cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between sympathetic ophthalmia, phacoanaphylatic endophthalmitis, and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.

Abstract The more than coincidental occurrence of phacoanaphylatic endophthalmitis (PE) in sympathetic ophthalmia, and the similarity of the dissimilarity between Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease and sympathetic ophthalmia have been well described both clinically and histopathologically. The etiology and pathogenesis of these three diseases are still not fully understood. Identifying and distinctive characteristics among them include the history of ocular trauma in sympathetic ophthalmia, rupture of the lens capsule in phacoanaphylatic endophthalmitis, and involvement of the skin, ear, and central nervous system in VKH disease. A T-cell-mediated immune reaction to ocular antigens seems to play a major role in sympathetic ophthalmia and VKH disease. A B-cell-related Arthus reaction to lens antigen seems to be the principle mechanism of PE. Thus, these three diseases may represent a spectrum of uveitis. At one end is the delayed-type hypersensitivity disease of sympathetic ophthalmic, whereas at the opposite end is the immune complex disease of PE, with VKH disease in the middle of this uveitic spectrum.
A Framework for Effective Environmental Scanning and Analysis

Areas such as competitive intelligence and environmental scanning are becoming increasingly more important business practices, particularly under the intense competition of the technology industry. However, organizations are reluctant to search for information which they cannot act on immediately and are also reluctant to experiment in the absence of reliable information; conditions leading to organizational inattention. On the other hand, many organizations are spending valuable resources either on projects assessed with insufficient information or on information that they are unable to internalize. This paper provides a framework, based on environmental turbulence and organizational flexibility, to aid organizations in developing the appropriate strategy for effective environmental scanning and analysis.
Systematic study of occult pulmonary thromboembolism in patients with deep venous thrombosis.

Abstract Purpose: This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and extension of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in symptom-free patients with symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs and to evaluate their possible implication in the adequate treatment of thromboembolic disease. Material And Methods: We prospectively studied, using noninvasive examination (pulmonary spiral computed tomography [CT] angiography), 159 consecutive patients with acute DVT confirmed by duplex scanning without symptoms of PTE. CT was repeated at 30 days to study evolution of these clinically occult PTE. Results: We observed silent PTE in 65 patients (41%) in all levels of lower limb venous thrombosis. Prevalence of PTE showed significant association with male sex ( P =.001) and previously diagnosed heart disease ( P =.023). There was no significant association between the level of DVT and the presence of PTE nor the DVT side and thromboembolic pulmonary localization. Of the 65 patients with positive CT exploration results for PTE, 52 had characteristics of acute PTE, 10 had chronic PTE, and 3 patients had both. Chronic PTE was found more frequently in patients with previous episodes of DVT ( P =.024). A total of 165 pulmonary artery–affected segments were found at several locations: 5 main, 35 lobar, 58 interlobar, and 67 segmental. Multiple segments were affected in 59% of patients. Repeat CT examinations were performed at 30 days in 53 of 65 patients with positive CT scanning results. In 48 cases (90.6%) PTE had completely disappeared. Conclusions: Silent PTE occurred frequently in association with clots of lower limbs. The CT scan had a good availability and cost-effectiveness to detect clinically underestimated PTE. The incorporation of this exploration in the systematic diagnostic strategy of most patients with DVT to establish the extension of thromboembolic disease at diagnosis may be useful in the evaluation of added pulmonary artery symptoms and treatment strategies. (J Vasc Surg 2001;33:515-21.)
Intravenous anaesthesia for laser surgery of the airway in children with recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis.

Juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis is a recurrent condition that presents a number of challenges to the anaesthetist: varying degrees of airway obstruction, the child's airway is shared and safe use of a laser is required. As well as the usual considerations of laser use, the child's larynx should move as little as possible. At present the treatment of choice is laser vapourisation of the papillomata. Several anaesthetic techniques have been described, including jet ventilation, intermittent intubation, apnoeic techniques and insufflation of volatile gases with or without spontaneous ventilation (1). Endotracheal intubation has been associated with seeding of the papillomata into the distal airway. The technique at the Birmingham Children's Hospital for the past 5 years is described; it is based upon deep intravenous anaesthesia with spontaneous ventilation, supplemented by topical lignocaine. Children with significant stridor at rest are induced with volatile/oxygen mixture, otherwise the method of induction is determined by child and anaesthetist. Once the child is deeply anaesthetised the larynx of the child is sprayed with lignocaine (4 mg·kg−1). The volatile agent is then discontinued and anaesthesia is provided by an intravenous infusion of propofol and alfentanil running at 10–20 mg·kg−1·hr−1 and 20–30 mcg·kg−1·hr−1 respectively. Oxygen enriched air is delivered into the pharynx via a nasopharyngeal airway. The oxygen saturation of the child is maintained at 95–97% in order to reduce the risk of ignition of the inspired oxygen by the laser. The larynx of the child is placed in suspension to produce an open airway. Depth of anaesthesia is determined primarily by the child's ventilatory pattern (adrenaline is used topically by the surgeon for haemostasis and interferes with the child's heart rate and blood pressure). End tidal CO2 concentration was measured intermittently for the first few cases, but was always found to be in the normal range. After completion of surgery (usually 15–90 min) the child is placed in the recovery position and allowed to recover. Over the past 5 years at our hospital 11 children have undergone 112 procedures. There have been no airway complications. Recovery is not prolonged (time to spontaneous eye opening about 10–15 min). This simple technique allows excellent surgical operating conditions with unimpeded visualisation of the barely mobile larynx. There is no pollution of the operating theatre or surgeon by volatile agents. The technique is now routinely used for all microlaryngeal surgery.
WE‐E‐201C‐02: Portable Dual‐Energy Imaging with a Wireless DR Detector: Optimal Technique and Material Decomposition for High‐Performance ICU Imaging

