develop a workable set of criteria for the application of gross negligence and willful misconduct, a result that has eluded courts for over a century. In an effort to provide a meaningful analytical framework for applying these terms to catastrophic events such as the BP oil spill, and future high-risk scenarios like it, this article offers a novel, criteria-guided approach which will better enable the fact finder to reach fact-driven conclusions regarding the gradation of the defendant’s misconduct with analytical clarity and precision. The criteria are set forth in a multi-factor balancing test and are tethered to policy-related doctrinal regimes that serve the same deterrent, punitive and reparative functions as do degrees of negligence. The proposed test is then illustratively applied against some of the alleged negligent acts that caused the oil spill. Much is at stake in the final determination of whether gross negligence or willful misconduct precipitated this disaster. What the courts ultimately decide in this high-profile case will have far-reaching implications for how safely future high-risk enterprises are conducted and the well-being of the communities placed in harm’s way by these abnormally dangerous activities.
"One Note Higher": A Unique Pediatric Hand Fracture.

Author(s): Szymanski, Scott; Zylstra, Michael; Hull, Aicha | Abstract: Case Presentation: An otherwise healthy, 12-year-old male presented to the emergency department after a fall down the stairs in which he landed on his right hand. Radiographs demonstrated a Salter-Harris II fracture at the base of the proximal phalanx of the fifth digit with ulnar deviation, also known as an “extra-octave“ fracture. Orthopedic surgery was consulted and the fracture was reduced and placed in a short-arm cast. The patient was discharged and scheduled for orthopedic follow-up.Discussion: A Salter-Harris II fracture at the base of the proximal phalanx of the fifth digit with ulnar deviation is referred to as an “extra-octave” fracture due to the advantage a pianist would gain in reach of their fifth phalanx if not reduced. However, reduction is needed if the fracture is displaced and can be achieved by several described methods including the “90-90” or “pencil” methods followed by cast or splint application. Percutaneous pinning is rarely needed. Complications include flexor tendon entrapment, collateral ligament disruption, and malunion leading to a “pseudo-claw” deformity. We recommend that all extra-octave fractures receive orthopedic follow-up in one to two weeks or sooner if severely displaced.
The Modern Thermogravimetric Approach to the Compositional Analysis of Materials

Thermogravimetry (TG) is an analytical technique that monitors the mass of a substance as it is subjected to a controlled temperature program. TG is the modern day frontier of the much older and well-established techniqueof gravimetry. Although many compositional analyses may be performed by conventional gravimetry, thermogravimetry offers a more rapid method because of the smaller sample size and faster heating rates. Thus, special instrumentation requirements are imposed on the more modern, rapid, and automated thermogravimetric method. Many commercial TG systems are available. The major difference in these are in the furnace (size, design, and positioning with respect to the furnace tube and sample specimen), degree of computerization, direction of purge gas flow (horizontal or vertical) with respect to the sample specimen, and microbalance type and sensitivity. Recent years have brought computerization of data handling as well as many of the hardware components of the technique. This paper will present and discuss the role of the basic components of a thermogravimetric apparatus in performing compositional analysis. Some of the aspects of computerization of the technique will be included.
Model reference, sliding mode adaptive control for flexible structures

A decentralized model reference adaptive approach using a variable-structure sliding model control has been developed for the vibration suppression of large flexible structures. Local models are derived based upon the desired damping and response time in a model-following scheme, and variable structure controllers are then designed which employ colocated angular rate and position feedback. Numerical simulations have been performed using NASA's flexible grid experimental apparatus.
The Keynesian Model

In Cambridge, England, as you walk up King’s Parade keeping that late-medieval architectural gem, King’s College Chapel, to your right, you will come to a fairly nondescript lane known as King’s Lane.
Capillary blood flow: III. Deformable model cells compared to erythrocytes in vitro

Abstract The deformed shapes of human erythrocytes and deformable model cells are compared for undeformed cell-to-tube diameter ratios ranging from 1 to 2. Photographs of the deformed model cells and erythrocytes at corresponding diameter ratios are presented. Calculated relative viscosity based on pressure-drop data obtained in a large-scale model is found to be in good agreement with a value measured by others in vitro . A possible mechanism leading to hemolysis in capillaries smaller than 4.5 μ is suggested.
Isolation and Ultrastructure of the Flagella of Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus and Methanospirillum hungatei

