cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statin Adverse Effects: A Review of the Literature and Evidence for a Mitochondrial Mechanism

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are a widely used class of drug, and like all medications, have potential for adverse effects (AEs). Here we review the statin AE literature, first focusing on muscle AEs as the most reported problem both in the literature and by patients. Evidence regarding the statin muscle AE mechanism, dose effect, drug interactions, and genetic predisposition is examined. We hypothesize, and provide evidence, that the demonstrated mitochondrial mechanisms for muscle AEs have implications to other nonmuscle AEs in patients treated with statins. In meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), muscle AEs are more frequent with statins than with placebo. A number of manifestations of muscle AEs have been reported, with rhabdomyolysis the most feared. AEs are dose dependent, and risk is amplified by drug interactions that functionally increase statin potency, often through inhibition of the cytochrome P450 3A4 system. An array of additional risk factors for statin AEs are those that amplify (or reflect) mitochondrial or metabolic vulnerability, such as metabolic syndrome factors, thyroid disease, and genetic mutations linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Converging evidence supports a mitochondrial foundation for muscle AEs associated with statins, and both theoretical and empirical considerations suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may also underlie many nonmuscle statin AEs. Evidence from RCTs and studies of other designs indicates existence of additional statin-associated AEs, such as cognitive loss, neuropathy, pancreatic and hepatic dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction. Physician awareness of statin AEs is reportedly low even for the AEs most widely reported by patients. Awareness and vigilance for AEs should be maintained to enable informed treatment decisions, treatment modification if appropriate, improved quality of patient care, and reduced patient morbidity.
Global DNA Demethylation During Mouse Erythropoiesis in Vivo

In the mammalian genome, 5'-CpG-3' dinucleotides are frequently methylated, correlating with transcriptional silencing. Genome-wide demethylation is thought to occur only twice during development, in primordial germ cells and in the pre-implantation embryo. These demethylation events are followed by de novo methylation, setting up a pattern inherited throughout development and modified only at tissue-specific loci. We studied DNA methylation in differentiating mouse erythroblasts in vivo by using genomic-scale reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). Demethylation at the erythroid-specific β-globin locus was coincident with global DNA demethylation at most genomic elements. Global demethylation was continuous throughout differentiation and required rapid DNA replication. Hence, DNA demethylation can occur globally during somatic cell differentiation, providing an experimental model for its study in development and disease.
Consuming as a family: Modes of intergenerational influence on young adults

Parents inevitably shape their young children's consumption during early years; does this influence endure as the offspring mature? We explore this phenomenon—known as Intergenerational Influence (IGI)—with survey data from 265 young adults and their parents for four product categories. Our specific focus is on two research questions: (1) By what modality is IGI transferred, and (2) does family relationship quality (FRQ) moderate IGI outcomes? Results show IGI to be present in differing degrees across products—more for utilitarian and, likewise, shared products, less for individually consumed and stylistic products. As to modality, we explore active indoctrination by parents versus passive learning by mere observation by the offspring, and find the latter to be the dominant mode. We also find a strong moderating role of so that all IGI outcomes are stronger among high FRQ than among low FRQ families. Of import to theory as well as practice, these findings confirm and extend current literature on IGI and suggest directions for future research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Presence and density of Helicobacter pylori biofilms in human gastric mucosa in patients with peptic ulcer disease.

Our purpose was to use endoscopically directed biopsies and scanning electron microscopy to quantify Helicobacter pylori biofilm density on the surface of human gastric mucosa in urease-positive and -negative patients. Participating patients underwent flexible esophagogastroduodenoscopies coupled with gastric mucosal biopsies. Rapid urease testing was performed on all specimens to determine the presence of H. pylori, followed by scanning electron microscopy to identify the existence of biofilms. Samples were then analyzed using Carnoy Image Analysis Software to determine percent biofilm coverage of the total surface area. These data were compared to control specimens that were urease negative. Of the patients who tested urease positive for H. pylori, the average percent of total surface area covered by biofilms was 97.3%. Those testing negative had an average surface area coverage of only 1.64%. These differences were determined to be statistically significant at the 0.0001 level. This study demonstrates that compared with controls, urease-positive specimens have significant biofilm formation, whereas urease-negative specimens have little to none. This was reflected in the significantly increased biofilm surface density in urease positive specimens compared with urease-negative controls.
Velocity fidelity of flow tracer particles

Recent developments concerning the unsteady dynamic forces on a spherical particle at finite Reynolds number are reviewed for solid particles and clean micro-bubble. A particle frequency :response function and an energy transfer function are derived for a solid particle or a contaminated micro-bubble in gas or liquid flow. A simple, unified method for estimating the cut-off frequency, or cut-off size, of a solid particle or a contaminated bubble is developed. Particle motion in isotropic turbulence is examined. Responses of the tracer particle to integral length scale structure, to turbulence energy, and to Taylor micro-scale structure are discussed in terms of the particle turbulence diffusivity, the particle turbulence intensity, and the ensemble average of the second invariant of fluid turbulence deformation tensor evaluated on the particle trajectory.
Modulation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells by Sarcoptes scabiei in combination with proinflammatory cytokines, histamine, and lipid-derived biologic mediators.

