cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-GG-T-117: Gated RapidArc Treatment Delivery Using the New Varian Trilogy MX Linear Accelerator

Purpose: The new Trilogy MX linear accelerator has been designed by Varian Medical Systems to offer new treatment delivery capabilities such as the ability to perform respiratory gated RapidArc treatments. A preliminary evaluation of gated RapidArc treatment deliveries on the Trilogy MX has been performed. Method and Materials: A dosimetric comparison between the gated and non‐gated RapidArc field deliveries was performed using film and an ion chamber. Film was placed within a water equivalent plastic phantom at three planes; isocenter and +/− 3 cm from isocenter, and all were irradiated simultaneously. The absolute dose was also measured at the isocenter using an ion chamber. For all of the gated RapidArc measurements the gating threshold was arbitrarily set to 50% of the waveform amplitude. Three treatment delivery conditions were tested; standard delivery, Jaw Tracking mode, and Flattening Filter Free (FFF) mode. Results: The mean percent difference between the gated and non‐gated absolute dose measurements at the isocenter was 0.5% and 1.5% for the ion chamber and film, respectively. A best agreement analysis shows an average discrepancy of 3%/1.0mm between the gated and non‐gated dose distributions (10% dose threshold, 95%+ pass rate). Gated and non‐gated dose distribution profiles agreed well. Compared to calculated dose distributions, the accuracy of the gated and non‐gated dose distributions deliveries was similar, approximately 4%/2.0mm for all three treatment delivery conditions. Conclusion: Overall some discrepancies between the gated and non‐gated field deliveries are detectable but not clinically significant. The Trilogy MX offers a useful tool for radiotherapy treatment in the thoracic region given that RapidArc provides lower peripheral lungdose and gating combined with the high dose rate FFF beam minimizes the effects of target movement. Conflict of Interest: Research sponsored by Varian.
Observation of a Nonstrange Meson of Mass 959 MeV

Author(s): Kalbfleisch, George R.; Alvarez, Luis W.; Barbaro-Galtieri, Angela; Dahl, Orin I.; Eberhard, Philippe; Humphrey, William E.; Lindsey, James S.; Merrill, Deane W.; Murray, Joseph J.; Rittenberg, Alan; Ross, Ronald R.; Shafer, Janice B.; Shively, Frank T.; Siegel, Daniel M.; Smith, Gerald A.; Tripp, Robert D.
A framework for semantic reconciliation of disparate earth observation thematic data

There is a growing demand for digital databases of topographic and thematic information for a multitude of applications in environmental management, and also in data integration and efficient updating of other spatially oriented data. These thematic data sets are highly heterogeneous in syntax, structure and semantics as they are produced and provided by a variety of agencies having different definitions, standards and applications of the data. In this paper, we focus on the semantic heterogeneity in thematic information sources, as it has been widely recognized that the semantic conflicts are responsible for the most serious data heterogeneity problems hindering the efficient interoperability between heterogeneous information sources. In particular, we focus on the semantic heterogeneities present in the land cover classification schemes corresponding to the global land cover characterization data. We propose a framework (semantics enabled thematic data Integration (SETI)) that describes in depth the methodology involved in the reconciliation of such semantic conflicts by adopting the emerging semantic web technologies. Ontologies were developed for the classification schemes and a shared-ontology approach for integrating the application level ontologies as described. We employ description logics (DL)-based reasoning on the terminological knowledge base developed for the land cover characterization which enables querying and retrieval that goes beyond keyword-based searches.
THE FATE OF DNA-CONTAINING PARTICLES PHAGOCYTIZED BY MAMMALIAN CELLS

Particulate DNA protein coacervates were digested immediately after being phagocytized by L strain fibroblasts in suspension culture. Enlargement of the phagocytotic vacuoles occurred simultaneously with a loss of the electron opacity of the phagocytized particles. Cytochemical reactions positive for non-specific esterase, acid phosphatase, and nucleoside phosphatase in the phagocytotic vacuoles provided additional evidence for the probability of complete hydrolysis of the phagocytized nucleoprotein.
Cancer of the oral cavity.

Cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx accounts for 4% of all cancers in men and 2% of all cancers in women. There has been no appreciable change in the incidence of oral cavity cancer over the past 30 years. The anatomic location with the greatest number of new cases is the mouth, followed by the pharynx, tongue, and lip. The estimated incidence of death is highest in patients with carcinoma of the pharynx, followed by the mouth, tongue, and lip
Toward a metabolic scaling theory of crop systems.

