cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of CyberKnife frameless real-time image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery for spinal lesions.

Background: This study evaluated the CyberKnife frameless image-guided radiosurgery system for the treatment of spinal lesions. Methods: This system utilizes the coupling of an orthogonal pair of X-ray cameras to a dynamically manipulated robot-mounted linear accelerator that guides the therapy beam to the intended target without the use of frame-based fixation. Cervical spine lesions are located and tracked relative to skull bony landmarks; lower spinal lesions are tracked relative to fiducial markers. 125 spinal lesions in 115 consecutive patients were treated with a single-fraction radiosurgery technique. Results: Tumor volume ranged from 0.3 to 232 ml (mean 27.8 ml). Tumor radiation dose was maintained at 12–20 Gy to the 80% isodose line (mean 14 Gy); the spinal cord or canal volume receiving greater than 8 Gy ranged from 0.0 to 1.7 ml (mean 0.2 ml). No acute radiation toxicity or new neurological deficits occurred during the follow-up period (3–24 months). Conclusions: The CyberKnife system was found to be feasible, safe and effective. The major potential benefits of radiosurgical ablation of spinal lesions are short treatment time in an outpatient setting with rapid recovery and good response.
Gold Nanotubes Synthesized via Magnetic Alignment of Cobalt Nanoparticles as Templates

We report an aqueous solution-phase synthesis of continuous gold nanotubes with controllable shape, size, and length, tens of nm in diameter, a few nm in wall thickness, and up to 5 μm in length. Alignment is induced by magnetic field manipulation and synthetic parameters using cobalt nanoparticles as sacrificial templates. Because of the ease with which magnetic fields may be manipulated, precise placement should be not only possible, but also relatively simple as compared to other methods. This approach represents an important alternative for producing one-dimensional metal nanotube structures.
Hydromagnetic coupling between solar wind and magnetosphere

Abstract A model is presented by which changes in the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field can cause energy from the solar wind to be coupled to the magnetosphere. The energy is transferred by hydromagnetic waves generated by wagging of the tail of the magnetosphere. The wagging is due to time varying asymmetries in solar wind pressure in the vicinity of the magnetosphere, brought about principally by fluctuations in the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field relative to the solar wind velocity vector. A functional dependence is deduced that connects the fluctuation period of the direction of the interplanetary field to the geomagnetic ap-index.
Content Themes in Marital Conversations

Conversational themes can be viewed as a form of met communication about relationships. We suggest that the prominent themes in the conversations of spouses identify factors assumed to have an important effect on the relationship. Further, different ways of looking at marriage are reflected in the use of particular content themes. A typology of content themes was derived from transcripts of conversations and the typology was used to code the discussions of married couples. The content themes of different marital types (i.e., traditional, separate, and independent) and more and less satisfied spouses were compared. As expected, traditional couples emphasized communal themes, such as togetherness, and separate couples emphasized individualistic themes, such as personality and separateness. Although the effects of marital satisfaction were not consistent, satisfaction tended to be positively associated with communal and impersonal themes and negatively associated with individual themes. Generally, the results confirmed predicted relationships between content themes and self-reports about the marriage.
Neurodevelopmental outcomes of congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors followed in a multidisciplinary clinic at ages 1 and 3

Abstract Purpose Infants who survive congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair may have ongoing medical and neurodevelopmental morbidity after hospital discharge. We evaluated the relationship between medical and neurodevelopmental outcomes of CDH survivors seen in a multidisciplinary clinic at ages 1 and/or 3. Methods From January 1997 to December 2004, 69 (61%) of 112 CDH survivors were followed in our CDH clinic at ages 1 and/or 3. Medical issues (cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal) were tabulated at hospital discharge and at follow-up. Neurodevelopmental data were obtained from clinic assessments by a neurodevelopmental pediatrician. Descriptive results were summarized for each cohort. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of motor problems at age 1. Results Of the 69 study participants, 64% were male, 75% had left-sided CDH, 17% had cardiac anomalies, and 25% had other congenital malformations. Nearly all required ventilator management (99%) with a median ventilator time of 14 days (range, 1-54 days); 30% required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. While 87% of patients had medical issues at hospital discharge, 61% and 67% had medical issues at ages 1 and 3, respectively. Pulmonary problems were noted in 34% and 33% of the ages 1 and 3 cohorts, respectively. Motor and language problems were detected in 60% and 18% of the age 1 cohort and 73% and 60% of the age 3 cohort, respectively. Multivariate analysis found ventilator time as the only independent predictor of motor problems at age 1 (odds ratio, 1.12 per day; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.20; P Conclusions Young CDH survivors continue to have ongoing medical problems and a high incidence of motor and language problems. Duration of neonatal ventilatory support was a significant predictor of motor problems at age 1. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Quantitative Determination of Vibrio parahaemolyticus by Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract A method for quantitative detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), was developed. Several lysis methods were compared and a recently developed lysis solution proved effective. The PCR amplification products were visualized after agarose gel electrophoresis with the nucleic acid stains GelStar and ethidium bromide. The relative fluorescent intensity of the DNA bands was analyzed using the NIH Image 1.61 software program. The GelStar stain was found to be more sensitive than ethidium bromide. The limit of detection by staining DNA bands with GelStar was 16 CFU per PCR and 48 with ethidium bromide. A log-linear relationship between the number of CFU per PCR reaction and the fluorescent intensity of the DNA bands was obtained and calibration curves were generated.
Genetic analysis of rainbow trout susceptibility to the myxosporean, Ceratomyxa shasta