The ectoparasitic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, produces molecules that depress initiation of host inflammatory and immune responses. Some of these down-regulate expression of adhesion molecules or secretion of chemokines or cytokines on and by cultured dermal endothelial cells (HMVEC-D). This study was undertaken to determine if the response of HMVEC-D to scabies is altered in the presence of various proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukins 1α, 1β and 6), histamine, and lipid-derived mediators (prostaglandins D2 and E2, leukotriene B4, platelet activation factor) that likely occur in scabietic lesions in vivo. Scabies extract down-regulated the TNFα-induced expression of VCAM-1 by HMVEC-D and this down-regulation still occurred in the presence of the other proinflammatory cytokines, histamine or the lipid-derived mediators. Scabies inhibited the IL-1α and IL-1β-induced secretion of IL-6, while a combination of scabies and histamine or LTB4 reduced the TNFα-induced secretion of IL-6. Scabies extract inhibited secretion of IL-8. Histamine, PGD2, PGE2, LTB4, PAF, and IL-6 alone had no effect on this inhibition, but the scabies-induced inhibition of IL-8 secretion was reduced in a dose-dependent fashion in the presence of IL-1α and IL-1β.
Interested instructors: A composite portrait of individual differences and effectiveness

Abstract The present study is a multi-phased, mixed methodological investigation of teacher interest. In Phase 1, 12th grade students nominated and quantitatively evaluated teachers who were perceived as helping them learn and become interested in a high school core subject. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that student perceptions of teacher interest were represented by items related to both teacher effectiveness and individual differences. In Phase 2, the top three nominees and a stratified random sample of their current students were examined using qualitative research methods. Findings indicate that teacher interest is a complex construct comprised of cognitive, affective, motivational, and volitional dimensions.
Criegee rearrangement of α-alkoxy hydroperoxides a synthesis of esters and lactones that complements the baeyer-villiger oxidation of ketones

Abstract α-Alkoxy hydroperoxides undergo Criegee rearrangement upon treatment with (CH3CO)2O to provide esters or lactones.
Observation of a structural phase transition in TbPO4 via induced infrared activity

Abstract The antiferromagnetic ordering of TbPO 4 at T N =2.2 K is accompanied by a structural phase transition, in which the crystalline symmetry is seen to be lowered through the loss of inversion. The inversion loss is unambiguously determined by observing formerly infrared inactive pronons become active at T N . This activation provides a uniquely sensitive indicator, by which the temperature and magnetic field dependence of this distortion can be followed.
Observation of strong isospin mixing in proton emission from the astrophysically interesting isobaric analog state in 23Mg.

Utilizing the {sup 24}Mg({ital p},2{ital n}) reaction and unique particle telescopes, beta-delayed proton emission from {sup 23}Al proceeding via its isobaric analog state in {sup 23}Mg has been observed. The relevant proton group was detected at 223{plus_minus}20 keV with a proton decay branching ratio of 3.5{plus_minus}1.9 %. The proton width determined for this state is approximately an order of magnitude larger than that predicted by a full-basis 1{ital s}-0{ital d} shell model calculation which includes the expected isospin mixing. In addition, the resulting resonance strength (45{plus_minus}25 meV) has important astrophysical implications.
Thermochemistry of molybdates IV. Standard enthalpy of formation of lithium molybdate, thermodynamic properties of the aqueous molybdate ion, and thermodynamic stabilities of the alkali-metal molybdates

