cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pyramidal tract deficits and polyneuropathy in hyperthyroidism, Combination clinically mimicking amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Abstract Generalized weakness, intermittent dysphagia, and a 40-pound weight loss developed In an elderly man over a six-month period. Examination revealed weakness, atrophy and fasciculations of extremity musculature, pseudobulbar speech, hyperactive upper extremity reflexes, and extensor toe signs without sensory loss. Results of electrodiagnostic studies were consistent with an axonal polyneuropathy. Endocrinologic results were compatible with hyperthyroidism. Radioiodine therapy resulted in resolution of clinical neurologic symptoms and signs within seven months. This case illustrates a previously undescribed concurrence of hyperthyroid associated polyneuropathy and pyramidal tract dysfunction that led to an initial clinical diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Nonperturbative three-dimensional formalism for the study of the nucleon-nucleon interaction

As an alternative to the dispersion theoretic approach to the two- nucleon interaction, we outline an improved version of an older method which derives both an interaction and the wave equation of which it is a part on an equal footing. This is done by reducing the Bethe-Salpeter equation to an equal time equation. The main improvement is that the interaction is given in nonperturbative form rather than as a sum of Feynman diagrams. As an illustration of the formalism, we test the validity of a simple version of the isobar model for the nucleon-nucleon problem and find it quantitatively inadequate. We discuss parenthetically how the existence of classes of reduction schemes is reflected as an ambiguity in the definition of the interaction. (AIP)
Septal lesions and aggressive behavior

Attack behaviors of dominant colony males of established albino rat colonies, on intruders, were measured following septal lesions or control operations. Septal damage produced a significant decrease in piloerection, biting, and lateral attack behaviors, as well as in the number of wounds observed on the intruders. These differences tended to disappear during a 3-week period after surgery. Thus septal damage in the rat as well as the mouse appears to produce a systematic reduction in aggressive attack behaviors.
Language general and specific factors in letter acquisition: considering child and letter characteristics in Korean

In the present study we investigated the extent to which child level factors (i.e., phonological awareness) and letter level factors (i.e., letter name structures, letter frequency, visual similarity, and letter order) contributed to letter name and sound acquisition, using data from Korean-speaking children (N = 169) and cross-classified multilevel model. The results showed that (1) a relatively large amount of variance is attributable to letter differences; (2) letter feature variables, letter name structure variable in particular, explained a large amount of variance attributable to differences among letters for letter-name knowledge; (3) letter feature variables other than letter name structure were not consistently related to letter-name or -sound knowledge; (4) phonological awareness was consistently related to letter-name and -sound knowledge; and (5) letter-name knowledge was somewhat inconsistent in its relation to letter-sound knowledge. The results are discussed in light of language or script general versus specific factors and instructional environment in letter name and sound acquisition.
The effect of zinc defficiency and food restriction on prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane B2 in saliva and plasma of rats

Zinc has been implicated in the regulation of prostaglandins and other arachidonic acid derivatives. Studies of zinc-deficient animals, however, are compromised by concomitant reduction in food intake that may also alter eicosanoid levels in body tissues and fluids. In this study, three groups of rats, designated as zinc-deficient, pair-fed and control, were fed diets containing 1 ppm, 15 ppm (in amounts paired to deficient rats) and 15 ppm Zn ad libitum, respectively, for 6 weeks. Saliva and blood were analyzed for PGE2 and TXB2 by radioimmunoassay. Saliva concentrations of both eicosanoids were lower (p less than 0.05) in the pair-fed animals, but not significantly altered by zinc deficiency. Plasma levels of PGE2 and TXB2 were unchanged by either zinc deficiency or food restriction. The results of this study support the contention that the effect of zinc on these prostaglandins is not mediated by altered rates of synthesis or degradation but rather by effects on eicosanoid function.
Plasma damage in thin gate MOS dielectrics and its effect on device characteristics and reliability

Abstract Plasma process-induced damage continues to be a great threat and concern in the modern CMOS technologies. This article concentrates on NMOS vs. PMOS device sensitivity to plasma charging originating from the various processing steps. This dependence is studied with respect to the gate oxide thickness, and large antenna devices are used to evaluate device yield, latent damage, and residual effect of charging on device performance and reliability. Specific studies are performed to explore the resistance to the charging damage in CMOS devices with a 50 A gate oxide grown with various oxidation processes.
Poly(alkylene oxide) ionomers. XII. Hydrolysis of polymers and copolymers of methyl 10,11‐epoxyundecanoate

