cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Silent killer: case report of acute gastrostomy tube erosion.

An 87-year-old male with multiple medical problems and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement presented to the emergency department for recurrent dysphagia, constipation, and concern for stool appearing in his PEG tube. The patient denied PEG tube complications over the past year. The patient’s vitals were within normal limits, and the exam was notable for a soft, non-tender, non-distended abdomen without masses or pain, with fecal contents observed in the PEG tube. Lab studies were unremarkable, and acute abdominal series films showed no evidence of obstruction or free air. A chest tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast was performed, showing the gastrostomy tube linking the anterior aspect of the middle stomach with a portion within the transverse colon (Figures 1 and ​and2).2). The patient was admitted to the general surgery service for removal of the migrated PEG tube that eroded into the viscera. Figure 1 Cross section showing erosion into bowel wall (circle). Figure 2 Sagittal section showing erosion into bowel wall (circle). Migration of PEG tubes into the colon is a rare complication of PEG tube insertion occurring in only 0.8% of patients in a seven-year clinical study.1 While uncommon, it is considered a major complication requiring hospital admission and specialty consultation, due to risk for further migration, peritonitis, or sepsis. Presenting symptoms of a colonic PEG migration include the onset of copious diarrhea and cramping (50%), often after tube feeding, fecal leakage (39%), or odorous fecal exudates from the stoma.2 Risk factors for migration and fistula formation include previous abdominal surgery, post-surgical adhesions, and a superiorly displaced transverse colon. Assessment may be delayed due to overlying medical co-morbidities and otherwise unremarkable physical examination, which can delay accurate evaluation and surgical intervention. Of note, patients with neurological injuries may have limited perception of pain, resulting in reduced clinical flags potentially masking serious complications.3 Thus, close attention to vague abdominal or referred symptoms in this patient population is critical to timely diagnosis and treatment.
Competition between covalent and noncovalent bond cleavages in dissociation of phosphopeptide-amine complexes.

Interactions between quaternary amino or guanidino groups with anions are ubiquitous in nature and have been extensively studied phenomenologically. However, little is known about the binding energies in non-covalent complexes containing these functional groups. Here, we present a first study focused on quantifying such interactions using complexes of phosphorylated A3pXA3-NH2 (X = S, T, Y) peptides with decamethonium (DCM) or diaguanidinodecane (DGD) ligands as model systems. Time- and collision energy-resolved surface-induced dissociation (SID) of the singly charged complexes was examined using a specially configured Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FTICR-MS). Dissociation thresholds and activation energies were obtained from RRKM modeling of the experimental data that has been described and carefully characterized in our previous studies. For systems examined in this study, covalent bond cleavages resulting in phosphate abstraction by the cationic ligand are characterized by low dissociation thresholds and relatively tight transition states. In contrast, high dissociation barriers and large positive activation entropies were obtained for cleavages of non-covalent bonds. Dissociation parameters obtained from the modeling of the experimental data are in excellent agreement with the results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Comparison between the experimental data and theoretical calculations indicate that phosphate abstraction by the ligand is rather localized and mainly affected by the identity of the phosphorylated side chain. The hydrogen bonding in the peptide and ligand properties play a minor role in determining the energetics and dynamics of the phosphate abstraction channel.
Lagrangian Postprocessing of Computational Hemodynamics

Recent advances in imaging, modeling, and computing have rapidly expanded our capabilities to model hemodynamics in the large vessels (heart, arteries, and veins). This data encodes a wealth of information that is often under-utilized. Modeling (and measuring) blood flow in the large vessels typically amounts to solving for the time-varying velocity field in a region of interest. Flow in the heart and larger arteries is often complex, and velocity field data provides a starting point for investigating the hemodynamics. This data can be used to perform Lagrangian particle tracking, and other Lagrangian-based postprocessing. As described herein, Lagrangian methods are necessary to understand inherently transient hemodynamic conditions from the fluid mechanics perspective, and to properly understand the biomechanical factors that lead to acute and gradual changes of vascular function and health. The goal of the present paper is to review Lagrangian methods that have been used in post-processing velocity data of cardiovascular flows.
Wittgenstein on Inconsistency

Professor Charles S. Chihara has criticized the views on the subject of inconsistency which Wittgenstein put forward in his recently published 1939 lectures. Chihara notes that these views are not peculiar to the 1939 lectures, and in fact they are to be found in all Wittgenstein's later writings on mathematics (e.g. WWK pp. 173ff., PR p. 189, PG pp. 303ff., RFM pp. 100ff.). So these ideas about inconsistency appear not to be just a momentary aberration on Wittgenstein's part. One would therefore expect that he had some good reasons for holding them. But Chihara justly complains that the kind of strong argumentation one would hope for is not forthcoming in these lectures. Instead Wittgenstein's usual procedure is to try to defend his views by producing series of rather unconvincing examples.
Intraoperative Endo-Luminal Ultrasound Evaluation of Urethral Diverticula

