cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Chronic Statin Therapy on Postprocedural Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Non-Emergent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND Following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), elevations in serum creatinine level and declines in glomerular filtration rate are common. Prior studies have demonstrated benefit of chronic statin therapy in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN); however, it is unknown whether chronic statin therapy reduces the incidence of CIN in the non-emergent PCI setting. METHODS Using the 2004-2005 Cornell Angioplasty Registry, a total of 1171 consecutive patients were selected for analysis. The population was divided into two groups: (1) patients on chronic (≥30 days) statin therapy prior to PCI (n = 874); and (2) patients not on chronic statin therapy (n = 297). RESULTS Patients taking chronic statin therapy were more likely to have diabetes mellitus (35.7% vs 22.6%; P<.001), previous myocardial infarction (36.3% vs 20.5%; P<.001), previous PCI (38.9% vs 16.2%; P<.001), and previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery (19.5% vs 11.4%; P=.01). Statin users were also more likely to be taking long-term aspirin (77.8% vs 59.6%; P<.001) and clopidogrel therapy (29.9% vs 14.1%; P<.001). Baseline serum creatinine levels were comparable between the two groups, as were procedural characteristics. The incidence of CIN following PCI was not significantly different between patients on chronic statin therapy versus those not on chronic statin therapy (4.2% vs 5.4%; P=.42). However, after multivariate adjustment, chronic statin therapy was associated with a lower incidence of CIN (odds ratio [OR], 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.94; P=.04). Acute heart failure on admission and the urgency of the procedure (urgent vs elective PCI) were also independent predictors for developing CIN (OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.45-6.66 [P=.01] and OR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.42-5.55 [P=.01], respectively). Long-term mortality rates were similar between those on chronic statin therapy and those not on statins. CONCLUSION CIN occurred in 4.5% of patients following non-emergent PCI. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that chronic statin therapy decreased the odds of developing CIN in patients undergoing PCI.
The artificial kidney in chronic renal failure.

Hemodialysis has proved valuable in improving and stabilizing patients in terminal chronic uremia.In this analysis of 71 patients in whom hemodialysis was used, the diagnosis and therapeutic response were definitely correlated. The highest percentage of favorable responses was obtained in cases of polycystic renal disease; none of the patients with subacute glomerulonephritis responded favorably.The prognosis was worse in chronic glomerulonephritis when hypertension or extensive glomerular destruction was present. Factors such as age, congestive heart failure and active infection were not significant in predicting a response.
Mixing with piecewise isometries on a hemispherical shell

We introduce mixing with piecewise isometries (PWIs) on a hemispherical shell, which mimics features of mixing by cutting and shuffling in spherical shells half-filled with granular media. For each PWI, there is an inherent structure on the hemispherical shell known as the exceptional set E, and a particular subset of E, E+, provides insight into how the structure affects mixing. Computer simulations of PWIs are used to visualize mixing and approximations of E+ to demonstrate their connection. While initial conditions of unmixed materials add a layer of complexity, the inherent structure of E+ defines fundamental aspects of mixing by cutting and shuffling.
Necrotic Bone Stimulates Proinflammatory Responses in Macrophages through the Activation of Toll-Like Receptor 4.

In Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, loss of blood supply results in ischemic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Generally, macrophages play important roles in inflammatory responses to tissue necrosis, but their role in ONFH is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the macrophage-inflammatory responses after ONFH and the receptor mechanisms involved in sensing the necrotic bone, using a piglet model of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Induction of ONFH resulted in increased numbers of CD14+ macrophages in the fibrovascular repair tissue compared with normal, as determined by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of macrophages isolated by laser capture microdissection showed significantly increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 in ONFH compared with normal. Because Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate macrophage-inflammatory responses in other inflammatory conditions, we determined their gene expression in macrophages and found significantly increased levels of TLR4 but not TLR2 and TLR9 in ONFH. Mechanistically, in vitro, bone marrow-derived macrophages treated with necrotic bone showed increased extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 and Iκ kinase-α phosphorylation, increased proliferation, migration, and inflammatory cytokine expression, which were blocked by TLR4 inhibitor, TAK242, and by TLR4 ablation in macrophages using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein-9 nuclease method. In conclusion, necrotic bone stimulates macrophage-inflammatory responses through TLR4 activation.
LOS discovery for highly directional full duplex RF/FSO transceivers