Ester-substituted oxyethylene polymers and copolymers of methyl 10,11-epoxyundecanoate were prepared with an aluminumalkyl–water coordination initiator system modified with acetylacetone. Poly(ethylene oxide) ionomers, polyelectrolytes, and polycarboxylic acids were obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of the pendant carbomethoxy groups and by neutralizations with acetic acid. The high molecular weight substituted poly(ethylene oxide)s were characterized by spectral, thermal, and dilute solution measurements. The infrared spectra of carboxylate substituted poly(ethylene oxide)s, both homo- and copolymers, show the typical shifts in the carboxyl absorption when going from the ester to the carboxylate group to the free acid. Polymer transitions temperatures, as measured by DSC, changed accordingly. Wide-angle x-ray diffraction measurements strongly suggest the existence of ionic domains in the oxyethylene polymer matrix. Dilute solution properties of the ionomers show typical polyelectrolyte behavior, including a substantial change in viscosity when ionic solute is added.
Indium phosphide (001)-(2×1): Direct evidence for a hydrogen-stabilized surface reconstruction

The surface structure of the indium phosphide $(001)\ensuremath{-}(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ reconstruction has been clarified in this work. Infrared spectra collected during atomic deuterium titration of the InP $(001)\ensuremath{-}(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ surface reveal a sharp P-H stretching mode at 2308 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. Based on theoretical cluster calculations using density-functional theory, this mode results from a single hydrogen atom bonded to one end of a buckled phosphorus dimer. These results confirm that the $(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ structure is hydrogen stabilized as recently proposed in the literature.
Exciplex luminescence studies of the surface polarity of end-capped bonded phases

Abstract The fluorescence intensities and emission maxima of surface-bound exciplexes were studied to determine the relative polarity of microparticulate silica before and after derivatization with trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS). The results indicate that HMDS yields a bonded phase with greater average polarity relative to TMCS at equivalent surface coverages. This difference is attributed to the formation of basic sites on the surface by chemisorption of ammonia generated during derivatization with HMDS. The observation of exciplex emission on silica gel is novel and strongly supports clustering of surface-bound molecules into high-density regions.
Alcohol, Helping Young Adults to Have Unprotected Sex with Casual Partners: Findings from a Daily Diary Study of Alcohol Use and Sexual Behavior

Abstract Purpose To examine the event-level association between alcohol consumption and the likelihood of unprotected sex among college-age young adults considering contextual factors of partner type and amount of alcohol consumed. Methods A 30-day, Web-based, structured daily diary was used to collect daily reports of sexual behaviors and alcohol use from 116 sexually active young adults, yielding 2,764 diary records. Each day we assessed the prior evening's behavior regarding alcohol consumption, opportunities for sex, sexual intercourse, condom use, and contextual factors including type of sexual partner. Results Based on multilevel models, drinking proximal to events of sexual intercourse increased the likelihood of unprotected sex with casual but not steady partners. For women there was a positive association between number of drinks and a greater likelihood of unprotected sex with casual partners but a negative association with steady partners. Drinking during situations involving opportunities for sex with casual partners increased the likelihood of sex. For women especially, drinking more increased the likelihood of sex occurring regardless of partner type. Conclusions Failure to assess the contextual determinants of the alcohol—unprotected sex association may result in underestimates of the magnitude of this association. These data highlight an important area for intervention with young adults: reducing alcohol-involved sexual risk behavior with casual partners, especially among women.
Interaction integrals for thermal fracture of functionally graded materials

This paper addresses finite element evaluation of the non-singular T-stress and mixed-mode stress intensity factors in functionally graded materials (FGMs) under steady-state thermal loads by means of interaction integral. Interaction integral provides an accurate and efficient numerical framework in evaluating these fracture parameters in FGMs under thermal as well as mechanical loads. We use a non-equilibrium formulation and the corresponding auxiliary (secondary) fields tailored for FGMs. Graded finite elements have been developed to account for the spatial gradation of thermomechanical properties. This paper presents various numerical examples in which the accuracy of the present method is verified.
Time-Efficient Maze Routing Algorithms on Reconfigurable Mesh Architectures

The routing problem is one of the most widely studied problems in VLSI design. Maze-routing algorithms are used in VLSI routing and robot path planning. Efficiency of the parallel maze routing algorithms which were mostly based on C. Y. Lee's algorithm8is poor. In this paper, we propose time-efficient algorithms to solve the maze-routing problem on a reconfigurable mesh architecture. The constant-time algorithms presented include: (i) testing the existence of specific types of paths between two terminals, and (ii) finding an absolute shortest path (ASP) and a shortest duplex-path (SDP). In addition, a fast algorithm to find the single shortest path (SSP) is presented. The simulation results indicate that a large percentage of the shortest paths that exist between two randomly selected terminals fall into one of the categories studied in this paper.
Drug-induced acute liver failure: results of a U.S. multicenter, prospective study.