Abstract The flagella of the archaebacteria Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus and Methanospirillum hungatei enter the cells in regions with ultrastructure resembling that of the polar organelles found in a variety of eubacteria. Flagella of both organisms consist of a filament, a hook, and a basal body with two rings similar to those of gram-positive eubacteria. The integrity of the flagella of M. thermolithotrophicus is lost in the absence of high salt concentrations, and those of both organisms are unstable at high pH. The flagellar filaments of M. hungatei are composed of two flagellins of 24 and 26 kilodaltons.
Public requests for cancer cluster investigations: a survey of state health departments.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the frequency of requests that state health departments investigate cancer clusters, the nature of those requests, and the resources available for the investigations. METHODS: A mail survey was sent to state health departments requesting data for 1997. RESULTS: Approximately 1100 cluster investigation requests were made in 1997. Most requests were made by citizens, and no pattern emerged for types of cancer or hazards suspected. States rate this work as average in importance and feel satisfied with the successfullness of their communication efforts. CONCLUSIONS: Few cluster inquiries require further investigation. Nonetheless, this interaction represents resources well spent in terms of public service and education.
Spectrometers at RHIC

A review of various spectrometers at RHIC is presented with an emphasis on how different physics goals influenced their design. These physics goals have in turn been influenced by the historical development of the field. Particular attention will be paid to the BRAHMS experiment which seeks the maximum possible acceptance in transverse and longitudinal momenta while accepting a small azimuthal coverage. The very wide range in momentum drives all aspects of the design. The performance of the detector and its physics capabilities will be presented.
Distal Transverse Arch to Left Carotid Artery Ratio Helps to Identify Infants With Aortic Arch Hypoplasia

Background Aortic coarctation (CoA) with concomitant aortic arch hypoplasia (AAH) is associated with an increased risk of hypertension after surgical repair. The differentiation of CoA with or without AAH may be critical to delineate the ideal surgical approach that best ameliorates postoperative hypertension. Since 2000, we have defined CoA with AAH when the diameter of the distal transverse aortic arch is equal to or less than the diameter of the left carotid artery. We hypothesized that, based on our definition, aortic tissue from infants having CoA with AAH would demonstrate distinct genetic expression patterns as compared with infants having CoA alone. Methods From 6 infants (AAH, 3; CoA, 3), an Affymetrix 1.0 genome array identified genes in the coarctation/arch region that were differentially expressed between infants having CoA with AAH versus CoA alone. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction validated genetic differences from a cohort of 21 infants (CoA with AAH, 10; CoA, 11). To evaluate the clinical outcomes based on our definition of CoA with AAH, we reviewed infants repaired using this algorithm from 2000 to 2010. Results Microarray data demonstrated genes differentially expressed between groups. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed that CoA with AAH was associated with an increased expression of genes involved in cardiac and vascular development and growth, including hepsin, fibroblast growth factor-18, and T-box 2. The clinical outcomes of 79 infants (AAH, 26; CoA, 53) demonstrated that 90.1% were free of hypertension at 13 years when managed with this surgical strategy. Conclusions These findings provide evidence that the ratio of the diameter of the distal transverse arch to the left carotid artery may be helpful to identify CoA with AAH and, when used to delineate the surgical approach, may minimize hypertension.
Cimetidine-benzodiazepine drug interaction

The effect of cimetidine on the metabolism of benzodiazepines is discussed. Studies of cimetidine's inhibition of benzodiazepine metabolism by liver microsomal enzyme pathways are described. Cimetidine is known to have this effect on the metabolism of diazepam and chlordiazepoxide, and because chlorazepate and prazepam are similarly metabolized, cimetidine is likely to have the same effect on the metabolism of these drugs. Oxazepam and lorazepam are two benzodiazepines not metabolized by liver microsomal enzymes, but are thought to be glucuronidated in peripheral tissue by glucuronyl transferase. Cimetidine has been shown not to alter the pharmacokinetics of lorazepam or oxazepam when administered concurrently with either of these benzodiazepines. When it is necessary to treat a patients receiving cimetidine with a benzodiazepine, oxazepam or lorazepam may be the drug of choice.
Methanogenic decomposition of ferulic acid, a model lignin derivative

