cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Five-year survivors of brain metastases: a single-institution report of 32 patients.

Purpose: To report on 32 patients who survived {>=}5 years from brain metastases treated at a single institution. Methods and Materials: The records of 1288 patients diagnosed with brain metastases between 1973 and 1999 were reviewed. Patients were treated with whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT), surgery, and/or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Thirty-two (2.5%) {>=}5-year survivors were identified. Factors contributing to long-term survival were identified. Results: Median survival was 9.3 years for {>=}5-year survivors. Seven of these patients lived {>=}10 years. Female gender was the only patient characteristic that correlated with better survival (p = 0.0369). When these patients were compared with <5-year survivors, age <65 years (p = 0.0044), control of the primary at diagnosis (p = 0.0052), no systemic disease (p = 0.0012), recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) Class 1 (p = 0.0002 with Class 2; p = 0.0022 with Class 3), and single brain metastasis (p = 0.0018) were associated with long-term survival in the univariate logistic regression model. In the multivariate model, RPA Class 1 compared with Class 2 (OR = 0.39, p = 0.0196), surgery (OR = 0.16, p < 0.0001), and SRS (OR = 0.41, p = 0.0188) were associated with long-term survival. Conclusions: For patients with goodmore » prognostic factors such as young age, good RPA characteristics and single metastasis, treatment with surgery or SRS offers the best chance for long-term survival.« less
An application of the consumer ethnocentrism model to French consumers

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate what leads French consumers to ethnocentrism and the effects of their ethnocentrism on attitudes toward imports, and subsequently on purchase intentions. The conceptual framework used is based on the work of Sharma, S., Shrimp, T. A., Shin, J. (1995). Consumer ethnocentrism: A test of antecedents and moderators. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science , 23(Issue 1), 26–37. Results are derived from primary data collected from a consumer sample in France. The French, who appear to not be overly ethnocentric, are willing to purchase products from other countries, but will be more likely to buy certain products because of the reputation these products and brands from specific countries have acquired. French consumers showed preferences for German cars, American computers, and Japanese computers. Additionally, product necessity was found to have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between ethnocentrism and attitude toward importing foreign products. This means that ethnocentric consumers may have a more positive attitude toward purchasing imported products they deem necessary as opposed to unnecessary products, such as luxury items. Implications of the findings are discussed and directions for future research are provided.
Biochemical differentiation of group A and human C Streptococci.

MOST Streptococci are satisfactorily differentiated by relatively simple biochemical methods. Among the exceptions are Streptococcus pyogenes (group A) and the ‘Human C’ Streptococcus (group C), which are differentiated with reliability only by Lancefield's serological technique1. Wilson and Rosenblum2 showed that 477 cultures of S. pyogenes failed to multiply in raw milk sterilized with ethylene oxide while 31 cultures of group C Streptococci, of which at least 11 were ‘Human C’, always grew well in this medium. Recently, Levinson and Frank3 have published a method utilizing bacitracin for the differentiation of group A Streptococci. Approximately 10 per cent of their 67 group C strains were not differentiated. They mention the possibility of resistant group A strains emerging as a result of the clinical use of bacitracin. Since S. pyogenes and ‘Human C’ Streptococci are not readily distinguished biochemically by any single test or combinations of such tests1,4 in present use, a medium and method of differentiating them are of interest.
Chloramphenicol toxicity in an adolescent

A case of chloramphenicol toxicity in an adolescent girl with Rocky Mountain spotted fever is presented. The patient's metabolic acidosis, peripheral vascular insufficiency, and coma are comparable to those of infants and toddlers with "gray syndrome." Physicians are cautioned to carefully monitor serum chloramphenicol levels in their patients.
High-Bandwidth AFM Probes for Imaging in Air and Fluid

Due to the high mechanical bandwidth of an integrated diffraction-grating-based force sensor, interdigitated AFM probes enable probing the nanomechanical properties of the sample by measuring fast varying tip-sample interaction forces while operating in tapping mode. To explain the mechanical frequency response obtained from finite-element analysis, we developed an analytical model that incorporates the higher order flexural modes of a cantilever. To enable flexibility necessary to use the probes in different imaging environments, a step is introduced into the batch fabrication where high-stress nitride is used. This step allows the probe to be used in various optical conditions such as different laser wavelengths (in the light-lever configuration), incident angles, and ambient refractive indices (such as air and water). We demonstrate that the probe can operate in both air and fluid and measure fast varying tip-sample interactions by imaging a sputtered gold film in both conditions.
Effect of abuse history on pain reports and brain responses to aversive visceral stimulation: an FMRI study.