Purpose: Although bedside imaging is among the most common radiographic exams (e.g., line and catheter placement in the ICU), poor image quality often challenges even conspicuous tasks. We hypothesize that dual‐energy (DE) imaging using a novel wireless detector (with form factor equivalent to a film cassette) improves the conspicuity of interventional devices through material decomposition. This work optimizes the system configuration, acquisition techniques, and decomposition techniques for this novel bedside imaging technology. Method and Materials: A mobile x‐ray system was integrated with a wireless DR detector (DRX‐1) to permit DE image acquisition. Preliminary experimentation involved a benchtop and phantoms simulating bedside imaging. The contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was evaluated in DE images for common ICU imaging tasks. Measurements were performed as a function of antiscatter grid ratio (from gridless to 12:1), kVp pair (kVpLow = 40–90 kVp and kVpHigh = 90–140 kVp), and added filtration. Image quality was further improved by implementing linear and nonlinear noise‐reduction algorithms. Expert radiologists assessed DR and DE imaging task performance in anthropomorphic phantoms implanted with interventional tools. Results: DE imaging significantly boosted conspicuity of interventional devices in bedside imaging tasks. Antiscatter grids increased CNR by ∼50% without dose increase. Optimal kVp pair was [50/90] kVp, with lower techniques distinct from previous studies attributed to high x‐ray scatter in bedside configurations. Optimal filters were identified, with ∼0.2 mm Ag or Sn found optimal for the fixed‐filter scenario. Noise‐reduction algorithms preserved CNR at reduced imagingdose and indicate distinct processing for soft‐tissue and metal decomposition. Qualitative reader studies show a dramatic boost in conspicuity for DE imaging compared to DR. Conclusion: Advances in portable DR enable superior bedside imaging through advanced DE imaging functionality. Optimization of DE imaging and decomposition techniques render interventional tools conspicuous compared to DR without increasing patient dose. Research funded by Carestream Health
Galerkin methods for nonlinear parabolic integrodifferential equations with nonlinear boundary conditions

Galerkin methods are analyzed for the nonlinear parabolic integrodiflerential equation \[ u_t = \nabla \cdot \left\{ {a(u)\nabla u + \int_0^t {b(t,u(x,s))\nabla u(x,s)ds} } \right\} + f(u)\] in $\Omega \times ( {0,T} ]$, $T > 0$, $\Omega \subset R^d (d \leqq 3)$, subject to the nonlinear boundary condition \[ a(u)\frac{{\partial u}}{{\partial v }} + \int_0^t {b(t,u(x,s))} \frac{{\partial u}}{{\partial v }}(x,s)ds = g(u)\] on $S_T = \partial \Omega \times [0,T]$ and the usual initial condition. Optimal-order error estimates are derived in $L^2 (\Omega )$ norm for the continuous, Crank–Nicolson, and modified Crank–Nicolson Galerkin approximations. As usual, the latter will yield a system of linear algebraic equations to be solved at each level.
Dietary glycotoxins correlate with circulating advanced glycation end product levels in renal failure patients

Abstract Background: Levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), well-known proinflammatory compounds, are markedly elevated in patients with renal failure, raising the speculation that they have a role as cardiovascular risk factors in this population. Although elevated AGE levels in patients with renal failure have been attributed to impaired renal clearance and increased endogenous AGE formation, recent data suggest an important role for diet as a source of AGEs. Methods: To determine the relationship between dietary AGE content and serum AGE levels, a cross-sectional study was performed in our long-term dialysis patients. Dietary AGE intake was estimated by means of dietary records and questionnaires, and sera were obtained for measurement of 2 well-characterized AGEs, carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and methylglyoxal (MG) derivatives. Results: The study population included 189 patients; 139 hemodialysis and 50 peritoneal dialysis patients. Serum CML level correlated significantly with dietary AGE intake, based on either 3-day food records ( r = 0.5; P = 0.003) or dietary questionnaires ( r = 0.22; P = 0.03). Although no correlation was observed with nutrient intake (protein, fat, saturated fat, or carbohydrate), both serum CML and MG levels correlated with blood urea nitrogen ( r = 0.2; P = 0.03 and r = 0.2; P = 0.02, respectively) and serum albumin levels ( r = 0.16; P = 0.04 and r = 0.18; P = 0.02, respectively). Conclusion: Data indicate that dietary AGE content, independently of other diet constituents, is an important contributor to excess serum AGE levels in patients with renal failure. Moreover, the lack of correlation between serum AGE levels and dietary protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake indicates that a reduction in dietary AGE content can be obtained safely without compromising the content of obligatory nutrients.
New techniques for cartilage magnetic resonance imaging relaxation time analysis: Texture analysis of flattened cartilage and localized intra- and inter-subject comparisons

