cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Venous access: Women are equal

Abstract Background: Arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) are the preferred method of vascular access for hemodialysis patients; however, the current rate of AVF placement is only 25% to 30% in the United States. This prevalence is even smaller among women and attributed to their perceived inadequate vasculature. This commonly held view that women have less adequate vasculature for AVF placement than men has not been shown objectively in the literature. Methods: To determine a difference in vasculature between the sexes, we retrospectively analyzed data on preoperative vascular mapping in 192 patients. During a 2-year period, vascular mapping of the upper extremities was routinely performed using duplex ultrasound in all patients requiring vascular access in our institution. Results: One hundred six of these 192 patients were women, and 86 were men. There was no significant difference in vein size between men and women at any of the sites measured. A total of 87 fistulae were placed in 140 patients, 49% in women and 51% in men ( P = 0.16). Prevalences of AVFs were 57% and 68% ( P = 0.2) in women and men, respectively. Percentages of fistulae used at the initiation of hemodialysis therapy were 72% in women and 77% in men ( P = 0.57). Conclusion: These data support the view that women have adequate vasculature for the placement of AVFs compared with men. We cannot explain the different outcomes found in other studies; however, we suggest that the differences are caused by physician practice patterns, not anatomic differences between men and women. Am J Kidney Dis 41:429-432.
Deposition and re-entrainment dynamics of microbes and non-biological colloids during non-perturbed transport in porous media in the presence of an energy barrier to deposition

Abstract This paper examines the non-perturbed deposition and re-entrainment dynamics of biological and non-biological colloids in porous media in the presence of an energy barrier to deposition at the grain surface. Deposition and re-entrainment rate coefficients were determined from numerical simulation of breakthrough–elution behavior and the profiles of retained colloids. We present composite trends from original and previously published data for biological and non-biological colloids which demonstrate that hydrodynamic drag mitigates deposition and drives re-entrainment of both biological and non-biological colloids in the presence of an energy barrier under non-perturbed conditions. Original data is presented for two sizes of colloids (1.1 and 5.7 μm microspheres) under a variety of ionic strength and fluid velocity conditions to examine the torque balance governing re-entrainment of colloids attached to the grain surfaces. The analysis indicates that in the presence of an energy barrier to deposition, hydrodynamic drag may influence deposition and re-entrainment of colloids associated directly with the grain surface via primary energy minima. However, the hydrodynamic field would also be expected to influence deposition and re-entrainment of colloids associated with the surface via secondary energy minima. Hence, the observed influences of fluid velocity are consistent with colloid association via either mechanism. These results call for the development of colloid transport theories that explicitly account for the influence of the hydrodynamic field at the grain surface.
Partial isolation and characterization of a chemotactic factor from adult bovine bone for mesenchymal cells.

Abstract Demineralized adult bone matrix has the capacity to initiate de novo ectopic endochondral bone formation 2–3 weeks following intramuscular implantation into suitable hosts. An early step in this process is the migration of mesenchymal cells to the implant site; these cells later differentiate into cartilage and bone. Adult bone has been shown to contain a number of bioactive factors, such as chemotactic factors for various cell types, including osteoblasts. We have used embryonic chick limb bud mesenchymal cells to construct an in vitro assay for testing chemotactic activity derived from bone matrix extracts. With a modified Boyden chamber, water-soluble components from a 4 M guanidinium chloride extract of demineralized adult bovine bone matrix were found to stimulate the directional migration of these chick embryonic limb bud mesenchymal cells as well as embryonic muscle-derived fibroblasts and cells derived from embryonic skin. The chemotactic activity was destroyed by treatment with heat (100 °C) or trypsin. Partial purification by molecular sieve chromatography suggested that the chemotactic factor(s) has a molecular weight of between 50,000 and 90,000. This factor can be separated from bone matrixderived chondrogenic stimulating activity by either ion exchange or molecular sieve chromatography. These observations confirm that bone matrix contains a chemoattractant for mesenchymal cells that may be important for in vivo recruitment of cells as part of the process of ectopic bone formation or in cases of bone repair.
The chair conformation of C-methylcalix[4]resorcinarene in a novel, stepped, supramolecular framework

The previously unobserved chair conformation of C-methylcalix[4]resorcinarene has been found in three different supramolecular solids, prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The existence of the chair, crown and flattened cone conformations of C-methylcalix[4]resorcinarene demonstrates the dependence of the molecular conformation upon the templating molecules, and upon the specifics of the crystallization process. A novel, three-dimensional framework capable of including guest molecules is described.
A Synthetic Model of the Mn3Ca Subsite of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex in Photosystem II

Within photosynthetic organisms, the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II generates dioxygen from water using a catalytic Mn_(4)CaOn cluster (n varies with the mechanism and nature of the intermediate). We report here the rational synthesis of a [Mn_(3)CaO_4]^(6+) cubane that structurally models the trimanganese-calcium–cubane subsite of the OEC. Structural and electrochemical comparison between Mn_(3)CaO_4 and a related Mn_(4)O_4 cubane alongside characterization of an intermediate calcium-manganese multinuclear complex reveals potential roles of calcium in facilitating high oxidation states at manganese and in the assembly of the biological cluster.
SU-E-J-154: Advantages of Treating Thoracic Cancer Patients in an Upright Position.