Background & Aims: Abuse history is common in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and is associated with greater pain reporting, psychologic distress, and poorer health outcome. These effects may be mediated by enhanced responses to aversive visceral stimuli. We investigated the effects of IBS and abuse history on pain reporting and brain activation in response to rectal distentions. Methods: Ten female patients with IBS and 10 controls were included. Half of patients in each group reported a history of abuse. Brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) images and pain ratings were obtained during rectal distentions. Statistical parametric mapping identified activation in subregions of the dorsal cingulate cortex and covariation with rated pain. Results: (1) Distention-elicited pain correlated with anxiety and activation of the posterior (PCC) and middle (MCC) dorsal cingulate subregions. (2) Subjects with a history of abuse showed greater activation in the left MCC ( P = .022; t=5.61) and PCC ( P = .033; t=5.00) than subjects without abuse. (3) Those with IBS and abuse reported greater pain than all others ( P = .004), had more activity in the left MCC ( P = .021; t=5.29) and PCC ( P = .049; t=4.81), and had less activity in the left supragenual anterior cingulate (sACC) ( P = .01; t=4.86). Conclusions: Pain ratings during rectal distention are associated with activation of dorsal cingulate regions implicated in homeostatic afferent processing, and prior abuse enhances this activation. Patients with IBS and abuse report more pain, greater MCC/PCC activation, and reduced activity of a region implicated in pain inhibition and arousal (sACC). These findings suggest a possible explanation for the clinical observation of greater pain reporting and poorer outcome in IBS patients with a history of abuse.
Phylogenetic Relationships of Yessotoxin-Producing Dinoflagellates, Based on the Large Subunit and Internal Transcribed Spacer Ribosomal DNA Domains

Yessotoxin (YTX) is a globally distributed marine toxin produced by some isolates of the dinoflagellate species Protoceratium reticulatum, Lingulodinium polyedrum, and Gonyaulax spinifera within the order Gonyaulacales. The process of isolating cells and testing each isolate individually for YTX production during toxic blooms are labor intensive, and this impedes our ability to respond quickly to toxic blooms. In this study, we used molecular sequences from the large subunit and internal transcribed spacer genomic regions in the ribosomal operon of known YTX-producing dinoflagellates to determine if genetic differences exist among geographically distinct populations or between toxic and nontoxic isolates within species. In all analyses, all three YTX-producing species fell within the Gonyaulacales order in agreement with morphological taxonomy. Phylogenetic analyses of available rRNA gene sequences indicate that the capacity for YTX production appears to be confined to the order Gonyaulacales. These findings indicate that Gonyaulacoloid dinoflagellate species are the most likely to produce YTX and thus should be prioritized for YTX screening during events. Dinoflagellate species that fall outside of the Gonyaulacales order are unlikely to produce YTX. Although the rRNA operon offers multiple sequence domains to resolve species level diversification within this dinoflagellate order, these domains are not sufficiently variable to provide robust markers for YTX toxicity.
A pseudo-algebra of observables for the dirac equation

It is shown that the Dirac equation admits a natural algebra P of global pseudodifferential operators, characterized] by the property that the “Heisenberg representation” A→exp(iHt)A exp(-iHt)=At leaves P invariant. (For a general 4×4-matrix A of pseudodifferential operators one expects A to be a matrix of Fourier integral operators). An attempt to work with P as an algebra of observables would require certain modifications of most standard dynamical observables. An Egorov-type theorem, (theorem 3.1) can be applied to gain direct insights into particle orbits spin propagation not available with other algebras. Some inconsistencies of classical theory, like “Zitterbewegung”, non-commutativity of velocity components, Klein's paradox, would naturally disappear.
Evidence that thyroid hormone induces olfactory cellular proliferation in salmon during a sensitive period for imprinting

SUMMARY Salmon have long been known to imprint and home to natal stream odors, yet the mechanisms driving olfactory imprinting remain obscure. The timing of imprinting is associated with elevations in plasma thyroid hormone levels, with possible effects on growth and proliferation of the peripheral olfactory system. Here, we begin to test this idea by determining whether experimentally elevated plasma levels of 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T 3 ) influence cell proliferation as detected by the 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) cell birth-dating technique in the olfactory epithelium of juvenile coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ). We also explore how natural fluctuations in thyroxine (T 4 ) relate to proliferation in the epithelium during the parr-smolt transformation. In both studies, we found that BrdU labeled both single and clusters of mitotic cells. The total number of BrdU-labeled cells in the olfactory epithelium was significantly greater in fish with artificially elevated T 3 compared with placebo controls. This difference in proliferation was restricted to the basal region of the olfactory epithelium, where multipotent progenitor cells differentiate into olfactory receptor neurons. The distributions of mitotic cluster sizes differed significantly from a Poisson distribution for both T 3 and placebo treatments, suggesting that proliferation tends to be non-random. Over the course of the parr-smolt transformation, changes in the density of BrdU cells showed a positive relationship with natural fluctuations in plasma T 4 . This relationship suggests that even small changes in thyroid activity can stimulate the proliferation of neural progenitor cells in the salmon epithelium. Taken together, our results establish a link between the thyroid hormone axis and measurable anatomical changes in the peripheral olfactory system.
482 Consideration for Serial Surveillance of Aortic Valve Following Implantation of Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device

22 native aortic valve surgical closures showed this to be durable and complication free at up to 4 years follow-up. Conclusions: Acquired aortic insufficiency in LVAD recipients can present with refractory CHF overwhelming attempts to manage the problem by increasing HMII rpm. Continued surveillance of HMII supported patients is necessary since even competent valves at the time of implant can fail. Percutaneous closure was ineffective in one case and surgical closure has been successful.
Literary Annuals and Gift Books