MR relaxation time measurements of knee cartilage have shown potential to characterize knee osteoarthritis (OA). In this work, techniques that allow localized intra- and inter-subject comparisons of cartilage relaxation times, as well as cartilage flattening for texture analysis parallel and perpendicular to the natural cartilage layers, are presented. The localized comparisons are based on the registration of bone structures and the assignment of relaxation time feature vectors to each point in the bone-cartilage interface. Cartilage flattening was accomplished with Bezier splines and warping, and texture analysis was performed with second-order texture measures using gray-level co-occurrence matrices (GLCM). In a cohort of five normal subjects the performance and reproducibility of the techniques were evaluated using T1rho maps of femoral knee cartilage. The feasibility of creating a mean cartilage relaxation time map is also presented. Successful localized intra- and inter-subject T1rho comparisons were obtained with reproducibility similar to that reported in the literature for regional T2. Improvement of the reproducibility of GLCM features was obtained by flattening the T1rho maps. The results indicate that the presented techniques have potential in longitudinal and population studies of knee OA at different stages of the disease.
Colorectal cancer incidence and screening in US Medicaid patients with and without HIV infection

Non-AIDS defining malignancies, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), may be more prevalent among persons living with HIV (PLWH). Further, PLWH may be less likely to receive CRC screening (CRCS). We studied the epidemiology of CRC and CRCS patterns in PLWH and HIV-uninfected persons in a large US Medicaid population. We performed a matched cohort study examining CRC incidence in 2006 and CRCS between 1999 and 2007. Study participants were continuously enrolled in the Medicaid programs of California, Florida, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. All PLWH enrollees were matched to five randomly sampled HIV-uninfected enrollees on 5-year age group, gender, and state. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for incident CRC (adjusted for comorbidity index) and the presence of CRCS (adjusted for comorbidity index and years in the data-set) among PLWH compared to HIV-uninfected enrollees were calculated. PLWH were not more likely to be diagnosed with CRC after adjusting for comorbidity index (unadjusted OR: 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-2.19; AOR 1.29; 95% CI: 0.98-1.70). While CRCS rates were low overall, PLWH were more likely to have received CRCS in unadjusted analyses (35.8% vs. 33.7%; OR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.07-1.13). This relationship was reversed after adjusting for comorbidity index and years in the data-set (AOR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.77-0.83). Limitations of the study include a focus on the Medicaid population, an inability to detect fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), and having half of patients between 50 and 55 years of age. In conclusion, PLWH were not more likely to be diagnosed with CRC, but in adjusted analyses, were less likely to have received CRCS. As we showed a low rate of CRCS overall in this Medicaid population, researchers, clinicians, and policy-makers should improve access to and uptake of CRCS among all Medicaid patients, and particularly among PLWH.
Utilization of Riemann surfaces in sensor data fusion

The use of Riemann surfaces offers an alternative approach to the characterization of object classes. In a situation where data from multiple sensors is available, the sensor observables can be used as the coordinates which define the space occupied by the class surfaces. The curvature of the surfaces will be governed by the underlying correlations between the phenomenologies of interest and the viewing conditions. The result is a natural coordinate system in which to implement classification algorithms. In this paper, a simple two-dimensional example is presented which introduces the underlying mathematics of the approach. A traditional statistical classifier is then used to examine classification performance. Extending the approach to include non-collocated sensors, sensor measurement error, and noise sources is also briefly discussed.
Galvanotactic Control of Self-Powered Microstructures

We are examining microactuation techniques by employing the electrokinetic and galvanotactic behavior of certain bacteria. We cultured selected strains of swarming Serratia marcescens which were attached to microstructures using a blotting technique that creates a bacterial monolayer carpet. These bacterial carpets naturally self-coordinate to propel the microstructures. The microstructures were placed in an open channel and a voltage was applied and polarity was switched. We have demonstrated directional control of the motion of the microstructures patterned with bacteria. This mobility is due to the patterning of bacteria on the microstructure surface and arises from a combination of electrokinetic effects and galvanotaxis.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Stillbirth: The Mother's Experience and Implications for Improving Care

