cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Novel Financial Navigator Pilot to Address Patient Concerns about Medical Care Costs.

Context Interventions are required that address patients' medically related financial needs. Objective To evaluate a Financial Navigator pilot addressing patients' concerns/needs regarding medical care costs in an integrated health care system. Methods Adults (aged ≥ 18 years) enrolled at Kaiser Permanente Northwest, who had a concern/need about medical care costs and received care in 1 of 3 clinical departments at the intervention or comparison clinic were recruited between August 1, 2016, and October 31, 2016. Baseline and 30-day follow-up participant surveys were administered to assess medical and nonmedical socioeconomic needs, satisfaction with medical care, and satisfaction with assistance with cost concerns. Physicians at both clinics were invited to complete a survey on medical care costs. We assessed participant characteristics and survey responses using descriptive statistics and 30-day change in satisfaction measures using multivariable linear regression models. Results Eighty-five intervention and 51 comparison participants completed the baseline survey. At baseline, intervention participants reported transportation (52.9%), housing (38.2%), and social isolation (32.4%) needs; comparison participants identified employment (33.3%), food (33.3%), and housing (33.3%) needs. Intervention participants reported higher satisfaction with care (p = 0.01) and higher satisfaction with cost concerns assistance (p = 0.01) vs comparison participants at 30-day follow-up, controlling for baseline responses. Although most physicians (80%) reported discussing medical care costs with their patients, only 18% reported knowing about their patients' financial well-being. Conclusion We demonstrated the promise of a novel Financial Navigator pilot intervention to address medical care cost concerns and needs, and underscored the prevalence of nonmedical social needs in an economically vulnerable population.
Cycloadditions of Oxacyclic Allenes and a Catalytic Asymmetric Entryway to Enantioenriched Cyclic Allenes

The chemistry of strained cyclic alkynes has undergone a renaissance over the past two decades. However, a related species, strained cyclic allenes, especially heterocyclic derivatives, have only recently resurfaced and represent another class of valuable intermediates. We report a mild and facile means to generate the parent 3,4-oxacyclic allene from a readily accessible silyl triflate precursor, and then trap it in (4+2), (3+2), and (2+2) reactions to provide a variety of cycloadducts. In addition, we describe a catalytic, decarboxylative asymmetric allylic alkylation performed on an α-silylated substrate, to ultimately permit access to an enantioenriched allene. Generation and trapping of the enantioenriched cyclic allene occurs with complete transfer of stereochemical information in a Diels-Alder cycloaddition through a point-chirality, axial-chirality, point-chirality transfer process.
Low levels of initiation, engagement, and retention in substance use disorder treatment including pharmacotherapy among HIV-infected and uninfected veterans.

Abstract Background Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common in healthcare settings and contribute to poor outcomes, particularly in patients living with HIV. We assessed initiation, engagement, and retention in SUD treatment and pharmacotherapy following an index SUD episode in a national sample of HIV-infected and uninfected patients receiving care in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. Methods We used electronic national VA data (years 2000–2015) from 52,995 HIV-infected and 111,229 age-, race-, gender-, and region-matched uninfected patients. We defined index SUD episodes as outpatient visits or inpatient/residential admissions with associated primary or secondary ICD-9 codes for substance use in patients without SUD-related services or pharmacotherapy in the preceding 5 months. Results Overall, 57,428 (35%) patients had at least 1 index SUD episode. HIV-infected patients were more likely than uninfected controls to have at least one index SUD episode (35.7% vs. 34.6%; p Conclusions In this national VA sample, initiation of SUD treatment and pharmacotherapy were uncommon for both HIV-infected and uninfected patients. Interventions to improve initiation, engagement, and retention in the full range of services, including SUD pharmacotherapy, are warranted for all patients with SUD in the VA.
Preferences for mHealth physical activity interventions during chemotherapy for breast cancer: a qualitative evaluation.

Physical activity has been shown to decline over the course of chemotherapy in breast cancer survivors; yet it may reduce treatment-related side effects and emerging evidence indicates it may improve disease outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may be an effective, scalable strategy to increase physical activity during treatment. However, little is known about breast cancer patients’ interests and preferences for these interventions. It is important to understand patients’ interests and preferences prior to development of mHealth physical activity interventions to increase their relevance and efficacy. Breast cancer survivors (n = 30) participated in a semi-structured phone interview and were asked about barriers and facilitators to physical activity during chemotherapy as well as their preferences on a range of potential mHealth intervention features. Transcribed interviews were coded and key themes were analyzed using an iterative, inductive approach. Five key themes were extracted from the interviews: (1) need for education about physical activity during chemotherapy; (2) treatment side effects inhibit physical activity; (3) a structured, home-based, tech-supported program with in-person elements is most feasible; (4) need for a personalized, highly tailored intervention; and (5) importance of social support from other breast cancer survivors, friends, and family. Breast cancer survivors are interested in mHealth physical activity interventions during chemotherapy, but preferences for intervention content and delivery varied. Future work should engage patients and survivors in intervention development and testing.
Persistence and Extent of Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy: Association with Number of Maneuvers and Duration of Shoulder Dystocia.

