cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the effects of gatifloxacin on glucose homeostasis

Introduction The United States labeling for gatifloxacin has been updated to include contradictions related to its reported association with dysglycemia. However, adequately controlled studies in acute care settings assessing the magnitude and clinical determinants of dysglycemia are lacking. Objectives To compare the hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic effects of gatifloxacin with ceftriaxone in hospitalized patients. Methods A retrospective cohort study of hospitalized adult (≥18 years) patients admitted with Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) or Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis (AECB) in a US tertiary care hospital between 7/1/01 and 12/31/04 treated with gatifloxacin or ceftriaxone during hospital admission. Outcomes of interests were incidence of hypoglycemia (blood glucose levels 200 mg/dL) during up to 5 days of drug exposure. Risks for gatifloxacin and ceftriaxone were compared adjusting for variables previously reported to be independent predictors of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Results 1504 patients met the study inclusion criteria. Compared to ceftriaxone, gatifloxacin was associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia: (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–4.0). The increased risk of hypoglycemia during exposure to gatifloxacin was similar in patients with and without a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Gatifloxacin was not associated with an increased risk for hyperglycemia (adjusted OR: 1.06 95% CI 0.8–1.4) considering the whole study cohort. However, stratification by diagnosis of diabetes, gatifloxacin treated patients appeared to have a reduced risk of hyperglycemia (adjusted OR: 0.4 95% CI 0.2–0.4) while non-diabetic gatifloxacin treated patients appeared to have an increased risk of hyperglycemia (adjusted OR: 1.64 95% CI 1.1–2.4). Conclusion The risk of dysglycemia with gatifloxacin in this population of hospitalized patients was not as high as previously reported in ambulatory patients. Although these results suggest gatifloxacin use is safer in acute care settings, we recommend that clinicians monitor blood glucose levels carefully or consider alternatives to gatifloxacin therapy whenever possible.
Small-volume resuscitation using hypertonic saline improves organ perfusion in burned rats

Resuscitation using small volumes (3-5 mL/kg) of 7.5% hypertonic saline (HTS) is effective for hemorrhagic shock. Whether HTS is beneficial for the initial resuscitation of burn injury is not clear. We compared the hemodynamic effects of HTS versus lactated Ringer's solution (LR) and examined organ tissue perfusion during burn resuscitation (R). Full thickness scald burn (35% of total body surface area) was induced in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. Regional blood flows were measured using radioactive microspheres before and 30 min after burn, and after R with either HTS (4 mL/kg) or LR (at a dose required for equivalent restoration of arterial blood pressure). Data from the HTS-or LR-resuscitated groups were compared to those from a nonresuscitated group (n = 10 in each group). Mean arterial pressure decreased 30% after burn (from 120 +/- 4 to 84 +/- 5 mm Hg, mean +/- SEM) and returned toward baseline (112 +/- 7 mm Hg) at 10 min after R with HTS (4 mL/kg) or LR (22.6 +/- 0.7 mL/kg), but subsequently decreased to 100 +/- 7 mm Hg with HTS and 105 +/- 5 mm Hg with LR at 30 min. In contrast to LR, resuscitation using HTS was associated with tachycardia. Blood flows to the skin and muscle of the normal or burn regions did not change after fluid resuscitation as compared to a nonresuscitated group. Fluid resuscitation transiently increased intestinal perfusion. Similar improvements in blood flow to the spleen were observed with HTS and LR at 10 min after R (from 128 +/- 10 to 156 +/- 15 and from 113 +/- 10 to 145 +/- 26 mL.min-1 x 100 g-1, respectively). However, at 30 min after R, splenic perfusion in the LR group was not different from that in the nonresuscitated group. Blood flows to the brain and kidney increased 39% and 42%, respectively, with HTS. HTS was also associated with pronounced improvements in blood flows to the heart (from 346 +/- 20 to 631 +/- 37 mL.min-1 x 100 g-1), liver (from 36 +/- 2 to 62 +/- 4 mL.min-1 x 100 g-1), and testis (from 29 +/- 2 to 43 +/- 2 mL.min-1 x 100g-1). Resuscitation using HTS was associated with rapid improvement in organ tissue perfusion in anesthetized rats subjected to burn injury. In comparison to LR, greater increases in blood flows to the heart, kidney, liver, and testis were observed with HTS. The results suggest that significant improvement in blood flow distribution can be achieved using HTS at less than one fifth the volume of LR for the initial treatment of burn shock.
Defining prostate specific antigen progression after radical prostatectomy: what is the most appropriate cut point?

