cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of patient-reported difficulty with adherence with achievement of clinical targets among hemodialysis patients

Background Non-adherence to dialysis recommendations is common and associated with poor outcomes. We used data from a cohort of in-center hemodialysis patients to determine whether patients' reported difficulties with adherence were associated with achievement of clinical targets for treatment recommendations. Patients and Methods We included 799 in-center patients receiving hemodialysis from February 2010 to October 2016 at Emory Dialysis (Atlanta, GA, USA). Patient-reported difficulty with adherence (yes vs no) across multiple domains (coming to dialysis, completing dialysis sessions, fluid restrictions, diet restrictions, taking medications) was obtained from baseline social worker assessments. Achievement of clinical targets for coming to dialysis (missing ≥3 expected sessions), completing dialysis sessions (shortening >3 sessions by ≥15 min), fluid restrictions (mean interdialytic weight gain ≥3 kg), diet restrictions (mean potassium ≥5.0 mEq/L, mean phosphate >5.5 mg/dL), and taking medications (mean phosphate >5.5 mg/dL) was estimated over the following 12 weeks, using electronic medical record data. Crude agreement was assessed, and multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between these measures. Results Agreement between reported difficulty in adherence and failure to achieve clinical targets was generally poor across all domains (percent agreement: 52.9-65.3%). After adjustment, patients reporting difficulty with fluid restrictions were 62% more likely to have mean interdialytic weight gain ≥3 kg than those not reporting difficulty (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.43). Patients reporting difficulty with coming to dialysis were 41% more likely to miss ≥3 expected dialysis sessions over 12 weeks (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 0.96, 2.07); however, this association was not statistically significant. There were no significant associations between reported difficulty and failure to achieve clinical targets in other categories. Conclusion While reported difficulty with only fluid restrictions and coming to dialysis were associated with failure to achieve clinical targets in our study, the general lack of agreement between reported difficulty with adherence and failure to achieve clinical targets highlights a gap that could be explored to develop and target educational interventions aimed at increasing adherence among dialysis patients.
In silico features of ADAMTS13 contributing to plasmatic ADAMTS13 levels in neonates with congenital heart disease.

Abstract Introduction Risk factors contributing to heightened thrombosis in pediatric congenital heart disease (CHD) patients are not fully understood. Among the neonatal CHD population, those presenting with single ventricular physiology are at the highest risk for perioperative thrombosis. The von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS13 interactions have emerged as causative risk factors for pediatric stroke and could contribute to heightened thrombosis in CHD neonates. Methods This study investigates a cohort of children with single ventricle physiology and undergoing cardiac surgery, during which some patients developed thrombosis. In this cohort, we analyzed the relationship of several molecular features of ADAMTS13 with the plasma and activity levels in patients at risk of thrombosis. Additionally, in light of the natural antithrombotic activity of ADAMTS13, we have sequenced the ADAMTS13 gene for each patient and evaluated the role of genetic variants in determining the plasma ADAMTS13 levels using a series of in silico tools including Hidden Markov Models, EVmutation, and Rosetta. Results Lower ADAMTS13 levels were found in patients that developed thrombosis. A novel in silico analysis to assess haplotype effect of co-occurring variants identified alterations in relative surface area and solvation energy as important contributors. Our analysis suggested that beneficial or deleterious effect of a variant can be reasonably predicted by comprehensive analysis of in silico assessment and in vitro and/or in vivo data. Conclusion Findings from this study add to our understanding the role of genetic features of ADAMTS13 in patients at high risk of thrombosis related to an imbalanced relation between VWF and ADAMTS13.
Never seen right gastrothorax: A case report.

Abstract Traumatic gastrothorax, or stomach herniation into the chest post-trauma, is a rare but dangerous condition that can lead to respiratory distress and obstructive shock. Its diagnosis is challenging and requires a high index of suspicion. Immediate stomach decompression is an important, often life-saving step of the treatment, prior to definitive surgical repair. We report herein the case of a 59 year-old female patient, who was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident resulting in multiple injuries. Her right-sided gastrothorax, manifesting as solely nausea at first, was only diagnosed 16 days after trauma, intraoperatively. Worse, her herniated stomach had ruptured within the right pleural cavity causing pneumothorax, spillage of contents and pleuritis. It was an erroneous radiological diagnosis of right lung necrosis which halted surgical management. Right gastrothorax has never been reported previously. This article also reviews the condition's pathophysiology, along with diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, and sheds light on the importance of its early recognition and treatment.
Evaluation of chromosomal insertion loci in the Pseudomonas putida KT2440 genome for predictable biosystems design.

