cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An exercise and incontinence intervention did not reduce the incidence or cost of acute conditions in nursing home residents.

(2003) J Am Geriatr Soc 51, 161. Schnelle JF, Kapur K, Alessi C, et al. . Does an exercise and incontinence intervention save healthcare costs in a nursing home population? . ; . : . –8 . [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] QUESTION: In nursing home (NH) residents, does an intervention combining low intensity exercise and incontinence care offset its costs by reducing selected health conditions? Cost effectiveness analysis of a randomised {allocation concealed}*, blinded ({data collectors}* and outcome assessors), controlled trial with follow up at 8 and 32 weeks. 4 NHs in the US. 190 NH residents (mean age 88 y, 85% women) with urinary incontinence who did not have catheters, could follow a simple 1 step instruction, and were not on Medicare Part A reimbursement for post-acute skilled care or terminal illness. Follow up was 91% at 8 weeks and 78% at 32 weeks. Patients were allocated to an 8 month exercise programme (Functional Incidental Training [FIT]) (n=92) or to usual care (n=98). The FIT intervention was implemented every 2 hours during the day for 5 days per week and involved prompts to toilet and changing if wet, encouragement to walk (or wheel their wheelchairs), repeat sit to stands up to 8 times, and practise upper body resistance training (arm curls or arm raises) once per day when in bed. Patients were offered fluids after each exercise trial. Acute conditions relating … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BGeriatrics%2BSociety%26rft.stitle%253DJ%2BAm%2BGeriatr%2BSoc%26rft.aulast%253DSchnelle%26rft.auinit1%253DJ.%2BF.%26rft.volume%253D51%26rft.issue%253D2%26rft.spage%253D161%26rft.epage%253D168%26rft.atitle%253DDoes%2Ban%2Bexercise%2Band%2Bincontinence%2Bintervention%2Bsave%2Bhealthcare%2Bcosts%2Bin%2Ba%2Bnursing%2Bhome%2Bpopulation%253F%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1046%252Fj.1532-5415.2003.51053.x%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F12558711%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51053.x&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=12558711&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F6%2F4%2F117.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000180605400003&link_type=ISI
Cancer staging may have different meanings in academic and community hospitals

We investigated differences in lung cancer care and outcome between academic and community settings for all lung cancer patients diagnosed during 1973-1976 in New Hampshire and Vermont. Trained abstracters reviewed hospital charts to record personal, diagnostic, and clinical information, and survival was determined for all patients through the end of 1979. Patients diagnosed in university hospital cancer centers underwent more staging procedures and tended to be assigned to a higher stage than similar patients diagnosed in community hospitals. When tumor stage was considered as a covariable in a survival analysis, these patients appeared to have a lower mortality rate both for non-small cell tumors (mortality rate ratio, 95% confidence interval = 0.81, 0.71-0.91) and for small cell tumors (0.71, 0.55-0.91). When functional status rather than tumor stage was used to adjust for disease severity, there was no apparent survival advantage for university patients with non-small cell cancer (0.96, 0.85-1.09) and the lower mortality for small cell cancers (0.76, 0.59-0.97) was attenuated, although still statistically significant. We conclude that inconsistently-collected data on clinical stage can complicate comparisons of prognosis between cancer patients from different types of hospitals and that measures of performance status may be more useful indicators of disease severity in population based studies.
Identification and characterization of endogenous small interfering RNAs from rice

RNA silencing-mediated small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have diverse natural roles, ranging from regulation of gene expression and heterochromatin formation to genome defense against transposons and viruses. Unlike miRNAs, endogenous siRNAs are generally not conserved between species; consequently, their identification requires experimental approaches. Thus far, endogenous siRNAs have not been reported from rice, which is a model species for monocotyledonous plants. We identified a large set of putative endogenous siRNAs from root, shoot and inflorescence small RNA cDNA libraries of rice. Most of these siRNAs are from intergenic regions, although a substantial proportion (22%) originates from the introns and exons of protein-coding genes. Northern and RT–PCR analysis revealed that the expression of some of the siRNAs is tissue specific or developmental stage specific. A total of 25 transposons and 21 protein-coding genes were predicted to be cis-targets of some of the siRNAs. Based on sequence homology, we also predicted 111 putative trans-targets for 44 of the siRNAs. Interestingly, � 46% of the predicted trans-targets are transposable elements, which suggests that endogenous siRNAs may play an important role in the suppression of transposon proliferation. Using RNA ligase-mediated-5 0 rapid amplification of cDNA end assays, we validated three of the predicted targets and provided evidence for both cis- and trans-silencing of target genes by siRNAs-guided mRNA cleavage.
Outcomes of Weekend Admissions for Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: A Nationwide Analysis