Objective The main objective of this article is to determine if persistence of neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) following shoulder dystocia was associated with maneuvers used or duration of impacted shoulder. Study Design Retrospective review of children with NBPP and documented shoulder dystocia. Student t-tests and chi-squared tests were used to compare outcomes when shoulder dystocia resolved with > 3 versus ≤ 3 maneuvers or duration > versus ≤ 120 seconds. Relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated. Results Among 46 children with NBPP and shoulder dystocia, incidence of persistence was significantly higher at 2 years of age when > 3 versus ≤ 3 maneuvers were used (100 vs. 62%; RR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.2). When resolution of impacted shoulder lasted >120 versus ≤ 120 seconds, NBPP at 2 years was significantly more likely (100 vs. 63%; RR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.2). Injury to all five nerves of the brachial plexus was more likely if standard deviation lasted > 120 versus ≤ 120 seconds (RR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.03–4.6). Conclusion Though the number of maneuvers used and duration of shoulder dystocia are associated with persistence of NBPP, the retrospective nature of the study of a selective cohort precludes recommendations changing the current management of shoulder dystocia.
Beyond the Diagnosis of Group IV Pulmonary Hypertension: Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Mimickers

Abstract We present 3 patients with similar clinical presentation of group IV pulmonary hypertension but with totally different diagnoses. This case series highlights the need to keep a broad differential diagnosis and to utilize more diverse imaging modalities for the diagnosis of group IV pulmonary hypertension. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)
Early Postoperative Functional Assessment Predicts Non-Home Discharge After Pulmonary Lobectomy.

Background Non-home hospital disposition is an important patient-centric quality measure, and is increasingly tied to reimbursements. We sought to determine the value of early postoperative functional assessment to predict non-home discharge. Methods Patients undergoing elective pulmonary lobectomy between May 2017 and December 2018 were identified from The Society of Thoracic Surgery database at a single institution. Early postoperative functional assessment using the Boston University Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) basic mobility short form was routinely performed by the inpatient rehabilitation services. The association of baseline patient characteristics and AM-PAC scores with nonhospital discharge was analyzed. Results A total of 241 patients (median age 65 years, 59% female) underwent lobectomy. First postoperative functional assessment was performed at a median of 1 day (interquartile range, 1 to 2) after surgery. Median AM-PAC score was 18 (interquartile range, 17 to 19), correlating to a 47% functional impairment in daily activities. Thirteen patients (5.4%) were discharged to an extended care facility instead of home. Non-home discharge was more commonly observed for patients of older age or with prior history of stroke. First postoperative AM-PAC score was able to discriminate hospital disposition (area under the curve 0.714; 95% confidence interval, 0.594 to 0.834; P = .009). Adjusted for patient factors and performance status, first postoperative AM-PAC score was independently associated with non-home discharge (odds ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval, 0.36 to 0.81; P = .003). Conclusions Early postoperative functional impairment assessment using AM-PAC may be useful to predict non-hospital discharge after pulmonary lobectomy. Attention to these factors may be used to aid early disposition planning, and adjust preventative strategies.
Climate-related thresholds in lake ice and the associated environmental and social systems

Abstract Nearly half of the world’s lakes freeze periodically. In the past few decades, lakes in the northern hemisphere are increasingly recording unusually short or no annual ice season due to climate variability and change. This is raising concerns about the potential impact of short annual ice cover season on lake ecosystem structure, stability, and function. Here we develop a tentative framework that delineates the connection between winter climate variability, shorter lake ice season, and related environmental and social impacts with focus on winter thermal thresholds in lake ice. This framework organizes existing knowledge on this topic and presents a systems-scale view. The integrative system’s scale view presented in this study seeks to inform: (a) usability of seasonal climatic information to understand timing of ice out and thresholds therein, and (b) efforts seeking to develop adaptive lake related management and planning policies in a changing climate.
The Effect of Lacrosse Protective Equipment on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator Shock.

CONTEXT In the event of an acute cardiac event, on-field equipment removal is suggested, although it remains unknown how lacrosse equipment removal may alter time to first chest compression and time to first AED shock. OBJECTIVE To determine time to first chest compression and first AED shock in 2 chest exposure procedures with 2 different pad types. DESIGN Crossover study Setting: Simulation laboratory Participants: Thirty-six athletic trainers (21 females, 15 males; age=30.58±7.81) Main Outcome Measures: Participants worked in pairs to provide 2 rescuer CPR intervention on a simulation manikin (QCPR manikin, Laerdal Medical, Wappingers Falls, NY) outfitted with lacrosse pads and helmet. Participants completed a total of 8 trials per pair (2 chest exposure procedures X 2 pad types X 2 participant roles). The dependent variables were time to first compression (s) and time to first AED shock (s). The independent variables were chest exposure procedure with 2 levels (procedure 1: removal of helmet while initiating CPR over the pads followed by pad retraction and AED application; procedure 2: removal of helmet and removal of pads followed by CPR and AED application) and pad type (Warrior Burn Hitman shoulder pads; Warrior Nemesis chest protector). RESULTS We found a statistically significant interaction between chest exposure procedure and pad type for time to first compression (F1,35=4.66, P=0.04, ω2p=0.10) with significantly faster times during procedure 1 for both the Nemesis pads (16.1±3.4 s) and the Hitman pads (16.1±4.5 s) compared to procedure 2 (Nemesis pads: 49.6±12.9 s, P<0.0001; Hitman pads: 53.8±14.5 s, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Completing the initial cycle of chest compressions over either shoulder pads or a chest protector hastens time to first chest compression without diminishing CPR quality which may improve patient outcomes. Time to first AED shock was not different between equipment procedure or pad type.
Reform of China’s ‘Forced’ Technology Transfer Policies