Purpose: To compare lung volume and respiratory motion in supine and upright positions to assess the potential advantages of treating thoracic cancer patients in an upright position. Methods: A multi‐position MRI scanner (FONAR, Melville, NY) was used to take MRIimages of 4 healthy volunteers in both supine and upright setup positions (expected total accrual: 15 volunteers). In each case, a volumetric scan was acquired during breath‐hold at end of normal expiration, followed by a series of sagittal cine MR scans taken during normal respiration. The exhale volume images were imported into a treatment planning system and lung volumes were delineated and compared for different setup positions. The trajectory of points inside the lung were tracked in the cine images and analyzed using a deformable image registration technique and a principal component analysis (PCA) model.Results: The average exhale lung volume was 38% (894cc) larger (range: 23%–57%, 570–121 1cc) when volunteers were in the upright position compared with the supine position. The amplitude of motion for a set of landmark points in the lung volume ranged from 〈2mm (distant from the diaphragm) to 29 mm (close to the diaphragm) in the superior‐inferior direction. A linear fit to the amplitude of respiratory motion vs. distance from the diaphragm for all 4 volunteers indicated no difference on averagein the range of motion for the two setup positions, but there was variability between individuals. Conclusions: While the magnitude of motion was similar, the absolute lung volumes were much larger in the upright position than in the supine position, which suggests that treating thoracic patients in the upright position may allow for a reduction in the mean lung dose. The study was partially supported by a sponsored research grant from Varian Medical Systems
Short-lived continental magmatic arc at Connemara, western Irish Caledonides: Implications for the age of the Grampian orogeny

U-Pb geochronological data from the Connemara region of Ireland indicate that continental arc magmatism along the southern margin of Laurentia was short-lived, lasting only from ca. 475 to 463 Ma. Previous work has demonstrated that intrusive activity in Connemara was broadly synchronous with Grampian mid-crustal deformation and upper amphibolite facies metamorphism of Neoproterozoic–lower Paleozoic Dalradian Supergroup rocks. The two oldest intrusions, the Currywongaun and Cashel–Lough Wheelaun gabbros, have U-Pb zircon ages of 474.5 ± 1.0 and 470.1 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively, whereas the U-Pb xenotime age of the postdeformational Oughterard granite is 462.5 ± 1.2 Ma. Thus, the implied age of the Grampian orogeny in Connemara is substantially younger than generally acknowledged, but consistent with other age constraints from Ireland and Scotland. A revised age for the Grampian orogeny helps to solve a long-standing controversy about the age of contractional deformation and arc magmatism in Dalradian Supergroup rocks of the British Isles. This event now demonstrably postdates Neoproterozoic–lower Paleozoic rift deposits and Laurentian passive margin sediments, a finding consistent with deposition of Dalradian Supergroup rocks in an extensional environment at or near the Laurentian margin. The Grampian orogeny is also now demonstrably synchronous with the Taconian orogeny of the northern Appalachians. In Middle Ordovician time, the Laurentia-Iapetus plate boundary was characterized by ophiolite obduction, arc-continent collision, and associated short-lived subduction beneath Laurentia from at least the New England Appalachians to the Irish Caledonides.
Electroosmotically pumped capillary format sequential injection analysis with a membrane sampling interface for gaseous analytes

An electroosmotically pumped capillary format sequential injection analysis system with a membrane sampling interface for determination of gaseous analytes is introduced. The applicability of the system has been demonstrated by the determination of ammonia at the parts per billion level. The effects of varying the relevant experimental conditions are also reported.
Transfer of radioiodinated human serum albumin (RISA) from cerebrospinal fluid to blood plasma.

SummaryPassage of albumin from cerebrospinal fluid to blood plasma was determined in anesthetized dogs by injecting radio-iodinated human serum albumin into the cisterna magna and monitoring the plasma radioactivity. An equilibrium time of 16-20 hours was obtained. Radioactive colloidal gold injected intrathecally was not detectable in the general circulation in 24 hours and appeared to be well localized within the cerebral fluid space.
7 Integrating autonomous data acquisition and forecasting into regional monitoring efforts; a synopsis of the merhab 2002: eastern gulf of mexico sentinel program