Abstract The development of Pseudomonas strains for industrial production of fuels and chemicals will require the integration of heterologous genes and pathways into the chromosome. Finding the most appropriate integration site to maximize strain performance is an essential part of the strain design process. We characterized seven chromosomal loci in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 for integration of a fluorescent protein expression construct. Insertion in five of the loci did not affect growth rate, but fluorescence varied by up to 27-fold. Three sites displaying a diversity of phenotypes with the fluorescent reporter were also chosen for the integration of a gene encoding a muconate importer. Depending on the integration locus, expression of the importer varied by approximately 3-fold and produced significant phenotypic differences. This work demonstrates the impact of the integration location on host viability, gene expression, and overall strain performance.
In Vitro Evaluation of Stone Fragment Evacuation by Suction.

Introduction: Contemporary, flexible stone baskets are unable to extract submillimeter stone fragments at the time of ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy. In this in vitro study, the feasibility of suc...
Modeling The X-ray Timing Properties Of Cygnus X-1 As Caused By Waves Propagating In A Transition Disk

We show that waves propagating in a transition disk can explain the short term temporal behavior of Cygnus X-1. In the transition disk model the spectrum is produced by saturated Comptonization within the inner region of the accretion disk where the temperature varies rapidly with radius. Recently, the spectrum from such a disk has been shown to fit the average broad band spectrum of this source better than that predicted by the soft-photon Comptonization model. Here, we consider a simple model where waves are propagating cylindrically symmetrical ly in the transition disk with a uniform propagation speed ($c_p$). We show that this model can qualitatively explain (a) the variation of the power spectral density (PSD) with energy, (b) the hard lags as a function of frequency and (c) the hard lags as a function of energy for various frequencies. Thus the transition disk model can explain the average spectrum and the short term temporal behavior of Cygnus X-1.
Lifestyle and Clinical Risk Factors for Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis-associated Interstitial Lung Disease.

OBJECTIVE To determine the association between novel lifestyle factors on risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD), define the threshold at which smoking increases RA-ILD risk, and calculate the degree to which known lifestyle and clinical factors predict RA-ILD. METHODS This nested case-control study matched incident RA-ILD cases to RA non-ILD controls on age, sex, RA duration, rheumatoid factor, and time from exposure assessment to RA-ILD. Exposures included education, BMI, smoking, anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, race, joint erosions, rheumatoid nodules, C-reactive protein (CRP), disease activity score, functional status, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug use, and glucocorticoid use. OR for each exposure on risk of RA-ILD were obtained from logistic regression models. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated based on all lifestyle and clinical exposures. RESULTS We identified 84 incident RA-ILD cases and 233 matched controls. After adjustment, obesity, high-positive CRP (≥ 10 mg/L), and poor functional status (multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire [MDHAQ] ≥ 1) were associated with increased risk of RA-ILD (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11-5.24 vs normal BMI; OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.21-5.64 vs CRP < 3 mg/L; OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.32-7.26 vs MDHAQ < 0.2). Smoking 30 pack-years or more was strongly associated with risk of RA-ILD compared to never smokers (OR 6.06, 95% CI 2.72-13.5). Together, lifestyle and clinical risk factors for RA-ILD had an AUC of 0.79 (95% CI 0.73-0.85). CONCLUSION Obesity, CRP, functional status, and extensive smoking may be novel risk factors for RA-ILD that may be useful for RA-ILD risk assessment and prevention. The overall ability to predict RA-ILD remains modest.
The Politics of Alienation in Gary Shteyngart’s Lake Success

This article considers Gary Shteyngart’s Lake Success as a literary exploration of alienation that is set against the backdrop of the 2016 presidential election in the United States. It exposes ali...
Approximation Algorithms for the Bid Construction Problem in Combinatorial Auctions for the Procurement of Freight Transportation Contracts

The bid valuation and construction problem for carriers facing combinatorial auctions for the procurement of freight transportation contracts is very difficult and involves the computation of a number of NP-hard sub problems. In this paper we examine computationally tractable approxim ation methods for estim ating these values and constructing bids. The benefit of our approxim ation method is that it provides a way for carriers to construct optimal or near optimal bids by solving a single NP-hard problem. This represents a significant improvement in efficiency. In addition, this method can be extended to m any other applications.
Measuring myelin content and neuron density in the human brain with optical coherence tomography

Serial Sectioning Optical Coherence Tomography(serial sectioning OCT) has been widely used to investigate the structural and pathological features of brain samples. OCT is an optical imaging technique that provides both the 3D structure of the tissue as well as the optical properties including the scattering coefficient (μs) and back-scattering coefficient (μb). Serial sectioning OCT allows the reconstruction of distortion-free volumetric images at high contrast and high resolution, which has proven to be useful for the detection of cancerous tissue boundaries, visualizing 3D vascular structures and measuring neuron density. The tissue optical properties extracted from the OCT depth profile has been shown to be related to myelin content and neuron density. However, no quantitative correlation of the tissue optical properties with myelin content and neuron density has been reported. Establishing a quantitative relationship will potentially benefit the segmentation of anatomical layers and the characterization of demyelination and neuron loss, which are related to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy(CTE). Here, we demonstrate using block-face imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) to quantitatively measure myelin content and neuron density in the human brain. By correlating the OCT measurements of tissue optical properties with the ground truth of myelin content and neuron density provided by histology, we found that the scattering coefficient possesses a linear relationship with the myelin content across different regions of the human brain, while the neuron density only slightly modulate the overall tissue scattering properties
Multilayer Adsorption and Wetting Phenomena