The US-China ‘trade war’ has captured headlines for more than a year now. One of the primary justifications given by the US government for this onslaught — including a WTO case, tariffs, export restrictions, and other measures targeted at China — is China’s persistent use of so-called ‘forced’ technology transfer (FTT) policies. Building on several recent works of mine, this article outlines five main types of policies in China that foreign multinational corporations (MNCs) have characterized as ‘forcing’ technology transfer and highlights how they have been reformed in 2018 and 2019, largely as a result of the trade war and to the benefit of foreign MNCs.
The Legal and Administrative Risks of Climate Regulation

Dramatic and rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are necessary to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) at acceptable levels. Prioritizing federal environmental regulation as the primary means of achieving these goals may be a strategic mistake. Regulatory mandates, particularly if based upon existing statutory authority, will be vulnerable to legal attack, obstruction, and delay. Climate legislation can reduce the legal risks and accelerate the rate of policy implementation, but only on the margin. Adopting regulatory controls, sector-by-sector, technology-by-technology will be immensely resource intensive for the EPA and other federal agencies. Even with authorizing legislation, federal regulatory strategies may remain more time-consuming, conflict-ridden, and legally vulnerable than fiscal measures. A carbon tax, in particular, would be more legally secure and administratively easier to implement than regulatory controls on energy use and GHG emissions.
Extracellular Vesicles in Lung Cancer Metastasis and Their Clinical Applications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogenous membrane-encapsulated vesicles secreted by every cell into the extracellular environment. EVs carry bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, DNA, and different RNA forms, which can be internalized by recipient cells, thus altering their biological characteristics. Given that EVs are commonly found in most body fluids, they have been widely described as mediators of communication in several physiological and pathological processes, including cancer. Moreover, their easy detection in biofluids makes them potentially useful candidates as tumor biomarkers. In this manuscript, we review the current knowledge regarding EVs and non-coding RNAs and their role as drivers of the metastatic process in lung cancer. Furthermore, we present the most recent applications for EVs and non-coding RNAs as cancer therapeutics and their relevance as clinical biomarkers.
Effects of back-support exoskeleton use on gait performance and stability during level walking

Abstract Background Back-support exoskeletons (BSEs) are a promising intervention to mitigate physical demands at work. Although growing evidence indicates that BSEs can reduce low-back physical demands, there is limited understanding of potential unintended consequences of BSE use, including the risk of falls. Research question Does using a BSE adversely affect gait performance and stability, and are such effects dependent on specific BSE external torque characteristics? Methods Twenty participants (10 M, 10 F) completed five level over-ground walking trials and a five-minute treadmill walking trial while wearing a BSE (backXTM) with three different levels of external torque (i.e., no torque, low torque, and high torque) and in a control (no-exoskeleton) condition. Spatiotemporal gait patterns, stride-to-stride gait variability measures, required coefficient-of-friction (RCoF), and minimum foot clearance (MFC) were determined, to assess gait performance. Gait stability was quantified using the maximum Lyapunov exponent (MLE) of trunk kinematics and the margin-of-stability (MoS). Results Using the backXTM with high supportive torque decreased slip risk (7% decrease in RCoF) and slightly improved trunk stability (3% decrease in MLE). However, it also decreased step length (1%), increased step width (10%) and increased gait variability (8-19%). Changes in MoS were complex: while MoS at heel strike decreased in the AP direction, it increased in the ML direction. There was a rather large decrease in MoS (26%) in the ML direction during the swing phase. Significance This is the first study to quantify the effects of wearing a passive BSE with multiple supportive torque levels on gait performance and stability during level walking. Our results, showing that the external torque of the BSE may adversely affect gait step width, variability, and dynamic stability, can contribute to better design and practice guidelines to facilitate the safe adoption of BSEs in the workplace.
The Overuse of Rankings

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently chastised Indian universities for having no institutions in the “top 200” of the global higher education rankings. He sees this poor showing as an indication of the low quality of Indian higher education. Indian authorities also said that only overseas universities in the global “top 500” would be permitted to establish a branch campus or joint-degree program in India.
TURBIDITY CHANGE DURING GLUCOSE PERMEATION IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

