cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term results justify autogenous infrainguinal bypass grafting in patients with end-stage renal failure

Introduction: Infrainguinal bypass grafting for limb-threatening ischemia in patients with end-stage renal disease is generally thought to be associated with increased operative risk and poor long-term outcome. This retrospective study was undertaken to examine the modern-era, long-term results of infrainguinal bypass grafting in dialysis-dependent patients. Methods: Over the past 5 years in a single institution, 425 lower extremities (368 consecutive patients) were revascularized for the indication of limb salvage. Sixty-four patients (82 limbs) were dialysis-dependent at the time of revascularization, and this group was analyzed separately. They exhibited statistically significant higher incidences of diabetes (83% vs 56%; P <.001), hypertension (91% vs 74%; P <.001), and more distal vascular disease, which required a greater proportion of proximal anastomoses at the popliteal level (24% vs 11%; P <.01) and distal anastomoses at the infrapopliteal level (75% vs 65%; P <.05). Results: Despite the higher prevalence of comorbid conditions and distal disease in patients with renal failure, their perioperative 30-day mortality rate remained low (4.9%) and was not significantly different from that in patients with functioning kidneys (2.9%; P = not significant). After a median follow-up of 11 months (range, 0-60 months), the 3-year autogenous conduit secondary graft patency in patients with renal failure was no different than in patients with functioning kidneys (67% ± 9% vs 64% ± 5%; P = not significant). Nonautogenous conduits in dialysis-dependent patients exhibited a significantly poorer outcome with only 27% ± 12% remaining secondarily patent at 2 years. As expected, both limb salvage and patient survival were significantly less in patients with renal faiture, although both exceeded 50% at 3 years (limb salvage 59% ± 8% vs 68% ± 5%; P <.05; patient survival 60% ± 8% vs 86% ± 4%; P <.001). The often-quoted phenomenon of limb loss, despite a patent bypass graft, occurred infrequently in this study (n = 3 of 82 limbs). Conclusion: Infrainguinal revascularization can be performed in dialysis-dependent patients with acceptable perioperative and long-term results, especially in patients in whom adequate autologous conduit is available. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:27-33.)
The Balance Wheel Reconsidered: Addressing Constitutional Principle Disputes in Practice

In handling contingencies that do not yield to categorical answers, Aristotle argues, deliberation grounded in a general purpose becomes necessary so that reason can be exercised in a way that effectively and correctly resolves particular problems. This article explores how Aristotelian prudence adjusted to constitutional conditions can serve as a normative guide not only in resolving ethical dilemmas but in molding administrative judgment. This modified consideration of Aristotelian thinking requires administrators to rely on regime values and principles as aims in making choices that are often in direct conflict with those of other parties. The deliberation of what these values and principles mean in practice requires that administrators have a sense of both the general and the particular. The ability to tap into these considerations defines a balanced administrator who is able to prudently make quality choices.
Structure of Bimetallic Particles: Nonequimolar Graphite-Supported Fe−Pd

This investigation established the effects of bulk immiscibility on the bulk and surface structure of FePd catalyst particles supported on graphite. By use of Mossbauer effect spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and gas-adsorption microcalorimetry, it was shown that iron-rich FePd/Grafoil catalyst particles consist of thermodynamically stable segregated states of metallic iron and FePd alloy in accordance with the bulk immiscibility of the two phases. This indicates that manipulation of metal stoichiometry in bimetallic catalyst particles with weak metal support interaction provides another means to modify particle structure and hence catalytic chemistry.
Shakedown Response of Conditioned Shape Memory Alloy Wire

A series of experiments is presented examining the thermo-electro-mechanical response of commercially-available, conditioned, shape memory alloy (SMA) wires (Flexinol, from Dynalloy, Corp.) during cyclic thermomechanical loading. A specialized experimental setup enables temperature control via a thermoelectric/heatsink in thermal contact with the wire specimen during various modes of testing. It allows simultaneous measurement of elongation, load, strain and resistivity in a selected gage length. It also allows full-field optical and infrared imaging to be performed during testing. A moderately high transition temperature NiTi-based shape memory wire (90C Flexinol) is characterized first by differential scanning calorimetry and a series of isothermal experiments over a range of temperatures. Subsequent experiments examine the shakedown behavior over a range of dead loading temperature cycles. Results show a significant two-way shape memory effect, suggesting that both residual stresses and locked-in oriented Martensite are considerable in this commercial alloy. Repeatable behavior (little shakedown) is confirmed at relatively low stress levels, but significant evolution in the response (shakedown behavior) exists at higher stress levels during the first several temperature cycles.
Structure of membrane‐associated neuronal SNARE complex: implication in neurotransmitter release