Background & Aims Previous studies have identified a weekend effect in outcomes of patients with various medical conditions suggesting worse outcomes for weekend admissions. The aim of our study was to analyze if weekend admissions for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) have higher mortality and longer hospital stay compared with those admitted on weekdays, and to examine if this effect differs by hospital teaching status. Methods This was a cross-sectional study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2004. A total of 28,820 discharges with acute variceal hemorrhage (AVH) and 391,119 discharges with acute nonvariceal UGIH (NVUGIH) were identified through appropriate International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition codes. Admissions were considered to be weekend admissions if they were admitted between midnight on Friday through midnight on Sunday. In-hospital mortality, frequency, and timing of endoscopy were measured. Results On multivariate analysis, NVUGIH patients admitted on weekends had higher adjusted in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.35) and were less likely to undergo early endoscopy within 1 day of hospitalization (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.61–0.68). Weekend admission was not predictive of in-hospital mortality in patients with AVH (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.75–1.18), but was associated with lower likelihood of early endoscopy in nonteaching hospitals (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.51–0.82). Early endoscopy was associated with significantly shorter hospital stays (NVUGIH, −1.08 days; AVH, −2.35 days) and lower hospitalization charges (NVUGIH, −$1958; AVH, −$8870). Conclusions Patients with NVUGIH admitted on the weekend had higher mortality and lower rates of early endoscopy. Patient with AVH admitted to nonteaching hospitals also had lower utilization of early endoscopy, but no difference in survival. There is a need for research into identifying the reasons for the weekend effect.
Noise characteristics in repetitively pulsed semiconductor lasers

Timing jitter (phase noise) and power fluctuations (intensity noise) in a semiconductor laser driven with a periodic current waveform, in the large signal regime are investigated theoretically. The temporal behavior of the laser output power is calculated numerically from the modified rate equation with Monte Carlo simulation of the random processes, both free-running and active mode-locked configurations are treated. The temporal width and root-mean-square (rms) timing jitter and energy fluctuation of the pulses are calculated, as are the correlation and spectral properties of the noise. >
Teleconnections from tropics to northern extratropics through a southerly conveyor

Rossby wave propagation theory predicts that Rossby waves in a tropical easterly flow cannot escape from the Tropics to the extratropics. Here the authors show that a southerly flow component in the basic state (a southerly conveyor) may transfer a Rossby wave source northward; thus, a forcing embedded in the deep tropical easterlies may excite a Rossby wave response in the extratropical westerlies. It is shown that the southerly conveyor determines the location of the effective Rossby wave source and that the extratropical response is relatively insensitive to the location of the tropical forcing, provided that the tropical response can reach the southerly conveyor. A stronger southerly flow favors a stronger extratropical response, and the spatial structure of the extratropical response is determined by the extratropical westerly basic flows.
Sex-based harassment in employment: New insights into gender and context.

Legal definitions of sex-based harassment have evolved over the decades; it is important that social science perspectives on this phenomenon evolve as well. This study seeks to refine our understanding of conditions in which sex-based harassment thrives, with empirical evidence from three organizations. Previous research has suggested that underrepresentation of one's gender in the employment context increases risk for sex-based harassment. This work has focused mainly on sexual-advance forms of harassment, mainly in the lives of women. Less is known about the gender harassment of women, or about any kind of harassment of men. Extending this scholarship, we analyzed survey data from women and men working in three diverse domains: academia (N = 847), the court system (N = 1,158), and the military (N = 19,960). Across all samples, the underrepresentation of women in a workgroup related to increased odds of women experiencing gender harassment, but not sexual-advance harassment. For men, the opposite pattern emerged: underrepresentation did not increase men's risk for either type of harassment, instead relating to decreased odds of harassment in some contexts. We interpret these results in light of theories of tokenism, gender stereotyping, and sex role spillover in organizations. Our findings support the recommendation that, to reduce harassment (whether it be illegal or legal, gender- or sexuality-based, targeted at women or men), organizations should strive for gender balance in every job at every level. For male-dominated contexts, this implies a need to recruit, retain, and integrate more women throughout the organizational hierarchy.
Width-tunable optical pulse generation based on four-wave mixing in highly-nonlinear fiber

We demonstrate a simple technique for width-tunable pulse generation based on four-wave mixing in highly-nonlinear fiber. By electrically tuning the delay between two pump pulses, the pulse-width of a generated pulse train is continuously tuned.
Network-aware query processing for stream-based applications

This paper investigates the benefits of network awareness when processing queries in widely-distributed environments such as the Internet. We present algorithms that leverage knowledge of network characteristics (e.g., topology, bandwidth, etc.) when deciding on the network locations where the query operators are executed. Using a detailed emulation study based on realistic network models, we analyse and experimentally evaluate the proposed approaches for distributed stream processing. Our results quantify the significant benefits of the network-aware approaches and reveal the fundamental trade-off between bandwidth efficiency and result latency that arises in networked query processing.
Characterization of Respiratory and Cardiac Motion from Electro-Anatomical Mapping Data for Improved Fusion of MRI to Left Ventricular Electrograms