Abstract Rogers, Dexter (Utah State University, Logan) and Shon-Hua Yu. Turbidity change during glucose permeation in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 85:1141–1149. 1963.—In contrast to the normal turbidity decrease, which was observed at pH 5.5, the turbidity of suspensions of Escherichia coli strain A (Weigle) increased during uptake of glucose permease substrates when uptake was studied at pH 6.5. Although the turbidity increase at pH 6.5 was the reverse of the expected change, it correlated with the uptake of substrate. During the later phase of permeation at pH 6.5, both uptake of substrate and turbidity change were reversed. We suggest that the observed turbidity response indicated the accumulation of substrate at the cell membrane when the mechanism for releasing substrate to the cytoplasm was inhibited at pH 6.5. Under this condition, uptake of substrate did not cause swelling because the substrate was osmotically inactive, since it may have been bound to the membrane. Permeability was observed to be susceptible to modification by prior treatment with substrate, by aging in the presence of chloramphenicol, and by treatment with dinitrophenol. Permeation and turbidity change are discussed in terms of a proposed phosphorylative mechanism of glucose transport.
The role of neutrophil membrane glycoprotein 150 (GP-150) in neutrophil-mediated endothelial cell injury in vitro

In this study we examined the importance of neutrophil adherence in neutrophil-mediated endothelial cell injury. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-activated neutrophils from a patient with a congenital defect in neutrophil adherence (Gp-150 deficiency) and PMA-activated normal neutrophils pretreated with monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 60.3 were used. Both Gp-150-deficient and MoAb 60.3-treated normal neutrophils failed to adhere to cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HEC) monolayers when activated by PMA (adherence less than 10% with patient and MoAb 60.3-treated cells compared with 53 +/- 3% with normal cells). The addition of PMA-activated normal neutrophils to 51Cr-labeled HEC monolayers failed to induce significant 51Cr release but did produce marked HEC detachment (percentage of detachment 50 +/- 3 at 6 hr). In marked contrast, PMA-activated Gp-150-deficient neutrophils failed to induce significant HEC detachment (percentage of detachment zero (0) at 6 hr). Moreover, the addition of MoAb 60.3 to normal neutrophils inhibited neutrophil-mediated HEC detachment in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. Non-lytic HEC detachment was determined to be largely oxygen radical independent, because PMA-activated chronic granulomatous disease neutrophils and PMA-activated normal neutrophils produced similar disruption of HEC monolayers. Soybean trypsin inhibitor, a chloromethylketone elastase inhibitor, and autologous serum all failed to inhibit neutrophil-mediated HEC detachment. From these studies there is no evidence that nonlytic HEC detachment by PMA-activated neutrophils is mediated by the neutrophil-derived proteases, elastase and cathepsin G. Neutrophil-mediated HEC detachment also required intact neutrophils, because postsecretory medium from PMA-activated normal neutrophils and a suspension of frozen-thawed PMA-activated normal neutrophils were without effect. These in vitro studies indicate that the neutrophil cell surface glycoprotein Gp-150 is required for nonlytic HEC detachment by intact PMA-activated neutrophils.
Steroids—LXXVIII : The lead tetraacetate oxidation of a 5-hydroxy-B-norsteroid☆☆☆

Abstract The lead tetraacetate oxidation of the tertiary alcohol 1 gives rise to two products, 3a and 4a, which contain a transannular oxide bridge. These structures are determined by analytical and spectral properties and by two independent chemical interconversions. The stereochemistry can be deduced from these reactions. Two possible mechanisms for the formation of the products are presented.
A parallel structured ecological model for high end shared memory computers

This paper presents a new approach to parallelize spatially-explicit structured ecological models. Previous investigations have mainly focused on the use of spatial decomposition for parallelization of these models. Here, we exploit the partitioning of species age structures (or layers) as part of an integrated ecosystem simulation on a high-end shared memory computer using OpenMP. As an example, we use a parallel spatially-explicit structured fish model (ALFISH) for regional ecosystem restoration to demonstrate the parallelization procedure and associated model performance evaluation. Identical simulation results, validated by a comparison with a sequential implementation, and impressive parallel model performance demonstrate that layer-wised partitioning offers advantages in parallelizing structured ecological models on high-end shared memory computers. The average execution time of the parallel ALFISH model, using 1 computational thread, is about 11 hours, while the execution of the parallel ALFISH model using 25 computational threads is about 39 minutes (the speedup factor being about 16).
Lived experiences of breast cancer survivors after diagnosis, treatment and beyond: qualitative study

Background The number of breast cancer survivors has increased since 1990 due to advances in biomedical technology that lead to an increase in early diagnosis and treatment. Research on survivorship has focused on the psychological and treatment aspects of the disease. The goal of this study was focused on exploring the lived experiences of breast cancer survivors from diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Objective To understand the lived experiences of women who are breast cancer survivors. Design, Setting and Participants A purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit participants from two Missouri cancer centres. A total of 15 women breast cancer survivors were interviewed. Findings Three major themes emerged that described the lived experiences of the women. These were factors from the diagnosis and treatment management impacting survivorship, relationship and support system and implication of survivorship. Participants noted that coping with the diagnosis and treatment was a stressful journey and required lots of adjustment and changes. Some developed various techniques such as journaling their activities which provided comfort. In addition, support from family was shared as the key which gave them strength and courage through the different stages of treatment. However, they found it difficult to articulate what survivorship meant. Conclusion Using in-depth interview techniques, this study shed light on the experiences of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and have completed treatment. They acknowledged frustration with their diagnosis and body changes. Support received from family and friends helped them cope through their treatment. However, they felt abandoned once the treatment phase was over and were uncertain what survivorhood meant to them.
Induction of the heat shock regulon of Escherichia coli markedly increases production of bacterial viruses at high temperatures.