To enable fusion between biological membranes, t-SNAREs and v-SNARE present in opposing bilayers, interact and assemble in a circular configuration forming ring-complexes, which establish continuity between the opposing membranes, in presence of calcium ions. The size of a t-/v-SNARE ring complex is dictated by the curvature of the opposing membrane. Hence smaller vesicles form small SNARE-ring complexes, as opposed to large vesicles. Neuronal communication depends on the fusion of 40–50 nm in diameter membrane-bound synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters at the nerve terminal. At the presynaptic membrane, 12–17 nm in diameter cup-shaped neuronal porosomes are present where synaptic vesicles transiently dock and fuse. Studies demonstrate the presence of SNAREs at the porosome base. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron microscopy (EM), and electron density measurement studies demonstrate that at the porosome base, where synaptic vesicles dock and transiently fuse, proteins, possibly comprised of t-SNAREs, are found assembled in a ring conformation. To further determine the structure and arrangement of the neuronal t-/v-SNARE complex, 50 nm t-and v-SNARE proteoliposomes were mixed, allowing t-SNARE-vesicles to interact with v-SNARE vesicles, followed by detergent solubilization and imaging of the resultant t-/v-SNARE complexes formed using both AFM and EM. Our results demonstrate formation of 6–7 nm membrane-directed self-assembled t-/v-SNARE ring complexes, similar to, but twice as large as the ring structures present at the base of neuronal porosomes. The smaller SNARE ring at the porosome base may reflect the 3–4 nm base diameter, where 40–50 nm in diameter v-SNARE-associated synaptic vesicle transiently dock and fuse to release neurotransmitters.
25°C and 1 atm dissolution experiments of sepiolite and kerolite

Fine-grained sepiolite (Mg/sub 2/Si/sub 3/O/sub 7.5/(OH) x 3H/sub 2/O) and kerolite (Mg/sub 3/Si/sub 4/O/sub 10/(OH)/sub 2/ x H/sub 2/O) samples from lacustrine-playa sediments at Amboseli, Kenya, were used in dissolution experiments with five different solutions at 25/sup 0/C for time periods approaching 10 years. The hydrolysis reactions sepiolite + 4H/sup +/ = 2Mg/sup 2 +/ + 3SiO/sub 2/(aq) + 5.5H/sub 2/O kerolite + 6H/sup +/ = 3Mg/sup 2 +/ + 4SiO/sub 2/(aq) + 5H/sub 2/O have estimated log K values of 15.76 +- 0.18 and 25.79 +- 0.24, respectively (error estimate 1 s.d.). The estimate for kerolite hydrolysis is a minimum value due to the possibility of kerolite beginning to transform to a more stable phase during the experiments. The corresponding values of the ..delta..G/sub sep//sup -0/ and ..delta..G/sub ker//sup -0/ are - 4,624,340 and -5,736,700 J mol/sup -1/, respectively, relative to the data sources in the text. These values replace preliminary results reported earlier after approximately one year of dissolution time in the experiments. The sepiolite log K is in good agreement with the value of 15.86 predicted by Christ et al. (Amer. J. Sci., 1973) from measurements at higher temperatures. Under earth-surface conditions, kerolite is metastable with respectmore » to sepiolite in solutions at equilibrium or supersaturated with respect to quartz. However,the solubility difference is minor, suggesting that reaction kinetics exert a major control in determining which mineral forms in the sedimentary environment.« less
Bipolar transistor degradation under dynamic hot carrier stress

Abstract Hot carrier induced bipolar transistor degradation under dynamic stress is studied. The model, ΔIB ∝ (IR1.8 t)0.5, established from d.c. emitter-base reverse bias stress measurements is found to be still valid under pulse stress down to 20 ns pulse width, where ΔIB is drift of base current, IR is reverse emitter-base current under stress and t is stress time. Although partial degradation recovery is observed under d.c. emitter-base forward bias, ΔIB from alternating reverse-forward stress representative BiCMOS circuit operation agrees with the ΔIB model with no significant recovery effect. This is explained by a higher degradation rate after recovery of previous damage. An experimental basis of BiCMOS circuit reliability testing simulation is thus provided.
Evaluation of nitrogen and phosphorus transport with runoff from fairway turf managed with hollow tine core cultivation and verticutting

Abstract Enrichment of surface waters with excess nutrients is associated with increased algal blooms, euthrophication and hypoxic zones, as reported in the northern Gulf of Mexico. A source of nutrients to surface waters results from fertilizer runoff. Management strategies used to maintain turf on golf courses and recreational fields often include aerification and application of fertilizer. Although research exists on benefits of core cultivation and verticutting (VC) to reduce thatch and the transport of applied chemicals with runoff, there are no studies reporting the effect of coupling these management practices with the goal of further reduction of off-site transport of fertilizer with runoff. We hypothesized that the addition of VC to hollow tine core cultivation (HTCC) would enhance infiltration of precipitation, reduce runoff and nutrient transport with runoff and therefore influence concentrations of nutrients in surface waters receiving runoff from turf managed as a golf course fairway. Greater runoff and mass of soluble phosphorus and ammonium nitrogen transported with runoff were measured from plots managed with HTCC + VC than HTCC; however, the reverse was noted for nitrate nitrogen. Only a portion of the observed trends proved to be statistically significant. Our research showed no reduction or enhancement of risk associated with surface water concentrations of phosphorus or nitrogen, resulting from runoff from creeping bentgrass turf that was managed with HTCC+VC compared to HTCC. Data obtained in this research will be useful to grounds superintendents when selecting best management practices and to scientists seeking data relating runoff to land management for watershed-scale modeling.
EFFECTS OF GAMMA RADIATION ON THE GRAIN MITE, ACARUS SIRO.