Stable and secure food production is essential to civilization. Any methods that improve our understanding of crop yields have the potential to reduce human suffering and help provide the caloric needs of an expanding world population. Similar hopes apply to commodity crops such as cotton and those used to meet energy needs. Given the vast amount of agricultural research and experience, it might be expected that we have a thorough understanding of the major crops upon which our civilization depends. As is evident from all-too-frequent crop failures, we clearly do not have a very effective means to predict yields accurately. The assumption is that year-to-year yield variability in crop yields arises from factors outside our control such as varying weather conditions. Although weather-impacted yield variability may not be feasibly and economically constrained by management practice, the expectation is that increased knowledge of crop systems will enhance the efficacy of management. Deng et al. (1) point out how to obtain relatively simple macrodescriptors of crop growth that are applicable across diverse species, and provide the surprising result that the single variable of maximal size at maturity can be used to project major crop properties such as maximal yield.
Perceived discrimination and diurnal cortisol: Examining relations among Mexican American adolescents

Perceived discrimination remains a salient and significant environmental stressor for ethnic and racial minority youth. Although many studies have examined the impact of racial/ethnic discrimination on mental health symptomatology and physical health, little is known of the potential physiological processes underlying such experiences, especially during adolescence. In an attempt to understand how varying perceptions of discrimination relate to functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), the current study examined the relation between Mexican American adolescents' (N = 100, M(age) = 15.3 years old) perceptions of discrimination and aspects of their diurnal cortisol profiles. Three salivary samples (wakeup, +30 waking, bedtime) were collected across 3 days (total of 9 samples). Utilizing multi-level modeling, results revealed that adolescents' perceived discrimination related to greater overall cortisol output (area under the curve; AUC) after controlling for other life stressors, depressive symptoms, family income, acculturation level, daily stress levels and daily behaviors. Findings also revealed that perceived discrimination was marginally related to a steeper cortisol awakening response (CAR). Together, these findings suggest that perceived discrimination is a salient and impactful stressor for Mexican American adolescents. Understanding the physiological correlates of discrimination can provide insight into larger health disparities among ethnic and racial minority individuals.
Scatter Removal In Digital X-Ray Images By Combined Monte Carlo And Analytical Techniques

The scatter point spread function (PSF) is determined for various geometries in diagnostic two dimensional projection imaging, using Monte Carlo (MC) techniques designed to take into account polychromatic spectra (at 100 kVp) and multiple scattering directions and histories. With the knowledge of the primary photon fraction, a total normalized system PSF (primary plus scatter) is derived for each case using analytical and numerical techniques. Numerical Hankel transformation of the PSF profile provides a frequency domain filter that is inverted and applied to experimentally acquired images of a homogeneous lucite phantom matching the MC simulation geometry and technique. Frequency domain processing of the scatter degraded images, followed by inverse transformation, results in images with the scatter component accurately removed in most cases, except for a DC offset. A semi-analytic neural network derived PSF is also used on experimental images, demonstrating similar results as the MC derived filter with the added benefit of time efficient implementation on a case by case basis.
Perception Bibliography: XV. Baldwin's Dictionary, 1893–1904

Gives the 81 items for 1893–1904 in Baldwin's Dictionary which do not overlap listings in Psychological Index sections of this bibliography for corresponding years.
Chiral symmetry breaking in the presence of a confining interaction

We study chiral symmetry breaking, making use of a generalized Nambu{endash}Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model that includes a description of confinement. The Schwinger-Dyson and Bethe-Salpeter equations are solved for our model of the self-energy of a quark. We show that our analysis is consistent with the Goldstone theorem. That is, the pion has zero mass, if the current quark masses are zero. We use a confining interaction with a (Dirac) matrix structure that leads to simple equations for the self-energy and for a vertex function that serves to sum a ladder of confining interactions. We consider spacelike values of q{sup 2}, and carry out our analysis in a Euclidean momentum space. For timelike q{sup 2}, we use calculational procedures that we have developed in our earlier work in order to exhibit properties of the confining vertex. For the spacelike values of q{sup 2} considered here, we see that the effects due to the introduction of our model of confinement are small. (However, such effects are very important for timelike q{sup 2}. Their consideration is essential, if we wish to study mesons, such as the rho and omega, in our model.) {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Geometric Realizations of Representations of Finite Length

Let G=H×ℝn be a semidirect product Lie group. We reduce the problem of deciding which indecomposable representations of G may be realized in subquotients of spaces of sections of vector bundles over infinitesimal neighborhoods of orbits of H in the dual of ℝn to a problem involving only representations of the H-stabilizers of the orbits.
Metafiles and computer graphics

Abstract This paper presents an overview of the development and need for a standard way of storing and recalling graphical picture data. An international standard for a computer graphics file has been developed. This file, called a “metafile,” provides functional elements and formats for device-independent representation of pictures intended for subsequent display on graphical output devices. The use and benefits of standard metafiles for defining and transporting pictures in the computing environment is explained.
Uniform susceptibilities of metallic elements

The exchange-correlation enhanced spin susceptibilities of 32 metallic elements from Li through In have been calculated using the spin-polarized exchange-correlation functional of von Barth and Hedin. Since these 32 elements include both the 3d and 4d transition series, the calculations clearly exhibit both the normal trends with atomic number and the anomalies responsible for ferromagnetism. The susceptibilities were obtained by evaluating the Vosko-Perdew approximate formal solution of the linear-response problem for each element, using fully self-consistent nonmagnetic ground-state energy bands and wave functions. In addition, the accuracy of the Vosko-Perdew approximation itself was tested for Cr by performing a separate nonperturbative spin-polarized calculation of the response (for the same exchange-correlation functional) to an external magnetic field for this metal (the two susceptibilities agree to within 10%).
Specific oligosaccharide form of the Rhizobium meliloti exopolysaccharide promotes nodule invasion in alfalfa.