Accurate fusion of late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electro-anatomical voltage mapping (EAM) is required to evaluate the potential of MRI to identify the substrate of ventricular tachycardia. However, both datasets are not acquired at the same cardiac phase and EAM data is corrupted with respiratory motion limiting the accuracy of current rigid fusion techniques. Knowledge of cardiac and respiratory motion during EAM is thus required to enhance the fusion process. In this study, we propose a novel approach to characterize both cardiac and respiratory motion from EAM data using the temporal evolution of the 3D catheter location recorded from clinical EAM systems. Cardiac and respiratory motion components are extracted from the recorded catheter location using multi-band filters. Filters are calibrated for each EAM point using estimates of heart rate and respiratory rate. The method was first evaluated in numerical simulations using 3D models of cardiac and respiratory motions of the heart generated from real time MRI data acquired in 5 healthy subjects. An accuracy of 0.6–0.7 mm was found for both cardiac and respiratory motion estimates in numerical simulations. Cardiac and respiratory motions were then characterized in 27 patients who underwent LV mapping for treatment of ventricular tachycardia. Mean maximum amplitude of cardiac and respiratory motion was 10.262.7 mm (min=5.5, max=16.9) and 8.862.3 mm (min=4.3, max=14.8), respectively. 3D Cardiac and respiratory motions could be estimated from the recorded catheter location and the method does not rely on additional imaging modality such as X-ray fluoroscopy and can be used in conventional electrophysiology laboratory setting.
A Comparison of the Accuracy of Linear Measurements Obtained from Cone Beam Computerized Tomography Images and Digital Models

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cone beam digital models are as accurate as OrthoCAD (Cadent, Inc, Carlstadt, NJ) digital models for the purposes of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Digital records of 30 subjects were retrospectively reviewed, and the digital models were obtained as OrthoCAD and InVivoDental (San Jose, CA) digital models. Seven parameters indicating linear measurements from predetermined landmarks were measured and analyzed. The analysis of variance and Bland and Altman Analysis were used to compare and evaluate measurements made from the study models generated from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and InVivoDental software. The mean difference between the maxillary InVivoDental models and the maxillary OrthoCAD models ranged from −0.57 to 0.44 mm. The analysis of variance for repeated measures ( P −3 mm. The range of these values at the 95% confidence interval was −0.14 and 0.12 mm for the lower and upper limits, respectively. The results were not statistically significant for both groups. The Bland and Altman analysis was also applied to the data. In the maxilla, the results indicated that the mean difference between InVivoDental and OrthoCAD was −0.01 ± 1.24 mm. The range of the analysis indicated a spread of −2.40 mm and +2.40 mm. In the mandible, the results indicated that the mean difference between InVivoDental and OrthoCAD was −0.01 ± 1.21 mm. The range of the analysis indicated a spread of −2.36 mm and +2.37 mm. The results showed that the linear measurements obtained from CBCT image casts indicated a good level of accuracy when compared with OrthoCAD models. The accuracy was considered adequate for initial diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics.
Bandpass filter implementations for a photonic integrated circuit

This paper describes filter designs for converting digital bandpass filters to a photonic integrated circuit (PIC). Because the filter designs must be physically realizable in an optical system, we consider a structure that not only meets the bandpass design requirements, but yields transfer function poles that avoid lasing. We consider a combination of infinite-impulse-response and finite-impulse-response stages in a multirate implementation using a cascade of optical unit cells. In order to convert the digital designs to parameter values needed in the unit cells, we describe a method for mapping the digital filter coefficients to the corresponding optical components of the PIC.
Girls' Puberty Rites and Matrilocal Residence

This paper challenges the view of Judith K. Brown (1961) and Peter Kloos (1969) that matrilocal residence tends to cause girls' puberty rites. It shows how improbable this hypothesis is for western North America, where data are plentiful, and suggests that it is unlikely for the rest of the world. Girls' puberty rites seem to be earlier in most localities because of much greater world frequency and dominance among hunters, gatherers, and fishers, while matrilocal residence appears mainly to have stemmed from female hand farming at a later date. [causality, evolution, puberty rites—female, matrilocal residence, migration as agent of culture spread]
Word level feature discovery to enhance quality of assertion mining

Automatic assertion generation methodologies based on machine learning generate assertions at bit level. These bit level assertions are numerous, making them unreadable and frequently unusable. We propose a methodology to discover word level features using static and dynamic analysis of the RTL source code. We use discovered word level features for the underlying learning algorithms to generate word level assertions. A post processing of assertions is employed to remove redundant propositions. Experimental results on Ethernet MAC, I2C, and OpenRISC designs show that the generated word level assertions have higher expressiveness and readability than their corresponding bit level assertions.
Bandwidth- and power-efficient multi-carrier multiple access

Orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) gains increasing attention for broadband, high data rate wireless/wireline communications. In this paper, we propose a novel unitary precoded (UP) OFDMA scheme for uplink applications, which increases the system bandwidth efficiency, while preserving constant modulus transmissions. Theoretical analysis for the proposed UP-OFDMA with channel coding quantifies the performance improvement introduced by unitary precoding. It provides guidelines for practical system designs, and reveals performance gap between the proposed system and the single user bound. Simulation results confirm that the proposed system improves performance considerably relative to conventional OFDMA.
Hair removal using an Nd:YAG laser system.