Blooms of the red-tide dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis, occur annually in coastal waters of the eastern Gulf of Mexico (GOMx) and impact marine resources, public health, and community economics. Early forecasting of and subsequent mitigation for blooms are objectives of agency, academic, and private partnerships. The 5-year, NOAA-funded MERHAB 2002: Eastern GOMx Sentinel Program will develop and assess the utility of a networked system of autonomous sampling platforms. The goal of the program is to become a strategic, proactive hardware- and information-technology for operational GOMx coastal observatories and as such, facilitate model initializations and state-wide, adaptive field sampling. Monitoring platforms will utilize both existing and newly established buoys, and autonomous, water-column profiling vehicles incorporating physical, chemical, and biological sensors. The biological sensors, including a bio-optical phytoplankton discriminator and a processor containing a molecular-probe array, previously have provided consistent results in laboratory and field trials and show great promise for remote, autonomous discrimination of K. brevis. Generated data will initialize a coupled bio-physical forecast model and validate remote sensing algorithms for K. brevis blooms. Data acquisition and forecasting efforts will be integrated with a geographically-comprehensive, rapid response component that incorporates adaptive, field sampling and a volunteer sampling network. NOAA's National Coastal Data Development Center will manage instrument data streams and disseminate and integrate all data into existing (and future) coastal partnerships with their associated management and communication network.
Industrial metabolism on ice: A case study of industrial materials flows and environmental management alternatives for Scott Base, New Zealand's Antarctic research station

Human activity to support scientific research in the Antarctic environment poses potential threats to Antarctic ecosystems with regard to materials use and waste generation To begin to understand the potential environmental impacts, a case study materials flow analysis was earned out for New Zealand's Scott Base In a typical research season (1 July 1997–30 June 1998), Scott Base consumed 308 tonnes of fossil fuels, producing approximately 1000 tonnes of CO2, 26 tonnes of NOX, and measurable quantities of SOx, CO, particulates, and trace metals It required 1482 tonnes of freshwater, which produced 1400 tonnes of sewage containing approximately 170 kg of Total Nitrogen, 25 kg of Total Phosphorous, 750 kg of BOD5, and 1250 kg of suspended solids It received 217 5 tonnes of bulk cargo, 12 tonnes of burnables were incinerated on site and 40 tonnes of rubbish and cargo were returned to New Zealand Human industrial residues are accumulating in and around Scott Base In response to this material imbalance, managem...
Regulation of motor output between young and elderly subjects

Abstract Objectives : Considerable information exists concerning the differences in motoneuron pool (MP) excitability between young and elderly subjects. A recent study demonstrated decreased heteronymous Ia facilitation with aging, suggesting increased presynaptic inhibition (PI) with increasing age as a mechanism for this change (Morita et al., Exp Brain Res 104 (1995) 167). It has been suggested that during voluntary movement, supraspinal, and possibly, segmental mechanisms (Hultborn et al., J Physiol 389 (1987) 757) modulate this inhibition. It is theorized that PI can modulate the recruitment gain of the MP during movement without altering the excitability of the motoneurons. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the roles of PI and volitional volleys in modulating MP output in young and elderly subjects. Methods : Twenty apparently healthy females participated in this study, 10 college aged (mean age, 22.4±2.8 years) and 10 independent, community dwelling elderly (mean age, 77.6±5.4 years). All subjects were tested in a semi-recumbent position. H-reflexes were elicited at rest, and at 10 and 20% of maximal voluntary contraction. To assess MP output, background electromyography (EMG) was monitored prior to stimulation. The stimulus intensity was adjusted during volitional contractions to ensure similar control reflexes (25% of the maximal motor response (M-max)) at each level of contraction. Results : Control reflexes at each level of volitional contraction (rest, 10 and 20%) were similar for both groups. To assess PI and to estimate the extent to which a change in the H-reflex amplitude reflects a change in MP gating, the common peroneal nerve was stimulated at 1.5 times the motor threshold 100 ms prior to stimulation of the tibial nerve. Significantly greater PI was observed for the young subjects at rest (5 vs. 13% M-max). At both 10 and 20% levels of voluntary contraction, the conditioned reflex was significantly different from rest for the young subjects. The elderly subjects, in contrast, failed to modulate the conditioned reflex until the 20% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) condition. When examining the recruitment gain in the MP during the PI condition (H-reflex amplitude as a function of EMG levels), a significant group effect was observed, with the young subjects demonstrating significantly higher PI gain. Conclusions : These results indicate differential control of MP output (e.g. PI vs. volitional volleys) in young and elderly subjects.
The cost of deposit insurance: derivation of a risk-adjusted premium

Abstract The paper develops a model for determining a risk-adjusted insurance premium to be charged by the FDIC. The proposed model is an alternative to models based on the option pricing formula and introduces coinsurance and deductible clauses for deposit insurance. The resulting risk-sensitive insurance premium is: (1) an increasing function of the interest rate paid on a bank's deposits, the bank's loan—loss rate, the bank's deposit-to-capital ratio, and the expenses incurred by the FDIC and the insured bank; and (2) a decreasing function of the interest rate earned on the bank's loans and the rate of return on the FDIC's investments. The models with coinsurance and deductibles reduce the FDIC's liabilities and result in smaller insurance premiums than the full insurance model. A risk-adjusted insurance premium would encourage bankers and depositors discipline reducing the moral hazard problem existing under the current flat insurance premium.
Characterization of urban air pollution by total reflection X-ray fluorescence