In this chapter, phenomena arising in multilayer physisorbed films are described; these include complete and incomplete wetting behavior, first-order and critical wetting transitions in liquid and solid films, prewetting, layering, and triple-point wetting. We review continuum and lattice models of multilayer adsorption in Sect.21.2, with emphasis on the latter, and present several applications of the Ising and Potts lattice-gas models to fluid and solid adsorption in Sect.21.3. The particular case of wetting in the presence of long-range Van der Waals forces is discussed at some length. Finally (in Sect.21.4) we consider current trends in research on multilayer adsorbed films.
Covariation of Video Game Cognitive Effort and Pupil Diameter

Hess (1965) found that the diameter of the pupil of the eye is directly proportional to the effort involved in solving mental arithmetic problems. The technique of signal averaging to improve signal-to-noise ratio of pupillary data has not been widely employed (Beatty, 1982), due mainly to limitations in instrumental technology. The present study used a newly developed technology to measure the pupil in response to video game playing. It was predicted that pupil diameter should increase during that point of a ping-pong simulation game when the subject is manipulating his paddle to intersect with the trajectory of the ball, while it should return to baseline as the ball moves away from the paddle, as the subject’s degree of concentration diminishes.
Practical Education Law for the Twenty-First Century

This one-volume treatise summarizes and explains a myriad of legal trends and principles in the rich and varied field of American education law. The second edition of Practical Education Law for the Twenty-First Century is divided into ten chapters, each dealing with a substantive area in education law. Topics covered include school finances, school search and crime issues, residency and fee issues, basic labor law, alternative education and vouchers, injuries to students, athletics, and the overall organization and regulation of public education. Within each chapter are a number of concise sections that address specific legal concerns. Citations are nationwide in scope and include references to updated federal and state case law, federal statutory law, and state statutory law. Practical law tips appear throughout the volume. This highly readable text is extremely accessible to nonlegal audiences, as well as useful to the legally trained reader and to the law student.The Table of Contents and Chapter One are available for download.
Designing an autonomous soil monitoring robot

Through the monitoring of soil conditions land managers can respond rapidly to mitigate adverse events, such as extreme weather or ongoing drought. However, without an extensive system of sensors, gathering information over a large field takes an exorbitant amount of time. This mass collection of soil data would allow farm managers to study time-lapsed trends and variables within a particular region to provide quick assessment of land conditions. Currently, the client uses a bulky handheld wireless soil sensor to measure moisture content and temperature. To take measurements, the client must walk to the coordinates of interest, clear the ground of vegetation, manually insert the probe into the ground, and log the reading. The team is designing an autonomous soil monitoring rover to expedite data collection and reduce labor. The rover will be able to autonomously navigate through a field several acres in size and avoid obstacles. It will gather data on soil moisture and temperature at a set of given waypoints and relay the information back to the farm manager. Constructed with a custom welded steel frame, the first rover prototype will be a four-wheeled vehicle with front wheel drive. The vehicle will be equipped with a Stevens Hydra Probe II mounted to a linear actuator. Navigation will be handled using a GPS and wheel encoders. When completed, the rover will allow the land manager to analyze trends between soil data and pasture health, providing an accurate snapshot of a field.
Work in progress - concept inventories for the thermal stem of mechanical engineering

Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer comprise the thermal stem, which, along with the mechanical systems stem, is required for the BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. Traditionally, each of these subjects is covered in a separate course. A set of concept inventories that cover the fundamental concepts in the thermal science subject areas have been developed. The inventories have been given in courses at the University of Wisconsin and other universities over the last three semesters. An analysis of the results from the inventories and the development of a second version of one of the inventories are reported in this work in progress
Effects of Potential Modifications to the U.S. Food Stamp Program so as to Allow Only Healthy Food to be Purchased with Food Stamps

This paper analyzes potential changes to the U.S. food stamp program (FSP) that have been suggested by some nutritionists and others with a view to combating obesity among the poor. Specifically, we use models of consumer behavior, firm supply, and market equilibrium to assess the impacts of allowing FSP participants only to purchase healthy foods when using food stamps. Our analytical results indicate that in response to such a policy change, FSP participants will likely increase their consumption of healthy food, but the effects on their purchases of unhealthy food are not clear. Market-wide consequences are even less clear. Changes in consumer demand will result in a new market equilibrium, after prices have adjusted to equilibrate the supply and demand of each food and the associated food commodities. This market equilibrium will depend on the size and extent of the demand shifts induced by the policy change, and the induced supply responses. These effects are complex and will vary over time since the ability of the food industry to adjust to changes in demand for healthy and unhealthy foods will depend on the amount of time needed to expand or contract supply as needed, and this adjustment period will vary across foods. The main story is intuitive. Changing what may be purchased using food stamps will likely lead to higher prices for healthy foods and lower prices for unhealthy foods. These price effects will feed back into consumer decisions, weakening the direct effects on demand generated by altering the FSP. We conclude that while reforming the FSP may indeed lead to better diets among participants, the FSP is likely to be an ineffective and inefficient instrument for bringing about desired nutritional outcomes unless accompanied by additional policy instruments.
The implicit valuation of risks to life: A comparative analysis