Purpose: The most appropriate definition of biochemical progression after radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy is uncertain. We analyzed the effect of using various prostate specific antigen (PSA) end point definitions for defining biochemical progression after radical prostatectomy and attempted to determine the best PSA cut point to use. Aspects of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) definition of biochemical failure after radiation therapy are also analyzed in our radical prostatectomy cases.Materials and Methods: A total of 2,782 men with clinically localized prostate cancer (cT1-T2) who had undergone radical prostatectomy between 1987 and 1993 were reviewed. All patients hadregular PSA determinations from surgery through followup. Analysis was limited to patients who did not receive adjuvant treatment within 90 days of radical prostatectomy. Biochemical, PSA progression-free percent after radical prostatectomy was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method using seve...
Covalent layer-by-layer assembly of hyperbranched polymers on alginate microcapsules to impart stability and permselectivity

The microencapsulation of cells has shown promise as a therapeutic vehicle for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. While alginate microcapsules provide an ideal cell encapsulation material, polycations coatings are commonly employed to enhance stability and impart permselectivity. In this study, functionalized hyperbranched alginate and dendrimer polymers were used to generate discreet nanoscale coatings onto alginate microbeads via covalent layer-by-layer assembly. The bioorthogonal Staudinger ligation scheme was used to chemoselectively crosslink azide functionalized hyperbranched alginate (alginate-hN3) to methyl-2-diphenylphosphino-terephthalate (MDT) linked PAMAM dendrimer (PAMAM-MDT). Covalent layer-by-layer deposition of PAMAM-MDT/alginate-hN3 coatings onto alginate microbeads resulted in highly stable coatings, even after the inner alginate gel was liquefied to form microcapsules. The permselectivity of the coated microcapsules could be manipulated via the charge density of the PAMAM, the number of layers deposited, and the length of the functional arms. The cytocompatibility of the resulting PAMAM-MDT/alginate-hN3 coating was evaluated using a beta cell line, with no significant detrimental response observed. The biocompatibility of the coatings in vivo was also found comparable to uncoated alginate beads. The remarkable stability and versatile nature of these coatings provides an appealing option for bioencapsulation and the release of therapeutic agents.
Length-Dependent Containment of a Pure Electron-Plasma Column

The long-time containment of pure electron-plasma columns has been found to depend strongly on the plasma length $L$, as well as on the axial magnetic field $B$. Plasma evolution times are observed to scale as ${(\frac{L}{B})}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ over a range of more than five decades. This transport is probably caused by small azimuthal asymmetries in the applied magnetic or electric fields.
Edge-plasma models and characteristics for magnetic fusion energy devices

A description is given of the models and resulting characteristics of the plasma adjacent to material surfaces that comprise the divertor and first wall of magnetic fusion energy devices under normal operation conditions. This thin edge-plasma region begins a short distance inside of the so-called separatrix, which divides the core domain of confined magnetic field lines from the scrape-off layer domain of open fields lines that pass through material surfaces; edge transport simulations give a unified description of the plasma throughout this region. In addition to the plasma fuel components escaping from the core (i.e. deuterium and tritium ions and their neutralizing electrons), models are included for neutral gas and impurities evolved from surfaces or injected. The confining magnetic field, B, is generally large enough to provide substantial enhancement of confinement normal to B compared to along B, resulting in steep cross-field gradients of plasma parameters. Three distinct types of edge-plasmas are illustrated, depending on the plasma collisionality, which are named as follows: sheath-limited, high-recycling, and detached plasmas. Examples of each type are given, together with the corresponding plasma conditions produced at the material surface boundaries. Detailed results are presented for the edge-plasmas of the ARIES-AT and FIRE tokamak designs. The edge-plasma characteristics calculated here provide the plasma profiles needed for other codes which perform detailed modeling of plasma sheath formation, surface modification via sputtering/redeposition, and recycled neutral-particle transport as detailed by other papers in this issue.
Craniofacial morphology, diet and incisor use in three native American populations

It has been difficult to infer behaviours related to anterior tooth use in fossil hominids owing to a lack of broad-based comparative studies of the relationships between front tooth use and craniodental features in modern humans. In this study, we seek to establish such a neontological baseline by exploring aspects of craniodental form among populations of recent humans that are inferred to have differed in habitual levels of ingestive and paramasticatory processing using the incisors. Morphometric data are compared among samples from three human populations: Aleutian Islanders (n=25); Arikara from the Mobridge Site, SD (n=19); and a late Woodland Bluff group from Jersey County, IL (n=24). Data for various biomechanically relevant dimensions were collected using standard callipers, while three-dimensional (3D) coordinate data for 28 cranial landmarks were recorded using a video-based image analysis system. These data indicate that several aspects of cranial form thought to influence the efficiency of force production on the incisors differ among the examined groups, including the positions and size of the primary masticatory muscles and the position of the dentition. For most dimensions, the Aleut sample exhibits the most mechanically advantageous configuration, the Illinois Bluff group the least advantageous configuration, while the Arikara are intermediate in form. This pattern corresponds to differences in the intensity of incisor loading among these groups, as inferred from both ethnographic reports and incisor microwear data. These results, therefore, suggest that cranial form in humans varies with subsistence-related differences in masticatory force production and that quantitative studies of masticatory system configuration may provide useful information for studies of hominid palaeobiology. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imitation versus rationality: An experimental perspective on decision making