Abstract Rhizobium meliloti strain SU47 produces both high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) forms of an acidic exopolysaccharide, succinoglycan. Genetic studies have shown that succinoglycan is required for alfalfa root nodule invasion. We found that LMW succinoglycan, when applied exogenously to alfalfa roots, restored nodule invasion to exoA, exoB, exoF, and exoH mutants. Nodule initiation signals were not involved, since LMW succinoglycan from R. meliloti nodD1D2D3 and nodA mutants and from luteolin-induced wild-type cultures elicited effects similar to LMW succinoglycan from the uninduced wild-type strain. In contrast, LMW fractions from an exoA mutant, nonsuccinylated LMW succinoglycan, and HMW succinoglycan did not promote invasion, nor did LMW exopolysaccharides from R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii and Rhizobium sp. strain NGR234. LMW succinoglycan could be separated by anion-exchange chromatography into several distinct subfractions differing in repeating subunit multiplicities (monomer, trimer, and tetramer) and charge. When tested singly, only the most charged, tetrameric form was active. These results show that a specific oligosaccharide form of succinoglycan promotes nodule invasion in alfalfa. The implications for the mode of action of succinoglycan are discussed.
Somatostatin analogue (SMS 201-995) in the management of gastroenteropancreatic tumors and diarrhea syndromes,

Abstract SMS 201-995 (Sandostatin) was studied using low doses (50 to 100 μg) administered subcutaneously every 12 hours. A single 50-μg dose of SMS 201-995 effectively controlled gastric acid and blood gastrin levels for 12 hours in three patients with benign gastrinomas and was useful in their perioperative management. Higher doses of the agent (500 to 800 μg per day) had no effect on metastases in one of two patients with metastatic gastrinoma. In the other patient, one tumor shrank but the other continued to grow after three months of treatment while serum gastrin levels did not change. Cultured metastatic tumor tissue from this patient released different forms of gastrin; growth rates varied, independent of uptake of SMS 201-995, and gastrin release increased. A neonate with nesidioblastosis maintained normal blood glucose levels while receiving SMS 201-995 therapy following a 95 percent pancreatic resection. In two elderly patients with organic hypoglycemia—one with a single benign adenoma and one with multiple adenomatosis—the somatostatin analogue did not prolong the hypoglycemia-free interval. In nine patients with carcinoid syndrome, flushing was uniformly controlled with 50 μg of SMS 201-995 administered every eight to 12 hours. One of the nine required exocrine pancreatic replacement. After six months of treatment, three of the nine had no change in tumor size and one had remission of symptoms and stopped treatment. In two patients with vipoma, SMS 201-995 controlled diarrhea and reduced levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide; tumor necrosis occurred in one patient. In a patient with diabetic diarrhea unresponsive to all treatments, SMS 201-995 therapy controlled the diarrhea but did not interfere with control of the diabetes.
Tailoring the Peritoneal Dialysis Prescription

M. D., a 62-year-old female with renal disease secondary to bilateral polycystic kidneys and hypertension, opted for continuous ambulatory peritoneal diaiysis (CAPD) when her renal function deteriorated (24-hr urinary creatinine clearance of 6.8 ml/ min in a total urinary volume of 1200 ml) and uremic symptoms developed. The patient lived about a 3-hr drive from the nearest dialysis center. This factor weighed heavily in the patient's decision to choose home dialysis. A Swan Neck Missouri peritoneal dialysis catheter was inserted by a surgeon under local anesthesia with no complications. Since the patient was symptomatic from the uremia, peritoneal dialysis using a cycler in the supine position was initiated about 18 hr after the catheter insertion. To avoid dialysis solution leak from the incision site, 1 1 volumes per exchange and a 0.5-hr cycle time were chosen. The cycler dialysis continued for 36 hr. The amount of ultrafiltration achieved was 2200 ml. The patient received two additional treatments using cycler dialysis during the next seven days before CAPD training was begun. CAPD training was accomplished in five working days. A baseline peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was carried out and thr residual renal function was determined. Based on the D/P creatinine ratio and the glucose results of the PET, the patient was classified as having a high peritoneal membrane transport rate. The renal creatinine and urea clearances were 5.7 and 4.2 ml/min, respectively (24-hr urine volume was 926 ml).
Anatomy and Biology of Mysella pedroana (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Galeommatoidea), and its Commensal Relationship with Blepharipoda occidentalis (Crustacea: Anomura: Albuneidae)