Coherent and incoherent intense light for hair removal has attracted an incredible amount of attention. This explosion of interest reflects a demand for more tolerable, practical, and effective epilation techniques. A variety of lasers and an intense pulsed light source 67 are presently available for this purpose. One of the lasers currently being used is an Nd:YAG system at 1064 nm. This article reviews the Nd:YAG laser and its role in hair removal.
"Ethnography": What's in a Word—Process? Product? Promise?

As a technique for gathering data on human behavior, "ethnography" has become very popular in a wide range of disciplines and fields. Such popularity has its cost, however. While providing valuable insights and depth of knowledge into understanding behavior, the perspective that informed its historical development and provides a continuing intellectual reationale is often dulled through excessive familiarity. This article places the term and the generic idea at its semantic core in the context of its development in anthropology and consequent adoption by other disciplines.
Natural History of Low-Stage Prostatic Cancer and the Impact of Early Detection

An expanding and increasingly older population, a rising incidence of prostate cancer, and uncertainties regarding treatment effectiveness have made this disease a target of special concern. The natural history of the cancer must be a consequence of host-tumor interactions, but little is known for sure about this subject. The growth rate of the tumor is determined by many factors, including genetic instability. At present, tumor grade, volume, and ploidy are the most useful techniques for judging the growth rate and metastatic potential. Stage A1 tumors generally are indolent, whereas stage A2 tumors are more aggressive. The natural history of stage B lesions is not well documented. The author asks two questions (Is cure necessary in those in whom it may be possible? Is cure possible in those in whom it may be necessary?) and reviews the problems inherent in screening for prostate cancer at this time.
Bordering nowhere: migration and the politics of placelessness in contemporary art of the Maghrebi diaspora

ABSTRACTInasmuch as the events of 2010 and 2011 ushered in tremendous shifts in political consciousness across the Mashreq and Maghreb, they too increased the mass movements and migrations of humanity. That Maghrebi spheres of cultural production have sought to document and problematise these seismic transformations is undeniable. While narratives of hardship, stagnation, and political struggles undergird most analyses of the post-revolutionary Maghreb and discourses of migration, this essay seeks instead to demonstrate how the visual strategies of contemporary artists render the traumas of dislocation – both real and metaphysical – and in turn, engender a politics and aesthetics of placelessness. This essay probes into the placeless nature of not only the artists' liminal operations but also explores the conceptual methods through which the tensions of migrancy are manifest. Yet, the question remains: How does the trope of the border inform the creative expressions of not only entrapment, but endless mob...
Serial Dissection of Parasite Gene Families

Calcium ion signaling regulates central aspects of the biology controlling stage and life cycle transitions of apicomplexan parasites. In the current issue of Infection and Immunity, Long and coworkers (S. Long, Q. Wang, and L. D. Sibley, Infect Immun 84:1262-1273, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/IAI.01173-15) describe a powerful genetic system enabling reliable serial genetic dissection of a large gene family encoding novel calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) that provides new insights into the roles of CDPKs during Toxoplasma gondii infection.
Unlocking the treasures of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail: a welcoming and winsome wealth of untapped winemaking potential

ABSTRACTThe Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is an AVA region in Southern Illinois that is an undiscovered attraction with untapped potential in viticulture and winemaking. This case study aims to discover the most notable features of this wine-growing region and how its wineries can be improved to enhance quality and notoriety. To address these issues, the 12 wineries on the trail were visited, surveys were distributed to customers (n = 109), and extended oral history interviews were conducted with owners or representatives of the wineries (n = 9). Results show that the primary motivations for customer consumption of wine are social experience and relaxation. Surveys and interviews reveal that the natural beauty of the area enhances relaxation and that the welcoming atmosphere enhances socializing. It is perceived that wineries can be improved by decreasing incidence of intoxication, which is possible by customer education to enhance appreciation of complex varietals over sweet, overly palatable wines. This stra...
Plasmon-assisted Etching for Fabrication of Planar Optical Components

Plasmon-assisted etching (PAE) of arrays of Au pillar-supported bowtie nanoantenna is demonstrated. As proof-of-concept, we use PAE to demonstrate table-top fabrication of a planar diffraction grating and a Fresnel zone plate.
Met Expectations and Turnover in Direct Selling

Met expectations, the difference between what one expects on the job and what one experiences, has not been discussed as a precursor to turnover among salespeople. The authors’ study of direct sale...
Role of four-fold coordinated titanium and quantum confinement in CO2 reduction at titania surface.

Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into hydrocarbons is an attractive approach for mitigating CO2 emission and generating useful fuels at the same time. Titania (TiO2) is one of the most promising photocatalysts for this purpose, and nanostructured TiO2 materials often lead to an increased efficiency for the photocatalytic reactions. However, what aspects of and how such nanomaterials play the important role in the improved efficiency are yet to be understood. Using first-principles calculations, reaction mechanisms on the surface of bulk anatase TiO2(101) and of a small TiO2 nanocluster were investigated to elucidate the role of four-fold coordinated titanium atoms and quantum confinement (QC) in the CO2 reduction. Significant barrier reduction observed on the nanocluster surface is discussed in terms of how the under-coordinated titanium atoms and QC influence CO2 reduction kinetics at surface. It is shown that the reduction to CO can be greatly facilitated by the under-coordinated titaniu...
Under the Influence of Facebook? Excess Use of Social Networking Sites and Drinking Motives, Consequences, and Attitudes in College Students

Background and aimsExcessive use of social networking sites (SNS) has recently been conceptualized as a behavioral addiction (i.e., “disordered SNS use”) using key criteria for the diagnosis of sub...
AIDS Epidemic Features in Yunan County of Guangdong Province during 2003-2009

[Objective]To analyze the epidemic features of AIDS in Yunan County of Guangdong Province,and provide evidence for developing control strategies. [Methods]Descriptive epidemiological analysis was performed on HIV/AIDS epidemic report system data,case information,monitoring data in Yunan County during 2003-2009. [Results]A total of 138 cases of HIV/AIDS were reported,most were reported during 2006-2009,occupying 84.1%.79.7% of cases were male aged 20~39 years.Occupations were mainly housekeeping,housework,unemployment and farming,occupying 56.5%.75.4% of patients with cultural level under junior middle school.The main mode of transmission was intravenous drug use,occupying 50.7%,followed by sexual encounter,occupying 24.6%.80.4% were identified through test on out-patient,VCT,examination on drug addicts and prisoner.All 8 counties had case report,most were in Fulin,Liudu and Zhenan,occupying 68.1%. [Conclusion]HIV/AIDS epidemic situation is very serious in Yunan County,and has spread to general population from high risk groups.It is necessary to strengthen the government-led communication with the health department,to enhance health education,behavior intervention and monitoring,to standardize HIV screening,so as to curb AIDS spreading.
Sperm-agglutinating and -immobilizing antibody formation following vasectomy prevented with dexamethasone in cynomolgus monkeys*

Cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis ) were treated with 1.5mg/kg dexamethasone (DEX) before (4 to 2 days) and after (0, 2, 4, and 7 days) vasectomy. Of the four monkeys treated with DEX, only one developed sperm antibody as measured by sperm-agglutinating and sperm-immobilizing assays. All six of the vasectomized monkeys not given DEX developed both agglutinating and immobilizing sperm antibodies. In this study, DEX given before and after vasectomy blocked sperm-agglutinating and -immobilizing antibody formation. We conclude that the major antigenic exposure to sperm responsible for sperm-agglutinating and -immobilizing antibody comes at the time of vasectomy.
Estimates of fetal lung maturity.

Description of procedures for determining the leci-thin/sphingomyelin ratio, and its interpretation as an estimation of fetal lung maturity.
Urine and plasma osmolality in differentiation of polyuric states.

A dehydration test relying on plasma and urine osmolality determinations is extremely helpful in differentiating various polyuric states. During a period of water deprivation, osmolality of hourly urine samples is tested until a plateau occurs. Then an injection of antidiuretic hormone is given and the response of urine osmolality determined. By this means, hypothalamic diabetes insipidus can be differentiated from psychogenic polydipsia and from nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and degrees of antidiuretic hormone deficiency can be recognized.
Proctalgia and colorectal stricture as the result of a 2-year transit of a retained rectal chicken bone: a case presentation and review of the literature.

We report a case of a 70-year-old woman who presented with progressively increasing intensity of lower abdominal, pelvic and rectal pain of 3-day duration. She had similar symptoms intermittently over the preceding 2 years. CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed the presence of a 3.8×0.4 cm linear foreign body in the colorectal region. History obtained from relatives recalled inadvertent ingestion of a chicken bone 2 years prior to presentation. Trials of foreign body retrieval, both manually and via rigid and flexible sigmoidoscopy, however, were unsuccessful due to the presence of obstruction by a circumferential rectal stricture. Consequently, an exploratory laparotomy was performed, with segmental resection of 17 cm of rectum and distal sigmoid. Dissection of the strictured segment revealed the presence of a chicken bone. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, was discharged and is to continue following up on an outpatient basis.
Cross-Laboratory Comparative Study of the Impact of Experimental and Regression Methodologies on Salmonella Thermal Inactivation Parameters in Ground Beef.