Abstract This paper reports estimates of the implicit valuation of risk reductions for different sources of risk – on-the-job accidents and exposure to air pollutants. A hedonic wage model estimated using the May 1978 Current Population Survey for individuals in 44 SMSA's provides the basis for the estimates of implicit values of risk. The findings suggest quite different valuations of comparable risk changes.
Attitude Dynamics of Orbiting Gyrostats

Equilibrium attitudes of a rigid satellite with N rotors in a central gravitational field are investigated. The equations of motion are written as a noncanonical Hamiltonian system, where the Hamiltonian includes the potential, a volume integral over the body of the gyrostat. In practice, the Hamiltonian is approximated to partially decouple the position and attitude equations. The equilibria of this system of equations represent the steady motions of the body as seen in the body frame, and correspond to stationary points of the Hamiltonian constrained by the Casimir functions. This defines an algorithm for computing equilibria. In contrast to other approaches, this algorithm provides stability information directly, since the calculations required to solve the constrained minimization problem are also involved in computing the positive definiteness of the Hamiltonian as a Lyapunov function.
Aromatic Metal Clusters

Aromaticity is used to describe the particular stability of certain unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbons, but unambiguous evidence for substantial aromatic stabilization of molecules unrelated to these hydrocarbons has been lacking. In their Perspective, Seo and Corbett highlight the study by Li et al., who have synthesized Mal, the first aromatic metal clusters.
On the Construction of Transnational Accounting Policy: Dynamics of Negotiating Order between 'Space Cadets' and 'Dinosaurs'

The process of accounting policy-making is addressed within an important and evolving body of literature. This paper adds to that literature in explaining the contemporary phase of transnational accounting policy-making through efforts by the FASB and IASB to construct a set of standards accepted for worldwide market regulation. Specifically, this paper examines the process of transnational accounting policy-making through a study of seven years of debate surrounding a particular policy decision made in selecting between two conventions for the measurement of revenue. I use archival documents in the form of narrative accounts of FASB and IASB proceedings to analyze the actors involved in this particular decision, their changing discourse, and their power dynamics throughout the history of debate. I mobilize the negotiated orders perspective and concepts from institutional theory to theorize actor resources, rationales and power dynamics in the process of constructing a policy decision. The analysis reveals how board composition and power dynamics matter in determining the content of accounting standards. In addition, the analysis reveals how power is structured by two coalitions, referred to as the “Space Cadets” and “Dinosaurs”, whose membership is not only somewhat fluid but often reflects seemingly unlikely groupings of actors. Further, this study highlights the differing rationales that these two coalitions mobilize in the process of negotiating order. The findings support the importance of micro-level processes in explaining the development of macro-level accounting policy. These factors are crucial to enhancing our broader understanding of the way in which accounting standards and rules are ultimately institutionalized.
Principles of Good Practice

In later chapters of this textbook, we will often state that a particular method should be performed using standard sensory practices. This chapter will describe what we mean by “standard sensory practices” Table 3.1 provides a checklist of many of the good practice guidelines discussed in this chapter; this table can be used by sensory specialists to ensure that the study has been thought through. It should be remembered that a good sensory specialist will always follow the standard practices because that would help ensure that he or she will obtain consistent, actionable data. However, an experienced sensory scientist will occasionally disregard the standard practice guidelines. When one breaks these rules, one always has to be fully aware of the consequences, the risks entailed, and whether one still can get valid data from the study.
Crustal earthquake triggering by pre‐historic great earthquakes on subduction zone thrusts

Triggering of earthquakes on upper plate faults during and shortly after recent great (M > 8.0) subduction thrust earthquakes raises concerns about earthquake triggering following Cascadia subduction zone earthquakes. Of particular regard to Cascadia was the previously noted, but only qualitatively identified, clustering of M > ~6.5 crustal earthquakes in the Puget Sound region between about 1200–900 cal years B.P. and the possibility that this was triggered by a great Cascadia thrust subduction thrust earthquake, and therefore portends future such clusters. We confirm quantitatively the extraordinary nature of the Puget Sound region crustal earthquake clustering between 1200–900 cal years B.P., at least over the last 16,000. We conclude that this cluster was not triggered by the penultimate, and possibly full-margin, great Cascadia subduction thrust earthquake. However, we also show that the paleoseismic record for Cascadia is consistent with conclusions of our companion study of the global modern record outside Cascadia, that M > 8.6 subduction thrust events have a high probability of triggering at least one or more M > ~6.5 crustal earthquakes.
Bioactivity of 14C-labeled endotoxin in aggregates, shed blebs and whole bacteria: Potency comparison in the LAL assay, cell cultures, and mouse bioassays