The effects of gamma radiation on the grain mite, Acarus siro L., were studied. The egg, larval, hypopial, and adult stages of the mite were treated with 13.2 (±10%), 17.5, 25, 45, and 100 kilorads of gamma radiation. Eggs hatched at 100 kilorads. Eggs and hypopi were able to transform to the adult stage at 45 kilorads, but larvae did not mature at dosages above 25 kilorads. Irradiated adults produced F. adults after dosages as high as 25 kilorads and irradiated hypopi and eggs at 17.5 kilorads or less, but larvae did not produce F2 adults at dosages more than 13.2 ±10% kilorads.
Comparison of impulsive and premeditated perpetrators of intimate partner violence

Violence occurs in four to five million intimate relationships each year in the United States. Past research has investigated the concept of batterer subtypes based on the nature of the violent behavior. To extend this research, the present study used the Impulsive/Premeditated Aggression Scale (IPAS) along with a battery of relevant self-report measures in a sample of men (N = 113) convicted of domestic violence and court ordered into an intervention program. Batterers whose violence was classified as premeditated scored higher on psychopathic traits and a measure of treatment rejection. Batterers whose violence was classified as impulsive in nature reported a wider range of serious psychopathology. It is suggested that the use of a bimodal classification (Impulsive/Premeditated) in batterers may have significant clinical and legal policy implications.
Insekten in der Welt der Düfte

Ob Nahrungs- oder Partnersuche — Dufte spielen fur Insekten eine wichtige Rolle. Wie Duftnoten in deren Gehirn verarbeitet werden, beantworten Untersuchungen zum Riechsystem von Honigbiene und Rauberameise
Crystallization of Desire and Crystallization of Discontent in Narratives of Life‐Changing Decisions

Two studies of adults examined personal narratives of life-changing decisions in relation to personality and well-being. Participants whose decision narratives emphasized a crystallization of desire (i.e., approaching a desired future) rather than a crystallization of discontent (i.e., escaping an undesired past; Baumeister, 1991, 1994) reported higher well-being, fewer avoidance strivings, lower Neuroticism (in Study 1 only), and better decision outcomes (in Study 2). However, neither strivings, traits, nor outcomes accounted for the relationship between crystallization of desire and well-being. The discussion considers the roles of life-changing decisions and personal narratives in research on personality, well-being, and positive personal development.
Tape Casting of BaTiO3

For the past two years we have been investigating the tape casting of BaTiO3 Specifically we have been interested in developing a useful tape casting formulation and procedure and in studying the effects of powder particle size distribution and dispersion processes on the forming of BaTiO3 tapes. The formulation we have developed is non-aqueous. An MEKethanol mixture is the solvent and an acrylic binder is used. Two dispersants are being used, a phosphate ester and Menhaden fish oil. Ultrasonic dispersion was found to be effective in breaking up weak powder agglomerates. We have found it important to add the dispersant before adding other organic components to obtain the best dispersion and strongest tapes. The drying method is also important to tape strength. The strongest tapes resulted when the tape was removed from the glass plate soon after casting. We have also demonstrated that for forming purposes a wide particle size distribution is preferred.
Interannual variability of pollen productivity and transport in mid-North America from 1997 to 2009

Understanding the causes of interannual variability in atmospheric pollen concentration is an important but elusive goal for public health and environmental change. We analyzed long-term daily records of pollen counts from urban Kansas City, Missouri, USA collected from 1997 to 2009 for three pollen groups: Ambrosia, Poaceae, and a third group which is mostly composed of arboreal pollen types. The annual pollen index varied from 8,368 to 80,822 over the thirteen-year period. Although Ambrosia pollen is often thought to be associated with droughts and disturbance, years with high Ambrosia pollen were associated with high summer precipitation to the south of Kansas City. Years with high Poaceae pollen were associated with high spring precipitation to the south of the city. In support of the southern influence to Kansas City pollen, Ambrosia and Poaceae pollen mostly arrived on southern winds. In contrast to the other two pollen groups, the arboreal pollen was most associated with growing season precipitation to the east of Kansas City, although it was still highest on days with southern winds. Based on the correlations with climate, the severity of an upcoming allergy season may be predicted with early-season precipitation data, while short-term severity can be forecast from local weather patterns.
Mould-active azoles: pharmacokinetics, drug interactions in neutropenic patients.