Ferulic acid, a model lignin derivative, was observed to be biodegradable to methane and carbon dioxide under strict anaerobic conditions. This conversion appears to be carried out by a consortium of bacteria similar to that previously described for the methanogenic degradation of benzoic acid. A temporary buildup of acetate in these cultures indicates that it is a likely intermediate and precursor for methane formation. An analog of coenzyme M, 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid (BESA), inhibited gas production and enhanced the buildup of propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate. Phenylacetate, cinnamate, 3-phenylpropionate, benzoate, cyclohexane carboxylate, adipate, and pimelate were also detected in BESA-inhibited cultures. A pathway is proposed which includes these various acids as possible intermediates in the methanogenic degradation of ferulic acid. This model overlaps previously described benzoic acid degradation pathways, suggesting that this type of anaerobic degradation may be common for aromatic compounds.
Development of single- and two-tone responses of anteroventral cochlear nucleus neurons in gerbil

Abstract Responses of anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) neurons in developing gerbils were obtained to single-tone stimuli, and two-tone stimuli elicited by best frequency probes presented over a range of intensities. Neurons displayed Type I, Type I/III, and Type III receptive field patterns. Best frequencies ranged from 1.5 to 10.0 kHz. Two-tone suppression (2TS) was first observed in 5 of 16 neurons examined at 14 dab, and in all neurons examined in gerbils aged 15 to 60 dab. Suppression areas grew larger, and discharge rate reductions became greater with age. Features of the two-tone responses that were highly correlated with single-tone responses across age groups include maximum rate reductions and suppression area thresholds. The intensity level of the CF probe-tone also influenced these features of 2TS. Maximum rate reductions to below spontaneous rate levels of activity were common across age groups. Results suggest that the cochlear amplifier is present and fundamentally adult-like by 15 dab for the regions of the cochlea coding the mid frequencies in gerbil. Over the subsequent week, contributions to the developing two-tone responses by the cochlear amplifier increase slightly. Two-tone responses are influenced by central inhibitory mechanisms as early as 14 dab.
Competing constructions of British national identity: British newspaper comment on the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony

This study used newspaper comment on the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London as an avenue to discuss and contemplate British national identity. Through analysis of 91 editorials and opinion columns in the British national press, we uncovered three prominent themes in newspaper discourse: the ‘greatness’ of Great Britain, the ceremony as a symbol of contemporary political contestation, and the difficulties of defining and articulating a coherent, ‘catch-all’ definition of British identity. These results are demonstrative of the inherent challenge to connect multiple and contradictory conceptualizations of national identity into a coherent whole.
Comb polysiloxanes with ω-hydroxyoligo(oxyethylene) side chains

Comb-like polysiloxanes with pendant chains of the type (CH2)3(OCH2 CH2)nOH (n=0, 8 or 15) were synthesized by hydrosilylation of poly(methylsiloxane) with the corresponding monoallyl glycols in which the hydroxyl group was protected with tetrahydropyran. The polymers were characterized by1H and29Si NMR, and by GPC and DSC. A considerable fraction of small cycles is formed for the n=o compound during the deprotection reaction. Side chain crystallization occurs but is slower than for polymers containing side chains with terminal methoxy groups.
Black-white discrimination and orienting behavior in the desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis)

Six desert iguanas (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) were trained on a black-white discrimination problem using a modified Lashley maze I. The results, in terms of number of trials to criterion, compared favorably to those reported for turtles on the same brightness difference. Efficiency of learning was attributed to (1) the angle separating the discriminanda, (2) intertrial substrate temperature, and (3) visual attentional characteristics of the apparatus. In addition, orienting responses (VTE) varied in expected directions according to speed of learning and difficulty of maze choice points.
Genotype Assignments in a Family with the Pseudo Arylsulfatase A Deficiency Trait without Metachromatic Leukodystrophy

Summary: Two children in a family with five siblings were investigated because of low levels of fibroblast arylsulfatase A activity. Neither child had metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and they were diagnosed as having benign pseudo arylsulfatase A deficiency trait (PD). Analysis of arylsulfatase A subunit profiles in fibroblasts provided data for genotype assignments for each family member. Father and mother were assigned an n/pd and n/mld phenotype, respectively. The low enzyme siblings were both assigned pd/mld; two of the three normal enzyme siblings were assigned an n/n phenotype and one an n/mld.
The Foxa family of transcription factors in development and metabolism