It is unknown if endotoxin reactivity in the LAL assay varies by its presentation or if this parallels differences in potency in vitro and in vivo . We compared endotoxin responses in the LAL assay, in cell cultures and in vivo when presented in different forms. Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) from Neisseria meningitidis sero B was metabolically labeled and incorporated into intact bacteria, purified membrane blebs, and aggregates ( 14 C-LOSagg). 14 C-LOS content of each was quantified as LOS-specific 14 C-3-OH fatty acids. Equivalent escalating doses of 14 C-LOS-containing bacteria, blebs, or LOSagg were tested in the LAL assay, in vivo in C3HeB/FeJ mice following intranasal instillation (monitoring induced airway inflammation), and in vitro using HEK293 cells ± CD14, MD-2, TLR4 (monitoring extracellular accumulation of IL-8). Doses of 14 C-LOS were measured by scintillation counting (our gold standard) . Potency varied depending on LOS presentation. Ranked reactivity was: in the LAL assay, blebs > LOSagg > bacteria; by airway inflammation, bacteria > blebs > LOSagg; by activation of HEK cells, LOSagg > blebs > bacteria. Differences in potency reached 10-fold for in vitro and in vivo inflammation. Across the range of doses, the ratio of LOS concentration determined by the LAL assay to the gold standard was 1.0-1.3 for blebs, 0.3-0.7 for aggregates and 0.1-0.2 for whole bacteria. How endotoxin is presented significantly affects endotoxin reactivity in the LAL, cell culture and whole animal assays. Compared to the gold standard measure, the LAL assay substantially underestimated the content of the LOS preparations for LOSagg and bacteria.
Ubiquitin-Dependent Signaling: The Role of Ubiquitination in the Response of Cells to Their Environment.

The response of a cell to its external environment requires rapid and significant alteration of protein amount, localization and/or function. This regulation involves a complex combination of processes that control synthesis, localization and degradation. All of these processes must be properly regulated and are often interrelated. Intracellular proteolysis is largely accomplished by the ubiquitin-dependent system and has been shown to be required for growth control, cell cycle regulation, receptor function, development and the stress response. Substrates subject to regulated degradation by this system include cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, tumor suppressors, transcription factors and cell surface receptors. In addition, proteins that are damaged by oxidation or that are improperly folded or localized are substrates whose degradation by this system often leads to antigen presentation on the surface of the cell in the context of Class I major histocompatibility complex molecules. A very large body of work in the last fifteen years has shown that degradation by this system requires the covalent attachment of a small protein called ubiquitin and that this modification serves to direct target proteins for degradation by a 26S proteolytic particle, the proteasome. Thus, the attachment of the ubiquitin domain is of vital importance in regulating normal growth and differentiation, as well as in defending against cellular damage caused by xenobiotics, environmental insults, infection and mutation. This review focuses on the role of ubiquitination in the cellular signaling pathways that deal with these external influences.
Building Bridges: A Pilot Program for Training and Support of Rural Supervisors

The challenges faced by rural mental health supervisors are myriad and highlight the need to make specific training and support available in rural areas. This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of such a program. Forty rural supervisors attended a one-day training program and six supervisors participated in a six-month follow-up peer group supervision program. Pre- and post-test results revealed a significant improvement in overall self-reported supervision competencies and a drop in feelings of burnout. This structured program provided a convenient, effective, and affordable means to enhance supervision in rural areas. Implications for mental health providers, educators, supervisors, and future research are considered.
Role of Phosphorus in Viscosity, Gelatinization, and Retrogradation of Starch

ABSTRACT The effect of starch crystallinity and phosphorus on starch gelatinization and retrogradation were studied using wide-angle X-ray powder diffraction, cross polarization/magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, 31P NMR spectroscopy, Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Two starches differing significantly in peak viscosity (cv. Stephens, 283 BU; cv. Crew, 560 BU) were comparable in amylose content and starch crystallinity, while differing significantly in phospholipids content. Starch of lower peak viscosity had a higher phospholipids content and showed a slower rate of retrogradation. Starch from Stephens (0.098% phosphorus) had an enthalpy value of retrograded starch of 2.2 J/g after 14 days of storage, while starch from Crew (0.062% phosphorus) had an enthalpy value as high as 4.4 J/g. Defatting with a hot n-propanol and water (3:1) mixture caused substantial changes in peak viscosity. Peak viscosity for starch from Crew...
Examination of the factor structure and concurrent validity of the Langer Mindfulness/Mindlessness Scale.