Acute liver failure (ALF) due to drug-induced liver injury (DILI), though uncommon, is a concern for both clinicians and patients. The Acute Liver Failure Study Group has prospectively collected cases of all forms of acute liver failure since 1998. We describe here cases of idiosyncratic DILI ALF enrolled during a 10.5-year period. Data were collected prospectively, using detailed case report forms, from 1198 subjects enrolled at 23 sites in the United States, all of which had transplant services. A total of 133 (11.1%) ALF subjects were deemed by expert opinion to have DILI; 81.1% were considered highly likely, 15.0% probable, and 3.8% possible. Subjects were mostly women (70.7%) and there was overre-presentation of minorities for unclear reasons. Over 60 individual agents were implicated, the most common were antimicrobials (46%). Transplant-free (3-week) survival was poor (27.1%), but with highly successful transplantation in 42.1%, overall survival was 66.2%. Transplant-free survival in DILI ALF is determined by the degree of liver dysfunction, specifically baseline levels of bilirubin, prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores. Conclusion DILI is an uncommon cause of ALF that evolves slowly, affects a disproportionate number of women and minorities, and shows infrequent spontaneous recovery, but transplantation affords excellent survival.
Empirical Research on Performance Improvement.

Renewed interest in research on performance improvement provides an ideal opportunity to examine how much empirical work is actually published and to identify the focus of research in the field. This paper describes a study conducted to examine the empirical research on performance improvement. The study involved a content analysis of articles published in PIQ from 1997 through 2000. Results indicated that empirical research accounted for about one-third of all articles published in PIQ. A detailed analysis of the empirical research studies published in the journal is provided.
A new congenital neuromuscular disease with trilaminar muscle fibers

An infant was born with marked rigidity, a paucity of spontaneous movements, and increased serum creatine phosphokinase activity. Electromyogram was normal. A muscle biopsy, taken at the age of 7 weeks, contained numerous fibers composed of three concentric zones, warranting the designation “trilaminar fibers.” Electronmicroscopy showed the innermost zone contained a densely packed collection of mitochondria, glycogen, electron opaque material, and single filaments. The middle zone consisted of myofibrils with Z-band smearing. The outer zone resembled a sarcoplasmic mass. Extrajunctional acetylcholine receptor (AChR) was present in the trilaminar fibers between the middle and outer zones. The increased muscle tone and extrajunctional AChR suggest an altered neural influence, but the markedly increased creatine phosphokinase activity is more characteristic of muscle damage. Precise definition of the nature of the defect awaits further study.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYSIALIC ACID-N-TRIMETHYL CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES FOR DRUG DELIVERY

In drug delivery, the nanoparticles must be of proper size and charge to achieve high efficacy and low toxicity of associated therapeutics. In this study, nanoparticles were developed via ionic gelation of two polysaccharide-based molecules, negatively charged polysialic acid (PSA) and positively charged N,N,N-trimethylchitosan (TMC). PSA is unique in that the highly hydrated backbone may be used in a manner similar to that of poly(ethylene glycol) to extend circulation times. Although not necessary for nanoparticle formation, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) was added to enhance stability, as indicated by a reduced polydispersity. We investigated three different ratios by weight of PSA:TMC (0.5:1, 1:1, 1:2 and five different TPP concentrations ranging from 0.1 mg/ml to 0.8 mg/ml. As controls, nanoparticles were also formed without PSA from chitosan and TMC with TPP. Optimal size and surface charge were achieved with a PSA:TMC weight ratio of 0.5:1 and a TPP concentration 0.2 mg/ml. For the nanoparticles prepared in the latter fashion, a more in depth characterization was conducted. The nanoparticles were distinct solid, spherical nanogels with a size of 106 ± 25 nm, an ideal size to reduce uptake by the reticuloendothelial system while facilitating passive targeting of diseased tissue. The zeta potential of the nanoparticles was +33.9 ± 1.2 mV, suggesting that the nanoparticles will be stable under physiological conditions. Encapsulation and controlled release by the nanoparticles was demonstrated using methotrexate, a therapeutic indicated in both cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. The results obtained thus far strongly indicate that PSA–TMC nanoparticles are suitable drug carrier systems for systemic administration.
Considerations in sirolimus use in the early and late post-transplant periods

Sirolimus is an antiproliferative immunosuppressive agent that inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin. It is highly effective in preventing acute renal allograft rejection and can be used with either calcineurin inhibitors, antimetabolites or corticosteroids. Early studies in renal transplantation have provided insight into optimal dosing strategies of sirolimus and of concomitant immunosuppressive agents. Familiarity with the adverse effect profile of sirolimus and pharmacokinetic and dynamic interactions with other immunosuppressive agents allows for earlier recognition and better management of sirolimus-related complications. The role of sirolimus in preserving long-term renal function, post-transplant malignancies and in prevention of atherosclerosis is currently being considered.
Hyperglycemia-induced unilateral basal ganglion lesions with and without hemichorea. A PET study

Hyperglycemia-induced unilateral basal ganglion lesions occur mostly in Asian patients. A signal abnormality in the basal ganglion region is evident on these patients' neuroimaging. Despite characteristic imaging findings and clinical manifestations, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. To clarify the underlying pathophysiology of unilateral basal ganglion lesions, we examined the [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) findings in 3 patients with hyperglycemia. The PET studies were performed at 3 weeks, 5 weeks, and 7 months after clinical onset. The markedly reduced rates of cerebral glucose metabolism in the corresponding lesions on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images provided direct evidence of regional metabolic failure. We suggest that the metabolic derangements associated with hyperglycemia and vascular insufficiency contribute to regional metabolic failure in patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.
Accelerated Testing of Time Related Parameters in MNOS Memories

