cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endovascular Aneurysm Repair for Symptomatic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Followed by Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Complicated by Type IB Endoleak

A 77-year-old female underwent endovascular aneurysm repair for symptomatic 7.0 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm in 2012. She had gradual enlargement of thoracic aortic aneurysm and underwent thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (7.6 × 6.2 cm) in April 2016. She developed Type IB endoleak following thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair and had extension of thoracic endograft in April 2018. CTA revealed enlarging Type IA endoleak post endovascular aneurysm repair treated with translumbar coil embolization. Patient expired in October 2019.
Automated Agronomy: Evaluation of Fruits Ripeness Using Machine Learning Approach

Fruit orchards require a lot of tasks, monitoring the current state of fruits and anticipated time of harvest. Precise estimation of harvest time is a key knowledge for the supply chain and timely delivery to grocery stores. The current process relies on human agronomists, who visit orchards often and do the visual evaluation of number of fruits, their ripeness and expected time of harvest. In this paper, we propose a preliminary work for automation of the fruits’ evaluation process, using machine learning algorithms to evaluate pictures of the trees. For our current system we have used pictures – one picture per tree, to constitute the base for evaluation of each tree using multiple pictures and video captured by drones. In this paper, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is used for fruit image classification based on ripeness stage of the fruits. Fruits classification was based on appropriate surface color and shape features and CNN was used to extract these features for classification. The model showed 96.43% accuracy. The ultimate goal of this work is to fully automate the process of orchard trees evaluation, including estimation of number of fruits on the tree (including non-visible ones), their ripeness and time of harvest to address the commercial market delivery planning requirements.
Frequency Response Assessment of U.S. Power Grids in High PV Penetration.

Nonsynchronous generations such as photovoltaics (PVs) are expected to undermine bulk power systems (BPSs) frequency response at high penetration levels. Though the underlying mechanism has been relatively well understood, the accurate assessment and effective enhancement of the U.S. interconnections frequency response under extra-high PV penetration conditions remains an issue. In this paper, the industry-provided full-detail interconnection models were further validated by synchrophasor frequency measurements and realistically-projected PV geographic distribution information were used to develop extra-high PV penetration scenarios and dynamic models for the three main U.S. interconnections, including Eastern Interconnection (EI), Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Up to 65% instantaneous PV and 15% wind penetration were simulated and the frequency response change trend of each U.S. interconnection due to the increasing PV penetration level were examined. Most importantly, the practical solutions to address the declining frequency response were discussed. This paper will provide valuable guidance for policy makers, utility operators and academic researchers not only in the U.S. but also other countries in the world.
Development and validation of the Reasons Individuals Stop Eating Questionnaire (RISE-Q): A novel tool to characterize satiation.

Abstract A variety of factors can influence satiation, and individual differences in reasons for meal termination may help to explain variability in food intake and susceptibility to overconsumption. We developed and validated a questionnaire to characterize the Reasons Individuals Stop Eating (RISE-Q). The initial RISE-Q was created by reviewing the published literature and identifying 47 reasons why individuals might stop eating. The RISE-Q asks respondents to rate how often each reason influences why they stop eating at a typical dinner meal by using a seven-point scale. Adults (N = 477, 77% women) from a participant database completed a survey online that included the initial RISE-Q and the satiation-related Satiety Responsiveness and Food Responsiveness scales of the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ). Self-reported height and weight were collected to calculate body mass index (BMI). The survey also assessed self-reported typical meal size. After factor analysis, the RISE-Q retained 31 items and identified five distinct scales of reasons for stopping eating: Decreased Food Appeal (mean ± SD: 2.6 ± 0.05, Cronbach's α = 0.89), Physical Satisfaction (5.0 ± 0.04, α = 0.85), Planned Amount (4.4 ± 0.05, α = 0.82), Self-Consciousness (2.4 ± 0.05, α = 0.88), and Decreased Priority of Eating (2.3 ± 0.04, α = 0.69). Thus, the most frequently reported reasons for meal termination were related to Physical Satisfaction and Planned Amount. Each RISE-Q scale was significantly correlated with at least one of the satiation-related AEBQ scales, suggesting that the RISE-Q has construct validity. RISE-Q scales were also correlated with BMI and measures of typical meal size. The RISE-Q provides a novel tool to assess differences across individuals in reported reasons for eating cessation. The RISE-Q can aid in further understanding risk factors for overconsumption and has potential clinical utility in the design of targeted weight-management interventions.
Humility in the Anthropocene

The last 50 years have witnessed a set of changes in the scale of humankind’s ecological imagination toward ‘thinking globally’. Developments in earth and planetary sciences have elaborated a creat...
Comparison of the Siemens Atellica BRAHMS and the Abbott Architect BRAHMS Procalcitonin Assays.