Abstract Six genetic groups, a high susceptibility strain (Mt. Shasta), a low susceptibility strain (Pit River), and their F 1 , F 2 , and backcrosses, were exposed to Ceratomyxa shasta for 7 days and continuously (> 120 d). No simple Mendelian model of inheritance fit the observed mortality data, and segregation was not detectable in the distributions of time to death, indicating that the genetic control for these two traits involves more than one locus. Significantly lower mean liabilities (threshold units) resulted from a 7-day exposure than from continuous exposure. Regardless of experimental exposure the mean liabilities for the six genetic groups showed a linear pattern along a scale of liability, with the F 1 and F 2 (F 1 -F 2 ) being intermediate to the parental strains, and the backcrosses being intermediate to the F 1 -F 2 and their corresponding parental strains. Phenotypic classification of each genetic group by means of a threshold model indicated that the mean liability of the susceptible Mt. Shasta strain was not significantly different from an “acute” class; the BC-Shasta was intermediate in susceptibility between the “acute” and “subacute” classes; the F 1 −F 2 was intermediate between the “subacute” and “chronic” classes; and the BC-Pit and the Pit River strain were not different from a “chronic” phenotypic class. “True” time to death was estimated for all groups from observed partial distributions of time to death. Analysis of genetic components of these means as well as analysis of genetic components of survival (logit transformed) indicated that significant additive, dominance, and digenic interaction effects are involved in both traits by which we measured susceptibility, and that the Pit River alleles are dominant over the alleles of susceptibility (Mt. Shasta). The analysis of the genetic components of means also indicated that the nature of genetic causal components differed with time of exposure to C. shasta .
Changes in the inducibility of galactokinase and β-galactosidase during inhibition of growth in Escherichia coli

Abstract The induction of galactokinase (EC 2.7.1.6) is initially inhibited in Escherichia coli growing in complex media. The inhibition was shown to arise from the presence in broth and casein hydrolysate of repressors of galactokinase induction which are consumed during growth; in particular leucine, valine, histidine, and serine. These amino acids have in common an inhibitory effect on the growth of E. coli. It is suggested that they block anabolic processes and thus cause an accumulation of the intermediary pool. The enlarged intermediary pool then represses the formation of galactokinase through catabolite repression. This interpretation was supported by the following observations: (a) a similar amino acid repression is exerted on β-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) induction; (b) other growth inhibitors which block the synthesis of macromolecules also preferentially inhibit galactokinase and β-galactosidase induction; and (c) iodoacetate, which inhibits growth by blocking metabolism of the carbon source, enhances induction. It is concluded that under normal growth conditions the total rate of macromolecular synthesis can be a primary factor in regulating the formation of enzymes feeding the intermediary pool. The physiological role of catabolite repression may therefore be expanded to include not only the activities of compounds which affect the rate of carbon entry into the pool, but also the activities of compounds which modify the rate of utilization of the intermediary pool for synthetic purposes.
The Crystal Structure of Oxaliplatin: A Case of Overlooked Pseudo Symmetry.

Abstract The crystal structure of the anticancer drug oxaliplatin, [Pt(R,R-DACH)(oxalate)] (DACH = diaminocyclohexane), was first reported in the non-centrosymmetric space group P21, confirming the sole presence of the R,R enantiomer of the DACH ligand (Bruck et al. (1984) [5] ). It was later proposed that the crystal structure is better described in the centrosymmetric space group P21/m, signifying the presence of the compound as a racemic mixture (Abu-Surrah et al. (2003) [6] ). Herein is presented a reinvestigation of this crystal structure, which shows that the discrepancy between the two proposed space group assignments arises from overlooked pseudo symmetry. The crystal structures of the synthetic precursor to oxaliplatin, Pt(R,R-DACH)I2, and a platinum(IV) derivative, trans-[Pt(R,R-DACH)(oxalate)(OH)2], were also determined, and the absolute configuration of the DACH ligand in each was confirmed to be R,R. A spectroscopic investigation of the optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) of the oxaliplatin crystals was carried out to further confirm the lack of the true crystallographic mirror plane required for a P21/m solution. The ORD was theoretically simulated, in one instance, by applying the Kramers–Kronig transform to the computed circular dichroism spectrum and was found to corroborate the spectroscopic and crystallographic findings. Finally, a brief discussion is given of the importance of discussing the details of nuanced crystal structures and of providing evidence in addition to X-ray structure determination if chemically unexpected results are obtained.
Long-term effects of early ethanol on predatory behavior in inbred mice