Abstract Rather than comparing alternatives before making a choice, decision makers often simply imitate the choices made by others. Imitation may be advantageous when comparing alternatives is relatively costly. However, if everyone strictly imitates, then improvements in choice cannot occur. This article presents the results of an experiment designed to examine the use of imitation as an alternative to rationality and extent to which imitation can complement rationality in the search for economic efficiency.
On dynamical systems of characteristic 0

The purpose of this paper is to characterize planar dynamical systems satisfying certain stability criteria. The flows are characterized in terms of their critical points and a nontrivial example satisfying all of the properties obtained by Ahmad is constructed.
E-mail consultation: clinical, financial, legal, and ethical implications.

Abstract Background Communication via e-mail has become widespread. Nearly every practicing neurosurgeon is confronted with numerous unsolicited e-mail requests for medical advice, guidance, or information. Neurosurgeons need to be aware of the clinical, financial, legal, and ethical implications of providing medical consultation via e-mail. Methods A literature review of the penetration of e-mail consultation in medical practice was performed. The data on the potential for reimbursement for provision of these services is presented. Precedents for legal liability are discussed, and issues of compliance with HIPAA regulations are reviewed. Results Communication between patients and physicians via e-mail is increasing in prevalence, and a substantial number of physicians are providing medical information via e-mail consultation. Billing for online consultation has been approved by the American Medical Association, and several medical insurance carriers are evaluating the economic consequences of reimbursement for e-mail consultation. E-mail consultation raises potential medico-legal concerns, including establishment of the physician-patient relationship, malpractice liability, and HIPAA compliance. Conclusions The increasing prevalence of e-mail consultation raises new concerns for neurosurgeons. Some of these concerns have yet to be addressed by regulatory commissions or in the courts. If used appropriately, e-mail communication can facilitate physician-patient interactions, improve access to care, save time for each interaction, and possibly reduce costs of care.
Millimeter-wave propagation at street level in an urban environment

Measurements on point-to-point transmission at street level were performed in downtown Denver, CO, with RF probes that operated at 9.6, 28.8, and 57.6 GHz. All probes were mounted on self-contained vehicles, permitting a variety of path scenarios. Information on performance of these channels for propagation in an urban environment on both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight paths is presented. For non-line-of-sight (non-LOS) paths obstructed by buildings of several common materials, results that showed signal attenuations in excess of 100 dB. When the LOS followed a path directly through clear glass walls, the attenuation was small at all probe frequencies. However, when the glass wall had a metalized coating to reduce ultraviolet and infrared radiation, the attenuation increased by 25 to 50 dB for each metallized layer. In most cases no signals could be detected through steel reinforced concrete or brick buildings. >
Explaining the Emergence of Cooperative Phenomena

Phase transitions are well-understood phenomena in thermodynamics (TD), but it turns out that they are mathematically impossible in finite SM systems. Hence, phase transitions are truly emergent properties. They appear again at the thermodynamic limit (TL), i.e., in infinite systems. However, most, if not all, systems in which they occur are finite, so whence comes the justification for taking TL? The problem is then traced back to the TD characterization of phase transitions, and it turns out that the characterization is the result of serious idealizations which under suitable circumstances approximate actual conditions.
Discovering near-optimal pricing strategies for the deregulated electric power marketplace using genetic algorithms

Abstract A new approach based on genetic algorithms has been used to a general class of problems arising in network industries, in particular, to the first-best pricing problems for the electric power sector. The fundamental challenge in these applications is the treatment of various network constraints. Building on the work of Michalewicz, this study extends the state of the art of constraint-handling techniques to a realistic network problem. The computational approach studied here can be extended to other constraint-rich problems.
Multiple acute effects on the membrane potential of PC12 cells produced by nerve growth factor (NGF).

We studied whether nerve growth factor (NGF) can affect the membrane potential and conductance of PC12 cells. We demonstrate that NGF depolarizes the membrane of PC12 cells within a minute and by using transfected NIH 3T3-Trk and -p75 cells we show that both the high affinity NGF receptor p140trk and the low affinity NGF receptor or p75NGF may be involved in the depolarization. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor, K252a, partially inhibited the depolarization, but two agents affecting intracellular calcium movements, Xestospongin C (XeC) and thapsigargin, did not. The early depolarization was eliminated in Na+ free solutions and under this condition, a ‘prolonged’ (>2 min) hyperpolarization was observed in PC12 cells in response to NGF. This hyperpolarization was also induced in PC12 cells by epidermal growth factor (EGF). Voltage clamp experiments showed that NGF produced a late (>2 min) increase in membrane conductance. The Ca2+-dependent BK-type channel blocker, iberiotoxin, and the general Ca2+-dependent K+ channel blocker, TEA, attenuated or eliminated the hyperpolarization produced by NGF in sodium free media. Under pretreatment with the non-selective cation channel blockers La3+ and Gd3+, NGF hyperpolarized the membrane of PC12 cells. These results suggest that three different currents are implicated in rapid NGF-induced membrane voltage changes, namely an acutely activated Na+ current, Ca2+-dependent potassium currents and non-selective cation currents. Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structural and chemical stability of thin films of Pt–Ga intermetallic compounds of GaAs(001)

