cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A detailed audit of reimbursement for abdominal CT in an academic practice

Abstract Rationale and Objectives Declining fee schedules, decreasing operating margins, and increasingly stringent compliance regulations create a need for intense scrutiny and optimization of a radiology organization's billing and collection procedures. The authors' goal was to analyze the effectiveness of departmental professional billing procedures, identify controllable factors, and intervene when they could be improved. Materials and Methods A detailed audit of professional claims and payments was performed for all patients who underwent abdominal-pelvic computed tomography (CT) during July 1999 ( n = 717). The adequacy of indication for the CT examination as given by the referring physician and modified by the radiology staff, the time required for claim generation, and the status of reimbursement within 120 days were assessed by an interdisciplinary team. After an intervention was performed to improve adequacy of the available clinical indication, the audit was repeated in December 1999 ( n = 710). Results Despite a significant ( P Conclusion Optimum billing and collection for imaging studies is an increasingly complex task. Even when substantial efforts are devoted to eliciting the proper indication for the study, reimbursement remains low primarily because of payer delays.
Vitamin D Deficiency Induces High Blood Pressure and Accelerates Atherosclerosis in Mice

Multiple epidemiological studies link vitamin D deficiency to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD), but causality and possible mechanisms underlying these associations are not established. To clarify the role of vitamin D-deficiency in CVD in vivo, we generated mouse models of diet-induced vitamin D deficiency in two backgrounds (LDL receptor- and ApoE-null mice) that resemble humans with diet-induced hypertension and atherosclerosis. Mice were fed vitamin D-deficient or -sufficient chow for 6 weeks and then switched to high fat (HF) vitamin D-deficient or -sufficient diet for 8-10 weeks. Mice with diet-induced vitamin D deficiency showed increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high plasma renin, and decreased urinary sodium excretion. Hypertension was reversed and renin was suppressed by returning chow-fed vitamin D-deficient mice to vitamin D-sufficient chow diet for 6 weeks. On a HF diet, vitamin D-deficient mice had ~2-fold greater atherosclerosis in the aortic arch and ~2-8-fold greater atherosclerosis in the thoracic and abdominal aorta compared to vitamin D-sufficient mice. In the aortic root, HF-fed vitamin D-deficient mice had increased macrophage infiltration with increased fat accumulation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activation, but a lower prevalence of the M1 macrophage phenotype within atherosclerotic plaques. Similarly, peritoneal macrophages from vitamin D-deficient mice displayed an M2-predominant phenotype with increased foam cell formation and ER stress. Treatment of vitamin D-deficient mice with the ER stress reliever PBA during HF feeding suppressed atherosclerosis, decreased peritoneal macrophage foam cell formation, and downregulated ER stress proteins without changing blood pressure. Thus, we suggest that vitamin D deficiency activates both the renin angiotensin system and macrophage ER stress to contribute to the development of hypertension and accelerated atherosclerosis, highlighting vitamin D replacement as a potential therapy to reduce blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
Colleges in the making of manhood and masculinity: gendered perspectives on African American males

Using an interdisciplinary approach, this paper explores the ways in which colleges become sites that socialise African American men as gendered beings. Twenty-four African American men enrolled in 12 colleges and universities across the 19 southern and border states of America participated in this study. The purpose is to illustrate how constructions of manhood and masculinity among this group potentially influence collegiate efforts to serve African American college men academically, socially, and developmentally. The following themes of manhood construction emerged: (1) self-expectations; (2) relationships and responsibilities to family; and (3) worldviews and life philosophies. Respondents reported differences in the ways in which they were treated and engaged in historically black and white institutions, also reinforcing various manhood constructs. The paper is a resource to advance the field’s thinking about this group’s college experiences, retention, and identities.
Cycloadditions of vinylketenes and ethoxyacetylene

Abstract Two major adducts are formed when diarylketenes react with ethoxyacetylene: cyclobutenones, produced by 2+2 cycloadditions characteristic of all ketenes, and norcaradienes, the unexpected products of 2+2+2 cycloadditions. Simpler vinylketenes in which the vinyl group is not incorporated in an aromatic ring yield only products derived from 2+2 cycloadditions.
An Ethical Affirmation for Scientists

A long-standing feature of the precommencement investiture ceremony for doctoral graduates at West Virginia University occurs when M.D. candidates take the Oath of Hippocrates, a traditional ethical affirmation for physicians. When Ph.D. candidates in the medical sciences joined M.D. honorees at
HYPOTHYROIDISM IN A DOG AFTER SURGERY AND RADIATION THERAPY FOR A FUNCTIONAL THYROID ADENOCARCINOMA

Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in a dog which had undergone unilateral thyroid lobectomy and external beam irradiation (48 Gy in 3 Gy fractions) for a functional cystic thyroid adenocarcinoma. Hypothyroidism became biochemically apparent within 4 months of completion of radiation therapy, and clinically apparent within 7 months. Clinical signs resolved after thyroid hormone supplementation. The potential for alterations in thyroid function should be considered in any animal undergoing radiation therapy in which the thyroid gland is included in the radiation field. This potential may be greater if surgery and radiation are combined.
An empirical investigation of new bank performance