Full duplex directional Radio Frequency (RF) / Free-Space-Optical (FSO) transceivers are envisioned to play a great role in future generation wireless networks. They provide benefits in terms of better throughput, enhanced spectrum utilization and lower interference from unwanted sources. However, the stringent requirement of line-of-sight (LOS) communication makes it tough for a mobile node to maintain a link without a-priori information about its neighbor's position. Hence, neighbor discovery takes a very crucial role in mobile ad hoc networks with directional transceivers. In this paper, we focus on neighbor discovery using full duplex directional transceivers. We consider two nodes that can discover each other by steering their transceivers with a randomly chosen angular speed and performing a simple three way handshaking protocol. We provide a theoretical analysis of the proposed neighbor discovery method. Additionally, we propose an algorithm where each node chooses its transceiver's angular speed and renews it if the neighbor is not discovered within an optimal time interval. We evaluate the algorithm via simulations and show its effectiveness under various scenarios.
Horses and Horsepower, Fingerprints and Forensics: The Development of Technology and Law Enforcement

The significance of technology in the development of the policing role cannot be denied, and nor can it be overstated, for it provides the tools needed to better understand the criminal act, and to better protect the community in the future. This chapter provides an indication of the technologies, and an appraisal of those same technologies. The chapter situates its argument – for the main part – in the innovation of the nineteenth century, which continued throughout much of the twentieth century. The chapter will conclude with the introduction of DNA analysis. This is done in order to provide for some contextualization of the role technology has played in the last 200 years, as well as to set the ground for what is yet to come in the future.
A statistical mechanical phase transition to turbulence in a model shear flow

It is becoming increasingly clear that the strong spatial and temporal fluctuations observed in a narrow Reynolds number regime around the laminar–turbulent transition in shear flows can best be understood using the concepts and techniques from a seemingly unrelated discipline – statistical mechanics. During the last few years, a consensus has begun to emerge that these phenomena reflect an underlying non-equilibrium phase transition exhibited by a model of interacting particles on a crystalline lattice, directed percolation, that seems very far from fluid mechanics. Now, Chantry et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 824, 2017, R1) have developed a truncated-mode computation of a model shear flow, capable of simulating systems far larger and longer than any previous study and have for the first time generated enough statistical data that a high-precision test of theory is feasible. The results broadly confirm the theory, extending the class of flows for which the directed percolation scenario holds and removing any remaining doubts that non-equilibrium statistical mechanical critical phenomena can be exhibited by the Navier–Stokes equations.
Rethinking moral distress: conceptual demands for a troubling phenomenon affecting health care professionals

Recent medical and bioethics literature shows a growing concern for practitioners' emotional experience and the ethical environment in the workplace. Moral distress, in particular, is often said to result from the difficult decisions made and the troubling situations regularly encountered in health care contexts. It has been identified as a leading cause of professional dissatisfaction and burnout, which, in turn, contribute to inadequate attention and increased pain for patients. Given the natural desire to avoid these negative effects, it seems to most authors that systematic efforts should be made to drastically reduce moral distress, if not altogether eliminate it from the lives of vulnerable practitioners. Such efforts, however, may be problematic, as moral distress is not adequately understood, nor is there agreement among the leading accounts regarding how to conceptualize the experience. With this article I make clear what a robust account of moral distress should be able to explain and how the most common notions in the existing literature leave significant explanatory gaps. I present several cases of interest and, with careful reflection upon their distinguishing features, I establish important desiderata for an explanatorily satisfying account. With these fundamental demands left unsatisfied by the leading accounts, we see the persisting need for a conception of moral distress that can capture and delimit the range of cases of interest.
Affirmative Action: The Facts, the Myths, and the Future

This article focuses on recent federal court rulings affecting preferential treatment programs mandated by affirmative action policies and programs. The article addresses the greater burden that these decisions now place on organizations to justifying race-based remedial actions, and the standards by which these actions are judged. However, the programs affected by these rulings are only those imposed by federal, state or local governments. This article also discusses the narrow scope of these decisions—what programs they have not changed. As will be demonstrated, a broad range of voluntary private sector programs remain unaffected.
RECOGNIZE TWIDDLER'S SYNDROME TO PREVENT THE RECURRENT LEAD DISLODGEMENT

First described in 1968, Twiddler's syndrome refers to device malfunction due to manipulation of the pulse generator within its pocket. The syndrome is rare (0.07-7%), commonly in elderly, female, obese, and psychiatrically ill patients. It can be fatal in patients who are pacemaker dependent or are
Telerheumatology: The VA Experience.