The Foxa subfamily of winged helix/forkhead box (Fox) transcription factors has been the subject of genetic and biochemical study for over 15 years. During this time its three members, Foxa1, Foxa2 and Foxa3, have been found to play important roles in multiple stages of mammalian life, beginning with early development, continuing during organogenesis, and finally in metabolism and homeostasis in the adult. Foxa2 is required for the formation of the node and notochord, and in its absence severe defects in gastrulation, neural tube patterning, and gut morphogenesis result in embryonic lethality. Foxa1 and Foxa2 cooperate to establish competence in foregut endoderm and are required for normal development of endoderm-derived organs such as the liver, pancreas, lungs, and prostate. In post-natal life, members of the Foxa family control glucose metabolism through the regulation of multiple target genes in the liver, pancreas, and adipose tissue. Insight into the unique molecular basis of Foxa function has been obtained from recent genetic and genomic data, which identify the Foxa proteins as ‘pioneer factors’ whose binding to promoters and enhancers enable chromatin access for other tissue-specific transcription factors.
Understanding handoffs in large ieee 802.11 wireless networks

As the utility of wireless technology grows, wireless networks are being deployed in more widely varying conditions. The monitoring of these networks continues to reveal key implementation deficiencies that need to be corrected in order to improve protocol operation and end-to-end performance. Using data we collected from the 67th Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) meeting held in November 2006, we show that under conditions of high medium utilization and packet loss, handoffs can be incorrectly initiated. Using the notion of persistence and prevalence for the association of a client to an Access Point (AP), we show that although the clients were predominantly static, the handoff rate is surprisingly high. Through the analysis of the data set, we show that unnecessary handoff events not only increase the amount of management traffic in the network, but also severely impact client performance.
Wood density in forests of Brazil's 'arc of deforestation': Implications for biomass and flux of carbon from land-use change in Amazonia

Wood density is an important variable in estimates of forest biomass and greenhouse-gas emissions from land-use change. The mean wood density used in estimates of forest biomass in the Brazilian Amazon has heretofore been based on samples from outside the ‘‘arc of deforestation’’, where most of the carbon flux from land-use change takes place. This paper presents new wood density estimates for the southern and southwest Brazilian Amazon (SSWA) portions of the arc of deforestation, using locally collected species weighted by their volume in large local inventories. Mean wood density was computed for the entire bole, including the bark, and taking into account radial and longitudinal variation. A total of 403 trees were sampled at 6 sites. In the southern Brazilian Amazon (SBA), 225 trees (119 species or morpho-species) were sampled at 4 sites. In eastern Acre state 178 trees (128 species or morpho-species) were sampled at breast height in 2 forest types. Mean basic density in the SBA sites was 0.593 0.113 (mean 1 S.D.; n = 225; range 0.265–0.825). For the trees sampled in Acre the mean wood density at breast height was 0.540 0.149 (n =8 7) in open bamboo-dominated forest and 0.619 0.149 (n = 91) in dense bamboo-free forest. Mean wood density in the SBA sites was significantly higher than in the bamboo dominated forest but not the dense forest at the Acre site. From commercial wood inventories by the RadamBrasil Project in the SSWA portion of the arc of deforestation, the wood volume and wood density of each species or genus were used to estimate average wood density of all wood volume in each vegetation unit. These units were defined by the intersection of mapped forest types and states. The area of each unit was then used to compute a mean wood density of 0.583 g cm 3 for all wood volume in the SSWA. This is 13.6% lower than the value applied to this region in previous estimates of mean wood density. When combined with the new estimates for the SSWA, this gave an average wood density of 0.642 g cm 3 for all the wood volume in the entire Brazilian Amazon, which is 7% less than a prior estimate of 0.69 g cm 3 . These results suggest that current estimates of carbon emissions from land-use change in the Brazilian Amazon are too high. The impact on biomass estimates and carbon emissions is substantial because the downward adjustment is greater in forest types undergoing the most deforestation. For 1990, with 13.8 10 3 km 2 of deforestation, emissions for the Brazilian Amazon would be reduced by 23.4–24.4 10 6 Mg CO2-equivalent C/year (for high- and low-trace gas scenarios), or 9.4–9.5% of the gross emission and 10.7% of the net committed emission, both excluding soils. # 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Hadron Multiplicity in Color-Gauge-Theory Models

The universality of the rise of hadron multiplicities in high-energy hadron and lepton collisions is attributed to the necessity of confining quark quantum numbers in a color-guage-theory model.
Sources of social support and burnout: A meta-analytic test of the conservation of resources model.