ABSTRACTThe imaging accuracy of a catheter-based endo-luminal ultrasound system was compared to traditional imaging techniques for surgical treatment of urethral diverticula in 7 women and 1 man. At surgical repair the urethra was catheterized directly with a 6.2F or 9F (12.5 or 20 MHz.) catheter-based ultrasound transducer, generating a 360-degree transaxial real-time image. The endo-luminal ultrasound images were compared with preoperative voiding cystourethrography (7 patients), transvaginal ultrasound examinations (3) and double balloon urethrograms (2). Surgical diverticulectomy was then done with endo-luminal ultrasound monitoring.Intraoperatively, all diverticula were well visualized by endo-luminal ultrasound, which demonstrated improved identification of the size and orientation of urethral diverticula, sludge within the diverticula, the extent of periurethral inflammation, diverticular wall thickness, and the distance between the diverticular wall and urethral lumen. In 3 patients the urethral c...
Regulation of histone modifying enzymes by the ubiquitin-proteasome system

Histone post-translational modification is a key step that may result in an epigenetic mark that regulates chromatin structure and gene transcriptional activity thereby impacting many fundamental aspects of human biology. Subtypes of post-translational modification such as acetylation and methylation are executed by a variety of distinct modification enzymes. The cytoplasmic and nuclear concentrations of these enzymes are dynamically and tightly controlled at the protein level to precisely fine-tune transcriptional activity in response to environmental clues and during pathophysiological states. Recent data have emerged demonstrating that the life span of these critical nuclear enzymes involved in histone modification that impact chromatin structure and gene expression are controlled at the level of protein turnover by ubiquitin-proteasomal processing. This review focuses on the recent progress on mechanisms for ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of histone modification enzymes and the potential pathophysiological significance of this process.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Mononuclear Cell Predominance is Not Related to Symptom Duration in Children with Enteroviral Meningitis

We used a binomial regression model to determine the relationship between the percent of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) mononuclear white blood cells and symptom duration in children with proven enteroviral meningitis. The odds of a CSF white blood cell being mononuclear increased by 15.7% (95% confidence interval: -3.8% to 38.0%; P = .11) for each day of symptoms. Fifty percent of patients with symptoms of 1 day or less had predominance of mononuclear cells among CSF white blood cells. These findings suggest that factors other than symptom duration influence the composition and evolution of the CSF white blood cell response to enteroviral infection.
Hypersensitivity to progesterone-in-oil after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

Abstract Objective To report the occurrence and management of pulmonary compromise, marked leukocytosis, and eosinophilia in a patient receiving P-in-oil after IVF and embryo transfer. Design Case report. Setting A tertiary referral reproductive medicine unit. Patient(s) A 29-year-old patient receiving P-in-oil supplementation after IVF embryo transfer. Intervention(s) Extensive diagnostic testing and surveillance for hypersensitivity to P in sesame oil; development of an alternative oil-based P-in-oil suspension. Main outcome measure(s) Tolerance of alternative P vehicle; clinical pregnancy. Result(s) The patient tolerated an alternative P oil vehicle and successfully achieved a clinical pregnancy after frozen embryo transfer. Conclusion(s) Although rare, hypersensitivity reactions may occur in patients receiving P-in-oil supplementation after IVF embryo transfer. Testing for tolerance and subsequent use of alternative P vehicles may be an effective strategy in managing patients with sensitivity to P-in-oil.
Self‐determination denied: The tragedy that was Biafra

This paper is limited to viewing the Biafran episodes from the standpoint of the principle or the right of self‐determination of peoples, with a view to identify the issues bearing on self‐determination that is raised and to indicate how the regional organization is directly concerned with the Nigerian conflict and the international organization bearing the responsibility of peace‐keeping and upholding and protecting human rights responsed or failed to respond to those issues. It does not, however, go into certain other legal and humanitarian issues that the Nigerian Civil War raised. For instance, Nigeria's right under International Law to have imposed the economic blockade in the first place is beyond the purview of this paper. While a fruitful subject for separate investigation, the question whether or not Nigeria was committing genocide against the Ibos will not be discussed. Likewise, the relief efforts made by various humanitarian organizations, such as the International Committee of thi Red Cross a...
Estimating atmospheric ozone for solar radiation models

Abstract Absorption of incoming solar radiation by atmospheric ozone, while only a small part of total depletion of the solar beam, can contribute up to 20 per cent or more to the absorption taking place. Good methods exist to estimate absorption by ozone, but these methods require values for ozone amounts present in the beam path. An empirical, mathematical model has been developed that shows close agreement with observed annual ozone contents over North America. Only latitude, longitude, and day of the year are needed as inputs to obtain ozone-depth estimates from the model. The model can be adjusted to provide similar accuracy for most of the world. Seasonal variations are also built into the model.
Microwave absorption by hydrogen atoms in high Rydberg states

The behavior of Rydberg atoms in a recent experiment involving selective excitation in combined ac and dc electric fields is shown to be consistent with the predictions of a one-dimensional model incorporating only the extreme level of each Stark manifold. For low microwave powers, the excitation is resonant and is described qualitatively by multiphoton perturbation theory. For higher powers, an alternative stochastic theory predicts rapid ionization at all frequencies, as observed experimentally.
Spectral data for the ν2 bands of ammonia with applications to radiative transfer in the atmosphere of jupiter