ABSTRACT Isothermal inactivation studies are commonly used to quantify thermal inactivation kinetics of bacteria. Meta-analyses and comparisons utilizing results from multiple sources have revealed large variations in reported thermal resistance parameters for Salmonella, even when in similar food materials. Different laboratory or regression methodologies likely are the source of methodology-specific artifacts influencing the estimated parameters; however, such effects have not been quantified. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of laboratory and regression methodologies on thermal inactivation data generation, interpretation, modeling, and inherent error, based on data generated in two independent laboratories. The overall experimental design consisted of a cross-laboratory comparison using two independent laboratories (Michigan State University and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center [ERRC] laboratories), both conducting i...
Beckett’s Literary Gerontophilia

In an 8 September 1935 letter to Thomas MacGreevy, Beckett confesses to a love of old men. “I begin to think I have gerontophilia on top of all the rest,” he says, joking in a woe-is-me tone of voice. “The little shabby respectable old men you see on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, pottering about doing odd jobs in the garden, or flying kites immense distances… they fly them almost out of sight.” “My next old man, or old young man,” he continues, “not of the big world but of the little world [the world of his fiction], must be a kite-flyer.”2 Indeed Beckett created such a character in Murphy the novel he was then beginning to write. Old Mr. Kelly, seated in his chair, asks Celia to hand him the tail of his kite: “‘As you say,’ said Mr. Kelly, ‘hark to the wind. I shall fly her out of sight to-morrow.”’ A moment later he is imaginatively digging in his heels “against the immense pull skyward.”3
A Statistical Meta-analysis of the Design Components of New Urbanism on Housing Prices

The principles of New Urbanism such as increased density, mixed land uses, and street connectivity are often recommended in response to the typical conditions of suburban developments. Much current...
AED Withdrawal: Risk Factors

The results of a prospective cohort study to investigate the effects of withdrawal of AEDs in 264 children with epilepsy after a mean seizure-free interval of 2.9 years are reported from the Montefiore/Einstein Epilepsy Management Center, Bronx, NY.
Patients and caregivers costs for colonoscopy-based colorectal cancer screening: Experience of low-income individuals undergoing free colonoscopies

Abstract Many studies have documented barriers to colorectal cancer screenings. However, there is lack of comprehensive information on the time and costs borne by low-income patients and the persons accompanying the patient (caregiver) for colonoscopies in the United States. We surveyed patients in three health clinics in Philadelphia retrospectively who had undergone free colonoscopies in the previous 18-month period. Participants were asked questions about time and out-of-pockets expenses for themselves and their caregivers. Even when colonoscopies were free to the patient through Colorectal Cancer Control Program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the patient and caregivers still incurred costs in relation to preparing for, undergoing, and recovering from a colonoscopy. These costs can be substantial and may account for some of the low colorectal cancer screening rates especially among the low-income populations. Patients’ and caregivers’ costs need to be considered when designing and implementing colorectal cancer control programs.
Family Assisted Contingency Management within the Context of Evidence-Supported Treatment for Child Neglect and Drug Abuse

Contingency management (CM) has extensively been shown to be effective in reducing substance use disorders, but its effects in reducing child maltreatment have yet to be determined. The current study provides preliminary support for the utilization of an innovative family-assisted CM component in 18 mothers who were referred to an evidence-supported behavioral treatment for concurrent child neglect and drug abuse by Child Protective Service caseworkers. In the examined CM, participants were invited to indicate from a list of common actions incompatible with child neglect (i.e. positive parenting actions), the extent to which these actions had been experienced utilizing a 3-point scale (almost never, sometimes, almost always). For each item that was indicated to be almost never or sometimes experienced, the participants were queried to indicate if the neglect incompatible action should be targeted as a therapeutic goal. Contingencies were subsequently established in which the participants were rewarded by involved family members for their completion of therapeutic goals. At baseline, results indicated that there was a negative association between the number of neglect incompatible parenting actions that were infrequently experienced and child abuse potential. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that the number of neglect incompatible actions targeted as therapeutic goals at baseline, but not the number of positive parenting actions experienced infrequently at baseline, predicted reduced child maltreatment potential following treatment. These findings suggest the examined CM may assist evidence supported behavioral treatment specific to child neglect and drug abuse.
CIB1 Regulates Hemostasis through Integrin Outside-in Signaling