Abstract The distribution, prevalence and abundance of the galeommatoidean bivalve, Mysella pedroana , on the spiny sand crab, Blepharipoda occidentalis , were studied based on newly collected material and museum specimens. Although sometimes free-living, M. pedroana occurs most often inside the branchial chamber of B. occidentalis , and appears to be a commensal associate. It is not known from outside the range of the host along the Pacific coast of California and Mexico. Approximately 60% of hosts examined contained typically 1—2 M . pedroana in their branchial chambers, but many more (maximum 22) were sometimes found. M . pedroana showed no preference for host sex, size, or branchial chamber (left vs. right) and were not more abundant in any part of the distributional range. No M . pedroana were found on specimens of the five taxa mostly closely related to B . occidentalis . M . pedroana is re-described and its systematic position discussed with special reference to difficulties of generic placement. Although the presence of the bivalves causes physical deterioration to the hosts' gill filaments, available evidence indicates that the relationship is commensal, rather than parasitic.
Pressure drop in the SHOOT superfluid helium acquisition system

Central to the upcoming Superfield Helium On-Orbit Transfer (SHOOT) demonstration is the fluid acquisition system. The main component of the system is a rectangular cross-section gallery area with one side fabricated from a fine mesh screen. He II enters through the screen and is delivered to a fountain effect pump. A model is proposed to predict the pressure drop as fluid flows through the screen and an expression is derived for the required gallery arm length as a function of flow rate demand. The model is compared with measurement of pressure drop in a full scale SHOOT gallery arm operated with flow rates of up to 850 cu dm/hr. The tests were conducted in the University of Wisconsin horizontal liquid helium flow facility to minimize gravitational effects.
Calibrating optical/IR interferometry visibility data

By construction, optical (and near-infrared) interferometers typically have resolutions designed to resolve stellar and circumstellar features; such resolution is manifested as fringe contrast (or visibility) reduction for the resolved source. These same interferometers also experience visibility reductions due to instrumental and environmental limitations, so a careful data calibration is required to accurately differentiate astrophysical and instrumental effects. This contribution discusses the basic techniques for and sources of errors in visibility data calibration, and selection strategies for sources used to calibrate the interferometer response.
Modification of the enzyme system of Micrococcus pyogenes.

Abstract 1. 1. Micrococcus pyogenes var. aureus may dissimilate pyruvate by at least two pathways: ( a ) to acetylmethylcarbinol (AMC) (or its reduction product 2,3-butylene glycol), acetate, and carbon dioxide, and ( b ) to lactate, acetate, and carbon dioxide (dismutation). The development of a low pH by cells grown in a medium containing glucose enhances the AMC type of dissimilation, whereas cells grown on a glucose-free medium bring about principally the dismutation of pyruvate. 2. 2. No acetyl phosphate or acyl radical could be detected during the dismutation reaction. No requirement for inorganic phosphate could be demonstrated for the AMC dissimilation. 3. 3. The acetylmethylcarbinol enzyme preparation of M. pyogenes var. aureus is sensitive to diphosphothiamine. The dismutating enzyme did not respond to diphosphothiamine.
Metastable phase formation in nickel-aluminum alloys during ion beam mixing

Phase transformations induced by ion beam mixing of nickel-aluminum alloys with 500 keV krypton ions have been investigated over a range of temperatures, compositions, and initial structures. Samples were formed by alternate evaporation of layers of nickel and aluminum. A portion of these samples was subsequently annealed to form intermetalic compounds. Irradiations were performed at both room temperature and 80 K using the 2 MV ion accelerator at Argonne National Laboratory. Phase transformations were observed during both in situ irradiations in the high voltage electron microscope at Argonne and also in subsequent electron diffraction analysis of an array of irradiated samples. Metastable phases formed include disordered crystalline structures, an amorphous structure, and a hexagonal close-packed structure. These phase structures were modeled using the embedded atom method to compute energies of transition from stable to metastable states. The effects of both thermodynamics and kinetics on metastable phase formation are evaluated.
Effects of Ethnicity and Gender on Reliable Measurements Using the Sahara Ultrasonometer

Abstract The objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationship between age and ultrasound (US) parameters and to assess the influences of ethnicity, sex, body mass index (BMI), and age on the ability to obtain a reliable measurement as indicated by the Sahara software. Quantitative ultrasound parameters were assessed in 1554 African American and Caucasian men and women between the ages of 18 and 93 using the Sahara ultrasonometer. The relationships among age and broadband ultrasound attenuation, speed of sound (SOS), qualitative ultrasound index, and bone mineral density showed a decline in all US parameters with age. The relationship was linear for males and curvilinear for females for all parameters except SOS, which was also linear for females. The Sahara software indicated that 66% of the measurements for African Amerian men were unreliable, 27% for African American females, 14% for Caucasian males, and 6% for Caucasian females. The factors found to contribute to the likelihood (odds ratio, [95% confidence interval]) of obtaining an unreliable estimate were having a high BMI (1.13, [1.1, 1.16]), being of African American ethnicity (5.29 [3.78, 7.41]), and being male (3.1 [2.8, 4.1]). Our study provides evidence that US results from the Sahara should be interpreted with caution in males, in individuals with African American ancestry, and in individuals with a high BMI.
Postural sway following prolonged exposure to an inclined surface.