Shortly after the appearance in 1936 of American Literary Annuals & Gift Books 1825-1865 by Dr. Ralph Thompson, a former instructor of English at Rutgers, Mr. Alan E. James, of the class of 1928 and now on the staff of the Library, compared the holdings of literary annuals and gift books in the Rutgers Library with the titles given in Dr. Thompson s extensive bibliography. Mr. James found that Rutgers owned, in addition to about a third of the total number of books, some forty-six new titles or variants which were unknown to Dr. Thompson or to any other bibliographer of these curious and often rareÂ publications. The following list will give students of American literature further materials for enlarging our knowledge of literary America a century ago.Â
Anomaly detection ensemble fusion for buried explosive material detection in forward looking infrared imaging for addressing diurnal temperature variation

In prior work, we describe multiple image space anomaly detection algorithms for the identification of buried explosive materials in forward looking long wave infrared imagery. That work is extended here and focus is placed on improved detection with respect to diurnal temperature variation. An ensemble of shape and size independent image space anomaly detection algorithms are investigated. Specifically, anomalies are identified according to change and blob detection. This anomaly evidence is aggregated and targets are found using an ensemble of trainable size-contrast filters and weighted mean shift clustering. In addition, the blob detector makes use of contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization for image enhancement. Experimental results are shown based on field data measurements from a U.S. Army test site.
Effect of electric fields on long-wavelength response of infra-red detectors

The effect of electric fields on extrinsic semiconductor infrared-detector response at low temperatures is examined quantitatively at wavelengths beyond the zero-field cutoff. General formulas are presented along with numerical results for Si:P and Si:In. These results illustrate the possibility of narrow-bandwidth detection and electronically modulated response.
Comparison of Chlamydia trachomatis Serovars Causing Rectal and Cervical Infections

We used monoclonal antibodies capable of distinguishing serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis to compare 314 cervical isolates with 150 rectal isolates from homosexual men. The isolates were obtained from patients attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic over a two-year study period. The serovar distribution of cervical and rectal isolates differed significantly. Serovar D/D' was found in 53% of the rectal isolates but in only 18% of cervical isolates (P less than .0001). Serovar E was the predominant serovar in cervical isolates (32%) but was found in only 6% of rectal isolates (P less than .0001). Serovars B, I/I', H, and K were isolated from 2%-7% of cervical specimens but were not found in rectal isolates. There was a significant decline in the proportion of rectal infections caused by serovar D/D' over the study period, and clustering of infections caused by other serovars was observed. Serotyping using monoclonal antibodies provides a powerful tool for investigating the epidemiology of sexually transmitted C. trachomatis infections.
Microplitis croceipes teratocytes: in vitro culture and biological activity of teratocyte secreted protein.

Abstract Teratocytes originate from the dissociation of the extraembryonic serosal membrane in some Braconidae and Scelionidae. Methods used to culture teratocytes in vitro are described and the yield of teratocyte secreted proteins (TSP) was measured. Although 90% are viable after 6 days, in vitro teratocytes reached only half the diameter (32 μ m) of the same age teratocytes obtained in vivo . Teratocytes cultured in vitro secrete as much as 0.7 μ g of protein per day per larval equivalent (≈900 cells). Presence of parasitoid larvae enhanced teratocyte viability while periodic exchange of medium did not. However, medium exchange significantly increased the total amount of protein secreted. Size and viability were improved with the addition of 10% FBS to the Ex-cell 400 culture medium. Non-denaturing PAGE showed at least 15 proteins with molecular sizes estimated to be between 24 to 347 kDa in medium containing teratocytes. An in vitro fat body assay was developed to measure the effect of TSP on protein synthesis and juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) activity. Crude TSP inhibited in vitro incorporation of [ 35 S]-methionine into protein synthesized by the fat body. The amount of JHE released from in vitro fat body treated with crude TSP was significantly less than controls, most likely caused by the inhibition of general protein synthesis. The active fraction of TSP passed through a 30 kDa molecular weight cutoff filter but was retained by a 3 kDa filter. SDS-PAGE revealed four proteins with molecular weights between 8 and 20 kDa not present in control medium incubated without teratocytes.
Not Stopping at First: Racial Literacy and the Teaching of Barack Obama

In this article the author speaks to the teaching of Barack Obama in U.S. schools. Drawing from scholarly literature on the heroification of American historical figures in public memory, the author argues that focusing on Obama's firstness as an African American may lead students to have incomplete and misleading understandings of what the 2008 election means for American racial politics and progress. Using a racial literacy framework, the author suggests Obama's narrative as an ideal subject for furthering students’ conceptions of race in its historical and contemporary manifestations. The author concludes with pedagogical recommendations for employing Obama's narrative toward improving students’ racial literacies.
Opening the Pandora's box? Trade openness and informal sector growth

This article constructs a labour transition model combining the features of job loss and job creation in the formal sector of an economy. The theoretical model examines the impact of trade liberalization on net job transition from formal to informal sector. In the light of our model we establish certain pre-conditions based on simulations under which trade liberalization is accompanied by rising informal sector. The model outcome conforms to the empirical evidence of rising informality with openness which we find in 18 Central Eastern European and Former Soviet Union countries.
A neural net model of the neuropsychology of spelling processes

