cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WE‐A‐BRD‐01: Locating and Targeting Moving Tumors with Radiation Beams

The current climate of rapid technological evolution is reflected in newer and better methods to modulate and direct radiation beams for cancer therapy. This Continuing Education lecture focuses on one aspect of this evolution, locating and targeting moving tumors. The two processes — locating and targeting tumors— are somewhat independent and in principle different implementations of these processes can be interchanged. Advanced localization and targeting methods have an impact on treatment planning, and also present new challenges for quality assurance (QA), that of verifying real‐time delivery. Some methods to locate and target moving tumors with radiation beams are currently FDA approved for clinical use — and this availability and implementation will increase with time. Extensions of current capabilities will be the integration of higher order dimensionality into the estimate of the patient pose and real‐time reoptimization and adaption of delivery to the dynamically changing anatomy of cancer patients. Learning Objectives: 1. To describe the technology available to determine real‐time target position 2. To review the systems for real‐time target‐beam alignment 3. To discuss the practical considerations of real‐time target tracking systems Research sponsored by Accuray, Calypso, Cyberheart, GE, NIH/NCI, Philips and Varian.
Cost-effectiveness of laparoscopy versus laparotomy for initial surgical evaluation and treatment of potentially resectable hepatic colorectal metastases: a decision analysis.

Background and Objectives Approximately 10–40% of colorectal cancer patients with potentially resectable hepatic metastases are incorrectly deemed resectable on standard pre-operative evaluation, including contrast-enhanced CT. Laparoscopy can identify unresectability in a majority of patients at highest risk of being incorrectly deemed resectable, sparing them an unnecessary laparotomy. However, laparoscopy requires an added investment by surgeons, patients, and payers. This analysis seeks to ascertain whether that investment is cost-effective. Methods A decision tree model was developed to evaluate the societal cost-effectiveness of laparoscopy versus laparotomy in colorectal cancer patients with hepatic metastases deemed resectable on standard pre-operative evaluation. This comparison involved the cost, the effectiveness, and the incremental cost-effectiveness (the cost in dollars for each quality-adjusted life-year saved) of each option. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the model's validity under a variety of assumptions. Results The cost-effectiveness of performing laparoscopy prior to laparotomy for resection of colorectal hepatic metastases depends primarily upon the probability of resectability determined at laparoscopy, and on the sensitivity of diagnostic laparoscopy. Conclusion Laparoscopy for initial evaluation of resectability of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer is most likely to benefit patients and save costs when performed after pre-operative risk stratification in patients at high risk of radiographically occult unresectable disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:396–403. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Revascularization of autotransplanted ovine eyes by microsurgical anastomosis.

Microsurgical techniques are used to anastomose the ciliary and internal ophthalmic arteries and veins of the autotransplanted eyes of sheep to restore the circulation. Microscopic inspection and fluorescein angiography showed early patency of the anastomoses and the return of circulation to the retinal vessels. The applications of such an experimental model are discussed.
Polymerization of β-pinene with ziegler-type catalysts

The effect of Ziegler-type catalysts on β-pinene and camphene was investigated. The use of the cocatalyst system aluminumtriisobutyl–titanium tetrachloride proved to give a higher yield of polymeric material having a higher inherent viscosity than did the use of an equivalent amount of titanium tetrachloride alone. The polymers prepared by Ziegler-type catalysts appear to be identical with those of the commercial type resin prepared by Friedel-Crafts catalysis. The use of aluminumtriisobutyl with titanium trichloride gave only a very low yield of methanol insoluble resin. Ziegler-type catalysts did not initiate polymerization of camphene.
Artificial-neural-network-based classification of mammographic microcalcifications using image structure features

Mammography associated with clinical breast examination and self-breast examination is the only effective and viable method for mass breast screening. It is however, difficult to distinguish between benign and malignant microcalcifications associated with breast cancer. Most of the techniques used in the computerized analysis of mammographic microcalcifications segment the digitized gray-level image into regions representing microcalcifications. We present a second-order gray-level histogram based feature extraction approach to extract microcalcification features. These features, called image structure features, are computed from the second-order gray-level histogram statistics, and do not require segmentation of the original image into binary regions. Several image structure features were computed for 100 cases of `difficult to diagnose' microcalcification cases with known biopsy results. These features were analyzed in a correlation study which provided a set of five best image structure features. A feedforward backpropagation neural network was used to classify mammographic microcalcifications using the image structure features. The network was trained on 10 cases of mammographic microcalcifications and tested on additional 85 `difficult-to-diagnose' microcalcifications cases using the selected image structure features. The trained network yielded good results for classification of `difficult-to- diagnose' microcalcifications into benign and malignant categories.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Methanesulfonate Esters of Cholane Alcohols