Abstract Besides photochemical smog, particulate air pollution is a constantly growing problem in urban areas. The particulate matter present in pollution events contains often toxic or health impacting elements and is responsible for low visibility, might be triggering respiratory diseases like asthma, and can play an important role in formation or duration of smog events. To characterize particulate pollution in two different cities, samples were taken during intensive field campaigns in Chicago, IL, in 2002 and Phoenix, AZ, in 2001. Both cities experience regularly photochemical smog events as well as particulate pollution, but show very different meteorological and topographical conditions. Therefore it is expected that the particulate composition varies significantly, providing information about different pollution forms. Sampling took place in both cases at elevated locations and had a temporal resolution of 1.5 h and 1 h, respectively. The samples were analyzed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence after digestion of the filter matrix. As expected the elemental composition of particulate matter varied between both cities substantially with Phoenix showing a higher abundance of crustal elements, and Chicago enrichment in anthropogenically produced ones. In both cities diurnal patterns were found, exerting maxima in the morning and minima in the early afternoon. The diurnal pattern was much more regularly and also more strongly pronounced in Phoenix. Phoenix's valley location permits for a more stable nocturnal boundary layer to build up during the night thus trapping particulates efficiently during this time, until mixing occurs in the early morning hours and the residual layer lifts. In Chicago, the diurnal variation was less extreme, but another pattern determines the situation with the lake breeze. The lake breeze corresponds to a shift in wind direction towards the east, i.e. from Lake Michigan during the late morning. It was found that certain elemental species were enriched during a lake breeze event whereas this was not the case during other days. In conclusion, the low sample mass needed for TXRF analysis and the corresponding short sampling times, permitted the observation and characterization of local meteorological patterns in Phoenix and in Chicago.
INTEGRATING DECODING AND SPELLING INSTRUCTION FOR THE DISABLED READER

Teachers today are seeking answers to questions related to decoding instruction. Many know that not all children learn in the same way or pick up reading naturally. In fact, some children may require explicit, systematic instruction in order to learn to decode. I provide an alternative to both isolated phonics instruction and the whole‐language approach, which in some classrooms may omit instruction in specific decoding strategies. I propose a structural‐historical approach reflecting the patterns (letter‐sound correspondences, syllables, and morphemes) and word origins (Anglo‐Saxon, Romance, and Greek) inherent in the English spelling system.
Calcium orchestrates apoptosis.

Apoptosis is a feature of many diseases and is critical for the sculpting and maintenance of tissues. New work demonstrates that calcium released from the endoplasmic reticulum synchronizes the mass exodus of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, a phenomenon that coordinates apoptosis.
Transforming growth factor-β improves healing of radiation-impaired wounds

Abstract Exogenously applied TGF-β 1 has been shown to increase wound strength in incisional wounds early in the healing process. An impaired wound healing model was first established in guinea pigs by isolating flaps of skin and irradiating the flaps to 15 Gray in one fraction using a 4-MeV linear accelerator. Incisions made 2 d after irradiation were excised 7 d later, and showed decreased linear wound bursting strength (WBS) as compared to non-irradiated control wounds on the contralateral side of each animal (p = 0.001). The effect of TGF-β on healing of radiation-impaired wounds was studied using this model. Skin on both left and right sides of guinea pigs was irradiated as above. A linear incision was made in each side. Collagen with either 1, 5, or 20 μg of TGF-β was applied to one side prior to closure with staples, whereas the contralateral side received saline in collagen. Wounds given either 1 or 5 μg of TGF-β were found to be stronger than controls at 7 d (p
Multiple effects of α‐toxins on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Abstract Very low concentrations (5 nM) of α-toxin from the venom of Naja naja atra produced a characteristic fade in muscle compound action potential and tetanus induced by repetitive nerve stimulation which was identical to the effects of curare. High concentrations of α-toxin and all concentrations of α-bungarotoxin reduced the response but produced very little fade in comparison to curare. These results suggest that α-toxins have more than one effect at the neuromuscular junction.
A microscopic theory of binary alloy phase equilibrium

Abstract A binary alloy free energy is constructed that explicitly includes short-range order in both the internal energy and in the entropy. The internal energy is treated using the alloy Cluster-Bethe-Lattice Method and the configurational entropy is described using the Cluster Variation Method. A phase diagram for the Chromium-Tungsten system is calculated and is found to be in good agreement with experiment.
The in vitro cell fusion of embryonic chick muscle without DNA synthesis.