Objective In this study, we compared the Abbott Architect B.R.A.H.M.S procalcitonin (PCT) assay with the newly developed Siemens Atellica B.R.A.H.M.S PCT assay. Methods Residual 45 lithium heparin plasma/serum specimens were randomly selected from routine hospital orders, and PCT was measured on both systems and compared with Passing-Bablok regression. Bias was evaluated using the Bland-Altman method. Concordance correlation was used for agreement evaluation at the clinically diagnostic cutoff of 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, and 2.00 ng/mL. Results Weighted Deming regression analysis showed approximately 13% positive bias (Atellica PCT=1.13*Architect PCT+0.02, r=0.961). The Passing-Bablok regression analysis of the total sample range revealed approximately 12% positive bias of the Atellica PCT compared to the Architect PCT (Atellica PCT=1.12*Architect PCT+0.02, r=0.961). The Bland-Altman plot showed the agreement between Atellica and Architect PCT was on average 0.04±0.25 ng/mL in the clinically relevant range of 0.1-2.0 ng/mL. The concordance of both methods at the clinically diagnostic cutoff (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 2.0 ng/mL) showed excellent overall agreement at each threshold (90-100%). Conclusions The Siemens Atellica B.R.A.H.M.S PCT assay showed good correlation with the established Abbott Architect B.R.A.H.M.S PCT assay. Therefore, this technique can be used in clinical routine with the same clinical interpretation.
Parameter Identification for Synchronous Two-Machine Exponential Production Line Model

Production system modeling refers to the process of constructing valid and high-fidelity mathematical models that are capable of capturing the behavior of job flow in the manufacturing systems. During the modeling process, model parameter identification is the most critical step. This step, however, often involves a significant amount of complex and nonstandardized work. To tackle this problem, we propose to reversely compute the production system model parameters based on standard manufacturing system performance metrics. In this paper, we consider a two-machine production line model, in which the machines follow the exponential reliability model and have identical processing speed, and formulate a constrained optimization problem with the objective of finding the optimal machine parameters which can fit the system performance metrics the best. To solve this problem, barrier method with BFGS quasi-Newton algorithm and cyclic coordinate descent method with proximal point update are developed. The accuracy of these two methods in estimating machine parameters and performance metrics are computed and compared through extensive numerical experiments. Although barrier method is much more efficient in terms of computation time, the risk of getting trapped in local optima exists due to the lack of convexity. On the other hand, the numerical experiments demonstrate that the coordinate descent method reaches the global optimal solution for all the cases. Therefore, an ensemble strategy is recommended to ensure a high accuracy in parameter estimation with acceptable computation time.
Broad spectrum antiviral nucleosides—Our best hope for the future

The current focus for many researchers has turned to the development of therapeutics that have the potential for serving as broad-spectrum inhibitors that can target numerous viruses, both within a particular family, as well as to span across multiple viral families. This will allow us to build an arsenal of therapeutics that could be used for the next outbreak. In that regard, nucleosides have served as the cornerstone for antiviral therapy for many decades. As detailed herein, many nucleosides have been shown to inhibit multiple viruses due to the conserved nature of many viral enzyme binding sites. Thus, it is somewhat surprising that up until very recently, many researchers focused more on "one bug one drug," rather than trying to target multiple viruses given those similarities. This attitude is now changing due to the realization that we need to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to combating emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. A brief summary of prominent nucleoside analogues that previously exhibited broad-spectrum activity and are now under renewed interest, as well as new analogues, that are currently under investigation against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses is discussed herein.
Longitudinal impact of bladder cancer diagnosis on common psychiatric disorders

Background The presence of psychiatric disorders in patients with cancer is associated with increased morbidity and poorer outcomes. We sought to determine the impact of a new bladder cancer diagnosis on the incidence of depression and anxiety. Methods We used a database of billing claims (MarketScan®) to identify patients newly diagnosed with bladder cancer between 2009 and 2018. Patients with preexisting psychiatric disorders or use of anxiolytics/antidepressants were excluded. We matched cases to patients without a bladder cancer or psychiatric diagnosis. Our primary outcome was a new diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or use of anxiolytics/antidepressants. Other exposures of interest included gender and treatment received. We used multivariable regression to estimate odds ratios for these exposures. Results We identified 65,846 cases with a new diagnosis of bladder cancer (31,367 privately insured; 34,479 Medicare-eligible). Compared to controls, bladder cancer patients were more likely to develop new-onset depression/anxiety at 6 months (privately insured: 6.9% vs. 3.4%, p Conclusion A new diagnosis of bladder cancer was associated with increased burden of significant depression/anxiety compared with matched controls. Women and patients receiving more radical treatments had higher rates of depression and anxiety.
Mindfulness Profiles Among Gamblers: Exploring Differences in Gambling Behaviors, Motivations, Cognitions, and Mental Health