Some methanesulfonate esters of cholane alcohols derived from desoxycholic acid have been prepared and submitted for screening as antitumor agents. Infrared spectra of the dimesylates have distinctive patterns in the 870 to 1000 cm. −1 region, each of which is shown to be virtually superimposable on a composite spectrum of a pair of corresponding mono-mesylates. Antitumor screening test results indicate that the 3α,12α-, and 12α,24-compounds are inactive and harmless to test animals, but the 3α,24-isomer is quite toxic.
Relationships between the equatorial electrojet and polar magnetic variations

Abstract On moderately disturbed days when substorms occur frequently, the quiet day daily variation in the polar region (Sqp) is enhanced. On such days, however, the quiet day variation along the dip equator appears to be suppressed, as well as being superposed with ‘fluctuations’. It is suggested that the enhancement of Sqp is related to a partial suppression of the equatorial electrojet. The asymmetric ring current also causes an apparent suppression of the electrojet. On the other hand, the substorm-associated electric field which drives the eastward current in the auroral and subauroral zone (causing positive bays) in the afternoon sector appears to enhance the equatorial electrojet. Thus, magnetic variations along the dip equator are influenced by a number of processes in the magnetosphere.
The University of Florida Smathers Library bookstore

Like many academic libraries, the University of Florida Smathers Library held annual book sales to generate funds and reduce its stock of gift materials that were not selected for library collections. Instead of one-day sales that generated healthy profits but always left large proportions of unsold items, library administrators decided to open an experimental bookstore to sell year round the non-selected gift materials. This paper describes the specifics of how the author—the Gifts and Exchange Librarian—oversaw the opening of a used bookstore in the University of Florida Smathers Library. It also includes the results of a survey completed by staff at six other academic libraries operating bookstores. Based on the successful experiences of the Smathers Library Bookstore and the survey responses, the author concludes that bookstores can be an efficient and more profitable alternative to book sales for disposing of non-selected gift materials.
Task analysis of microsurgery and biomechanical modeling of surgeons to assess static-workloads

Physical discomfort has been frequently reported in surgery, and previous studies have focused on surgeon postures and posture movements. The aim of this study is to develop a methodology and collect pilot data that can be used to test the hypothesis that static work requirements during microsurgery exceed published endurance capabilities and are a source of surgeon fatigue. Eight microsurgery surgeons were analyzed for this study. An event-based time study was performed for the entire duration of the microsurgery. Posture was quantified using ten frames randomly sampled from two surgeons using 3D Static Strength Prediction Program, and outputs were used to calculate endurance limits and maximal acceptable effort. Results found that 83% of microsurgery is performed with the microscope. Posture adjustments were highest during rest (5.5 adjustments per minute) and lowest during microscope task (0.3 adjustments per minute). Back and shoulder postures deviated further from neutral during microscope task than ...
Trisetum curvisetum (Poaceae: Aveneae), a new species from Mexico

Trisetum curvisetum is a new species from high Sierra Madre Oriental in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Its soft rather than liquid endosperm is new for the genus, and its lemma awn is thin and flexuous, easily distinguishable from that of other North AmericanTrisetum.
A Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) Software Selection Framework

With the gaining popularity of multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) among researchers and practitioners, a variety of software that implements sophisticated MCDA methods and techniques is now available. To address the issue of the missing methodological approach in MCDA software selection, especially the mismatch between the decision making situation (DMS) structuring and the preference structuring employed by the tools, we propose a framework to enable the decision maker to choose relevant MCDA software. This is the first attempt to formally model the MCDA software selection process. A comprehensive set of MCDA methods meta-data for software selection is identified and demonstrated using the example of a specific DMS.
Identification of a specific protein in the mitochondrial fraction of the rat heart whose phosphorylation is inhibited by taurine

It was previously reported that the mitochondrial fraction of the rat heart contained a specific protein with a molecular weight of approximately ∼44kDa whose phosphorylation was inhibited by taurine (Lombardini,1994a). Isolation of the ∼44kDa phosphoprotein on a 1-dimensional polyacrylamide gel using traditional glycine buffers followed by re-electrophoresing the cut out proportion of the gel which corresponds to the ∼44kDa protein on a tricine-buffered gel resulted in sufficient pure protein for sequence analysis. The results indicate that the ∼44kDa phosphoprotein is pyruvate dehydrogenase.
Intermediate trapping via a conformational switch in the Na(+)-activated tryptophan synthase bienzyme complex.

The tryptophan synthase bienzyme complex channels substrate indole between the α- and β-sites via a 25 A long interconnecting tunnel. Channeling efficiency is dependent upon a conformational switch in αβ-dimeric units between open conformations of low activity to which substrates bind and closed conformations of high activity wherein substrates react. In experiments designed to gain a better understanding of the linkage between chemical steps and conformational transitions in the catalytic cycle, the novel amino acid dihydroiso-l-tryptophan (DIT) was used as an analogue of l-Trp. In the forward reaction (indoline + l-Ser) to synthesize DIT, the quinonoid species, E(Q)indoline, is formed quickly, while in the reverse reaction (DIT cleavage), the accumulation of E(Q)indoline occurs very slowly. Nevertheless, when the α-site substrate analogue α-d,l-glycerol phosphate (GP) is bound, DIT cleavage was found to give a rapid formation and dissipation of E(Q)indoline followed by a very slow reappearance of E(Q)in...
Theory of Zn-enhanced disordering in GaAs/AlAs superlattices.