More children die as a result of stillbirth than all other causes of infant deaths combined (Ananth, Shiliang, Kinzler, and Kramer, 2005; Goldenberg, Kirby, and Culhane, 2004; Froen, 2005; National Institute of Health, 2004); yet, mothers experiencing stillbirth are often left without support afterwards (Kubler-Ross, 2004; Fahey-McCarthy, 2003; Fletcher 2002; Saddler, 1987; DeFrain, 1986; Kirkley-Best & Kellner, 1982). Despite social work's growing involvement in care at the end of life, parents of stillborn children have not experienced consistent, relevant, and competent professional care in coping with the tragedy of death. Forty-seven women between the ages of 19 and 51 were recruited through nonprofit agencies that provide bereavement care to grieving families. Results of this qualitative study suggest that stillbirth is emotionally complex with long-lasting symptoms of grief and significant struggles to find meaning. The findings also support the need for perceived psychosocial and spiritual support from professional caregivers, family, and friends. The women's own experiences argue for comprehensive approaches to support the grief and loss of stillbirth, and for the importance of social work involvement in both immediate and longer term interventions.
A Monte-Carlo simulation approach for approximating multi-state two-terminal reliability

This paper describes a Monte-Carlo (MC) simulation methodology for estimating the reliability of a multi-state network. The problem under consideration involves multi-state two-terminal reliability (M2TR) computation. Previous approaches have relied on enumeration or on the computation of multi-state minimal cut vectors (MMCV) and the application of inclusion/exclusion formulae. This paper discusses issues related to the reliability calculation process based on MMCV. For large systems with even a relatively small number of component states, reliability computation can become prohibitive or inaccurate using current methods. The major focus of this paper is to present and compare a new MC simulation approach that obtains accurate approximations to the actual M2TR. The methodology uses MC to generate system state vectors. Once a vector is obtained, it is compared to the set of MMCV to determine whether the capacity of the vector satisfies the required demand. Examples are used to illustrate and validate the methodology. The estimates of the simulation approach are compared to exact and approximation procedures from solution quality and computational effort perspectives. Results obtained from the simulation approach show that for relatively large networks, the maximum absolute relative error between the simulation and the actual M2TR is less than 0.9%, yet when considering approximation formulae, this error can be as large as 18.97%. Finally, the paper discusses that the MC approach consistently yields accurate results while the accuracy of the bounding methodologies can be dependant on components that have considerable impact on the system design.
Note on prejudice and personality.

Summary.-The relationship between prejudice and personality was examined in a sample of 101 high school Ss. Contrary to prediction, no significant correlation of prejudice with repression (.18) or anxiety (.05) scores was observed.
Effect of lipopolysaccharide on the stimulation of macrophage Fc-dependent phagocytosis by splenic B lymphocytes.

Abstract Macrophage phagocytic activity is regulated by a variety of products derived from activated lymphocytes. It has been reported that nonactivated splenic B and T lymphocytes enhance macrophage glucose metabolism. In addition, the enhancement of macrophage glucose metabolism was further increased by direct effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on B, but not T, lymphocytes. In the present study, the effect of purified murine splenic B and T lymphocytes on Fc-dependent phagocytosis by thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages in the presence or absence of LPS has been investigated. Fc-dependent phagocytosis was assayed by measuring the ingestion of 51Cr-labeled, IgG-tagged sheep erythrocytes. After 3 or 4 days in culture, nonadherent spleen cells (NASC) and B and T lymphocytes from C3H/HeN (LPS-responder) mice produced 92 ± 27%, 83 ± 13%, and 147 ± 33% increases in C3H/HeJ (LPS-hyporesponder) macrophage phagocytic activity, respectively. A similar effect was observed in Balb/c mice. Cell-free supernatant from NASC and B lymphocytes precultured for 2 or 4 days produced a 74 ± 20% and 157 ± 42% increase in phagocytosis respectively. At concentrations which have been previously shown to markedly enhance the ability of splenic B lymphocytes to stimulate macrophage glucose metabolism, Escherichia coli K235 LPS (10 μg/ml) did not alter the stimulatory effects of any of the splenic lymphocyte populations on macrophage Fcdependent phagocytosis. These data suggest that B lymphocytes produce a soluble factor(s) which stimulates macrophage phagocytosis. In addition, LPS has different effects on the regulation of macrophage phagocytic activity and metabolism by B lymphocytes.
Unified representation of genetic variants.

Summary: A genetic variant can be represented in the Variant Call Format (VCF) in multiple different ways. Inconsistent representation of variants between variant callers and analyses will magnify discrepancies between them and complicate variant filtering and duplicate removal. We present a software tool vt normalize that normalizes representation of genetic variants in the VCF. We formally define variant normalization as the consistent representation of genetic variants in an unambiguous and concise way and derive a simple general algorithm to enforce it. We demonstrate the inconsistent representation of variants across existing sequence analysis tools and show that our tool facilitates integration of diverse variant types and call sets. Availability and implementation: The source code is available for download at http://github.com/atks/vt. More detailed documentation is available at http://genome.sph.umich.edu/wiki/Variant_Normalization. Contact: ude.hcimu@gnakmh Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
PC-based control of robotic and mechatronic systems under MS-Windows NT workstation