The present study investigated the five facets of mindfulness and nonattachment in individuals who gamble to identify latent profiles and explore descriptive differences in those profiles relative to etiological precursors to problem gambling. An online convenience sample of 843 adults (59.91% male; Mage = 39.40 years; SD = 12.52) who gamble completed measures of mindfulness; nonattachment; gambling motivations, cognitions, frequency, and problem severity; and mental well/ill-being. Findings from a series of latent profile analyses supported a four-profile model, representing High, Moderate, and Low Mindfulness as well as a unique profile, Judgmentally Unaware, characterized by low levels of non-judging and acting with awareness. Individuals with the Judgmentally Unaware profile demonstrated more frequent gambling, stronger gambling motivations and gambling-related cognitions, more severe problem gambling, and poorer mental health. This study extends prior findings by clarifying nuances among specific profiles of mindfulness that could bear on levels of problem gambling severity. For groups with high mindfulness and low gambling problem severity, mindfulness interventions could positively inform harm-reduction strategies. However, for a novel “Judgmentally Unaware” group, who are both self-critical and inattentive to their gambling behaviors, more research is needed to identify traits that serve as risk or protective factors in the development and maintenance of problem gambling behavior. Across groups, mindfulness is a promising framework to guide investigations into prevention and intervention with individuals who experience gambling problems.
Chymotrypsin catalysis in the presence of formaldehyde. The pH-dependence of ester hydrolysis.

1 The maximum steady state rate (kcat) of the α-chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of acetyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester at 200 C in 0.15 M KCI is 136 sec−1 and is controlled by a group with pK′ 6.6. From a kcat/k′m versus pH plot, two groups with pK′ 6.6 and 8.3 are seen. In 3.1 M formaldehyde, kcat is 16.3 sec−1 with the rate controlled by a group with pK′ 6.6 and the kcat/K′m versus pH profile is bell-shaped with pK values of 6.4 and 8.4. 2 The active site concentration of α-chymotrypsin in water and in formaldehyde is identical. 3 The modification of chymotrypsin activity by formaldehyde is complete in less than 5 sec and is completely reversible. 4 Diisopropylphosphofluoridate completely inhibits α-chymotrypsin in the presence of formaldehyde although at a slower rate. There is little or no inhibition with L-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone. 5 These results lead to the conclusion that the active site has been modified with retention of catalytic activity. From a consideration of the reactivity of formaldehyde with the functional groups of the enzyme, it is suggested that the modification is the result of N-hydroxymethylation of the imidazole group(s) of α-chymotrypsin.
Home automated external defibrillators in a geriatric population: a brief discussion of the evidence

The literature has identified significant successes in cardiac resuscitation with the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public areas. As of September 2004, the Food and Drug Administration has authorized the purchase of these devices by the general public without a prescription. For the practicing geriatrician attempting to understand the utility of these devices in a geriatric population, this article reviews the relevant literature of cardiac resuscitation and AEDs, with special attention to large public access trials.
Using spreadsheets to develop applied skills in a business math course: Student feedback and perceived learning

This paper describes the redesign of a business math course and its delivery in both face-to-face and online formats. Central to the redesigned course was the addition of applied spreadsheet exercises that served as both learning and summative assessment tools. Several other learning activities and assignments were integrated in the course to address diverse student learning styles and levels of math anxiety. Students were invited to complete a survey that asked them to rank course activities and assignments based on how well they helped the student learn course material. Open-ended items were also included in the survey. In the online course sections, students reported higher perceived learning from the use the spreadsheet-based application assignments, while face-to-face students preferred demonstrations. Qualitative remarks from the online students included numerous comments about the positive learning impact of the business application spreadsheet-based assignments, as well as the link between these assignments and what students considered the “real world.”
A novel approach for compressing phylogenetic trees

Phylogenetic trees are tree structures that depict relationships between organisms. Popular analysis techniques often produce large collections of candidate trees, which are expensive to store. We introduce TreeZip, a novel algorithm to compress phylogenetic trees based on their shared evolutionary relationships. We evaluate TreeZip's performance on fourteen tree collections ranging from 2,505 trees on 328 taxa to 150,000 trees on 525 taxa corresponding to 0.6 MB to 434 MB in storage. Our results show that TreeZip is very effective, typically compressing a tree file to less than 2% of its original size. When coupled with standard compression methods such as 7zip, TreeZip can compress a file to less than 1% of its original size. Our results strongly suggest that TreeZip is very effective at compressing phylogenetic trees, which allows for easier exchange of data with colleagues around the world.
Family Networks of Mobile Money in Kenya