Objectives We sought to characterize the correlation between diagnoses made during telerheumatology and face-to-face visits and to document patients' satisfaction with telerheumatology visits. Methods This quality assurance study of the use of telerheumatology evaluated new patients referred to a Veterans Affairs rheumatology clinic. Patients were seen at a community clinic by a nurse practitioner with a rheumatologist participating in the encounter via telelink. All of the patients had a second face-to-face visit with the same rheumatologist. Diagnoses made during telerheumatology and face-to-face visits were compared. Patients' satisfaction with telerheumatology was ascertained. Results Thirty-eight patients were included in the study. Initially, 23 were diagnosed as having an inflammatory or rheumatic condition; 15 were subsequently confirmed at the face-to-face visits. All of the patients with inflammatory, rheumatic conditions were identified at the telerheumatology visits. The overall correlation was 79% between the telerheumatology and face-to-face visits. Among patients with inflammatory, rheumatic conditions, 66% preferred a face-to-face visit compared with 41% among those without such conditions (not significant). Immediately after the telerheumatology visit, all of the patients gave a 10 out of 10 rating for satisfaction. During the subsequent telephone survey, 30 remained highly satisfied with the telemedicine encounter (10 out of 10 rating). Conclusions Telerheumatology at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs was well received by patients; provided an accurate diagnosis of noninflammatory, nonrheumatic conditions; and may be appropriate for screening and prioritizing patients for in-person rheumatology clinics.
Endothelial activation and dysfunction in sepsis

Severe sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis have emphasized the pivotal role of the innate immune system in the development of a deleterious host response to bacterial infection. It is now recognized that the endothelium is an important effector cell of the innate immune system. This review examines evidence for endothelial dysfunction in experimental sepsis as manifested by activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, alterations in vasomotor tone, increased permeability, augmented leukocyte adhesion, and enhanced apoptosis. As discussed here, many of these perturbations are observed in patients with severe sepsis, suggesting that endothelial dysfunction is also important clinically and may be an important target for new therapeutic approaches.
Halogenated Benzamides as Ligands for Cerebral Dopamine Receptors

In the past several years our group has synthesized a series of high affinity iodine-123 and fluorine-18 labeled substituted benzamide ligands for SPECT and PET visualization of the dopamine D-2 receptors in brain regions with low receptor density outside the striatum. Radioiodination and radiofluorination in high yield and high specific activity was achieved by using the tributyltin precursor and nucleophilic displacement of the toluensulfonyl ester precursor, respectively.
A Chromaticity Diagram for Defects in Color Vision

An instrument is described for the measuring and plotting of color thresholds. A chromaticity circle is proposed as being more suitable and convenient than the conventional modified triangle for color designation, and particularly useful for describing defects in color vision, both as a function of degree and of spectral range.
Retinoic Acid Induces Aggregation of the Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cell Line NB-4 by Utilization of LFA-1 and ICAM-2

All-trans retinoic acid (tRA) is a potent differentiation agent that is effective therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, 5% to 25% of patients develop retinoic acid syndrome, a potentially life-threatening complication in which the pathogenesis relates to adhesive alterations of APL cells. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between tRA-induced differentiation and the adhesive properties of APL cells. After confirming differentiation-related morphological changes of NB-4 cells in response to tRA, we showed that homotypic aggregation of NB-4 cells grown in tRA for 72 hours is dose-dependent with a median effective dose of approximately 50 nmol/L. Maximal aggregation occurred at mean and peak therapeutic serum concentrations (100 and 1,000 nmol/L, respectively). Aggregation also increased with the length of tRA exposure over 168 hours. Aggregation was inhibited by neutralizing antibodies against LFA-1 and ICAM-2. Notably, antibodies directed against VLA-4, other beta2 integrins (Mac-1 and p150), or other potential LFA-1 counterstructures that were expressed on the cell surface (ICAM-1 and ICAM-3) did not block aggregation. Aggregation occurred with similar kinetics regardless of the presence of phorbol ester or the "activating" monoclonal antibody (MoAb) KIM 185, suggesting that the avidity of LFA-1 is not modulated on NB-4 cells in a manner similar to other leukocytes. Consistent with the prompt clinical effectiveness of methyl prednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) in retinoic acid syndrome, MPSS rapidly inhibited homotypic aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, tRA alters the adhesive properties of APL cells by inducing the expression of high-avidity beta2 integrins, aggregation is inhibited by LFA-1 and ICAM-2 MoAb, and tRA effects are rapidly reversible by MPSS. Taken together, our findings provide a clinically relevant system for study of LFA-1/ICAM-2 interaction and suggest a mechanism in part for retinoic acid syndrome and the effectiveness of MPSS in ameliorating retinoic acid syndrome.
Leading logarithm calculation of the e + e − → e + ν e ū d cross section

We analytically evaluate in the leading logarithm approximation the differential cross section for ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{e}^{+}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}\ifmmode \bar{u}\else \={u}\fi{}d.$ We compare our order ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{4}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}^{0}$ leading-log result to the order ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{4}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}^{0}$ exact result obtained from the GRC4F Monte Carlo program. Finally we use the Gl\"uck-Reya-Schienbien distribution of partons in a virtual photon, which incorporates both evolution and nonperturbative strong interaction contributions, to obtain better estimates of the differential cross section.
Interdigitated Micro Electrode Array Dielectrophoretic System for Label-free Multi-Parameter-based Cell Detection