Abstract The enthalpy changes of the processes: Moo 3 +2 LiOH(aq , 0.2 mol dm −3 = Li 2 MoO 4 ( AQ )+ H 2 O(L) ; δH=−(18.54±0.04) kcal th mol −1 and Li 2 MoO 4 ( c )= Li 2 MoO 4 ( aq ); δH=−(7.61±0.01) kcal th mol −1 , have been determined in a solution calorimeter. These results, when combined with auxiliary thermochemical values, yielded the standard enthalpy of formation, ΔH f o (Li 2 MoO 4 , c, 298.15 K) = −(363.26 ± 0.12) kcal th mol −1 . Based on thermodynamic and solubility data from the literature for sparingly soluble metal molybdates, ΔG f o (MoO 4 2− , aq, 298.15 K) was deduced to be −(200.0 ± 0.3) kcal th mol −1 . This paper also includes estimates of ΔH f o for solid Rb 2 WO 4 and Cs 2 WO 4 , and of the enthalpy of sublimation for Cs 2 WO 4 . It is also pointed out that ΔH f o (PbMoO 4 ) may be in error, and a value of −245 kcal th mol −1 is suggested.
Oral outpatient chemotherapy medication errors in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND. Although medication errors are 1 of the most common types of medical errors, their frequency in pediatric patients receiving oral outpatient chemotherapeutic agents is unknown. The prescribing, dispensing, and parental administration of these medications to children receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were systematically reviewed to determine the rate and types of medication errors occurring in these patients. METHODS. During a 2-month study period, parents of children with ALL were contacted and asked to participate in the study before a regularly scheduled clinic appointment. At the visit, the parent demonstrated how each medication was administered. A pediatric oncologist reviewed the medical record to determine the correct treatment regimen for study patients. After comparing the correct treatment regimen with what was administered, a classification of “no medication error,” “medication error,” or “cannot determine” due to insufficient information was made for each indicated drug. Identified medication errors were subclassified as prescribing, dispensing, or administration errors. RESULTS. Data on 172 chemotherapeutic medications for 69 patients were analyzed. One or more errors occurred with 17 of the 172 (9.9%) medications; a classification of “cannot determine” was made for 12 (7.0%) medications. Among the 17 medication errors there were 12 (7.0%) administration errors and 5 (2.9%) prescribing errors. There were no pharmacy dispensing errors. All errors were due to incorrect dosing or failure to administer an indicated medication. At least 1 medication error occurred in 13 of the 69 (18.8%) study patients. CONCLUSIONS. Prescribing and administration medication errors occurred with nearly 10% of chemotherapeutic drugs administered to outpatient children with ALL. Systematic changes, including computerized physician order entry and simplification of treatment protocols, should be considered. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Effects of indomethacin on bone ingrowth.

The effects of indomethacin, a nonsteriodal antiinflammatory agent, on bone ingrowth were studied using a rabbit animal model and a porous cylindrical implant system. Bone ingrowth was found to be independent of pore size in the range tested (0.6–1.0 mm). In the control (placebo-treated) group, there was a significant increase in bone ingrowth between the 2- and 8-week groups of animals. However, in the indomethacin-treated group, there was no increase in bone ingrowth with time.
Family teacher and parent perceptions of youth needs and preparedness for transition upon discharge from residential care

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to compare parent (N = 51) and family teacher (N = 102) ratings of perceptions of aftercare for youth reintegrating into the home and community settings following a stay in residential care.FindingsThe results show large differences between treatment providers and parents as to the level of youth preparedness for transition.ApplicationsYouth leaving residential care facilities struggle to maintain the gains they make during their time in treatment. Understanding what residential care providers and parents of youth perceive to be most important for youth during this transition period is essential to the youth’s long-term success.
Temperature dependent non-radiative effects in the disorder-to-order transition in cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone films on Al2O3 (0001)

Abstract The excited electronic states of molecules can serve as sensitive probes of the microenvironment. Cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone thin films were prepared by vacuum deposition of these molecules onto a cryostatically cooled Al2O3 (001) surface. As the surface was heated, the films underwent several glass and crystalline transitions that were clearly identifiable by the large increase in the radiative intensity. The surface temperature was ramped to these transition temperatures, and the emission was found to exhibit decays that were kinetically different. Very importantly, the non-radiative relaxation in these films is thermally sensitive, and competes effectively with the radiative process.
A macro-level model for determining the performance characteristics of solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract This work presents a macro-level model to determine the performance characteristics of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Activation, ohmic, and concentration polarizations are considered the main sources of irreversibility. The Butler–Volmer equation, the dusty gas model, and Ohm’s law were used to determine the polarization terms. Tafel equation, linear current potential, Fick’s model, and Stefan–Maxwell model were quantitatively analyzed as well. Performance curves were calculated for hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide as pure fuels at different conditions. A surface plot for each polarization term allowed us to analyze the contribution to voltage loss as a function of temperature and current density. The calculations presented in this paper involved the creation of many computational tools. One sample code of these algorithms is included, but all algorithms used in the paper are available from the authors.
Dynamics of an enclosed population of pine mice, Microtus pinetorum

Enclosed populations of pine mice were studied over a 28-month period and compared with populations in surrounding natural areas. The enclosed populations reached densities far greater than any observed in surrounding natural areas. It is suggested that the restriction placed on dispersal by the enclosure walls and the addition of food in the form of trap bait could have allowed the enclosed populations to reach higher densities than normally observed at SRP.
Eigenstructure, multiplier and game characterizations of administrative personnel requirements and activities

Abstract A time-and-cost accounting characterization of the structure of administrative personnel in an organization (industry) is used to relate the primary input of a Leontief economy to models of attenuation, promotion and recruitment of staff. A multiplier analysis is then utilized to obtain direct and indirect administrative load requirements. The effects of variation in wages and pattern of administrative activities on the size of the administrative component are discussed in the context of a matrix game formulation.
Nobel Laureate Surgeons