The neural network (or 'brain-style') approach to computing is useful for developing systems to perform tasks humans traditionally do well and that computers do not. Neural network systems are particularly suited for pattern matching and categorization applications such as recognizing visual or auditory data.
Colonic mucosal speckling detected by endoscopy: histopathologic differential diagnosis

Videoendoscopy allows for close scrutiny of fine mucosal detail. Subtle lesions of the GI mucosa are being recognized with increasing frequency. We have previously identified many patients with whiteyellow mucosal speckling that resulted from accumulation of fat in foamy macrophages in the lamina propria adjacent to colonic neoplasms.1,2 During this study of “chicken skin mucosa,” other conditions were identified with a similar endoscopic appearance but investigation disclosed a different histopathology. In this report, 7 cases of speckling caused by focal mucin accumulation and 1 case of diffuse colonic lipid accumulation in macrophages are described.
Some performance tests of convex hull algorithms

The two-dimensional convex hull algorithms of Graham, Jarvis, Eddy, and Akl and Toussaint are tested on four different planar point distributions. Some modifications are discussed for both the Graham and Jarvis algorithms. Timings taken of FORTRAN implementations indicate that the Eddy and Akl-Toussaint algorithms are superior on uniform distributions of points in the plane. The Graham algorithm outperforms the others on those distributions where most of the points are on or near the boundary of the hull.
Xanthine oxidase-derived oxygen radicals induce pulmonary edema via direct endothelial cell injury.

Pulmonary hypoperfusion/ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) may initiate ARDS (nonhydrostatic pulmonary edema). Endothelial damage via xanthine oxidase (XO)-derived oxygen radicals (O2∗) may mediate I/R injury. We previously documented Factor VIII antigen (F8) as a marker for endothelial injury. The purpose of this study was to (1) document I/R-induced nonhydrostatic pulmonary edema, (2) identify whether XO or O2∗ mediates nonhydrostatic edema, and (3) identify the site of injury (? endothelium). Rat lungs were isolated, ventilated, and perfused (100 min, control, or 40 min at 37°C, I (static vent.), + 60 min, R). Effluent was analyzed for F8 release (ELISA: data relative to control). Tungsten-fed rats had negligible lung XO vs rats fed standard diet (3.6 vs 34.5 mU/g, (P < 0.05). Catalase (CAT) 50 μg/ml) was added to perfusate prior to R. Sectioned lungs were fluorescein anti-F8 photographed (IF) and qualitatively assessed. ∗. Lung edema Group (n) (g) (+PAP) Endothelial injury (F8) Control (5) 0.1 ± 0.1∗ 0 1.0∗ I/R (6) 5.2 ± 0.2 0 2.4 ± 0.2 CAT I/R/ (4) 0.5 ± 0.3∗ 0 0.5 ± 0.4∗ TUNG I/R (3) 1.8 ± 0.6∗ 0 0.6 ± 0.2∗ ∗ P < 0.05 vs. I/R ANOVA + post hoc SNK/mean ± SEM. We conclude that (1) pulmonary hypoperfusion (I/R) leads to nonhydrostatic pulmonary edema, and (2) the edema results in part from XO-generated O2∗ directed at the capillary endothelium. Full-size table Table options View in workspace Download as CSV
Exploratory study of turbulent structure of a compressible shear layer using fluctuating pitot pressure measurements

An experimental study has been conducted to determine if two-point fluctuating pitot pressure measurements can be used to detect and quantify the large-scale structures in a two-dimensional, high Reynolds number, supersonic, turbulent shear layer. There is evidence from the two-point correlations of fluctuating pitot pressures and from the VITA analysis that large-scale structures exist and span the thickness of the shear layer. Because the shear layer exhibits a wake-like character, the large-scale structure in the lower part of the shear layer is essentially normal to the flow direction. Power spectra measured at about 25 initial shear layer thicknesses downstream of the origin are broadband, which suggests that the large-scale structures are not yet highly organized.
Nonlinear optical photoresponsive polymer for reversible optical data storage

Photoinduced orientation and recording of erasable holographic gratings in a new photoresponsive amorphous polymer containing azobenzene groups were studied. Using linearly polarized white light and Ar+ laser beam at 488 nm, orientation of azobenzene groups perpendicular to the polarization direction of the incident light was observed in polymer films. Holographic gratings with high diffraction efficiency were recorded by polarized Ar+ laser beams at 488 nm. These gratings were stable at room temperature. Writing of multiple gratings at the same spot on the polymer films also was investigated. The holographic gratings can be erased by heating the samples above the glass transition temperature and can be rewritten on the same spot. This was performed for fifty cycles.
Synthesis of Terminal Monochalcogenide and Dichalcogenide Complexes of Uranium Using Polychalcogenides, [En]2– (E = Te, n = 2; E = Se, n = 4), as Chalcogen Atom Transfer Reagents

