cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterizing the fusion order and level-specific rates of arthrodesis in 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: A radiographic study.

Abstract Pseudarthrosis is a well-recognized complication following multi-level ACDF. We aim to characterize the fusion order and level-specific rates of arthrodesis across four time points following 3-level ACDF. Patients who underwent 3-level ACDF by three UCSF spine surgeons from August 2012 to December 2019 were identified. Fusion status at each level was determined by measuring the interspinous motion on flexion and extension radiographs and assessing for evidence of bridging bone. Measurements were performed post-operatively at 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 18–24 months. A total of 77 patients with 3-level ACDF were identified and included in this study. Specific ACDF levels include C3-C6 (17 patients), C4-C7 (57 patients), and C5-T1 (3 patients). At 6 months, the cranial, middle, and caudal level fusion rates were 17.0%, 34.0%, and 3.8%, respectively. By 24 months, fusion rates were 61.1%, 88.9%, and 27.8% at the cranial, middle, and caudal level, respectively. PEEK cages were associated with lower odds of multi-level arthrodesis. Arthrodesis occurred the quickest at the middle level with an 88.9% fusion rate by 24 months after surgery. The caudal level had the slowest rate of arthrodesis with only a 27.8% fusion rate at 24 months, likely due to increased biomechanical stress at the most caudal level. Allograft was associated with higher odds of multi-level arthrodesis compared to PEEK cages.
Unemployment insurance program accessibility and suicide rates in the United States

Abstract Unemployment is a risk factor for suicide. Unemployment insurance is the primary policy tool in the United States for alleviating the burden of unemployment on individuals. Our objective was to estimate the effect of state unemployment insurance accessibility on suicide rates, and effect modification by sociodemographic factors and unemployment rate. We used quarterly data from all 50 U.S. states and Washington, DC from 2000 to 2015, for a total of 3264 state-quarter units of analysis. The exposure was the quarterly unemployment insurance recipiency rate, i.e. the percentage of unemployed persons who received unemployment insurance. The outcome was the state-quarterly suicide rate per 100,000 population. Linear regression models included state, year, and calendar quarter fixed effects, state time trends, and state-level economic covariates to account for state-specific time-varying confounding. We assessed effect modification by the state-level unemployment rate, educational attainment, age, gender, and race. Based on fully adjusted models, potential protective effects of higher unemployment insurance recipiency rates appear to be small and restricted to demographic groups at higher risk of suicide including men, non-Hispanic White Americans, and those 45–64 years of age. These groups also generally have higher UI recipiency rates, therefore differences in subgroup estimates may reflect variations in eligibility policies and accessibility of UI programs.
Sustainable Debris Basins for Post-Fire Protection

Debris basins are often a component of flood control systems in areas that experience flooding, debris flow, and wildfires. Debris basins protect drainage systems and communities in the watershed. This protection is the key benefit of debris basins and has saved thousands of lives throughout the world. Billions of dollars in property damage has been prevented due to the design and construction of these basins throughout the world. Debris basins have a significant impact on the ecosystems where they are placed. The removal of sediment degrades streams below the basin, depletes beaches by removing sediment supply, prevents fish passage, and acts as a barrier for recreation and animal interactions within canyons. Sediment removal costs are also a long-term maintenance concern for many basins in highly urbanized areas. Finding the balance between protection of life and property, the environment, and other beneficial uses of the stream and canyon systems requires further evaluation of the design and placement of debris basins within the natural environment. This paper discusses the need for the basins, historic debris basin configurations, recent advances in basin designs, and the potential benefits to be gained.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Caused by an Axillary Lipoma

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, is a rare chronic neuro-inflammatory pain condition, which can follow a soft-tissue, bone (type I), or nerve injury (type II) that can be severe and often lasts longer than the original tissue damage. Lipomas impinging on the brachial plexus are rare. To date, there have been no documented cases of CRPS caused by a benign tumor. Here, we report a rare case of CRPS caused by surgical removal of a left axillary lipoma impinging on the brachial plexus. The patient presented with neuropathic pain and hyperalgesia of the left arm, in a non-dermatomal pattern, and pain out of proportion to touch and painful stimulus. Persistent CRPS continued to occur post-operatively for one year without significant change in her pain characteristics. CRPS following elective or emergent surgery to the extremities can pose significant complications to recovery and post-operative care. This condition can be induced through surgery or trauma, which can complicate recovery, impair motor functionality, and cause debilitating pain. Treatment modalities and pathogenesis for CRPS remain obscure and limited, which leads to wide misdiagnosis. Our case highlights the importance of considering CRPS when evaluating differential diagnoses for pre- and post-operative conditions affecting the upper and lower extremities.
Effect of COVID-19 Travel Restrictions on Phoenix Air Quality after Accounting for Boundary Layer Variations