Abstract Production of bacteriophages T2, T4, and T6 at 42.8 to 44 degrees C was increased from 8- to 260-fold by adapting the Escherichia coli host (grown at 30 degrees C) to growth at the high temperature for 8 min before infection; this increase was abolished if the host htpR (rpoH) gene was inactive. Others have shown that the htpR protein increases or activates the synthesis of at least 17 E. coli heat shock proteins upon raising the growth temperature above a certain level. At 43.8 to 44 degrees C in T4-infected, unadapted cells, the rates of RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis were about 100, 70, and 70%, respectively, of those in T4-infected, adapted cells. Production of the major processed capsid protein, gp23, was reduced significantly more than that of most other T4 proteins in unadapted cells relative to adapted cells. Only 4.6% of the T4 DNA made in unadapted cells was resistant to micrococcal nuclease, versus 50% in adapted cells. Thus, defective maturation of T4 heads appears to explain the failure of phage production in unadapted cells. Overproduction of the heat shock protein GroEL from plasmids restored T4 production in unadapted cells to about 50% of that seen in adapted cells. T4-infected, adapted E. coli B at around 44 degrees C exhibited a partial tryptophan deficiency; this correlated with reduced uptake of uracil that is probably caused by partial induction of stringency. Production of bacteriophage T7 at 44 degrees C was increased two- to fourfold by adapting the host to 44 degrees C before infection; evidence against involvement of the htpR (rpoH) gene is presented. This work and recent work with bacteriophage lambda (C. Waghorne and C.R. Fuerst, Virology 141:51-64, 1985) appear to represent the first demonstrations for any virus that expression of the heat shock regulon of a host is necessary for virus production at high temperature.
Sociodemographic Predictors of Pattern and Volume of Alcohol Consumption Across Hispanics, Blacks, and Whites: 10‐Year Trend (1992–2002)

Background: There have been limited trend studies examining variations on the patterns of alcohol consumption among Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics in the United States. The current paper reports national trends in drinking patterns, volume of drinking (number of drinks per month), binge drinking, and drinking to intoxication among Blacks, Whites, and Hispanics over a period of 10 years and identifies sociodemographic predictors of these behaviors across the 3 ethnic groups. Methods: Data are from the 1991 to 1992 National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey (NLAES; n = 42,862) and the 2001 to 2002 National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; n = 43,093). Both surveys used multistage cluster sample procedures to select respondents 18 years of age and older from the U.S. household population. Results: Trends varied across different dimensions of drinking and ethnic groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean number of drinks consumed per month among men and women in any of the 3 ethnic groups between 1992 and 2002, but there was a significant rise in the proportion of current drinkers in both genders and in all 3 ethnic groups. Multivariate analysis indicated that, compared to Whites in 1992, Blacks and Hispanics did not increase their volume of drinking, but Whites did. Drinking 5 or more drinks in day at all did not increase between 1992 and 2002, but drinking 5 or more drinks at least once a month was more likely for all groups in 2002 compared to Whites in 1992. Drinking to intoxication at all was more likely among Whites in 2002 than 1992, but drinking to intoxication at least once a month was more likely among Whites and Blacks in 2002 than 1992. Conclusion: The only common trend between 1992 and 2002 across both genders and 3 ethnic groups was a rise in the proportion of drinkers. There was also a rise in drinking 5 or more drinks in a day (Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics) and drinking to intoxication (Whites and Blacks), but this was limited to those reporting such drinking at least once a month. The reasons for these changes are many and may involve complex sociodemographic changes in the population. It is important for the field to closely monitor these cross-ethnic trends in alcohol consumption. Language: en
2,2′‐Methylenebis(1,3,2‐dioxaborinane), Lithium Complex