Circulating Tumor Cells have recognized as a promising biomarker for detection of cancer. However, there is no robust method to isolate CTCs in low-cost and label free manner. To address this need, we have demonstrated multi parameter based cell detection that is applicable for CTC.
The Crashing Obese Patient

Emergency physicians (EP) frequently resuscitate and manage critically ill patients. Resuscitation of the crashing obese patient presents a unique challenge for even the most skilled physician. Changes in anatomy, metabolic demand, cardiopulmonary reserve, ventilation, circulation, and pharmacokinetics require special consideration. This article focuses on critical components in the resuscitation of the crashing obese patient in the emergency department, namely intubation, mechanical ventilation, circulatory resuscitation, and pharmacotherapy. To minimize morbidity and mortality, it is imperative that the EP be familiar with the pearls and pitfalls discussed within this article.
Synthesis and structure of 1,7-dichlorodibenzo[ef, kl]heptalene-4,10-dione, a Saddle-shaped polycyclic aromatic compound

Abstract We describe the synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of the title compound, which is the first fully unsaturated derivative of dibenzo[ef,kl]heptalene to be prepared. The X-ray structure reveals a saddle-shaped molecule possessing approximate C2 symmetry.
Three dimensional nanosuperstructures made of two-dimensional materials by design: Synthesis, properties, and applications

Abstract The recent search for advanced materials with desired properties for next-generation flexible energy and electronic devices has focused on the unique class of two-dimensional (2D) materials made of layered crystalline structures. In particular, intensive interest has been devoted to configuring 2D materials into three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous superstructures (3DSs), which can effectively prevent aggregative restacking and maximize the exposure of active nanoscale planar surfaces. Here, we survey the recent progress of 3DSs made of several important 2D materials, including graphene, boron nitride (BN), transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD), and transition metal carbide/carbonitride (MXene). The characteristics of the formed 3DSs, including density, porosity, electrochemical activity, electronic and surface properties, depend on respective synthesis approaches and conditions. The obtained 3DSs, exhibiting distinctive properties, have been exploited in an array of applications, including shielding electromagnetic, thermal, and acoustic energies; sensing chemical, optical, and mechanical signals; serving as 3D scaffolds of energy and environment devices; and supporting 3D growth of live cells and tissues. At the end, this comprehensive review is summarized with future outlooks, including the great potentials, challenges, and bottleneck issues in fabrication and large-scale implementation of 3DSs.
Silver nanoparticle detection and accumulation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Recent years have seen significant increases in the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in areas such as medicine and agriculture. AgNPs released into environment can be accumulated by plants, potentially affecting environmental and human health. In addition, the accumulation of silver in plant tissues can negatively affect plant vascular tissues and membrane transporters that are responsible for the transport of water and essential nutrients. In this study, Lycopersicon esculentum plants were exposed to 10, 20, or 30 mg/L of silver in bulk (Ag0), nanoparticle (AgNPs), or ionic (AgNO3) form for 7 days in Hoagland media. Tissues were then harvested and subjected to elemental, molecular, and microscopic evaluation. The highest and lowest concentration of silver was detected in roots of plants exposed to 10–30 mg/L AgNO3 (432–471 μg/g dw) or AgNPs (40–47 μg/g dw), respectively. Particulate silver was detected in plants exposed to 20 nm AgNPs. The highest (52,700–58,400 particles/g) and lowest (6200–13,700 particles/g) concentrations of particles were detected in roots and leaves, respectively. The membrane transporters H+-ATPase, potassium transporter, and sulfate transporter were upregulated by 23.50%, 52.09%, and 7.6% upon exposure to all forms of silver as compared to the control group. Exposure to all forms of silver resulted in larger xylem cells (70 ± 1.1 μm in AgNP-exposed plants) than the control group (46 μm ± 0.6). Collectively, the data suggest that exposure to AgNPs resulted in the translocation and accumulation of both ionic and particulate forms of silver in tomato plants, affected the structure of vascular tissues, and significantly impacted the expression of membrane transporters. These changes subsequently affect the electrochemical potential of plant cells, the balance of water and nutrient dynamics, and plant growth; all of which have implications for sustainable agriculture and ultimately human health. These results also improve our understanding of the fate and effects of nanomaterials in food crops.
Updates and challenges of axon regeneration in the mammalian central nervous system