Due to the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a variety of policy responses that have produced a range of expected and unexpected effects on society and our surrounding environment. One widely reported result of the pandemic response is that travel restrictions have resulted in improvements in regional air quality. This study aims to determine the effect of COVID-19 related Stay at Home precautions on air quality in a metropolitan area. We specifically focus on CO, NO2, and PM10 in Maricopa County (Phoenix), Arizona, as these all contribute to local air quality concerns. The role of meteorological parameters on ambient concentrations for these pollutants was investigated by using the local planetary boundary layer height (PBH) to account for vertical mixing. Across all three sites studied, there was no uniform decrease in either CO or NO2, even when freeway traffic volume was down by ~35%. For PM10, there was a significant decrease of ~45% seen at all the sites for the period most directly impacted by local Stay at Home restrictions compared to the past two years. This indicates that different pollutants have fundamentally different behavior in the local environment and suggests that these pollutants originate from different sources.
Machine Learning & Time Based Prediction of Breast Cancer Tumor Recurrence

Breast cancer is one of the most deadly and commonly found cancers among women, taking thousands of lives each year. The proposed investigation is an attempt to use various machine-learning techniques to classify and predict the tumor. In the past various studies have successfully predicted the nature of the tumor to be benign or malignant and if the tumor will reoccur or not in the patient’s body. However, there is no previously developed time-based model. This study investigates how long the tumor will take to reappear in the patient’s body or the time patient will take for complete recovery. Various classification models such as Spectral clustering, DBSCAN, and k-means along with prediction models like Support Vector Machines, Decision trees, and Random forest are used. The extensive analysis can predict the time taken by the tumor to reoccur on the scale of 1 year. This timely prediction of cancer can help the patient to consult the doctor on time thus saving their life. Funding Information: The author has no funding source to declare. Declaration of Interests: The author declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
The Effect of Endurance Exercise Modality on Markers of Fatigue

Background: Exercise power output, and resulting fatigue, is regulated based on central and peripheral sensory input. Whether exercise mode, specifically, contributes to this regulation remains unexplored. Objective: This study was designed to determine if differences in markers of fatigue would be present during two time trials of similar duration and intensity, as a result of exercise mode (cycling and rowing). Method: In a randomized crossover design, nine subjects completed the two 7-min time trials, on different days. Exercise power output, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and blood lactate measurements were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVAs. Results: There was a significant interaction between mode and time for power output (p =.02), but no significant differences between matched time points were observed for any of the dependent variables used to assess fatigue (p >.05). Conclusion: Similar levels of heart rate, perceived exertion, and blood lactate for time trials on different modes, but with the same duration and directed intensity, suggest that in a laboratory environment, exercise is regulated more by physiological disturbance and sensory cues than by exercise mode. These findings support the sensory tolerance limit of exercise fatigue.
Recent advances in the generation and functionalization of C(alkenyl)–Pd species for synthesis of polysubstituted alkenes

Abstract The synthesis of polysubstituted alkenes represents a formidable challenge in organic synthesis. Over the years, many advances have been made for this purpose, yet challenges persist in terms of selectivity, scope, and efficiency. Palladium-catalyzed methods for alkene synthesis are attractive within this field given that cross-coupling is particularly impactful in the construction of organic molecules due to palladium's ability to facilitate modular carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bond formation. To employ palladium catalysis for alkene synthesis, the generation and subsequent functionalization of C(alkenyl)–Pd intermediates are key steps. In this review, we highlight research advances since 2000 in the area of polysubstituted alkene syntheses involving C(alkenyl)–Pd species.
Transfer of conjugative plasmids and mobilization of a nonconjugative plasmid between Streptomyces strains on agar and in soil.

The conjugative plasmid pIJ101 and its conjugative nondeletion derivatives pIJ303 and pIJ211 were tested for their transferability between strains of Streptomyces on laboratory media and in the soil environment. Their roles in the mobilization of the cloning vector plasmid pIJ702, a nonconjugative deletion derivative of pIJ101, were also examined. Biparental and triparental crosses were performed on agar slants and in sterile soil between the plasmid donor Streptomyces lividans and several recipient Streptomyces strains previously isolated from soil. Conjugative plasmids were transferred to seven recipients in slant crosses and to three recipients in soil. Plasmids isolated from recipients showed restriction fragment patterns identical to that of the original plasmid in S. lividans. Plasmid pIJ303 was transferred less frequently in soil than on slants, and the frequency of transfer was higher at 30 degrees C than at the other temperatures examined. Transconjugant Streptomyces strains differed in their ability to maintain pIJ303. The nonconjugative plasmid pIJ702 was mobilized on agar slants into S. coelicolor 2708, which already contains a self-transmissible plasmid. Plasmid pIJ702 was also mobilized into S. flavovirens, Streptomyces sp. strain 87A, and S. parvulus on slants and in sterile soil after triparental crosses with two donors, one containing pIJ702 and the other containing either pIJ101 or pIJ211. The presence of a conjugative plasmid donor was required for the transfer of pIJ702 to S. parvulus 1234, S. flavovirens 28, and Streptomyces sp. strain 87A. Plasmid pIJ702 was always transferred in its normal, autonomous form. Chromosomal recombination also occurred in transconjugants after the transfer of pIJ702. This is the first report of gene transfer between Streptomyces strains in soil. Images
Fast query point movement techniques with relevance feedback for content-based image retrieval