A system was developed to study the long-lasting neurological and behavioral effects of known amounts of ethanol received transplacentally and via the mother’s milk by C57BL/10 and DBA/1 mice offspring. The present paper is concerned with the cricket-predation behavior of the offspring at ages 50 and 51 days. Treated DBA offspring had a 58% reduction in predatory incidences, compared to control, but the already nonpredatory C57 strain was not affected significantly by ethanol. The treated mice that preyed on the crickets had normal latencies. A few general facts related to the nature of predatory behavior were also noticed: DBA mice had a higher proportion of predation and shorter latencies than C57, improvement across trials was specific to the C57 strain, there was a high correlation between trials, both sexes displayed predatory behavior, and isolation did not affect predation. Predatory behavior offers a simple reliable tool for psychopharmacological research.
Experiments in two cases of hysterical fits

Abstract Three procedures for controlling hysterical fits were studied: contingent punishment alone, attention withdrawal alone, and attention withdrawal with positive reinforcement. Two subjects receiving contingent punishment or attention withdrawal underwent single subject reversal design experiments. Results indicated that contingent punishment was effective but the effects were not sustained. Contingent attention withdrawal was found ineffective. However, the attention withdrawal condition, combined with positive reinforcement of non-fit behaviors, was found effective in controlling the fits, and these effects were sustained after 12 months.
Mapping surface cover using EO-1 Hyperion data: Ongoing studies in arid environments

The utility of Hyperion images in the discrimination of surface classes is currently being tested at two study areas: 1) eastern Melville Island, Nunavut, Canada; and 2) Big Bend National Park, Texas. Hyperion unmixing results for the Melville Island study area effectively depict fractional surface cover, although the abundance images of several classes contain background values that locally overestimate surface exposure. At Big Bend National Park, separation of classes through Hyperion unmixing has been hindered by the relatively indistinct weathering characteristics of several key sedimentary units. Ongoing research efforts include experimentation with hyperspectral classification approaches that entail reduction of Hyperion data dimensionality through the combination of spectral bands.
Doppler shift of auroral Lyman α observed from a satellite

The first documentation of Doppler shifted auroral Lyman {alpha} emission resulting from incident energetic protons in the auroral regions has been made using nadir VUV satellite spectral observations. The auroral Lyman {alpha} emission from high-velocity protons is expected to show a red shifted wavelength displacement based on ground-based observations of Balmer lines. VUV spectra (1100-1900{angstrom}) taken over five sample auroral oval crossings by a nadir-viewing satellite in 1978 consistently show the Lyman {alpha} emission displaced toward longer wavelengths with a larger line width. The intensity peaks were shifted up to 4 {angstrom} when the geocoronal Lyman {alpha} emission profile was subtracted from the Lyman {alpha} emission profile observed over the auroral regions. The optical observations infer the auroral proton precipitation with average energies of 34 keV and an energy flux of 0.1 erg cm{sup {minus}1} s{sup {minus}1} sr{sup {minus}1} when interpreted according to available model calculations. These values agree reasonably well with the average values for the characteristics of nightside incident auroral protons based on previous statistical satellite particle precipitation observations.
Autoantibodies and their significance in myositis.

Myositis autoantibodies continue to be the subject of substantial interest, with several significant recent developments. Recent studies have emphasized that anti-Jo-1 or other antisynthetases can be associated with interstitial lung disease, even in the absence of myositis. Anti-Jo-1 autoantibody levels were shown to correlate with disease activity over time. Immunization of mice with anti-Jo-1 led to muscle and lung inflammation, reminiscent of human disease. The complexity of the antibody picture in myositis continues to increase. Several new autoantibodies have been described or better characterized. Among these were a new antisynthetase reactive with phenylalanyl-transfer RNA synthetase (anti-Zo); an autoantibody that immunoprecipitates 155-and 140-kD proteins and was common in children but seemed to be associated with malignancy in adults; and an autoantibody to a small ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme associated with dermatomyositis and interstitial lung disease. These findings have significant clinical implications and suggest promising areas of further research.
Antioxidant gene expression and function in in vitro-developing Schistosoma mansoni mother sporocysts : possible role in self-protection