Axon regeneration in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has been a long-standing and highly challenging issue. Successful CNS axon regeneration will benefit many human diseases involving axonal damage, such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, and neurodegenerative diseases. The current consensus is that the diminished intrinsic regenerative ability in mature CNS neurons and the presence of extrinsic inhibitors blocking axon regrowth are two major barriers for axon regeneration. During the past decade, studies targeting the intrinsic axon growth ability via regulation of gene transcription have produced very promising results in optic nerve and/or spinal cord regeneration. Manipulations of various signaling pathways or the nuclear transcription factors directly have been shown to sufficiently drive CNS axon regrowth. Converging evidence reveals that some pro-regenerative transcriptomic states, which are commonly accomplished by more comprehensive epigenetic regulations, exist to orchestrate the complex tasks of injury sensing and axon regeneration. Moreover, genetic reprogramming achieved via transcriptome and epigenome modifications provides novel mechanisms for enhancing axon regeneration. Recent studies also highlighted the important roles of remodeling neuronal cytoskeleton in overcoming the extrinsic inhibitory cues. However, our knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which neurons regulate their intrinsic axon regeneration ability and response to extrinsic inhibitory cues is still fragmented. Here, we provide an update about recent research progress in axon regeneration and discuss major remaining challenges for long-distance axon regeneration and the subsequent functional recovery.
Neuroinflammation Associated With Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitor Exposure.

Objective To identify the frequency and clinical spectrum of neuroinflammation associated with exposure to tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (TNFi). Methods We performed a single-system retrospective cohort study. Adults in the Yale New Haven Health System with documented use of any US Food and Drug Administration-approved TNFi between 2007 and 2017 were identified via automated review of the electronic medical record. Those who also had brain MRIs were identified and categorized as either TNFi exposed or unexposed. Individuals with MRI findings concerning for neuroinflammation were identified, and detailed chart reviews were performed. Results A total of 4,391 patients received TNFi, and 547 also had brain MRI. After exclusion criteria were applied, 375 MRIs occurred after TNFi exposure, and 132 MRIs occurred before TNFi. MRIs were normal for 20.8% of exposed patients. The most common abnormal finding was nonspecific, punctate T2 hyperintensities. Seventeen cases (4.5%) among the exposed cohort had findings consistent with neuroinflammation, of which 58.8% required TNFi discontinuation and additional immunotherapy, whereas an additional 23.5% discontinued TNFi alone. After 3 years, 70.6% had stable MRI findings, whereas 11.8% demonstrated progression. The 10-year period prevalence of neuroinflammation in all subjects exposed to TNFi was 0.4%. Conclusions Neuroinflammatory phenomena following TNFi are a common concern for those treating patients with autoimmune disease. This is a large-scale study identifying the epidemiology surrounding this phenomenon. TNFi-associated inflammation was a rare outcome in our cohort. Most treated patients had either normal or nonspecific MRI findings. Further risk stratification parameters need to be identified.
Survey-reported medication changes among older adults during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Abstract Background Speculation on benefits and harms of prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medications has been widespread during the SARS-CoV-2 (or COVID-19) pandemic. This community-based survey assessed self-reported changes in medications including those stopped, started, or if access had been impacted. Methods A survey was collected via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). The survey was advertised in the community through social media, email lists, websites, and post-cards. Survey responses were collected between 5/21/2020 and 6/24/2020. Variables included demographic characteristics such as age, sex, race, marital status, education, employment, income, and community type. Questions related to medication changes included: “Have you started any medication due to COVID-19?”, “Have you stopped any medication due to COVID-19?” and “Have you had issues getting your prescription medications?”. Respondents aged 50 years or older were included. Results There were N = 1397 responses of which 1169 were older adults ≥50 years-old. Of these, 1141 responded to the medication changes survey questions and 28 had missing responses and were excluded from the survey sample for this analysis. Among these, 31 (2.7%) reported a medication change included 5 (0.4%) reported stopping a medication, 18 (1.6%) reported starting a medication, and 8 (0.7%) reported trouble obtaining medications. Medications started included mostly vitamins or other supplements including zinc (n = 9), vitamin C (6), and other supplements (3). Among prescription medications, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications (4) were reported as well as aspirin (1), losartan (1), and low dose naltrexone (1). One respondent reported unidentified homeopathy. There were no significant differences between those with medication changes and those with none. Conclusions In this community-based survey sample of over one thousand older adults, only a small percentage (2.7%; n = 31) reported any changes to medications during the pandemic. As essential workers during this crisis, pharmacists have played a critical role in providing medication information and continued access.
Sustained management of the variability in work hours among anesthesiologists providing patient care in operating rooms and not on call to work late if necessary.