Testing of pseudo-nonvolatile memories with finite, varying periods of unpowered retention presents unique and difficult problems to test engineers. This paper shows some accelerated methods of predicting and measuring retention and endurance characteristics that allows MNOS memory devices to be 100% tested and sorted for these critical parameters in a cost effective manner. Testing of non-volatile memories with finite non-permanent periods of unpowered retention presents unique and difficult problems to test engineers. This complex problem is further complicated by the fact that the retention characteristic is dynamic in that it changes as a function of the device write/erase history. These factors add a third and fourth dimension to the normal two dimensioned memory test problem.
Experimental study of geopolymer mortar with incorporated PCM

Abstract Incorporation of phase change material (PCM) in building materials has been an important research topic in recent years. The use of PCM intends to increase the thermal inertia of buildings and reduce the consumption of energy for cooling and heating. This paper studies experimentally the mechanical and thermal properties of geopolymer mortar synthesized with low calcium fly ash and different amount of PCM. First the effect of incorporated PCM on the unit weight and compressive strength of geopolymer mortar was evaluated. Then scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging was performed to identify the change of micro structure of the geopolymer mortar after incorporation of PCM. The thermal properties of the geopolymer mortar containing different amount of PCM were also characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Finally model tests were performed using small cubicles built with geopolymer mortar slabs containing different amount of PCM to evaluate the effectiveness of geopolymer mortar wall with incorporated PCM in controlling the heat flow and internal temperature. The results indicate that both the unit weight and compressive strength of the geopolymer mortar decrease slightly after PCM is incorporated, mainly due to the small unit weight and low strength and stiffness of the PCM. However, the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar containing up to 20% PCM is still sufficiently high for applications in buildings. The results also show that the incorporation of PCM leads to substantial increase of heat capacity and decrease of thermal conductivity of the geopolymer mortar and is very effective in decreasing the temperature inside the cubicles. Therefore, the geopolymer mortar with incorporated PCM can be used as building walls to effectively increase the thermal inertia of buildings and reduce the consumption of energy for cooling and heating.
New method for age estimation of developmental defects of enamel formation in living populations

Histologically based age of occurrence estimates for developmental defects of enamel (DDE) are raising questions about the continued utility of traditional macroscopic methods; however, the new techniques are not appropriate for use on living populations. This study, using methodology suitable for noninvasive use on living populations, compares assignment of defect timing using a histologically informed macroscopic method (HIMM) versus traditional methodology (TM). For this Southern African population, TM estimates later median age of DDE occurrence than HIMM (Z-score: −13.565, P < 0.000) and modal age is 1 year earlier. HIMM allows for continued collection of DDE in living populations with the added benefit of more precise timing of enamel development. Accuracy for estimating general stressors during childhood is necessary for construction of diachronic analyses. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Long-haul, 10 Gbit/s error-free transmission of NRZ data and dispersion-managed solitons using the same transmission system

A dispersion management scheme that supports both dispersion-managed solitons and non-return-to-zero (NRZ) data formats is demonstrated by error free transmission at 10 Gbit/s in excess of 9,500 km in a recirculating fiber loop. Our results suggest that data pulse formats that are intermediate to standard NRZ and pure solitons may have significant advantages.
Nitrated fatty acids: synthesis and measurement

Nitrated fatty acids are the product of nitrogen dioxide reaction with unsaturated fatty acids. The discovery of peroxynitrite and peroxidase-induced nitration of biomolecules led to the initial reports of endogenous nitrated fatty acids. These species increase during ischemia/reperfusion, but concentra- tions are often at or near the limits of detection. Here, we describe multiple methods for nitrated fatty acid synthesis and sample extraction from complex biological matrices and a rigorous method of qualitative and quantitative detection of nitrated fatty acids by liquid chromatography-mass spectro- metry. In addition, optimized instrument conditions and caveats regarding data interpretation are discussed.
An outpatient intraperitoneal chemotherapy regimen for advanced ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objectives To assess the feasibility, associated toxicities, and reasons for early cessation of an outpatient intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy regimen for treatment of advanced ovarian cancer following optimal cytoreductive surgery. Methods Between January 2006 and December 2007, 42 patients with stages IIC–IV epithelial ovarian, tubal, or primary peritoneal cancer who had residual disease 2 and IP cisplatin 75–100 mg/m 2 on day 1, followed by IP paclitaxel 60 mg/m 2 on day 8, with the intent to treat patients every 21 days for 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Charts were abstracted for demographic, chemotherapy, and toxicity-related data. Results The median age of the 42 patients was 59 years (range 33–70) and the majority of patients had epithelial ovarian cancer (80%), FIGO stage IIIC (83%), and papillary serous histology (74%). Of an intended 252 IP chemotherapy cycles, 172 (68%) were administered. Twenty-nine patients (69%) completed ≥4 cycles and 12 (29%) received all 6 IP cycles. Common grade 3/4 toxicities by patient included neutropenia (43%), infection (21.5%), and gastrointestinal effects (14%). There was one treatment-related death. Reasons for discontinuation were largely chemotherapy (43%) or port (37%) related. Conclusions With supportive measures, such as scheduled hydration and granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, outpatient administration of IP chemotherapy was feasible. This regimen resulted in few hospitalizations or treatment delays and demonstrated less toxicity than previously reported IP chemotherapy regimens. Port-related complications were a leading cause of IP chemotherapy discontinuation.
Distinguishing Reconfiguration and Compound-cue Retrieval in Task Switching