The ability of the larval forms of Schistosoma mansoni to invade and parasitize their molluscan host, Biomphalaria glabrata, is determined by a multitude of factors. In this study we sought to elucidate the possible mechanisms by which the invading larvae are able to counteract the potentially harmful oxidative environment presented by the host upon initial miracidial infection. This was attempted by examining the gene expression profile of parasite antioxidant enzymes of the linked glutathione-(GSH) thioredoxin (Trx) redox pathway during early intramolluscan larval development. Three such enzymes, the peroxiredoxins (Prx1, Prx2 and Prx3) were examined as to their activity and sites of expression within S. mansoni miracidia and in vitro-cultured mother sporocysts. Results of these studies demonstrated that the H(2)O(2)-reducing enzymes Prx1 and 2 are upregulated during early mother sporocyst development compared to miracidia. Immunolocalization studies further indicated that Prx1 and Prx2 proteins are expressed within the apical papillae of miracidia and tegumental syncytium of sporocysts, and are released with parasite excretory-secretory proteins (ESP) during in vitro larval transformation. Removal of Prx1 and Prx2 from larval ESP by immunoabsorption significantly reduced the ability of ESP to breakdown exogenous H(2)O(2), thereby directly linking ESP Prx proteins with H(2)O(2)-scavenging activity. Moreover, exposure of live sporocysts to exogenous H(2)O(2)stimulated an upregulation of Prx1 and 2 gene expression suggesting the involvement of H(2)O(2)-responsive elements in regulating larval Prx gene expression. These data provide evidence that Prx1 and Prx2 may function in the protection of S. mansoni sporocysts during the early stages of infection.
Effects of growth hormone on bone modeling and remodeling in hypophysectomized young female rats: a bone histomorphometric study.

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency causes decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis, predis- posing to fractures. We investigated the mechanism of action of GH on bone modeling and remodeling in hypophysectomized (HX) female rats. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats at age 2 months were divided into three groups with 10 rats each: control (CON) group, HX group, and HX ? GH (3 mg/kg daily SC) group, for a 4-week study. Hypophysectomy resulted in cessation of bone growth and decrease in cancellous bone mass. Periosteal bone formation decreased and bone turnover rate of endocortical and trabecular surfaces increased as compared to the CON group. GH administration for 4 weeks restored weight gain and bone growth and mitigated decrease in bone density after hypophysectomy. However, trabecular bone mass in the proximal tibial metaphysis remained lower in group HX ? GH than in group CON. Dynamic histomorphometric analysis showed that bone modeling of periosteal bone formation and growth plate elongation was significantly higher in group HX ? GH than in group HX. New bone formed beneath the growth plate was predomi- nately woven bone in group CON and group HX ? GH. Bone remodeling and modeling-remodeling mixed modes in the endocortical and PTM sites were enhanced by GH administration; both bone formation and resorption activi- ties were significantly higher than in group HX. In con- clusion, GH administration to HX rats reactivated modeling activities in modeling predominant sites and increased new bone formation. GH administration also increases remodeling activities in remodeling predominant sites, giving limited net gain in the bone mass.
The sintering behavior of nanosized tungsten powder prepared by a plasma process

The sintering behavior of nanosized tungsten powder (25 nm average size) synthesized by a thermal plasma process, in which ammonium paratungstate (APT) was reduced by hydrogen was investigated, compared with submicron W powder (0.5 μm average size) and nanosized W powder (23 nm average size) produced from the latter by high energy milling. The hardness of the compact of the plasma-synthesized powder (315 VHN) sintered at 1400 °C was higher than that of submicron-sized powder (193 VHN) and was similar to that of the milled powder (309 VHN). The plasma-synthesized powder, however, yielded a compact with much lower tendency to form cracks than the milled powder.
Salt Minerals in Soil Profiles and as Surficial Crusts and Efflorescences, Coastal Enderby Land, Antarctica

Calcite, gypsum, aragonite, and halite have been found in coastal Enderby Land, Antarctica. The salt minerals and their distribution in antarctic soils and surficial materials have diverse possible modes of genesis. Efflorescences of very soluble salts are formed where moisture from melting snow, itself containing salts of marine origin, enters the soil and is later drawn back to the surface as a result of intense evaporation. The returning solution, in addition to its original mineralization, carries ions derived from soil formational processes. Similar genesis accounts for crust deposits of salt minerals on the undersides of boulders overlying soil materials. Other crusts, especially those on rock outcrops, are evidences of chemical weathering of rock interiors, migration of solutions to surfaces in response to thermal gradients, and subsequent deposition by evaporation. Calcitan formation within the soil profile represents precipitation from solution—contemporaneous in coastal Enderby Land, but possibly relict in other parts of the Antarctic continent.
The Kansas University meteorit

— A new 2.8 kg meteorite find from the United States, Kansas University, is classified as an L6 (S3) chondrite based on optical microscopy and electron microprobe analysis of mafic minerals. Natural thermo-luminescence (TL) and 14C measurements suggest that the Kansas University meteorite has a short terrestrial age compared to other meteorite finds from this area and is not paired with the other local meteorite finds, Densmore (1879), Lawrence, Kansas and Long Island, Kansas.
Abstract A66: Insights into the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome: Deciphering the role of Hrpt2 within bone development