Abstract Of the past studies exploring the establishment of new banks, most have been concerned with the impact of new bank entry on the performance of existing banks. Unfortunately, very little is known about the performance of new banks per se. The relatively little empirical research is surprising given the importance of these vital institutions to the local communities they serve. The present study empirically investigates the performance behavior of newly chartered banks. Since bank performance is a multidimensional concept that cannot be fully captured by a single variable, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is used for the analysis. With CCA, various measures of performance can be simultaneously related to a set of external and internal variables which influence performance. The results show that several endogenous factors were among the most important determinants of new bank success. Specifically, the bank's cost structure, size, and the composition of the loan portfolio were critical influences.
Is released time an effective component of faculty development programs

A review of the literature on released-time programs shows a trend away from uncritical acceptance. Emerging skepticism about released time from teaching or service stems from a lack of evidence supporting its usefulness and from the mixed messages it gives about the value of teaching. Four demonstrational experiments confirm that skepticism by showing that (1) verified assessments of normal work loads contradict faculty claims of being too busy for additional scholarship; (2) faculty given released time usually persist in old habits; (3) new faculty showed no obvious benefits of a typical released-time program; and (4) faculty in released-time programs verbalized real doubts about how to use extra time for meaningful scholarship. A fifth experiment suggests an alternative to traditional released-time programs: faculty who claimed too little time for regular scholarship learned to produce significant amounts of writing by finding time for brief, daily writing sessions.
Site-specific differences in the feeding ecology of the California sheephead, Semicossyphus pulcher (Labridae)

The feeding ecology of four populations of Semicossyphus pulcher was examined with respect to such factors as site-specific prey availability, density of the sheephead population, and size of the sheephead. The diets of the sheephead were typically broad, though only a few prey categories dominated. There was considerable between-site differences in the dominant prey. The availability of potential prey (in terms of abundance) also differed between sites both in total abundance and abundance of specific prey types. The diets of the sheephead generally reflected the availability of prey where prey were abundant (i.e. San Nicolas Island) but not where prey were scarce (e.g. Cabo Thurloe). Where prey were scarce and the sheephead population biomass was large (e.g. Cabo Thurloe and Isla Guadalupe), the sheephead apparently switched to alternative, and presumably, lower priority prey (i.e., bryozoan encrusted algae). Some abundant, potential prey were avoided in areas where sheephead were typically small, suggesting an inability of the small fish to handle large prey. The interaction of the kind and abundance of prey, and the size and abundance of the sheephead is discussed in relation to the influence of sheephead predation on their prey populations and community structure.
FROM CASH‐IN‐THE‐MARKET PRICING TO FINANCIAL FRAGILITY

We review some recent research that explores the relationship between asset-price volatility and financial fragility when markets and contracts are incomplete. (JEL: E5, G2)
Paying it forward

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to address the role of a mentor in a library career. Design/methodology/approach – Opinion piece. Practical implications – Having a mentor serves to unleash employees potential. Social implications – The positive role of a having a mentor and serving as a mentor. Originality/value – Original opinion piece.
A Bayesian Approach to Estimating Household Parameters

The authors present a Bayesian approach to the estimation of household parameters. Applied to the standard logit model, the procedure produces household-level estimates of all model parameters, ena...
Sexual harassment in the workplace: it is your problem.

Aim Sexual harassment and hostile work environments are explored. Managerial roles are discussed, including taking a proactive approach and dealing appropriately with an employee's claim. Background Nurse managers must confront the issue of sexual harassment as complaints continue to develop throughout the industry. Because managers are responsible for employees’ actions, it is essential that they familiarize themselves with what constitutes the act and how to handle a claim. Evaluation Sexual harassment is defined by US Civil Rights Acts (1964 and 1991), US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, UK's Equal Opportunities Commission, American Nurses Association and the Royal College of Nursing. Frederick Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory of Motivation is also related to workplace sexual harassment. Key issues Sexual harassment is a widespread problem within the industry, claiming both men and women as its victims. Managers can be held responsible for sexual harassment even if they are unaware of the existence of behaviour.
Morphine-induced early delays in wound closure: involvement of sensory neuropeptides and modification of neurokinin receptor expression.