Fatal and non-fatal falls from elevation have been documented to be a significant issue. Historically, roofing work has been ranked among the highest in incidents of falls. Recent literature has indicated that exposure to inclined surfaces (roof) has a detrimental effect on postural stability. The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine if postural instability was found to increase following extended exposure to an inclined surface. Twenty-three participants were pre/post tested under four postural stability conditions while varying duration exposure (0.0-2.0 h) to an inclined surface. Dependent variable postural sway measures were calculated from center of pressure data derived from a portable force plate. The results indicate significant differences between pre and post-exposure measures. Specifically, the results imply that an individual is less stable directly after performing tasks on an inclined surface. These findings contribute to the literature and serve as a basis for further research into work rest cycles for those individuals who routinely work on inclined surfaces.
Altered Cytokine Production in Mice Lacking P2X7Receptors

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ATP-gated ion channel expressed by monocytes and macrophages. To directly address the role of this receptor in interleukin (IL)-1β post-translational processing, we have generated a P2X7R-deficient mouse line.P2X7R −/− macrophages respond to lipopolysaccharide and produce levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and pro-IL-1β comparable with those generated by wild-type cells. In response to ATP, however, pro-IL-1β produced by the P2X7R −/− cells is not externalized or activated by caspase-1. Nigericin, an alternate secretion stimulus, promotes release of 17-kDa IL-1β from P2X7R −/− macrophages. In response to in vivo lipopolysaccharide injection, both wild-type and P2X7R −/− animals display increases in peritoneal lavage IL-6 levels but no detectable IL-1. Subsequent ATP injection to wild-type animals promotes an increase in IL-1, which in turn leads to additional IL-6 production; similar increases did not occur in ATP-treated, LPS-primed P2X7R −/− animals. Absence of the P2X7R thus leads to an inability of peritoneal macrophages to release IL-1 in response to ATP. As a result of the IL-1 deficiency,in vivo cytokine signaling cascades are impaired in P2X7R-deficient animals. Together these results demonstrate that P2X7R activation can provide a signal that leads to maturation and release of IL-1β and initiation of a cytokine cascade.
Two-dimensional isotropic scattering in a semi-infinite medium

Abstract Exact results are presented for the source function, radiative flux, and intensity at the boundary of a two-dimensional, isotropically scattering, semi-infinite medium subjected to collimated or diffuse radiation. The spatial distributions of incident radiation considered are (1) cosine-varying, (2) semi-infinite step, (3) step at the origin and (4) finite strip. Two-dimensional effects are most pronounced at large albedos.
Regulation of succinate dehydrogenase (sdhCDAB) operon expression in Escherichia coli in response to carbon supply and anaerobiosis: role of ArcA and Fnr

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) of Escherichia coli, the sole membrane-bound enzyme of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, participates in the aerobic electron-transport pathway to generate energy via oxidative phosphorylation reactions. Previous studies have established that succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) synthesis is elevated by aerobiosis and suppressed during growth with glucose. To examine how the sdhCDAB genes that encode SDH are regulated by changes in the environment, sdh-lacZ fusions were constructed and analysed in vivo following cell growth under a variety of alternative culture conditions. Expression of sdh-lacZ was highest under aerobic conditions and was decreased 10-fold in the absence of oxygen. The fnr and arcA gene products are required for this oxygen control and each acts to repress sdhC-lacZ expression. Expression of sdh-lacZ also varied 10- to 14-fold depending on the type of carbon substrate used or the medium richness. This control was shown to be independent of the crp and fruR gene products, and indicates that some other regulatory element exists in the cell to adjust SDH enzyme levels accordingly. Iron and haem availability affected sdhC-lacZ expression by two- to three-fold. Lastly, sdhC-lacZ expression was shown to vary with the cell growth rate during aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Placental site trophoblastic tumor associated with immature ovarian teratoma

This paper describes a woman who developed three malignancies within a very short time. Two of these, immature teratoma and placental site trophoblastic tumor, were rare gynecological neoplasms. The third was a breast carcinoma. This is the first report of an association of placental site trophoblastic tumor with a primary germ cell tumor of the ovary.
Early Versus Later Presentations of Venous Malformations: Where and Why?