This research examines the interplay between social networks and mobile money remittances in Western Kenya. Research was conducted in Kenya’s Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia counties in 2012, 2013, and 2014, involving 12 family networks of between 8—70 people. Using small and frequent digital money transfers, relatives provide for household and emergency needs, contribute to ceremonies, and help pay school fees and medical bills. We find that digital money transfers follow and reinforce preexisting forms of emotional support and social relationships. In these families, the transfers strengthen maternal kinship ties as well relationships among siblings and cousins. Money networks are reciprocal, such that senders are also receivers, and individuals have many connections through which to access resources. Some individuals are “central” in networks, having more connections; others broker flows of e-value from one group of relatives to another. Mobile money strengthens social bonds but can also disrupt social relationships as when hiding digital value and remittances from in-laws or spouses.
Nucleotide sequence analysis reveals novel features of the phase-variable cytadherence accessory protein HMW3 of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Abstract The Mycoplasma pneumoniae hmw3 gene was sequenced and its gene product was characterized with the goal of elucidating the functional role of HMW3 as an accessory component in cytadherence. A total of 2,016 bp of the hmw3 locus was sequenced, revealing an open reading frame large enough to encode a 672-amino-acid protein with a molecular weight of 73,725. No consensuslike ribosome binding or promoter sequences were identified. However, hmw3 was flanked by upstream and downstream open reading frames. Gene identity was confirmed by comparing the deduced amino acid sequence with the amino acid sequence obtained directly from N-terminal amino acid sequencing of HMW3. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence indicated an acidic pI (4.4), an unusual distribution of charged residues, a high degree of hydrophilicity, and a high proline content for HMW3. M. pneumoniae protein profiles obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) following culturing in the presence of [3H]Pro were consistent with the high Pro content predicted for HMW3 and indicated the same for cytadherence accessory protein HMW1. A discrepancy existed between the predicted size of HMW3 (Mr, 73,725) and the size of HMW3 obtained by SDS-PAGE (Mr, 140,000). Variable electrophoretic mobility in SDS-PAGE was observed at different acrylamide concentrations for HMW3, indicating that anomalous migration might account for the size discrepancy. The relative mobility of HMW3 was enhanced only slightly in the presence of magnesium acetate, suggesting that the unusual charge distribution might only be partially responsible for the anomalous migration. Secondary structure predictions were dominated by beta-sheets and nonrepetitive turns or coils, suggesting a probable extended, rigid conformation for HMW3. Finally, an unusual, highly acidic domain (residues 180 to 280) which might have particular functional significance relative to the role of HMW3 as a cytadherence accessory protein was identified.
INDUCTION OF TOLERANCE TO SKIN HOMOGRAFTS BY ADMINISTERING SPLENIC CELLS TO PYRIDOXINE-DEFICIENT MICE.

Summary1. Tolerance of CBA/J mice to skin grafts from C3H/HeJ mice has been achieved by injection of C3H/HeJ splenic cells into pyridoxine-deficient CBA/J recipients. Skin grafting was performed subsequent to pyridoxine therapy. 2. Splenic cells obtained from A/HeJ cells were ineffective under otherwise identical conditions. 3. Grafts of tolerant CBA/J mice were rejected following injection with syngeneic cells sensitized to C3H/HeJ skin.
Feasibility of Using Clinical Element Models (CEM) to Standardize Phenotype Variables in the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP)

The database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP) contains various types of data generated in Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS). These data can be used to facilitate novel scientific discovery and to reduce cost and time for exploratory research. However, idiosyncrasies in variable names become a major barrier for reusing these data. We studied the problem of formalizing the phenotype variable descriptions using Clinical Element Models (CEM). Direct mapping of 379 phenotype names to existing CEM yielded a low rate of exact matches (N=25). However, the flexible and expressive underlying information models of CEM provided a robust means of representing 115 phenotype variable descriptions, indicating that CEMs can be successfully applied to standardize a large portion of the clinical variables contained in dbGaP.
Novel Mechanism for Conditional Aerobic Growth of the Anaerobic Bacterium Treponema denticola

Treponema denticola, a periodontal pathogen, has recently been shown to exhibit properties of a facultative anaerobic spirochete, in contrast to its previous recognition as an obligate anaerobic bacterium. In this study, the capacity and possible mechanism of T. denticola survival and growth under aerobic conditions were investigated. Factors detrimental to the growth of T. denticola ATCC 33405, such as oxygen concentration and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels as well as the enzyme activities of gamma-glutamyltransferase, cysteinylglycinase, and cystalysin associated with the cells were monitored. The results demonstrated that T. denticola grew only at deeper levels of broth (≥3 ml in a 10-ml tube), high inoculation ratios (≥20% of culture in medium), and short cultivation times (≤4 days for one passage) and in media containing l-cysteine or glutathione as the substrate for H2S production during aerobic growth. The determination of the factors showed that oxygen levels were always lower (0 to 0.6%) with significantly higher concentrations of H2S and higher activities of the three enzymes in all cultures grown aerobically. Further data revealed that H2S production from the T. denticola enzymes plus their substrates resulted in removal of dissolved O2 in the growth cultures in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrated that T. denticola was able to generate microanaerobic environments in growth media for its survival and growth under aerobic conditions. Furthermore, the organism can be defined as a true obligate anaerobic spirochete. These findings suggest that spirochetes may play a significant role in maintaining the anaerobic environment at diseased sites in periodontitis.
Cellular requirements for the expression of IgM. Immunological memory in vitro.