Hyper-parathyroidism-jaw tumor (HPT-JT) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder in which patients present with parathyroid adenoma or carcinoma, renal cysts, and fibro-osseous tumors of the maxilla or mandible. HPT-JT is caused by loss of heterozygosity or inactivating mutations within the hyperparathyroidism 2 (HRPT2) gene that encodes the tumor suppressor parafibromin. As a core member of the Polymerase Associated Factors (PAF) complex, parafibromin binds to nuclear β-catenin and is known to associate with RNA Polymerase II to facilitate transcriptional initiation and elongation. Recently, the ability of parafibromin to associate with β-catenin and drive Wnt target gene transcription was found to be dependent on dephosphorylation by protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (Shp2). Additionally, Bruton9s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) has been identified as a negative regulator of Wnt target gene transcription through interaction with parafibromin. Together, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation status of parafibromin may define its role as a transcriptional repressor or activator. Our objective is to determine how the phosphorylation status of parafibromin regulates Wnt target gene transcription. As Wnt is well known as a positive regulator of osteogenesis, which plays an important role during HPT-JT, it is also important to decipher the role parafibromin plays within osteoblast differentiation. Conditional deletion of Hrpt2 within mature osteoblasts using osteocalcin-driven Cre results in increased bone mineral density, cortical thickness, and overall stiffness of 3- and 6-month-old murine femurs. In addition, loss of Hrpt2 within mesenchymal progenitors using Dermo1-driven Cre results in embryonic lethality at approximately embryonic day 12.5. However, initial in vitro investigations assessing rates of mineralization and calcium deposition within Hrpt2-null osteoblasts show no significant changes as compared to wildtype controls. From these results, it is clear that parafibromin is essential for embryonic development and is a potential inhibitor of bone mass accrual, yet further investigation as to what genes are being occupied and regulated by parafibromin is needed. These findings will aid in the understanding of bone development and may provide insight into the pathogenesis of HPT-JT. Citation Format: Casey J. Droscha, Diegel Cassandra, Bart O. Williams. Insights into the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome: Deciphering the role of Hrpt2 within bone development. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr A66.
Upstream Organization of and Multiple Transcripts from the Human Folylpoly-γ-glutamate Synthetase Gene

Abstract Folylpoly--glutamate synthetase (FPGS) is essential for the survival of proliferating mammalian cells and central to the action of all “classical” folate antimetabolites. We report the isolation of cDNAs corresponding to the 5′ ends of FPGS mRNA from both human and hamster cells which include a start codon upstream of and in-frame with the AUG in the previously reported FPGS open reading frame. The predicted hamster and human amino-terminal extension peptides have features consistent with a mitochondrial targeting sequence. Ribonuclease protection and 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends assays indicated multiple transcriptional start sites consistent with the sequence of the promoter region of this gene, which was highly GC-rich and did not contain TATA or CCAAT elements. These start sites would generate two classes of transcripts, one including the upstream AUG and one in which only the downstream AUG would be available for translation initiation. Transfection of the full length human cDNA into cells lacking FPGS restored their ability to grow in the absence of glycine, a product of mitochondrial folate metabolism, as well as of thymidine and purines. Therefore, we propose that the mitochondrial and cytosolic forms of FPGS are derived from the same gene, arising from the use of the two different translation initiation codons, and that the translation products differ by the presence of a 42-residue amino-terminal mitochondrial leader peptide.
Softwood cuttings for propagation of red alder

Tests were conducted to assess rootability of red alder softwood cuttings from shoots of young trees and epicormic sprouts of mature individuals. Ortets were 3 to 34 years old, and treatments with and without indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) were compared. The extent of rooting and root vigor on the cuttings varied greatly among ortets and treatments. Among nonterminal cuttings, the best overall rooting success, with and without IBA, was obtained with cuttings of the youngest ortet. Average rooting of terminal and nonterminal cuttings of one clone were 100% and 64%, respectively. Although cuttings of some trees rooted well without IBA, the IBA treatment appeared to be generally beneficial. For all nonterminal cuttings of all clones, best results (80.0%/x) were obtained with a 10-sec dip in 2,000 or 4,000 ppm IBA. Vigorous planting stock was obtained from the rooted cuttings of all clones. Using epicormic sprouts from mature trees of proven performance will presumably allow propagation of superior trees and establishment of new plantations with improved stock.
Surface crystallographic structure compatibility between substrates and high Tc (YBCO) thin films

A review and some case studies on the interatomic distances of candidate substrates in comparison to the high Tc superconductor (HTSC) phase YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) is presented, in an attempt to enhance the basis for substrate selection for YBCO film epitaxy. This preliminary study was carried out by examining a variety of interatomic distances in the structure rather than merely matching the lattice parameters. Interatomic structure matching planes of selected YBCO orientations in contact with substrates were identified. The surface termination of the substrate was found to be a crucial parameter in determining the oriented or epitaxial growth. Possible composition dependence of the orientation of the films at the nucleation stage was also anticipated depending on the comparison. Several currently most commonly used substrates are discussed in some detail.
Inguinal herniation of a bladder diverticulum on PET/CT and associated complications