Reaction of KH with elemental tellurium, in the presence of 18-crown-6, results in the formation of the ditelluride, [K(18-crown-6)]2[Te2] (1), in good yield. Similarly, reaction of KH with elemental selenium, in the presence of 18-crown-6, results in the formation of [K(18-crown-6)]2[Se4] (4). Both 1 and 4 are capable of chalcogen atom transfer to U(III). For example, addition of 0.5 equiv or 1 equiv of [K(18-crown-6)]2[Te2] (1) to [U(NR2)3] (R = SiMe3) or [U(I)(NR2)3], respectively, results in the formation of the new U(IV) tellurides, [K(18-crown-6)][U(Te)(NR2)3] (2), and [K(18-crown-6)][U(η2-Te2)(NR2)3] (3), in moderate yields, while addition of 0.5 equiv of [K(18-crown-6)]2[Se4] (4) to [U(NR2)3] results in the formation of the U(IV) diselenide, [K(18-crown-6)][U(η2-Se2)(NR2)3] (5). Interestingly, 5 can be converted into the monoselenide [K(18-crown-6)][U(Se)(NR2)3] (6) via reaction with Ph3P.
Studies of single crystalline UBe 13 below 1 K using a capacitive magnetometer

Measurements of the magnetic force and magnetic torque acting upon a high quality single crystal of UBe13 have been made with a Si cantilever capacitive magnetometer from 1.2 K to about 40 mK in a field of 10 T. The torque is found to approach low temperature saturation likeT 2; an identical temperature dependence is observed for the magnetic force and hence the susceptibility. While this temperature dependence of the susceptibility is consistent with a Fermi liquid ground state for UBe13 it also suggests, for this particular experiment, a dominant presence of magnetic torque in the magnetic force data.
Transport across rat trachea in vitro after exposure to cytoskeleton-active drugs in vitro or to ozone in vivo

Full-length tracheas from Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to cytoskeleton-active drugs in short-term organ culture, and the permeability of the tracheal epithelium was measured by instilling radiotracers into the lumen and assay of the radioactivity appearing in the external bathing medium. In vitro treatment with cytochalasin D (cyto D, 2-10 x 10(-6) M) increased the rate of movement of [14C]mannitol across the epithelium. Exposure to vinblastine (VB, 10(-4) M) alone had no significant effect. However, VB in combination with cyto D increased the permeability in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo exposure to ozone (O3, 0.8 or 2.0 ppm, 2 h) had only a slight effect on the rate of movement of the tracer as measured in vitro immediately after exposure. At 24 h postexposure there was no significant difference in permeability between ozone- and air-exposed tracheas. Prior in vivo O3 exposure sensitized the tracheas to the in vitro effects of cyto D; treatment of O3-exposed tracheas with cyto D immediately after O3 exposure produced a greater than additive effect on permeability measured in vitro. VB at concentrations up to 10(-4) M had no enhancing effect on permeability in O3-exposed tracheas. Sham exposure to clean air did not affect permeability compared to untreated (shelf) controls. Electron microscopic studies demonstrated penetration of horseradish peroxidase into intercellular spaces in the tracheas treated in vitro with cyto D or cyto D plus VB. Cyto D is known to affect intracellular microfilaments that have attachments at or near the cell surface, while VB affects microtubules associated with internal cellular structures. Therefore, the synergistic effect on tracheal permeability observed with O3 and cyto D, but not with O3 and VB, suggests that O3 may change cell surface structures associated with the microfilamentous cytoskeleton.
Gamma-ray, neutron, and hard X-ray studies and requirements for a high-energy solar physics facility

The requirements for future high-resolution spatial, spectral, and temporal observations of hard X-rays, gamma rays and neutrons from solar flares are discussed in the context of current high-energy flare observations. There is much promise from these observations for achieving a deep understanding of processes of energy release, particle acceleration and particle transport in a complicated environment such as the turbulent and highly magnetized atmosphere of the active Sun.
Antischistosomal and some toxicological properties of a nitrodiphenylaminoisothiocyanate (C 9333-Go/CGP 4540).

A procedure to enhance the schistosomicidal effectiveness in vivo of an isothiocyanate derivative and some of its antischistosomal properties are reported. Determinations of the effects of this compound on tissue thiol levels and on highly sensitive bacterial tester strains have indicated that its mutagenic potential is of a low order and that the latter is decreased further after reduction of the host's intestinal bacterial flora.
Management of the Retired Athlete with Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Purpose: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a complex interaction of biological, mechanical, and biochemical factors that are further complicated by injury, which accelerates pathological processes within the joint. As a result, athletes, particularly those with a history of knee injury, have an earlier onset and higher prevalence of osteoarthritis that would be expected based on their age. This can present a clinical dilemma to the physician managing the patient who, despite the presence of radiologically confirmed disease, has few symptoms and wishes to maintain an active lifestyle. Methods: We reviewed meta-analyses and systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials about clinical management of knee osteoarthritis with special interest on effect sizes. Results: Numerous management options have undergone the rigor of clinical trials and subsequently have been summarized in meta-analyses and systematic reviews, the results of which offer evidence regarding varying degrees of effect. Based on the available...
QUANTITATIVE CHARACTER ANALYSIS FOR A NEW VARIETY OF SYNEDRA CYCLOPUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1