Abstract In vitro culture techniques have been used to compare the direct (IgM) plaqueforming cell (PFC) response to heterologous erythrocytes (RBC) by normal mouse spleen cells and spleen cells from mice injected intravenously with 5 × 104 RBC ten days previously [low dose primed (LDP)]. Although LDP mice fail to undergo a significant primary PFC response, their spleen cells are capable of a secondary or enhanced PFC response in vitro. The secondary PFC response is shown to be a function of: (A) an increase in the frequency of immunocompetent cells or units (IU) due to in vivo priming, and (B) an increased number of PFC generated per IU subsequent to in vitro stimulation. The latter increase is shown to be mediated through a shorter PFC doubling-time during logarithmic expansion of the PFC population. Analysis of nonadherent spleen cell dose response experiments indicate that two nonadherent cell types interact in the secondary response. Subsequent cocultivation experiments suggested that both of these cell types must be “primed” to allow induction of a secondary response. Although adherent cells are required for the secondary response, normal splenic adherent cells serve as equivalent substitutes for LDP adherent cells.
Stereoselective total synthesis of the cembranolide diterpene anisomelic acid

Abstract A highly stereoselective total synthesis of the cembranolide diterpene anisomelic acid has been achieved via a convergent route. Macrocyclization was effected by a (Z)-selective intramolecular Horner-Emmons condensation.
p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Esters as Preservatives II.:Acute and Chronic Toxicity in Dogs, Rats, and Mice

The results of a study of the acute and chronic toxicity of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and the methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl esters in mice, rats, and dogs are presented. All of these compounds possess a low order of acute toxicity. The toxicity of the sodium salts appears to be a function of the length of the alkyl substituent, with the butyl ester about three times as toxic as the methyl ester. The main toxic effect is an acute myocardial depression accompanied by hypotension, but this is transient in nature and not cumulative. No evidence of blood damage or histological changes in tissues of treated animals was noted. In concentrations below 5 per cent, none of the esters produces any evidence of primary irritation when applied to the intact skin of man. From the results obtained, it may be concluded that the methyl, ethyl, and propyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid may be used safely as preservatives in effective concentrations for foods and drugs.
Pressure Narrowing of ac Stark-Broadened Multiphoton Spectra

Interpretation quantitative par des effets collectifs et d'interference quantique. Exemple pour la photoionisation multiphotonique de NO
Using microwaves to map global ocean surface currents

Sailors and scientists have been charting ocean currents for centuries, yet even today, reliable, up-to-date maps of global surface currents for navigation or other operational uses are scarce.
LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS IN EMPLOYMENT TESTING: Albemarle AND BEYOND

Recent court cases have continued to support the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's employee selection guidelines. The most unambiguous support came in Albemarle Paper Co. v. Moody, decided by the U. S. Supreme Court in 1975. The Court's 1976 opinion in Washington v. Davis set forth more relaxed statutory standards than those of the EEOC Guidelines, but subsequent lower court decisions have continued to support the EEOC Guidelines, and the new Federal Executive Agency Guidelines have not supplanted them. The EEOC Guidelines provisions upheld in Albemarle are compared with the APA Test Standards and with APA Division 14's Personnel Selection Principles, and implications for employment testing are discussed.
“How to Tell a True War Story”: Metafiction in The Things They Carried

(1995). “How to Tell a True War Story”: Metafiction in The Things They Carried. Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction: Vol. 36, No. 4, pp. 249-257.
Synthesis of VSV RNPs in vitro by cellular VSV RNPs added to uninfected HeLa cell extracts: VSV protein requirements for replication in vitro

Abstract Viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles isolated from vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-infected cells synthesized genome-length, complementary viral RNA, in addition to viral messenger RNA, in the presence of uninfected HeLa S10 extracts. The newly synthesized viral RNA was assembled into an RNP-like structure. RNA replication in vitro ceased when protein synthesis was blocked with pactamycin. Antibody raised against VSV NS protein inhibited in vitro RNA replication as well as mRNA synthesis. Anti-N protein also inhibited RNA replication, although it has no effect on the synthesis of mRNAs. Anti-G and anti-M IgG had no effect on either reaction. Anti-L IgG stimulated RNA replication 1.5- to 2-fold, lthough the synthesis of mRNA was inhibited.
The helium-like calcium, silicon, and sulfur lines during the decay of a large flare

Helium-like resonance, intercombination, and forbidden transitions of Ca, Si, and S were observed during the 3b solar flare of 16 November 1967, by means of the NRL Bragg crystal spectrometers aboard OSO-4. During the decay of this flare, the forbidden lines became enhanced relative to the intercombination and resonance lines. Comparisons of the observed line ratios are made with theory and mechanisms are proposed to explain the observations.
Prone Positioning of Obese Patients for Colonoscopy Results in Shortened Cecal Intubation Times: A Randomized Trial