A method is proposed to perform control using Intel/sup (R)/ based PCs operated by Windows NT/sup TM/ directly. The software package developed is called WinRec v.1 (Windows real-time control). This low cost method keeps all the advantages of Windows NT without attaching any other kernels and avoids switching different operating systems between experimentation and control design/analysis. A thorough description of the method to set up the multimedia timer provided by Microsoft Development Network Library is presented. Self-customized algorithms based on advanced control techniques can be implemented with the standard protocol that is established here. The proposed protocol is evaluated using two different systems in control experiments. In the first system, an industrial robot manipulator is controlled by applying an independent joint PID control scheme. Results are also shown from experiments where LQR and H/sub 2/ controllers are applied to suppress vibrations of a flexible payload carried by the robot manipulator. In the second system, position, force, temperature, voltage and current data are simultaneously recorded in order to evaluate the performance of a shape-memory-alloy wire bundle actuator in open loop control experiments.
Time-Dependent Reliability-Based Robust Optimization Design of Components Structure

Time-dependent reliability sensitivity design is discussed based on time-dependent reliability model, combining reliability optimization design theory and time-dependent reliability sensitivity analysis method, a problem on time-dependent reliability-based robust optimization design of components structure is studied, and a numerical method for reliability-based robust optimization design is also presented. The time-dependent reliability sensitivity is added to the reliability-based optimization design model and the reliability-based robust optimization design is described as a multi-objection optimization.
Fully covered self-expanding metal stents placed temporarily in the bile duct: safety profile and histologic classification in a porcine model

Background Fully covered Self-Expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) have been shown efficacious in palliating malignant biliary obstructions. There is little data analyzing mucosal response to their temporary placement in the bile duct.
The Changing Role of Labor Migration in Arab Economic Integration

During the oil boom of the 1970s and early 1980s, labor migration became an effective instrument for addressing labor market needs at the national level while simultaneously serving the goals of Arab economic integration. The 1990s, however, witnessed a rapid deceleration in the net inflows of Arab workers to the oil-exporting countries. The negative effects of lower oil revenues were reinforced during and after the 1991 Gulf War by the replacement of workers from the region with migrants from Asia as well as ongoing efforts in the oil-exporting countries to nationalize their labor forces. Current unemployment rates, together with the projected rapid expansion in the national supply of the receiving countries, provide further incentives to restrict migration inflows especially from the Arab world. As a result, the future contribution of labor migration to Arab economic integration will decline.
The Elements of the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Series as Possible Adherence‐Promoting Materials for Sheet‐Iron Enamels

The properties of the elements of the third, fourth, and fifth series of the periodic system were analyzed from the standpoint of their adherence-promoting qualities. These elements were divided into five groups on the basis of such properties as heats of formation, melting points, vapor pressures, atomic radii, unit-cell dimensions, and hydrogen solubilities.
The human RAD18 gene product interacts with HHR6A and HHR6B

During DNA replication, lesion bypass is an important cellular response to unrepaired damage in the genome. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rad6 and Rad18 are required for both the error-free and error-prone lesion bypass mechanisms. Furthermore, Rad6–Rad18 interaction is thought to be critical at an early step during lesion bypass in yeast. Two closely related human homologs of yeast Rad6 have been identified as HHR6A and HHR6B. Here, we report a full-length cDNA coding for the human homolog of yeast Rad18. The human RAD18 gene codes for a protein of 484 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 54 804 Da, and the gene is localized to chromosome 3 between reference intervals D3S3591 and D3S1283. Human RAD18 protein (hRAD18) was found to interact with HHR6A and HHR6B. When co-expressed in yeast cells, stable hRAD18–HHR6A and hRAD18–HHR6B protein complexes were identified and purified to near homogeneity. Thus, through interaction and complex formation with HHR6A and HHR6B, RAD18 protein may play an important role in lesion bypass mech­anisms in humans. Consistent with its role as a fundamental lesion bypass protein, the RAD18 gene is ubiquitously expressed in various human tissues.
Recursive linear prediction using OBE identification with automatic bound estimation

Application of set-membership (SM) identification to real-time speech processing is made possible by the optimal bounding ellipsoid algorithm with automatic bound estimation (OPE-APE) that blindly deduces model-input bounds. To date, lack of any tenable approach to estimating bounds in speech models has rendered these interesting new SM methods impractical. OBE-ABE is consistently convergent, offers significant computational advantages, and provides a set of feasible solutions in finite time.
Polyps of the colon and rectum in Cali, Colombia.

A systematic search for polyps was carried out in 1,499 autopsy specimens of large intestine from Cali, Colombia, a low-incidence area for colo-rectal carcinoma. No cases of carcinoma were found in the series studied. The prevalence of each of the main types of polyps, namely adenomatous, hyperplastic and retention, is described. Retention polyps tend to disappear with age. Hyperplastic polyps appear around the 4th decade of life, are often multiple, are mostly found in the sigmoid and rectum and their prevalence does not increase appreciably with age; these findings are interpreted as added evidence against an association between hyperplastic polyps and carcinoma of the colon and rectum. Adenomatous polyps increase in prevalence with age and are more often multiple and in males tend to be concentrated in the sigmoid; tentative comparisons of Cali data with findings from countries at high risk for colo-rectal cancer suggest a statistical association between prevalence of adenomas and incidence of carcinoma of the colon and an even stronger association between colon cancer and atypical cellular changes in adenomas. It is suggested that populations at high risk to colon cancer are probably characterized by an increased prevalence of adenomatous polyps, particularly in the sigmoid colon of males, and display a larger proportion of multiple polyps and atypical cellular changes.
System design considerations for MEMS-actuated magnetic-probe-based mass storage