Eminent surgeons who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work and accomplishments are considered Nobel Laureate surgeons. There are nine such distinguished individuals who achieved this award. In chronological order, from earliest to latest, we encounter: 1. Theodor Kocher, 1909, thyroid gland pathology; 2. Allvar Gullstrand, 1911, dioptrics of the eye; 3. Alexis Carrel, 1912, vascular suture and organ transplant; 4. Robert Barany, 1914, vestibular system; 5. Frederick Banting, 1923, discovery of insulin; 6. Walter Hess, 1949, midbrain function; 7. Werner Forssmannn, 1956, cardiac catheterization; 8. Charles Huggins, 1966, hormones and cancer; 9. Joseph Murray, 1990, organ transplantation. These extraordinary Nobel Laureate surgeons had in common four significant qualities expressed by four letters, CDFI, representing commitment, determination, focus, and innovation. The examples of a sustained path of accomplishment and success set by these unique personalities serve as a vivid guide for future generations of surgeons.
Stimulating natural defenses in poplar clones (OP-367) increases plant metabolism of carbon tetrachloride.

Groundwater contamination by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) presents a health risk as a potential carcinogen and pollutant that is capable of depleting the ozone layer. Although use of poplar trees in a phytoremediation capacity has proven to be cost effective for cleaning contaminated sites, minimizing leaf emission of volatile contaminants remains a pressing issue. We hypothesized that recently fixed carbon plays a key role in CCl4 metabolism in planta yielding nonvolatile trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and that the extent of this metabolism can be altered by heightening plant defenses. Labeling intact leaves with 11CO2 (t1/2 20.4 m) can test this hypothesis, because the extremely short half-life of the tracer reflects only those processes involving recently fixed carbon. Using radio-HPLC analysis, we observed [11C]TCA from leaf extract from poplar clones (OP-367) whose roots were exposed to a saturated solution of CCl4 (520 ppm). Autoradiography of [11C]photosynthate showed increased leaf export and partition...
Effect of thermal annealing on the gas permeability of HIQ‐40 films

The copolyester formed from 40 mol% p-hydroxybenzoic acid (H), 30 mol% isophthalic acid (I), and 30 mol% hydroquinone (Q), designated as HIQ-40, forms isotropic, amorphous films when appropriately cast from a solvent. Thermal annealing leads to a mesogenic texture and some level of crystallinity. It is shown that these ordering processes lead to dramatic reductions in gas permeability; the magnitude of the decrease increases with the size of the penetrant. The current results are consistent with previously reported sorption data for acetone in HIQ-40. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Why won't they come? Stakeholder perspectives on collaborative national forest planning by participation level

Collaboration has taken root in national forest planning, providing expanded opportunities for stakeholder participation in decision-making, but are these processes considered meaningful by key stakeholders? Do the processes result in increased participation by key stakeholders? We present results of a study of stakeholder perspectives of a collaborative planning process on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests in Western Colorado, U.S.A. The stakeholders were stratified by participation levels in order to explore a possible relationship between participation and perceptions of the collaborative process. We used a Q-methodology approach to compare and contrast perspectives across participant levels in the North Fork Valley Landscape Working Group process. The results demonstrate four distinct perspectives on the collaborative process: 1) The collaborative process is valued by the Forest Service and will directly influence planning decisions; 2) The Forest Service, the collaborative process, and other stakeholders are not to be trusted; 3) The collaborative process is most effective when emphasizing place-specific dialogue that primarily involves stakeholders educating the Forest Service about issues; and 4) Forest planning involves issues requiring the application of scientific knowledge and expertise rather than collaboration. These perspectives were not strongly associated with participation levels, with time constraint being the primary mediating factor affecting participation. There are several possible actions policymakers and planners can take to enhance participation and overcome high rates of nonparticipation.
Cardiovascular support in septic shock.

Introduction Septic shock results when infectious agents or infectioninduced mediators in the bloodstream produce hemodynamic decompensation. Standard definitions of graded response to infection now exist (Table 1). Septic shock is primarily a form of distributive shock and is characterized by ineffective tissue oxygen delivery and extraction associated with inappropriate peripheral vasodilatation despite preserved or increased cardiac output. In septic shock, a complex interaction between pathologic vasodilatation, relative and absolute hypovolemia, myocardial dysfunction, and altered blood flow distribution occurs because of the inflammatory response to infection. Even after restoration of intravascular volume, microcirculatory abnormalities may persist. Half of the patients who die with septic shock experience multiple organ system failure. Most of the rest have progressive hypotension with low systemic vascular resistance, which is unresponsive to vasopressor agents. Myocardial dysfunction is not uncommon; however, death of myocardial failure is rare.1-3
Scheduling parallel program tasks onto arbitrary target machines