Inguinal herniation of the urinary bladder is not routinely seen in clinical practice. Most patients are asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally on diagnostic imaging or during the course of surgical repairs. Bladder herniation has previously been reported on ultrasonography and computed tomography, but not on positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. We report an interesting case of bladder herniation and describe the findings observed by PET as well as the complications associated with this abnormality.
Nonlocal modeling of granular flows down inclines

Flows of granular media down a rough inclined plane demonstrate a number of nonlocal phenomena. We apply the recently proposed nonlocal granular fluidity model to this geometry and find that the model captures many of these effects. Utilizing the model's dynamical form, we obtain a formula for the critical stopping height of a layer of grains on an inclined surface. Using an existing parameter calibration for glass beads, the theoretical result compares quantitatively to existing experimental data for glass beads. This provides a stringent test of the model, whose previous validations focused on driven steady-flow problems. For layers thicker than the stopping height, the theoretical flow profiles display a thickness-dependent shape whose features are in agreement with previous discrete particle simulations. We also address the issue of the Froude number of the flows, which has been shown experimentally to collapse as a function of the ratio of layer thickness to stopping height. While the collapse is not obvious, two explanations emerge leading to a revisiting of the history of inertial rheology, which the nonlocal model references for its homogeneous flow response.
Skeletal Functions of Vitamin K‐Dependent Proteins: Not Just for Clotting Anymore

Osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein (MGP) are two vitamin K-dependent proteins present in bone and cartilage. Transgenic mice models were recently developed to isolate the function of each of these proteins. While osteocalcin-deficient mice have increased bone formation, MGP-deficient mice have abnormal calcification leading to osteopenia, fractures, and premature death owing to arterial calcification.
Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis resulting in delayed panhypopituitarism.

Objective: To describe an adult man with idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHPM) that progressed to involve the pituitary gland and caused hypopituitarism 6 years after the onset of the firs...
Characteristics and functions of non-suicidal self-injury in a community sample of adolescents

Background. Few studies have investigated non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), or the deliberate, direct destruction of body tissue without conscious suicidal intent, and the motivations for engaging in NSSI among adolescents. This study assessed the prevalence, associated clinical characteristics, and functions of NSSI in a community sample of adolescents.Method. A total of 633 adolescents completed anonymous surveys. NSSI was assessed with the Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation (FASM).Results. Some form of NSSI was endorsed by 46.5% (n=293) of the adolescents within the past year, most frequently biting self, cutting/carving skin, hitting self on purpose, and burning skin. Sixty per cent of these, or 28% of the overall sample, endorsed moderate/severe forms of NSSI. Self-injurers reported an average of 12.9 (S.D.=29.4) incidents in the past 12 months, with an average of 2.4 (S.D.=1.7) types of NSSI used. Moderate/severe self-injurers were more likely than minor self-injurers, who in turn were more likely than non-injurers, to have a history of psychiatric treatment, hospitalization and suicide attempt, as well as current suicide ideation. A four-factor model of NSSI functions was indicated, with self-injurers likely to endorse both reasons of automatic reinforcement and social reinforcement. The most common reasons for NSSI were 'to try to get a reaction from someone', 'to get control of a situation', and 'to stop bad feelings'.Conclusions. Community adolescents reported high rates of NSSI, engaged in to influence behaviors of others and to manage internal emotions. Intervention efforts should be tailored to reducing individual issues that contribute to NSSI and building alternative skills for positive coping, communication, stress management, and strong social support. Language: en
Quantitative determination of total sulfur in plant tissues using acid digestion and ion-chromatography

(...) Since ion-chromatography has demonstrated versatility in inorganic ion analysis, it was adopted in this paper to measure SO 4 in wet acid digests of plant materials. Plant tissues (200 mg) were digested with 2 mL HNO 3 + 1 mL 70% HClO 4 and subsequently evaporated to dryness in order to minimize the HClO 4 concentration for efficient ion-chromatography. Magnesium oxide was dissolved in HNO 3 at a rate of 1.25 gL −1 to provide cations to prevent the losses of S gases. Dionex OmniPac PAX-500 analytical column was used to provide simultaneous anion exchange and reverse-phase ion-chromatography (...)
Heparin dosing in critically ill patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia following cardiac arrest

Abstract Purpose To determine the effects of anticoagulation with intravenous unfractionated heparin (IVUH) during therapeutic hypothermia (TH) post-cardiac arrest. Methods Single-center, retrospective, observational trial in the intensive care units of two hospitals within the Detroit Medical Center. Unresponsive survivors of cardiac arrest, receiving treatment doses of IVUH during TH were included. Patients were required to have at least 1 measured activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) during TH. Coagulation parameters were collected at 3 distinct temperature phases: baseline, TH, and post-re-warming (±37°C) target aPTT defined as 1.5–2 times baseline. Results Forty-six patients received IVUH during TH, with 211 aPTTs. Heparin starting rate was 13±4units/kg/h. Average baseline, TH and post-TH aPTT were 34±12, 142±48, and 56±17s, respectively. Using standard dosing strategies, initial aPTT was above the target range in 89% of patients. After re-warming, aPTT significantly decreased (142±48s vs 56±17s, p =0.005), and heparin dose significantly increased (7.9±3 vs 9±4units/kg/h, p p Conclusions Current dosing protocols for IVUH should not be utilized during TH. Heparin requirements are drastically reduced during TH and prolonged interruptions may be required to allow for adequate clearance of UH.
Modulating role of dopamine on anesthetic requirements