Nearly single-phase thin films of three different Pt–Ga intermetallic compounds have been grown on GaAs(001) by co-deposition of Pt and Ga. The resultant films have been annealed at various temperatures and then characterized using x-ray two-theta diffractometry (XRD), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD results showed that PtGa2 and PtGa thin films are chemically stable on GaAs under one atmosphere of N2 up to 800 °C and 600 °C, respectively, but thin films of Pt2Ga react with GaAs at temperatures as low as 200 °C to form phases with higher Ga concentration PtAs2. The XRD patterns also revealed that the crystallite orientation and texture of the films were dependent on annealing temperature. Segregation of Ga to the surfaces of the films upon annealing was also observed by both AES and XPS. The results demonstrated that the as-deposited films of PtGa2 and PtGa were kinetically stabilized with respect to possible chemical reactions with the GaAs substrates that evolve gaseous As species during open system annealing.
Spontaneous and infrared induced electron detachment from negatively charged helium nanodroplets

A beam of helium nanodroplets, with sizes ranging up to N = 107 or more atoms, is produced by fragmentation of a low entropy supersonic expansion. It subsequently is excited by electron impact, producing various charged and metastable droplet states depending on the electron energy. We will describe experiments with negatively charged cluster ions, which are observed for low energy impacts when N >2×105. In these experiments, after a flight time in high vacuum of several milliseconds the droplets pass through a weak transverse field above an electron multiplier. A signal from spontaneously detached electrons is observed, which suggests that the ion, while long lived, is inherently metastable. Furthermore, when the beam is crossed with an infrared light beam above the detector, the detachment rate is significantly increased. The wavelength dependence of this light induced signal has a broad peak near 1.5μm. By deflection measurements it is found that the spontaneous detachment signal comes preferentially from smaller clusters, while the light induced signal comes predominantly from larger ones. By stopping potential measurements one can conclude that both kinds of detached electrons have energies below 1eV, with photo detached electrons the more energetic.
Comparison of unenhanced and contrast-enhanced spiral CT for assessing interval change in patients with colorectal liver metastases.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine whether the interval change in hepatic colorectal metastases as assessed with serial computed tomographic (CT) scans without contrast material enhancement differs from that as assessed using serial, portal dominant phase, contrast-enhanced CT scans. Materials and Methods Unenhanced and contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scans were obtained in 28 patients. Three radiologists separately reviewed serial unenhanced and contrast-enhanced studies to assess the interval change in liver metastases. These radiologists recorded total number of lesions, bidimensional measurements of the largest lesions (as many as three), and overall impressions regarding the interval change (none, worse, or better). Results Among the 84 judgments (28 patients × 3 radiologists), comparisons of unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT studies were concordant in 60 assessments (71%). Nineteen (23%) showed mild disagreement. Of these, contrast-enhanced CT studies demonstrated disease stability when unenhanced CT studies demonstrated otherwise in 11 judgments, whereas unenhanced CT studies demonstrated stability when contrast-enhanced CT studies demonstrated otherwise in eight assessments. Furthermore, of the five marked disagreements, two resulted from a conclusion of interval improvement on unenhanced CT studies and a conclusion of interval worsening on contrast-enhanced CT studies, whereas three demonstrated the opposite. Neither set of serial CT studies systematically resulted in under- or overestimation of disease progression (McNemar Q test, P Conclusion The authors found no consistent pattern to demonstrate that serial unenhanced or contrast-enhanced CT studies resulted in over- or underestimation of disease progression.
Decomposition of formic acid on Ni(100)-p(2 × 2)C

Abstract The adsorption/desorption behavior of H 2 , CO, and CO 2 and the decomposition of formic acid were studied on Ni(100)-p(2 × 2)C using AES, LEED and temperature programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS). Carbon on Ni(100) reduced the binding energy of H 2 from 22 kcal⧸mole to about 10 kcal⧸mole and lowered the sticking probability to less than 10 −3 . The adsorption of CO, with an initial sticking probability near unity, resulted in multiple desorption states suggestive of lateral interactions with binding energies ranging from 14 to 23 kcal⧸mole; these values were lower than for the clean Ni(100) surface. In addition, the adsorption and/or the dissociation of CO 2 was inhibited. Formic acid decomposed on the carbide surface to yield H 2 and CO 2 as the sole products via a formate intermediate. The results suggested that the chemical properties of Ni(110)-p(2 × 2)C were more similar to copper than nickel. In comparison with previous results on Ni(110)-p(2 × 1)C a lower reactivity was found for Ni(100)-p(2 × 2)C, as less than 10% of the adsorbed formic acid decomposed into reaction products.
Subcutaneously implanted central venous access devices in cancer patients: a prospective analysis.