Dose-limiting side effects of centrally acting opioid drugs have led to the use of topical opioids to reduce the pain associated with chronic cutaneous wounds. However, previous studies indicate that topical morphine application impairs wound healing. This study was designed to elucidate the mechanisms by which morphine delays wound closure. Rats were depleted of sensory neuropeptides by treatment with capsaicin, and full-thickness 4-mm diameter wounds were excised from the intrascapular region. Wounds were treated topically twice daily with 5 mM morphine sulfate, 1 mM substance P, 1 mM neurokinin A, or 5 mM morphine combined with 1 mM substance P or neurokinin A and wound areas assessed. During closure, wound tissue was taken 1, 3, 5, and 8 days post-wounding from control and morphine-treated rats and immunostained for neurokinin receptors and markers for macrophages, myofibroblasts, and vasculature. Results obtained from capsaicin-treated animals demonstrated a significant delay in the early stages of wound contraction that was reversed by neuropeptide application. Treatment of capsaicin-treated rats with topical morphine did not further delay wound closure, suggesting that topical opioids impair wound closure via the inhibition of peripheral neuropeptide release into the healing wound. Morphine application altered neurokinin-1 and neurokinin-2 receptor expression in inflammatory and parenchymal cells essential for wound healing in a cell-specific manner, demonstrating a direct effect of morphine on neurokinin receptor regulation within an array of cells involved in wound healing. These data provide evidence indicating a potentially detrimental effect of topical morphine application on the dynamic wound healing process.
Preliminary Phi-divergence test estimator for multinomial probabilities

The four minimum Phi-divegence estimators of multinomial probabilities under a model constraint, namely, unrestricted estimator, restricted estimator, preliminary test estimator, shrinkage estimator, and the positive-rule shrinkage estimator, have been studied. The asymptotic distribution of these estimators are given under Pittman alternatives, together with the asymptotic bias and the asymptotic risk under the quadratic loss. Comparisons within these four estimators using their asymptotic function risks are made, and several conclusions are obtained
Executive cognitive abilities and functional status among community-dwelling older persons in the San Luis Valley health and aging study

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the executive cognitive functions to self-reported and observed performance of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. DESIGN: These data were collected as part of a cross-sectional survey of community-dwelling older persons, using statistical sampling, in a two-county area of southern Colorado. SETTING: Participants were interviewed and administered measures of general cognition, depression, executive functioning, and performance of self-care and instrumental activities, either in their homes or at the study clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1158 community-dwelling persons between the ages of 60 and 99 participated. Of these, 657 were female, 501 were male, 637 were Hispanic, and 521 were non-Hispanic whites. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were administered the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), a measure of executive functioning (the Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D), and the Structured Assessment of Independent Living Skills (SAILS, a measure of observed performance of daily tasks). They also were interviewed regarding their reported ADL and IADL status using measures from the Longitudinal Study on Aging. RESULTS: Both general mental status and executive functioning demonstrated statistically significant univariate associations with all seven functional status measures (both self-report and observed performance). In a series of ordinary least squares regression models, executive functioning was a predictor for self-reported ADLs and observed performance of complex IADL tasks such as managing money and medications. Mental status did not predict self-reported functioning but was a predictor of observed performance. Depression was a significant variable for self-report measures but not for observed performance. Executive functioning and general mental status demonstrated some degree of independence from one another. CONCLUSION: Executive functioning is an important determinant of functional status for both self-reported and observed ADLs and IADLs and should be assessed routinely when evaluating the mental status and functional abilities of older people. These results replicate and extend previous research on executive functioning among older persons by examining these factors in a large bi-ethnic community sample. J Am Geriatr Soc 46:590–596, 1998.
SU-E-T-631: Beam Geometry Selection Using Sequential Beam Addition.

Purpose: To investigate a beam geometry selection algorithm based on sequential addition of beams. Methods: The sequential beam addition algorithm (SBA) requires an objective function (score) and a set of candidate beam geometries (pool). The optimal score is determined for each beam in the pool and the best beam selected. Scores are then calculated for the selected beam in combination with each member of the pool. The pair with the best score is selected and the score again determined in combination with each beam in the pool. The process is repeated until the desired number of beams is reached. We selected 3 treatment sites, breast, lung, and brain, and determined beam arrangements for up to 11 beams from a pool comprised of 25 equi‐angular transverse beams. For the brain, arrangements were additionally selected from a pool of 22 non‐coplanar beams. Scores were determined for geometries comprised of equi‐angular transverse beams (EQA), as well as two tangential beams for the breast case. Results: In all cases, SBA resulted in scores superior to EQA. The breast case had the strongest dependence on beam geometry, for which only 7 beam EQA had a score better than the tangential beams, whereas all SBA geometries with more than two beams were superior. For the lung case, for both EQA and SBA the scores monotonically improved with increasing number of beams; however, SBA required fewer beams to achieve scores equivalent to EQA. For the brain case, SBA with a coplanar pool was equivalent to EQA, while the non‐coplanar pool resulted in slightly better scores; however, the dose‐volume histograms demonstrated that the differences were not clinically significant. Conclusions: For situations in which beam geometry has a significant effect on the objective function, SBA can identify arrangements equivalent to equi‐angular geometries but using fewer beams. Varian Medical Systems
Group structure, within-group conflict and reproductive tactics in cooperatively breeding Galápagos mockingbirds, Nesomimus parvulus