Langer’s theory of mindfulness proposes that a mindful person seeks out and produces novelty, is attentive to context, and is flexible in thought and behavior. In three independent studies, the factor structure of the Langer Mindfulness/Mindlessness Scale was examined. Confirmatory factor analysis failed to replicate the four-factor model and a subsequent exploratory factor analysis revealed the presence of a two-factor (mindfulness and mindlessness) solution. Study 2 demonstrated that the two factors assessed discrete constructs and were not merely products of acquiescence. Support was also found for a nine-item, one-factor model comprised solely of mindfulness items. On comparing models, Study 3 suggested the superiority of the one-factor mindfulness model. Finally, a preliminary investigation of the concurrent validity of the revised nine-item Langer Mindfulness/Mindlessness Scale is presented. The current article offers researchers a revised version of a mindfulness measure derived from a cognitive pe...
Theophylline pharmacokinetics are not altered by lansoprazole in CYP2C19 poor metabolizers

Lansoprazole is a potent gastric proton pump inhibitor that is metabolized by CYP2C19 but appears to induce the activity of hepatic microsomal CYP1A2 in a concentration-dependent manner. Because the inducing effect appears to be a dose-dependent phenomenon, it may be more important in poor metabolizers of CYP2C19 who have more than four times the area under the lansoprazole plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) and constitute 12% to 23% of Asian populations. Theophylline owes a significant portion of its metabolism to CYP1A2 and can cause gastric acid reflux that calls for concurrent use of proton pump inhibitors. We conducted a prospective, randomized, subject-blind, multicenter crossover study of the effect of multiple high-dose oral lansoprazole (30 mg twice a day for 7 days) on the pharmacokinetics of a single intravenous dose of theophylline (4.73 mg/kg) in healthy volunteers characterized for CYP2C19 genotype. The study compared the pharmacokinetics of lansoprazole and theophylline in five white extensive metabolizers, six Korean extensive metabolizers, and seven poor metabolizers of CYP2C19. The pharmacokinetics of lansoprazole were significantly different among groups; AUC values were 1.55 ± 0.20 μg · h/mL in white extensive metabolizers, 7.01 ± 0.72 μg · hr/mL in Korean extensive metabolizers, and 14.34 ± 2.60 μg · h/mL in poor metabolizers (P .1). These data suggest that usual therapeutic doses of lansoprazole have no clinically significant influence on the clearance of theophylline, even in poor metabolizers of CYP2C19. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1999) 65, 606–614; doi: 10.1016/S0009-9236(99)90082-6
Beiträge zur Chemie der Si‐N‐ Bindung, XVI [1] Umsilylierungen an 1,3‐Bis‐dimethylchlorsilyl‐1,3‐diaza‐2,2,4,4‐tetramethyl‐cyclodisilazan

Die Umsetzung von Diphenyldichlorsilan mit 1, 3-Bis-dimethylchlorsilyl-1, 3-diaza-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-cyclodisilazan in den molaren Verhaltnissen 1:1 bis 4:1 fuhrt zu isomeren partiell und per-phenylierten 1, 3-diorganochlor-funktionellen Cyclodisilazanen, die isoliert und identifiziert werden.
Redefining RECs—Part 2: Untangling certificates and emission markets

Abstract Renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions markets are currently in a state of confusion regarding the treatment of Renewable Energy Certificate (RECs). How should emission-trading schemes treat RECs? How can emission mitigation policies provide real incentives for renewable generation? The objective of REC markets should be to promote additional renewable energy investments. The author asserts that defining RECs in terms of attributes, especially off-site attributes, does not further this goal. Ambiguous language such as “environmental attribute” or “environmental benefit” creates confusion in the marketplace while failing to address the relevant coordination issues with Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance markets, voluntary emission offset markets, or emission cap-and-trade markets. Specifically, defining RECs in terms of off-site attributes creates a number of problems, including that once an emissions cap-and-trade scheme is in place, such definitions of a REC can become indefensible. The author proposes to redefine RECs in terms of on-site attributes, which resolves the aforementioned problems and allows compliance and voluntary renewable energy and emission markets to function without conflicts. Ideally, environmental commodities should be homogeneous, first best measures of the relevant environmental good, as well as easily measured and verified. The author proposes tradable environmental commodities that achieve these characteristics.
A pilot study examining older adults' beliefs related to medication adherence: the BERMA survey.