The influence of dopamine on halothane anesthetic requirements was determined in mice. Halothane anesthetic requirement was defined as the minimum anesthetic concentration (MAC) that prevented 50% animals from moving in response to a supramaximal stimulus. Levodopa (L-DOPA) dose-dependently decreased halothane MAC to a maximum of 49% of control; over the same dose range L-DOPA increased striatal dopamine nearly 4-fold. The MAC-reducing effect of L-DOPA was attenuated by selective antagonism of the D2 dopamine receptor with YM-09151-2 while selective blockade of the D1 dopamine receptor with SCH-23390 did not alter L-DOPA's effect on the MAC for halothane. 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) decreased striatal dopamine by 82% and increased the MAC for halothane by 27%. Repletion of striatal dopamine with L-DOPA, in MPTP-treated mice, restored the MAC for halothane back to the control state. The regression line derived from the plot of halothane MAC versus striatal dopamine content shows a highly significant correlation between the two variables (r2 = 0.94). These are the first results to suggest that anesthetic requirements can be modulated directly and precisely by increasing or decreasing the content of a single neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
Intradermal skin testing in Hispaniolan parrots (Amazona ventralis)

The purpose of this study was to develop and standardize a protocol for intradermal skin testing in birds. Forty clinically normal Hispaniolan Amazon parrots were anaesthetized and tested by intradermal injection with 0.02 mL of phosphate-buffered saline, histamine phosphate, compound 48/80, codeine phosphate, deionized water, antiavian IgG and rabbit serum. Injection sites were evaluated at 5, 10 and 15 min, 4–6, 24 and 48 h following injection using callipers to measure the diameter of the wheals. A second intradermal skin test was repeated in 20 birds with 0.03 mL of saline, compound 48/80 and codeine phosphate. This study provides the basis for an appropriate protocol for intradermal skin testing in parrots, including recommended site (proventer region), volume of injection (0.02 mL), negative control (saline), positive control (codeine phosphate 1 : 100 000 w/v) and optimum reading time (5 min). Further study to establish appropriate dosages for test antigen will be required.
Sequence Evaluation of FGF and FGFR Gene Conserved Non-Coding Elements in Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate Cases

Non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (NS CLP) is a complex birth defect resulting from multiple genetic and environmental factors. We have previously reported the sequencing of the coding region of genes in the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway, in which missense and non-sense mutations contribute to approximately 5%-6% NS CLP cases. In this article we report the sequencing of conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) in and around 11 of the FGF and FGFR genes, which identified 55 novel variants. Seven of variants are highly conserved among >/=8 species and 31 variants alter transcription factor binding sites, 8 of which are important for craniofacial development. Additionally, 15 NS CLP patients had a combination of coding mutations and CNE variants, suggesting that an accumulation of variants in the FGF signaling pathway may contribute to clefting.
Large aperture telescope for advanced lidar system

The final optical design for a space-borne light detection and ranging (lidar) mission is presented, in response to the European Space Agency "Advanced lidar concepts" proposal for use of a differential absorption lidar system to measure water vapor distribution in atmosphere at 935.5 nm. The telescope adopts a double afocal concept (i.e., four reflections with two mirrors) using a lightweight and large aperture primary mirror. It is derived from a feasibility study that compares several different optical configurations, taking into account parameters such as cost, dimensions, complexity, and technological feasibility. The final telescope optical design is described in detail, highlighting a trade-off with other solutions and its optical tolerances.
The area perspective transform: A homogeneous transform for efficient in-volume queries

A key problem in applications such as soft shadows and defocus blur is to identify points or primitives which are inside a volume of space. For example, the soft shadow computation involves finding surfaces which pass in front of an area light as viewed from a point p in the scene. The desired surfaces are those which are inside a frustum defined by the light and p, and can be found by intersecting the frustum with an acceleration structure over geometry. However, accurately computing this intersection is computationally intensive.In this article, we introduce a homogeneous transform which reduces the computation required to determine the set of points or primitives which are inside a tetrahedral volume. The transform converts tetrahedra into axis-aligned boxes, substantially reducing the cost of intersection with an axis-aligned acceleration structure over points or primitives. We describe the application of this transform to soft shadows and defocus blur, and briefly consider potential uses of the underlying mathematical approach in higher-dimensional problems.
An N-path filter enhanced low phase noise ring VCO