Obesity is a risk factor for colorectal cancer, and colonoscopy can be technically challenging in obese patients. It has been proposed (with little supporting data) that prone positioning of obese patients might facilitate a difficult colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to determine if starting colonoscopy in the prone position for obese patients decreases cecal intubation times. This was a prospective, randomized study conducted at the North Texas VA Medical Center. Patients with a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m2 undergoing elective colonoscopy were randomized 1:1 to either initial prone positioning or standard, left-lateral positioning. The outcome measurements were cecal intubation time, frequency of repositioning, sedative medications used, reports of pain, complications, and procedure tolerability. Fifty patients were randomized to have colonoscopy starting in the standard, left-lateral decubitus position, and 51 to the prone position. The average cecal intubation time for the standard group was 550 vs. 424 s in the prone group (p = 0.03). Patient repositioning was used in 28 % of patients in the standard group versus 8 % in the prone group (p = 0.009). There was no difference in subjective reports of pain between groups (p = 0.95) or in average pain scores (p = 0.79). Follow-up interviews were conducted in 93 % of patients, all of whom said that they would be willing to have repeat colonoscopy in the same position. Performance of colonoscopy in the prone position for obese patients results in significantly shorter cecal intubation times and decreased need for patient repositioning. Prone positioning is well accepted and does not significantly increase procedure-related discomfort.
Basic Theory and Practical Considerations in a Current Transformer

In this paper, a brief discussion about the theory and the governing fundamentals of a current transformer (CT) is presented. A classical modeling of the CT identifying the essential parameters is introduced and the basic formulas relating the CT voltage, current, burden, and their relationships have been discussed. Practical procedures for measuring the various burdens connected to a typical distribution circuits are analyzed. ANSI and IEC standards regarding CT types, accuracy class, characteristics, and burdens are compared. CT saturation has been addressed and examples showing simple analyses have been provided. Dynamic characteristics of a CT for generalized transient analyses have been introduced. Concluding remarks regarding practical approximations and guiding principles have been presented.
Viscosity changes in orange juice after ultrafiltration and evaporation

Abstract Suspended solids, including cloud and pectin, were removed from orange juice using a hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane (500 kDa). Orange juice serum had a clear amber color with no measurable turbidity. Regular and clarified orange juices were concentrated in a four stage, three effect TASTE (thermally accelerated short time evaporator) evaporator. The viscosity of the clarified juice was appreciably lower than that of regular juice, i.e. 15.55 mPa for serum and 164 mPa (at 100 s −1 ) for regular orange juice concentrate (65 °C, 66.5 ∘Brix). Flow behavior of orange juice serum tended to be Newtonian. Deviations from Arrhenius behavior were found for changes in viscosity of orange juice with temperature. Reduction in viscosity of orange juice increased heat transfer coefficients as reflected by the higher evaporation rates obtained for serum concentration.
Disparities in Access to Healthy and Unhealthy Foods in Central Massachusetts: Implications for Public Health Policy

Objectives: To analyze geographic and income disparities in access to healthy foods in central Massachusetts.Methods: We surveyed 106 (92% of all) food stores longitudinally in the study area between 2007 and 2010. We analyzed the geographic and temporal variations in community- and store-level healthy food availability indices (HFAI) and unhealthy food availability indices (UFAI) overall and by select store and community characteristics.Results: Twenty-seven of 68 communities in the study area (39.7%) had no food store and 5 (8.3%) had one or few stores with very limited availability of healthy foods, affecting 23.7% of the county population. Lack of food stores was associated strongly with lower housing density and upper tertile of median household income. About 45% of the surveyed stores had inadequate availabilities of healthy food. Store-level HFAI and UFAI scores were highly correlated, and higher among larger stores affiliated with a chain (vs independent). Though healthy foods were usually most av...
Safety Profile of Venturi Versus Peristaltic Phacoemulsification Pumps in Cataract Surgery Using a Capsular Surrogate for the Human Lens.

Purpose To compare the risk of capsular rupture of the human lens during cataract surgery from contact by phacoemulsification needles using different vacuum pumps, ultrasound modalities, and contact angles. Design Experimental laboratory investigation. Methods The John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, was the setting for this study. A Signature (Abbott Medical Optics, Inc) phacoemulsification machine was used in peristaltic and Venturi vacuum modes with transversal and micropulsed ultrasound. Contact was made with a capsular surrogate to achieve tip occlusion or tip contact only. Breakage rates were calculated by analyzing the capsular surrogate under a surgical microscope. Results Venturi and peristaltic pump modes had similar risk of capsular rupture, regardless of whether the data were analyzed with tip occlusion data included (44.2% peristaltic vs 40.2% Venturi, P = .047) or excluded from the analysis (66.3% peristaltic vs 60.3% Venturi, P = .013). Transversal ultrasound was significantly more likely to cause capsular rupture than micropulsed ultrasound (69.8% vs 56.8%, P P Conclusions There is no significant difference in risk of capsular rupture using Venturi rather than peristaltic vacuum pumps, while transversal seemed to increase the risk when compared to micropulsed ultrasound. Tip occlusion is not a risk factor for capsular rupture, as all breaks in the capsular surrogate occurred with tip contact.
Size distribution of trace organic species emitted from biomass combustion and meat charbroiling