The microscopic mechanisms for Zn diffusion in GaAs and Zn-induced interdiffusion in GaAs/AlAs superlattices are investigated by ab initio molecular dynamics. Among the various proposed mechanisms for Zn diffusion, kick-out by Ga interstitials has the lowest activation energy. Zn in-diffusion generates nonequilibrium group-III interstitials, which are bound to Zn by Coulomb forces. The interstitials follow the Zn diffusion front and disorder the superlattice. The calculated activation energies for these processes are in good agreement with the experimental data.
A metamathematical condition equivalent to the existence of a complete left invariant metric for a Polish group

Strengthening a theorem of Hjorth this paper gives a new characterization of which Polish groups admit compatible complete left invariant metrics. As a corollary it is proved that any Polish group without a complete left invariant metric has a continuous action on a Polish space whose associated orbit equivalence relation is not essentially countable.
Bakhtin's dimensions of language and the analysis of conversation

The work of the Mikhail Bakhtin circle is examined to discover useful intersections between their approach to situated talk and that of conversation analysis (CA). Although the Bakhtin and CA come from distinctive traditions, they are shown to share many concepts about the analysis of conversation., Comparing the approaches yields three Bakhtinian dimensions of language: open and closed perception, ownership, and incompleteness. These dimensions are applied to three well‐known samples from the literature on analysis of talk, demonstrating how the problem space in analysis of talk can be expanded. The work of the Bakhtin circle is thus shown to be a valuable addition to the investigational repertoire of the conversation analyst.
Postoperative Rotation of Hydroxyapatite Enucleation Implants

Objective To determine the incidence of postoperative rotation of flattened hydroxyapatite enucleation implants. Methods A retrospective review of patients receiving flattened hydroxyapatite enucleation implants was performed to determine the incidence and severity of postoperative implant misalignment. Results Flattened hydroxyapatite implants had been placed in 16 patients. Five were noted to have postoperative implant rotation, which was detected between 11 and 60.3 months following enucleation. The malposition was mild, inconsistent, and clinically insignificant in 2 patients. The remaining 3 patients demonstrated marked implant misalignment, which likely would have been functionally significant had motility pegs been placed. Conclusions Postoperative rotation of flattened hydroxyapatite implants may occur late after enucleation. Such implant modification should not be performed in patients with preexisting strabismus, who have a higher incidence of this complication.
Bail agents and bounty hunters: Adversaries or allies of the justice system?

Bounty hunters are employed by the bail industry to locate and apprehend criminal defendants who “skip” bail and, subsequently, fail to appear for court appointments. While some scholars have examined bounty hunters, this work is concerned primarily with the origins, history, and legal challenges to the industry and its practices. Popular literature on this subject has created the “myth” of the bounty hunter, but it has failed to provide an accurate portrayal of the activities these individuals perform. Through the use of field research methods, this study provides a better understanding of the role that bail agents and bounty hunters play in the criminal justice system.
Preferential inhibition of acetylcholinesterase molecular forms in rat brain

The effect of eight different acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) on the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) molecular forms was investigated. Aqueous-soluble and detergent-soluble AChE molecular forms were separated from rat brain homogenate by sucrose density sedimentation. The bulk of soluble AChE corresponds to globular tetrameric (G4), and monomeric (G1) forms. Heptylphysostigmine (HEP) and diisopropylfluorophosphate were more selective for the G1 than for the G4 form in aqueous-soluble extract. Neostigmine showed slightly more selectivity for the G1 form both in aqueous- and detergent-soluble extracts. Other drugs such as physostigmine, echothiophate, BW284C51, tetrahydroaminoacridine, and metrifonate inhibited both aqueous- and detergent-soluble AChE molecular forms with similar potency. Inhibition of aqueous-soluble AChE by HEP was highly competitive with Triton X-100 in a gradient, indicating that HEP may bind to a detergent-sensitive non-catalytic site of AChE. These results suggest a differential sensitivity among AChE molecular forms to inhibition by drugs through an allosteric mechanism. The application of these properties in developing AChEIs for treatment of Alzheimer disease is considered.
019 The COLIPA Standard for solar simulators failed to standardize sunscreen SPFS