Purpose of reviewMould-active azoles are used to treat systemic mycoses in neutropenic patients because of their broad spectrum activity, their availability as intravenous or oral formulations, and their safety. These agents exhibit complex pharmacokinetics and interact with many drugs, however, whi
Effect of Time Spent in Charter Schools on Student Test Scores: A Michigan Case Study

ABSTRACT In response to concerns about the efficacy of the U.S. education system, a number of school reforms have been attempted. This article briefly presents an argument explaining why the current public school system will not efficiently produce educational services and the role of charter schools in improving public school efficiency. It then examines empirically, for a set of charter schools managed by National Heritage Academies (NHA), the effect of time spent at school as a measure of value added in the educational process. The finding is that for NHA schools, time spent has a statistically significant positive effect on test scores.
Spinal cholinergic and monoamine receptors mediate the antinociceptive effect of morphine microinjected in the periaqueductal gray on the rat tail, but not the feet

The antinociceptive effects of morphine (5 micrograms) microinjected into the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray were determined using both the tail flick and the foot withdrawal responses to noxious radiant heating in lightly anesthetized rats. Intrathecal injection of appropriate antagonists was used to determine whether the antinociceptive effects of morphine were mediated by alpha 2-noradrenergic, serotonergic, opioid, or cholinergic muscarinic receptors. The increase in the foot withdrawal response latency produced by microinjection of morphine in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray was reversed by intrathecal injection of the cholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine, but was not affected by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine, the serotonergic receptor antagonist methysergide, or the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. In contrast, the increase in the tail flick response latency produced by morphine was reduced by either yohimbine, methysergide or atropine. These results indicate that microinjection of morphine in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray inhibits nociceptive responses to noxious heating of the tail by activating descending neuronal systems that are different from those that inhibits the nociceptive responses to noxious heating of the feet. More specifically, serotonergic, muscarinic cholinergic and alpha 2-noradrenergic receptors appear to mediate the antinociception produced by morphine using the tail flick test. In contrast, muscarinic cholinergic, but not monoamine receptors appear to mediate the antinociceptive effects of morphine using the foot withdrawal response.
Hospital stay of inpatients HIV/AIDS with mental and behavioral disorders: 2007 vs 2010 discharges in the United States

About 1.1 million Americans are living with HIV, and 21% of these persons do not know they are infected. African Americans are 8.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV infection, as compared to the White population in 2008. Women account for a 25% of all new HIV/AIDS cases, with approximately 65% having contracted the infection via heterosexual contact. People with mental and behavioral disorders are at increased risk for HIV/AIDS. Tendencies for committing risky behavior that leads to HIV infection is around 50% among people who are mentally ill. Current nation-based statistics of factors that affect the outcomes of inpatients HIV/AIDS admitted to non-federal hospitals is lacking. A retrospective data analysis of discharges was conducted from the 2007 and 2010 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Sample selection criteria was done using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes (HIV/AIDS = 042, Schizophrenia = 295, Depression = 296, Bipolar = 657). Statistical Analysis involved the use of crosstab, and multiple regression for patient measures (age, gender, ethnicity, income, insurance, patients’ co-morbidities, admission types, treatment procedures); hospital measures (teaching status, ownership, location, region, size) and length of stay (LOS). The result of this study has shown that the patient demographics age, gender, ethnicity, insurance, location and size or region of the hospitals were not the most critical variables that made the patients stay longer on admission to non-federal hospitals. These findings highlight the conversation that sicker patients with more comorbidities are usually admitted to teaching hospitals where more Registered Nurses (RNs) are employed full time for a more positive and satisfactory patient outcomes. Finally, the result confirmed the relationship between the ratio of RNs FTEs and patient LOS. This has clinical implications in hiring, retention and expectations as it regards to inpatients HIV/AIDS outcomes.
CHEMICAL AND ISOTOPIC BALANCES FOR A MEROMICTIC LAKE1

A chemical and isotopic study of the waters and sediments of Fayetteville, New York, Green Lake has allowed the cause of its meromixis to be defined. Stagnation is clearly the result of two different water types entering the lake. Water entering below the chemocline is almost twice as saline as that entering the surface layer. This conclusion is based on hydrologic, isotopic, and chemical balances. For carbon and its isotopes, the contributions of CaCOs precipitation, of the photosynthetic cycle, of gas exchange with the atmosphere, and of hydrologic transport are considered. Our results indicate a mean residence time of two years for surface water and of 4-30 years for deep water. The water entering the deep reservoir must be richer in Na+ + K’ + Clrelative to Mg*+ + Cap+ + HC09+ Sod*than that entering the surface reservoir. Its carbon must also be more deficient in “C and “C and its degree of supersaturation with respect to calcite lower than surface water. Although both reservoirs are supersaturated with calcite, the carbon isotope data clearly indicate that precipitation takes place largely from the surface water.
The effect of particle size on the thermal conductivity of ZnS/diamond composites