Target search in content-based image retrieval (CBIR) systems refers to finding a specific (target) image such as a particular registered logo or a specific historical photograph. Existing techniques were designed around query refinement based on relevance feedback, suffer from slow convergence, and do not even guarantee to find intended targets. To address those limitations, we propose several efficient query point movement methods. We theoretically prove that our approach is able to reach any given target image with fewer iterations in the worst and average cases. Extensive experiments in simulated and realistic environments show that our approach significantly reduces the number of iterations and improves overall retrieval performance. The experiments also confirm that our approach can always retrieve intended targets even with poor selection of initial query points and can be employed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of existing CBIR systems.
Cell-based volume integration for boundary integral analysis

SUMMARY The evaluation of volume integrals that arise in boundary integral formulations for non-homogeneous problems was considered. Using the “Galerkin vector” to represent the Green's function, the volume integral was decomposed into a boundary integral, together with a volume integral wherein the source function was everywhere zero on the boundary. This new volume integral can be evaluated using a regular grid of cells covering the domain, with all cell integrals, including partial cells at the boundary, evaluated by simple linear interpolation of vertex values. For grid vertices that lie close to the boundary, the near-singular integrals were handled by partial analytic integration. The method employed a Galerkin approximation and was presented in terms of the three-dimensional Poisson problem. An axisymmetric formulation was also presented, and in this setting, the solution of a nonlinear problem was considered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Emerging Nature of Nurture

The Fundamentals of Brain Development. Integrating Nature and Nurture. By Joan Stiles. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 2008. 433 pp. $49.95, £32.95, €37.50. ISBN 9780674026742. Stiles draws on the findings of the past two decades to provide an inclusive and accessible account of the complexities and dynamism of brain development.
Processing And Interpretation Of Electromagnetic Induction Array Data

The simultaneous nature of array data can be exploitedin electromagnetic induction studiesfor three general purposes.First, one or more reference sites can be usedto reduce bias, improve signal-to-noise ratios, and provide bettercontrol over source complications and coherent noisein estimates of MT impedances and otherEM transfer functions (TFs).Although a single good reference site can dramatically improveTF estimates, improvements due to multiple sites are often rather modest, because local noise is the limiting factor.Secondly, arrays allow for estimation of inter-station transfer functions, and maps of anomalous horizontal field variations. Relatively straightforward modifications to inversion codes wouldallow quantitative interpretation of these additionalconstraints on resistivity variations.Finally, with arrays it is possible to estimate the response of theEarth to a richer spectrum of external source excitations. In particular,the natural extension to the usual uniform source assumption implicit inthe MT method allows for three curl-free magnetic gradient sources.Quantitative interpretation of the response of a three-dimensionalEarth to these sources could provide additionalconstraints on large scale variations in crustal and uppermantle resistivity, and might help to overcome problemsdue to aliasing of near surface distortion in widely spaced MT data.
A combined experimental/theoretical investigation of the near-infrared photodissociation of IBr–(CO2)n

We report the collaborative experimental and theoretical study of the time-resolved recombination dynamics of photodissociated IBr−(CO2)n clusters. Excitation of the bare anionic chromophore to the dissociative A′ Π21/2 state yields only I− and Br products. Interestingly, however, the addition of a few solvent molecules promotes recombination of the dissociating chromophore on the X Σ21/2+ ground state, which correlates asymptotically with Br− and I products. This process is studied experimentally using time-resolved, pump-probe techniques and theoretically via nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations. In sharp contrast to previous I2− studies where more kinetic energy was released to the photofragments, the observed recombination times increase from picoseconds to nanoseconds with increasing cluster size up to n=10. The recombination times then drop dramatically back to picoseconds for cluster sizes n=11–14. This trend, seen both in experiment and theory, is explained by the presence of a solvent-indu...
Identification of a human natural killer cell target cell antigen with monoclonal antibodies.