Abstract We extend previous results for optimally scheduling parallel program tasks on a finite number of parallel processors. We introduce a new scheduling heuristic (MH) that schedules program modules represented as nodes in a precedence task graph with communication onto arbitrary machine topology taking contention into consideration. The results for scheduling simulated task graphs on ring, star, mesh, hypercube, and fully connected networks are also introduced. We also present Task Grapher, a tool for studying optimal parallel program task scheduling on arbitrarily interconnected parallel processors. Given a parallel program represented as a precedence-constrained task graph, and an interconnect topology of a target machine, Task Grapher uses one or more of its seven scheduling heuristics to produce the following displays: (1) Gantt Chart Schedule, (2) Speedup Line Graph, (3) Critical Path in Task Graph, (4) Processor Utilization Chart, (5) Processor Efficiency Chart, and (6) Dynamic Activity Display.
Empirical model for low-angle millimeter wave (MMW) radar ground clutter

Accurate models of millimeter-wave (MMW) radar ground clutter allow improved evaluation of algorithms that detect and identify military vehicles for smart weapons systems operating in a clutter environment. To this end, an empirical model was developed that uses radar clutter data measured at 95 GHz for desert and European-like environments measured over approximately 6 to 7 week periods. Using low-angle, frequency-averaged MMW radar cross sections per unit area ((sigma) 0) data that were collected in the spring season at Yuma, Ariz. and Grayling, Mich., I evaluated a multivariate linear regressive model of (sigma) 0 based upon least-square estimation using measured environmental parameters as independent variables. The results for the data collected at Yuma indicate that (sigma) 0 values were dependent upon the parameter of chronological time, and moderately dependent upon the parameters of soil moisture content and relative humidity. The results for the data collected at Grayling indicated that (sigma) 0 values were highly dependent on the environmental conditions. The model successfully described refrozen ground and snow, and drying ground conditions using the available environmental data, but melting, transitional, and falling snow conditions were not successfully described. For the entire Yuma data set and for a large portion of the Grayling data set, environmental parameters were identified and incorporated into a linear model that described the variations in (sigma) 0.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Microbiology of infected acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm) in patients requiring complex abdominal closure after emergency surgery.

Abstract Background: Acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm) has recently been introduced as an option for complex abdominal closure for patients with loss of abdominal wall domain secondary to intra-abdominal sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis. AlloDerm has been touted as a promoter of neovascularization and collagen deposition. Currently, the rate of AlloDerm infection in contaminated cases is unknown. Our objective was to determine if the organisms cultured during source control would infect AlloDerm. Methods: The medical records of patients who required complex abdominal closure with AlloDerm in a tertiary-care hospital were reviewed from January to December, 2005. For each patient demographic, the reason for urgent surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, serum albumin concentration, culture results of purulent fluid obtained during surgery, and culture results of biopsies of infected-appearing AlloDerm (change of color, del...
Properties of undoped and manganese-doped InGaAsP grown by liquid phase electroepitaxy

Undoped and manganese-doped InGaAsP epilayers lattice matched to InP substrate have been grown by the liquid phase electroepitaxy technique. The dependence of growth velocity on current density for both undoped and doped layers has been studied. Layers of good surface morphology with hole concentrations in the range from 8 x 10 to the 16th to 4 x 10 to the 18th/cu cm have been achieved. The activation energy of the manganese acceptor level was estimated to vary from 57 to 32 meV with increasing hole concentration. The temperature dependence of carrier mobility data was analyzed in terms of different scattering mechanisms and the values of acceptor and donor densities determined were compared with those obtained from the temperature variation of Hall concentration data. Dependences of photoluminescence peak energy and intensity on the temperature and incident excitation levels have been investigated.
Evaluation of Three Different Structures Used for Walleye Age Estimation with Emphasis on Removal and Processing Times

Abstract We compared the removal and processing times required when scales, sagittal otoliths, and dorsal spines were used as age estimation structures for 160 walleyes Stizostedion vitreum collected from six water bodies in South Dakota. Removal and processing times were calculated by 10 fish groups. Dorsal spines required the least amount of time for removal, followed by scales and otoliths. Whole-view otoliths required no further manipulation prior to estimating age, while the sectioning of dorsal spines and scale pressing required 12.5 and 16.6 min of additional processing time, respectively. Dorsal spines and scales also required significantly more time to read than otoliths. In terms of total processing time, whole-view otoliths proved the most time-efficient approach for estimating the age of walleyes. Scales were slightly more time-efficient than dorsal-spine sections, and sectioning otoliths would add additional processing time. Sectioning may not have been necessary in this evaluation because ag...
Congenital diverticulum of the bladder mimicking tumour

The incidence of bladder diverticula is low and identification is usually straightforward with contrast studies. We present a case of a child who had a clearly identified bladder diverticulum as well as a soft-tissue lesion in the posterior wall of the bladder that was suspected to be a rhabdomyosarcoma. Despite ultrasound scanning, micturating cystourethrogram, computed tomography and cystoscopy, open surgery was required to rule out tumour.
Management of low-grade third ventricular ependymomas in adults by endoscopic biopsy followed by gamma knife radiosurgery.