We have observed that the thernal conductivity of zincsulphide is increased by adding large particles of highly conducting diamond, but lowered by the addition of sub-micron size particles of diamond. This effect is explained in terms of the interfacial thermal resistance which becomes increasingly dominant as the particles becomes smaller (because that increases their surface to volume ratio). A phenomonological model in which the interface resistance is expressed as an effective Kapitza radius, ak, is presented. The conductivity of the composite is analyzed for different values of α, which is defined to be equal to the Kapitza radius divided by the particle radius. If α = 1, that is, the actual particle radius is equal to ak then the effective thermal conductivity of the particles is equal to that of the matrix. If α > 1, that is the particles are very small, then the contribution of the particles to the thermal conductivity of the composite is dominated by interfaces; if α < 1 then the bulk property of the particles is important. Our measurements yield ak ≈ 1.5 μm for the ZnS-diamond interface.
Hydridotris(3-t-butylpyrazolyl)boratothallium(I). A spectroscopic and structural study

The crystal structure of hydridotris(3-t-butyl-1-pyrazolyl)boratothallium(I) is reported. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma (No. 62) with a 14.431(4), b 16.299(3), and c 10.562(2) A. The T1 atom of each monomeric unit adopts a pyramidal geometry with respect to the three nitrogen atoms that constitute the “face” of the pyrazolylborate ligand. The average T1-N distance of 2.584(9) A possibly implies some ionic character.
Impact of alternative fuels on vehicle emissions of greenhouse gases

Using a variety of different assumptions, several groups have made estimates of the impacts of various alternative energy sources on the emissions of greenhouse gas from motor vehicles. This review was undertaken to compare these various estimates, determine if the differing procedures significantly affected the conclusions of any of the groups, and determine if any consensus exists on the impacts of the various alternative energy source proposals on the emissions of greenhouse gases from motor vehicles. The greenhouse gas emissions considered in this analysis include CO2, CH4, and N2O.
Impaired Laparotomy Wound Healing in Obese Rats

Background Obesity increases the risk of laparotomy dehiscence and incisional hernia. The aim of this study was to measure the biological effect of obesity on laparotomy wound healing and the formation of incisional hernias.
A Homology-Based Molecular Model of the Closed State of Human CFTR

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an ATP-gated chloride channel belonging to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily of proteins, and the locus of the primary defect in cystic fibrosis (CF). Advances in CF therapeutic research have been hampered by the lack of information about the conformational changes that CFTR undergoes during its gating cycle. Here, we present an all-atom structural model of the inward-facing, ATP-free conformation of CFTR that is based on comparative/homology modeling using as a template the experimental structure of P-glycoprotein, a closely-related ABC transporter. We believe that this model, which is supported by experimental data, corresponds to the closed state of the CFTR channel, and it provides vital clues as to what makes CFTR unique as the only member of the ABC transporter superfamily that bears channel activity. Notably, the proposed structure is significantly different from prior homology models of nucleotide-bound CFTR, which have been proposed to represent the putative open state conformation. This homology model provides the basis for examining possible pathways as the CFTR structure moves between the closed and open states, which should lead to a better understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and channel function in CFTR.Support: NIH-DK056481 to N.A.M.
Soft tissue augmentation. The search for implantation materials and techniques.

Abstract For decades, there has been a search for a material to repair depressed contour deformities of the skin. The material must be safe (sterile, nonirritating, nonantigenic, and noncarcinogenic) and effective with, ideally, long-lasting improvement of the treated deformities. Thus far, the bovine collagen implants (Zyderm®, Zyderm II®, Zyplast®, by the Collagen Corporation, Palo Alto, CA) have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other materials that have been tested include fibrin foam, silicone, and, most recently, the gelatin matrix implants, GAP and Fibrel® (Table 1).
Border-cell migration requires integration of spatial and temporal signals by the BTB protein Abrupt.

How temporal signals from the steroid hormone ecdysone are integrated with JAK/STAT-mediated spatial control of Drosophila border-cell migration has been unclear. JAK/STAT represses Abrupt, which in turn attenuates ecdysone signalling by interacting with the ecdysone receptor coactivator Taiman. During development, elaborate patterns of cell differentiation and movement must occur in the correct locations and at the proper times. Developmental timing has been studied less than spatial pattern formation, and the mechanisms integrating the two are poorly understood. Border-cell migration in the Drosophila ovary occurs specifically at stage 9. Timing of the migration is regulated by the steroid hormone ecdysone, whereas spatial patterning of the migratory population requires localized activity of the JAK–STAT pathway. Ecdysone signalling is patterned spatially as well as temporally, although the mechanisms are not well understood. In stage 9 egg chambers, ecdysone signalling is highest in anterior follicle cells including the border cells. We identify the gene abrupt as a repressor of ecdysone signalling and border-cell migration. Abrupt protein is normally lost from border-cell nuclei during stage 9, in response to JAK–STAT activity. This contributes to the spatial pattern of the ecdysone response. Abrupt attenuates ecdysone signalling by means of a direct interaction with the basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) domain of the P160 ecdysone receptor coactivator Taiman (Tai). Taken together, these findings provide a molecular mechanism by which spatial and temporal cues are integrated.
Strategies for prevention of neonatal invasive candidiasis.

