cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AMPICILLIN-GENTAMICIN SYNERGY IN TREATMENT OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL MENINGITIS

Ampicillin and gentamicin in combination accelerate killing of group B streptococci (GBS) in vitro. Penicillin-amlnoglycoside combinations have been recommended for the treatment of GBS meningitis despite poor penetration of the aminogiycosides into the cerebrospinal fluid. Previous studies have demonstrated accelerated killing of GBS by combinations of penicillin or ampicillin and gentamicin. These studies utilized concentrations of amlnoglycosides not consistently attainable in the CSF following systemic administration. We examined 20 strains of GBS for accelerated killing with gentamicin concentrations attainable in the CSF by systemic administration. All strains (Ia, Ib, Ic, II, III) were Isolated from infants with sepsis or meningitis. Preliminary studies revealed that mean MIC's by tube dilution were: penicillin 0.02, ampicillin 0.16, and gentamicin 4.5ugm/ml. No synergy was detected by the checkerboard titration method. Killing kinetics were determined using 10ugm/ml of ampicillin or penicillin alone or in combination with 0.1 or 0.5ugm/ml of gentamicin. Fifteen of the 20 strains demonstrated acceierated killing with gentamicin concentrations comparable to those attained in the CSF. These findings provide a rationale for the use of a combination of a penicillin and gentamicin in treating GBS meningitis in spite of "subtherapeutic" levels of gentamicin in the CSF.
Perturbation theory of liquid-metal surfaces: The importance of the self-energy

A model for the surface tension and density profile of simple liquid metals is presented. It is based on second-order perturbation theory in the electron-ion pseudopotential about the inhomogeneous electron gas at a jellium surface. The pair correlations in the ion fluid are computed using hard-sphere perturbation theory. The model yields good agreement with the experimental surface tensions of the alkali metals. For the polyvalent metals it is shown that it is essential to include the position-dependent self-energy of the ions, a quantity that is fortuitously small in the monovalent systems. To obtain such self-energies, very accurate values of the response function of the inhomogeneous electron gas are required.
Comparison of three drying processes to obtain an apple peel food ingredient

Apple peel, a waste product from dried apple manufacture, has a high content of bioactive phenolic compounds. In Chile ca. 9000 ton of apple peel are generated each year. To obtain a novel food ingredient, we compared three drying processes on Granny Smith apple peel: oven (60°C), drum dryer (110°C), and freeze drying. The influence of each drying technology on the chemical characteristics and antioxidant capacity on fresh and dried peel fractions were determined. The results indicate that all the drying processes affected the chemical characteristics and the color of the ingredient. Total phenolics content and antioxidant capacity decreased significantly in all the products during drying. The preservation of phenolics in apple peel was higher using freeze drying (92%). The drum-drying process retained over 70% putatively healthy phenolics. In addition, this is the most economical system suitable to obtain the apple peel ingredient.
Cognitive psychology meets art: exploring creativity, language, and emotion through live musical improvisation in film and theatre

Creativity is primarily defined as a mental phenomenon that engages multiple cognitive processes to generate novel and useful solutions to problems. There are two core problem-solving modes: long-term deliberate methodical vs. short-term spontaneous. Despite behavioral models integrating the multiple activities (e.g. technical and financial issues, emotional responses) arising within and the socio-cultural effects surrounding the long-term creative process in various artistic disciplines, no systematic study exists of short-term improvisatory behavior in response to emotional stimuli within such ecologically valid contexts as film and theatre. In this paper I present and discuss the novel use of one cinematic and one theatrical project that investigate spontaneous creative thinking and emotion perception, particularly as it pertains to in the moment expressive translation of emotional scenic variables such as actors’ movements and dialogue to musical language. Both projects explore the six universal human emotions (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise) and were performed and recorded with live improvised music by professional jazz musicians. Combining visual scene analysis with musical feature analysis of the improvised scores, I propose a cognitive feedback model of spontaneous creative emotional innovation that integrates music, spoken language, and emotional expression within the context of live music scoring in both film and theatre. This work also serves as an appeal towards more arts-based cognitive research and interdisciplinary methods in the study of human intelligence.
The Localized and Spatial Effects of US Troop Deployments on Host-State Defense Spending

We analyze how the deployment of US troops affects host-state defense spending. We test this relationship, from 1951 to 2003, by examining how the deployment of US military forces impacts defense spending in different types of states, including US allies, NATO members, non-allies of the United States, and all states. We also utilize spatial measures of US troop deployments to analyze how regional and neighborhood concentrations of forces shape host-state policies. Using both traditional panel methodology, and incorporating a simultaneous equation model for the deployment of troops, we find that non-allied states tend to decrease their defense burden when the United States places troops within their borders. However, NATO allies consistently increase their defense burden in response to the presence of US troops within their borders. Additionally, most states tend to increase spending when the United States places troops near their borders.
SU‐FF‐T‐330: Modeling Skin Collimation Using Electron Pencil‐Beam Redefinition Algorithm