The COLIPA Standard for solar simulators was developed to insure that SPF tested in different laboratories was not different because of the solar simulator used. Indeed for products with lower SPFs 2-10, the solar simulator standard reasonably assures similar SPFs when tested in different laboratories. For products with SPFs greater than 15, the SPF for the same product could be tested at 15 in one laboratory but as an SPF 100 in another. Differences in SPF due to solar simulator filtration will occur only for sunscreen products that exhibit absorption like cut-off filters. Products which generally absorb all UV wavelengths equally will not exhibit differences in SPF due to solar simulator filtration. In addition because of different amounts of UVA allowed within the COLIPA standard, the actual response for a given exposure may in one laboratory produce persistent pigment darkening and in another a simple sunburn. Ways to correct this flaw will be examined.
Pulmonary calcification in hemodialyzed patients detected by technetium-99m diphosphonate scanning

Pulmonary calcification in hemodialyzed patients detected by technetium-99m diphosphonate scanning. Metastatic pulmonary calcification, a well-known complication in patients with chronic renal disease, has been demonstrated postmortem in patients with a negative chest X-ray. Recently, scintigrams with bone-seeking radionuclides have been used to detect such subclinical pulmonary calcium deposits. We describe 23 patients on maintenance hemodialysis with no evidence of pulmonary calcification on chest X-ray who were prospectively studied by lung scanning with a bone-seeking radionuclide and pulmonary function testing. Of the 23 patients, 14 (61%) had a positive technetium-99m diphosphonate ( 99m Tc-DP) scan (group 1). These patients were on dialysis 38 ± 5 months compared with 12 ± 4 months in 9 patients with a negative scan (group 2) (P 99m Tc-DP is a sensitive method for detecting pulmonary metastatic calcification, which may be associated with an abnormality in pulmonary diffusion capacity. Calcifications pulmonaires, chez les malades en hemodialyse, mises en evidence par la scintigraphie au diphosphonate tech-netium-99m. Les calcifications pulmonaires metastatiques, complication bien connue chez les malades en insuffisance renale chronique, ont ete mises en evidence post-mortem chez des malades dont la radiographie thoracique etait normale. Plus recemment, des scintigraphies au moyen de radionuclides employes pour l'imagerie osseuse ont ete utilisees pour detecter de tels depots pulmonaires latents de calcium. Ce travail decrit 23 malades en hemodialyse chronique sans signes radiologiques de calcifications pulmonaires qui ont ete etudies, de facon prospective, par scintigraphie pulmonaire et epreuves fonctionnelles respiratoires. Quatorze de ces 23 malades (61%) avaient une scintigraphie positive au diphosphonate technetium-99m ( 99m Tc-DP) (groupe 1). Ces malades etaient en dialyse depuis 38 ± 5 mois alors que les 9 malades indemnes etaient traites depuis 12 ± 4 mois (groupe 2) (P 99m Tc-DP est une methode sensible pour detecter les calcifications pulmonaires, lesquelles peuvent etre associees a une anomalie de la capacite de diffusion alveolo-capillaire.
Detection and quantification of isotopic ratio inhomogeneity

Abstract We quantify the spatial variation of the ratio of two isotopes within a material based on Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) data. At many spatial locations, a detector counts each of two isotopes of a chemical element. At each location, we predict the less abundant isotope count in terms of the measured value of the more abundant isotope count and the estimated mean isotopic ratio. At each location, the expected value of the prediction error depends on the difference between the actual isotopic ratio at that location, and the estimated spatial mean value of the isotopic ratio. To get weighted residuals, the difference between the measured and the predicted value is divided by an estimate of its root mean square value. To estimate the spatial standard deviation of the isotopic ratio, we equate the sum of the squared weighted residuals to its approximate expected value. The approximate expected value is obtained by a bootstrap resampling method. Based on the estimated null distribution of the estimated spatial standard deviation, we test the hypothesis that the isotopic ratio is constant throughout the sample. To check the validity of our methods, we analyze SIMS data collected from a homogeneous chromium sample. Results are consistent with the hypothesis of homogeneity. We simulate data corresponding to a sample where the isotopic ratio has a binary distribution; when the standard deviation of the binary distribution exceeds twice the 86th percentile of the null distribution, detection of inhomogeneity is almost certain. Further, the expected value of the estimated standard deviation closely tracks the actual standard deviation.
High-resolution physical and transcript map of human chromosome 2p21 containing the sitosterolaemia locus

Sitosterolaemia (phytosterolaemia) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterised by the presence of tendon xanthomas in the face of normal or mildly elevated plasma cholesterol levels, premature atherosclerotic disease and has diagnostically elevated plasma and tissue plant sterol concentrations. Affected individuals show an increased absorption of both cholesterol and sitosterol from the diet, decreased bile clearance of these sterols and their metabolites resulting in markedly expanded whole body cholesterol and sitosterol pools. The defective gene is therefore hypothesised to play a crucial role in regulating dietary cholesterol absorption, and its elucidation may shed light on these molecular processes. We have previously localised the defective gene to human chromosome 2p21, between microsatellite markers D2S1788 and D2S1352, a distance of approximately 15 cM. Recently, the disease locus interval has been narrowed to lie between D2S2294 and D2S2291/D2S2174. We have constructed a high-resolution YAC and BAC contigs by using known STSs and generating novel STSs from the minimal interval. Eight previously identified genes and 60 ESTs were mapped to these contigs. The BAC contig contains 60 BAC clones and 108 STSs and encompasses a physical distance of approximately 2.0 cM between microsatellite markers D2S2294 and D2S2291. These results will not only facilitate cloning of the sitosterolaemia gene, but also other disease genes located in this region, and accelerate sequencing of the corresponding genomic clones.
Statistical analysis and simulation of random shocks in stochastic Burgers equation