Abstract Reproductive conflict within groups can be an important feature of cooperative breeding systems, especially when more than one individual of a sex breeds within a social group. Relationships between group structure, dominance, within-group conflict and reproductive tactics of cooperatively breeding Galapagos mockingbirds were examined on Isla Genovesa. Territorial groups of 2–24 adults included up to three breeding females, with 42% of the groups containing more than one (plural groups); females in most plural groups nested separately. Territory size increased with group size, but the area available per pair in plural groups was smaller than in singular groups (groups with only one breeding pair). Most pairings were monogamous, and males usually outnumbered females; high-ranking males obtained mates more frequently than subordinate males. In 3 relatively dry years, but not in a wet El Nino year, subordinate pairs in plural groups fledged fewer young than dominant pairs or pairs breeding in singular groups. Interference by dominant breeders, often leading to abandonment of nests by subordinate pairs, appears to account for these differences: through nest disruption in drier years, dominant individuals may reduce the cost of sharing their territories and increase the chances of recruiting helpers. Dominant males in plural groups may also father young through extra-pair copulations with subordinate females. Despite costs imposed by within-group conflict, subordinate breeders have higher long-term reproductive success than birds that defer breeding. Plural group structure is maintained because unpredictable climatic variation favours opportunistic breeding by subordinates.
On the smoothness of real-valued functions generated by subdivision schemes using nonlinear binary averaging

Our main result is that two point interpolatory subdivision schemes using C^k nonlinear averaging rules on pairs of real numbers generate real-valued functions that are also C^k. The significance of this result is the following consequence: Suppose that S is a subdivision algorithm operating on sequences of real numbers using linear binary averaging that generates C^m real-valued functions and [email protected]? is the same subdivision procedure where linear binary averaging is replaced everywhere in the algorithm by a C^n nonlinear binary averaging rule on pairs of real numbers; then the functions generated by the nonlinear subdivision scheme [email protected]? are C^k, where k=min(m,n).
Synthesis of Tungsten Oxo Alkylidene Complexes

Reaction of W(O)2(CH2-t-Bu)2(bipy) with a mixture of ZnCl2(dioxane), PMe2Ph, and trimethylsilyl chloride in toluene at 100 °C produced the known tungsten oxo alkylidene complex W(O)(CH-t-Bu)Cl2(PMe2Ph)2 (1a) in 45% isolated yield. The neophylidene analogue W(O)(CHCMe2Ph)Cl2(PMe2Ph)2 was prepared similarly in 39% yield. The reaction between 1a and LiOR (LiOR = LiOHIPT, LiOHMT) in benzene at 22 °C led to formation of the off-white W(O)(CH-t-Bu)Cl(OR)(PMe2Ph) complexes 4a (OR = OHMT = 2,6-dimesitylphenoxide) and 4b (OR = OHIPT = 2,6-(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl)2phenoxide). Compound 4a serves as a starting material for the synthesis of W(O)(CH-t-Bu)(OHMT)(2,6-diphenylpyrrolide) (6), W(O)(CH-t-Bu)[N(C6F5)2](OHMT)(PMe2Ph) (7), W(O)(CH-t-Bu)[OSi(t-Bu)3](OHMT) (8), and W(O)(CH-t-Bu)(OHMT)2 (10). The reaction between 8 and ethylene was found to yield the square-pyramidal metallacyclobutane complex W(O)(C3H6)[OSi(t-Bu)3](OHMT) (9), while the reaction between 10 and ethylene was found to yield the square-pyramidal met...
Correlates of Functional Disability in Patients With Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Preliminary Cross-Sectional Findings.

The study investigated correlates of functional disability in 94 patients (89.4% women, 10.6% men; mean age=34.2 years) with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a clinical syndrome of orthostatic intolerance characterized by significant functional limitations. Path analysis supported a model in which, controlling for demographic and disease variables, catastrophic cognitions were directly related to the latent variable functional disability, whereas somatic vigilance, anxiety sensitivity, and neuroticism were indirectly associated with functional disability through their relationship with catastrophic cognitions. Results suggest that modifiable psychological factors play a role in the functional limitations experienced by patients with POTS. Longitudinal research is necessary to confirm these relationships.
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons express Fos protein during the proestrous surge of luteinizing hormone.

Abstract The ability of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) neurons to express the oncogene c-fos was examined during the estrous cycle in rats. The immunocytochemical localization of the c-fos-encoded antigen, Fos, was coupled with the immunocytochemical localization of LHRH. LHRH neurons showed no Fos immunoreactivity during diestrus-1, diestrus-2, estrus, or the morning of proestrus. However, Fos was expressed in LHRH neurons from 1600 to 2200 hours during proestrus. The timing of onset of Fos expression in LHRH neurons during proestrus suggests a strong correlation with increased LH secretion. Pentobarbital, which blocks the preovulatory LH surge, blocked Fos expression in LHRH neurons, but the LHRH neurons expressed Fos on the following afternoon at the time of the expected delayed LH surge. Not all LHRH neurons expressed Fos during the LHRH surge. Approximately half of the LHRH neurons were activated in the preoptic area and anterior hypothalamus; more anteriorly positioned LHRH neurons did not express Fos, resulting in an overall stimulation of 40% of the LHRH neurons. These data provide direct evidence that stimulation of LHRH neurons during proestrus takes place at the LHRH cell bodies, and identify the specific population of LHRH neurons which are activated.
Nanoscopic supermolecules with linear-dendritic architecture: Their preparation and their supramolecular behavior