The Conservation of Resources (COR) model of burnout (Hobfoll & Freedy, 1993) suggests that resources are differentially related to burnout dimensions. In this paper, I provide a meta-analysis of the social support and burnout literature, finding that social support, as a resource, did not yield different relationships across the 3 burnout dimensions (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment), challenging the COR model. However, when considering the source of the social support (work vs. nonwork) as a moderator, I found that work-related sources of social support, because of their more direct relationship to work demands, were more closely associated with exhaustion than depersonalization or personal accomplishment; the opposite pattern was found with nonwork sources of support. I discuss the implications of this finding in relation to the COR model and suggest future research directions to clarify the relationship between resources and burnout dimensions.
Tropics and economic development: An empirical investigation

Abstract Following Kamarck's (1976) reasoning, crosscountry regressions of income, life expectancy, schooling, human development, population increase, capital accumulation, and economic growth are estimated with the country's distance from the equator as an explanatory variable. The distance-parameter shows high statistical significance and is quantitatively substantial in all cases. Several versions of the Solow-models formulated by Mankiw et al. (1992) are also reestimated after including the distance variable, which shows high significance in these cases too. Some implications of the regression estimates are noted.
Tertiary Structural Rearrangements upon Oxidation of Methionine145 in Calmodulin Promotes Targeted Proteasomal Degradation

The selectivity underlying the recognition of oxidized calmodulin (CaM) by the 20S proteasome in complex with Hsp90 was identified using mass spectrometry. We find that degradation of oxidized CaM (CaMox) occurs in a multistep process, which involves an initial cleavage that releases a large N-terminal fragment (A1-F92) as well as multiple smaller carboxyl-terminus peptides ranging from 17 to 26 amino acids in length. These latter small peptides are enriched in methionine sulfoxides (Met(O)), suggesting a preferential degradation around Met(O) within the carboxyl-terminal domain. To confirm the specificity of CaMox degradation and to identify the structural signals underlying the preferential recognition and degradation by the proteasome/Hsp90, we have investigated how the oxidation of individual methionines affect the degradation of CaM using mutants in which all but selected methionines in CaM were substituted with leucines. Substitution of all methionines with leucines except Met144 and Met145 has no detectable effect on the structure of CaM, permitting a determination of how site-specific substitutions and the oxidation of Met144 and Met145 affects the recognition and degradation of CaM by the proteasome/Hsp90. Comparable rates of degradation are observed upon the selective oxidation of Met144 and Met145 in CaM-L7 relative to that observed upon oxidation of all nine methionines in wild-type CaM. Substitution of leucines for either Met144 or Met145 promotes a limited recognition and degradation by the proteasome that correlates with decreases in the helical content of CaM. The specific oxidation of Met144 has little effect on rates of proteolytic degradation by the proteasome/Hsp90 or the structure of CaM. In contrast, the specific oxidation of Met145 results in both large increases in the rate of degradation by the proteasome/Hsp90 and significant circular dichroic spectral shape changes that are indicative of changes in tertiary rather than secondary structure. Thus, tertiary structural changes resulting from the site-specific oxidation of a single methionine (i.e., Met145) promote the degradation of CaM by the proteasome/Hsp90, suggesting a mechanism to regulate cellular metabolism through the targeted modulation of CaM abundance in response to oxidative stress.
Social Pretend Play in 2-Year-Olds: Effects of Age of Partner.

The role of the partner in the development of social pretend play was examined in two related studies. In both studies toddler-age children (Study One: n = 16, Study Two: n = 48) played with same-age and 5-year-old partners. In both studies 2-year-olds engaged in more social pretend play with older than with same-age partners. In mixed play sessions, 2-year-olds and 5-year-olds engaged in asymmetrical interaction. However, 5-year-olds used similar social behaviors with same-age and younger partners. In Study two, the 5-year-old partners (n = 32) were asked either to play with or to teach their younger partners. No differences were found in 5-year-old behavior under the two conditions, and younger children did not engage in more complex social pretend play in subsequent play with age-mates.
Triple and Double Arterial Implantation for Myocardial Revascularization