Purpose: To modify the pencil‐beam redefinition algorithm (PBRA) to model skin collimation and to verify that the modified PBRA can accurately calculate dose in the presence of skin collimation for both electron fixed and arced beams. Method and Materials: The PBRA continuously redefines pencil beams at equally spaced depth. For pencil beam pixels fully (partially) shielded by skin collimation further propagation of all (a portion) of the pencil beam is terminated. The accuracy of the modified PBRA for skin collimation (10‐mm thick lead) was verified at 10 and 15 MeV. Fixed beam measurements were performed using a scanning diode detector in water: air gap is 32 cm, field size is 20×6 cm2, and skin collimation is at ±5.0 cm. Arced beam measurements were performed in a cylindrical, plastic phantom (ρ=13.5 cm) using film dosimetry: arc angle is ± 45°, skin collimation edge is at ± 30°, and field size is 5×20 cm2. Results: Fixed beam: For 10 MeV, the calculations and measurements agreed within 2% in the low dose‐gradient region (Dose>90% and Dose <10%) and within 2 mm distance to agreement (DTA) in the high dose‐gradient region (10%<Dose<90%). For 15 MeV, calculations and measurements agreed within 5% in the low dose‐gradient region and within 2 mm DTA in the high dose‐gradient region. Differences from 3–5%, limited to a small volume distal to and just inside the skin collimation edge, were due to the modified PBRA not modeling scatter from the skin collimation.Arced beam: For both energies, the calculations and measurements agreed within 2% in the low dose‐gradient region and within 1 mm DTA in the high dose‐gradient region. Conclusion: Results showed that the PBRA is easily modified to include skin collimation and that it can calculate dose in a water or plastic phantom sufficiently accurately for clinical use.
Ultradian rhythms of solitary and social behavior in rhesus monkeys.

Abstract Day-long observations were made on the social and nonsocial behaviors of five subadult to adult male monkeys. Social interaction between pairs of monkeys was found to occur as a cyclic process. In three of four pairs, the lengths of these cycles occurred as multiples of 45 min. Four nonsocial behaviors — ingestion, self-grooming, exploration and locomotion — were found to occur as cyclic processes when the monkeys were in either a social or a solitary setting. The lengths of these cycles again occurred as multiples of 45 min and in all four social pairings exploratory cycles of individual monkeys appeared to precede and be closely in phase with social interaction cycles.
Using Web 2.0 for scientific applications and scientific communities

Web 2.0 approaches are revolutionizing the Internet, blurring lines between developers and users and enabling collaboration and social networks that scale into the millions of users. As discussed in our previous work, the core technologies of Web 2.0 effectively define a comprehensive distributed computing environment that parallels many of the more complicated service-oriented systems such as Web service and Grid service architectures. In this paper we build upon this previous work to discuss the applications of Web 2.0 approaches to four different scenarios: client-side JavaScript libraries for building and composing Grid services; integrating server-side portlets with ‘rich client’ AJAX tools and Web services for analyzing Global Positioning System data; building and analyzing folksonomies of scientific user communities through social bookmarking; and applying microformats and GeoRSS to problems in scientific metadata description and delivery. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convective instability in liquid pools heated from below

The linear hydrodynamic stability analysis of liquid pools heated from below combining surface tension and buoyancy effects as presented by Nield (1964) is confirmed by experiment for a series of silicone oils. The experimental method used is an adaptation of the Schmidt–Milverton technique, in which the stability limit is located by the change of slope in the plot of heat flux versus temperature drop across the liquid pool.
Spinal Epidural Abscess: Early Detection With Gadolinium Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• To emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess, thirteen patients admitted to a single general hospital are presented. In 10 patients, diagnosis was not appreciated at the time of presentation. After treatment, four remained paraparetic and three died. Nine patients had predisposing factors, including seven with infections at sites other than the spinal canal.Staphylococcus aureuswas the predominant organism. Outcome was equally devastating for the seven patients with acute and the six patients with chronic infections. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was the most useful diagnostic test, and we recommend that it be performed promptly in any patient with clinical features suggesting spinal epidural abscess since early surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotics may yield a favorable outcome.
Phonon approach to an array of traps containing Bose-Einstein condensates

We investigate theoretically an array of traps containing Bose-Einstein condensates, taking into account tunneling of atoms between adjacent traps and atom-atom interactions within each trap. After an expansion valid in the limit of a large number of atoms, we end up studying a variation of the problem of phonons in a one-dimensional lattice. Analysis of these fictitous phonons and their vacua shows that the fluctuations in atom numbers and phases of the condensates behave qualitatively as in the much-studied case of two traps.
Statistical comparison of consumer drug expenditures and discretionary purchases to assess drug affordability.