The design, synthesis, and properties of supermolecules consisting of well defined assemblies of linear and globular macromolecules is studied. Therefore, several families of hybrid block polymers based on polyether dendrimers linked to well-defined blocks of polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polyester, or polystyrene have been prepared. The unique topological macromolecules that result from the assembly of such components having different shapes and internal densities can assemble in highly stable supramolecular micelles whose characteristics vary as a function of the medium. The hybrid macromolecules are usually prepared by the nucleophilic displacement of a reactive functionality located at the focal point of a convergent polyether dendrimer, with a nucleophilic anion located at one or both chain ends of a linear polymer. Alternately, the focal point of the dendrimer may be used to attach a polymerizable vinyl group affording a dendritic macromonomer that may be used to create variety of copolymers. Finally, the focal point of the convergent dendrimer may serve as an initiator in the polymerization of a linear chain thereby affording the hybrid linear-dendritic entity. In the latter case the unique microenvironment provided by the dendrimer is useful in the prevention of undesirable side-reactions during growth of the linear block. This demonstrates that the differences between the globular and linear fragments of these unique molecules can be used to design nanoscale reactors that perform functions not normally achieved with small molecules. The very unusual solution properties of the dendritic-linear supermolecules are a direct result of the forced combination of their dissimilar building blocks.
Survival of the partial reinforcement extinction effect after contextual shifts

Abstract The effects of contextual shifts on the partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE) were studied in autoshaping with rats. Experiment 1 established that the two contexts used subsequently were easily discriminable and equally salient. In Experiment 2, independent groups of rats received acquisition training under partial reinforcement (PRF) or continuous reinforcement (CRF). Significant PREEs were observed whether extinction occurred in the same or in a different context. In Experiment 3, after PRF or CRF acquisition training, each group received extinction of the same conditioned stimulus in both the same and different contexts. PREEs were observed under both conditions, although extinction was accelerated after a contextual shift. These results were discussed in relation to the role of mediational states in the PREE.
Identification, isolation, and characterization of a 32-kDa fatty acid-binding protein missing from lymphocytes in humans with Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD).

Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) is an autosomal recessive retinal degeneration characterized by intraretinal lipid inclusions with degeneration of the retina and sclerosis of the choroidal vessels, resulting clinically in progressive night blindness and constriction of the visual fields. Characterization of fatty acid metabolism in Bietti crystalline dystrophy suggested that BCD might result from abnormalities in lipid-binding proteins or one or more enzymes active in fatty acid elongation and desaturation. To further investigate the first possibility, the docosahexaenoic acid-binding proteins (DHABPs) of human lymphocytes from patients with Bietti crystalline dystrophy were studied and compared with those of normal controls. For fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) identification, lymphocyte cytosol was first subjected to Lipidex 1000 chromatography. FABPs were then cross-linked with [14C]22:6n-3 and identified by HPLC and SDS-PAGE. Ten major peaks corresponding to calculated molecular weights of 13, 14, 32, 43, 45, 50, 64, 96, 105, and 186 kDa exhibit high-affinity binding of fatty acids. Significantly, peaks corresponding to two fatty acid-binding proteins of 32 and 45 kDa present in age-matched controls are absent from lymphocytes of patients with BCD. The 32-kDa fatty acid-binding protein present in normal individuals but absent from patients with BCD was isolated from cultured control human lymphocytes, its fatty acid-binding properties were characterized, and its amino acid composition was analyzed. It shows specific binding of 3n-3 fatty acids, consistent with the pattern of abnormalities of lipid metabolism demonstrated in patients with BCD. These results suggest that the 32- and 43-kDa FABPs are reasonable candidates for causing BCD.
Bayesian counterfactual analysis of the sources of the great moderation

We use counterfactual experiments to investigate the sources of the large volatility reduction in US real GDP growth in the 1980s. Contrary to an existing literature that conducts counterfactual experiments based on classical estimation and point estimates, we consider Bayesian analysis that provides a straightforward measure of estimation uncertainty for the counterfactual quantity of interest. Using Blanchard and Quah's (1989) structural VAR model of output growth and the unemployment rate, we find strong statistical support for the idea that a counterfactual change in the size of structural shocks alone, with no corresponding change in the propagation of these shocks, would have produced the same overall volatility reduction as what actually occurred. Looking deeper, we find evidence that a counterfactual change in the size of aggregate supply shocks alone would have generated a larger volatility reduction than a counterfactual change in the size of aggregate demand shocks alone. We show that these results are consistent with a standard monetary VAR, for which counterfactual analysis also suggests the importance of shocks in generating the volatility reduction, but with the counterfactual change in monetary shocks alone generating a small reduction in volatility. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1129 RICKETS WITH ELEVATED 1,25-(OH) 2 VITAMIN D (1,25-(OH) 2 ) AND NORMAL 25-OH VITAMIN D (25 OHD) IN PREMATURE FED HUMAN MILK EXCLUSIVELY: INCREASING BONE MINERAL CONTENT (BMC) WITH CA AND P SUPPLEMENT