Abstract Data are presented on the positions, intensities, half widths and ground state energies of approximately 1700 of the strongest spectral limes in the ν2 band of ammonia and its first overtone. The values are used to compute the transmission function for dilute mixtures of ammonia in hydrogen, approximating the Jovian environment, and these are compored to laboratory measured transmissions for the same conditions. The application of the data to theoretical studies of radiative transfer in the atmosphere of Jupiter and the interpretation of observations in the 8–20 μ range is discussed.
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas: cytologic features predict histologic grade.

BACKGROUND Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is an increasingly recognized cystic neoplasm of the pancreas, histologically classified by the degree of epithelial atypia and by the presence or absence of invasion of the cyst wall. To the authors' knowledge, the cytologic features of this neoplasm are poorly characterized, especially with respect to tumor grade. METHODS Thirty-three endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided pancreatic fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) samples and 1 pancreatic duct brush specimen from 25 patients with a histologically confirmed IPMN were retrospectively reviewed. Blinded to tumor grade, background mucin, inflammation, necrosis, overall cellularity, the presence of gastrointestinal-contaminating epithelium, architecture of cell clusters, and nuclear and cellular morphology were evaluated. In cases in which special stains for mucin were performed, the diagnostic utility of these stains was assessed. These cytologic features were subsequently correlated with the histologic diagnosis. RESULTS The 34 cytology samples represented 4 adenomas, 15 IPMN-moderate dysplasias, 7 intraductal carcinomas, and 8 IPMNs with invasive carcinoma. Extracellular mucin was present in 97% of all cases; 53% had thick, viscous, “colloid-like” mucin. Special stains for mucin were positive in 6 of 11 cases (54%), helping to identify thin mucin in only 2 cases. Gastrointestinal contamination did not appear to create diagnostic difficulty due to an apparent dual (dysplastic-nondysplastic) epithelial population, but only 4 adenomas were evaluated in this study. Necrosis distinguished IPMN with carcinoma from IPMN-adenomas and IPMN with moderate dysplasia (P < .00001), and was more often observed with invasion than IPMN-carcinoma in situ (P < .05). Tight epithelial cell clusters with hyperchromatic nuclei and a high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio was more significant in IPMN of at least moderate dysplasia (P = .03). Pale nuclei with parachromatin clearing was found to be a nuclear feature that was suspicious for at least carcinoma in situ (P < .001). In addition, significant background inflammation (neutrophils and histiocytes) was found to be more characteristic of IPMN with at least carcinoma in situ (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS The presence of thick, “colloid-like” mucin is noted in half of the IPMN cases, but was not found to be specific to grade. The absence of such mucin does not exclude an IPMN. The presence of tight epithelial cell clusters is consistent with a neoplasm of at least moderate dysplasia, and abundant background inflammation and parachromatin clearing correlated with the presence of at least carcinoma in situ. Necrosis was the only feature found to be strongly suggestive of invasion. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Modeling considerations for using expression data from multiple species.

Although genome-wide expression data sets from multiple species are now more commonly generated, there have been few studies on how to best integrate this type of correlated data into models. Starting with a single-species, linear regression model that predicts transcription factor binding sites as a case study, we investigated how best to take into account the correlated expression data when extending this model to multiple species. Using a multivariate regression model, the phylogenetic relationships among the species were accounted for in two ways: 1) a repeated-measures model, where the error term is constrained, and 2) a Bayesian hierarchical model, where the prior distributions of the regression coefficients are constrained. We show that both multiple-species models improve predictive performance over the single-species model. When compared with each other, the repeated-measures model out-performed the Bayesian model. We suggest a possible explanation for the better performance of the model with the constrained error term.
Treatment strategies for different types of teacher burnout

Using teachers as a prototype, this article suggests that there are three types of burnout: "wearout," wherein an individual gives up, feeling depleted in confronting stress; "classic" burnout, wherein an individual works increasingly hard in the face of stress; and an "underchallenged" type, wherein an individual is faced not with excessive degrees of stress per se (e.g., overload), but rather with monotonous and unstimulating work conditions. The major arguments put forward are that: a) clinicians should avoid treating teacher burnout as if it were a single phenomenon, and instead tailor their treatment to the specific type of burnout manifested by their client; and b) these treatments, while embodying different elements, should be essentially integrative in nature. Psychoanalytic insight, cognitive restructuring, empathic concern, and stress-reduction techniques may all be necessary, albeit in different combinations, to treat successfully burnout of each type.
Suppression of Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Combination Cyclosporin a and Methotrexate Therapy