Abstract A system has been developed for the in vitro development of chick skeletal muscle monolayers, in which a burst of synchronous fusion occurs, such that some 40% of the spindle-shaped cells fuse in a 10-hr period. Cells inhibited from synthesizing DNA by ara-C do fuse, but at a later time than the normal burst. If ara-C is added to cultures 6 hr or more before the normal fusion time, fusion is delayed, but no delay results when the drug is added after this time. A medium change will delay the fusion if done 4 hr or more before fusion, but gives no delay if done later. Cells grown in conditioned medium fuse some 10 hr earlier than controls, even in the presence of ara-C, as do cultures prepared at higher than normal cell densities. The data suggest that muscle cell fusion is independent of DNA synthesis in vitro , but depends upon a modification of the culture medium to a sufficient degree required for initiating the synthetic program for fusion.
Estimating U.S. uranium reserves

This article presents information on the Energy Information Administration’s (U.S. Department of Energy) annual estimates of U.S. uranium reserves. Encompassed is information for year-end 1997’s uranium reserves, which were estimated by employing numerous resources.
Determination of the Fermi velocity and cyclotron mass

Abstract The Fermi velocity, v F , and cyclotron mass, m ∗ , of metals is determined point by point over the entire Fermi surface by observing absorption edges in the magnetoacoustic attenuation which occur when the sound wave is not perpendicular to the magnetic field.
Unsaturated Cationic Ortho Esters for Endosome Permeation in Gene Delivery

Two cleavable cationic lipids were designed to trigger the fusogenicity and membrane permeation of their lipoplexes in endosomes via the formation of inverted hexagonal phases (HII). Both lipids contain a cationic head group and an unsaturated hydrophobic dioleylglycerol moiety joined together by a linear or a cyclic ortho ester linker. At pH 7.4, the lipids formed stable complexes with plasmid DNA together with the conelike helper lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE). The decrease of pH enhanced the hydrolysis of the ortho ester linkers, which removed the cationic head groups and caused the aggregation of the lipoplexes. At pH 5.5, the cationic lipid N-[2-methyl-2-(1',2'-dioleylglyceroxy)dioxolan-4-yl]methyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium iodide (2) with a cyclic ortho ester linker showed exceptional pH-sensitivity and triggered its lipoplex to permeate model biomembranes within the time span of endosome processing prior to lysosomal degradation. Lipid 2 significantly improved gene transfection in cultured cells compared to the pH-insensitive control lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammoniopropane (DOTAP).
A Comparison of Retrograde Cardioplegia Versus Antegrade Cardioplegia in the Presence of Coronary Artery Obstruction

Cardioplegic protection is limited by nonhomogeneous distribution of solutions distal to coronary artery obstructions. Using temperature mapping and sonomicrometry crystals implanted in the distributions of the left anterior descending (LAD) and circumflex coronary arteries, we studied the effects of blood cardioplegia delivery through the aortic root versus the coronary sinus in 10 dogs with a temporarily occluded LAD. All dogs were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass and cooled to 28 degrees C; the aorta was cross-clamped for two hours with the LAD occluded. Group 1 (N = 5) had cold (4 degrees C) potassium chloride cardioplegia (20 mEq per liter of KCl) administered through the aortic root at 20-minute intervals; Group 2 (N = 5) had the same solution infused through the coronary sinus by a balloon catheter. After two hours, the LAD snare was released and the dogs were weaned from bypass. Aortic root cardioplegia resulted in very poor cooling distal to the coronary obstruction with very poor systolic function and loss of diastolic compliance. In contrast, coronary sinus cardioplegia resulted in normal cooling distal to the coronary obstruction and complete return of systolic and diastolic functions following the experimental procedure. We conclude that cardioplegia administered through the coronary sinus offers superior cooling distal to coronary artery obstructions while preserving myocardial function in all areas. In contrast, delivery of cardioplegia through the aortic root causes severe depression in the myocardium distal to obstructions.
Propagation of a virus of the encephalomyocarditis group in roller tube cultures of mouse testicular tissue.

11 Passagen von MM-Virus der EMC-Gruppe in Mausetestikel-Gewebekultur werden beschrieben. Maximale Virustiter von etwa 10−4 wurden erreicht; maximale Degeneration der infizierten Fibroblastenkulturen wurde nach 5 Tagen Inkubation beobachtet.
Relationships among Learner Characteristics and Adolescents' Perceptions about Reading Strategy Use.

This study investigates relationships among adolescent students’ perceived use of academic reading strategies and reading achievement, age, and gender. Good readers reported using global and problem-solving strategies to a greater extent than poor readers. Surface-level problem-solving strategies were more strongly related to higher reading achievement than deep-level problem-solving strategies. Poor readers used support strategies to a greater extent than good readers, and surface-level support strategies were more strongly related to lower reading achievement than deep-level support strategies. The negative relationship between support strategy use and reading ability was stronger for younger adolescents than for older adolescents. Girls reported using all types of academic reading strategies to a greater extent than boys. This study points to the need to consider learner characteristics when teaching reading strategies.
Evidence-based practice in pediatric surgery