Rickets in prematures fed human milk may be related to decreased Ca and P intake rather than deficiency in vitamin D (D). In a 27 wk, 970 g infant expressed mother's milk and vit D 250 IU/d were begun on d 7. By 2 wks, milk intake averaged 165ml/kg/d; D intake was 400 IU/d after 9 wks. During lactation, breast milk Ca was 22.4-28.8 and Mg 3.1-4.8mg/dl; P decreased from 19.6 at 10 d to plateau of 7.1mg/dl by 8 wks. Physical signs, x-rays, serum P (3.6 mg/dl) and alk phosphatase (630 IU) showed rickets at 16 wks; serum Ca was 8.8mg/dl, 25-OHD 40ng/dl (N 11-68) 1,25-(OH)2 vit D 129 pg/ml (N 17-44) parthyroid 27μlEq/ml (N<57) and calcitonin 12pg/ml (N<107). BMC was 36-33mg/cm at 8-16 wks (term infants 90). Calcium glubionate (60mg Ca/kg/d) and potassium phosphate (P 30mg/kg/d) was supplemented. Rickets resolved, P rose, phosphatase fell, 170IU/L. BMC increased to 49, 61 and 109mg/cm by 9 mos, and serum 1,25(OH)2D fell to 111 and 100pg/ml. Very low birth weight infants fed human milk with D supplements may develop rickets with elevated 1,25(OH)2D: Ca and P supplements are effective in treatment; we speculate that rickets in prematures on human milk feeding is secondary to inadequate Ca and P intake and not related to D deficiency.
Continuous culture of Pseudomonas fluorescens with sodium maleate as a carbon source

Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC 11150) was grown in batch and continuous culture in minimal media with sodium maleate as growth-limiting sole organic carbon source. Growth was followed by turbidity and dry weight measurements. Gross composition of washed cells (relative amounts of protein, lipid, RNA, and DNA) and the distribution of amino acids in protein hydrolyses of the cells were determined for cells grown in continuous culture at various dilution rates. Extracellular concentrations of the original carbon source and a number of metabolites were monitored by a total carbon analysis, ion exchange chromatography, and ultraviolet-visible scans of cell-free supernatants and chromatographic fractions, thereof. Substrate inhibition by maleate was a major factor in the growth kinetics of both batch and continuous cultures. Excessive maleate concentration caused instability in continuous cultures. By appropriate operation, much higher specific growth rates (0.305/hr) could ultimately be achieved in continuous culture compared to batch culture (0.174/hr). Adaptation was responsible for only part of the differences between batch and continuous cultures; the differing distribution of metabolites were also major factors.
Risks for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization or infection among patients with HIV infection.

Background Risks for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among those with HIV infection have been found to vary, and the epidemiology of USA-300 community-acquired (CA) MRSA has not been adequately described. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of HIV-infected out-patients from January 2002 to December 2007 and employed multivariate logistic regression (MLR) to identify risks for MRSA colonization or infection. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to identify USA-300 strains. Results Seventy-two (8%) of 900 HIV-infected patients were colonized or infected with MRSA. MLR identified antibiotic exposure within the past year [odds ratio (OR) 3.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5–7.7] and nadir CD4 count <200 cells/μL (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.2–5.3) as risks for MRSA colonization or infection. Receipt of antiretroviral therapy (ART) within the past year was associated with decreased risk (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.07–0.4). Eighty-nine percent of available strains were USA-300. MLR identified skin or soft tissue infection (SSTI) as the only predictor for infection with USA-300 (OR 5.9; 95% CI 1.4–24.3). Conclusion Significant risks for MRSA among HIV-infected patients were CD4 count nadir <200 cells/μL and antibiotic exposure. Only the presence of an SSTI was associated with having USA-300, and thus the use of patient characteristics to predict those with USA-300 was limited. In addition, ART within the previous year significantly reduced the risk of MRSA colonization or infection.
Photoluminescence and photoconductivity of CuInSe2

In this paper we report for the first time the results of photoluminescence (PL) and photoconductivity (PC) measurements on stoichiometric and well-defined off-stoichiometric copper indium diselenide. The energy gap at 10 K is 1.050\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005 eV and free-exciton emission at 1.030\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005 eV is the dominant feature in the PL spectra of stoichiometric nominally undoped ${\mathrm{CuInSe}}_{2}$. For Cu:In and metal:selenium ratios g1 recombination between Se-vacancy donors (-70 meV versus the conduction-band edge ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{\mathrm{In}}$ antisite acceptors [40 meV versus the valence-band edge (VBE)], and In-vacancy acceptors (80 meV versus the VBE), respectively, dominates the PL spectra. Excitation from the above two acceptor states contributes to the PC spectra with complimentary temperature dependence as compared to the deep emission.
Integrative functions in parkinsonism.