Louvain (LOU) rats were administered either methotrexate (MTX; 0.3 mg/kg/week or 0.8 mg/kg/week intraperitoneally), cyclosporin A (CSA; 4 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/kg/day continuous infusion via osmotic pump), or a combination of both agents. The rats were immunized with native type II collagen (CII) to determine the effects of these agents on collagen-induced arthritis, an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. A significant decrease in the incidence (P less than 0.01) and severity of arthritis by clinical (P less than 0.05) and radiographic assessments (P less than 0.05) was found in recipients of combination therapy, compared with controls. Delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions to CII were measured on day 26, and production of IgG antibody to CII was measured on days 7, 14, and 26. IgG antibody was evident by day 7, and titers were near-maximal by day 14. Both delayed-type hypersensitivity and antibodies to CII were reduced in animals that received the higher dosage of CSA. Liver, kidney, and spleen specimens obtained from rats treated with CSA and MTX demonstrated no histologic abnormalities on light microscopy, compared with controls. These studies indicate that CSA and MTX in combination is a safe and effective therapy for collagen-induced arthritis and may be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
On the assumption of cubic graphs of vascular networks

A vascular network is often represented by a Reeb graph, which is a topological skeleton, and graph theory has been widely applied to analyze properties of a vascular network. A Reeb graph model for a vascular network is obtained by assigning the branch points of the network to be the vertices of the graph and the vessels between branch points to be the edges of the graph. Vascular networks develop by way of angiogenesis, a growth process that involves the biological mechanisms of vessel sprouting (budding) and splitting (intussusception). Vascular networks develop by way of two biological mechanisms of vessel sprouting (budding) and splitting (intussusception). According to a graph theory modeling of two vascular network growth mechanisms, all nodes in the Reeb graph must be cubic in degree except for two special nodes: the afferent (A) and efferent (E) nodes. We define that a vascular network is cubic if all internal nodes are cubic in degree. We consider six normal adult rat renal glomerular networks and use their reeb graphs already constructed and published in the literature. We observe that five of them contain internal vertices of degree higher than three. Branch points in vascular networks may appear to be of a higher degree if the imaging resolution cannot differentiate between blood vessels that are very close in proximity. Here, we propose a random graph theory model that edits a non-cubic vascular network into a cubic graph. We observe that the edited cubic graph from a non-cubic vascular network has the similar size and order as the one cubic vascular network.
Salt-acid confusion on the single fungiform papilla: effect of changing acid sensitivity.

Abstract Individual fungiform papillae were tested for salt-acid misidentification (confusion) to NaCl and citric acid stimulation. Adapting conditions shown either to enhance the intensity or decrease the intensity of citric acid failed to modify the intensity of NaCl. Nor did these adaptation conditions change the frequency of “acid” reports to NaCl or “salt” reports to citric acid. The papillae varied in their tendency to induce the salt-acid misidentification. Salt-acid confusion existed in the absence of “stinging” tactile sensations and varied in degree between 2 papillae within the same subject.
Synthesis of polynucleotide analogs by grafting optically active adenine, cytosine, and hypoxanthine derivatives onto polytrimethylenimine

A new family of polynucleotide analogs were prepared by grafting nucleic acid base derivatives onto polytrimethylenimine. Several new optically pure α-nucleic acid base substituted propanoic acids were prepared as pendant groups. The (R)-ethyl adeninylpropanoate was obtained from adenine and (S)-ethyl lactate by utilizing a diethyl azodicarboxylate-triphenyl phosphine method. Subsequent hydrolysis of the ester in aqueous acid gave the (R)-adeninylpropanoic acid without racemization. The reaction of cytosine sodium salt with (S)-ethyl 2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy] propanoate produced the 20% racemized (R)-ethyl 2-(cytosin-1-yl)propanoate. The optically pure ester was obtained by recrystallization from ethyl alcohol, which was hydrolyzed in aqueous acid to give the (R)-acid with 66% enantiomeric excess. The (R)-2-(hypoxanthin-9-yl)propanoic acid was prepared by reaction of (R)-2-(adenin-9-yl)propanoic acid with sodium nitrite. The pendant groups were allowed to react with N-hydroxy compounds in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to give the active esters. These active esters underwent reaction with N,N-dipropylamine to provide monomer model compounds. The pendant groups were grafted onto polytrimethylenimine by using the active ester method. The racemization reactions were observed in the grafting reactions. The resulting polymers showed a range of percent grafting from 60 to 80%.
Asbestos‐induced Nitric Oxide Production: Synergistic Effect with Interferon‐γ

This study has shown, for the first time, that in vitro exposure of rat AMs to either crocidolite (amphibole) or chrysotile (serpentine) asbestos fibers induces the synthesis not only of the O2*- anion, but also of the nitrogen radical, NO*. Furthermore, this asbestos-related effect is enhanced in the presence of interferon-gamma. NO* has been implicated in several pathologic reactions, such as inflammation and immune complex-mediated cell injury. Additionally, NO* may interact with secondary amines to generate nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens. Our findings could represent a novel type of asbestos-mediated injury, and we propose that the injurious effects of asbestos might be mediated via the interaction of NO* with O2*-, with the generation of ONOO- and other potent toxic free radicals.
Three component ketocoumarin, amine, maleimide photoinitiator II