Abstract Background/Purpose: The current medical environment demands the provision of quality healthcare at an affordable cost. Both payors and regulators are committed to lowering cost through initiation of best practice strategies that include practice guidelines, clinical pathways, and standards of care. The only practical way to join this debate is through the use of objective, unbiased clinical data. This study was undertaken to review the current state of the pediatric surgery literature and its value in determining best clinical practice. Methods: The National Library of Medicine Medline database was accessed using the Ovid Internet client software. All references, abstracts, and keyword indexes from the core pediatric surgery literature, the Journal of Pediatric Surgery , the European Journal of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery International, Zeitschrift fur Kinderchirurgie , and Seminars in Pediatric Surgery were downloaded and reviewed. Search criteria were defined to identify prospective, randomized, controlled studies. References were then categorized as case reports; retrospective case series; prospective case series; randomized, controlled studies; laboratory studies; review articles; or miscellaneous studies. Results: As of March 1, 1998, there are 9,373 references, excluding citations of letters or comments, contained in the core pediatric surgery literature, as provided through Medline. Of these, 485 were identified as studies for review, possible prospective case series or prospective, randomized, controlled studies. After review, 34 studies (0.3%) were classified as prospective, randomized, controlled studies, whereas 139 (1.48%) were classified as prospective studies. There were 3,241 (34.6%) case reports, 5,619 (59.9%) retrospective case series, 1,109 (11.8%) laboratory studies, 195 (2.1%) review articles, and 36 (0.3%) miscellaneous studies that did not fit into other categories. When analyzed by decade of publication, prospective studies and prospective, randomized, controlled studies (n = 173) numbered 103 in the 1990s, 63 in the 1980s, and seven in the 1970s. Conclusions: There is a paucity of scientifically rigorous data on which to base clinical practice in pediatric surgery. The increasing numbers of prospective, case-controlled studies or the more sound prospective, randomized, controlled trials in the 1990s suggests that pediatric surgeons are aware of the need to generate unbiased data to support current clinical practice and the development of practice guidelines. Limitations exist in conducting prospective, randomized, controlled trials because of the rare nature of many pediatric surgical conditions and the lack of clinical "equipoise" over available treatment options. The authors encourage the use of multiin-stitutional trials and the prospective, randomized, controlled study methodology to develop data that can be used to guide clinical practice in our evolving healthcare environment.
Covalent Tethering of Lipid Vesicles to a Supported Lipid Bilayer by a DNA-Templated Click Reaction

Previously, our lab reported a technique for studying DNA-mediated docking reactions between individual tethered vesicles using fluorescence microscopy.∗ To prevent these interactions from occurring in the bulk solution prior to tethering and subsequent observation, vesicle partners were spatially separated in a microfluidic device during the tethering process, and subsequently allowed to encounter each other by random diffusion. However, this diffusion is very slow compared to the docking reaction, so actual observation of single docking events in real time was extremely rare. Here, we present a new method of tethering vesicles that is orthogonal to the DNA-mediated docking and fusion reactions. Vesicles are covalently attached to the supported lipid bilayer by a DNA-templated click reaction, allowing simultaneous deposition of cognate vesicle populations displaying complementary DNA. This results in well-mixed populations of tethered vesicles, which diffuse randomly in two dimensions. Upon raising the salt concentration, tethered vesicles can be triggered to interact with each other via DNA hybridization. An additional parameter probed with this strategy is the location of the templating DNA-lipid, which can be anchored in the vesicle or in the supporting bilayer. The mobility, as measured by single particle tracking, of vesicles anchored by two lipids is approximately 1.6-fold slower than that of vesicles anchored only with a single lipid.∗ Chan, Y-H M et al. 2007. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104:18913.
EPA-0545 - Advancing multidisciplinary education for screening brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT)

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) mental and substance use disorders will surpass all physical diseases as the major cause of disability by the year 2020. The abuse of alcohol results in 2.5 million deaths annually, including 320,000 young people between the age of 15 and 29, and at least 15.3 million people have drug use disorders (WHO, 2013). The Indiana University Center for Health Policy studied the economic impact of substance abuse in Indiana and found that substance abuse and addiction have a powerful impact on all sectors of our society including education, criminal justice, health, workforce and public safety. Total cost for the state in 2008 was $7.3 billion and the professional capacity for nurturing the health of our citizens is woefully inadequate. With funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, faculty at Indiana University's Schools of Nursing, Social Work, and Medicine integrated Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) into our health care education systems in order to improve the health of the large number of adolescents and adults at risk for one or more substance use disorders. SBIRT training was incorporated in select courses in each of the three schools using tailored webbased educational modules and face-to-face motivational interview (MI) training to prepare participants' for clinical practica. Innovative curricular materials will be presented as well as preliminary data on participants' knowledge, skills and attitudes related to training.
Giant Steps-St. Louis: An Alternative Intervention Model for Children with Autism:

Autism is a developmental disability that affects a broad range of behaviors in an individual. Educators and other professionals in the field continue to examine various approaches in attempts to identify those that are effective with individuals who have autism. An approach that is new to the United States and is currently in operation is known as Giant Steps-St. Louis. The purpose of this article is to describe the Giant Steps-St. Louis program by presenting data collected during its first year of evaluation.
Pediatric dermatology in practice: spectrum of skin diseases and approach to patients at a Turkish pediatric dermatology center

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the real spectrum of skin diseases in Turkish children and how they were managed.Methods: Data on a total of 6000 consecutive patients aged 0–18 years attending the pediatric dermatology clinic were analyzed for diagnosis, disease group, diagnostic pattern, treatment modality, and referral and hospitalization frequency.Results: Allergic skin diseases (49.9%) were the leading group of dermatoses, which were followed by infectious diseases (20.5%), and disorders of skin appendages (10.2%). Atopic dermatitis was the most common dermatose, which was followed by papular urticaria and unclassified eczema. Most of the patients (92.0%) had diagnosis on clinical basis, whereas skin biopsy was performed in 3.7% and laboratory investigation in 4.4% of the patients. The hospitalization rate was 0.3%, and Henoch–Schonlein purpura was the most frequent dermatose for which hospitalization was required. Local treatment was prescribed in 56.0% of the patients, local treatmen...
Incidence and reasons for hardware removal following operative fixation of distal radius fractures.

Purpose To determine the incidence and reasons for hardware removal after operative fixation of distal radius fractures. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 33 patients who underwent removal of a volar distal radius plate from 2007 to 2013. We recorded the primary reason for plate removal, patient sex, body mass index, AO fracture type, and plate manufacturer. The total number of both distal radius plating procedures and implant removals was analyzed. Results Of the 33 patients who underwent implant removal, the most common reasons for removal were pain (30%), tenosynovitis (27%), malunion (24%), infection (12%), nonunion (6%), and tendon rupture (3%). The most common AO fracture types requiring plate removal were A2, C2, and C3 (7 each). A total of 517 distal radius fractures received plate fixation at our institution from 2007 to 2009, a number that rose to 610 from 2010 to 2012. The number of distal radius plate removals over that same time was relatively constant at 17 and 16, respectively. Conclusions We advise continued review of reasons for implant removal to limit future hardware complications related to volar plating of distal radius fractures. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Bridged aromatic alkenes for the study of carbocation–π interaction

Abstract Toward the goal of gaining further insight into carbocation–π interactions, bridged-ring aromatic alkene model systems are being investigated in which one isomer will permit π complexation of an intramolecular tertiary carbocation with a benzene ring, but the other isomer will not. The syntheses of three sets of such isomers, having, respectively, benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octene, benzobicyclo[2.2.1]heptene, and benzobicyclo[4.2.1]nonene structures, are described.
Performance analysis of a refrigerating system with a grooved-tube evaporator

Abstract A grooved-tube heat exchanger was developed and applied as an evaporator of a refrigerating system. Studies were carried out to evaluate the performance of the refrigerator. Isobutane (R-600a) was employed as the working fluid. Same studies were performed on the system but with the same size of a regular-tube evaporator. The two refrigerating systems were compared in terms of heat exchanger effectiveness, coefficient of performance (COP), and two-phase pressure drop. The heat exchanger effectiveness of the grooved-tube evaporator was found to be higher compared to the regular-tube evaporator. COP of the system with the grooved-tube evaporator was also observed to be higher. Although the pressure drop for the grooved-tube evaporator was slightly higher than that for the regular-tube evaporator, the compressor demand for this increase was not very significant.
Prophylaxis of bladder tumor implantation Intravesical and systemic chemotherapy

Several antitumor agents have been evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing the implantation and progressive growth of transitional cell carcinoma in an animal model. This system allows the evaluation of both the topical cytotoxic action as well as the systemic toxicity of the drugs given intravesically. Systemic cyclophosphamide and intravesical epipodophyllotoxin significantly reduced the incidence of tumor cell implantation.
Grenoble, L. A. & Whaley, L. J. (2006). Saving Languages: An Introduction to Language Revitalization. New York: Cambridge University Press. 244 pp. $35.99, paperback, ISBN 0-5210-1652-5

The book ‘Saving Languages’ could not have come at a better time. Many of the worlds languages are extinct and many face extinction if nothing is done to save them. Hence, language endangerment and...
Optimizing quarantine regions through ellipsoidal geographic networks

The introduction of ellipsoidal geographical networks along with a mathematical definition of a quarantine.An totally unimodular integer programming formulation of an optimal quarantine region.Theoretical results classifying feasible and optimal quarantine regions.A computational study that shows the negative impact of implementing a heuristic instead of the IP. Epidemics have killed millions of people throughout history. One of the most common techniques to attempt to contain an epidemic is to quarantine towns or cities. This paper develops a new network class called ellipsoidal geographic networks to properly define a feasible quarantine region. Some properties of optimal quarantines are provided. An integer program, which is totally unimodular, is presented that optimizes the quarantine region. This integer program is shown to outperform heuristical solutions and officials should implement the integer program to identify optimal quarantine regions.
Cyclotron harmonic lines in magnetic fluctuations of spiralling electrons in plasmas