Two morphotypes of Synedra cyclopum Brutschy obtained from two depths and time periods at Lake West Okoboji, Iowa, were quantitatively analyzed for value character similarity. Analysis and comparison with earlier collections demonstrate sufficiently stable characters to describe a new variety. A description and Latin diagnosis of the new variety S. cyclopum var. incisa Cunningham is presented.
Adrenal artery aneurysm encountered during laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma

Adrenal artery aneurysms are an extremely rare clinical entity. Only six previous case reports of adrenal artery aneurysms exist, all of which were discovered after rupture. Herein, we describe the discovery of an unruptured adrenal artery aneurysm found during laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.
Reliability Centered Maintenance as Applied to Wind Turbine Power Plants

The objective of this paper is to present the methodology for the application of Reliability Centered Maintenance to wind turbines. The reliability and maintenance of wind turbines is a growing area of interest. The inherent variation in the loading experienced by wind turbines presents unique problems that differ from current practice within the power generation sector. The core of these issues center on the inherent variability of the wind and the resulting loads transferred to the equipment. Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) is a useful tool that provides the means to overcome some of these difficulties. RCM is implemented through either Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) or Time-Directed Maintenance (TDM). CBM is implemented through the use of condition monitoring based on defined condition indicators established through field experience, or laboratory testing. TDM is implemented through the use of reliability failure analysis to characterize a time directed maintenance interval. This failure analysis is performed on either laboratory test specimens, or failed field components. This paper presents the methodology for applying CBM or TDM to a wind turbine as well as suggestions for scaled laboratory testing.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Pluripotency: citrullination unravels stem cells

Maintenance of the pluripotent stem cell state is regulated by the post-translational modification of histones. The discovery that citrullination of the linker histone H1 is critical to this process represents a new role for the protein arginine deiminases (PADs) in development.
Retinal hemorrhage and pediatric brain injury: etiology and review of the literature

Retinal hemorrhages have long been linked with child abuse and, in particular, the "shaken baby/shaking-impact" syndrome. However, the presence of retinal hemorrhages is neither necessary nor sufficient for the diagnosis of child abuse. Additionally, retinal hemorrhages are also associated with an ever-expanding list of conditions, each of which carries important implications for patients and their families. To correctly interpret a patient's retinal hemorrhages, the physician requires a broad knowledge base, including of child abuse, the "shaken baby/shaking-impact" syndrome, the differential diagnosis of retinal hemorrhages and the types of retinal hemorrhage and their diagnostic implications. We review the literature regarding types of retinal hemorrhage and their associated etiologies.
Constraint-based design for 3D shapes

Abstract This paper proposes an ATMS-based geometric reasoning system for feature-based 3D solid modeling. Here, every feature is described by a set of geometric constraints such as distances between edges and angles between faces. The system has to evaluate the constraints in order to determine the attributes of all the geometric elements in the features. Therefore, the modeling process can be considered as a constraint satisfaction problem. Our ATMS-based approach overcomes two serious drawbacks of conventional rule-based approaches: inefficiency and poor conflict handling. For the first problem, a state reduction method, represented as an ATMS justification, resolves the problem of combinatorial explosion in the rules' pattern matching. Here, intermediate states are defined by the degree of freedom: the determined geometric elements have zero degrees, and free faces, edges, and vertices have three, four, and three degrees, respectively. Each constraint invocation reduces the degree; that is, it increases the level of determinacy of the status. For the second problem, the ATMS's label update propagation mechanism resolves conflicts of constraints. It distinguishes conflicting situations from redundant or under-constrained ones, and the minimum diagnosis technique detects which constraint causes the conflict. The use of an ATMS as a propositional reasoning function has various advantages over rule-based systems, such as avoidance of infinite loops and reasoning without pattern matching. The paper also considers the computational efficiency of our approach and proves its practicality by presenting data on an actual product.
Radiation studies with accelerator generated fast neutrons

Electronic devices are tested, on occasion, to determine their resistance to exposure to fast neutron fluences in the 1012-to 1014-n/cm2 range. Usually these tests utilize neutrons from a nuclear reactor. Reactor neutron fluences frequently carry unwanted admixtures of gamma rays and of slow neutrons. These conditions have led us to develop an accelerator based neutron source which is largely free of unwanted radiations. In the present paper we examine the effects of gamma rays and of slow neutrons upon electronic devices, we describe our neutron source, and we review various forms of fast neutron dosimetry we use. The results we obtain suggest that our source should be considered as a fast neutron standard.
Analysis of developmentally homogeneous neural crest cell populations in vitro. III. Role of culture environment in cluster formation and differentiation

Abstract Optimal conditions to obtain homogeneous neural crest cell populations with different developmental fates in vitro have been developed. If enzymatically cleaned neural tubes are explanted on an agar-coated dish in a medium containing high concentrations of fetal calf serum (FCS; 20%) and chick embryo extract (CEE; 8%), neural crest cell clusters, each containing several thousand cells, form on the explanted neural tubes within 48 h of culture. Under most standard culture conditions, all of these cells differentiate into melanocytes after another 3–5 days in culture. On the other hand, if tubes be placed on a tissue culture dish in a medium containing a ratio of FCS : CEE of 2–3 : 1 (e.g. 7.5% FCS, 3% CEE), two populations of crest cells are obtained: one population is identical to the clusters described above, and homogeneously differentiates into melanocytes; the other is characterized by cells of similar morphology that migrate onto the culture substratum and undergo little overt differentiation. By altering the extent of aggregation of the crest cells in primary culture, their differentiative fate in vitro can be altered. Therefore, the differentiative behaviors of the two subpopulations appear to be due to different early environmental influences in vitro rather than solely to inhomogeneities in the pre-migratory crest cell population.
Caspase inhibitors reduce severity of cartilage lesions in experimental osteoarthritis.