Abstract Study objective We evaluated a department's long-term (6.5-year) success of achieving an overall and individual incidence of anesthesiologists working late of approximately 20% of days when not on call to work late, if necessary, and providing care in operating rooms. Design Historical cohort study, January 2014 through September 2020. Setting Inpatient surgical suite of large teaching hospital. Main results The percentage of days worked past 5:00 PM was mean (standard deviation) 17.7% (5.0%) of days, 99% confidence interval (CI) 15.0% to 20.4%. There was considerable variability among quarters, the coefficient of variation being 28% (99% CI 20% to 45%). This was caused, in part, by anesthesiologists less often working late during January–March versus July–September (14.0% [4.5%] versus 21.6% [3.2%]; P = 0.0031; N = 7 years each). The N = 67 anesthesiologists not on call differed in their percentages of workdays finishing after 5:00 PM (P Conclusions An anesthesia department aiming for a 20% incidence of anesthesiologists having to work late when not on call can achieve this objective, long-term, within a few percent (e.g., 2%). Seasonal variation can contribute to variability among quarters in the overall departmental incidence. Individual anesthesiologists can have variability among themselves, though, and that is caused by large heterogeneity in their relative risks of working late when receiving relief versus when not handing off a case. For departments choosing to provide information to anesthesiologists to increase predictability, factors to consider should include season of the year and the individual anesthesiologist.
Survival outcomes of primary mediastinal germ cell malignancies based on clinicopathological characteristics: A SEER database analysis.

e17055Background: Primary mediastinal germ cell malignancies (PMGCM) account for up to 5% of all germ cell tumors. Different clinical and epidemiological factors have been known to have important p...
Hyperbuilding: Spectacle, Speculation, and the Hyperspace of Sovereignty

F Hyperbuilding: Spectacle, Speculation, and the Hyperspace of Sovereignty O O Aihwa Ong TE D PR The Chinese love the monumental ambition …. CCTV headquarters is an ambi- tious building. It was conceived at the same time that the design competition for Ground Zero took place – not in backward-looking US, but in the parallel universe of China. In communism, engineering has a high status, its laws resonating with Marxian wheels of history. Rem Koolhaas and OMA (2004: 129) Urban Spectacles U N C O R R EC The proliferation of metropolitan spectacles in Asia indexes a new cultural regime as major cities race to attain even more striking skylines. Beijing’s cluster of Olympic landmarks, Shanghai’s TV tower, Hong Kong’s forest of corporate towers, Singapore’s Marina Sands complex, and super-tall Burj Khalifa in Dubai are urban spectaculars that evoke the “technological sublime.” Frederic Jameson famously made the claim that the postmodern sublime has dissolved Marxian historical consciousness, but nowhere did he consider the role of architectural sublime in indexing a different kind of historical consciousness, one of national arrival on the global stage (Jameson 1991: 32–8). Despite the 2008–9 economic downturn, Shanghai’s urban transformation for the 2010 World Expo will exceed Beijing’s makeover for the 2008 Olympics. 1 Spectacular architecture is often viewed as the handiwork of corporate capital in the colonization of urban markets. For instance, Anthony King and Abidin Kusno, writing about “On Be(ij)ing in the world,” argue that the rise of cutting-edge buildings in Beijing is an instantiation of postmodern globalization transforming the Chinese capital into a “transnational Worlding Cities: Asian Experiments and the Art of Being Global, First Edition. Edited by Ananya Roy and Aihwa Ong. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Published 2011 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Roy_c08.indd 205 3/12/2011 3:10:47 PM
GROUND-BASED OBSERVATIONS OF NEAR ECLIPTIC ZODIACAL LIGHT BRIGHTNESS

Ground-based observations of the evening zodiacal light taken by Weinberg and Mann from Mt. Haleakala, Hawaii, during March 1966 are used to derive a table of zodiacal light brightnesses at high spatial resolution (as little as 0.5° in differential ecliptic longitude λ-λ⊙ and 1.0° in ecliptic latitude β) over the region 29.5°< λ-λ⊙< 56°-30°,<β<30°. Significant differences are found in the brightness distributions above and below the ecliptic plane.
Phase effect of a general two-Higgs-doublet model in b{r_arrow}s{gamma}

In a general two-Higgs-doublet model (2HDM), without the {ital ad hoc} discrete symmetries to prevent tree-level flavor-changing-neutral currents, an extra phase angle in the charged-Higgs-fermion coupling is allowed. We show that the charged-Higgs amplitude interferes destructively or constructively with the standard model amplitude for b{r_arrow}s{gamma} depending crucially on this phase angle. The popular models I and II are special cases of our analysis. As a result of this phase angle the severe constraint on the charged-Higgs-boson mass imposed by the inclusive rate of b{r_arrow}s{gamma} from CLEO can be relaxed. We also examine the effects of this phase angle on the neutron electric dipole moment. Furthermore, we also discuss other constraints on the charged-Higgs-fermion couplings coming from measurements of B{sup 0}{minus}{bar B}{sup 0} mixing, {rho}{sub 0}, and R{sub b}. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
A table of normal integrals

Integrals of functions of the univariate, bivariate, trivariate and multivariate normal densities are given. Both indefinite and definite integrals are included.
Achievement and Social Goals of Younger and Older Elementary Students: Response to Academic and Social Failure

Children with mild disabilities experience sufficient failure to produce negative future expectations (goals), which may compound early academic and social deficits. This research compared the teac...
Slot-Line Transitions (Short Papers)

Coax-slot and microstrip-slot transitions are discussed. Experimental VSWR and impedance data are presented and compared with values computed using equivalent circuits for these transitions. Thick-film chip terminations are also investigated.
Kinetic, binding, and NMR studies of perdeuterated yeast phosphoglycerate kinase and its interactions with substrates.