We study the statistical properties of random shock waves in stochastic Burgers equation subject to random space–time perturbations and random initial conditions. By using the response–excitation probability density function (PDF) method and the Mori–Zwanzig (MZ) formulation of irreversible statistical mechanics, we derive exact reduced-order equations for the one-point and two-point PDFs of the solution field. In particular, we compute the statistical properties of random shock waves in the inviscid limit by using an adaptive (shock-capturing) discontinuous Galerkin method in both physical and probability spaces. We consider stochastic flows generated by high-dimensional random initial conditions and random additive forcing terms, yielding multiple interacting shock waves collapsing into clusters and settling down to a similarity state. We also address the question of how random shock waves in space and time manifest themselves in probability space. The proposed new mathematical framework can be applied to different conservation laws, potentially leading to new insights into high-dimensional stochastic dynamical systems and more efficient computational algorithms.
Triple Gauge Boson Couplings in Rare B and K Decays

We examine the sensitivity of flavor changing neutral current (FCNC) processes to anomalous triple gauge boson couplings. We show that in the non-linear realization of the electroweak symmetry breaking sector, these processes are very sensitive to two CP conserving anomalous couplings. A clean separation of their effects is possible in the next round of experiments probing b{r_arrow}s{gamma} and b{r_arrow}sscr(l){sup +}scr(l){sup {minus}} processes, as well as kaon decays such as K{sup +}{r_arrow}{pi}{sup +}{nu}{bar {nu}}. The obtained sensitivity is found to be competitive with that of direct measurements at high energy colliders. In particular, for one of the WWZ couplings the one-loop FCNC effects are enhanced by a logarithmic dependence on the scale of new physics. We also explore the potential signals of CP violating anomalous triple gauge boson couplings in rare B decays. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Genetics of vascular calcification.

### NT5E Mutations and Arterial Calcifications Hilaire et al NEJM. 2011;364:432–442. Recessive mutations in the NTE5 gene were recently described in lower-extremity vascular calcification. ENPP1 mutations were previously described in a severe disorder of vascular calcification in infancy. Together these data support that extracellular adenosine and pyrophosphate are essential components of the pathways in vascular disease. Arterial calcification by impairing blood flow and reducing vessel compliance increases the risk for vascular disease in aging, diabetes, and renal disease. Whether or not arterial calcification is an active participant in vascular disease, it is readily identifiable, providing the rationale for less invasive means of coronary artery screening. The molecular mechanisms governing vascular calcification overlap substantially with the mechanisms of bone formation. The recent work of St Hilaire et al1 demonstrates that mutations in the gene encoding CD73, an ectonucleotidase, cause peripheral arterial calcification. The NT5E gene encodes the cell surface protein CD73, which catalyzes the conversion of AMP to adenosine and inorganic phosphate (Figure). The genetic defect was identified using a single family with 5 affected individuals, ages 44 to 54 years, each of whom had significant vascular calcification of the lower extremities. Because their parents were third cousins, it was reasonable to assume that a homozygous recessive gene was responsible. Using a genotyping array containing a million …
Mutations, malformations and mortality

Although DNA replication is a very accurate process, a small number of new mutations are generated at every cell division. The generation of a new mutation during the formation of an ovum or sperm cell can cause an early miscarriage or birth defect. The generation of new mutations during embryogenesis can cause a variety of localized birth defects. The molecular delineation of these errors in somatic and gonadal cells has clarified the basis of some birth defects, and has both refined and complicated genetic counselling for a number of paediatric conditions. The processes responsible for these new mutations are present in all cells. For this reason new mutations accumulate in all cells throughout life and contribute to the ageing process. Thus the molecular events that cause many miscarriages and birth defects are the same as those that ultimately lead to death.
Bacterial pathogens isolated from patients with skin and soft tissue infections: frequency of occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program (United States and Canada, 1997)