-The effects of neurological involvement upon integrative performance were assessed through visual-motor, perceptual, and cognitive test performance of parkinsonian and cardiac patients. No significant differences were obtained berween the test results of parkinsonian and cardiac patients. For parkinsonian patients no significant variations in "higher integrative" functions could be attributed to differences in sex, age, extent of voluntary movement impairment, and laterality or severity of neurological involvement. Degree of autonomic nervous system impairment was related to psychological performance only in one test ("Odd Words" test). It was suggested that perceptual-cognitive performance of groups of parkinsonian Ss does not necessarily qualify as "organic" in the usual psychological sense.
Amino acid analysis of glycine-extracted deoxyribonucleoproteins (sea urchin sperm).

Abstract Deoxyribonucleoproteins (DNP) were extracted from sea urchin sperm with 0.1 m glycine solutions. These preparations, which contained 28.5 ± 2% deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and 71.5 ± 2% protein in an electrophoretically and immunologically homogenous complex, were analyzed for their amino acid content. The amino acid composition, expressed as moles of each recovered amino acid for 100 grams of DNP, shows equimolarity of the sum of basic amino acids with the phosphoric acid charges of DNA contained in the same amount of DNP. Thus, it is inferred that glycine extraction recovers a DNP more native than other methods do. It is confirmed that DNP of sea urchin sperm contains more arginine than lysine. The values of recovered serine, threonine, proline, and valine find correspondence in the base content of the DNA. These data are discussed in view of the possible binding of serine and threonine to the phosphoric acid of DNA and the possibility of a preferential association between a given DNA base and a basic amino acid.
ON CATCHING A MOVING PARTICLE BY NARROW STRIPS

Let z(t), - oo 0, a &strip is the set of all pairs in the plane at a distance ~< 6/2 from a straight line. THEOREM. For any real positive numbers 3 and k there is a 6-strip such that the time the particle spends there is at least k. Proof. We shall prove a more precise statement considering only a (sufficiently long) finite segment of the trajectory and strips with slopes of a special form. Namely, we assume that k is a positive integer. We consider only z(t) with It[ < 626k2. Moreover, we restrict our attention to strips with slopes of the form tan(nm/8k), where m is an integer. We shall prove that a 6-strip contains a part of the trajectory of the length kr. We introduce a polar coordinate system (p, ~) on the plane with the origin p = 0 at z(0). Consider the following 16k angular sectors: s, l) }
Boundaries of cocompact proper CAT(0) spaces

A proper CAT(0) metric space is cocompact if it has a compact generating domain with respect to its full isometry group. Any proper CAT(0) space, cocompact or not, has a compact metrizable boundary at infinity ; indeed, up to homeomorphism, this boundary is arbitrary. However, cocompactness imposes restrictions on what the boundary can be. Swenson showed that the boundary of a cocompact has to be finite-dimensional. Here we show more: the dimension of has to be equal to the global Cech cohomological dimension of . For example: a compact manifold with non-empty boundary cannot be with cocompact. We include two consequences of this topological/geometric fact: (1) The dimension of the boundary is a quasi-isometry invariant of CAT(0) groups. (2) Geodesic segments in a cocompact can ?almost? be extended to geodesic rays, i.e. is almost geodesically complete
Cardiorespiratory effects produced by microinjecting L-glutamic acid into medullary nuclei associated with the ventral surface of the feline medulla.

Abstract The purpose of our study was to use microinjections of L -glutamic acid to better localize the cell bodies in the intermediate area of the ventral medullary surface that exert control over cardiorespiratory activity. L -glutamic acid (200 nl of a 1-M solution) was microinjected into the nucleus paragigantocellularis lateralis, lateral reticular nucleus and into an area which is part of the ‘glycine-sensitive area’, which lies in the center of the intermediate area. Normally, when L -glutamic acid is applied to the surface of the intermediate area, increases in arterial pressure and tidal volume are observed. Increases in tidal volume were never observed upon microinjection into the 3 sites associated with the intermediate area, suggesting that the tidal volume change elicited from surface application occurs because of L -glutamic acid interacting with cell bodies either on the surface or extremely close to the surface. Pressor responses were elicited with microinjection of L -glutamic acid into the lateral reticular nucleus and the ‘glycine-sensitive area’, but not the nucleus paragigantocellularis lateralis; indeed, microinjection of L -glutamic acid into the nucleus paragigantocellularis lateralis caused hypotension. Hence, cell bodies responsible for raising arterial pressure may reside in either the lateral reticular nucleus or the ‘glycine-sensitive area’.
Spontaneous Rupture of all Three Extensor Tendons to the Thumb in Rheumatoid Arthritis

A case of spontaneous rupture of all three extensor tendons to the thumb in a patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis is described.
Evaluating the implementation of environmental review mitigation in local planning and development processes

Abstract The implementation of mitigation strategies and outcomes of environmental review remains a challenge for planners and regulators. While the process and content of environmental review is clearly defined, there is often little attention to what happens after the review is completed. This paper presents the results of an evaluation of the implementation of the outcomes of environmental review, specifically mitigation measures designed to respond to environmental impacts identified in the environmental impact analysis. Drawing on previous evaluations of environmental review outcomes and plan implementation, the research provides a methodology for evaluating the implementation of mitigation efforts, points to the challenges associated with implementing the mitigation outcomes of local environmental review in planning and development processes, and identifies opportunities to integrate planning and environmental review processes.
Regionalization of Care for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Is It Too Soon?