Abstract Perdeuterated yeast phosphoglycerate kinase (2HPGK) was prepared from yeast cells grown in 99.9% 2H2O and an acid hydrolysate from deuterated algal cells. Kinetic and binding studies suggested that perdeuterated enzyme was similar to the isotopically normal PGK. The use of 2HPGK not only eliminated the spectral overlap between the enzyme and substrate nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) cross-peaks, but also permitted observation of weak transfer NOE cross-peaks between the substrate protons that are greater than 4 A apart. Intensity of NOE cross-peaks was used to determine the interproton distances of enzyme bound Mg(II)dATP. These distances were then used in model building studies to determine the conformation of Mg(II)dATP. The average conformation of enzyme bound dATP is anti with O4′/C2′ endo ribose pucker and trans, gauche about the C4′-C5′ bond. Although many spin diffusion pathways were eliminated by protein deuteration, spin diffusion was still observed between the protons of the substrate at mixing times longer than 25 ms.
Penems and related substances.

The discovery of the penicillins, as exemplified by penicillin G (1) - one of the earliest known members of the class - and of the cephalosporins, of which the first to be isolated was cephalosporin C (2), laid the basis for one of the most spectacular chapters in the history of medicine.
Comparing the FAISE method with conventional dual-echo sequences.

The FAISE (fast-acquisition interleaved spin-echo) technique consists of a hybrid rapid-acquisition relaxation-enhanced (RARE) sequence combined with a specific phase-encode reordering method. Implemented on a 1.5-T unit, this multisection, high-resolution technique permits convenient contrast manipulation similar to that of spin-echo imaging, with selection of a pseudo-echo-time parameter and a TR interval. With a TR of 2 seconds, eight 256 × 256 images are obtained in 34 seconds with either T2 or proton-density weighting. A direct comparison between FAISE and spin echo for obtaining T2-weighted head images in healthy subjects indicates that FAISE and spin-echo images are qualitatively and quantitatively similar. Image artifacts are more pronounced on “proton-density” FAISE images than on the T2-weighted FAISE images. T1 contrast can be obtained with inversion recovery and short TR FAISE images. Preliminary temperature measurements in saline phantoms do not indicate excessive temperature increases with extended FAISE acquisitions. However, extensive studies of radio-frequency power deposition effects should be performed if the FAISE technique is to be fully exploited.
Randomized, Controlled Trial of a Multimodal Intervention to Improve Cancer Screening Rates in a Safety-Net Primary Care Practice

Cancer screening rates are suboptimal for low-income patients. To assess an intervention to increase cancer screening among patients in a safety-net primary care practice. Patients at an inner-city family practice who were overdue for cancer screening were randomized to intervention or usual care. Screening rates at 1 year were compared using the chi-square test, and multivariable analysis was performed to adjust for patient factors. All average-risk patients at an inner-city family practice overdue for mammography or colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Patients’ ages were 40 to 74 years (mean 53.9, SD 8.7) including 40.8 % African Americans, 4.2 % Latinos, 23.2 % with Medicaid and 10.9 % without any form of insurance. The 6-month intervention to promote cancer screening included letters, automated phone calls, prompts and a mailed Fecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) Kit. Rates of cancer screening at 1 year. Three hundred sixty-six patients overdue for screening were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 185) or usual care (n = 181). Primary analysis revealed significantly higher rates of cancer screening in intervention subjects: 29.7 % vs. 16.7 % for mammography (p = 0.034) and 37.7 % vs. 16.7 % for CRC screening (p = 0.0002). In the intervention group, 20 % of mammography screenings and 9.3 % of CRC screenings occurred at the early assessment, while the remainder occurred after repeated interventions. Within the CRC intervention group 44 % of screened patients used the mailed FIT kit. On multivariable analysis the CRC screening rates remained significantly higher in the intervention group, while the breast cancer screening rates were not statistically different. A multimodal intervention significantly increased CRC screening rates among patients in a safety-net primary care practice. These results suggest that relatively inexpensive letters and automated calls can be combined for a larger effect. Results also suggest that mailed screening kits may be a promising way to increase average-risk CRC screening.
Persistence of limited-transpiration-rate trait in sorghum at high temperature