Many researchers claim that task switching requires reconfiguration of the cognitive system. Others claim that task switching involves cue-based memory retrieval processes and not reconfiguration. We evaluate these competing claims by developing both reconfiguration and cue-based memory models in a common theoretical framework and by fitting the models to target functions , which show how performance on individual target stimuli varies depending on the task subjects perform on the targets. Our analyses show that the process of compound-cue retrieval – using the task cue and the target as joint retrieval cues to select a response from memory – is sufficient to explain target functions for parity and magnitude judgments of digits and that reconfiguration does not seem to add anything to the explanation. We address the generality of this conclusion and speculate about the conditions under which reconfiguration may be necessary for task switching.
Religiosity, Spirituality, and Socioemotional Functioning in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Religious beliefs, religious activities, and spirituality are coping resources used by many mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examined whether and how these resources were related to maternal socioemotional functioning. Mothers of children with ASD completed questionnaires assessing religiosity, spirituality, and a wide range of outcome variables, including stress, depression, self-esteem, life satisfaction, positive affect, and sense of control. Analyses revealed that religious beliefs and spirituality were associated with better positive outcomes and, to a lesser extent, lower levels of negative outcomes. Of the two predictors, spirituality accounted for more unique variance in positive outcomes. In contrast, religious activities were related to more negative outcomes and lower levels of positive outcomes.
A VOLTAMMETRIC FLAVIN MICROELECTRODE FOR USE IN BIOFILMS

Biofilms used in bioelectrochemical systems are expected to transfer electrons using electron transfer mediators. One mediator type, flavins, which includes flavin mononucleotide, riboflavin, and flavin adenine dinucleotide, has been found to be endogenously produced by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. However, the presence and concentration of flavins inside a S. oneidensis MR-1 biofilm have never been reported. The goal of this study was to develop a flavin microelectrode capable of measuring flavins inside a living biofilm and apply it to a biofilm which produces flavins. Because flavins are electrochemically active molecules, the flavin microelectrode was based on detection via square-wave voltammetry. The microelectrode consisted of a carbon working electrode with a 10-30 μm tip diameter, a built-in platinum counter electrode, and a Ag/AgCl reference electrode, all enclosed in a glass outer case. The microelectrode was calibrated between 0.1 μM and 10 μM flavins and showed a linear correlation between flavin concentration and peak currents located at -424 mV(Ag/AgCl) on a square-wave voltammogram. We also developed a model to explain the electrochemical mechanism of flavin detection, and to determine the effective surface area of the microelectrode, the standard reduction potential, and the transfer coefficient. We found that the effective surface area of the microelectrode was close to 100 times the projected surface area. The model predicted a standard reduction potential for RF/RFH2 of -419 mV(Ag/AgCl) at 20 °C and a transfer coefficient of 0.45. Lastly, we measured flavin concentration inside a S. oneidensis MR-1 biofilm grown on a glass surface using oxygen as the electron acceptor. The flavin concentration reached 0.7 μM, increasing near the bottom of the biofilm, where no oxygen was present. This shows the possibility that flavins are produced in the anaerobic zone to act as intermediate electron acceptors in the deeper parts of the biofilm, where there is no oxygen.
Bilateral Simultaneous-Onset Nongranulomatous Acute Anterior Uveitis: Clinical Presentation and Etiology

Objective To describe the etiology and outcome of patients with simultaneous-onset nongranulomatous bilateral acute anterior uveitis. Methods The medical records of patients who presented to a single tertiary care center with simultaneous-onset nongranulomatous bilateral acute anterior uveitis between January 1990 and May 2010 were retrospectively reviewed; the clinical presentation, results of diagnostic testing, and outcome data are described. Results A total of 4288 new patients with uveitis were evaluated by the Uveitis Service at the University of Illinois at Chicago Eye and Ear Infirmary between January 1990 and May 2010. Of these new patients, 44 (1%) presented with simultaneous-onset nongranulomatous bilateral acute anterior uveitis. The most common etiologies were postinfectious or drug-induced uveitis (23 of 44 patients [52%]) and idiopathic uveitis (15 patients [34%]). Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome, HLA-B27–associated uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Kawasaki disease each made up fewer than 5% of diagnoses. Overall, this group of patients was younger than the entire cohort of new patients with uveitis who were evaluated during the same time period (P = .002). For 14 of the 15 patients with at least a year of follow-up (93%), the disease duration was limited ( Conclusions Simultaneous-onset nongranulomatous bilateral acute anterior uveitis is a rare clinical entity that is more common in younger patients and is most frequently associated with recent infection and/or systemic antibiotic use. Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome should also be considered as a diagnosis. Diagnostic evaluation should include serum antistreptolysin-O titers, HLA-B27 antigen, and urine β 2 microglobulin levels because these may reveal systemic disease that requires therapy.
Adriamycin therapy in advanced mycosis fungoides