A technic was developed using a median sternotomy approach, by which triple or double arterial implantation in the myocardium might be carried out, using the right and left internal mammary arteries and the gastroepiploic artery. Triple or double arterial implantations were performed in 32 patients, two of whom died in the postoperative period. Over 90 per cent of the remaining patients have been improved. Arteriographic studies six to 12 months after operation have demonstrated patency of all three vessels following triple implantation. Operation of this type is thought to be particularly suitable for patients with multiple areas of myocardial ischemia. In addition, the surgical approach permits a second operation for patients who have previously undergone implantation of the left internal mammary artery. In two patients, the right internal mammary artery and gastroepiploic artery were implanted at a second operation.
Remarks on a paper by H. Bielak on size Ramsey numbers

The size Ramsey number ˆ(F1 ,F 2) is the smallest number of edges that an (F1 ,F 2)-arrowing graph can have. Let Si,n be obtained from the star K1,n by subdividing one edge by new i − 1 vertices. Bielak [Periodica Math. Hung. 18
Longitudinal disparities of hazardous drinking between sexual minority and heterosexual individuals from adolescence to young adulthood.

Sexual minority (lesbian and gay, bisexual, mostly heterosexual) individuals are at an increased risk for hazardous drinking than heterosexual individuals, but little is known about the nature of the disparities as adolescents reach adulthood. We used four waves of a nationally rep- resentative data set, the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), to examine disparities of hazardous drinking outcomes between sexual minority and heterosexual men and women from adolescence to young adulthood. Participants were 14-18 years old at the first assessment (N = 12,379; 53 % female) and 27-31 years old at the fourth assessment. At the fourth assessment, 13 % self-identified as sexual minority individuals, 16 % were Hispanic, and 36 % were of minority race, including primarily African Americans (60 %) and Asian Americans (18 %). There were clear hazardous drinking disparities between sexual minority individuals and heterosexual individuals over time. During adolescence, sexual minority individuals, particularly females, reported higher levels of hazardous drinking. As study participants reached adult- hood, the magnitude of the hazardous drinking disparities increased among sexual minorities, sexual minority men in particular. Additional research is needed to better under- stand the developmental mechanisms that underlie the emerging sexual orientation related disparities of hazard- ous drinking in young adulthood.
Determinants of Contraceptive Availability at Medical Facilities in the Department of Veterans Affairs

OBJECTIVE: To describe the variation in provision of hormonal and intrauterine contraception among Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Elderly: Extent of the Problem and Therapeutic Options

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is an underdiagnosed and potentially serious disorder that is more common but less well characterized in older adults than in the middle-aged. With aging, anatomic and physiologic changes to the upper airway make it prone to collapse. Except in female nursing home residents and older adults with excessive daytime sleepiness, there is no association between OSA and mortality in the elderly. In comparison to the middle-aged, cardiovascular consequences also are substantially attenuated in the elderly; however, the limited existing evidence supports a relationship between OSA and arrhythmia, heart failure, stroke, and cognitive dysfunction. Currently, the diagnosis of clinically significant OSA in the elderly is similar to that of the general population. Special care to a patient’s physical and cognitive impairments is critical to consider when administering CPAP, oral appliances, and surgery in older adults.
On laminar boundary layer flows with a rapid homogeneous chemical reaction

A theoretical analysis is presented of a mass transfer process which is coupled with an instantaneous homogeneous chemical reaction between two substances. It is shown how the appropriate diffusion and energy equations for laminar boundary layer flows past arbitrary surfaces may be solved in closed form by making use of an asymptotic technique. Of particular interest is the derived expression for the rate of mass transfer, of one of the reacting species from the surface, which has the simple form Nu0 is the local Nusselt number in the absence of a chemicla reaction, and C (α, λ) is a correction factor, independent of the surface geometry, which can be calculated exactly as a function only of two fluid parameters α and λ. Eine theoretische Analyse eines Stoffubergans wird dargelegt, der mit einer rasch verlaufenden chemischen. Reaktion zwischen zwei Substanzen gekoppelt ist. Es wird gezeigt, wie geeignete Diffusions- und Energiegleichungen fur laminar, uber beliebige Oberflachen fliessende Grenzschichten dadurch in geschlossener Form gelost werden konnen, dass man eine Asymptotentechnik benutzt. Von besonderem Interesse ist der Ausdruck, der fur die Massenubergangsgeschwindigkeit einer der beiden Reaktionspartner von der Oberflache weg abgeleitet ist. Er hat die folgende Form . Nu0 ist die ortliche Nusselt-Zahl unter Ausschluss der chemischen Reaktion. C (α, λ) ist ein Korrekturfaktor, der von der Gestalt der Oberflache unabhanging ist und der als Funktion der beiden Parameter des fliessenden Mediums α und λ genau berechnet werden kann.
Formamidines as α-amino carbanion precursors. The synthesis of 2-arylpiperidines, -pyrrolidines, and nicotine analogs