Abstract A single-center randomized, placebo-controlled trial has found that intravenous fluconazole prophylaxis in preterm infants ≤1,000 g with a central venous catheter or endotracheal tube until such infants no longer required intravenous access or attained 6 weeks postnatal age was effective in preventing fungal sepsis. Infants at high risk for fungal sepsis are preterm infants ≤32 weeks’ gestation with one or more of the following additional risk factors: receipt of more than 2 antibiotics, third-generation cephalosporins, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, postnatal steroids, parenteral nutrition, or intravenous lipids; central venous catheter, skin disruption, dermatitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, or abdominal surgery. Further study in larger populations is needed to explore whether antifungal chemoprophylaxis or other strategies may be effective in preventing fungal infection in high-risk neonates. Effective prophylaxis strategies will decrease the high mortality and morbidity associated with fungal infection in high risk infants.
Idaho Rift System, Snake River Plain, Idaho

The Idaho Rift System is a 62-mi-long, north-to northwest-trending fissure zone that arcs across the eastern Snake River Plain. It consists of four rift sets, which are, from north to south: (1) Great Rift set, 34 mi long and trending N. 35° W., mostly in Craters of the Moon National Monument; (2) Open-Crack rift set, 13 mi, N. 30° W., from which practically no volcanic products have issued; (3) King9s Bowl rift set, 6.8 mi, N. 10° W., which has been descended to a depth of 800 ft; (4) Wapi rift set, 11 mi, north-south, presumed to be present beneath the Wapi lava field. Although the rift sets differ in strike, they are part of a single system. A radiocarbon date of 2130 + 130 yrs for the King9s Bowl rift is presumed to represent the age of opening of the rift system. A persistent northeast-trending older rift direction is also prominent in this part of the plain. The tectonic significance of the Idaho Rift System is difficult to evaluate, but it may be related to crustal plate movements or to fault-block ranges flanking the plain.
Femoral lengthening techniques

The evolution of bone-lengthening techniques in the history of orthopaedic surgery reflects the need to address the often challenging problem of limb shortening. Femoral shortening results from congenital, traumatic, or other conditions of the musculoskeletal system as well as the adverse effects of the functional status of the patient. The goal of any orthopaedic intervention is functional recovery, ideally with reconstitution of the normal anatomy of the lower extremity, by an efficient, safe, and simple procedure. Detailed evaluation of the deformity and the patient is essential to select the most appropriate technique and formulate a meticulous preoperative plan. This, combined with technical expertise, close postoperative monitoring, and patient cooperation will yield the best possible outcome. One-stage techniques may be useful for lengthening up to 4 cm. The Ilizarov method is a well-established versatile technique that can accomplish a considerable amount of lengthening. However, it is a technically demanding procedure fraught with common complications. Innovative techniques have been recently described, such as Ilizarov lengthening over an intramedullary nail and the use of a gradual elongation nail.
One-bag-fiber muscle spindles in tenuissimus muscles of the cat

Over 150 complete and 139 incomplete single muscle spindles were examined in serial transverse sections of cat tenuissimus muscles in search for spindles lacking one of the two types of nuclear bag intrafusal fiber. Several histochemical reactions were used to type the intrafusal muscle fibers and assess the spindle motor and sensory innervation. One complete spindle lacked a bag1 fiber, and another spindle lacked a bag2 fiber. Several incomplete spindles also lacked bag1 fibers. In addition, ten double tandem spindles contained one capsular unit each that lacked the bag1 fiber, and one triple tandem spindle had two such capsules. All one-bag-fiber spindles had primary sensory innervation, but none had secondary sensory innervation. Their motor innervation was similar to that of the usual two-bag-fiber spindles in the number and disposition of intrafusal motor endings. It is unclear whether the one-bag fiber spindles, either single or tandem-linked, are products of an aberrant spindle development or represent a true anatomical and functional subcategory of the cat muscle spindle.
Comparison of Full-Field Digital Mammography with Screen-Film Mammography for Cancer Detection: Results of 4,945 Paired Examinations

PURPOSE: To prospectively compare full-field digital mammography (FFDM) with screen-film mammography (SFM) for cancer detection in a screening population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At two institutions, 4,945 FFDM examinations were performed in women aged 40 years and older presenting for SFM. Two views of each breast were acquired with each modality. SFM and FFDM images were interpreted independently. Findings detected with either SFM or FFDM were evaluated with additional imaging and, if warranted, biopsy. RESULTS: Patients in the study underwent 152 biopsies, which resulted in the diagnosis of 35 breast cancers. Twenty-two cancers were detected with SFM and 21 with FFDM. Four were interval cancers that became palpable within 1 year of screening and were considered false-negative findings with both modalities. The difference in cancer detection rate was not significant. FFDM had a significantly lower recall rate (11.5%; 568 of 4,945) than SFM (13.8%; 685 of 4,945) (P < .001, McNemar χ2 model; P < .03, gener...
Neurodegenerative diseases: occupational occurrence and potential risk factors, 1982 through 1991.