Background Third ventricular ependymomas in adults are rare lesions for which the optimal management strategy has not been determined. Objectives We describe our results using a strategy of endoscopic biopsy followed by gamma knife radiosurgery in two patients with low-grade (World Health Organization [WHO] grade II) third ventricular ependymomas. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical notes, operative records, and neuroimaging was performed for the two patients in this study. The patients both presented with obstructive hydrocephalus and had endoscopic third ventriculostomy performed along with endoscopic tumor biopsy. In both patients the pathology revealed papillary ependymoma WHO grade II. In one patient the endoscopic third ventriculostomy failed, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement was necessary. Postoperatively, gamma knife radiosurgery was performed at 1 and 4 months, respectively. Results Both patients in the study experienced symptom resolution following treatment of the hydrocephalus. They returned to their preoperative level of social and occupational function. There was tumor enlargement in one patient in the interval between the initial surgery and the gamma knife treatment. However, neither tumor has enlarged since gamma knife treatment with follow-up of 35 and 41 months, respectively. Conclusions The strategy of endoscopic biopsy followed by gamma knife radiosurgery for adult WHO grade II third ventricular ependymomas has produced acceptable clinical results 3 years posttreatment. Stereotactic radiosurgery without prior microsurgical resection has not previously been reported in these tumors. Longer follow-up is required to evaluate the durability of this treatment.
Thermal stability of P-N containing polymers

The thermal stability of a number of P-N containing polymers was studied employing softening range, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The products generally exhibited better weight retension than their carbon counterparts showing poor low temperature stability but moderate high temperature (to 1000°) stability. Degradation to about 300° occurs via nonoxidative routes whereas above 300° degradation occurs by oxidative routes in air. Most stability plateaus are kinetically controlled. Other commonalities and possible degradative routes are given.
High-fidelity hydrophilic probe for two-photon fluorescence lysosomal imaging.

The synthesis and characterization of a novel two-photon-absorbing fluorene derivative, LT1, selective for the lysosomes of HCT 116 cancer cells, is reported. Linear and nonlinear photophysical and photochemical properties of the probe were investigated to evaluate the potential of the probe for two-photon fluorescence microscopy (2PFM) lysosomal imaging. The cytotoxicity of the probe was investigated to evaluate the potential of using this probe for live two-photon fluorescence biological imaging applications. Colocalization studies of the probe with commercial Lysotracker Red in HCT 116 cells demonstrated the specific localization of the probe in the lysosomes with an extremely high colocalization coefficient (0.96). A figure of merit was introduced to allow comparison between probes. LT1 has a number of properties that far exceed those of commercial lysotracker probes, including higher two-photon absorption cross sections, good fluorescence quantum yield, and, importantly, high photostability, all resu...
Treatment of adenoma sebaceum with the copper vapor laser

Abstract Background: Angiofibromas of the central part of the face (adenoma sebaceum) occur pathognomonically in tuberous sclerosis, causing significant cosmetic and hygienic morbidity. Treatment has included excision, dermabrasion, cryosurgery, carbon dioxide laser, and argon laser. Copper vapor lasers emit light at 511 nm (green) and 578 nm (yellow), useful for treating pigmented and vascular lesions, respectively. Objective: Because of the vascular nature and progressive pigmentation of adenoma sebaceum, we examined the utility of the copper vapor laser in treating this disorder. Methods: Nine patients with adenoma sebaceum were treated with the copper vapor laser. Individual lesions were treated with the yellow light (578 nm) at 0.4 to 0.6 nW. Pigmented lesions or lesions resistant to treatment were treated with the green light (511 nm) at 0.4 to 0.9 mW. Intervals between treatments were at least 6 weeks. Results: Good to excellent cosmetic results were seen in all treated patients. Scarring or hyperpigmentation occurred in none of the patients. Most patients required additional treatments with the copper vapor laser as new lesions developed. Conclusion: The copper vapor laser is safe and effective for the treatment of adenoma sebaceum in tuberous sclerosis.
Linear stability of planar reverse combustion in porous media

Abstract The method of activation energy asymptotics has been applied to analyze the dynamics of a planar combustion wave traveling in a porous medium in a direction opposed to the forced oxidant flux. Such a process finds practical application in “reverse combustion” of coal seams, used to create a permeable link between gas injection and production wells prior to in situ gasification, and for in situ retorting of tar sands. The model assumes an infinite effective Lewis number and one-step, first-order Arrhenius kinetics for this two-phase, oxygen-limited combustion process. The steady adiabatic front temperature is the eigenvalue for the basic-state problem and is related to the steady front velocity by the integral energy balance. The fuel is modeled as a single component gas-phase species devolatilized from the medium ahead of the combustion zone. The calculated steady front velocity and front temperature agree well with results obtained numerically. Combustion of the medium increases its permeability to gas flow. Thus, the combustion front can be visualized as an unstable displacement front. The linear stability of the basic state was investigated, considering nonoscillatory normal modes. It was found that for a zero permeability change across the front all modes are stable, and for positive changes a most highly ampified mode exists, which depends on the degree of permeability increase and the characteristics of the basic-state solution. Qualitative predictions of the theory agree very well with experimental and field test observations of reverse combustion dynamics.
Fluxoid Quantization and Field-Induced Depairing in a Hollow Superconducting Microcylinder