Abstract Metallation of the t -butyl formamidines of benzyl or picolinyl amines followed by alkylation with α,ω -dihaloalkanes gives the title compounds after hydrazinolysis.
Triage in the greenhouse

The path towards mitigating global warming is going to be tortuous. Capturing carbon dioxide and pumping it directly into the deep ocean to avoid atmospheric build-up is an option that has been dismissed prematurely.
Hot deformation and microstructural damage mechanisms in extra-low interstitial (ELI) grade Ti–6Al–4V

The hot deformation behavior of extra-low interstitial (ELI) grade Ti–6Al–4V alloy with Widmanstatten preform microstructure over wide temperature (750–1100oC) and strain rate ranges (0.001–100 s−1) has been studied with the help of processing maps. In the lower temperature and strain rate regime (850–950°C and 0.001–0.1 s−1), globularization of the lamellar structure occurs while at higher temperatures (980–1100oC) the β phase exhibits large-grained superplasticity. The tensile ductility reaches peak values under conditions corresponding to these two processes. A dip in ductility occurs at the β transus and is attributed to a possible nucleation of voids within prior β grains. At lower temperatures and strain rates below about 0.1 s−1, cracking at the prior β grain boundaries occurs under mixed mode conditions. At strain rates higher than 1 s−1 and temperatures lower than about 950oC, the material exhibits a wide regime of flow instabilities. On the basis of these results, a temperature–strain rate window for hot working this material without microstructural defects is identified.
Some Aspects of Chemical Equilibrium in Ground Watera

The influence of individual factors such as geologic and hydrologic characteristics of environment, biologic activity in soil, and pollutants on ground-water composition is discussed. Aspects of chemical equilibria in ground water, sorption reactions, carbonate equilibria, chemistry of iron, and factors altering equilibria are presented.
Compact ADI method for solving parabolic differential equations

A compact alternating direction implicit (ADI) method has been developed for solving two-dimensional parabolic differential equations. In this study, the second-order derivatives with respect to space are discretized using the high-order compact finite differences. The Peaceman-Rachford ADI method is then used for developing a new ADI scheme. It is shown by the discrete Fourier analysis that this new ADI scheme is unconditionally stable. The method can be generalized to the three-dimensional case and an unconditionally stable compact Douglas ADI scheme is obtained. The method is illustrated by numerical examples. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 18: 129–142, 2002; DOI 10.1002/num.1037
Recovery of Protein and Microorganisms From Shrimp Peeler Effluent

A study was conducted to determine the quantity and quality of proteinaceous solids recoverable from mechanical shrimp peeler effluent. Solids were recovered by HCl precipitation and centrifugation. Recovery of solids from untreated effluent was 1%-2% by weight (ca. 10% protein) and was predictable by turbidity. The precipitation/centrifugation process reduced supernatant total organic nitrogen and biochemical oxygen demand approximately 50% and turbidity by over 90% compared with untreated effluent. Total aerobic plate counts (APC) of bacteria recovered from unprocessed shrimp and precipitated solids were 105-106 CFU/g, approximately 1.5 log units greater than from peeled shrimp or untreated shrimp effluent. Total APC of bacteria recovered from clarified effluent was 3.2 × 101 CFU/mL.
Myostatin expression, lymphocyte population, and potential cytokine production correlate with predisposition to high-fat diet induced obesity in mice