A novel self-filtering scheme breaks the typical tradeoff between noise and power, enabling a ring oscillator to approach the phase noise performance of an LC oscillator. The prototype N-path filter enhanced voltage-controlled ring oscillator (NPFRVCO) achieves a measured phase noise of -110dBc/Hz at a 1MHz offset frequency for an oscillation frequency of 1.0GHz. The self-clocked N-path filter reduces the phase noise by 10dB and 28dB for 1.0GHz and 300MHz oscillation frequencies, respectively. Implemented in 65nm CMOS, the NPFRVCO occupies a die area of 0.015 mm 2 and consumes 4.7mW from 1.2V power supply when operating at 1.0GHz. The NPFRVCO has a measured frequency tuning range from 300MHz to 1.6GHz and achieves a FoM of 163dB at 1MHz offset.
Synergy between Molecular and Contextual Views of Coping among Four Ethnic Groups of Older Adults

The coping styles of four ethnic groups of older adults in response to negative life events were analyzed in a population-based study of 1118 residents of Brooklyn, New York. Using a molecular approach, data regarding the context of events and the corresponding coping responses was obtained. Open-ended semi-structured interviews allowed participants to describe recent negative life events and explain how they coped. An empirically derived coding system distinguished four major negative life events: Death, Illness/Injury, Empathic Response to Distress of Others, and Interpersonal Conflict. Nine major styles of coping emerged: Medicate, Active Coping, Passive Response, Prayer, Stoicism, Social Support, Positive Self-Talk, Acknowledgment of Emotions, and Distraction. Gender and ethnic differences in coping styles were found. Although ethnic specificity in coping emerged when context was considered, the few effects of ethnicity suggests that the major normative events of later life may pull for generic coping responses.
Optimal production policies with multistage stochastic demand lead times

We study the value of multistage advance demand information (MADI) in a production system in which customers place an order in advance of their actual need, and each order goes through multiple stages before it becomes due. Any order that is not immediately filled at its due date will be backordered. The producer must decide whether or not to produce based on real-time information regarding current and future orders. We formulate the problem as a Markov decision process and analyze the impact of the demand information on the production policy and the cost. We show that the optimal production policy is a state-dependent base-stock policy, and we show that it has certain monotonicity properties. We also introduce a simple heuristic policy that is significantly easier to compute and that inherits the structural properties of the optimal policy. In addition, we show that its base-stock levels bound those of the socially optimal policy. Numerical study identifies the conditions under which MADI is most beneficial and shows that the heuristic performs almost as well as the optimal policy when MADI is most beneficial.
Evaluation of characteristics, associations and clinical course of isolated spontaneous renal artery dissection

BACKGROUND Spontaneous renal artery dissection (SRAD) is a rare entity of unknown etiology. We aimed to study the clinical course and outcomes and compare the characteristics of patients with SRAD with those of the general population. METHODS All cases of isolated renal artery dissection diagnosed at the University of Michigan Hospitals between January 2000 and July 2012 were identified by the ICD-9 code. Cases were matched by age, gender and race with individuals from the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Characteristics and awareness of comorbid conditions were compared. Information about the clinical course after diagnosis was retrieved from the case group to ascertain their outcomes. RESULTS Overall, 17 patients with SRAD with a mean age of 38.6 years (SD = 8.3) were identified. Eleven patients were male and 14 were white. The most common presenting symptom was excruciating sudden-onset flank pain ipsilateral to the site of dissection. Fibromuscular dysplasia, Ehlers-Danlos and polyarteritis nodosa were present in 4, 4 and 1 patients, respectively. After adjusting in a multivariable model, the case group was more likely to report history of hypertension, cancer and connective tissue disorders (P < 0.001), and less likely to have obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m(2)) compared with the general population. Supportive medical treatment, endovascular intervention and surgery were required in 8, 5 and 4 cases, respectively. After discharge from the hospital, hypertension was adequately controlled in all the patients but one. CONCLUSION SRAD may be part of a syndrome having multi-organ involvement. With appropriate medical or surgical management, long-term clinical outcome appears favorable.
A Closer Look at Learning Strategies, L2 Proficiency, and Gender

This study builds on previous research using the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL). Most previous SILL research has made comparisons across the entire survey or in terms of strategy categories and has stressed proficiency level at the expense of other variables. The present largescale (N = 374) study of language learning strategy use by students at three different course levels at the University of Puerto Rico relates strategy use to gender as well as to L2 proficiency level and includes analysis of variation in the use of individual strategies on the SILL. Like previous researchers, we found greater use of learning strategies among more successful learners and higher levels of strategy use by women than by men. Our analysis, however, revealed more complex patterns of use than have appeared in previous studies. With both proficiency level and gender, only some items showed significant variation, and significant variation by proficiency level did not invariably mean more frequent strategy use by more successful students. The strategies reported as used more often by the more successful students emphasized active, naturalistic practice and were used in combination with a variety of what we term bedrock strategies, which were used frequently or moderately frequently by learners at all levels. The study's generalizability and its implications for teachers and researchers are discussed.