On circulating platelets, integrin αIIbβ3, the fibrinogen receptor, is in a low affinity state unable to bind soluble ligands. Agonist-dependent inside-out signaling is necessary for activation of the integrin αIIbβ3 in order to bind ligands such as fibrinogen (Fg). Ligand binding induces a cascade of signaling that culminates in platelet aggregation, leading to hemostatic plug formation and clot retraction. Although it is well known that signaling through integrin αIIbβ3 is necessary, the mechanism of clot retraction is not well understood. Previously, we have identified a calcium- and integrin-binding protein 1 (CIB1) that specifically interacts with integrin αIIbβ3. One study implicated CIB1 as an endogenous inhibitor of integrin αIIbβ3 activation, while another study suggested CIB1 to be an activator of inside-out signaling. Using a novel technique to inhibit interaction of CIB1 with integrin in vivo, we have shown that CIB1 regulates outside-in signaling through integrin αIIbβ3. Definitive proof for the role of CIB1 in platelets remained absent, however. Here, using Cib1 null platelets, we show for the first time that CIB1 is a key regulator of hemostasis. Genetic ablation of CIB1 had no effect on agonist-induced platelet aggregation, excluding the role for CIB1 in inside-out signaling. However, deletion of the Cib1 gene significantly increased mouse bleeding times. More than 50% of the mice also showed a rebleeding phenotype, suggesting a defect in clot stability. Incomplete and significantly delayed clot retraction was observed in Cib1 null platelets compared to wildtype littermates. The absence of CIB1 also affects the ability of platelets to spread on immobilized Fg. Platelet adhesion and subsequent filopodia formation was not affected by the absence of CIB1. Platelet spreading can be restored by addition of exogenous ADP, suggesting that the defect is not in the ability of the platelet to spread. These in vivo and in vitro results clearly show that CIB1 regulates hemostasis by supporting transition of platelets from filopodial stage to fully spread morphology during outside-in signaling through integrin αIIbβ3.
Strains and Pore Pressures Generated during Cyclic Loading of Embankments on Organic Soil

AbstractThe seismic response of a stiff levee structure placed on soft peat foundation soil is studied using centrifuge testing. The model levee was 5.1 m tall in prototype dimensions and rested at...
An MRI Hyperintense Acute Reperfusion Marker Is Related to Elevated Peripheral Monocyte Count in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in acute ischemic stroke as a hyperintense acute reperfusion marker (HARM) is associated with upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Although activated leukocytes, including monocytes, are the main source of MMPs, limited data exist to support relationship between leukocyte activation and BBB disruption in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes with BBB disruption detected as HARM (+) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in patients who did not receive any reperfusion therapy with acute (<12 hours) ischemic stroke. MRI scans were obtained at baseline, 24 hours, and 5 days. HARM was evaluated on the 24-hour follow-up scan. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were studied. HARM was detected in 27% of patients. Median volumes of baseline perfusion (mean transit time [MTT]) deficit (219.4 mL vs. 158.4 mL, P = .029) and DWI infarct growth at 24 hours (18.50 mL vs. .14 mL, P = .017), as well as the median absolute numbers (1 × 103 /mm3 ) of monocytes, were significantly higher in HARM (+) versus HARM (-) patients (0.9 vs. 0.6, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION Increased monocyte count associated with HARM supports importance of systemic inflammation in BBB disruption in acute ischemic stroke.
All-sky-imaging capabilities for ionospheric space weather research using geomagnetic conjugate point observing sites

Abstract Optical signatures of ionospheric disturbances exist at all latitudes on Earth—the most well known case being visible aurora at high latitudes. Sub-visual emissions occur equatorward of the auroral zones that also indicate periods and locations of severe Space Weather effects. These fall into three magnetic latitude domains in each hemisphere: (1) sub-auroral latitudes ∼40–60°, (2) mid-latitudes (20–40°) and (3) equatorial-to-low latitudes (0–20°). Boston University has established a network of all-sky-imagers (ASIs) with sites at opposite ends of the same geomagnetic field lines in each hemisphere—called geomagnetic conjugate points . Our ASIs are autonomous instruments that operate in mini-observatories situated at four conjugate pairs in North and South America, plus one pair linking Europe and South Africa. In this paper, we describe instrument design, data-taking protocols, data transfer and archiving issues, image processing, science objectives and early results for each latitude domain. This unique capability addresses how a single source of disturbance is transformed into similar or different effects based on the unique “receptor” conditions (seasonal effects) found in each hemisphere. Applying optical conjugate point observations to Space Weather problems offers a new diagnostic approach for understanding the global system response functions operating in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
ECB Monetary Policy and Euro Area Governance: Collateral Eligibility Criteria for Sovereign Debt

Since the beginning of the crisis, euro area governments have experienced greater fiscal stress than governments of advanced economies outside the euro area with weaker fiscal fundamentals. What has been the source of this fragility and how can it be corrected? The cause of the instability in euro area government bond markets can be traced to a discretionary decision taken by the ECB in 2005, in the aftermath of the failure of the Stability and Growth Pact. The decision effectively delegated the determination of collateral eligibility of euro area government debt to private credit rating agencies and eventually compromised the safe asset status of government debt for most member states. This paper examines how the ECB inadvertently planted the seeds of the euro crisis and discusses how the resulting tensions can be reversed.
Male Sex, Decreased Activity Level, and Higher BMI Associated With Lower Completion of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Following ACL Reconstruction.