BACKGROUND Long term intravenous access is a common requirement for cancer patients. This analysis was designed to determine device-related morbidity and factors predictive of poor long term outcome for patients with subcutaneous single lumen intravenous access ports. METHODS Six hundred eighty patients who underwent subcutaneous intravenous port placement between June 1987 and May 1989 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center were followed prospectively until port removal, death, or a maximum of 1960 days. Indications for and circumstances of placement, patient diagnoses, patient demographics, and subsequent courses of treatment were recorded, as well as technical and microbiologic device-related complications. Total, device specific, and complication free device durations were calculated. RESULTS The median patient age was 52.4 years (range, 1.6-83.9 years). The female-to-male ratio was 1.5 to 1. Cancer diagnoses included solid organ tumors (84%), leukemia (4%), lymphoma (11%), and others (1%). Indications included access for systemic chemotherapy (98%), total parenteral nutrition (0.5%), and others (1.5%). One insertion complication and six insertion failures occurred, without mortality. The estimated mean overall actuarial device specific duration was 1191 days (range, 2-1960 days). Actuarial mean complication free, device specific duration was 952 days. Complications included sepsis (n = 31; 4.4%), site infection (n = 31; 4.4%), and accessibility failures such as thrombosis and leakage (n = 40, 5.7%). Reasons for end of port duration were patient death (72.4%), end of treatment (13.5%), functional failure or intractable infection (11.2%), and others (2.9%). Independent factors correlating with decreased port specific, complication free duration included placement site, age, tumor type, and catheter tip position. CONCLUSIONS Subcutaneous intravenous access ports in cancer patients are safe and well tolerated. Long term device duration is primarily influenced by patient survival. In this study, 90% of patients alive at 1 year and 70% of patients alive at 4 years had a functional port. Cancer 1997; 79:1635-40. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
The relationship between experimentally determined litter size and maternal blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Abstract Pregnancy lowers blood pressure in hypertensive rats. To evaluate the role of the conceptus in maternal blood pressure regulation, we measured the changes in systolic blood pressure (by tail-cuff plethysmography) throughout gestation and mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and organ blood flows (with radioactive microspheres) on postmating day 21 for calculation of total peripheral and organ vascular resistances in spontaneously hypertensive rats with litter size surgically adjusted to 0 to 10 conceptuses on postmating day 7. Blood pressure remained elevated in those rats with zero fetuses but decreased during the last week of pregnancy in those rats with three or more fetuses. The magnitude of the decrease was directly related to litter size. At term, cardiac output was positively correlated (r = 0.61; p
Insight or data: Using non-scientific sources to teach positive psychology

Teaching positive psychology is a fascinating experience, in part because many of the issues it addresses are fundamental questions about living. One advantage of taking an interdisciplinary approach is that instructors can help students balance the valuable insights gained from the non-empirical literature on well-being with those gained from science. Positive psychology is distinctive, however, because its findings result from empirical investigation. Any inclusion of non-scientific sources should thus be accompanied with the caveat that claims about happiness need to be backed up with evidence. We discuss how positive psychology instructors can incorporate non-empirical material (from philosophy, the self-help literature, and religious) in their classes, while encouraging their students to think critically about them.
Synthesis, biological evaluation and radiochemical labeling of a dansylhydrazone derivative as a potential imaging agent for apoptosis.

Abstract To develop a small molecule-based tracer for in vivo apoptosis imaging, dansylhydrazone (DFNSH) was synthesized in 93% yield in less than 30 min. The biological evaluation showed that DFNSH selectively binds to paclitaxel-induced apoptotic cancer cells. The high magnification fluorescent images demonstrate that DFNSH is localized within the cytoplasm of cells that bound Alexa® 488 labeled annexin V on the plasma membrane. [18F]-DFNSH ([18F]-3) was synthesized and isolated in 50–60% radiochemical yields, based on [K/K222]18F, with a synthesis time of 50 min (EOB). The straightforward preparation of fluorine-18 labeled 3 makes it a promising tracer for PET imaging of apoptosis.
Structure and Leukemogenic Activity of a Murine Leukemia Virus