Abstract Background: Affordability may be defined as the absence of economic barriers to a good or service. There are 2 frequently observed measures of affordability: a consumer's ability to pay and his or her physical access to a good or service. Thus, most programs designed to subsidize consumers' health care costs, especially state programs that address prescription drug expenditures for people aged ≥65 years, base eligibility on measures of income as a proxy for a consumer's ability to pay. These measures do not explicitly include a consumer's willingness to pay for medications. For example, it is possible that some Medicare beneficiaries may be resistant to paying for medication because other major health care expenditures are typically covered by insurance. This resistance could be exacerbated by the keen awareness among the general population of the rising costs of medications. Because medications are considered a necessity, expenditure levels are usually compared with expenditures for other necessities, such as housing and medical services. Objective: In an attempt to assess consumers' potential willingness to pay for medications, this article draws on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Surveys to compare pharmaceutical expenditures with out-of-pocket expenditures for discretionary purchases, such as dining outside the home. Results: Personal out-of-pocket expenditures for medications have ranged from 0.8% to 1.0% of consumer unit income since 1985. These expenditures are relatively small compared with those for necessities, such as housing (33%) and food (13.5%). They are also less than the share of income dedicated to many nonessentials. Conclusion: Assessing inability versus unwillingness to pay for medication remains a problem for both researchers and health care policy makers attempting to determine the affordability of medications.
Transcriptional regulation of c-Fes in myeloid leukemia cells

The c-Fes proto-oncogene encodes a myeloid-specific protein-tyrosine kinase that is expressed preferentially in differentiated myeloid cells, but not in early myeloblast progenitor cells. To examine the basis for the phenotypic expression of c-Fes, the transcription initiation sites of the human c-Fes gene were mapped in myeloid leukemia cells and regulatory elements in the genomic c-Fes sequence were characterized. Two major transcription initiation sites were found in the myeloid leukemia cell line THP-1 which delineated exon 1 to be 72–83 bp. When the activity of the CAT reporter gene under the control of the c-Fes promoter region, untranslated exon 1 and intron 1 was measured in TF-1, K562 and MCF-7 cells, only TF-1 cells exhibited chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity. In contrast, all cell lines supported reporter gene activity when intron 1 was deleted. Deletion analyses revealed a negative regulatory region in intron 1, which was localized by Southwestern analysis and DNA footprinting to a 14 bp region. This negative regulatory region suppressed reporter CAT activity in K562 and TF-1 cells when inserted downstream to the SV40 early promoter. These results suggest that the tissue-specific expression of c-Fes may result, in part, from the negative regulation of transcription in myeloid and nonmyeloid cells.
Herbicidal control of Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. roots and shoots in no-till spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Summary: Resume: Zusammenfassung Three herbicide treatments were applied each year over a period of 4 years to Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, infestations in no-till spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in North Dakota, USA. Both chlorsulfuron at 30 g ai ha−1+a non-ionic surfactant and a mixture of clopyralid+2,4-D at 70+280 g ai ha−1 gradually reduced Cirsium arvense shoot density, root biomass, and adventitious root buds over the 4-year treatment period in two trials. These two treatments did not merely induce adventitious root buds to become dormant. They virtually eliminated roots to a depth of 50 cm by year 4. Tribenuron methyl at 10 g ai ha−1+ a non-ionic surfactant was less effective in reducing shoot density and root biomass. Lutte herbicide contre les racines et les tiges de Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, dans du bli de printemps non laboure (Triticum aestivum L.) Trois traitements herbicides ont ete appliques chaque annee pendant 4 ans, contre des infestations de Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, dans du ble de printemps (Triticum aestivum L.) non laboure dans le Dakota Nord, USA. Tant le chlorsulfuron a 30 g m.a. ha−+un surfactant nonionique qu'un melange de clopyralide+2,4-D a 70+280 g m.a. h− ont reduit progres-sivement la densite des pieds de Cirsium arvense, la biomasse racinaire, et les bourgeons racinaires adventices pendant les 4 annees de traitements dans les 2 essais. Ces traitements ont a peu pres elimine les racines sur une profondeur de 50 cm en 4 ans. Ces deux traitements n'ont pas induit de dormance des bourgeons racinaires adventices. Le tribenuron methyl a 10 g m.a. ha−+un surfactant non ionique a ete moins efficace dans la reduction de la densite de plante et de la biomasse racinaire. Chemische Bekampfung von Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, in direktgesatem Sommerweizen (Triticum aestivum L.) In direktgesater Sommerweizen (Triticum aestivum L.) wurdel in North Dakota. USA, Bestande von Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, uber 4 Jahre jahrlich 3 Herbizidbehandlungen unterzogen. Sowohl Chlorsulfuron mit 30 g AS ha−1 nichtionischem Netzmittel als auch eine Mischung von Clopyralid+2,4D mit 70+280 g AS ha−1 verringerten die Sprosdichte der Acker-Kratzdistel, die Wurzelbiomasse und die Adventivknospen an den Wurzeln in 2 Ver-suchen graduell. Durch diese beiden Behand-lungen wurden nicht nur die Adventivknospen dormant, sondem auch die Wurzeln bis zu einer Tiefe von 50 cm bis zum 4. Jahr fast ganz elimi-niert. Tribenuron-methyl mit 10 g AS ha−1 nichtionischem Netzmittel war hinsichtlich der Reduktion von Sprosdichte und Wurzelbiomasse weniger wirksam.
Weight- perception in male career firefighters and its association with cardiovascular risk factors.