As part of the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program, 1562 bacterial isolates were recovered from hospitalized patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in 30 United States (U.S.) and 8 Canadian medical centers between October and December, 1997. The overall rank order of recovery of the six most common pathogens was Staphylococcus aureus (42.6%) > Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.3%) > Enterococcus spp. (8.1%) > Escherichia coli (7.2%) > Enterobacter spp. (5.2%) > β-hemolytic streptocci (5.1%). With one exception, essentially the same order was observed in both the U.S. and Canada. The single exception was the Enterococcus group, which were the third most common isolate in the U.S. (9.6%), but the seventh most common isolate in Canada (3.7). Of note, 24.0% of S. aureus isolates were oxacillin resistant; vancomycin was uniformly active. Vancomycin resistance among Enterococcus spp. (16.5%) was observed only in the U.S. Several antimicrobial agents remained broadly active for SSTI isolates of P. aeruginosa, including meropenem, amikacin, tobramycin, and piperacillin with or without tazobactam. Imipenem resistance (MICs, ≥ 8 μg/mL) was observed in 11.9% of isolates of P. aeruginosa and ceftazidime, and cefepime had equivalent activity (85.2% and 85.8% susceptible, respectively). Numerous β-lactams, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones were broadly active against E. coli SSTI isolates (i.e. < 5% resistance). Extended-spectrum β-lactamase production was uncommon both with E. coli and Klebsiella spp. in both nations. Cefepime, imipenem, and meropenem; the aminoglycosides; and fluoroquinolones were conspicuously more active against Enterobacter spp. than other agents tested. High-level, stably derepressed Amp C β-lactamase production was commonly observed in this group (26.8%), but cefepime generally retained activity against these ceftazidime-resistant organisms. The results of this study serve to define the most common bacterial causes of SSTIs in North America, elucidate patterns of antimicrobial resistance and can be used as a basis for making initial empiric antimicrobial management decisions in hospitalized patients with such infections.
Economic Values for Saltwater Sport Fishing in Alaska: A Stated Preference Analysis

Abstract The knowledge of how anglers value their fishing opportunities is a fundamental building block of a sound marine policy, especially for stocks for which there is conflict over allocation between different uses (e.g., allocation between recreational and commercial uses and conservation goals). This paper reports on how recreational saltwater anglers value their catches, and the regulations governing them, of Pacific halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis, Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, and coho salmon O. kisutch off the coast of Alaska using stated preference choice experiment data from 2007. Using data from a stated preference survey, we estimated the economic value, or willingness to pay, anglers place on saltwater boat fishing trips in Alaska and assess their response to changes in the characteristics of fishing trips. The results show that Alaska resident anglers had mean trip values ranging from US$246 to $444, while nonresidents had much higher values ($2,007 to $2,639), likely reflecting...
Complementary roles of medial temporal lobes and mid-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for working memory for novel and familiar trial-unique visual stimuli

It has been suggested that working memory (WM) for novel information requires the medial temporal lobes (MTL), but is not necessary for WM for familiar stimuli. In previous studies that directly compared WM for novel and familiar stimuli, only the novel stimuli were trial-unique. Here, 16 young human subjects performed a Sternberg WM task with visual scenes while in a functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner. All task stimuli were trial-unique, but were either new (Novel condition) or previously learned (Familiar condition). This design allowed investigation of whether MTL and prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity is related specifically to the novelty/familiarity of the stimuli or to their trial-unique status during WM. We observed greater hippocampal and parahippocampal activity during encoding and maintenance for novel than for familiar stimuli. In contrast, right mid-dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC) activity was greater during encoding of familiar than novel stimuli. The mid-dlPFC was not recruited during maintenance or for retrieval when the Familiar condition was contrasted with the Novel condition. However, left mid-dlPFC activity was present at retrieval when correct Match trials (i.e. hits) were contrasted with correct Non-match trials (i.e. correct rejections) for the Novel condition. The results support the hypothesis that MTL regions are required for the encoding and maintenance of novel stimuli during WM, demonstrating that the observed MTL activity is not related to the trial-uniqueness of the stimuli per se. Furthermore, the observed activation pattern in mid-dlPFC suggests a role for the mid-dlPFC in executive control-associated processes related to monitoring of scene familiarity at encoding and retrieval during WM.
The Accuracy of Blood Glucose Testing by Children

While studies have evaluated the accuracy of adult patients and health personnel in reading various glucose oxidase impregnated strips to estimate blood glucose, there are no studies exclusively evaluating the accuracy of children with diabetes reading their own strips as compared to a staff member, and meter to meter variability in reading these strips. We evaluated the accuracy of reading chemstrip bG by children at a summer camp. The children's visual readings of their own strips were compared to the visual reading of a single staff member.A total of 356 Chemstrip bG's were visually read by diabetic children and a single trained staff member at a summer camp for diabetics. The strips were then analyzed by two Accu-Chek bG meters. Intermachine variability was found to be negligible over the entire bG range. For the purposes of this study, we define accurate visual readings as those within ±15 percent of the meter reading of a given strip. At low bG values (40-79 mg/dl), accuracy by children and staff is...
Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein Binds to DNA and FcγRI and Potentiates the Ingestion of Apoptotic Cells by Macrophages

Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is an abundant serum protein that exhibits many functions in diverse biological systems. In this study, we show that HRG potentiates the ingestion of apoptotic cells by mature human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDM). HRG bound specifically to apoptotic Jurkat cells and mature HMDM in a saturable and concentration-dependent manner. Purified HRG or HRG in sera increased the number of HMDM-containing apoptotic cells and accelerated the ingestion, while neutralization or depletion of HRG from sera reduced this effect. Anti-FcγRI mAb inhibited HRG binding to HMDM, while DNA, but not chromatin, inhibited HRG binding to apoptotic cells, and either anti-FcγRI or DNA abrogated the HRG-dependent ingestion. The findings indicate that HRG, by acting as a bridge between DNA on apoptotic cells and FcγRI on HMDM, is a key physiological mediator of apoptotic cell clearance by macrophages.
Absence of free aldehydes in fresh tissues, as shown with a neutralized Schiff reagent.