OBJECTIVES: To identify potential occupational risk factors, this study examined the occupational occurrence of various neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS: Death certificates from 27 states in the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance System were evaluated for 1982 to 1991. Proportionate mortality ratios were calculated by occupation for presenile dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and motor neuron disease. RESULTS: Excess mortality was observed for all four categories in the following occupational categories: teachers; medical personnel; machinists and machine operators; scientists; writers/designers/entertainers; and support and clerical workers. Clusters of three neurodegenerative diseases were also found in occupations involving pesticides, solvents, and electromagnetic fields and in legal, library, social, and religious work. Early death from motor neuron disease was found for firefighters, janitors, military personnel, teachers, excavation machine operators, and veterinarian...
Multi-band infrared CO 2 absorption sensor for sensitive temperature and species measurements in high-temperature gases

A continuous-wave laser absorption diagnostic, based on the infrared CO2 bands near 4.2 and 2.7 μm, was developed for sensitive temperature and concentration measurements in high-temperature gas systems using fixed-wavelength methods. Transitions in the respective R-branches of both the fundamental υ 3 band (~2,350 cm−1) and combination υ 1 + υ 3 band (~3,610 cm−1) were chosen based on absorption line-strength, spectral isolation, and temperature sensitivity. The R(76) line near 2,390.52 cm−1 was selected for sensitive CO2 concentration measurements, and a detection limit of <5 ppm was achieved in shock tube kinetics experiments (~1,300 K). A cross-band, two-line thermometry technique was also established utilizing the R(96) line near 2,395.14 cm−1, paired with the R(28) line near 3,633.08 cm−1. This combination yields high temperature sensitivity (ΔE” = 3,305 cm-1) and expanded range compared with previous intra-band CO2 sensors. Thermometry performance was validated in a shock tube over a range of temperatures (600–1,800 K) important for combustion. Measured temperature accuracy was demonstrated to be better than 1 % over the entire range of conditions, with a standard error of ~0.5 % and µs temporal resolution.
Airway-related vagal preganglionic neurons express multiple nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits

Nicotine acting centrally increases bronchomotor tone and airway secretion, suggesting that airway-related vagal preganglionic neurons (AVPNs) within the rostral nucleus ambiguus (rNA) express nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In the present study, we examined the three main functionally characterized subtypes of nAChRs in the CNS, the alpha7 homomeric and alpha4beta2 heteromeric receptors. First, we characterized the expression of these subunits at the message (mRNA) and protein levels in brain tissues taken from the rNA region, the site where AVPNs are located. In addition, double labeling fluorescent immunohistochemistry and confocal laser microscopy were used to define the presence of alpha7, alpha4, and beta2 nAChRs on AVPNs that were retrogradely labeled with cholera toxin beta subunit (CTb), injected into the upper lung lobe (n=4) or extrathoracic trachea (n=4). Our results revealed expression of all three studied subunits at mRNA and protein levels within the rNA region. Furthermore, virtually all identified AVPNs innervating intrapulmonary airways express alpha7 and alpha4 nAChR subunits. Similarly, a majority of labeled AVPNs projecting to extrathoracic trachea contain alpha7 and beta2 subunits, but less than half of them show detectable alpha4 nAChR traits. These results suggest that AVPNs express three major nAChR subunits (alpha7, alpha4, and beta2) that could assemble into functional homologous or heterologous pentameric receptors, mediating fast and sustained nicotinic effects on cholinergic outflow to the airways.
Isoprenylation of the low molecular mass GTP-binding proteins rac 1 and rac 2: Possible role in membrane localization

Ras proteins can be modified at their COOH-terminal cysteine in the motif Cys-Ali-Ali-Xaa by a farnesyl isoprenoid. This modification is essential for membrane association and biological activity of ras proteins. A similar COOH-terminal amino acid sequence, Cys-Xaa-Ali-Xaa, exists in the ras-related GTP-binding proteins rac 1 and rac 2. To determine whether these proteins were similarly modified, COS cells were transfected with rac 1 and rac 2 cDNA and expressed proteins were labeled with [3H]mevalonic acid. We report here that both rac 1 and rac 2 are post-translationally modified by addition of an isoprenoid group, the likely site of which is the COOH-terminal cysteine. Isoprenylation was found only in racs associated with particulate cell fractions, suggesting that this modification may be associated with membrane localization of the proteins. These data specifically identify mammalian low molecular mass GTP-binding proteins other than ras that undergo post-translational modification and further define the COOH-terminal consensus sequence, Cys-Ali-Ali-Xaa, as an isoprenylation signal. This sequence may identify a larger family of low molecular mass GTP-binding proteins which are isoprenylated.
Technology and court administration in the twenty-first century: Hurtling toward?