This paper presents common system design considerations imposed on magnetic storage devices that employ MEMS devices for positioning of a magnetic probe device over a magnetic media. The paper demonstrates that active servo control of the probe tip to media separation can be achieved with sub-nanometer accuracy. It demonstrates that reasonable-size capacitive sensors can resolve probe tip motions with a noise floor of roughly 22 picometers, allowing them to be used as position sensors in magnetic force microscope (MFM) readout approaches. In addition, this paper demonstrates that although MEMS media actuators can achieve scanning ranges of /spl plusmn/50 um, the mass of the media sled imposes important access time and data rate constraints on such MEMS-actuated mass storage devices.
Reorganization of the nervous system during metamorphosis of a hydrozoan planula

. Laser scanning confocal microscopy is used to reveal the changes that occur in the RFamide-positive nerve net as a free-swimming, solid hydrozoan planula larva is transformed into a sessile, hollow, young polyp. Seven stages of development in Pennaria tiarella are described: planula competent to metamorphose, attaching planula, disc, pawn, crown, developing polyp, and developed primary polyp. The RFamide-positive nervous system undergoes dramatic reorganization during metamorphosis: (1) larval neurons degenerate; (2) new neurons differentiate and reform a nerve net; and (3) the overall distribution pattern of the nervous system changes. This study confirms earlier observations on RFamide-positive neurons of Hydractinia which also show the loss of these cells after the onset of metamorphosis.
The squid family Magnapinnidae (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) in the Atlantic Ocean, with a description of a new species

ABSTRACT We describe here Magnapinna atlantica, a new species of oegopsid squid in the Magnapinnidae. This is the second described species in the family. The new species is based on two specimens, one of which is in excellent condition. This species has the following characters that are unique within the family: Tentacles more slender than adjacent arms, and proximal region of tentacles without suckers and bearing large glandular swellings. A third species is described but not named due to the poor condition of the squid. We also transfer Mastigoteuthis talismani to the Magnapinnidae, along with another squid, long known in the literature but incorrectly identified.
Effect of Prenatal Alcohol and Cigarette Exposure on Two- and Six-Month-Old Infants' Adrenocortical Reactivity to Stress

Examined the effect of prenatal alcohol and cigarette exposure on infant adrenocortical reactivity to stress at 2 and 6 months of age. Cortisol response (preto poststressor increase) at 2 months was lower for the exposed than nonexposed infants, whereas cortisol response at 6 months did not differ between the exposed and nonexposed infants. The 2-month group difference in cortisol response reflected a higher prestressor cortisol level in the exposed infants.
A new combination in Mirandea (Acanthaceae)

Based on macromorphological, palynological, and preliminary molecular data, Pachystachys nutans Nees is transferred to Mirandea. The species is described and lectotypified. A key to the six species of this wholly Mexican genus is provided.
A brief symptom index for advanced renal cell carcinoma

Background Our objective was to test a brief, symptom index for advanced renal cell carcinoma, a disease affecting over 38,000 Americans each year and often diagnosed in late stages.
Mechanical Stimulation of Scaffold-Free, Cell-Based Single Fibers for Tissue Engineered Tendon

The clinical demand for tendon replacements following injury, surgical excision, or disease drives current tissue engineering endeavors. Great strides have been made in producing functional tissues, but none have gained clinical acceptance. Scaffold-free and cell-based engineered tissue constructs allow the use of autologous cells and avoid potential scaffold-based complications such as immune rejection and breakdown byproducts. However, scaffold-free approaches have yet to replicate the mechanical properties of tendon [1,2]. In an effort to mimic some key aspects of in vivo embryonic tendon development, such as high cellularity and subsequent cell-to-cell contact, we have utilized a cell-based and scaffold-free method to direct fibroblast cell growth through geometric constraint to form single fibers [3,4]. Early application of mechanical cues (within hours of cell attachment) is essential for cell and collagen fiber alignment, as well as tissue maturation through matrix protein synthesis, and perhaps most importantly, these structural changes will result in altered mechanical properties. We recently established a method to apply mechanical stimulation to developing scaffold-free, cell-based fibers with the goal of replicating tenogenic development cues [5]. As an important step towards scaffold-free tendon replacements, the objective of this study was to demonstrate the influence of dynamic mechanical cues on growing fibers, which can ultimately be optimized to achieve tendon-like structure and mechanical properties.© 2011 ASME
Overview of Intracellular Compartments and Trafficking Pathways

All eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bounded compartments that interact with the cell’s environment. Vesicles transport proteins and lipids between these compartments via two major pathways: the outwards, exocytic pathway, carries material synthesized in the cytoplasm to the cell milieu, and the inwards, endocytic pathway, internalizes material from the environment to the inside of the cell. This communication of the cell with its environment is crucial for all tissue and organ function. Here, we summarize progress made during the last two decades in our understanding of bi-directional transport pathways between intracellular compartments. The accumulated knowledge of intracellular compartments and pathways that connect them formed the basis for advancements made in our understanding of the molecular machinery components, mechanisms and regulation of intracellular trafficking. Whereas the major compartments and pathways are well defined, less is known about the dynamic nature and biogenesis of compartments.
Efficacies of chlorine dioxide and iodophor teat dips during experimental challenge with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae.