Three component photoinitiator systems containing N-substituted maleimide/ketocoumarin/tertiary amine have been used for the visible light photopolymerization of acrylate and thiol-ene monomers. Thin-film calorimetry studies were conducted. The polymerization exotherms of these systems with the blue (470 nm) and cyan (505 nm) LED light sources show that the multicomponent initiator package is an effective system for visible light polymerization of acrylate and thiol-ene monomers. Exotherms of a visible light initiator combination of camphorquinone/amine were recorded for comparison purposes.
Residents' Corner: Bleomycin Sulfate—Postoperative Intralesional Usage for Giant Condylomata

A patient with giant condyloma of the glans penis was successfully treated with conservative surgical excision. Postoperatively, intralesional bleomycin sulfate was utilized in an attempt to prevent tumor recurrence. Follow-up to 2 years has been unremarkable for clinical regrowth.
High-molecular-weight human epidermal transglutaminase.

Human stratum corneum was extracted in Tris-HCl containing EDTA and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, separated on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, transblotted to nitrocellulose papers and reacted with rabbit antihuman epidermal transglutaminase (ETG) antibody. Protein-bound antibody was detected with a multistep peroxidase procedure. Proteins with a molecular weight of 50,000 (50kDa) and 72,000 daltons (72kDa) were stained when anti-ETG Was used and not when second antibody alone or sera from nonimmunized animals were used. When ETG was treated with trypsin or organic solvents, there was no alteration in the mobility of the 50kDa ETC band, but there was complete disappearance of the 72kDa band. Antibody that bound 72kDa protein, when eluted from the blot, reacted with both 50kDa and 72kDa proteins; similarly, antibody that bound to the 50kDa protein, when eluted from the blot, reacted with both the 50kDa and 72kDa proteins. Partially purified 72kDa ETG activity was increased (3 to 16 times control levels) after heating at 56°C in the presence of calcium and dithiothreitol or by treatment with trypsin. These studies, in conjunction with the previous studies of ETG activation, are consistent with there being two forms of ETG. The different forms may play a role in regulating enzyme activity.
Late bidding and the auction price: evidence from eBay

Purpose – The purpose of this study is two‐fold. First, this study aims to examine how late bidding may have an effect on the auction price. Second, this study seeks to investigate how this effect can be moderated by different types of auctions.Design/methodology/approach – Data on computer CPUs were collected at eBay. A multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the effect of late bidding on price.Findings – Empirical results indicate that late bidding decreases the auction price and the result is robust. This study, however, does not find support for the moderating role of the auction type (IPV vs APV) on the effect of late bidding on price.Research limitations/implications – This paper selects an extremely competitive market with many sellers and bidders. Future research may expand this study by examining late bidding under different combinations of market structures (competitive vs less competitive) and auction models (IPV vs APV vs CV).Originality/value – This paper is the first study that...
Mycophenolate mofetil for severe childhood atopic dermatitis: experience in 14 patients.

Summary Background Reports of successful treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) have thus far been limited to adults. Considering that the condition typically develops during childhood and is most active during this period, MMF would represent a valuable addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for paediatric AD. Objectives To evaluate the safety and efficacy of MMF in the treatment of severe childhood AD. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of all children treated with MMF as systemic monotherapy for severe, recalcitrant AD between August 2003 and August 2006 at New York University Medical Center. Fourteen patients meeting these criteria were identified. Results Four patients (29%) achieved complete clearance, four (29%) had > 90% improvement (almost complete), five (35%) had 60–90% improvement and one (7%) failed to respond. Initial responses occurred within 8 weeks (mean 4 weeks), and maximal effects were attained after 8–12 weeks (mean 9 weeks) at MMF doses of 40–50 mg kg−1 daily in younger children and 30–40 mg kg−1 daily in adolescents. The medication was well tolerated in all patients, with no infectious complications or development of leucopenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia or elevated aminotransferases. Conclusions This retrospective case series demonstrates that MMF can be a safe and effective treatment for severe, refractory AD in children. MMF represents a promising therapeutic alternative to traditional systemic immunosuppressive agents with less favourable side-effect profiles, and prospective controlled studies are warranted, further to assess its benefits in paediatric AD.
Role of tunable acid catalysis in decomposition of α-hydroxyalkyl hydroperoxides and mechanistic implications for tropospheric chemistry.