Background: The prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, and is also increasing among public safety professionals like firefighters who are expected to be fit and more active. The present study evaluates the associations among Body Mass Index (BMI), weight perception and cardiovascular risk factors in 768 male career firefighters from two Midwestern states in the United States. Methods: A physical examination was performed and fasting blood samples were taken. Cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) was determined from symptom- limited maximal treadmill exercise testing with electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring and estimation of oxygen consumption (metabolic equivalents, METS) using the Bruce protocol. A health and lifestyle questionnaire was administered with standardized written instructions for completion. Self-reports of weight perception were extracted from responses to the completed multiple choice questionnaire. Baseline characteristics were described using the mean (standard deviation) for continuous variables and frequency for categorical variables. Group comparisons were calculated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Linear models and logistic regression models were used to adjust for possible confounders. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios of underestimating one’s weight category. Results: A high proportion of overweight and obese male career firefighters underestimate their weight categories (68%). The risk of underestimating one’s weight category increased by 24% with each additional unit of increasing BMI after adjustment for age and CRF. When divided into six groups based on combinations of measured BMI category and weight perception, there were significant differences among the groups for most cardiovascular risk factors. After adjustment for age and BMI, these differences remained statistically significant for CRF, amount of weekly exercise, prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetSyn), body fat percentage and cholesterol measurements. Conclusion: A high proportion of overweight and obese male career firefighters underestimate their measured BMI categories. As a result, they are unlikely to fully appreciate the negative health consequences of their excess weight. The results of this study emphasize the importance of objectively measuring BMI and then informing patients of their actual weight status and the associated disease risks.
A model for high Reynolds number flow in a human bronchial bifurcation

Abstract A mathematical model based on the theory of inviscid fluid flow with vorticity is presented to describe the high Reynolds number flow field downstream from a human bronchial bifurcation. The accuracy of the model is limited by the approximation used for the axial component of vorticity and by lack of knowledge of the developing velocity field in the junction. Velocity profiles predicted, however, agree qualitatively with experimental high Reynolds number measurements reported in the literature.
Intravenous infectivity of type 2 poliomyelitis virus in mice.

SummaryPoliomyelitis virus Type 2 has been successfully propagated in mice following intravenous inoculation. 107 ID50 tissue culture doses were required to produce 50% response (paralysis or death) after intravenous inoculation in mice. The intravenously inoculated virus disappeared from the serum after 24 hours but was recoverable from spinal cord, brain and feces.
Precision space‐filling atomic models

Shortly, lightweight, inexpensive, precision, space-filling atomic models particularly suitable for constructing macromolecules of biological interest will reach the scientific community. The availability of the models, the Corey-Pauling-Koltun, or C-P-K Models, will conclude a five-year program which has involved the cooperative efforts of Federal agencies, scientific societies, and selected scientists. This paper describes the development of the program, details the contributions of the various groups and persons who have been involved, and discusses the technical characteristics of the models.
Anti-EGFRvIII monoclonal antibody armed with 177Lu: in vivo comparison of macrocyclic and acyclic ligands.

Abstract Introduction Monoclonal antibody (mAb) L8A4 binds specifically to the epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) that is present on gliomas but not on normal tissues, and is internalized rapidly after receptor binding. Because of the short range of its β-emissions, labeling this mAb with 177 Lu would be an attractive approach for the treatment of residual tumor margins remaining after surgical debulking of brain tumors. Materials and Methods L8A4 mAb was labeled with 177 Lu using the acyclic ligands [( R )-2-amino-3-(4-isothiocyanatophenyl)propyl]- trans -( S,S )-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine-pentaacetic acid (CHX-A″-DTPA) and 2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-6-methyldiethylene-triaminepentaacetic acid (1B4M-DTPA), and the macrocyclic ligands S -2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-tetraacetic acid (C-DOTA) and α-(5-isothiocyanato-2-methoxyphenyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (MeO-DOTA). Paired-label tissue distribution experiments were performed in athymic mice bearing subcutaneous EGFRvIII-expressing U87.ΔEGFR glioma xenografts over a period of 1 to 8 days to directly compare 177 Lu-labeled L8A4 to L8A4 labeled with 125 I using N -succinimidyl 4-guanidinomethyl-3-[ 125 I]iodobenzoate ([ 125 I]SGMIB). Results Except with C-DOTA, tumor uptake for the 177 Lu-labeled mAb was significantly higher than the co-administered radioiodinated preparation; however, this was also the case for spleen, liver, bone and kidneys. Tumor/normal tissue ratios for 177 Lu-1B4M-DTPA-L8A4 and, to an even greater extent, 177 Lu-MeO-DOTA-L8A4 were higher than those for [ 125 I]SGMIB-L8A4 in most other tissues. Conclusions Tumor and normal tissue distribution patterns for this anti-EGFRvIII mAb were dependent on the nature of the bifunctional chelate used for 177 Lu labeling. Optimal results were obtained with 1B4M-DTPA and MeO-DOTA, suggesting no clear advantage for acyclic vs. macrocyclic ligands for this application.
In-vivo evidence for metabolic control of amino-acid and protein synthesis by exogenous lysine and threonine in Mimulus cardinalis