A strong relationship exists between increased inflammatory cytokines and muscle insulin resistance in obesity. This study focused on identifying a relationship between metabolic propensity and myostatin expression in muscle and spleen cells in response to high-fat diet intake. Using a comparative approach, we analyzed the effects of high-fat diet intake on myostatin and follistatin expression, spleen cell composition, and potential cytokine expression in high-fat diet induced obesity (HFDIO) resistant (SWR/J) and susceptible (C57BL/6) mice models. Results demonstrated overall increased myostatin expression in muscle following high-fat diet intake in HFDIO-susceptible mice, while myostatin expression levels decreased initially in muscle from high-fat diet fed resistant mice. In HFDIO-resistant mice, myostatin expression decreased in spleen, while myostatin increased in spleen tissue from HFDIO-susceptible mice. Proinflammatory cytokine (IL-17, IL-1β, and IFNγ) potential increased in splenocytes from HFDIO-susceptible mice. In comparison, C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited higher frequencies of CD4+/CD44hi and CD8+/CD44hi cells in the spleen compared to control fed mice. Together, these results suggest that susceptibility to high-fat diet induced obesity could be influenced by local myostatin activity in a tissue-specific manner and that splenocytes exhibit differential cytokine production in a strain-dependent manner. This study sets the stage for future investigations into the interactions between growth, inflammation, and metabolism.
RF-Penetrable PET insert for simultaneous PET/MR imaging

Combined positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows promise to be a powerful tool for disease characterization as it enables the simultaneous measurement of molecular and anatomical information of the body. However, the impact of whole body simultaneous PET/MRI is limited by its high cost. To address this issue, we are developing an RF-penetrable PET insert that can be inserted into any MRI system without requiring modifications to the MR system hardware. The proposed PET system prototype consists of 16 PET detector modules within Faraday cages in a 32 cm inner diameter ring pattern with small gaps between modules. These inter-modular gaps, along with electro-optical signal transmission technology that allows the PET insert to electrically float relative to the MRI RF ground, enable RF fields to pass through the PET ring with some attenuation. In this study we investigate the feasibility of an RF-penetrable PET detector insert. We perform 2D (Maxwell, ANSOFT, USA) and 3D (XFdtd, REMCOM, USA) electromagnetic simulations as well as experiments in a 3T MR system (GE Healthcare, USA) to understand the degree to which a ring of electrically floating Faraday cages facilitates RF transmissivity. 2D electromagnetic simulation results show that a grounded PET insert blocks the RF field while an electrically floating PET insert allows the RF field to uniformly transmit through the gaps with some attenuation. The RF field attenuation levels of 3D simulation and experiments were 3.9 and 4.2~5.7 dB respectively, demonstrating that the simulation reasonably represents the experimental RF attenuation results. We have shown from both simulations and experiments that the RF field of an MR system body coil can penetrate a PET ring through small inter-modular gaps, when the PET ring is electrically floating with respect to the MR system.
Free flap scalp reconstruction in a 91-year-old patient under local-regional anesthesia: case report and review of the literature.

In the elderly population with significant medical comorbidities, the safety of general anesthesia is often in question. In the head and neck, where regional and extradural anesthesia are not options, reconstruction of defects requiring free tissue transfer becomes a particular challenge for patients in whom general anesthesia is contraindicated. We present a case of a scalp reconstruction utilizing a latissimus dorsi free flap in a 91-year-old man performed entirely under local and regional anesthesia. General anesthesia was contraindicated secondary to the patient's multiple medical comorbidities. A paravertebral block was used for the harvest of the latissimus dorsi muscle and skin grafts. The microvascular portion of the procedure and the inset were performed under local anesthesia alone. The patient tolerated the procedure, and the operation was successful. This case is unique in that there are no published reports of head and neck free tissue transfer being performed entirely under local-regional anesthesia. We conclude that despite the medical challenges of performing complex reconstruction in elderly patients, expedient free tissue transfer can offer patients access to successful reconstruction.
Computer Usage Patterns in the Construction Industry: An Empirical Investigation

This study examines computer usage patterns in the U.S. construction industry. One hundred and seven subjects, consisting of managers at different managerial levels and professional support staff, participated in this study. This study shows that the subjects exhibit significant differences with regard to their extent of use, nature of use, and degree of satisfaction with decision support systems. Implications of these findings to decision support systems design and effective utilization are discussed.
An Audio Integrated Motorcycle Helmet

This paper presents an audio-integrated motorcycle helmet that provides music, voice communication, and noise reduction functions. The effects of degrading the music and speech signals by the motorcycle noise were studied Experimental setup with real ambience of a person riding a motorcycle, wearing a helmet with active noise control (ANC), and listening to audio under noisy conditions was built. The performance of the audio-integrated system in reducing noise and preserving the quality of audio signals was evaluated using computer simulations and real-time experiments with recorded motorcycle noise.