We tested two postmilking teat dips for efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae using experimental challenge procedures recommended by the National Mastitis Council. The chlorine dioxide teat dip that contained 0.7% sodium chlorite reduced the number of new intramammary infections (IMI) caused by Staph. aureus by 86.6% and reduced new IMI caused by Strep. agalactiae by 88.4%. The 0.5% iodophor teat dip reduced the number of new IMI caused by Staph. aureus by 92.9% and reduced the number of new IMI caused by Strep. agalactiae by 43.4%. Teat skin and teat end conditions were evaluated before and after the study, and no deleterious effects were noted among dipped quarters compared with undipped control quarters for either teat dip.
The Suppressive Tumor Microenvironment: A Challenge in Cancer Immunotherapy

In this review, we introduce the changing public perception of vaccines and immunotherapy in cancer treatments. We discuss the roles that different immunosuppressive cells play in the tumor microenvironment. Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes are discussed in depth. Additionally, the role that myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and T regulatory cells (Tregs) play in the tumor microenvironment is addressed. Highlighted are examples of therapies used against each suppressive cell type, which vary from the hypothetical to the ineffective; the inefficient to the successful. A variety of treatments have been tried to combat this fundamental problem, indeed the cause that allows cancerous mutated cells to survive, multiply and overtake the body. Efficient methods to disable each particular suppressive type of cell have been introduced; this review summarizes the discussion with a table to guide future development. We see gene therapy as the most innovative and flexible ...
Petrology and Chemistry of the Rock Creek Flow, Columbia River Basalt, Idaho

A detailed re-examination of the Rock Creek flow, one of the thickest known pre-Yakima basalt flows of the Columbia Plateau, includes 5 wet-chemical and 55 rapid x-ray fluorescent analyses for major elements. The samples were collected at regular intervals from five sections through the flow over a distance of ~ 20 mi. A revised description of the flow9s field characteristics and petrography is included. The Rock Creek flow is typical of the pre-Yakima basalt in most of its field, petrographic, and chemical properties and is quite distinct in all these properties from the Yakima basalt. It differs from the Picture Gorge basalt type in its higher olivine, TiO 2 ; and K 2 O content, and is regarded as a member of a discrete Rock Creek basalt type which will form a valuable marker horizon in the southeast part of the plateau. In the Whitebird Creek section, the lower part of the Rock Creek flow cooling unit is formed from a different chemical type with a different mineralogy, similar to the Roza and Frenchman Springs chemical types as defined by Wright and others (1973). The mineralogy of the main part of the flow is typical of alkali basalt. Plagioclase and olivine were stable before eruption and were joined by a high-calcium pyroxene soon after eruption. Olivine continued to crystallize with the plagioclase and pyroxene, which were later joined by ilmenite and then apatite. Late chabazite and secondary analcite occur in the scoria. Lack of crystal settling and the high potassium content of the unusually thick scoriaceous top, which is locally replaced by a pyroclastic capping, may be associated with exceptionally vigorous degassing of the magma. Chemically, the Rock Creek flow is an olivine tholeiite, but its alkali basalt mineralogy makes either of these terms misleading. Together with many other basalts possessing a similar combination of mineralogy and chemistry, it is classified as a transitional basalt. The mineralogy of the residual material suggests a peralkaline composition.
Relations between Identity Formation and Family Characteristics among Young Adults

Relations between identity formation and family characteristics among young adults were examined. The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales II and the Ego Process Questionnaire were administered to 57 male and 94 female college students between the ages of 18 and 25. There were 78 Caucasian and 73 African American youth. Significant relations were found between identity exploration and commitment, and family cohesion and adaptability. In addition, moderating effects of race and gender also were found for relations between identity formation and family variables for this sample of young adults. African American participants were found to explore interpersonally more often than Caucasians when family cohesion and family adaptability were low. Family cohesion was positively related to interpersonal and ideological identity commitments for males but only for interpersonal commitment for females. Implications for future research are addressed.
Role of Topography in Forcing Low-Level Jets in the Central United States during the 1993 Flood-Altered Terrain Simulations

Regional model sensitivity simulations in which the height of elevated terrain was reduced to explore simulated changes in features of the low-level jet (LLJ) are presented. Such an approach has not been reported, and it provides complementary insight to the previous LLJ studies. The simulations were carried out for a 45-day period during the 1993 summer flood in the central United States, when strong LLJs were frequent. The simulations illustrate directly the significance of topographical blocking, leeside cyclogenesis, and terrain thermal effects exerted by the Rocky Mountains in support of LLJ formation. In particular, it is shown that in the absence of topography the ridging from the Bermuda high extended considerably westward with weaker southerly flow over the High Plains, thus diminishing the potential for LLJ development. The slope-induced nocturnal horizontal thermal gradient was indicated to have a significant role in the formation of the LLJ.
Optimal trade policies for a developing country under uncertainty