Objective: To establish a multifactorial measure of older adults’ beliefs related to medication adherence. Methods: Ninety-two older adults (M = 71.42 years) were asked to provide medication and health-related information, memory strategies, and complete the Beliefs Related to Medications (BERMA) Survey. Results: The final version of the BERMA survey contains 53 questions with three scales. The overall reliability of the scale is excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = .94), as is the reliability of the scales. Correlations show that better rated memory for medications was associated with higher reported adherence and fewer external memory strategies. Higher perceived ability to deal with health professionals was related to higher importance of medication adherence and greater perceived seriousness of one’s medical condition. Finally, more positive attitudes about medications were associated with better self-rated health and fewer side effects. Discussion: The results indicate that the BERMA survey is a potentially...
Relaxation dynamics of processes in colloidal zirconia nanosols. Dependence on excitation energy and temperature

Abstract This Letter addresses process relaxation dynamics occurring in colloidal zirconia (ZrO2) nanosols under steady-state and pulsed laser excitation; the temperature dependence of the photoluminescence is also reported. The laser-induced emission emanating from these nanosols is thermally quenched with activation energy E tq =0.048±0.008 eV , identical to the activation energy ( E tq =0.050±0.005 eV ) of thermal quenching of the photoluminescence under steady-state excitation. It is also identical to the energy ( E ads =0.046±0.005 eV ) of thermal quenching of the photostimulated adsorption of oxygen on ZrO2 micron-size particles. A pathway to summarize the events is proposed.
Surface tension of mixtures of oligomers

The surface tension of mixtures of poly(dimethylsiloxane) and poly(isobutylene) fluids with their low molecular weight oligomers have been measured. These data, as well as those for n-alkane mixtures from the literature, are fitted well by lattice-theory expressions for the surface tension of polymer solutions, and do not show a simple dependence on the average molecular weight in the mixture. We conclude that the molecular weight depend-ence we have previously observed for the surface tension of polymer fluids is only an approximation. The results also suggest that the lattice-model theory may have broader applicability than the model from which it was developed would imply.
Idealized Models of Slantwise Convection in a Baroclinic Flow

Intermediate, or deep, convection in a baroclinic flow occurs along slanted paths parallel to the alongflow absolute momentum surfaces. These surfaces are principally tilted due to the vertical shear in velocity but can be further modified by a nonvertical axis of rotation. An inviscid Lagrangian parcel model, using realistic parameters, is utilized to illustrate, qualitatively, the different scenarios resulting from the combined action of inertial and gravitational forces acting on sinking parcels of dense fluid. More quantitative results are derived from a series of numerical experiments using a zonally invariant, high-resolution, nonhydrostatic model. Convection occuring in a flow with tilted absolute momentum surfaces will mix properties along these slanted surfaces. This implies that the fluid can retain a weak vertical stratification while overturning and also, more importantly, that the evolution of the convective layer cannot be described in terms of one-dimensional, vertical mixing. The authors show, for conditions typical of the Labrador Sea, that the convective layer depth difference between that estimated by mixing vertically and one obtained allowing for slantwise mixing can be greater than 100 m; slantwise convection reaches deeper because of the reduced stratification along the slanted paths. An alternative slantwise mixing scheme, based on the assumption of zero potential vorticity of the convected fluid, is proposed.
Long-Term Outcomes of Pancreas After Kidney Transplantation in Small Centers: Is It Justified?

Abstract Background Currently, the long-term advantages of having a pancreas transplantation (PT) are debated, particularly in patients receiving pancreas after kidney (PAK) allografts. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) requires that a transplant center perform a minimum number of PT per year to remain an active PT center. The long-term outcomes and challenges of PAK in small pancreas transplant centers are not well studied. Methods In this retrospective analysis, we report short- and long-term outcomes in a small center performing 2–9 PT annually. Results Forty-eight PT (25 simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation [SPK], 23 PAK) were performed in our center. Donor and recipient demographics were similar in both groups. All suitable local donors were used for SPK. All organs for PAK transplantation were imported from other UNOS regions. Mean follow-up was 61 ± 46 and 74 ± 46 months for SPK and PAK, respectively. Patient and graft survival rates were similar in SPK and PAK groups and better than the reported national average. Four patients (11%) died (1 due to trauma, 1 brain lymphoma, 1 ruptured aneurysm; and 1 unknown cause). Two patients (4%; 1 SPK, 1 PAK) lost their grafts because of thrombosis on postoperative days 3 and 5 in 2002. No graft thrombosis occurred since 2002. Seven patients (15%) required reoperation (4 for bleeding, 2 anastomotic leaks, 1 small bowel perforation). Two patients (4%) developed post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease. Five patients (11%) experienced cytomegalovirus antigenemia which responded well to antiviral therapy. Conclusions Compared with outcomes for diabetic patients on dialysis, current SPK and PAK short- and long-term results are favorable even in a small PT center. Therefore, unless there is a contraindication, PT should be offered to all type 1 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease at the time of kidney transplantation or afterward.
History of spine surgery in the ancient and medieval worlds