Interest in regionalization of the care of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has gained momentum recently. Optimal treatment of STEMI involves balancing time to treatment and reperfusion options. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention, when performed in a timely fashion, has been shown to be more effective than fibrinolysis. However, numerous practical barriers prevent many STEMI patients from receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention. In an effort to increase beneficial primary percutaneous coronary intervention administration to STEMI patients, health care leaders have proposed regionalized STEMI care networks with advanced emergency medical services (EMS) involvement. Constructing regionalized STEMI networks presents a policy challenge because this shift in STEMI care would require changes in current EMS and emergency medicine practices. Therefore, we present various perspectives and issues that decisionmakers and system organizers must address properly before deciding whether to adopt this new model of care. Reorganizing STEMI care in a manner analogous to how trauma and stroke care are currently triaged and treated appeals intuitively; however, given the absence of evidence that STEMI regionalization actually improves patient outcomes and is cost-effective, more research is needed to determine whether STEMI regionalization is an efficient model for providing evidence-based care. The concept of STEMI regionalization represents an effort to inform policy according to evidence-based medicine, but real-world quality, geospatial, financial, cost, business, resource, and practice barriers present obstacles to implementing this concept efficiently and effectively.
Cloning and characterization of Xenopus Rsk2, the predominant p90 Rsk isozyme in oocytes and eggs.

Abstract The 90-kDa ribosomal S6 kinases, the p90 Rsks, are a family of intracellular serine/threonine protein kinases distinguished by two distinct kinase domains. Rsks are activated downstream of the ERK1 (p44) and ERK2 (p42) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in diverse biological contexts, including progression through meiotic and mitotic M phases in Xenopus oocytes and cycling Xenopus egg extracts, and are critical for the M phase functions of Xenopus p42 MAPK. Here we report the cloning and biochemical characterization of Xenopus Rsk2.Xenopus Rsk1 and Rsk2 are specifically recognized by commercially available RSK1 and RSK2 antisera on immunoblots, but both Rsk1 and Rsk2 are immunoprecipitated by RSK1, RSK2, and RSK3 sera. Rsk2 is about 20-fold more abundant than the previously describedXenopus Rsk1 protein; their concentrations are approximately 120 and 5 nm, respectively. Rsk2, like Rsk1, forms a heteromeric complex with p42 MAP kinase. This interaction depends on sequences at the extreme C terminus of Rsk2 and can be disrupted by a synthetic peptide derived from the C-terminal 20 amino acids of Rsk2. Finally, we demonstrate that p42 MAP kinase can activate recombinant Rsk2 in vitro to a specific activity comparable to that found in Rsk2 that has been activated maximally in vivo. These findings underscore the importance of the Rsk2 isozyme in the M phase functions of p42 MAP kinase and provide tools for further examining Rsk2 function.
Control of reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide oscillations in beef heart extracts. II. Oscillations of glycolytic intermediates and adenine nucleotides.

Abstract Analysis of samples obtained during the course of DPNH oscillations on cell-free extracts prepared from beef heart have shown clear phase shifts between the changes in the reduced nucleotide and those occurring in the concentrations of other intermediates. The concentration of fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP) reached a maximum before the maximum in DPNH was attained and appeared 180 ° out of phase with respect to glucose 6-phosphate and fructose 6-phosphate. On the other hand, the concentration of dihydroxyacetone phosphate reached its maximum after the maximum in DPNH. Adenosine 5′-monophosphate and -diphosphate showed kinetics similar to those of FDP, and ATP appeared 180 ° out of phase with respect to the other adcnine nucleotides. This evidence supports the role of phosphofructokinase as the primary oscillator in this system, under the control of the adenine nucleotides.
Molecular mechanisms of neutrophil recruitment elicited by bacteria in the lungs.

Abstract The recruitment of leukocytes to an extravascular destination requires intercellular communication between tissue cells and leukocytes. The molecules mediating this intercellular communication play differing roles in recruiting different types of leukocytes, in response to different stimuli, in different tissues, and in different hosts. The present communication reviews the adhesion molecules, chemokines, other cytokines, and NF- κ B proteins which regulate the recruitment of neutrophils elicited by bacteria in the lungs.
Braving Human Suffering: Death Education and its Relationship to Empathy and Mindfulness

Social workers are likely to encounter clients dealing with traumatic grief and death in their practice. Though death education has gained in popularity and acceptance, few social work students receive coursework in this area and many are unprepared to deal with their clients' and their own emotions regarding death and grief. Though death-related content may evoke provider avoidance, mindfulness and empathy may help regulate provider emotions and responses. This United States-based study evaluates the effectiveness of experiential death education on mindfulness and empathy. Measures in three separate cohorts were given at the beginning and end of the course. Results show statistically significant increases on the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy, indicating that such a course may be effective in increasing both mindfulness and empathy in social work students and those in related fields.