The magnetic fluctuation spectrum in a magnetoplasma containing energetic electrons is observed to exhibit many lines at the cyclotron harmonics. It is shown that these fluctuations are neither due to cyclotron radiation nor due to velocity-space instabilities but due to coherent solenoidal fields produced by electron cyclotron orbits and excited by thermal fluctuations. Such line spectra, observed in discharges and beam-plasma systems, may be useful for precise magnetic field diagnostics in plasmas.
Trade and Real Wages: a Macroeconomic Model*

We offer a new paradigm to understand the effects of trade on factor rewards. It utilizes the classical-Keynesian model, and shows that normally a country’s trade deficit hurts labor by lowering the real wage, but benefits the owners of capital. The effects of tariffs on factor rewards and employment are opposite to those of the trade deficit, which falls with a rise in the tariff rate. Countries with trade shortfalls unambiguously benefit from their tariffs, because laborers far outnumber capitalists, who suffer from the declining interest rate. Thus, tariffs lead to a rise in social welfare in trade-deficit countries.
Effect of Culture on Women's Interpretations of Moral and Conventional Dilemmas

Abstract The effect of culture on women's appraisals of moral and conventional dilemmas was investigated. American, Sicilian, and Sicilian-American adult subjects evaluated four social breach episodes by using Q methodology (Kerlinger, 1973; Stephenson, 1953). For each story, rank-order coefficients of correlation were calculated. An extremity-of-rating mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to the mean scores of the Q-sort episodes. The results indicated that Sicilian-American women interpreted the moral and conventional dilemmas differently from all other groups: They favored moral reasoning, whereas Sicilians, Americans, and Sicilian-American men relied strongly on socio-conventional thinking when evaluating the social conflicts.
Comparative aspects of sugar penetration into blood platelets.

Abstract 1. 1. The relative rates of penetration of pentoses and hexoses into blood platelets of dog (Canis familiaris) and sheep (Ovis aries) were studied with a photoelectric densimeter. 2. 2. In both species of platelets D -ribose and L -sorbose penetrated more rapidly than D -xylose. No penetration of D -glucose into these cells was detected by the methods employed. 3. 3. It was shown also that dog platelets are more permeable to some sugars than sheep platelets.
Enhancing Green Water in Soils of South Asia

Enhancing green water (GW) in soils has vast significance with respect to depleting water resources, especially in South Asia (SA). The water stored in soil that's productively used for transpiration is called GW. The enhancement of GW includes all those techniques and approaches that lead to increased soil-water storage and infiltration, reduced runoff, and decreased evaporation, such as minimum tillage, mulching, terracing, small-scale water harvesting and recycling, contouring, and strip cultivation. Because rice (Oryza sativa) is a dominant crop in SA and it requires four to five times more water than other cereals, adoption of new techniques like direct dry seeding, wet seeding, system of rice intensification (SRI), intermittent irrigation, soil matric potential-based irrigation, laser land leveling, and raised-bed planting can save 20–87% of irrigation water. Enhancing GW in soils is important to achieving a much-needed new Green Revolution in countries faced with the dire issue of food insecurity. ...
A state variable for characterizing water masses and their diffusive stability: spiciness

Abstract A state variable π(θ,s) most sensitive to isopycnal thermohaline variations and least correlated with the density field is proposed. π is constructed so that its diapycnal gradient dρπ is related to the density gradient ratio Rρ:dρπ≈(1+Rρ)/(1−Rρ). It is simultaneously a tracer conserved by isentropic motions, and an indicator of diffusive stability. It is useful for the combined description of interleaving and double-diffusive processes at the boundary between water masses.
Roles of Ubiquitination and SUMOylation on Prostate Cancer: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

The initiation and progression of human prostate cancer are highly associated with aberrant dysregulations of tumor suppressors and proto-oncogenes. Despite that deletions and mutations of tumor suppressors and aberrant elevations of oncogenes at the genetic level are reported to cause cancers, emerging evidence has revealed that cancer progression is largely regulated by posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and epigenetic alterations. PTMs play critical roles in gene regulation, cellular functions, tissue development, diseases, malignant progression and drug resistance. Recent discoveries demonstrate that ubiquitination and SUMOylation are complicated but highly-regulated PTMs, and make essential contributions to diseases and cancers by regulation of key factors and signaling pathways. Ubiquitination and SUMOylation pathways can be differentially modulated under various stimuli or stresses in order to produce the sustained oncogenic potentials. In this review, we discuss some new insights about molecular mechanisms on ubiquitination and SUMOylation, their associations with diseases, oncogenic impact on prostate cancer (PCa) and clinical implications for PCa treatment.