Young developing seedlings of Mimulus cardinalis Douglas (Scrophulariaceae) were grown in Hoagland's medium supplemented with lysine (LYS; 1.0 mM), threonine (THR; 1.0 mM), LYS+THR (1.0 mM ea.) or LYS+THR+methionine (MET; 1.0-1.0-0.1 mM, respectively). LYS or THR reduced the total amount of protein in the developing seedlings and when added in combination completely inhibited the accumulation of protein after 7 days. The combination of LYS+THR+MET enhanced the accumulation of protein. When MET was added to seedlings grown on LYS+THR for 9 days, the rate of protein accumulation reverted to normal. Studies using [14C]leucine demonstrated similar inhibitory patterns on protein synthesis. The effects of LYS and THR on the distribution of [14C]aspartate into the aspartate amino acids including MET were studied. LYS and THR, singly and synergistically when in combination, inhibited the synthesis of MET. Thus the simultaneous application of LYS and THR can be interpreted as producing an artificially induced MET auxotroph. These results indicate that LYS and THR act singly and together in vivo to inhibit the accumulation of soluble LYS, MET and THR in a manner indicative of end-product inhibition. Indirect evidence for end-product control of alanine, arginine, glycine, phenylalanine, proline, tryptophan, tyrosine and valine is also given.
Comment on "Role of Emotion in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy": Some Quibbles, a Call for Greater Attention to Patient Motivation for Change, and Implications of Adopting a Hierarchical Model of Emotion

In their article, Samoilov and Coldfried (this issue) suggest that cognitive-behavior therapy (CUT) may be enhanced by going beyond intellectual meanings and expanding therapeutic focus to implicit, emotional meanings. Though I am in basic agreement with their main thesis, in this commentary I (a) discuss the importance of considering the adaptiveness of a particular experience of emotion before deciding whether the goal of therapy should be to reduce that emotional experience or enhance it, (b) question the authors' use of language when they contrast emotional systems with cognitive systems, (c) discuss the importance of expanding therapeutic focus of CBT therapists to patient motivation to change, and (d) discuss some of the implications of adopting a hierarchical model of emotion for treatment and research.
Global Priority Estimation in Multiperson Decision Making

The analytic hierarchy process generalized to synthesizing local preferences across a complex hierarchy structure into global priorities in multiperson decision making is considered in various approaches. They include classic eigenvector synthesis and multiplicative method, and several other suggested techniques, such as three-dimensional eigenvectors, and simultaneous linear and nonlinear estimations by whole hierarchy structure in synthetic optimizing procedures. A numerical example from marketing research with many criteria, subcriteria, alternatives, and respondents is presented. The quality of approximation compared by different approaches shows that the best results are produced by the nonlinear synthetic priority techniques. The techniques described have been successfully used in dozens of real-world projects and are very helpful for practical managerial decision making in complex hierarchies.
Formation of N-alkylpyrroles in corn oil/amino acid model systems

Abstract Corn oil was heated with alanine, cysteine, glycine, phenylalanine, ammonia, methylamine, or ethylamine at 180°C for 4 h. The volatiles formed in the headspace were collected using a simultaneous purging and solvent extraction apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Fourteen mono- and di-alkylpyrroles were identified in the headspace extracts of the corn oil/amino acid mixtures and the corn oil/amine mixtures. It is proposed that α,β-unsaturated fatty aldehydes reacted with the alkylamine produced from the corresponding pyrolyzed amino acid to form 1-alkylpyrroles.
Integrating inquiry‐guided learning across the curriculum: The Top 25 Project at Miami University

This chapter describes the initiative designed to transform the largest enrollment classes at Miami University to focus on inquiry-guided learning and student engagement and discusses the results thus far.
Evaluation of an educational program for adolescents with asthma.