Abstract Purified Friend viruses obtained from chronically infected tissue cultures were studied under the electron microscope in an effort to correlate the fine structure of the particles to their leukemogenic activity under varied experimental conditions, i.e., temperature treatments and exposure to Tween 80, amyl acetate, or ether. It was observed that an intact viral envelope was a prerequisite to leukemogenic activity as tested by intraperitoneal inoculation of newborn mice. It was also noted that the percentage of C particles was not increased after heating for 1 hr at 45 C (treatment which, however, completely inactivated the viruses). Digestion with ribonuclease indicated the presence of ribonucleic acid within the nucleoids of “enveloped A particles,” which shows that these are not immature particles. The significance of the simultaneous presence of “enveloped A” and C particles is discussed.
Correlates of School Disaster Preparedness: Main Effects of Funding and Coordinator Role

This study examined the correlates of public schools’ preparedness for emergencies and disasters. Hypotheses for the study were derived from the social science literature on disaster preparedness among schools, households, and organizations. It was hypothesized that preparedness would be associated with demographic factors, general and preparedness-specific resources, and prior experience. A mail survey was conducted with a sample of 470 public schools in California between September 2005 and February 2006. Responses were obtained from 157 schools. Multivariate regression analyses were performed with unweighted data. Having funding for preparedness activities and a school-based emergency preparedness coordinator were positively associated with measures of school preparedness, including perceived level of preparedness, availability of emergency equipment and supplies, extent of interagency coordination, and provision of in-service training. School characteristics, such as size, urbanicity, general resource...
Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy in Egyptian Arabian Foals: 22 Cases (1985–2005)

Background:Epilepsy is relatively uncommon in horses compared with other species and limited information is available. Hypothesis:The objectives of the study were to describe the age of onset, clinical signs, clinicopathologic data, electroencephalographic findings, treatment, and outcome, including long-term prognosis in Arabian foals with idiopathic epilepsy. Animals:Twenty-two foals were included in the study. Materials and Methods: Medical records from 1985 to 2005 were reviewed. Results:The age of onset of affected foals ranged from 2 days to 6 months. Seizures were characterized by generalized tonic and clonic motor activity, staring, and loss of consciousness. The most common postictal signs were transient blindness and abnormal mental status. The interictal neurologic examination was otherwise normal. Clinicopathologic data and imaging diagnostics were normal except in 4 foals that developed complications. Electroencephalography revealed epileptiform activity in 9 of 13 foals. Foals were treated with benzodiazepines for the short-term; whereas phenobarbital was used over the long-term. Potassium bromide was added in 3 foals in which seizures were multiple, frequent, and difficult to control. The long-term prognosis was favorable with cessation of seizures by 1 year of age. The most common complication was head trauma. The most common concurrent disease was pneumonia. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Juvenile idiopathic epilepsy of Egyptian Arabian foals has an early clinical onset but appears to be self-limiting. Information obtained from this study strongly suggests a heritable condition that merits further investigation.
Enhanced renal cryoablation with hilar clamping and intrarenal cooling in a porcine model.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effects of renal vascular control and intrarenal cooling on the size of renal lesions attainable with a 3.4-mm cryoprobe. Methods Three groups of pigs underwent unilateral laparoscopic renal cryoablation with a 3.4-mm cryoprobe inserted to a depth of 1 cm. An 8-minute double-freeze cycle was used. One week later, an acute contralateral cryolesion was created before killing the animal. In group 1 (n = 6), bilateral cryolesions were created without hilar clamping or intrarenal cooling. In group 2 (n = 6), the cryolesions were created after hilar clamping alone. In group 3 (n = 6), the cryolesions were created after both hilar clamping and application of intrarenal cooling with saline ice-slush infused into the renal pelvis. After nephrectomy, the gross diameters were determined for each cryolesion. The mean diameters of the zones of complete and partial necrosis were determined by histopathologic examination. Results In group 3, the cortex cooled from 36.9°C to a mean of 24.8°C. Acutely, no statistically significant difference was found between the lesions produced with clamping alone (37.6 mm) and intrarenal cooling (40.4 mm); however, both were significantly larger than the control cryolesions (28.7 mm). At 1 week, the area of complete necrosis produced with intrarenal cooling (34.3 mm) was significantly larger than the areas of necrosis produced by clamping alone (27.8 mm) or conventional cryoablation (23.9 mm; alpha = 0.05, Tukey's honestly significantly different [HSD] test). Conclusions Enhanced cryolesion necrosis was achieved with intrarenal cooling with a 3.4-mm cryoprobe. Intrarenal cooling may be a valuable adjunct to cryoablation in selected cases.
Demonstration of a low bandwidth 1.06 mu m optical phase-locked loop for coherent homodyne communication

A type-II, 1.06- mu m, optical phase-locked-loop (OPLL) for use in a coherent homodyne receiver is discussed. Diode-laser-pumped solid-state lasers are used for both the local oscillator and transmitter, because their phase noise is significantly lower than that of diode lasers. Closed-loop RMS phase noise of less than 12 mrad (0.69 degrees ) is achieved, and modulation-demodulation in bulk modulators at rates from 20 kHz to 20 MHz with less than 19 degrees of modulation depth is demonstrated. >
Quantization of static space-times