mAb have been derived against NK cell-sensitive target cells in an effort to identify the target cell structure involved in Ag recognition by NK cells. Several mAb were selected for further study based on their preliminary target cell binding characteristics. Flow cytometry demonstrated that each of these mAb bound to a series of NK-sensitive target cells of various origins (e.g., K562 and Molt-4) while having little or no reactivity with several NK-resistant target cell lines (e.g., SB and Daudi). Functional studies revealed that two of the mAb were able to inhibit the lysis of NK-sensitive K562 target cells by freshly isolated, endogenous NK cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Further, these mAb also could inhibit the killing of K562 target cells by both activated NK cells and cultured lymphokine-activated killer cells, as well as the cytolysis of other NK-sensitive target cells by each of these effector cell populations. Control experiments with another mAb which bound to the target cells but did not inhibit lysis implied that the effects of these mAb on NK cell function was not the result of steric hindrance. Single cell conjugate assays demonstrated that the mAb inhibited NK cell lysis via the inhibition of binding (recognition). Biochemical analysis of this target cell structure revealed that it was a molecule of approximately 42 kDa which may exist as a homodimer in its native state. Thus, it appears that the mAbs identify an unique Ag on the surface of NK cell-sensitive target cells which is involved in NK cell Ag recognition.
Voice across Hispanic America: a telephone speech corpus of American Spanish

As part of the Polyphone project, Texas Instruments is in the process of collecting and developing a corpus of telephone speech in American Spanish. The corpus, called Voice Across Hispanic America (VAHA), will attempt to provide balanced phonetic coverage of the language, in addition to containing widely used vocabulary items such as digits, letter strings, yes/no responses, proper names, and selected command words and phrases used in automated telephone service applications. The speakers are native speakers of Spanish living in the United States. The collection and development of the corpus is expected to be completed by June 1995. So far, the authors have collected about 500 speakers from various parts of the U.S. They describe the design issues in various aspects of the project, such as subject recruitment, corpus and prompt sheet design, the data acquisition system, and validation and transcription. They conclude with a brief statistical profile of the data collected.
The geobiology of calcium

Abstract Calcium is present in igneous rocks to the extent of about 3.6 per cent. The exchange complex of most soils carries comparatively large quantities of calcium but the geologic trend at present is a net movement of calcium from the continental shields to the continental shelves, and hemipelagic and pelagic sediments. There is a continual return by oceanic circulation to shelf and hemipelagic zones and a small return to land by oceanic spray generated aerosols. A universal requirement of plants and animals for calcium figures strongly in oceanic cycling and the influence of plants and microorganisms on the carbonic acid‐carbonate system modulates its terrestrial mobility.
No Right to Choose: Mandated Participation in Domestic Violence Prosecutions

Throughout the country, prosecutors have begun to mandate victim participation in domestic violence cases. In this Article, Professor Hanna examines the tensions that arise when the state uses its powers to compel women to assist in the prosecution of their batterers. Although feminist theory has been responsible for increased attention to domestic violence, it does not adequately address the tensions between state accountability and victim autonomy. Professor Hanna illustrates these tensions with dilemmas that she confronted while prosecuting domestic violence cases. Using a pragmatist approach to explore these issues more deeply, Professor Hanna argues that prosecutors can decrease the costs associated with mandated participation by reducing their reliance on victim testimony. She also outlines practical steps that prosecutors can take to achieve this goal. Professor Hanna concludes that prosecutors must take the choice of prosecution away from the victim if they are serious about sending a clear message that domestic violence is criminally unacceptable.
Response to Comment on “A Role for Immature Myeloid Cells in Immune Senescence”

Numerous investigators have employed an ELISA to evaluate differences in the levels of Ag-binding Abs present in the serum of immunized humans or animals ([1][1]–[3][2]). However, we agree with the concern raised by Drs. Ferrari, Cela, and Maglio that this type of assay might underestimate the
Farmers' response to a filter strip program: Results from a contingent valuation survey

ABSTRACT: Filter strips are an important addition to farm conservation programs. Farmers9 willingness to participate in a 10-year filter strip program were measured using contingent valuation survey methods. Data indicate that the yearly payment offered to participants, farmers9 preferences, and opportunity costs make a difference in their decisions about participation. Farmers more likely will participate in a filter strip program if the rules allow haying or other economic uses of the enrolled cropland.
To Play or to Learn?: A Review of Game-Based Math Learning for Motivation and Cognition

Research evidence of the last two decades indicates positive effects of game-based learning on students' attitude and performance in math education. Game-based Internet math sites are geared to help students stay motivated and master grade-appropriate math concepts. This review presents One) a literature review on game-based learning via instructional design and game design considerations, Two) a tabulated review of 30 Internet math games from a math educator's first-hand experience in playing and critiquing in reference to Grades 6th - 8th players' motivation and cognition. Its educational implications include helping educators (a) select Internet math games with a heightened awareness of Internet games' motivational factors and concept-building potential during gameplay and (b) incorporate game-based technology to foster meaningful immersion when students explore mathematical concepts.
The treatment of burns for medical defense unit