Abstract A limited-transpiration (TR lim ) trait has been identified in many crop species, including sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), that results in restricted transpiration rate under high vapor pressure deficits (VPD). The benefit of TR lim is that under high midday-VPD conditions crop water loss is limited so that there is water conservation and positions the crop to better withstand later-season drought. Previous studies performed at 31 °C found that TR lim was commonly expressed among sorghum genotypes. It was also found that those lines with low VPD breakpoints for expression of the TR lim trait exhibited insensitivity in transpiration rate to being fed silver ions. However, it is uncertain how applicable these previous results obtained at 31 °C might be at higher temperature that may exist at midday in regions where sorghum is commonly grown. The current study tested for the expression of TR lim at 37 °C in 16 sorghum genotypes previously found to express the trait at the lower temperature. Only three of the genotypes sustained expression of TR lim at 37 °C. These results indicate that for environments where temperature may commonly reach or exceed 37 °C, sorghum genotypes have been favored that acclimate to the high temperature by losing the TR lim trait. In conditions in which very high temperatures threaten crop heat stress, those genotypes that lose the TR lim trait at high temperature may be more desirable since increasing transpiration rates at these temperatures can result in leaf cooling. The silver test failed to discriminate genotypes for expression of the TR lim trait at high temperature.
A Mechanistic Puzzle: Variations on Decarboxylative Elimination

This experiment expands on a previous study of decarboxylative elimination. A number of cinnamic acids were subjected to alkene bromination. The resulting dibromides were given to pairs of students, who treated the acids with a weak base in either aqueous or organic solvent. The resulting products of decarboxylative elimination displayed different stereochemistries, depending not only on the conditions employed but also on the substituents present. The differences in stereochemistry of the alkenes formed can be understood in terms of carbocation stabilities as well as the electron-donating and electron-withdrawing effects of substituents on aromatic rings. In this application, the experiment was presented to the students as an open-ended investigation; that is, students did not know what the product of the reaction would be. A variety of instrumental techniques (1H NMR, 13C NMR/DEPT, IR, and GC–MS) was used to arrive at product structures and subsequently propose a reaction mechanism.
Coherent image formation and calibration for multi-bistatic radar configurations

This paper presents a new calibration algorithm for coherent image formation in a multi-bistatic radar imaging system. The algorithm uses two spheres as calibration targets. Preliminary results show that positional errors larger than one wavelength can be corrected, thus improving the performance of current-state-of-the art algorithms like the Iterative Field Matrix (IFM) method [4].
Classical conditioning induces CS-specific receptive field plasticity in the auditory cortex of the guinea pig

To determine if classical conditioning produces general or specific modification of responses to acoustic conditioned stimuli (CS), frequency receptive fields (RF) of neurons in guinea pig auditory cortex were determined before and up to 24 h after fear conditioning. Highly specific RF plasticity characterized by maximal increased responses to the CS frequency and decreased responses to the pretraining best frequency (BF) and other frequencies was observed in 70% of conditioning cases. These opposing changes were often sufficient to produce a shift in tuning such that the frequency of the CS became the new BF. CS frequency specific plasticity was maintained as long as 24 h. Sensitization training produced general increased responses across the RF without CS specificity. The findings indicate that associative processes produce systematic modification of the auditory system's processing of frequency information and exemplify the advantages of combining receptive field analysis with behavioral training in the study of the neural bases of learning and memory.
On the generation and interpretation of demonstrative expressions

This paper presents necessary and sufficient conditions for the use of demonstrative expressions in English and discusses implications for current discourse processing algorithms. We examine a broad range of texts to show how the distribution of demonstrative forms and functions is genre dependent. This research is part of a larger study of anaphoric expressions, the results of which will be incorporated into a natural language generation system.
High-surface-area CoTMPP/C synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis for PEM fuel cell electrocatalysts

Abstract Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) was used to synthesize a high-surface-area CoTMPP/C catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). SEM micrographs showed that the USP-derived CoTMPP/C consists of spherical, porous and uniform particles with a diameter of 2–5 μm, which is superior to that with a random morphology and large particle sizes (up to 100 μm) synthesized by the conventional heat-treatment method. BET results revealed that the USP-derived catalyst had a higher specific surface area (834 m 2 g −1 ) than the conventional one. Cyclic voltammetric, rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) and H 2 -air PEM fuel cell testing were employed to evaluate the USP-derived CoTMPP/C. The kinetic current density of the USP-derived catalyst at 0.7 V versus NHE was two times higher than that of the conventional catalyst. Compared to Pt/C catalyst, the USP-derived CoTMPP/C catalyst showed a strong methanol tolerance and a higher ORR activity in the presence of methanol. In a H 2 -air PEM fuel cell with USP-derived CoTMPP/C as the cathode catalyst, the cell performance was much higher than that with conventional heat-treated CoTMMP/C as the catalyst.
Biochemistry of trypanosomiasis and rational approaches to chemotherapy

Abstract The failure to develop any new drugs against trypanosomiasis over the last 20 years has encouraged fundamental scientific investigation into the biochemistry of these parasites in order to develop rational approaches to chemotherapy.