Abstract Size-resolved particulate matter emissions from pine, California oak, east coast oak, eucalyptus, rice straw, cigarette smoke, and meat cooking were analyzed for trace organic species using solvent-extraction followed by GC–MS analysis. Six particle size fractions were studied between 0.056, 0.1, 0.18, 0.32, 0.56, 1.0, and 1.8 μm particle diameter. The smallest particle size fraction analyzed was in the ultrafine (Dp Besides PAHs, the most abundant compounds identified in the wood included levoglucosan ( 0.9) with the size distribution of particle-phase organic carbon (OC) and/or elemental carbon (EC). The only organic compounds besides PAHs detected in the ultrafine size fraction of rice straw and cigarette smoke were benz[de]anthracen-7-one (0.19 mg kg−1 rice straw burned) and 4-methylphenylacetone (2.64 mg cigarette−1), respectively. Caffeine was measured in cigarette smoke size fractions >0.1 μm with a total PM1.8 emissions rate of 1 (mg cigarette−1). The most abundant organic species measured in meat cooking smoke was cholesterol with a size distribution that was highly correlated with both OC and EC. The concentration of each compound normalized by the concentration of total OC was relatively uniform for all particle sizes. Cholesterol and levoglucosan should prove to be useful tracers for meat cooking and wood smoke emissions in the ultrafine size range.
A revision of the structure of the isoquinolone alkaloid thalflavine

Abstract The structure of the isoquinolone alkaloid thalflavine, originally proposed as 1-oxo-2-methyl-5-methoxy-6,7-methylenedioxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, is revised to 1-oxo-2-methyl-5,6-methylenedioxy-7-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, on the basis of synthesis.
7199 Safety and efficacy of outpatient placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding tubes using conscious sedation in patients with amyotropic lateral sclerosis.

Patients with amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) often develop dysphagia in the later stages of the disease process. This dysphagia may be coincident with a decline in pulmonary function. The current study was performed to demonstrate safety and efficacy of PEG placement in an outpatient population of ALS patients..Methods: Nineteen patients with dysphagia and weight loss were identified in Penn State's ALS clinic. They were referred for placement of PEG soon after weight loss became apparent. Patients were seen initially in the endoscopy unit the day of PEG placement (unless significant pulmonary concerns were present), and were observed overnight in the extended recovery unit after successful PEG placement. During the observation period, patients received prophylactic antibiotics, nutrition evaluation by a registered dietitian, and were monitored for complications; the patient and family were instructed on feedings and home support services. Results: Nineteen ALS patients were referred for outpatient PEG placement from 1997-1999. All had dysphagia as the primary complaint, and were referred for PEG placement at onset of weight loss. All but two patients underwent successful PEG placement using conscious sedation. One patient required general anesthesia because of inability to protect his airway; one patient (post-gastrectomy) required surgical gastrostomy placement for failure to identify light reflex at time of PEG. Only one post-PEG complication was noted; aspiration pneumonitis occurred in the patient requiring general anesthesia. One patient expired from respiratory failure 138 days after PEG placement. Serum albumin was 3.7 on average at time of referral for PEG, likely because the criteria for referral were early (at onset of weight loss), so patients were not significantly malnourished. No patient had a pre-PEG albumin less than 3.2. For those patients in whom followup data were available, serum albumin rose from 3.3 to 4.1 an average of 6 months after PEG placement. Conclusion: Outpatient placement of PEG feeding tubes using conscious sedation can be performed efficiently, safely, and with excellent results as part of a comprehensive, multi-specialty approach to patients with ALS.
Synthesis and characterization of branched polymeric ionic liquids with imidazolium chloride segments

A branched polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) with imidazolium cation segments in the main chain connecting branching points was prepared in 95% yield by heating an equimolar mixture of 1,3,5-tris-(4-chlorobutoxy)-benzene and 1,3,5-tris-(4-imidazol-1-yl-butoxy)-benzene at 80 °C for 16 h. Similarly, condensation of a mixture of 1,3,5-tris-(4-imidazol-1-yl-butoxy)-benzene and 1,4-dichlorobutane in 1:1.5 molar ratio produced a second branched PIL in 94% yield. These branched PILs were characterized by FT-IR, 1H, 13C NMR, TGA, and elemental analysis.
Desire as Belief