Abstract I have attempted to present an outline covering the treatment of burns, especially applicable to a Medical Defense Unit. The principles involved in the treatment have been discussed as regards the first-aid post, casualty station and hospital. A few cases have been presented to illustrate the late therapy employed in our clinic to promote healing, prevent deformity and restore function.
Relationships between job, organization, and career commitments and work outcomes—An integrative approach

Abstract This study deals with two major issues. First, a model of commitment outcomes, simultaneously treating organization, job, and career commitments, was tested in two diverse occupational groups. Consistent with predictions, organizational commitment was strongly related to attachment to the organization, while job commitment was strongly associated with indices of effort and performance effectiveness. Second, a hypothesis derived from a normative view of commitment was tested. It was expected that the overall relationship between commitment and work outcomes would be stronger for staff professionals than for insurance salespersons, since the involvement of the former group with their organization is more normative and value based. The data supported this hypothesis. In addition, an exploratory investigation of the relationship between commitment types and affective outcomes—job satisfaction—was included.
Tumor suppressor function of RUNX3 in breast cancer

Emerging evidence indicates that RUNX3 is a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. RUNX3 is frequently inactivated in human breast cancer cell lines and cancer samples by hemizygous deletion of the Runx3 gene, hypermethylation of the Runx3 promoter, or cytoplasmic sequestration of RUNX3 protein. Inactivation of RUNX3 is associated with the initiation and progression of breast cancer. Female Runx3(+/-) mice spontaneously develop ductal carcinoma, and overexpression of RUNX3 inhibits the proliferation, tumorigenic potential, and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. This review is intended to summarize these findings and discuss the tumor suppressor function of RUNX3 in breast cancer.
Effect of varying segment size on DASH streaming quality for mobile user

In this paper we discuss the potential effects of using various segment durations of the available contents within a simulated mobile environment. OPNET modeler was used to implement a real-time test platform for mobile video streaming using OPNET system in the loop component (SITL). The real-time test platform was then used to evaluate the performance of the requests for different segment size. Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) protocol was used to provide different test cases for video content with different segment sizes. In our experiment, we used different segments of different sizes (4, 8, and 12 sec.). Our comparison criteria include client download throughput (Bandwidth utilization), and CPU consumption. We identify the different trade-offs to be made in order to optimize the usage of available resources.
The pathogenesis and treatment of no-reflow occurring during percutaneous coronary intervention

No-reflow is one of the major causes of postinterventional rise of cardiac enzyme and myocardial infarction (MI). This complication is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). During and after a no-reflow episode, the patient can suffer from severe chest pain, hypotension, bradycardia, hemodynamic collapse, MI, congestive heart failure, and death. Every effort should be taken to reduce the incidence of this complication. The distal embolic protection device has been shown to decrease this risk in saphenous vein graft (SVG) interventions but not in native coronaries. On the other hand, the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists have been effective in reducing the occurrence of no-reflow during PCI of native coronaries but not during SVG interventions. The treatment of no-reflow is based on the intracoronary administrations of medications that induce maximal vasodilatation in small distal coronary vasculature. The most commonly used drugs in this setting are adenosine, nitroprusside, and verapamil. The goal of this study was to review the pathogenesis and treatment of no-reflow in patients undergoing PCI.
Eigenfunction expansions for infinite dimensional Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes

We give a general construction of infinite dimensional Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes. We present expansions of these processes based on the expansion of the covariance operators in generalized eigenfunctions, and we answer positively some question left open by J.B. Walsh on properties of the hitting times of these processes.
Recent developments in large-scale finite element lagrangian hydrocode technology

Abstract The state of Lagrangian hydrocodes for computing the large deformation dynamic response of inelastic continua is reviewed in the context of engineering computation at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, U.S.A., and the DYNA2D/DYNA3D finite element codes. The emphasis is on efficiency and computational cost. The simplest elements with explicit time integration are put in context against the cost of implicit time integration. The two-dimensional four node quadrilateral and the three-dimensional hexahedron with one point quadrature are advocated as superior to other more expensive choices. Important auxiliary capabilities are a cheap but effective hourglass control, slide-lines/planes with void opening/closure, and rezoning. Both strain measures and material formulation are seen as a homogeneous stress point problem and a flexible material subroutine interface admits both incremental and total strain formulation, dependent on internal energy or an arbitrary set of other internal variables. Vectorization on Class VI computers such as the CRAY-1 is a simple exercise for optimally organized primitive element formulations. Some examples of large-scale computation are illustrated including continuous tone graphic representation.
Managers without Management Science

In a recent article C. Jackson Grayson, Jr. [Grayson, Jackson C., Jr. 1973. Management science and business practice. Harvard Bus. Rev. July--August 41--48.] states that he used absolutely none of the management science tools explicitly. Yet, to the question whether he might have done better by using some management science models his answer is no. How does he know? That question is the main subject of this note. Can a decision maker do better without science, models, computers etc.? In other words, can we rely exclusively on experience, intuition, expert judgement, hunch or genius? The answer is no. Or, more precisely, it all depends on the decision maker, the problem and the environment.
Sedimentary response to Mississippian tectonic activity at the east end of the 38th Parallel fracture zone