Objective To examine the therapeutic efficacy of caspase inhibitors in experimental osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Experimental OA was induced in rabbits by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Rabbits were treated with intraarticular (IA) injections of caspase inhibitors 3 times per week starting 1 week postoperatively. Animals were killed 9 weeks after ACLT, for macroscopic, histologic, and immunohistochemical assessment of the knee joints. Results IA administration of the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK significantly reduced cartilage degradation, as assessed by macroscopic and microscopic criteria. Untreated knees showed large numbers of chondrocytes with active caspase 3 and the p85 fragment of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP p85) that is generated during apoptosis. The frequency of cells positive for PARP p85 and active caspase 3 was reduced in Z-VAD-FMK–treated knees. Inhibitors specific for caspase 3 or caspase 8 showed no significant efficacy. Caspase 1 inhibitor and the combination of caspase 3 and caspase 8 inhibitors reduced OA pathology. Conclusion These results provide direct support for a role of cell death in OA pathogenesis. Caspase inhibitors reduced the severity of cartilage lesions in experimental OA, suggesting that they may have disease-modifying activity in human OA.
SHH1, a homeodomain protein required for DNA methylation, as well as RDR2, RDM4, and chromatin remodeling factors, associate with RNA polymerase IV.

DNA methylation is an evolutionarily conserved epigenetic modification that is critical for gene silencing and the maintenance of genome integrity. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the de novo DNA methyltransferase, DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASE 2 (DRM2), is targeted to specific genomic loci by 24 nt small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) through a pathway termed RNA–directed DNA methylation (RdDM). Biogenesis of the targeting siRNAs is thought to be initiated by the activity of the plant-specific RNA polymerase IV (Pol-IV). However, the mechanism through which Pol-IV is targeted to specific genomic loci and whether factors other than the core Pol-IV machinery are required for Pol-IV activity remain unknown. Through the affinity purification of NUCLEAR RNA POLYMERASE D1 (NRPD1), the largest subunit of the Pol-IV polymerase, we found that several previously identified RdDM components co-purify with Pol-IV, namely RNA–DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 2 (RDR2), CLASSY1 (CLSY1), and RNA–DIRECTED DNA METHYLATION 4 (RDM4), suggesting that the upstream siRNA generating portion of the RdDM pathway may be more physically coupled than previously envisioned. A homeodomain protein, SAWADEE HOMEODOMAIN HOMOLOG 1 (SHH1), was also found to co-purify with NRPD1; and we demonstrate that SHH1 is required for de novo and maintenance DNA methylation, as well as for the accumulation of siRNAs at specific loci, confirming it is a bonafide component of the RdDM pathway.
TIA Nuclear Proteins Regulate the Alternate Splicing of Lysyl Hydroxylase 2

Synthesis of collagen, a major component of the extracellular matrix, is increased dramatically in fibrotic conditions such as scleroderma. This overaccumulation of collagen is associated with increased pyridinoline cross-links. These cross-links are derived by the action of the alternatively spliced long form of lysyl hydroxylase 2 (LH2), a collagen telopeptide LH. As LH2 (long) is reported to be overexpressed in scleroderma fibroblasts, the regulation of LH2 splicing suggests an important step in controlling fibrosis. Using an LH2 minigene, we have compared the regulation of the alternative splicing pattern of LH2, both endogenously and in the minigene, by the RNA-binding splicing proteins TIA-1 and TIAL1 (T-cell-restricted intracellular antigens). A decrease in the ratio of LH2 (long) to LH2 (short) was observed in fibroblasts from TIAL1 knockout mice, and in HEK293 cells knocked down for TIA-1 and TIAL1. As a corollary, overexpression of TIA-1/TIAL1 in HEK293 cells resulted in an increase in LH2 (long) minigene transcripts, accompanied by a decrease in LH2 (short). In scleroderma fibroblasts, a double TIA-1/TIAL1 knockdown reduced the ratio of LH2 (long) to LH2 (short) by over fivefold compared to controls. Identification of these TIA regulatory factors therefore suggests a tool to manipulate cellular LH2 levels in scleroderma so that potential intervention therapies may be identified.
Dosimetry, toxicity and carcinogenicity of inspired acetaldehyde in the rat.