Electronic structure calculations have been used to investigate possible gas- phase decomposition pathways of α-hydroxyalkyl hydroperoxides (HHPs), an important source of tropospheric hydrogen peroxide and carbonyl compounds. The uncatalyzed as well as water- and acid-catalyzed decomposition of multiple HHPs have been examined at the M06-2X/aug- cc-pVTZ level of theory. The calculations indicate that, compared to an uncatalyzed or water- catalyzed reaction, the free-energy barrier of an acid-catalyzed decomposition leading to an aldehyde or ketone and hydrogen peroxide is dramatically lowered. The calculations also find a direct correlation between the catalytic effect of an acid and the distance separating its hydrogen acceptor and donor sites. Interestingly, the catalytic effect of an acid on the HHP decomposition resulting in the formation of carboxylic acid and water is relatively much smaller. Moreover, since the free-energy barrier of the acid-catalyzed aldehyde- or ketone- forming decomposition is ∼25% lower than that required to break the O−OH linkage of the HHP leading to the formation of hydroxyl radical, these results suggest that HHP decomposition is likely not an important source of tropospheric hydroxyl radical. Finally, transition state theory estimates indicate that the effective rate constants for the acid-catalyzed aldehyde- or ketone-forming HHP decomposition pathways are 2− 3 orders of magnitude faster than those for the water-catalyzed reaction, indicating that an acid-catalyzed HHP decomposition is kinetically favored as well.
Glass‐jawed goliaths: Red army artillery armored trains in world war II

By World War II, tracked armored vehicles and aircraft had almost made armored trains obsolete, but the Soviets employed sound tactics to use them effectively at the front. Addendum I shows that Russian Civil War armored train names reflect Red and White political realities and agendas. It sets the stage for Addendum II, which lists some Soviet armored train names and miscellaneous information thereof while armored train anatomy is addressed in Addendum HI.
Higgs pair production in association with a vector boson at e + e − colliders in theories of higher dimensional gravity

The models of large extra compact dimensions, as suggested by Arkani-Hamed, Dimopoulos and Dvali, predict exciting phenomenological consequences with gravitational interactions becoming strong at the TeV scale. Such theories can be tested at the existing and future colliders. In this paper, we study the contribution of virtual Kaluza-Klein excitations (both spin-0 and 2) in the process $e^+e^- \to HHZ$ and $ e^+e^- \to HH\gamma $ at future linear collider (NLC). We find that the virtual exchange KK gravitons can modify the cross-section $\sigma(e^+e^- \to HHZ)$ significantly from its Standard Model value and will allow the effective string scale to be probed up to 6.6 TeV. The second process is absent at the tree level in the standard model, and can therefore be used to put limits on the effective string scale of 7.4 TeV.
Recommended neutron dosimetry cross sections for the characterization of neutron fields

This paper examines the consistency of the latest dosimetry cross sections in benchmark neutron fields. It presents an updated compendium of cross sections which are validated through calculated-to-experimental ratios and verified against previous recommendations.
“Messy” Research, Methodological Predispositions, and Theory Development in International Joint Ventures

Dramatic advances have recently marked the study of international joint ventures (IJVs). The progress has been mixed, however. Although several theoretical dimensions have been emphasized in the literature, researchers have not addressed certain crucial questions at the heart of the IJV relationship. Consequently, individually useful IJV studies have not coalesced into a collectively coherent body of work with an underlying theoretical structure. This weakness in theory development, I argue, may stem from the convergence of “hard” methodological approaches with “soft” behavioral variables. In proposing and justifying a research program toward deeper understanding of voluntary interfirm cooperation. I offer a theoretical framework for IJVs, develop a typology of theory-development approaches, and apply this framework and typology to demonstrate how a near-term shift in foci can accelerate rigorous IJV theory development.
Heart failure: Early follow-up after hospitalization for heart failure.

Admissions for heart failure are associated with an unacceptably high rate of early readmission and mortality. An early postdischarge visit with targeted interventions in high-risk patients may decrease this high event rate. Determining who should be seen early postdischarge and what should be done during the visit remains to be established.
Existentially closed semilattices

bounded semilattices. So we switch in section 2 to a more syntactic approach: Based on an explicit primitive recursive quantifier elimination procedure, we find axioms for BSL' and BSL", and an explicit decision procedure for BSL'. Using these axioms, we prove that in any _A~BSL', finite suprema, pseudocomplements and relative pseudocomplements exist only in trivial cases. Furthermore, we obtain the following relations between BSL', BSL", the class BDSL of bounded distributive semilattices, and the class BDL' of reducts of bounded distributive lattices: BDL'~ BSL"N BDSL, and BSL" and BDL' have the same finite structures. BSL" is closed under direct products and BSL' is not closed under direct products. Note: This is a revised version of "The model completion of the class of semilattices', Heidelberg
Kr and Xe isotopes from spontaneous fission of 248Cm and 250Cf: Comparison with noble gases in carbonaceous chondrites

Abstract Relative yields of Kr and Xe isotopes from the spontaneous fission of 248 Cm and 250 Cf have been determined mass spectrometrically. The yields are as follows: 83 Kr/ 84 Kr/ 85 Kr/ 86 Kr = 0.223/0.458/0.596/ ≡ 1.00 and 0.306/0.582/0.793/ ≡ 1.00; 131 Xe/ 132 Xe/ 134 Xe/ 136 Xe = 0.486/0.819/1.075/ ≡ 1.00 and 0.343/0.506/0.851/ ≡ 1.00 from 248 Cm and 250 Cf, respectively. The Xe yields from 248 Cm agree with an earlier determination by Leich et al. [24]. Neither of these yield patterns matches that of “fissiogenic” Kr and Xe in carbonaceous chondrites and hence 248 Cm and 250 Cf are ruled out as progenitors of the meteoritic Kr and Xe. In general, none of the spontaneously fissioning nuclides of actinide elements can be identified as a possible progenitor. Even the mixtures of actinides, including a combination of 248 Cm and 250 Cm, are unsuitable. The origin of “anomalous” Kr and Xe in carbonaceous chondrites must then be traced either to the spontaneous fission of a superheavy element or to peculiarities in specific nucleosynthetic reactions.
Hereditary cancer risk assessment in a pediatric oncology follow-up clinic.