Thirteen patients with advanced mycosis fungoides received induction therapy with Adriamycin, 60/m2 I.V. repeated at 21-day intervals. Ten patients had extensive skin tumors; all patients had lymph node enlargement with mycosis fungoides involvement in eight; four patients had biopsy-proven visceral involvement. Only two patients had received no prior therapy. The overall response rate with Adriamycin therapy was 85% with three patients (23%) achieving a biopsy-proven complete remission and five patients (39%) partial remissions. The median number of courses to maximum response was two (range two to four). The principle toxicity was myelosuppression, but this was not severe and the entire group received more than 90% of the intended doses of Adriamycin. One patient developed probable Adriamycin cariotoxicity. Maintenance therapy for patients achieving a remission was methotrexate 15 mg/m2 I.M. twice weekly and cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 I.V. every 21 days. The median duration of complete remission was 32+ weeks (range 16+-40+ weeks) while the median duration of partial remission was 18 weeks (range 8-111+ weeks). Adriamycin has proven to be an effective induction agent in the treatment of advanced mycosis fungoides and its incorporation into combination chemotherapy regimens is warranted.
Dynamics of interacting qubits coupled to a common bath: Non-Markovian quantum-state-diffusion approach

Non-Markovian dynamics is studied for two interacting qubits strongly coupled to a dissipative bosonic environment. We derive a non-Markovian quantum-state-diffusion (QSD) equation for the coupled two-qubit system without any approximations, and in particular, without the Markov approximation. As an application and illustration of our derived time-local QSD equation, we investigate the temporal behavior of quantum coherence dynamics. In particular, we find a strongly non-Markovian regime where entanglement generation is significantly modulated by the environmental memory. Additionally, we study residual entanglement in the steady state by analyzing the steady-state solution of the QSD equation. Finally, we discuss an approximate QSD equation.
The ICC—Two Courts in One?

The authors consider the recent operation of the International Criminal Court (ICC), its system of funding and the jurisdictional challenges facing the Court's Prosecutor. These challenges require an in-depth analysis of the Rome Statute's funding scheme and its provisions on complementarity. A close reading of the Statute indicates that both of these areas operate in an entirely different manner when a case is referred to the Court by the Security Council, and even suggests the startling possibility that these referrals relieve the Court of the usual constraints of complementary jurisdiction. The authors therefore conclude that the ICC is best viewed as two separate courts: an independent criminal court enacted by the parties of the Rome Statute but, in the case of referrals by the Security Council under Article 13(b) of the Statute, an organ for restoring collective peace and security that transcends the classic goals of criminal law to adjudicate individual guilt.
Toxicokinetics of 2,2′,4,4′- and 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl congeners in the house cricket

Recently, investigators have reported bioaccumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in insects collected at hazardous waste sites. Little is known about differences in bioaccumulation of particular PCB congeners in insects. The authors report on the toxicokinetics of a non-coplanar ortho substituted congener, 2,2',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB-47) and a coplanar non-ortho substituted PCB, 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB-77) in topically treated house crickets. Penetration and excretion were more rapid for PCB-47 than for PCB-77. PCB-47 demonstrated a high affinity for abdomen, gut, and gonads, whereas, PCB-77 had a greater affinity for the head and thorax. Sex differences were observed in excretion and distribution. Females had an increased excretion of PCBs and increased accumulation in gut and gonads compared to males. Differences in lipophilicity can explain differences in distribution between sexes and of compounds within sexes. However, to explain the observed difference in penetration, it is necessary to invoke explanations based on stearic factors associated with coplanarity of the molecules. Differences in excretion are likely related to sex differences in mixed-function oxidase activities. These toxicokinetic data suggest that the more toxic coplanar congener, PCB-77, is likely to be more persistent in crickets compared to PCB-47, despite its lower lipophilicity.
The Preparation of Fine Particulate for Electron Microscopy Investigations Using Dental Amalgam