Little and Parks demonstrated that the superconducting transition temperature ${T}_{c}$ of a multiply connected superconductor is periodic in a magnetic field with a periodicity of $\frac{\mathrm{hc}}{2e}$. However, there were certain anomalous features of the early experiments, such as an unexplained temperature dependence of the amplitude of the $\ensuremath{\Delta}{T}_{c}$ oscillations and an unexplained nonoscillatory magnetic field background superposed on the oscillatory field dependence of ${T}_{c}$. By repeating the experiment under more controlled conditions, we have eliminated the problems which led to the anomalous features of the early results. Isothermal resistance-versus-magnetic-field measurements were made on Sn and Al cylinders of various diameters in the range 1-5 \ensuremath{\mu}. From these measurements detailed phase diagrams (${T}_{c}$-versus-$H$ curves) were constructed which are in excellent agreement with the predictions of the linearized Ginzburg-Landau theory. The present type of experiment is shown to be suitable for studying depairing due to kinetic-energy effects associated with the drift motion of Cooper pairs. The results are discussed within the framework of the pairbreaking theory of Abrikosov and Gor'kov, which has been adapted to treat the present problem.
The Etiology of Observed Negative Emotionality from 14 to 24 Months

We examined the magnitude of genetic and environmental influences on observed negative emotionality at age 14, 20, and 24 months. Participants were 403 same-sex twin pairs recruited from the Longitudinal Twin Study whose emotional responses to four different situations were coded by independent raters. Negative emotionality showed significant consistency across settings, and there was evidence of a latent underlying negative emotionality construct. Heritability decreased, and the magnitude of shared environmental influences increased, for the latent negative emotionality construct from age 14 to 24 months. There were significant correlations between negative emotionality assessed at age 14, 20, and 24 months, and results suggested common genetic and shared environmental influences affecting negative emotionality across age, and that age-specific influences are limited to nonshared environmental influences, which include measurement error.
Clinical features of muscle dysmorphia among males with body dysmorphic disorder

Muscle dysmorphia – a pathological preoccupation with muscularity – appears to be a form of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) with a focus on muscularity. However, little is known about muscle dysmorphia in men with BDD, and no study has compared men with BDD who do and do not report muscle dysmorphia. To explore this issue, we reviewed the histories of 63 men with BDD; we compared those rated as having a history of muscle dysmorphia with those who had BDD but not muscle dysmorphia in several domains. The 14 men with muscle dysmorphia resembled the 49 comparison men in demographic features, BDD severity, delusionality, and number of non-muscle-related body parts of concern. However, those with muscle dysmorphia were more likely to have attempted suicide, had poorer quality of life, and had a higher frequency of any substance use disorder and anabolic steroid abuse. Thus, muscle dysmorphia was associated with greater psychopathology.
Percutaneous balloon humeroplasty for Hill-Sachs lesions: a novel technique

Introduction Hills-Sachs lesions are commonly associated with anterior shoulder dislocations and can be a source of recurrent instability. Studies have shown that, even after soft tissue repair of a Bankart lesion, there is still a risk for redislocation in a patient with significant bony defects. The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether balloon humeroplasty is an effective technique of reducing acute Hill-Sachs defect in a cadaveric model. Methods Eighteen cadaveric humerii dissected free of soft tissue were used for this study. Hill-Sachs lesions were created in a reproducible manner in the anatomical posterolateral aspect of the head with a mallet edge. An inflatable balloon tamp (balloon, IBT) was used to reduce the lesion via a small transcortical window. Cement was used to fill the void created by the balloon. We utilized computed tomography (CT) to collect volume data of each humeral head pre- and post-procedure. From this data, we calculated the volume of the Hill-Sachs defect and the percent corrected. A paired t test was performed to analyze the data statistically. Results The average prereduction Hill-Sachs defect volume was 1515.5 mm 3 . The average post-reduction lesion residual volume was 31 mm 3 with 99.3% reduction to the original humeral head volume. The Hill-Sachs lesion reduction was statistically significant with P value of .0004. Conclusion Balloon humeroplasty proved to be an effective technique for reducing Hill-Sachs lesions in a cadaveric model. This technique may be used as an adjunct to arthroscopic versus open Bankart procedure for engaging acute Hill-Sachs lesions.
Reliability and validity of a measure of sexual and physical abuse histories among women with serious mental illness

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to describe a standardized questionnaire of histories of abuse among women with serious and persistent mental illness, and to assess its test-retest reliability and its validity. METHODS: Seventy women enrolled in an outpatient clinic were asked about childhood histories of physical and sexual abuse in a structured clinical interviews at two times. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability yielded a Kappa of .63 for the measure of physical abuse, and .82 for the measure of sexual abuse. Validity, assessed as consistency with an independent clinical assessment, showed 75% agreement for reports of physical abuse, and 93% agreement for reports of sexual abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood histories of physical and sexual abuse can be reliably and validly assessed in women with severe and persistent mental illness using a standardized instrument. Language: en
Review: properties and assembly mechanisms of ND10, PML bodies, or PODs.