In addition to challenges of adolescence itself, teens with asthma face demands of asthma management and risks of asthma sequelae, including fatalities. Few asthma educational programs specifically address their needs. In response to school nurse concern, this pilot study evaluated an adolescent asthma education program, the Power Breathing™ Program, together with individual coaching sessions in terms of general asthma knowledge and health status. Thirteen high school students, predominantly female and African American, participated over a 6-month period. Evaluation tools included the Child Health Survey for Asthma, a focus group interview, and a program evaluation questionnaire. Participants reported that knowledge gained improved trigger avoidance, increased medication adherence, and decreased the frequency of asthma episodes. They described the individual coaching sessions as helpful in assimilating and applying information. The Power Breathing Program and coaching sessions show promise as an asthma ed...
Theories and Practices of Organizational Development

We review research on and the practice of Organization Development. Organization development has been an active area for research during the past decade, and current research benefits from well-developed theoretical frameworks of organization change. Organization Development has also been a fertile ground for the development of change practice methodologies during this time. To organize this chapter, we distinguish between change process and implementation theories. Change process theories, which typically guide research on change, are sorted using Van de Ven and Poole's (1995) typology of teleologic, life-cycle, dialectic, and evolutionary motors for change. Likewise, we categorize implementation theories, which typically guide the practice of change, by their underlying motors of participation, self-reflection, action research, and narrative/rhetorical intervention. We identify some contemporary organization development interventions in terms of their implementation motors and indicate ways implementation and change process motors may complement each other. Despite their common interest in change, and complementary theoretical motors, we find that change process research and implementation research occupy relatively separate intellectual spheres. This divide is hindering further theory development regarding change. We outline some possible causes of the divide and propose strategies to bridge it. Keywords: change process theories; implementation theories; knowledge transfer; organization development; organizational change
Bulimia nervosa treatment: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Objective: The RTI International-University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Evidence-based Practice Center (RTI-UNC EPC) systematically reviewed evidence on efficacy of treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN), harms associated with treatments, factors associated with treatment efficacy, and differential outcome by sociodemographic characteristics. Method: We searched six major databases for studies on the treatment of AN from 1980 to September 2005, in all languages against a priori inclusion/exclusion criteria focusing on eating, psychiatric or psychological, or biomarker outcomes. Results: Thirty-two treatment studies involved only medications, only behavioral interventions, and medication plus behavioral interventions for adults or adolescents. The literature on medication treatments and behavioral treatments for adults with AN is sparse and inconclusive. Cognitive behavioral therapy may reduce relapse risk for adults with AN after weight restoration, although its efficacy in the underweight state remains unknown. Variants of family therapy are efficacious in adolescents, but not in
Premature Labor, Part I: Risk Assessment, Etiologic Factors, And Diagnosis

Background: This paper, the first of a two-part series on premature labor, reviews the recent literature on the causes of and risk factors for preterm labor and methods of diagnosis. Methods: A review of the literature on risk determination and diagnosis of preterm labor was conducted by searching MEDLINE files from 1983 to the present, using the key terms “preterm labor,” “premature labor,” “preterm labor and infection,” and “uterine monitoring.” Additional references were accessed by cross-referencing the bibliographies of the articles obtained through this search. Results and Conclusions: Risk factors for preterm labor, which include items related to the pregnant woman’s demographic characteristics, history, daily habits, and current pregnancy, have been combined into scoring systems commonly used by clinicians and researchers to single out women at risk for preterm delivery. When such systems are tested in obstetric populations, results show variable success in predicting preterm labor or birth. These inconsistent results could be due, in part, to important factors that have often been omitted from scoring systems, such as chemical abuse, poor nutrition, little social support, demanding work, multiple sexual partners, past or current sexually transmitted diseases, and other gynecologic infections. Women who are considered high risk for preterm labor can benefit from participating in preterm birth prevention programs that incorporate home monitoring, patient education regarding the signs and symptoms of preterm labor, frequent contacts with health professionals, and cervical examinations.
Reentrant Wave Fronts in Wiggers’ Stage II Ventricular Fibrillation: Characteristics and Mechanisms of Termination and Spontaneous Regeneration

The mechanisms of Wiggers' stage II ventricular fibrillation (VF) are poorly understood. Using computerized mapping techniques, we studied the patterns of activation during Wiggers' stage II VF in 13 open-chest dogs. In 7 of the 13 dogs, the right ventricular Purkinje fibers and adjacent subendocardial myocytes were ablated with Lugol solution. VF was induced electrically, and 3 to 5 seconds of data were obtained beginning approximately 2.5 seconds after the onset of VF. Dynamic displays of the activation patterns and isochronal maps revealed the presence of reentrant wave fronts in 17 of 33 runs of VF in ablated ventricles and in 12 of 45 runs of VF in intact ventricles. The incidence of reentry was not different between the subendocardium-ablated group versus the nonablated group (1.7 +/- 1.6 versus 1.2 +/- 1.6 rotations per episode of VF, P = .19). There were no differences in the core size (25 +/- 19 versus 29 +/- 18 mm2), life span (3.4 +/- 1.1 versus 3.2 +/- 1.2 rotations), or cycle length (111 +/- 12 versus 107 +/- 8 ms) in ablated ventricles versus intact ventricles, respectively. The core was unstable as it meandered within the mapped area displacing the entire reentrant wave front. In all episodes, the reentrant wave fronts were spontaneously initiated by an interaction between two propagating wave fronts roughly perpendicular to each other. The second wave front met the tail of the first wave front 69 +/- 11 ms (range, 40 to 90 ms) after its latest activation, indicating that the interaction occurred during a vulnerable period. The reentrant wave fronts terminated spontaneously (n = 7), as the result of interference by an invading wave front (n = 19 or meandered off the mapped region (n = 3). We conclude the following: (1) Reentrant activities with short life spans and meandering cores are present during Wiggers' stage II VF in dogs. (2) New reentrant wave fronts are generated when one wave front interacts with another wave front during its vulnerable period. (3) The reentrant wave fronts terminate spontaneously or as the result of interference. (4) Chemical subendocardial ablation does not affect the incidence, life span, cycle length, or core size of the reentrant wave fronts.
Mercury and methylmercury in water and sediment of the Sacramento River Basin, California

Mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (CH3Hg + ) concentrations in streambed sediment and water were determined at 27locations throughout the Sacramento River Basin, CA. Mercury in sediment was elevated at locations downstream of either Hg mining or Au mining activities where Hg was used in the recovery of Au. Methylmercury in sediment was highest (2.84 ng/g) at a location with the greatest wetland land cover, in spite of lower total Hg at that site relative to other river sites. Mercury in unfiltered water was measured at 4 locations on the Sacramento River and at tributaries draining the mining regions, as well as agricultural regions. The highest levels of Hg in unfiltered water (2248 ng/l) were measured at a site downstream of a historic Hg mining area, and the highest levels at all sites were measured in samples collected during high streamflow when the levels of suspended sediment were also elevated. Mercury in unfiltered water exceeded the current federal and state recommended criterion for protection of aquatic life (50 ng/l as total Hg in unfiltered water) only during high streamflow conditions. The highest loading of Hg to the San Francisco Bay system was attributed to sources within the Cache Creek watershed, which are downstream of historic Hg mines, and to an unknown source or sources to the mainstem of the Sacramento River upstream of historic Au mining regions. That unknown source is possibly associated with a volcanic deposit. Methylmercury concentrations also were dependent on season and hydrologic conditions. The highest levels (1.98 ng/l) in the Sacramento River, during the period of study, were measured during a major flood event. The reactivity of Hg in unfiltered water was assessed by measuring the amount available for reaction by a strong reducing agent. Although most Hg was found to be nonreactive, the highest reactivity (7.8% of the total Hg in water) was measured in the sample collected from the same site with high CH3Hg + in sediment, and during the time of year when that site was under continual flooded conditions. Although Hg concentrations in water downstream of the Hg mining operations were measured as high as 2248 ng/l during stormwater runoff events, the transported Hg was found to have a low potential for geochemical transformations, as indicated by the low reactivity to the reducing agent (0.0001% of the total), probably because most of the Hg in the unfiltered water sample was in the mercury sulfide form. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Fifteen-year results of coronary artery bypass for isolated left anterior descending coronary artery disease

Abstract During 1971 through 1975, 266 patients underwent primary coronary artery bypass grafting for occlusive disease confined to the left anterior descending coronary artery. Actuarial survival at 15 years was 72.7% with 60% of survivors being free from angina. Although the cause of death was cardiac related in 50% of the patients who died, survival was comparable with that of an age-matched and sex-matched general population. During follow-up, 48 secondary or tertiary repeat coronary artery bypass as well as 44 percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedures were performed. Acute event-free status (freedom from acute myocardial infarction, repeat coronary artery bypass grafting, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, or death) persisted at 15 years in 43.2% of patients. The differences in survival when patients were segregated according is age, sex, number of grafts performed, or graft conduit (internal mammary artery versus vein) were not significant. However, comparison of graft conduits revealed a significantly better ( p = 0.02) overall acute event-free survival when the internal mammary artery was used.
Bovine milk fat globule membrane proteome.

Milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) were isolated from the milk of mid-lactation Holstein cows. The purified MFGM were fractionated using 1-dimensional SDS gels. Tryptic peptides from gel slices were further fractionated on a micro-capillary high performance liquid chromatograph connected to a nanospray-tandem mass spectrometer. Analysis of the data resulted in 120 proteins being identified by two or more unique peptide sequences. Of these 120 proteins, 71% are membrane associated proteins with the remainder being cytoplasmic or secreted proteins. Only 15 of the proteins identified in the cow MFGM were the same as proteins identified in previous mouse or human MFGM proteomic studies. Thus, the bulk of the proteins identified are new for bovine MFGM proteomics. The proteins identified were associated with membrane/protein trafficking (23%), cell signalling (23%), unknown functions (21%), fat transport/metabolism (11%), transport (9%), protein synthesis/folding (7%), immune proteins (4%) and milk proteins (2%). The proteins associated with cell signalling or membrane/ protein trafficking may provide insights into MFGM secretion mechanisms. The finding of CD14, toll like receptor (TLR2), and TLR4 on MFGM suggests a direct role for the mammary gland in detecting an infection.
Shark River Inlet Sand By-Passing Project