(1; n = 2) [63035-39-2] C7H13B2LiO4 (MW 189.76) InChI = 1S/C7H13B2O4.Li/c1-3-10-8(11-4-1)7-9-12-5-2-6-13-9;/h7H,1-6H2; InChIKey = NVVLRWAHLSSNOQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N (2; n = 1) [57404-82-7] C5H9B2LiO4 (MW 161.70) InChI = 1S/C5H9B2O4.Li/c1-2-9-6(8-1)5-7-10-3-4-11-7;/h5H,1-4H2; InChIKey = JLFJJPFJHWDCTP-UHFFFAOYSA-N (converts aldehydes to (E)-alkenylboronic esters,1, 2 which can be converted to the homologous aldehyde3 or coupled with alkenyl halides;4 converts primary alkyl halides to 1,1-alkylidenebis(boronic esters)2) Physical Data: air-sensitive solid; precipitates from THF at 0 °C. The immediate precursor, 2,2′-methylenebis(1,3,2-dioxaborinane), crystallizes from 4∶1 Et2O/pentane, mp 42–43 °C, 1H NMR δ 0.13 (s, BCH2B). Preparative Methods: methylenebis(boronic acid) tetramethyl ester is prepared by addition of a mixture of (MeO)2BCl and CH2Cl2 to Li dispersion in THF vigorously stirred at −40 to −30 °C,1a,5 then transesterified with 1,3-propanediol.2 The lithium complex is formed by treatment with Lithium 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidide (LiTMP) and TMEDA in THF.2 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: 2,2′-methylenebis(1,3,2-dioxaborinane) can be transferred and weighed in air, but should be stored under an inert atmosphere. The lithium complex is generated as needed and must be protected from moisture and oxygen.
Feasibility, reliability and validity of an operative performance rating system for evaluating surgery residents

Background Resident evaluation traditionally involves global assessments including clinical performance, professional behavior, technical skill, and number of procedures performed. These evaluations lack objective assessment of operative skills. We describe an operative performance rating system (OPRS) designed to provide objective operative performance ratings using a sentinel procedure format. Methods Ten-item procedure-specific rating instruments were developed. Items included technical skills, operative decision making, and general items. A 1 to 5 (5 = excellent) scale was used for evaluation. Six procedures had sufficient forms returned to allow evaluation. Inter-rater reliability was determined by having faculty evaluators view 2 videotaped operations. Results Return rates for the Internet-based form were full-time faculty (92%), volunteer faculty (27%), and overall (67%). Reliability, (average interitem correlation), and total procedures evaluated were excisional biopsy, 0.90, (0.48), 77; open inguinal herniorraphy, 0.94, (0.62), 51; laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 0.95, (0.64), 75; small-bowel and colon resection, 0.92, (0.58), 30; parathyroidectomy, 0.70, (0.19), 30; and lumpectomy, 0.92, (0.51), 38. Years of training accounted for 25% to 57% of the variation in scores. Inter-rater variability was observed; however, the average rater agreement was reliable. Conclusions Internet-based management made obtaining the data feasible. The OPRS complements traditional evaluations by providing objective assessment of operative decision-making and technical skills. Interitem correlations indicate the average rating of items provides a reliable indicator of resident performance. The OPRS is useful in tracking resident development throughout postgraduate training and offers a structured means of certifying operative skills.
Structural and superconducting properties of Bi2Sr2(M′1−yMy″)2Cu3Ox(M′=Ca,Y; M″=Na,Ca) including hydrided materials

Abstract Structural and superconducting properties of materials of nominal composition Bi 2 Sr 2 (M′ 1−y M″ y ) n−1 Cu n O x of the type Bi 2 Sr 2 (Ca 1−y Y y ) 2 Cu 3 O x , Bi 2 Sr 2 (Y 1−y Na y ) 2 Cu 3 O x and Bi 2 Sr 2 (Ca 1−y Na y ) 2 Cu 3 O x have been investigated. Mixed phase materials are observed with superconducting onset temperatures as high as T c ~ 107K when M′=Ca, M″=Na. Non-superconducting mixed phase materials are found when M′=Y, M″=Na and y = 0.5 or 0.6. For Bi 2 Sr 2 (Ca 1−y Y y ) 2 Cu 3 O x values of T c for the n = 2 phase decrease with y. They can be partly restored through insertion of H. The results are discussed in terms of stability of the competing Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O x phase and modification of bond valence and hole concentration. In particular, a mechanism is discussed based on a lower bond valence than 3 on Bi. Accordingly, Bi can act as a hole reservoir. Partial Y substitution for Ca reduces T c as it increases x and Bi bond valence. H insertion restores the low Bi bond valence and characteristic Cu hole concentration through partial bonding to O.
Split-dose exposures versus dual ion exposure in human cell neoplastic transformation

Since radiation fields of space contain many-fold more protons than high atomic number, high energy (HZE) particles, cells in astronaut crews will experience on average several proton hits before an HZE hit. Thus radiation regimes of proton exposure before HZE particle exposure simulate space radiation exposure, and measurement of the frequency of neoplastic transformation of human primary cells to anchorage-independent growth simulates an initial step in cancer induction. Although previous investigations indicated a synergistic increase in transformation yields in the cells exposed to protons followed by HZE particles, these experiments did not differentiate between the effect of splitting of the dose into two fractions and that of changing the ion beams. To test this, we irradiated cells with split doses of either protons or HZE particles, then measured clonogenic survival and neoplastic transformation, as measured by colony formation in semi-solid soft agar medium. The data show that the split dose of 20 cGy plus 20 cGy of either H or HZE ions gave about the same effect as the 40 cGy uninterrupted dose, quite different from the effect of the mixed ion beam H + HZE irradiation. We also asked if lower proton doses than 20 cGy followed 15 min later by 20 cGy of HZE ions gave greater than additive transformation frequencies. Substantial increases in transformation levels were observed for all proton doses tested, including 1 cGy. These results point to the signal importance of protons in affecting the effect of space radiation on human cells.
Radar detection of wetland ecosystems: a review