Nuclear domain 10 (ND10), also referred to as PML bodies or PODs, are discrete interchromosomal accumulations of several proteins including PML and Sp100. We describe here developments in the visualization of ND10 and the mechanism of ND10 assembly made possible by the identification of proteins that are essential for this process using cell lines that lack individual ND10-associated proteins. PML is critical for the proper localization of all other ND10-associated proteins under physiological conditions. Introducing PML into a PML -/- cell line by transient expression or fusion with PML-producing cells recruited ND10-associated proteins into de novo formed ND10, attesting to its essential nature in ND10 formation. This recruitment includes Daxx, a protein that can bind PML and is highly enriched in condensed chromatin in the absence of PML. The segregation of Daxx from condensed chromatin to ND10 by increased accumulation of Sentrin/SUMO-1 modified PML suggests the presence of a variable equilibrium between these two nuclear sites. These findings identify the basic requirements for ND10 formation and suggest a dynamic mechanism for protein recruitment to these nuclear domains controlled by the SUMO-1 modification state of PML. Additional adapter proteins are suggested to exist by the behavior of Sp100, and Sp100 will provide the basis for their identification. Further information about the dynamic balance of proteins between ND10 and the actual site of functional activity of these proteins will establish whether ND10 function as homeostatic regulators or only in storage of excess proteins destined for turnover.
Radiative decay engineering 3. Surface plasmon-coupled directional emission

A new method of fluorescence detection that promises to increase sensitivity by 20- to 1000-fold is described. This method will also decrease the contribution of sample autofluorescence to the detected signal. The method depends on the coupling of excited fluorophores with the surface plasmon resonance present in thin metal films, typically silver and gold. The phenomenon of surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE) occurs for fluorophores 20–250 nm from the metal surface, allowing detection of fluorophores over substantial distances beyond the metal–sample interface. SPCE depends on interactions of the excited fluorophore with the metal surface. This interaction is independent of the mode of excitation; that is, it does not require evanescent wave or surface-plasmon excitation. In a sense, SPCE is the inverse process of the surface plasmon resonance absorption of thin metal films. Importantly, SPCE occurs over a narrow angular distribution, converting normally isotropic emission into easily collected directional emission. Up to 50% of the emission from unoriented samples can be collected, much larger than typical fluorescence collection efficiencies near 1% or less. SPCE is due only to fluorophores near the metal surface and may be regarded as emission from the induced surface plasmons. Autofluorescence from more distal parts of the sample is decreased due to decreased coupling. SPCE is highly polarized and autofluorescence can be further decreased by collecting only the polarized component or only the light propagating with the appropriate angle. Examples showing how simple optical configurations can be used in diagnostics, sensing, or biotechnology applications are presented. Surface plasmon-coupled emission is likely to find widespread applications throughout the biosciences.
New Directions in Interdisciplinarity: Broad, Deep, and Critical

Aristotle launched Western knowledge on a trajectory toward disciplinarity that continues to this day. But is the knowledge management project that began with Aristotle adequate for the age of Goog...
Robust projector matrix decomposition in time-varying observer designs

The structure of a new recursive algorithm for time-varying observer gain vector calculation is developed and examined in detail. Relations are derived for the propagation of observer gain errors through the computations.
OSMOTIC PRESSURE AND WATER CONTENT OF PRAIRIE PLANTS.

Many conflicting ideas have been expressed concerning osmotic pressure in plant cells. The purposes of this investigation were to determine the range of osmotic pressure in prairie plants and to ascertain, if possible, any correlation between osmotic pressure and certain ecological factors. Since the osmotic pressure of a solution is dependent upon the proportion of water and osmotically active substances, it may be concluded that either a decrease in the water content or an increase in osmotically active substances will have an identical effect, namely, an increase in the osmotic
Effects of Cooking and Chemical Treatment on Heme and Nonheme Iron in Meat

Treatment of ground beef samples with heat (conventional and microwave), ascorbic acid, or H2O2 increased nonheme iron concentrations. The increases ranged from less than 10% to more than 100% depending on the type, length, and severity of the treatment. Cooking of fresh beef round using common household methods (braising, roasting, microwave cooking) resulted in nonheme iron increases that were generally less than 10%. Treatment of hemin and meat extract solutions with heat and H2O2 resulted in destruction of the iron-porphyrin complex. Oxidative cleavage of the porphyrin ring followed by release of the iron is probably the mechanism for the observed increases in nonheme iron.