Abstract This article begins from the position that technology is a human creation used to help achieve desirable ends. Therefore, to understand technology's impact on court administration (defined as case processing support to judicial decision-making), the ends or values to be realized in court operation must first be specified. Seven case deciding values (impartiality, finality, public participation and oversight, accurately declaring and applying the law, protecting individual rights, being fair and equitable in decisions, and preserving/strengthening political community) are identified along with seven case support values (access, accurate information, equality of treatment, protection of privacy, high quality of operation, efficiency, and accountability). Using this values framework, specific technological options and their possible impacts are analyzed in terms of both the direct and indirect case processing support provided by court administration. In the area of direct case processing support, the approach taken is to follow the flow of a case from the point of thinking about beginning legal action through post-trial proceedings. In the area of indirect case processing support, the focus is on technology's impact on court organizational design and management.
Computational analysis of calcium signaling and membrane electrophysiology in cerebellar Purkinje neurons associated with ataxia

Background Mutations in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER) calcium channel Inositol Trisphosphate Receptor type 1 (IP3R1) in humans with the motor function coordination disorders Spinocerebellar Ataxia Types 15 and 16 (SCA15/16) and in a corresponding mouse model, the IP3R1delta18/delta18 mice, lead to reduced IP3R1 levels. We posit that increasing IP3R1 sensitivity to IP3 in ataxias with reduced IP3R1 could restore normal calcium response. On the other hand, in mouse models of the human polyglutamine (polyQ) ataxias, SCA2, and SCA3, the primary finding appears to be hyperactive IP3R1-mediated calcium release. It has been suggested that the polyQ SCA1 mice may also show hyperactive IP3R1. Yet, SCA1 mice show downregulated gene expression of IP3R1, Homer, metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR), smooth endoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATP-ase (SERCA), calbindin, parvalbumin, and other calcium signaling proteins.
Seroepidemiology of marble spleen disease on a large pheasant farm in california

Abstract An agar gel precipitation (AGP) test was used to study the epidemiology of marble spleen disease (MSD) on a large pen-raised pheasant farm with a prior history of MSD. Tests conducted during early season egg production (March 1983) on previously infected breeders, poults from these breeders, and MSD-free hens introduced onto the farm, indicated absence of MSD antibodies (and clinical disease) during the breeding season (February–July 1983). Thus, a carrier state or egg transmission could not be demonstrated. The disease did not occur in late summer (September) in the same area of the ranch where it was diagnosed for the past 5 seasons. The AGP test was useful in confirming the pattern of the disease spread which moved erratically but within the general area of the index pen. Antibodies were detected in penmates approximately 10–15 days after the first observed mortality, but did not persist after the disease had run its course. Our observations suggest that the reservoir of the virus exists in the environment, and mechanical transmission (caretaker, equipment etc.) is important in sustaining the disease during an outbreak.
Variation in RGS2 is associated with suicidal ideation in an epidemiological study of adults exposed to the 2004 Florida hurricanes.

This study examined whether rs4606, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the translated region at the 3′ end of RGS2, was related to suicidal ideation in an epidemiologic sample of adults living in areas affected by the 2004 Florida hurricanes. An epidemiologic sample of residents of Florida was recruited via random digit-dial procedures after the 2004 Florida hurricanes; participants were interviewed about suicidal ideation, hurricane exposure, and social support. Participants who returned buccal DNA samples via mail (n = 607) were included here. Rs4606 in RGS2 was associated with increased symptoms of current suicidal ideation (p < 0.01). Each “C” allele was associated with 5.59 times increased risk of having current ideation. No gene-by-environment interactions were found, perhaps due to low power. RGS2 rs4606 is related to risk of current suicidal ideation in stressor-exposed adults.
Clear cell odontogenic tumor: histochemical and ultrastructural features

Abstract Clear cell odontogenic tumor, a rare epithelial jaw lesion of putative odontogenic origin, histologically resembles clear cell adenocarcinomas. Ultrastructural and histochemical features are described and support a non-glandular derivation. The intraosseous neoplasm is characterized by ovoid nests of clear or finely stippled cells with a mature collagenous stroma. These cells are PAS-positive, diastase labile and fail to bind alcian blue. Enzyme histochemical reactions disclose dehydrogenase, non-specific esterase, and acid phosphatase positivity. Fine structural characteristics include plasma membrane microvilli, desmosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes, glycogen rosettes and lysosomes. Many cells exhibit a paucity of cytoplasmic organelles with prominent vacuolization. Centrioles and annulate lamellae are also encountered. Summarily, clinical, radiographic, histochemical and ultrastructural features indicate that this neoplasm is probably of epithelial odontogenic origin with cytodifferentiation emulating glycogen-rich presecretory ameloblasts.
Identifying druglike inhibitors of myelin-reactive T cells by phenotypic high-throughput screening of a small-molecule library.

Inflammatory T cells that are reactive to myelin protein components of the CNS play a critical role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune ence...