A four-dimensional Lorentzian static space-time is equivalent to three-dimensional Euclidean gravity coupled to a massless Klein-Gordon field. By canonically quantizing the coupling model in the framework of loop quantum gravity, we obtain a quantum theory that actually describes quantized static space-times. The kinematical Hilbert space is the product of the Hilbert space of gravity with that of imaginary scalar fields. It turns out that the Hamiltonian constraint of the 2+1 model corresponds to a densely defined operator in the underlying Hilbert space, and hence it is finite without renormalization. As a new point of view, this quantized model might shed some light on a few physical problems concerning quantum gravity.
Aquatic Organisms Response to Severe Stress Following Acutely Sublethal Toxicant Exposure

Snails, Goniobasis livescens (Menke), were exposed to acutely sublethal concentrations of p-nitrophenol and the lampricide, 3-trifluoromethyl-4 nitrophenol (TFM), and then to acutely lethal thermal shocks. The same species were also exposed to acutely sublethal concentrations of zinc followed by exposure to acutely lethal concentrations of p-nitrophenol; and to acutely sublethal concentrations of TFM followed by exposure to acutely lethalconcentrations of zinc. Brown trout, Salmo trutta, were exposed to acutely sublethal concentrations of TFM and then to an acutely lethal thermal shock. Results of these experiments indicate that prior exposure to acutely sublethal toxicant concentrations may reduce survival time for a subsequent exposure to acutely lethal concentrations of a second toxicant, but neither prior nor concomitant exposure to acutely sublethal toxicant concentrations ensures that the median survival time for a lethal exposure will be significantly altered. The brown trout exposed to an acutely sublethal concentration of TFM and then an acutely lethal thermal shock did have significantly altered survival patterns.
Robust remote data checking

Remote data checking protocols, such as provable data possession (PDP) [1], allow clients that outsource data to untrusted servers to verify that the server continues to correctly store the data. Through the careful integration of forward error-correcting codes and remote data checking, a system can prove possession with arbitrarily high probability. We formalize this notion in the robust data possession guarantee. We distill the key performance and security requirements for integrating forward error-correcting codes into PDP and describe an encoding scheme and file organization for robust data possession that meets these requirements. We give a detailed analysis of this scheme and build a Monte-Carlo simulation to evaluate tradeoffs in reliability, space overhead, and performance. A practical way to evaluate these tradeoffs is an essential input to system design, allowing the designer to choose the encoding and data checking protocol parameters that realize robust data possession.
Spatial Control of Reactive Oxygen Species Formation in Fibroblasts Using Two-photon Excitation¶

Abstract Two-photon excitation (2PE) provides a means of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and tissues with a high degree of spatial specificity. In cultured monolayers of human fibroblasts and fibroblast-derived cells treated with the commonly used probe of ROS formation, 5-(and 6)-chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, acetyl ester (CM-H2DCFDA), cells irradiated through a microscope objective with 150 fs near-infrared laser pulses became highly fluorescent, reflecting intracellular ROS formation. The fluorescence intensity inside cells increased quadratically with the average power of radiation for pulsed excitation and was unchanged for continuous wave irradiation with the same average power. Single fibroblasts embedded within dermal equivalents were also targeted in this manner and formed ROS, whereas neighboring unirradiated cells were spared. These results demonstrate that ROS can be generated intracellularly in skin cells using 2PE of the metabolic or oxidative pro...
Effects of Neighborhood Resources on Aggressive and Delinquent Behaviors Among Urban Youths

Objectives. We sought to identify neighborhood-level resources associated with lower levels of aggression and delinquency among youths aged 9–15 years at baseline after accounting for risk factors and other types of resources.Methods. Data were derived from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, which focused on 2226 ethnically diverse, urban youths, their caregivers, and the 80 neighborhoods in which they resided at baseline.Results. Living in a neighborhood with a higher concentration of organizations or services serving young people and adults was associated with lower levels of aggression (odds ratio [OR]=0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.8, 1.0); living in such a neighborhood also moderated family, peer, and mentor resources. For example, the presence of well-behaved peers was associated with lower levels of aggression among youths living in neighborhoods where the concentration of organizations and services was at least 1 standard deviation above the mean; the association was l...
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Which Staging Systems Best Predict Prognosis?