A neutralized Schiff's reagent (pH 6.7) was prepared and used to investigate the role of the acidic nature of the routine Schiff's reagent (pH 2.6) in the plasmal reaction. The neutralized reagent was satisfactory as an aldehyde reagent in the nucleal reaction on gut and, although giving a less intense reaction than the routine reagent in the PAS reaction on the gut and plasmal reaction on the aorta, was satisfactory here in respect to localization and thus to aldehyde specificity. Control sections for the plasmal reaction of unfixed nerve and aorta gave positive results when placed in the routine Schiff's, this increasing with time left in the reagent. Similar control sections in the neutralized Schiff's reagent remained consistently negative even though left in this reagent for 0.5 hr. The positive reaction of such control sections is apparently due to acid hydrolysis of labile plasmalogens by the routine Schiff's reagent in myelin and elastin and not to the presence of “free” aldehydes in these tissue ...
Order Determination and On-Line Estimation - Application to Distillation Process

Several topics in model identification, including selection of model order, determination of stopping time in estimation and condition for strong consistency, are studied in this work. Application of those techniques discussed to a distillation process is provided.
Role of spectral Doppler sonography in the evaluation of partial testicular torsion.

Objective The purpose of this series was to evaluate the role of spectral Doppler and color flow Doppler sonography in the evaluation of partial testicular torsion. Methods Eight cases of partial testicular torsion, diagnosed on the basis of abnormal spectral Doppler waveforms or abnormal color flow Doppler findings, were retrospectively pooled from 2 teaching hospitals. Results The age group ranged from 4 to 85 years. Testicles with partial testicular torsion showed variable spectral Doppler patterns, including increased, similar, or decreased amplitude of the arterial waveform relative to the contralateral testicle. Two cases showed reversal of arterial diastolic flow, and 1 case showed diastolic flow variability within the same testicle. Decreased blood flow was observed on color flow Doppler sonography in 7 of the 8 patients. Conclusions Variability of the Doppler waveform when compared with the contralateral testicle and reversal of diastolic blood flow are indirect clues that aid in the diagnosis of partial testicular torsion.
ADAPTIVE PERFORMANCE SEEKING CONTROL USING FUZZY MODEL REFERENCE LEARNING CONTROL AND POSITIVE GRADIENT CONTROL

1. Abstract Performance Seeking Control attempts to find the operating condition that will generate optimal performance and control the plant at that operating condition. In this paper a nonlinear multivariable Adaptive Performance Seeking Control (APSC) methodology will be developed and it will be demonstrated on a nonlinear system. The APSC is comprised of the Positive Grandient Control (PGC) and the Fuzzy Model Reference Learning Control (FMRLC). The PGC computes the positive gradients of the desired performance function with respect to the control inputs in order to drive the plant set points to the operating point that will produce optimal performance. The PGC approach will be derived in this paper. The feedback control of the plant is performed by the FMRLC. For the FMRLC, the conventional fuzzy model reference learning control methodology is utilized, with guidelines generated here for the effective tuning of the FMRLC controller.
The impact of mass gatherings and holiday traveling on the course of an influenza pandemic: a computational model

During the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, concerns arose about the potential negative effects of mass public gatherings and travel on the course of the pandemic. Better understanding the potential effects of temporal changes in social mixing patterns could help public officials determine if and when to cancel large public gatherings or enforce regional travel restrictions, advisories, or surveillance during an epidemic. We develop a computer simulation model using detailed data from the state of Georgia to explore how various changes in social mixing and contact patterns, representing mass gatherings and holiday traveling, may affect the course of an influenza pandemic. Various scenarios with different combinations of the length of the mass gatherings or traveling period (range: 0.5 to 5 days), the proportion of the population attending the mass gathering events or on travel (range: 1% to 50%), and the initial reproduction numbers R0 (1.3, 1.5, 1.8) are explored. Mass gatherings that occur within 10 days before the epidemic peak can result in as high as a 10% relative increase in the peak prevalence and the total attack rate, and may have even worse impacts on local communities and travelers' families. Holiday traveling can lead to a second epidemic peak under certain scenarios. Conversely, mass traveling or gatherings may have little effect when occurring much earlier or later than the epidemic peak, e.g., more than 40 days earlier or 20 days later than the peak when the initial R0 = 1.5. Our results suggest that monitoring, postponing, or cancelling large public gatherings may be warranted close to the epidemic peak but not earlier or later during the epidemic. Influenza activity should also be closely monitored for a potential second peak if holiday traveling occurs when prevalence is high.
Enantioselective Esterification of Racemic Ibuprofen in Solvent Media under Reduced Pressure