Carbonate fades of the Greenbrier Group establish the presence of an east-west-trending Mississippian uplift and record the timing of late Paleozoic tectonic movement in the east-central Appalachian basin at the east end of the 38th Parallel fracture zone. This fracture zone has been defined by previous workers from the alignment of igneous intrusive and volcanic rocks, ore mineralization zones, major fault systems, and Landsat lineaments across eastern and central North America. This fracture system is apparently associated with displacement along faults in the Precambrian basement rock. Movement along the fracture zone occurred periodically throughout the Phanerozoic. The lineament may be distinguished both geomorphically (on Landsat imagery and side-looking airborne radar) and stratigraphically. Mississippian tectonic activity along the eastern section of the fracture zone is indicated by anomalous thinning of sediments, facies patterns, and stratigraphic relations of uppermost Devonian to Upper Mississippian strata of the eastern Appalachian Plateau.
Abstract 5743: Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging analogs of glutamine: Development and evaluation as probes for cancer imaging

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Emerging evidence suggests that nutrient uptake in cancer cells is controlled by oncogenic signaling pathways. The natural amino acid glutamine is an essential nutrient for cell growth and proliferation. Glutamine also participates in protein synthesis and is a nitrogen source for the production of select nucleotides and amino acids. Consequently, quantitative measures of glutamine uptake may reflect critical processes in oncology. Recently, a fluorinated glutamine analog for positron emission tomography (PET) was shown to possess both highly specific cellular uptake in glioma cell lines and in vivo tumor localization (J Am Chem Soc 2011;133:1122-1133). Synthetic methodology leading to this agent, an optically pure 4-fluoro-glutamine derivative, was also reported. Though effective, this convergent synthesis requires multiple steps, extensive chromatographic separation, and nearly a week of reaction time. Employing a chiral auxiliary Schiff base and microwave-assisted organic synthesis, we have significantly improved the synthesis of this and similar agents, drastically reducing the number of synthetic steps (from ten to four) and the overall reaction time (from seven days to two hours). While the radiochemistry relies upon traditional box methods, we are also currently employing high-throughput microfluidic radiolabeling strategies to expedite probe production and labeling efficiency. Finally, using optically pure [18F]4-FGln (2S,4R) synthesized by our improved synthesis, we report preclinical PET images of models of human colorectal cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5743. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5743
Rb-Sr ages of the encrucijada granite intrusive in the Imataca Complex, Venezuela

Abstract The Encrucijada Granite was emplaced in the Imataca Complex of the Venezuelan Guayana Shield 2110 ± 87m.y. ago as determined from an Rb-Sr isochron plot of whole-rock samples. A single sample of remelted or granitized Imataca paragneiss gives an apparent age of 2900 m.y.
The Economic Impact of SFAS NO. 157

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (SFAS 157) defines fair value, establishes a three tiered framework for measuring fair value and expands the required disclosures about fair value measurements. The objective of this study is to examine and evaluate the benefits of the information disclosed by SFAS 157. The results of our study indicated that a large majority of the inputs are observable in that 93.5% of the sample financial assets and 93.1% of the sample financial liabilities were measured by level 1 or 2 criteria. However, we found a mismatch between assets and liabilities subject to the three tiers of fair value measurements. The companies in our sample disclosed $18.8 trillion in total assets, with 51%, or $9.5 trillion reported at fair value. Whereas, sample company liabilities totaled $16.1 trillion with only $3.7 trillion or 23% reported at fair value.
Construction of a superimposed code using partitions

Abstract This paper will focus on the construction of superimposed codes using incidence matrices. Such constructions require a set of elements and a partial order defined on the set. We will define a partial order on partitions. The construction will be made using elements from the partially ordered set of partitions of n elements.
A 3-D finite difference solution for orthotropic laminated composites using curvilinear coordinates

Abstract The static equilibrium equations for orthotropic composite laminates are written in body fitted curvilinear coordinate system. A 3-D Finite Difference code has been developed to solve these equations. This combination extends the capability of the Finite Difference method to analyse effectively stress concentrations near arbitrary 2-D defects in composites. The stress field around a circular hole in an angleply composite laminate (−45°, 45°| s ) is analysed as a test case.
Psychological approach in cosmetic dermatology for optimum patient satisfaction