Samples of high Tc superconductors and metal powders have been prepared for Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy examination by a novel method. Dental amalgam, commonly used for filling cavities in teeth by dentists, has been used as a binding agent to hold the sample particulate together during sample preparation. The amalgam was pressed into a small rod 3 mmn in diameter and samples were prepared by cutting slices from the rod followed by mechanical grinding and ion milling to perforation. This technique is extremely easy and offers several advantages over other preparation methods. Experiments revealed difficulties due to preferential sputtering yield, but generally these could be overcome and good thermal and electrical properties of the amalgam partially offset the former inconveniences. It should be possible to use this technique for any number of materials, including ceramic materials and small non-spherical particulate.
Strongback System: A Way to Reduce Damage Concentration in Steel-Braced Frames

AbstractThis paper examines a newly developed seismic force-resisting system: the strongback system (SBS). To achieve improved seismic performance, this system combines aspects of a traditional concentric braced frame with a mast to form a hybrid system. The mast acts like a strong back to help resist the tendency of concentric braced frames to concentrate damage in one or a few stories during severe seismic excitations. The purpose of the strongback system is to promote uniform story drifts over the height of a structure. Three SBS prototypes were designed and analyzed considering a variety of earthquake excitations. Computed responses are compared with responses for three other braced frame systems. Results of quasi-static inelastic analyses, both monotonic and cyclic, are presented to demonstrate differences in the fundamental hysteretic behavior of the braced frame systems considered. A series of nonlinear dynamic response history analyses were then performed to compare the global and local dynamic re...
Pediatric Trauma Transport Performance Measures in a Mountain State: Adherence and Outcomes

Background Utah state trauma audit filters assess expeditious care at referring emergency departments for severely injured patients to avoid delays in transfer. We evaluated two state performance measures related to pediatric trauma care before arrival at the Level I trauma center. Methods Analysis of the Primary Children's Medical Center (PCMC) trauma database for children with Injury Severity Scores (ISS)>15 from 2006 to 2009 was performed. Patient care was evaluated for referring hospital emergency department triage time of Results Four hundred twelve patients with ISS>15 were admitted via interhospital transfer from within Utah. Approximately 50% of patients were triaged Conclusions There was substantial nonadherence with trauma performance measures for triage in 15. Because of low rates of poor outcome, we are unable to determine whether adherence with state triage goals lessens morbidity or mortality.
Internal hydrogen effects on thresholds for crack growth in the iron-based superalloy IN903

Abstract This study of internal hydrogen-induced crack growth in the iron-based superalloy IN903 shows that slow crack growth thresholds are significantly lower than fracture toughness values at the same prechargsd hydrogen concentrations. However, failure in all precharged samples occurred by slip band fracture which differed only in the extent of local surface plasticity. Quantitative fractography of these surface fracture features indicates that the crack tip hydrogen concentrations at threshold were higher than in fracture toughness samples. These higher concentrations are due to crack tip stress enhancement when sufficient time exists for hydrogen redistribution. In addition, continuum models based on mechanisms of failure demonstrate that the matrix carbides control crack growth susceptibility in slow crack growth and fracture toughness samples by establishing the characteristic distance that the crack tip stresses and strains must span to initiate fracture.
Self-consistent field description of high spin states in rare earth nuclei

The Hartree-Fock-Begoliubov cranking equations are solved for 168, 170Yb and 174Hf. Deformation and pairing properties are both obtained with a G-matrix derived from the Reid soft-core potential. The high spin anomalies are attributed to the disappearance of the neutron pair gap in 168Yb, the realignment of an i132. neutron pair in 170Yb, and a combination of these two mechanisms in 174Hf. Two bands intersecting at high spin are found for 174Hf.
Topographic Analysis of Grain Boundary Dislocations in Cold‐Worked Tungsten Using Field Ion Microscopy

Using the field ion microscope and computer graphies, a detailed study is made of the topography of a grain boundary in cold-worked tungsten. The boundary contains grain boundary dislocations which are drawn onto the reconstructed surfaces by the computer. The grain boundary is observed to contain long steps which are a few tenths of a nanometer in height and fine structure in the grain boundary dislocations is perturbed by topographic features near the defect. The surface roughness near the grain boundary dislocations is noticeably less than the roughness far from the defect. Possible explanations are suggested for the observations. Mittels Feldemissionsmikroskop und graphischer Darstellung durch Computer wird eine detaillierte Untersuchung der Topographie einer Grenzflache in kaltverformtem Wolfram durchgefuhrt. Die Korngrenze enthalt Grenzflachenversetzungen, welche durch Computer auf der rekonstruierten Oberflache aufgezeichnet werden. Es wird beobachtet, das die Grenzflache lange Stufen enthalt, deren kleinste Hohe einige Zehntel eines Nanometers erreicht. Die Feinstruktur der Grenzflachenversetzungen wird durch topographische Besonderheiten in der Nahe der Fehlstelle gestort. Die Oberflachenrauhigkeit in der Nahe der Grenzflachenversetzungen ist merklich geringer als die Rauhigkeit in weitem Abstand von der Fehlstelle. Es werden mogliche Erklarungen fur die Beobachtungen vorgeschlagen.
Proteolytic activity of human neutrophil elastase and porcine pancreatic trypsin causes bronchial secretory cell metaplasia in hamsters.