Periodically, reviews of our knowledge of radar-wetland relationships and detection parameters have been provided by various authors. Since the publication of these works, additional research has been completed. Five major remote sensing journals spanning the years 1965-2007 formed the basis of this review. The vast majority of significant material found its way into these mainstream journals in one aspect or another. A short history of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-wetlands discovery based on earlier reviews is followed by an update on radar-related wetland research. Although some trends emerged with regard to which wavelengths or polarizations to use, there was variation in optimum season/time of year and selection of multitemporal imagery. What is evident throughout the recent literature is that multidimensional radar data sets are attaining an accepted role in operational situations needing information on wetland presence, extent and conditions.
Switchless Amplifier Switching Scheme for Efficient Transmission Power Control of MESFET High Power Amplifier

A novel scheme that provides efficient transmission power control (TPC) for user portable terminals of Ku-band satellite communication systems is presented. The scheme features the use of unique switching and impedance matching techniques for the MESFET high power amplifier (HPA). A detailed performance estimation is carried out and confirmed by the measurement. Experimental results show that the HPA employing the novel scheme achieved 5 dB of TPC efficiently.
External beam radiotherapy for primary and adjuvant management of aggressive fibromatosis.

Abstract Purpose: To review a large single-institution experience in the management of aggressive fibromatosis to determine the effectiveness of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and identify the presentation and treatment variables predictive of locoregional control. Methods and Materials: Between 1975 and 2000, 72 patients were treated with EBRT for a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of aggressive fibromatosis. Thirty patients were treated at the primary presentation and 42 at the time of a locoregional recurrence. Minimal 2-year follow-up data were available for 65 patients (median 6 years). Megavoltage irradiation with 60 Co to 20 MV photons or electron therapy was used for all patients. Most patients were treated after attempted complete surgical resection; 16 patients underwent pretreatment biopsy alone. The prescribed treatment was standard (1.8 Gy) daily fractions in 42 cases and 1.2 Gy fractions b.i.d. in 23 cases. The median prescribed dose was 54 Gy. The prognostic variables and treatment results were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier actuarial analysis. Results: Locoregional control was achieved in 52 of 65 patients. The 5-year actuarial locoregional control was 83%. Locoregional failure occurred in 13 patients (11 in patients with recurrent tumors). Only two failures occurred within the irradiation fields; nine failures occurred at the field margins. Eleven patients were salvaged by surgery: wide excision in nine and amputation in two. The only prognostic factor significant for locoregional control was primary vs. recurrent presentation ( p = 0.0193). The 5-year locoregional control rates for irradiation at initial presentation and at recurrence were 96% and 75%, respectively. The variables without significance for locoregional control included primary tumor location, surgical procedures performed, resection margins, and gross vs. microscopic residual tumor at irradiation. Lymphedema was the most common late effect, occurring in 7 patients, 5 with prior treatment. Bone fracture occurred in 3 patients; all 3 had fibromatosis involving the bone at presentation but without recurrence at the time of fracture. Conclusion: EBRT is effective treatment for aggressive fibromatosis. The probability of locoregional control decreases with multiple prior recurrences.
Flowering and Growth Response of Peanut Plants (Arachis hypogaea L. var. Starr) at Two Levels of Relative Humidity

Peanut plants (Arachis hypogaea L. var. Starr) grown under two different relative humidities were used in all experiments. All plants were germinated and grown to flowering in the greenhouse. At this time, one group was moved to a growth room under 95% relative humidity. After 50 days the humidity of the growth room was lowered to 50%. The second group was moved into a growth room at 50% relative humidity and after 50 days the humidity was raised to 95%. Flowering rates of plants under high humidity were greater than rates of those plants under low humidity. Flowering was stimulated by transfer from low to high humidity, and these plants set the largest percentage of pegs, maintained a high rate of ethylene production by 2-centimeter peg sections, a high growth rate of intact pegs, and they had a higher mean content of gibberellins than plants transferred from a high to a low humidity. The plants in the high to low transfer had the least number of flowers, formed the lowest percentage of pegs, had about 50% less ethylene production by 2-centimeter peg sections, and the peg growth rate declined about 50%. Maximum ethylene production occurred during initial stages of peg growth (1- to 5-millimeter sections), and gibberellin content was generally higher in these peg sections. Thus, high humidity enhanced flowering, peg formation, and peg growth rate. A causal relationship between these effects of high humidity and the growth regulator status of the developing fruit is indicated.
Conditional and joint positive time-frequency distributions: a brief overview