A Humean thesis about motivation says that we are moved entirely by desire: we are disposed to do what will serve our desires according to our beliefs. If there were no desires to serve, we would never be moved more to do one thing than another. Whatever might happen then would be entirely unmotivated. Here I shall uphold Humeanism against one sort of opponent. Our Anti-Humean challenges us with this case. The Department must choose between two candidates for a job, Meane and Neiss. Neiss is your old friend, affable, sensible, fair-minded, co-operative, moderate, . Meane is quite the opposite. But it is clear that Meane is just a little bit better at philosophy. Gritting your teeth and defying all desire, you vote for Meane, because you believe that Meane getting the job instead of Neiss would, all things considered, be good. Your belief about what's good has moved you to go against your desire to have Neiss for a colleague and to have nothing to do with Meane. We Humeans reply that there are desires and there are desires. Some desires, for instance your desire to have Neiss for a colleague, are warmyou feel enthusiasm, you take pleasure in the prospect of fulfilment. Other desires, for instance your desire to hire the best available candidate, are cold. Nobody ever said that only the warm desires can move us. It is not so that you defied all desire when you voted for Meane. You were moved entirely by your desires, however the cold desire outweighed the warm one. We are within our rights to construe 'desire' inclusively, to cover the entire range of states that move us, including for instance the state that moved you to vote for Meane. Humeanism understood in this inclusive way is surely true-maybe a trivial truth, but a trivial truth is still a truth. Let our Anti-Humean grant that the state that moved you was after all, inclusively speaking, a desire. He may insist, however, that it was also a belief: the belief (as he said before) that Meane getting the job would be good. Although it may be true-trivially, he sneers-that all motivation is by desire, it is also true that some motivation is by belief. Sometimes, what happens is that we do what will serve the good according to our beliefs about what would be good together with our other beliefs-no desire, other than desires which are identical with beliefs, need enter into it. More cautiously, he might say that some beliefs are, at least, necessarily
Can a Teacher‐Led State Assessment System Work?

Recent implementation of Nebraska's Standards-based Teacher-led Assessment and Reporting System (STARS) introduced a unique opportunity to examine the benefits and drawbacks of a teacher-led state assessment system. STARS is unique among state assessment systems in that statewide tests are replaced by locally developed assessments designed by teachers. Benefits of this system are found to be greater teacher use of results for instructional planning, greater diagnostic utility of the assessments, and gains in assessment literacy. Disadvantages include the time-consuming and stressful nature of creating localized assessments. Compatibility of STARS with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act are discussed.
Periventricular echodensities in preterm infants.

Sir, Periventricular echodensities (PVE) in preterm infants are not necessarily abnormal. It has been found that periventricular “blush” is very common [1, 2]. The findings of the study by Resch and associates [3] would be significantly strengthened were there no serious limitations to it. Readings should have been made by more than one observer, because in a retrospective study the quality of the images often varies. The assertion that a neuroradiologist’s interpretation was “confirmed” by a pediatric radiologist suggests an unusual 100% agreement. Grades of severity of PVE were based on comparison of the areas of PVE with the density of the choroids plexus. This is subjective, so that the use of more than one reader is critical. In fact, as I look at Fig. 2 of the article I wonder whether there are early low density areas within the PVE in the reproduction of the parasagittal image. The method of selection of preterm infants for the study is not clear. I assume that PVEs were not universal, otherwise the finding would lead me to the conclusion that at least in some cases it represented the well-known “blush”. It is surprising, therefore, that those infants without PVE were not chosen as controls. Inclusion of controls would give the article the needed reliability. The text and Tables 3 and 4 show that persistence of echodensities rather than grade was the main factor of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Numbers are small and evidently a Fisher exact test was used instead of the more reliable chi-square test. Nevertheless, the small sample makes the power of the test low (or the likelihood of type II or beta error high). This means that there might indeed be a significant difference missed between grades 1 and 2 because there were so few patients studied. Moreover, I found no consideration of the combined effect of both the grade and the persistence of PVE. The mixed information regarding the significance of PVE in premature infants, as quoted in the authors’ review of the literature on the subject, is the result of small numbers, subjective criteria, and absence of controls. Unfortunately, these problems, many admittedly difficult to control, prevent conclusions being drawn from this report along with others regarding the significance of demonstrating PVE in neonatal cranial sonograms.
Gas-Phase Association Reactions of Hydroxide, Methoxide, Ethoxide and Their Deuterated Analogs

Abstract The selected ion flow tube technique is used to study 14 termolecular association reactions of hydroxide–water (OH − + H 2 O and OD − + D 2 O), methoxide–water (CH 3 O − + H 2 O, CH 3 O − + D 2 O, CD 3 O − + H 2 O, and CD 3 O − + D 2 O), methoxide–methanol (CH 3 O − + CH 3 OH, CH 3 O − + CH 3 OD, CD 3 O − + CD 3 OH, and CD 3 O − + CD 3 OD), and ethoxide–ethanol (CH 3 CH 2 O − + CH 3 CH 2 OH, CH 3 CD 2 O − + CH 3 CD 2 OH, CD 3 CH 2 O − + CD 3 CH 2 OH, and CD 3 CD 2 O − + CD 3 CD 2 OD) where the cluster bond dissociation energies are similar (∼24–30 kcal/mol). The apparent second-order rate coefficients for association (k IIapp ) are measured as a function of helium pressure over the range of 0.25–1.2 Torr at 300 K. The derived termolecular rate coefficients and complex lifetimes are generally larger for systems with more degrees of freedom in the intermediate ion–molecule complex. In all reactions with alkoxides, association rates are significantly enhanced by deuteration of the alkyl groups (by factors of 1.4–3.0) whereas deuteration of the bridging hydrogen does not affect the association rates. Potential energy surfaces for association (single versus double well) are discussed based on the pressure dependence of the association rates.