The authors wished to determine whether secretory cell metaplasia (SCM) induced in the bronchi of hamsters by human neutrophil elastase (HNE) was enzy-matically mediated. We also wished to determine whether SCM could be induced by a proteolytic enzyme devoid of elastolytic activity. Accordingly, groups of weight-matched hamsters were given a single intratracheal instillation of 0.5 ml of saline solution containing one of the following: 300 μg of HNE purified from blood neutro-phils, n = 14; 300 μg of HNE inactivated with Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val chloromethyl ketone (CMK), n = 10; 500 μg of porcine pancreatic trypsin treated with CMK to eliminate residual active elastase, n = 10; 500 μg of trypsin inactivated by tosyl lysine chloromethyl ketone, n = 10; 2 μg CMK, n = 10; and saline alone, n = 10. Seven untreated animals served as additional controls. Twenty-one days post treatment, 5–6 μm paraffin-embedded sections, from the left lung hilar region, stained by Alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff reaction were g...
Human Herpesvirus 6 DNA in Blood Cells of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Men: Correlation of High Levels with High CD4 Cell Counts

The relationship between human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and the progression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection to AIDS was evaluated using the polymerase chain reaction to quantitate HHV-6 genome equivalents in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and saliva of 32 HIV-1-seropositive men. Unlike other herpesviruses, HHV-6 was found with higher frequency and in higher copy numbers of HIV-infected men with high rather than low CD4 cell counts. Among subjects with > 400 CD4 cells/mL, 100% had detectable HHV-6 genomes in PBMC compared with 57.9% of subjects with < 400 CD4 cells/mL (P < .05). There was no significant correlation between HHV-6 antibody titer or number of amplifiable copies of HHV-6 DNA in saliva and stage of HIV disease or CD4 cell number.
Sterilization of granulomas is common in active and latent tuberculosis despite within-host variability in bacterial killing

Understanding how Mycobacterium tuberculosis is controlled by the body, leading to active disease in only a small fraction of infected individuals, is important for developing medical interventions to prevent and manage disease. Lin et al. now show that infected macaques with active tuberculosis have some sterile granulomas, suggesting immune-mediated control at certain sites of infection. Insight into the mechanisms underlying the heterogeneity of mycobacterial killing may inform vaccine development.
Fully polarimetric differential intensity W-band imager

Abstract We present a novel architecture based upon a Dicke-switched heterodyne radiometer architecture employing two identical input sections consisting of horn and orthomode transducer to detect the difference between the horizontal ( H) and vertical (V) polarization states of two separate object patches imaged by the radiometer. We have constructed and described previously a fully polarimetric W-band passive millimeter wave imager constructed to study the phenomenology of anomaly detection using polarimetric image exploitation of the Stokes images. The heterodyne radiometer used a PIN diode switch between the input millimeter wave energy and that of a reference load in order to eliminate the effects of component drifts and to reduce the effects of 1/f noise. The differential approach differs from our previous work by comparing H and V polarization states detected by each of two input horns instead of a reference load to form signals ' H and ' V from adjacent paired object patches. This novel imaging approach reduces common mode noise and enhances detection of small changes between the H and V polarization states of two object patches, now given as difference terms of the fully polarimetric radiometer. We present the theory of operation, initial proof of concept experimental results, and extension of the differential radiometer to a system with a binocular fore optics that allow adjustment of the convergence or shear of the object patches as viewed by the differential polarimetric imager. Keywords: passive millimeter wave imager, differential millimete r wave imager, polarimetric millimeter wave imager
Market Heterogeneity and Local Capacity Decisions in Services

We empirically document factors that influence how local operating managers use discretion to balance the trade-off between service capacity costs and customer sensitivity to service time. Our findings, using data from one of the largest financial services providers in the United States, indicate that customer sensitivity to service time varies widely and predictably with observable market characteristics. In turn, we find evidence that local operating managers account for market-specific customer sensitivities to service times by deviating frequently and in predictable ways from the recommendations offered by a centralized capacity-planning model. Finally, we document that these discretionary capacity supply decisions exhibit a strong learning effect whereby experienced operating managers place more weight than their less-experienced counterparts on the market-specific trade-off between service capacity costs and customer sensitivity to service times. Overall, our results demonstrate both the importance of local knowledge as an input in service operations and the potential for incorporating richer data on customer behavior and preferences into service cost and productivity standard metrics.
Choosing a Digital Asset Management System That's Right for You

Planning is necessary in selecting the appropriate digital asset management system for your institution. Key issues one should consider in planning: the objects to be stored, where they come from, and how they will be accessed; the end users; and the needed staffing levels for system maintenance. During the development of the system requirements, think about the scope and objectives of projects and the business, functional, and testing requirements. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of open-source and vendor-provided software. Talking with similar institutions and other customers about their experiences can provide valuable insight and advice.