Abstract Acetaldehyde is a ubiquitous air pollutant. It is an important industrial chemical and is also produced during the combustion of wood or tobacco. In smoky indoor atmospheres concentrations of the aldehyde may reach 100 ppb. Acetaldehyde is metabolized to acetate (releasing hydrogen ion) by aldehyde dehydrogenase a process which, in most tissues, represents a detoxification pathway. In vitro, acetaldehyde forms DNA–DNA and DNA–protein crosslinks. It is a clastogen, and inducer of sister chromatid exchanges, and is, perhaps, a weak mutagen. Inhalation exposure to 1000 ppm may induce DNA–protein crosslink formation in nasal tissues in the rat in vivo. Inhalation toxicity studies have shown acetaldehyde vapor causes chronic tissue injury and tumor formation in nasal tissues at exposure concentrations of 750 ppm or higher, with nasal olfactory mucosa being more sensitive than respiratory mucosa. Dosimetric estimates suggest that marked tissue injury and carcinogenicity occurs only at inspired concentrations which are sufficiently high to overwhelm nasal aldehyde dehydrogenase detoxification capacity. The induction of squamous cell carcinomas in the respiratory mucosa by acetaldehyde displays many analogies to the induction of squamous cell carcinomas by formaldehyde. For both vapors, non-linear concentration response relationships are observed for DNA–protein crosslink formation, tissue injury, and carcinogenicity, suggesting these responses are associated. For both vapors it is possible to document an exposure concentration that produces nasal respiratory epithelial injury without increasing tumor incidence, suggesting that for respiratory mucosa-derived tumors, exposure to non-cytotoxic concentrations may pose limited carcinogenic risk. In addition to squamous cell carcinomas of the respiratory epithelium, acetaldehyde exposure also results in nasal olfactory injury and tumors (adenocarcinomas) in the rat. The studies performed to date have not demonstrated a no observable effect level for these responses, therefore, the precise role of cytotoxicity and regenerative cell proliferation in the carcinogenic process in olfactory tissues can not be evaluated. Acetaldehyde metabolism via aldehyde dehydrogenase results in the formation of two hydrogen ions. The olfactory mucosa is quite sensitive to acid and dosimetric estimates suggest that the intracellular acid production rates that may occur in olfactory mucosa during acetaldehyde exposure may be sufficiently high to cause tissue damage. Such acid-induced tissue damage may enhance the genotoxic and tumorigenic potential of acetaldehyde in olfactory mucosa, and may, therefore, represent an important process in the production of tumors in this tissue.
Prolegomenon to the relation between social theory and method

Building on the work of Noam Chomsky (1963), this paper presents a hierarchy of grammars and associated computational automata in order to inform social theory construction and method. A detailed exposition of linguistic forms within the grammar hierarchy reveals clear analogues with common social scientific paradigms. Two of these paradigms (which are termed structural and process approaches) are already being widely exploited by formal methodological techniques. A third paradigm, which is rooted in a tradition of interpretive sociology, has been more resistant to formalization. Using arguments from theoretical computer science, the paper suggests that existing quantitative methodologies can be extended to accommodate qualitative arguments which subsume empirical domains as diverse as natural language and structurational phenomena.
SU-E-J-180: Monitoring Thermochemical Ablation Using Fast Chemical Shift Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of using fast chemical shift imaging (fCSI) to directly image the chemical species associated with exothermic acid/base reactions during thermochemical ablation (TCA) injections. Methods: Five different mixtures of 10M acetic acid and 10M sodium hydroxide representing pure reagents, partial neutralization, and complete neutralization (1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, 0:1) were prepared in 15mL centrifuge tubes to assess impact on fCSI. An MR spectroscopy (MRS) acquisition provided corroborative data. An fCSI acquisition used a multi gradient echo acquisition (n=16) with autoregressive moving average model based spectral estimation. The acquisition was repeated 8 times with shifted echo trains to effectively increase the number of echoes per k-space line to 128 and the spectral bandwidth from 2.82 ppm to 22.7 ppm. The T1 of each sample was measured using inversion recovery FSE. Results: The 1H chemical shift of acetate measured via MRS was 2.65 ppm and 2.40 ppm to 2.87 ppm (mean=2.63 ppm) on fCSI, with 2.8 ppm expected. The difference between the chemical shift of water and acetate within the same sample and the T1 in each sample increase with the concentration of acetate ion and range from 2.82ppm to 3.90 ppm and 323ms to 1743ms, respectively. Conclusion: In this work we evaluated a fCSI acquisition for measuring the MR parameters of acid and base solutions that have been investigated for use in TCA. The importance of shimming the main magnetic field was highlighted by the variation in the position of the acetate peak in the fCSI acquisition. The changes in the chemical shift difference between water and acetate and T1 relaxation suggest a dependence on acetate ion concentration that may be useful and must be accounted for in the monitoring of these procedures.
Interpretation of arterial blood gases by nurses

Many clinical nurses find the concept of acid/base balance confusing. This article presents a step-by-step approach to arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. In addition, the components of ABGs (pH, PCO2 and HCO3) are presented; metabolic and respiratory abnormalities (acidosis and alkalosis) are discussed in relation to cause and signs and symptoms; the concept of compensation is reviewed; the degrees of compensation are explained; the five steps of ABG analysis are outlined; and practice problems are provided and explained. By using this approach, the nurse can analyze the ABG values confidently and make a wise choice about appropriate nursing actions.