Venous malformations (VMs) are congenital anomalies of the venous vasculature, but not all are evident at birth. The factors that lead to presentation later in life are not well understood. The objective of this retrospective cohort study of patients with VMs evaluated at the University of California at San Francisco Birthmarks and Vascular Anomalies Center from 2005 to 2009 was to investigate the clinical presentation of VMs and correlate these features with different types of tissues (e.g., skin, subcutis, intramuscular). Main outcomes included the age at which lesions were first noticed, tissue type involved, presenting signs and symptoms, aggravating factors, and morbidities. A total of 115 subjects was included. The mean age when VM was first noted was 6.7 ± 0.9 years. Tissue types involved included skin/subcutaneous (46%); intramuscular (40%); and bone, tendon, or joint (14%). Presenting signs/symptoms included soft tissue swelling (44%), discrete mass (34%), pain (33%), and skin discoloration (26%). When compared with VMs limited to the skin or subcutis, those restricted to the intramuscular compartment were less likely to present at birth (27% vs 53%, p < 0.05) but were more frequently painful (79% vs 60%, p < 0.05) and contained more phleboliths (28% vs 11%, p < 0.05), and were associated with more exercise limitation (35% vs 16%, p < 0.05). VMs differ in age of onset, clinical features, and complications based on differing tissues and sites of involvement, with isolated intramuscular involvement associated with later presentation and greater morbidity.
Anesthetic considerations in a parturient with Oral-Facial-Digital syndrome and repaired tetralogy of Fallot with left ventricular dysfunction

Oral-Facial-Digital syndrome or Mohr syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by malformations of face, oral cavity, laryngeal structures, trachea, and digits, muscular-skeletal abnormalities, and congenital cardiac defects. In this case report, we describe the anesthetic management of a parturient with Oral-Facial-Digital syndrome type II and repaired tetralogy of Fallot with left ventricular dysfunction.
Academic Social Cohesion within Higher Education.

This article explores the theoretical foundations of social cohesion as it relates to higher education institutions. In so doing it seeks (a) to understand the core elements of social cohesion—social capital, human capital and ethical behavioural norms that serve a common good—and (b) to establish a flexible framework for understanding the combined contributions of higher education to society. Tertiary institutional phenomena (those occurring in higher education) that are involved in the creation of social cohesion are hereafter termed academic social cohesion. The particular emphasis is on higher education’s role in cultivating moral awareness as a vital product of institutions’ primary activities. These core functions of colleges and universities are discussed in relation to both academic social cohesion and the degree to which they should involve the creation of specific ethical norms.
Direction-of-arrival statistics of urban propagation channel at 1.9 GHz based on measurement and ray tracing

The statistics of direction of arrival (DOA) in an urban environment are generated based on measurement and ray tracing simulation. The angular power distributions at different locations of the city are fit into the Gaussian angle-of-arrival model. The following four quantities are then extracted as model parameters: The number of incoming DOA, the normalized amplitude of each incoming signal, the mean direction of the incoming signals, and the standard deviation of the incoming signals about the mean direction. It is shown that the statistics of the above four quantities resulting from the simulation are in good agreement with those from the measurement data. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 34: 31–35, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10364
Land-use history has a stronger impact on soil microbial community composition than aboveground vegetation and soil properties

The response of soil microbial communities following changes in land-use is governed by multiple factors. The objectives of this study were to investigate (i) whether soil microbial communities track the changes in aboveground vegetation during succession; and (ii) whether microbial communities return to their native state over time. Two successional gradients with different vegetation were studied at the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan. The first gradient comprised a conventionally tilled cropland (CT), mid-succession forest (SF) abandoned from cultivation prior to 1951, and native deciduous forest (DF). The second gradient comprised the CT cropland, early-succession grassland (ES) restored in 1989, and long-term mowed grassland (MG). With succession, the total microbial PLFAs and soil microbial biomass C consistently increased in both gradients. While bacterial rRNA gene diversity remained unchanged, the abundance and composition of many bacterial phyla changed significantly. Moreover, microbial communities in the relatively pristine DF and MG soils were very similar despite major differences in soil properties and vegetation. After >50 years of succession, and despite different vegetation, microbial communities in SF were more similar to those in mature DF than in CT. In contrast, even after 17 years of succession, microbial communities in ES were more similar to CT than endpoint MG despite very different vegetation between CT and ES. This result suggested a lasting impact of cultivation history on the soil microbial community. With conversion of deciduous to conifer forest (CF), there was a significant change in multiple soil properties that correlated with changes in microbial biomass, rRNA gene diversity and community composition. In conclusion, history of land-use was a stronger determinant of the composition of microbial communities than vegetation and soil properties. Further, microbial communities in disturbed soils apparently return to their native state with time.
"No One Queens It Like Himself": Performing Unconventional Boyhood in Historical Shakespearean Fiction.