Background Pediatric cancer survivors are at risk for multiple late effects including second malignancies, some a direct consequence of genetic susceptibility. Appropriate surveillance and management for the survivor and at-risk family members can often be established if the genetic predisposition is recognized and/or diagnosed. Numerous published guidelines outline which adult cancer patients and survivors should be referred for hereditary cancer risk assessment. In the pediatric oncology setting, minimal guidance exists for healthcare providers to determine which patients and families to refer for genetic evaluation. Procedure The aim of this project was to determine what percentage of childhood cancer survivors are appropriate for further evaluation in a hereditary cancer program or genetics clinic and characterize indications for referral. Participants included pediatric cancer survivors seen for follow-up in a large cancer survivor center. Medical and family histories were obtained and reviewed by a certified genetic counselor at the survivor's annual visit. Eligibility for genetics referral was determined based on personal/family medical history and published literature. Results Of 370 survivors of childhood cancer, 109 (29%) were considered eligible for genetics follow-up or referral. Family history of cancer is the most prevalent reason identified for eligibility for further genetics evaluation (61%) followed by tumor type (18%), medical history (16%), and family history of another condition (6%). Conclusions This project provides evidence that inclusion of genetic evaluation is feasible and relevant in the care of childhood cancer survivors. Further study is warranted to determine optimal timing and clinical utility of this multidisciplinary and family-centered approach. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 85–89. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Absolute barotropic instability and monsoon depressions

Monsoon depressions over the Bay of Bengal develop almost entirely in July and August. After studies conducted by Lindzen et al. (1980) and Stevens and Lindzen (1978), only barotropic instability remains as a mechanism for the development of the wave disturbances associated with monsoon depressions. The present investigation has the objective to show that barotropic instability is able to explain the wave aspects of monsoon depressions, but that normal mode analysis is inadequate. It is found that the local barotropically unstable response to regional perturbations in the Bay of Bengal during July and August will be dominated by the lower troposphere. The analysis clearly identifies the features of the mean flow which lead to monsoon depressions in July. The features include the development of an easterly jet as opposed to semijet structure in the mean flow, and the development of a modest easterly flow at the jet center as opposed to westerly flow.
TGFβ mediated upregulation of hepatic miR-181b promotes hepatocarcinogenesis by targeting TIMP3

To identify microRNAs (miRNAs) that may have a causal role in hepatocarcinogenesis, we used an animal model in which C57BL/6 mice fed choline-deficient and amino acid defined (CDAA) diet develop preneoplastic lesions at 65 weeks and hepatocellular carcinomas after 84 weeks. miRNA expression profiling showed significant upregulation of miR-181b and miR-181d in the livers of mice as early as 32 weeks that persisted at preneoplastic stage. The expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 3 (TIMP3), a tumor suppressor and a validated miR-181 target, was markedly suppressed in the livers of mice fed CDAA diet. Upregulation of hepatic transforming growth factor (TGF)β and its downstream mediators Smad 2, 3 and 4 and increase in phospho-Smad2 in the liver nuclear extract correlated with elevated miR-181b/d in mice fed CDAA diet. The levels of the precursor and mature miR-181b were augmented on exposure of hepatic cells to TGFβ and were significantly reduced by small interference RNA-mediated depletion of Smad4, showing the involvement of TGFβ signaling pathway in miR-181b expression. Ectopic expression and depletion of miR-181b showed that miR-181b enhanced matrix metallopeptidases (MMP)2 and MMP9 activity and promoted growth, clonogenic survival, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells that could be reversed by modulating TIMP3 level. Further, depletion of miR-181b inhibited tumor growth of HCC cells in nude mice. miR-181b also enhanced resistance of HCC cells to the anticancer drug doxorubicin. On the basis of these results, we conclude that upregulation of miR-181b at early stages of feeding CDAA diet promotes hepatocarcinogenesis.
Oxidative Stability and Its Effect on the Photoluminescence of Poly(Fluorene) Derivatives: End Group Effects