There is a paucity of surviving texts from ancient and medieval times that can shed light on the early development of spine surgery. Nevertheless, the author reviews many of the available books and fragments and discusses early developments in the field of spine surgery from the point of view of physicians' personalities, general themes, and actual surgical practices. For purposes of an overview and to highlight changing trends in spine surgery, he divides the paper into four eras of medicine: 1) Egyptian and Babylonian; 2) Greek and early Byzantine; 3) Arabic; and 4) medieval.
A Bromoenol Lactone Suicide Substrate Inactivates Group VIA Phospholipase A2 by Generating a Diffiusible Bromomethyl Keto Acid That Alkylates Cysteine Thiols

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) comprise a superfamily of enzymes that hydrolyze phospholipids to a free fatty acid, e.g., arachidonate, and a 2-lysophospholipid. Dissecting their individual functions has relied in large part on pharmacological inhibitors that discriminate among PLA2. Group VIA PLA2 (iPLA2β) has a GTSTG serine lipase consensus sequence, and studies with a bromoenol lactone (BEL) suicide substrate inhibitor have been taken to suggest that iPLA2β participates in a wide variety of biological processes. Such conclusions presume inhibitor specificity. Inhibition by BEL requires its hydrolysis by and results in uncharacterized covalent modification(s) of iPLA2β. We performed mass spectrometric analyses of proteolytic digests of BEL-treated iPLA2β to identify modifications associated with loss of activity. The GTSTG active site and large flanking regions of sequence are not modified by BEL treatment, but most iPLA2β Cys residues are alkylated at various BEL concentrations to form a thioether linkage to...
Television Commercials as a Lagging Social Indicator: Gender Role Stereotypes in Korean Television Advertising

Previous studies of mass media in many countries have confirmed that images of women are stereotypical and unrealistic, particularly in television advertising. This study was designed to analyze the representation of gender roles in Korean television advertising and to compare the results with previous studies conducted in other countries. A sample of 878 Korean television advertisements from the MBC network in 2001 was content analyzed. Findings indicate that women in Korean television advertising were portrayed as young (48.2%), as dependent (37.5%), and as nurturing children (12.1%); they were often depicted in the home (37.2%). These stereotypical images of women have been found in television advertising in many countries. Korean society has changed a great deal in recent decades, but the images we analyzed do not reflect the current situation. Therefore, television commercials are a lagging social indicator of role changes.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy:: Integration of Traditional and Behavioral Concerns

This paper describes Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, a behavioral family therapy approach for the psychological treatment of preschool children and their parents. This approach emphasizes the int...
Therapeutic Apheresis for Cancer Related Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can be seen as a result of disseminated cancer, as a consequence of chemotherapy, or in association with bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Further distinction can be made when the clinical presentation is that of an acute, fulminant course with rapidly progressive renal failure or that of a sub-acute form with a slow progression of renal involvement. Each of the different etiologies (cancer, chemotherapy, or BMT) and each of the two basic clinical presentations has its own prognosis. There are no randomized, controlled studies to elucidate the role of therapeutic apheresis for cancer-related HUS. Hemolytic uremic syndrome related to disseminated cancer is most often a terminal event and is not commonly treated with apheresis procedures, although there are anecdotal reports that plasma exchange may be beneficial. Chemotherapy and drug-related HUS have a prognosis that is strongly dependent on the severity of the presentation, but even in the most severe cases may respond to either immunoadsorption or plasma exchange with fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Finally, BMT-related HUS has a poor prognosis but may respond to immunoadsorption, plasma exchange, or a combination of the two.
Preconception exposure to mutagens: medical and other exposures to radiation and chemicals

Contrary to intuition, no environmental exposure has been proved to cause human germ line mutations that manifest as heritable disease in the offspring, not among the children born to survivors of the American atomic bombs in Japan nor in survivors of cancer in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood who receive intensive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both. Even the smallest of recent case series had sufficient statistical power to exclude, with the usual assumptions, an increase as small as 20 % over baseline rates. One positive epidemiologic study of a localized epidemic of Down syndrome in Hungary found an association with periconceptual exposure to a pesticide used in fish farming, trichlorfon. Current population and occupational guidelines to protect against genetic effects of ionizing radiation should continue, with the understanding they are based on extrapolations from mouse experiments and mostly on males. Presently, pre-conceptual counseling for possible germ cell mutation due to the environment can be very reassuring, at least based on, in a sense, the worst-case exposures of cancer survivors. Prudence demands further study. Future work will address the issue with total genomic sequencing and epigenomic analysis.
"How Can a Daughter Glorify the Family Name?" Filiality and Women's Rights in the Late Qing

This paper examines married daughters' filiality toward their natal families through three case studies. The protagonists are Qiu Jin (1875?-1907), Wu Zhiying (1868-1934) and Xu Zihua (1873-1935). Using the lens of filiality, we are able to observe the finer nuances of their gendered self-conception within the context of the rapidly changing world at the end of China's imperial era. I argue that the language and sentiment of filiality facilitated a substantial broadening of women's rights: in expanding what a literati daughter can claim as her intellectual inheritance, in providing the basis of a legal argument for a daughter's inheritance rights, and in offering a conduit for the experience of women's participation in political changes.