The enantioselective esterification of (R,S)-ibuprofen has been performed with Novozym 435TM in solvent media under reduced pressure. The nature of the solvent affects the activity and enantioselectivity of the lipase. High esterification rates are obtained in solvents having high hydrophobicity (log P>4). On the other hand, the best enantioselectivity is obtained with solvents having low hydrophobicity (log P<3). This particular enantioselectivity trend is observed within the individual solvent families investigated (alkanes, ethers and aromatics). © Canadian Crown Copyright 1997
The Guidelines and JPEG Encoder Study Case of System Level Architecture Exploration Using the SpecC Methodology

To implement chip design on satisfactory target architecture, more architecture exploration should be done at higher levels of abstraction, in the earliest design stages. Using the SpecC language, architecture exploration can be processed easily and smoothly. A SpecC methodology of system level architecture exploration is introduced within this paper to illustrate this process. The design of a JPEG encoder is used as an example to illustrate the system level architecture exploration methodology.
Perspectives of Low-Income African-American Women Non-adherent to Mammography Screening: the Importance of Information, Behavioral Skills, and Motivation

Although information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) adherence model has been successfully used in many illness domains and with other populations, it has not been used in understanding mammogram screening among low-income African-American women. Thus, a qualitative examination is needed to theoretically and collectively understand the barriers to screening, given the disparities in breast cancer mortality rates among this population. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 28 low-income uninsured and underinsured African-American women, 40 to 70 years, who had not had a mammogram within the past 12 months. Women were recruited from 21 hair and nail salons and Laundromats within the five North St. Louis city zip codes with the highest breast cancer mortality rates. Transcripts were analyzed and rooted in grounded theory. This study found that the individual relevancy of information, behavioral skills—both procedural and systematic—and motivation seemed to affect screening adherence; (the results suggest the importance of reordering traditional IMB components into the following sequential order: information, behavioral skills, and motivation (IBM)). Future analyses should include a larger, more representative sample of unscreened women, in which quantitative statistical analyses could be conducted to assist in strengthening assertions about information, behavioral skills, and motivational aspects and their relationship to screening.
A reevaluation of the August 16, 1931 Texas earthquake

The epicenter of the Texas earthquake of August 16, 1931 has been relocated instrumentally much closer to the area of maximum seismic intensities near Valentine, Texas. Regional and local teleseismic P -wave arrival time anomalies observed for the nearby Gnome underground nuclear explosion of 1961 are used to determine station corrections and thus to locate the new epicenter at 30.69°N, 104.57°W. This epicenter lies in a diffuse, elongated area of seismicity detected by a local seismograph network installed in 1976. The present seismic activity indicates a fault striking N50°W. A new analysis of the first-motion data reported in 1931 suggests that the Texas earthquake occurred on a strike-slip fault with right-lateral displacement and with the tension axis oriented S74°W. Several estimates of magnitude ( mb ) based on intensity data range from 5.6 to 6.4.
A Case for Indexing the Minimum Wage in California: An Analysis of Indexed Minimum Wage Policies in Santa Fe, NM and San Francisco, CA

Minimum wages vary greatly throughout the United States. Many states follow the federal minimum wage, and other states enact their own higher minimum wage. However, in high cost-of-living municipalities, local governments are enacting higher minimum wages or living wages. Businesses tend to resist these increases for fear of lost business, although thorough empirical studies show that wage increases do not hurt local economies and can actually cause the local economy to grow. This paper focuses on minimum wages that apply to all works, but many local governments have elected to pay ‘living wages’ for employees or contractors.
In vitro and in vivo induction of tumor necrosis factor alpha by Borrelia burgdorferi

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is an immunoregulatory cytokine with many biological activities including the mediation of inflammation. We examined sera and synovial fluids from patients seropositive for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi using a radioimmunoassay specific for TNF-alpha. Significant elevation of TNF-alpha was found in the sera and synovial fluids of patients examined, while controls showed no elevation. Sera of mice infected with B. burgdorferi contained elevated levels of TNF-alpha which varied during the course of a 24-day infection. To determine whether B. burgdorferi is capable of inducing TNF-alpha production, spirochetes were added to adherent human peripheral blood mononuclear cells or mouse peritoneal exudate cells and 24 h later supernatants were assayed. TNF-alpha induction occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum stimulation occurred when a ratio of 1 to 10 spirochetes per mononuclear cell was used. At optimal concentrations, induction was not diminished by inactivation of spirochetes or pretreatment with polymyxin B. These results suggest that an increase in TNF-alpha production may occur as a result of infection with B. burgdorferi.