Historical fiction has long been a staple in the social studies, history, and English curricula of primary and secondary education. Such commercial and critical successes might be linked to the genre’s unique ability to blend educational, didactic, historical, and aesthetic concerns in children’s literature, aspects that are heightened considerably when authors elect to appropriate Shakespeare in their historical fiction. While some critics suggest that the genre of Shakespeare-for-children advocates discourses of normative gender, identity, and behavior, this study maintains that the ongoing cultural capital of the Bard in the classroom and on the bookshelf permits authors the opportunity to consider unconventional expressions of gender. More specifically, this article argues that authors of late-twentieth century historical fiction about Shakespeare turn to the early modern tradition of boy players performing as women in order to embrace alternative gendered identities and models of maturation, particularly as they regard boys and boyhood.
What does it take for life-long learning to succeed?

The author attempts to define 'life-long learning' and to identify the elements that make up its successful realization. It is concluded that several elements must come together for life-long learning to succeed. Students must want (i.e., choose) to learn, thus making the learning proactive and self-initiated. Such learning could be in addition to regular coursework. Interaction amongst peers would make for an open exchange in communication. Such learning should include some kind of updating (continuing education or keeping up with state-of-the-art) as well as specific problem-solving skills or creativity strengthening. >
Human Serum Contains a Protease That Protects against Cytotoxic Activity of Bacillus anthracis Lethal Toxin In Vitro

The role of innate immunity in the host response to Bacillus anthracis is poorly understood. We found that normal human serum contains an antitoxin mechanism that is capable of protecting macrophages in vitro from B. anthracis lethal toxin-mediated killing. This protective activity was limited to defined amounts of toxin and was lost by heat treatment or serum dilution. Some person-to-person variation in the protective activity of serum was noted, especially with higher concentrations of lethal toxin. A similar protective activity was found in murine serum, though human serum consistently neutralized more toxin than did murine serum. The protective activities of both murine and human sera correlated with cleavage of the protective antigen into two fragments with approximate molecular sizes of 20 and 50 kDa that were recognized by the monoclonal antibodies 7.5G and 10F4, respectively. This pattern of fragmentation is consistent with cleavage at multiple sites, including the furin-susceptible site. Cleavage was abolished by heat treatment and calcium chelation. These findings highlight a potential role for serum proteases in protection against the lethal toxin of B. anthracis.
Effects of shear stress on endothelial cell haptotaxis on micropatterned surfaces.

Endothelial cell (EC) migration plays a critical role in vascular remodeling. Here we investigated the interactions between haptotaxis (induced by extracellular matrix gradient) and mechanotaxis (induced by mechanical forces) during EC migration. A micropatterning technique was used to generate step changes of collagen surface density. Due to haptotaxis, ECs developed focal adhesions and migrated into the area with higher surface density of collagen. Different levels of fluid shear stress were applied on ECs in the direction perpendicular to collagen strips. Shear stress at 2 dyn/cm 2 did not affect haptotaxis, while shear stress at 3 dyn/cm 2 or higher was sufficient to drive the migration of most ECs in the flow direction and against haptotaxis. Immunostaining revealed the increase of focal adhesions and lamellipodial protrusion in the direction of flow. These results suggest that shear stress beyond a certain threshold can be a predominant factor to determine the direction of EC migration. � 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Attachment-Style Differences in Attitudes toward and Reactions to Feedback from Romantic Partners: An Exploration of the Relational Bases of Self-Esteem

The authors examined attachment-style differences in reliance on partner feedback to maintain self-esteem. First, they argue that those people who value relational sources of self-esteem are more open to and affected by partner feedback than those people who derive self-esteem from competence-based sources; these differences correspond to working models of self and others. Results revealed that individuals with negative other-models are relatively averse to partner feedback, and individuals with negative self-models are distressed by feedback. Second, the authors propose that, for some, partner feedback serves as a mechanism for maintaining global self-esteem; for others, feedback is irrelevant to self-esteem. Results confirmed that the association of attachment with self-esteem is fully mediated by sources of self-esteem and partially mediated by attitudes about and reactions to partner feedback. The authors discuss their results in terms of their implications for understanding relational bases of self e...
Age Moderates the Short-Term Effects of Transdermal 17β-Estradiol on Endothelium-Dependent Vascular Function in Postmenopausal Women

Objective— We evaluated age and coronary heart disease (CHD) as potential moderators of the effects of 17β-estradiol on vascular endothelial function in postmenopausal women. Methods and Results— In a double-blind crossover design, 100 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 80 years were randomized to each of 3 transdermal patches, releasing 17β-estradiol (0.05 mg/d), 17β-estradiol (0.05 mg/d)+ norethindrone acetate (NETA, 0.14 mg/d), and placebo. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and response to 400 μg sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (GTN-D) were assessed approximately 18 hours after patch placement. Age, but not CHD, moderated the FMD response to treatment ( P =0.01). For women in their fifties, the estradiol patch was associated with improved FMD (7.69±4.79%) compared with placebo (4.81±5.97%, P P Conclusions— The cardiovascular benefits of natural estrogen supplementation on vascular endothelial function may be dependent on postmenopausal age, with improved vascular function evident only in the early postmenopausal years. Short-term FMD response to estradiol might help stratify individual differences in risks versus benefits of HRT.
Death rate variation in US subpopulations