Knowledge and skills are required to deal with certain skin disorders and their corresponding cosmetic complaints. The field of cosmetic dermatology is growing as an overlap between the medical treatment of skin diseases and traditional cosmetology. This poses problems for dermatologists and other professionals, including regulation agencies. Dermatology should enable patients to benefit from all that is necessary for their care, whether that is surgery, drugs or cosmetics. There is no need to modify current regulations. A patient-orientated approach is advocated. The author tries to address fellow Dermatologists and those dealing with cosmetology on how to optimally maximize the outcome of their results by simple advices on how to deal with their patients.
Choroid plexus cysts: not associated with Down syndrome

We sought to determine whether there is an association between choroid plexus cysts identified in the second-trimester fetus and trisomy 21. Over a 7-year period, fetuses scanned between 14 and 22 weeks were prospectively evaluated for the presence of choroid plexus cysts. Follow-up on fetuses with choroid plexus cysts was obtained by review of the medical records. Over the same time period, the scans and reports of all fetuses with trisomy 21 detected in our laboratory by mid-trimester amniocentesis were reviewed. The prevalence of choroid plexus cysts in fetuses with and without trisomy 21 were compared by means of X2 analysis. A total of 473 fetuses with choroid plexus cysts were identified among 32,053 second-trimester fetuses. Sixteen fetuses were lost to follow-up, three had structural defects and normal karyotypes and 21 had abnormal karyotypes, two of which were trisomy 21. Other abnormal karyotypes included trisomy 18, unbalanced translocation and triploidy, previously reported elsewhere. The remaining 433 fetuses either had normal karyotypes or were normal newborns. The prevalence of choroid plexus cysts (excluding fetuses with trisomy 18) was 1.38% in our general population. During the study period, 143 fetuses with trisomy 21 were karyotyped in our laboratory, and two of these (1.40%) had choroid plexus cysts. Both had other sonographic abnormalities suggesting trisomy 21. The difference in prevalence of fetuses with choroid plexus cysts and trisomy 21 vs. those without trisomy 21 was not statistically significant (X2 = 0.98; relative risk (RR) = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.26, 4.03). We conclude that choroid plexus cysts occur with similar frequency in fetuses with trisomy 21 to that in fetuses from the general population. The finding of choroid plexus cysts should not be used to increase the patient's calculated risk of having a fetus with trisomy 21.
An Analytical and Experimental Study of Rotary-Vane Turbomachinery: Single-Phase Working Fluids

Rotary machines have played an important role for many years in refrigeration and air compression applications because of their inherent simplicity and reliability. They are also very attractive machines since as positive displacement devices; they are more suitable for low flow rates (low specific speeds). In this paper, the thermodynamic and fluid mechanic characteristics of a rotary-vane air-motor are analyzed. The optimum geometrical and operational characteristics of the machine are presented. Experiments are conducted to understand the working principles and operational constraints of the machine. This study also helps formulate design procedures that can be utilized to modify air-motors into optimized expanders for single-phase flow applications. The model has been used to evaluate geometrical parameters such as the optimum intake and exhaust port locations, their spreads and the geometric volume ratio, as well as evaluating performance parameters such as the work produced and the mechanical, isentropic and total efficiencies of the machine. It is anticipated in a follow-up study that the model developed will be the basis for an expander design tool that uses two-phase working fluids in relevant industrial applications.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Does the incidence of two-vessel cord correlate with an increased incidence of discordance in twin gestations?

664 665 THE ACCURACY OF PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF FETAL HEART ANOMALIES IN THE OBESE GRAVIDA MAYRA TROYA-NUTT, ISRAEL HENDLER, SEAN BLACKWELL, MARJORIE TREADWELL, EMMANUEL BUJOLD, ROBERT SOKOL, YORAM SOROKIN, Wayne State University, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Detroit, MI Wayne State University, Obstetrics/ Gynecology/MFM, Detroit, MI OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis for major fetal heart anomalies in obese and non-obese women. STUDY DESIGN: A computerized ultrasound and perinatal database was used to identify patients who had prenatally diagnosed major heart defects and delivered a live-born neonate at $24 weeks’ (10/1999-6/2003). Prenatal ultrasound reports were compared with neonatal examination including echocardiography. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and outcome data were collected. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on body mass index (BMI). The agreement between prenatal and postnatal diagnosis was compared between obese (BMI$30 kg/m2) and non-obese patients (BMI < 30 kg/m2). RESULTS: Nineteen neonates met all study criteria. Prenatal diagnoses included left and right hypoplastic heart, atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), AV canal, tetralogy of Fallot, valvular or aortic anomalies. Of these, the diagnosis was confirmed postnatally in 12 (63%) cases. However, in obese patients 75% (6 of 8) newborns were found to have a normal cardiac evaluation postnatally, while only 1 of 11 newborns had a normal cardiac evaluation in non-obese gravidas (P = 0.004). Ventricular septal defect was the most frequently overdiagnosed anomaly (4 out of 7 cases, 57.1%); 1 case of ASD, 1 coarctation of the aorta, and 1 case of asymmetry between the right and the left heart. Volume 189, Number 6 Am J Obstet Gynecol SMFM Abstracts S239
K -shell ionization of Al, V, Fe, Cu, Y, Mo, Ag, and Sn by 1-5-MeV alpha-particle bombardment