Poly(9,9-dialkylfluorene-2,7-diyl) derivatives end-capped with 2-fluorenyl, 9,9-di-n-hexyl-2-fluorenyl, and 9-fluorenone-2-yl substituents have been synthesized through Ni(0)-mediated polymerization. Absorption and emission spectra of these polymers were measured after annealing at elevated temperatures in air as a function of annealing time. The fluorescence stability of the polymers end-capped using 2-bromo-9,9-di-n-hexylfluorene was much better than for the polymers end-capped with 2-bromofluorene. The exceptional sensitivity of the luminescence of the polymers end-capped with 2-fluorenyl substituents to thermal annealing in air is rationalized by a combination of π-stacking and chemical oxidation of the end groups to fluorenones. The latter was demonstrated by the IR spectra of annealed films and comparison of the results with the absorption, emission, and IR spectra of the polymers deliberately end-capped using 2-bromo-9-fluorenone. This study is directed toward the investigation of color stability o...
Particle collection by a pilot plant venturi scrubber downstream from a pilot plant electrostatic precipitator

The results of pilot plant experiments of particulate collection by a venturi scrubber downstream from an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) are presented. The data, which cover a range of scrubber operating conditions and ESP efficiencies, show that particle collection by the venturi scrubber is not affected by the upstream ESP; i.e., for a given scrubber pressure drop, particle collection efficiency as a function of particle diameter is the same for both ESP on and ESP off. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. Order of magnitude cost estimates indicate that particle collection by ESP scrubber systems may be economically attractive when scrubbers must be used for SOx control.
REAL-TIME OPTIMAL-ROUTE COMPUTATION: A HEURISTIC APPROACH

Optimal-route computation is an important function that is needed in many applications, especially in transportation-related activities. In certain applications, the real-time processing of this computation is required. The conventional algorithms for computing optimal routes do not handle this real-time requirement very efficiently, especially when large networks are involved. Therefore, alternative algorithms are needed. Of the possible alternatives, heuristic algorithms are considered to treat the real-time constraint much more effectively than nonheuristic algorithms. This paper discusses a heuristic algorithm for real-time computation of routes and compares it with other techniques and approaches.
Developing a Preoperative Briefing Protocol for Cardiovascular Surgery

Objective: Design a protocol for conducting preoperative briefings within the context of cardiovascular surgery. Method: A combined questionnaire and semi-structured focus group approach involving four subspecialties of surgical staff (n = 47) was conducted to gather information concerning (1) attitudes towards preoperative briefings, (2) logistical issues related to the conduct and content of briefings and (3) potential barriers that might impede implementation. Results: Analyses revealed consensus among surgical staff concerning briefing benefits (majority were very positive), duration (< 10 min), location (in the OR), content (procedure, patient, and equipment issues) and potential barriers (staff availability, attitudes, case scheduling, and lack of resources). Differences in opinions arose concerning timing of the brief (e.g., before vs. after patient enters OR) and the role of key participants. Discussion: A prototype checklist for conducting preoperative briefings was developed based on these resul...
Methane prediction in dry and lactating Holstein cows

Data from six experiments (two with dry cows) were used to predict partitioning of gross energy to CH4 in Holstein cows using selected independent variables, some of which were intercorrelated, and a stepwise backward elimination regression procedure. Methane outputs ranged from 3.1 to 8.3% (mean 5.5) of gross energy intake for 134 dry cow balance trials and from 1.7 to 14.9% (mean 5.2) of gross energy intake for 358 lactating cow energy balance trials. This is equivalent to 176 and 300 g/d or 245 and 419 L/d of CH4 for dry and lactating Holstein cows, respectively. Digestibilites of hemicellulose and neutral detergent solubles were positive predictors, and cellulose digestibility was a negative predictor of CH4 output in dry cows fed all forage diets, but hemicellulose digestibility was not a significant variable for predicting CH4 production by lactating cows fed diets with concentrate and forages. Fiber digestibility generally remained in models to predict CH4 output. Except for one data set, regression equations accounted for 50 to 72% of the variation in percentage of gross energy partitioned to CH4 by Holstein cows. Results confirm that increased concentrate feeding reduces CH4 production. Supplementation of lactation diets with fat generally increases fat digestibility, and this trait was associated with reduced CH4 output. Results enable 1) estimation of CH4 output for calculation of metabolizable energy and 2) computation of the contribution from dairy cows to global warming.
Application of scanning calorimetry to the study of chemical kinetics

Abstract The principles involved in the simple homogeneous decomposition of a pure compound in a condensed phase are discussed, and it is shown that the reaction order for such a system must be one. Any deviation of the reaction order from one indicates a complex reaction, and a true activation energy for such a system cannot be obtained by any presently available thermal method. Thermochemical methods for the determination of activation energies are compared, and a new method is presented.
Fate of a ferrous sulfate prescription

Prescriptions for ferrous sulfate, 300 mg, were filled with eight different preparations by 15 pharmacies. Only three types of pills had a reasonably rapid dissolution time in acid media and these were all obtained from university-associated pharmacies. Some form of "slow release" or "enteric coat" feature was present in the pills and capsule supplied by private pharmacies and the Veterans Administration Hospital pharmacy. Adding the phrase "not enteric-coated" to the prescription effected no change in the type of pill supplied. Prices were highly variable, even for the same preparation, and although all generic pills were cheaper than brand-name pills, the "supermarket" type pharmacies charged as much or more for the pills as individually owned pharmacies.