We give a brief review of ideas and insights derived from the study and application of positive time-frequency distributions, in the nearly 25 years since their formulation by Cohen, Posch and Zaparovanny. Associated topics discussed include instantaneous frequency and conditional moments, the "time varying spectrum" and joint versus conditional distributions, the uncertainty principle, kernel design, cross terms, AM-FM signal decompositions, among others. Many of the conventionally held ideas in time-frequency analysis are challenged by results from positive time-frequency distributions.
Intraoperative fluorescence for resection of hemangioblastomas

Background Resection of hemangioblastomas can be challenging due to their high vascularity and intimate association with neighboring cerebrovascular structures. The authors present their intraoperative findings using fluorescein angiography and fluorescence for removal of hemangioblastomas in an attempt to improve the safety and extent of resection.
PROPAGATION EFFECTS AND ULTRAFAST OPTICAL SWITCHING IN DENSE MEDIA

We investigate ultrashort pulse propagation in a dense medium of two-level atoms. We numerically solve the coupled nonlinear Maxwell-Bloch equations by assuming that the fields are slowly varying in time only. We find that while intrinsic optical switching of the atomic inversion persists in extended media, self-phase-modulation effects, coherent energy transfer, and reflections can be large even for films that are only a small fraction of a wavelength thick. If the propagation distance is sufficiently large, a physical boundary that separates fully excited atoms from atoms in the ground state can be created within the medium. In turn, this leads to a rapid spatial modulation of the nonlinear polarization, and a deterioration of the intrinsic optical switching mechanism. We then show that, although the slowly varying envelope approximation in space may be preempted by the fast longitudinal variation of the field and atomic variables, the mean-field approximation remains valid in the regime of ultrafast optical switching, provided the film thickness is sufficiently small such that the medium is nearly uniformly excited. These results are generated by utilization of our calculational method that fully accounts for the longitudinal dynamics of the fields, including reflections.
Using hybrid implicit Monte Carlo diffusion to simulate gray radiation hydrodynamics

This work describes how to couple a hybrid Implicit Monte Carlo Diffusion (HIMCD) method with a Lagrangian hydrodynamics code to evaluate the coupled radiation hydrodynamics equations. This HIMCD method dynamically applies Implicit Monte Carlo Diffusion (IMD) [1] to regions of a problem that are opaque and diffusive while applying standard Implicit Monte Carlo (IMC) [2] to regions where the diffusion approximation is invalid. We show that this method significantly improves the computational efficiency as compared to a standard IMC/Hydrodynamics solver, when optically thick diffusive material is present, while maintaining accuracy. Two test cases are used to demonstrate the accuracy and performance of HIMCD as compared to IMC and IMD. The first is the Lowrie semi-analytic diffusive shock [3]. The second is a simple test case where the source radiation streams through optically thin material and heats a thick diffusive region of material causing it to rapidly expand. We found that HIMCD proves to be accurate, robust, and computationally efficient for these test problems.
Applying a creativity framework to animal cognition

Abstract In the field of creativity, psychologists typically only study humans and biologists or ethologists usually focus either on animal problem solving or consider creativity to be an evolutionary adaptation. Yet a fuller application of creativity principles to animal behavior may both shed insight into animal cognition and expand current notions of creativity. We propose a framework for animal creativity based both on animal behavior research and creativity theories. The framework proposes different creative capabilities required for each level—i.e., one does not have to complete level 2 to reach level 3, however one does have to possess higher creative abilities. The first level is the simple ability to recognize novelty. Next is observational learning, which raises questions about imitation, intention of behavior, and the cultural transmission of creative behaviors. At the peak is creating a tool or a behavior with the specific understanding that is new and different.
Developmental toxicology of acetonitrile in the syrian golden hamster

Pregnant hamsters were exposed to acetonitrile by inhalation, ingestion, or ip injection during the early primitive streak stage of embryogenesis. Inhalation of 1,800 or 3,800 ppm acetonitrile for 60 min failed to induce malformations in the near-term offspring whereas inhalation of 5,000 or 8,000 ppm acetonitrile was associated with production of severe axial skeletal (dysraphic) disorders. One fetus afflicted with extrathoracic ectopia cordis was recovered from a dam exposed to 8,000 ppm acetonitrile. An oral or ip dose of 100-400 mg/kg acetonitrile in hamsters of equivalent gestational age also caused malformations identical to those noted following inhalation exposure. Some dams exposed to the highest concentrations or doses of acetonitrile displayed overt signs of poisoning. Multiple injections of sodium thiosulfate antagonized the mortality and signs of intoxication associated with acetonitrile treatment. Offspring of thiosulfate-treated hamsters exposed to acetonitrile failed to exhibit the marked teratogenic response that was associated with exposure to equivalent concentrations or doses of acetonitrile alone. Elevated concentrations of cyanide and thiocyanate were detected in all tissues studied at 2.5 hr after an oral or ip dose of acetonitrile. Cyanide was liberated when acetonitrile was incubated in vitro with hamster liver slices or NADPH-fortified hepatic microsomal preparations. The results suggested that in vivo liberation of cyanide from acetonitrile was responsible for the production of terata.