Absolute cross sections have been measured for the K-shell ionization of Al, V, Fc, Cu, Y, Ho, Ag, and Sn by a-particle bombardment over the 1-5-MeV energy range. Characteristic x-ray radiation produced by the ion impact was detected by a cooled Si(Li) detector. Experimental results are compared with ionization cross sections calculated using the plane-wave Born approximation, the semiclaasical approach, and the binary-encounter approximation (BEA). The present results agree most favorably with the BEA calculations. Comparisons of cross sections obtained from separate thick- and thin-target measurements show excellent agreement.
Parallel processing in item recognition

It is shown that in Sternberg’s item recognition task Ss need not make a judgment of the absolute size or color of the test item before comparing it with memory. However, Ss do use size or color information, when possible, to reduce long reaction times for large memory loads. The results suggest that Ss are able to scan memory for form in parallel with testing for gross stimulus features, like size or color. This finding has important implications for sequential two-stage theories of attention.
Formation of nanometer-scale serine clusters by sonic spray

Ion mobility and mass spectrometry techniques have been used to study clusters of serine formed by sonic spray ionization. Broad distributions of cluster sizes and charge states are observed, ranging from clusters containing only a few serine units to clusters that contain more than 600 serine units (i.e., protonated clusters of the form [mSer + nH] n + with m = 8 to >600 and n = 1 to 10). Experimental collision cross sections, derived from the mobility data, are dependent upon cluster size but are not significantly influenced by the cluster charge state. A comparison of calculated cross sections for different trial geometries for several cluster sizes indicates that large clusters adopt tightly packed, roughly spherical geometries. The most abundant cluster size in the spectrum corresponds to the [8Ser + H] + cluster; however, this ion comprises less than 1% of the total serine abundance. The measured cross section, Ω([8Ser + H] + ) = 190 A 2 , is in good agreement with the 191.2 ′ 0.2 A 2 value reported previously from electrospray ionization. Isotopic labeling studies indicate that [8Ser + H] + retains a strong chiroselective preference. Evidence for some chiroselectivity in larger clusters is presented.
An erythematous plaque filled with open and closed comedones.

A 59-year-old African American woman with a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was referred to the dermatology department for treatment of a pruritic skin condition of 1 week’s duration that began on her hands and spread to involve the arms, trunk, and lower extremities. She later developed blisters on the soles of her feet and had difficulty walking because of the pain. Her medications includedpioglitazonehydrochloride,hydrochlorothiazide, sucralfate, lisinopril,andhydrocodonewithacetaminophen. Physical examinationrevealedseveral erythematous scaly papules coalescing into plaques on the trunk, lower extremities, and dorsum of the hands (Figure 1) and hyperkeratotic scaly plaques on the palms and soles. The patient also had few erosions and tense bullae on her upper and lower extremities (Figure 2; the arrow indicates the tense bulla on the right medial palm). A biopsy of the left lower extremity with a tense bulla was performed, and a specimen was sent for hematoxylin-eosin staining (Figure 3). A subsequent biopsy specimen of the right upper arm was sent for direct immunofluorescence. Findings from a complete blood cell count, liver function tests, rapid plasma reagin, and human immunodeficiency virus tests were within reference range or negative for disease. However, she was positive for the hepatitis C antibody. What is your diagnosis?
The steady-state response of systems with spatially localized non-linearity

Abstract This paper presents an approximate analytical approach for determining the steady-state response of a class of systems with spatially localized non-linearity. Fundamental properties of the response are identified. An example illustrates the nature and accuracy of the results of the approximate analysis.
Acetylcholine and cortical excitation by pyramidal tract collaterals.

Abstract Those neurons in the sensorimotor cortex of cats which fired orthodromic discharges in response to stimulation of the peduncular pyramidal tract showed a similar excitability to microiontophoretically applied acetylcholine as did other neurons not giving such a response. Atropine and scopolamine antagonized this acetylcholine effect, but neither of these muscarinic cholinolytics nor the nicotinic acetylcholine antagonist, d -tubocurarine, blocked the orthodromic responses to pyramidal stimulation even though the former agents blocked the excitatory responses to stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation in some acetylcholine-excited neurons. A depressant effect of acetylcholine was uncommon and unrelated to the depression commonly seen after the pyramidal stimulus. These results suggest that acetylcholine is not a synaptic transmitter of the orthodromic response to pyramidal stimulation, presumably mediated through recurrent collaterals, but that acetylcholine may transmit the excitation of some cortical neurons by reticular stimulation.