Background:Patient-reported outcome (PRO) surveys have become increasingly important in both improving patient care and assessing outcomes.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to evalua...
Creation of an Information System – A Necessary Condition of Rational Organization of Agricultural Production

The article studies the main reasons for low level of information provision of agricultural production, including the absence of legal documents on systemic development of informatization; imperfection of applied forms and methods of operative planning and regulation of technological processes in most agricultural organizations; unpreparedness of most managers and specialists in agriculture in the sphere of effective usage of scientific methods for managing production processes. The offers for creation of a single three-level automated information and management system are given; it is an initial and necessary condition for improvement of management of agricultural production, improvement of organizational and economic mechanism of management of production processes in the sphere, and implementation of digital economy. Besides, two variants of development of informatization in agricultural production are provided. The first one is the classic variant, based on studying the management object, design of its tasks and functions, and the second is based on creation of a three-level information system of managing the system in the country’s regions.
When is the best time to initiate peri-operative heparin therapy in general surgery patients? A risk-benefit dilemma.

We sought optimal timing for heparin therapy in general surgery (GS) patients. From 2001 to 2008, 95 GS patients with documented thromboembolic events (TE) were identified and compared with matched controls (age, gender, type of operation, date of operation, malignancy, and body mass index [BMI]). Timing of heparin therapy, characteristics of TE or bleeding events, and risk factors for TE were collected. Mean age (57 years), BMI (33 kgM-2), gender (55% male), malignancy (53%), and duration of operation (204 vs 191 minutes, P = not significant) were similar in both groups. Peri-operative (within 24 hours) heparin administration (study 56% vs control 64%, P = 0.2) was no different. Preoperative therapy was more common in the control group (77% vs 51%, P = 0.001). The regression model showed a protective effect for heparin if given preoperatively (odds ratio = 0.37, P = 0.047) with no effect if started >10 hours from incision. Mean blood transfusion (97 and 106 mL) and hemorrhagic events (4.5% and 5%) were similar in both groups (P = not significant). Median (range) length of hospital stay and mortality was higher in TE cases [19 (0-201) vs 6 (0-66) days, 11 vs 2 mortality in 100-person-years (P 2-fold reduction in TE. The optimal time to start heparin seems to be 1 to 10 hours before the time of incision.
Immunoglobulin V gene replacement is caused by the intramolecular DNA deletion mechanism.

Abstract Circular DNA resulting from V gene replacement was studied with an A-MuLV transformed cell line containing ablts. This cell line undergoes V gene replacement at elevated temperatures in the immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain (H) gene. Examination of circular DNA revealed that a heptamer-related sequence (TACTGTG) within the coding region of VDJ was joined to the recombination signal sequence (RSS) of a germline VH segment. This provides direct evidence for a intramolecular DNA deletion mechanism for V gene replacement. In the pre-B cell line as well as in in vivo lymphocytes, unusual circular DNAs were found which were structurally similar to the V gene replacement circles. They represented excision products of the deletion type recombination between one complete RSS and a heptamer-like sequence in the Ig H region.
On the number of roots of exp-trig polynomials

The number of roots, on an interval of lengthT, ofc′ e At b≢0 is at most (n-1)[T ω/π]*, wheren is the dimension ofA, b, c; ω is the largest imaginary part of eigenvalue ofA, and [x]* denotes the smallest integerk≥x.
A Study of Subunit Folding and Dimer Assembly In Vivo

Bacterial luciferase is a heterodimer, consisting of two nonidentical but homologous subunits, α and β (1). The enzyme has a single active center, that has been shown to be confined primarily, if not exclusively, to the α subunit (1, 2). The role of the β subunit is not known, but there is much support for the assertion that the β subunit is required for activity. The subunits apparently associate with high affinity; there have been no reports demonstrating dissociation of the complex of the wild-type luciferase under non-denaturing conditions.
Hormonal Regulation of Growth Hormone Gene Expression

The regulation of growth hormone (GH) production by thyroid and glucocorticoid hormones is controversial (for review see ref. 1). In a review of the literature, it appears that laboratory rats and human subjects may employ different regulatory mechanisms. Cell culture and gene transfer experiments seem to reflect the results seen in vivo in rats. However, since cell culture and gene transfer experiments are divorced from other regulatory influences, such as the hypothalamus, they should not necessarily be simplistically interpreted as reflecting in vivo physiology. Nevertheless, various lines of evidence support the hypothesis that thyroid and glucocorticoid hormones do regulate GH synthesis. Supraphysiological plasma concentrations of glucocorticoid hormones are associated with poor growth in human beings(2–6) and rats.(7–9) Whereas excess glucocorticoids appear to increase the GH content of rat pituitaries,(10) they seem to decrease GH content in human pituitaries,(11) as well as decreasing plasma GH concentrations.(12) Physiological concentrations of glucocorticoids increase GH production by cultured rat, monkey, or human pituitary cells in vitro (13–15); supraphysiological concentrations of glucocorticoids increase GH production by cultured rat pituitary cells even further.(16–20) Thus, most laboratory data indicate a glucocorticoid-mediated enhancement of GH production in the rat, while extensive clinical data indicate the contrary in human beings.