Abstract This paper investigates optimal trade policies for a developing small open economy which faces international price uncertainty. Trade taxes are used to finance provision of a public good, which enters the utility function of consumers. If demands for private goods are independent of the public good, the optimal composite tariff dominates the optimal quota. If the optimal state-contingent tariff increases with the foreign price, the optimal specific tariff also dominates the optimal quota, regardless of risk aversion. However, the ranking of the optimal specific tariff and the optimal quota generally depends on risk attitudes as well as ordinal preferences.
Modeling the Effect of Oxidation and Etching of Silicon Photonic Crystals

Tuning the band-gap of photonic crystals has been a challenge because there are few parameters that can be varied to modify the band structure. In this paper we modeled the effect of well controlled complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible processing techniques, viz. oxidation and oxide etching, on the band-gap and mid-gap frequency of a silicon photonic crystal (PC). By adding silicon dioxide as the third dielectric, oxide thickness serves as a new parameter that influences the band structure. In the case of a PC of Si atoms in air, if silicon is etched to reduce the original atom radius from 0.28a (a = lattice constant) to 0.1a, the band-gap and mid-gap normalized frequencies increase from 0.1 to 1.6 and from 0.28 to 0.49 respectively. During oxidation, silicon is consumed to form silicon dioxide. Thus, if the Si atom of 0.4a radius is oxidized until it reaches 0.1a, the band-gap and mid-gap vary in the range of (0.1-1.5) and (0.28-0.41) respectively. When the oxide is etched back, the band-gap can be tuned in the range of (0.1-1.6) for a new mid-gap frequency in the range of (0.41-0.49). Results are also presented for a triangular lattice of air holes in silicon.
Effect of streptococcal hyaluronic acid (SHA) in mice, rats, rabbits and dogs.

SummarySodium hyaluronate prepared from a virulent strain of Streptococcus pyogenes was injected intravenously and in-traperitoneally into mice, rats, rabbits and dogs. Single injections up to 1 g/kg body weight and repeated daily injections up to 100 mg/kg for periods of 10 to 42 consecutive days failed to produce pathological changes in the tissues. There was no evidence that this material was stored and it appeared to be either metabolized or excreted in the urine.
The role of the clast layer of desert pavement in rainfall-runoff processes

Desert pavement is a surficial feature widespread throughout arid lands in the world. Whenever found, it can play an important dynamic role in geomorphic, hydrologic, and ecologic processes in desert environments. The hydrological properties, especially the clast layer impact on hydrological processes, are still not clear to the academic community. Anecdotal evidences and empirical observations have reported rapid runoff generation process which implied low permeability of the pavement with the clast layer. Quantitative result, however, has not yet been reported. An experimental study has been carried out in Mojave National Preserve near Providence Mountain to investigate the hydraulic properties of the clast layer. Rainfall simulations were conducted with a pair of portable rainfall simulators. Each group of experiment includes two parallel runs on two adjacent plots, one with intact clast layer and one with clast layer removed. Soil moistures time series were measured with Water Content Reflectometers (WCR). Runoff was collected at the downstream side of each plot. Experimental results of both runoff and soil moisture did not show significant difference between two types of plots, which implied the clast layer at the experiment site is not a restrictive layer for infiltration and rainfall-runoff processes. In addition, the measured soil moisture curves were used to develop an optimization method for Green-Ampt infiltration parameters, which can produce a useful tool of direct estimation of G-A parameters for practical applications.
INFLUENCE OF SOIL TYPE ON THE EFFECT OF STRAIN RATE ON SMALL-STRAIN CYCLIC SHEAR MODULUS

ABSTRACT Sixteen different soils were tested in an NGI type simple shear device to examine the effect of strain rate, γ . , on cyclic secant shear modulus, Gs, at very small to small cyclic shear strain amplitudes, γc ≈ 0.0003-0.01%. The effect of γ . on Gs was characterized by strain-rate shear modulus parameter, αG, and strain-rate shear modulus factor, Nγ-G. Parameter αG describes the slope of Gs-log γ . data for a given γc, while Nγ-G is αG normalized by reference Gs. For the clayey soils and their conditions tested αG ≈ 1.0-6.5% MPa and Nγ-G ≈ 2.0-6.0% were obtained. For the sandy soils αG ≈ 0.3-1.2 MPa and Nγ-G ≈ 0.5-3.0% were obtained. Data revealed that αG decreases with increasing γc, while Nγ-G either slightly decreases with increasing γc or stays about constant. The trends of Nγ-G with plasticity indes, Ip, liquid limit, wL, clay content, and activity were examined. It was found that at a given γc, Nγ-G generally increases with increasing all of these properties and indices. Most consistent and strongest correlations were obtained between Nγ-G and Ip and Nγ-G and wL. These two correlations can be useful for the soil dynamics engineering practice and are presented in the paper