OBJECTIVE: To account for variations in death rates in population subgroups of the USA. METHODS: Factors associated with age-adjusted death rates in 366 metropolitan and non- metropolitan areas of the United States were examined for 1990-92. The rates ranged from 690 to 1108 per 100 000 population (mean = 885 +/- 78 per 100 000). FINDINGS: Least squares regression analysis explained 71% of this variance. Factors with the strongest independent positive association were ethnicity (African-American), less than a high school education, high Medicare expenditures, and location in western or southern regions. Factors with the strongest independent negative associations were employment in agriculture and forestry, ethnicity (Hispanic) and per capita income. CONCLUSION: Additional research at the individual level is needed to determine if these associations are causal, since some of the factors with the strongest associations, such as education, have long latency periods.
The Case Against the Dodd-Frank Act’s Living Wills: Contingency Planning Following the Financial Crisis

The Dodd-Frank Act’s “living will” requirement mandates that systemically important financial institutions develop wide-ranging strategic analyses of their business affairs, and submit comprehensive contingency plans for reorganization or resolution of their operations to regulators. The goal is to mitigate risks to the financial stability of the U.S. and encourage last-resort planning, which will allow for a rapid and efficient response in the event of an emergency. Beyond the general framework set forth in the Dodd-Frank Act, very little is known about living wills; no legal literature currently exists on what the concept entails, and regulators have not yet finalized any rules that detail how living wills will operate. Nevertheless, living wills are perceived to be a successful regulatory solution to the problems highlighted by the recent financial crisis. Accordingly, nine of the world's biggest financial firms submitted to the regulators, and gave the public a peek at, their living wills in July 2012, as required by the new regulation. This article focuses on two issues. First, the article examines the implementation and operation of living wills for systemically important financial institutions. Second, the article presents the problematic aspects of living wills, and how they can lead to the failure of even the most ideally planned living wills, including: (i) the difficulty in identifying and predicting risk; (ii) the failure to solve the too-big-to-fail problem; (iii) the failure to solve the cross-border insolvency problem; (iv) the costs associated with living wills; (v) the confidentiality problem; (vi) the potential failure of the living wills solution in a market-wide crisis; (vii) the problem of creating a false sense of security; (viii) the problem of contingency planning in a vacuum; (ix) the problems resulting from regulator intervention; and (x) the issue of liability and the difficulty in getting SIFI board approvals. The article concludes that living wills are merely a disclosure requirement with high expectations, but only limited power; accordingly, they should not be perceived as a comprehensive, satisfactory regulatory solution to the too-big-to-fail problem.
Cortical network differences in the sighted versus early blind for recognition of human-produced action sounds

Both sighted and blind individuals can readily interpret meaning behind everyday real-world sounds. In sighted listeners, we previously reported that regions along the bilateral posterior superior temporal sulci (pSTS) and middle temporal gyri (pMTG) are preferentially activated when presented with recognizable action sounds. These regions have generally been hypothesized to represent primary loci for complex motion processing, including visual biological motion processing and audio-visual integration. However, it remained unclear whether, or to what degree, life-long visual experience might impact functions related to hearing perception or memory of sound-source actions. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we compared brain regions activated in congenitally blind versus sighted listeners in response to hearing a wide range of recognizable human-produced action sounds (excluding vocalizations) versus unrecognized, backward-played versions of those sounds. Here, we show that recognized human action sounds commonly evoked activity in both groups along most of the left pSTS/pMTG complex, though with relatively greater activity in the right pSTS/pMTG by the blind group. These results indicate that portions of the postero-lateral temporal cortices contain domain-specific hubs for biological and/or complex motion processing independent of sensory-modality experience. Contrasting the two groups, the sighted listeners preferentially activated bilateral parietal plus medial and lateral frontal networks, whereas the blind listeners preferentially activated left anterior insula plus bilateral anterior calcarine and medial occipital regions, including what would otherwise have been visual-related cortex. These global-level network differences suggest that blind and sighted listeners may preferentially use different memory retrieval strategies when hearing and attempting to recognize action sounds.
A comparison of patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism who are ≥65 years with patients <65 years.

Recent studies have highlighted differences in how older patients respond to high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) and treatment. However, guidelines for PE risk stratification and treatment are not based on age, and data are lacking for older patients. We characterized the impact of age on clinical features, risk stratification, treatment, and outcomes in a sample of patients with PE in the emergency department. We performed an observational cohort study of 547 consecutive patients with PE in the emergency department from 2005 to 2011 in an urban tertiary hospital. We used bivariate proportions and multivariable logistic regression to compare clinical presentation, risk category, treatment, and outcomes in patients ≥65 years with those