Purpose The purpose of cancer staging systems is to accurately predict patient prognosis. The outcome of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) depends on both the cancer stage and the extent of liver dysfunction. Many staging systems that include both aspects have been developed. It remains unknown, however, which of these systems is optimal for predicting patient survival. Patients and Methods Patients with advanced HCC treated over a 5-year period at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center were identified from an electronic medical record database. Patients with sufficient data for utilization in all staging systems were included. TNM sixth edition, Okuda, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC), Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP), Chinese University Prognostic Index (CUPI), Japan Integrated Staging (JIS), and Groupe d'Etude et de Traitement du Carcinome Hepatocellulaire (GETCH) systems were ranked on the basis of their accuracy at predicting survival by using concordance index (c-index). Other in...
Historical and Comparative Perspectives on the Faculty Role in Governance

While American faculty are hardly in charge of their institutions or even its academic programs and staffing (nor have they ever been!), in 2007, they report consolidating their influence in the area of faculty appointments and promotion/tenure—their historical sphere of influence—maintaining their slightly ebbing influence in the area of academic programs and conceding (confirming) their limited role in budgetary matters and administrator selection.
KINETICS OF SOL-TO-GEL TRANSITION FOR POLOXAMER POLYOLS

Kinetics of gelation for aqueous solutions of poloxamers 407 and 288 were determined using pulse shearometry. The principle of this method for determining the shear modulus of a semisolid was based on generation of a torsional force that is transmitted through the poloxamer sample at discrete time intervals. Three distinct linear phases were observed for the log dynamic shear modulus (G′) vs. time profiles as poloxamer 407 and 288 solutions of varying concentrations were allowed to passively warm at room temperature to a temperature exceeding the sol-to-gel transition temperature, Tm. The beginning of the second exponential phase coincided with the onset of the gelation process as determined by visual observation. Although gelation appeared visually to be complete at the beginning of the third exponential phase of the log G′ vs. time profiles, this last exponential phase may indicate the rate of formation of the polymer network. A comparison of poloxamer 407 [30% (w/w); Tm = 10.9°C] and poloxamer 288 [37% (w/w); Tm = 11.1°C] would suggest that the concentration of poloxamer required to achieve approximately the same gelation temperature for poloxamers having a similar ratio of poly(oxypropylene):poly(oxyethylene) units decreases with increasing molecular weight of the poly(oxypropylene) hydrophobe contained in the copolymer. Results of these preliminary studies suggest that the gelation process was significantly (p < .05) more rapid for poloxamer 407 at a 30% (w/w) concentration compared to a 30% (w/w) solution of poloxamer 288 when the poloxamer solutions were allowed to passively warm at room temperature. In addition, it appears that the rate of gelation for the poloxamer solutions studied was dependent on the rate of heat transfer through the polymer solution.
New Method for Determination of Surface Potential of Microscopic Particles by Second Harmonic Generation

A new noninvasive method for determining the surface electrostatic potential and surface charge density of microscopic particles using second harmonic generation (SHG) is described. The surface electrostatic properties of 1.05 μm polystyrene sulfate spheres in aqueous solution and that of 0.22 μm oil droplets in aqueous emulsions are obtained. Comparisons of the surface potentials obtained from SHG with the zeta potential obtained from electrophoresis are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions.
Comparing the economic and health benefits of different approaches to diagnosing Clostridium difficile infection

Accurate diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is essential to effectively managing patients and preventing transmission. Despite the availability of several diagnostic tests, the optimal strategy is debatable and their economic values are unknown. We modified our previously existing C. difficile simulation model to determine the economic value of different CDI diagnostic approaches from the hospital perspective. We evaluated four diagnostic methods for a patient suspected of having CDI: 1) toxin A/B enzyme immunoassay, 2) glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) antigen/toxin AB combined in one test, 3) nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), and 4) GDH antigen/toxin AB combination test with NAAT confirmation of indeterminate results. Sensitivity analysis varied the proportion of those tested with clinically significant diarrhoea, the probability of CDI, NAAT cost and CDI treatment delay resulting from a false-negative test, length of stay and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The GDH/toxin AB plus NAAT approach leads to the timeliest treatment with the fewest unnecessary treatments given, resulted in the best bed management and generated the lowest cost. The NAAT-alone approach also leads to timely treatment. The GDH/toxin AB diagnostic (without NAAT confirmation) approach resulted in a large number of delayed treatments, but results in the fewest secondary colonisations. Results were robust to the sensitivity analysis. Choosing the right diagnostic approach is a matter of cost and test accuracy. GDH/toxin AB plus NAAT diagnosis led to the timeliest treatment and was the least costly.
Electric Properties of Wet Whole Bone

Although clinical applications of electrical stimulation of bone growth are of value in the treatment of nonunion and several other bony defects, the mechanism involved is still not fully understood. Knowledge of the electric properties of bone is helpful in this regard because it facilitates analysis of current flow in bone during electrical stimulation, In this study, the frequency dependence of the impedance and phase-angle in wet whole bovine bone were determined using a modified four-point technique. The measurements were made in both circumferential and longitudinal directions. In general, impedance in the circumferential direction was higher than in the longitudinal direction. Large differences in impedance were found between cortical bone and marrow. Bone resistance and capacitance were measured at 1 KHz, and the values were used to calculate impedance employing a parallel-model equivalent circuit. The calculated impedance values compared well with those obtained experimentally.