By-passing of sand across Shark River Inlet on New Jersey Coast; by-passed sand is coarser, better graded, and gives more stable fill than sands dredged in Shark River; removal of excess accretion from feeder beach at up-drift side of Inlet restores to utility much of length of fishing pier which was dry, and it is supposed to facilitate maintenance of navigation channel of Shark River Inlet.
Effect of porosity and pore size on microstructures and mechanical properties of poly‐ε‐caprolactone‐ hydroxyapatite composites

The influence of variant pore-size and porosity on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composite were examined for an optimal scaffold in bone tissue engineering. Three various amounts of sodium chloride (NaCl, as porogens) with two distinct particle size ranges (212–355 μm and 355–600 μm) were blended into PCL and HA mixture, followed by a leaching technique to generate PCL-HA scaffolds with various pores and porosity. The porosities of the scaffolds were correlated with the porogen size and concentration. The morphological properties of the resulting scaffolds were assessed by micro-computerized tomography (μCT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Extensive PCL-HA pore interconnections with thinner pore walls were present in scaffolds with higher concentration (4:1 w/w) and larger particulate of porogen used in the fabrication process. Embedding of HA particles in the scaffold resulted in rough surfaces on the composites. Instron actuator testing indicated that the tensile strengths and Young's moduli of scaffolds were influenced by both the porosities and pore sizes of the scaffold. It was apparent that increasing the concentration of porogen compromised the mechanical properties; and a larger porogen particle size led to increased tensile strength but a reduction in Young's modulus. Overall, the data indicated that modification of the concentration and particle size of porogen altered the porous features and mechanical strength of HA-PCL scaffolds. This provided means to manipulate the properties of biocompatible cell-supporting scaffolds for use as bone graft substitutes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma with supraclavicular lymph node metastasis: is this the Virchow's node?

No abstract available. Image: Superficial lymph glands and lymphatic vessels of head and neck (from Wikimedia Commons ).
The Dynamics of Collective Violence: Dissecting Food Riots in Contemporary Argentina

This article combines a statistical analysis with qualitative research to investigate the dynamics of collective violence in one of its most recurrent forms - the food riot. Using an original dataset collected by the authors on 289 food riot episodes occurring in Argentina in December 2001, the article argues for the need to dissect the local, contextualized inner- dynamics of the episodes. We fi nd signifi cant interrelationships between three important factors: the presence or absence of police, the presence or absence of political party brokers, and the type of market looted (big/ chain or small/local). We then conduct a qualitative and ethnographic analysis to illustrate how these interactions might play out in two ideal type looting scenes - one illustrating the role of public authorities at big, chain supermarkets, the other showing the importance of party brokers at small, local food markets. We conclude by calling for more such research to better understand the mechanisms and processes, especially the relationship between state power and party politics, involved with all forms of collective violence.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of 3-Dimensional In Vivo Tibiofemoral Kinematics in Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Reconstructed Knees

Purpose The purpose of this study was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine 3-dimensional knee kinematics after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods Nine ACL-reconstructed and contralateral knees were tested 12 ± 8 months after surgery. MRI was performed at full extension and 40° of knee flexion under simulated weight-bearing conditions. Femoral condyle positions, tibial rotation, contact area, and contact location were analyzed by use of MRI-based 3-dimensional models. Results When knees were fully extended, tibiae in ACL-reconstructed knees were externally rotated by 3.6° ± 4.2° compared with contralateral knees. The external rotation was due to anterior subluxation of the medial side of the tibia. At 40° of knee flexion, tibiae in ACL-reconstructed knees and contralateral knees were both internally rotated by 5.3°. There were no significant differences in contact area or contact location between ACL-reconstructed and contralateral knees. When moving from extension to flexion, ACL-reconstructed knees exhibited 3.5° ± 5.9° more internal tibial rotation than contralateral knees. Conclusions Reconstruction of the ACL restored normal motion on the lateral side of the knee but not on the medial side, resulting in increased internal tibial rotation when moving from full extension to 40° of flexion. These results suggest that ACL reconstruction does not restore normal kinematics on the medial side of the knee, which may lead to early cartilage degeneration. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Theorizing and Rethinking Linkages Between the Natural Environment and the Modern World-System: Deforestation in the Late 20th Century

Building on prior work in world-system analysis and human ecology, we test a macro-level theory that social and demographic causes of deforestation will vary across zones of the modern world-system. Using multivariate regression analysis, we examine models of deforestation over the period 1990-2000. We test for main effects of world-system posmon, two different population variables (urbanization and proportion under working age), and economic development within zone, as well as for the contextual effects of these variables as they operate differently across world-system positions. Our findings indicate that generic models of deforestation need to be qualified, because the particular social factors most closely associated with deforestation tend to vary by position in the global hierarchy. Deforestation at the macro level is best explained by considering effects of socio-demographic processes contextually, in terms of world-system dynamics. We discuss the findings in a more general world-systems and behavioral ecological framework, and suggest the field will be well served with more precise theorizing and closer attention to scope conditions.