cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-Frequency Oscillations on Interictal Epileptiform Discharges in Routinely Acquired Scalp EEG: Can It Be Used as a Prognostic Marker?

Introduction Despite all the efforts for optimizing epilepsy management in children over the past decades, there is no clear consensus regarding whether to treat or not to treat epileptiform discharges (EDs) after a first unprovoked seizure or the optimal duration of therapy with anti-seizure medication (ASM). It is therefore highly needed to find markers on scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) that can help identify pathological EEG discharges that require treatment. Aim of the study This retrospective study aimed to identify whether the coexistence of ripples/high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) with interictal EDs (IEDs) in routinely acquired scalp EEG is associated with a higher risk of seizure recurrence and could be used as a prognostic marker. Methods 100 children presenting with new onset seizure to Children's Medical Center- Dallas during 2015-2016, who were not on ASM and had focal EDs on an awake and sleep EEG recorded with sample frequency of 500 HZ, were randomly identified by database review. EEGs were analyzed blinded to the data of the patients. HFOs were visually identified using review parameters including expanded time base and adjusted filter settings. Results The average age of patients was 6.3 years (±4.35 SD). HFOs were visually identified in 19% of the studied patients with an inter-rater reliability of 99% for HFO negative discharges and 78% agreement for identification of HFOs. HFOs were identified more often in the younger age group; however, they were identified in 11% of patients >5 years old. They were more frequently associated with spikes than with sharp waves and more often with higher amplitude EDs. Patients with HFOs were more likely to have a recurrence of seizures in the year after the first seizure (P < 0.05) and to continue to have seizures after 2 years (P < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regards to continuing ASM after 2 years. Conclusion Including analysis for HFOs in routine EEG interpretation may increase the yield of the study and help guide the decision to either start or discontinue ASM. In the future, this may also help to identify pathological discharges with deleterious effects on the growing brain and set a new target for the management of epilepsy.
Entanglement transport and a nanophotonic interface for atoms in optical tweezers

The realization of an efficient quantum optical interface for multi-qubit systems is an outstanding challenge in science and engineering. Using two atoms in individually-controlled optical tweezers coupled to a nanofabricated photonic crystal cavity, we demonstrate entanglement generation, fast non-destructive readout, and full quantum control of atomic qubits. The entangled state is verified in free space after being transported away from the cavity by encoding the qubits into long-lived states and using dynamical decoupling. Our approach bridges quantum operations at an optical link and in free space by a coherent one-way transport, potentially enabling an integrated optical interface for atomic quantum processors.
Water absorption of hydrophylic polymers (Hydrogels) reduced by media amendments.

Abstract Water absorbency of 4 commercially available hydrophylic polymers (hydrogels) (Agrosoke, Liqua-gel, Mizuace and Terra-sorb HB) in response to 4 media amendments (Micromax, Osmocote 18N-2.6P-10.0K (18-6-12), gypsum and dolomitic limestone) and the combination of 4 amendments was determined. Water absorbency of 4 hydrogels was reduced by all amendments except Osmocote added to Liqua-gel. Generally, hydrogel absorbency was reduced most by Micromax and the combination of media amendments, followed by gypsum, Osmocote, and dolomitic limestone. None of the hydrogels functioned as advertised.
Transforming Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Education With Team Based Learning

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the team-based learning (TBL) instructional approach on learning outcomes in an undergraduate psychiatric mental health (PMH) nursing course. An uncontrolled, before and after design was employed. Data were collected over eight consecutive semesters (N=347) before and after implementation of TBL. Two variables were selected for comparison before and after implementation: scores on PMH portion of the Evolve® practice exit examination and time (in hours) students reported preparing for class. After implementation, students scored higher on the PMH practice exit examination and reported increased study time. Qualitatively, students reported enjoying working in teams despite the increased study time required with the TBL method.
Overview of Bile Secretion

The sections in this article are: 1 Biological Overview: Significance of Bile Formation in Vertebrates 1.1 Major Biliary Components and Major Functions of Bile 1.2 Differences Between Hepatic Excretory Function and Renal Excretory Function 2 Anatomy and Circulation of Biliary Tree 2.1 Functional Anatomy of Biliary Tract 2.2 Circulation of Liver and Biliary Tract 2.3 Imaging of Biliary Tract 3 Methods For Studying Physiology of Bile 3.1 Biliary Fistula Methods 3.2 Perfused Liver Preparations 3.3 Isolated Hepatocytes or Cultured Hepatocytes 3.4 Hepatic Cell Doublets 3.5 Isolated Membrane Fractions 4 Overview of Biliary Secretion 4.1 Bile as Resultant of Secretory, Hydrolytic, and Absorptive Processes 4.2 Canalicular Bile Formation 4.3 Ductular Modification of Canalicular Bile 4.4 Gallbladder Modification of Hepatic Bile 4.5 Spontaneous Changes in Bile Composition 4.6 Markers of Bile Flow 5 Classification of Biliary Constituents 6 Organic Constituents of Bile 6.1 Biliary Lipids 6.2 Minor Organic Components 6.3 Trace Organic Components 7 Inorganic Components of Bile 7.1 Physiological Determinants of Concentration of Common Ions 7.2 Biliary Calcium 7.3 Significance of Biliary Electrolyte Composition 7.4 Minor and Trace Metals 8 Secretory and Excretory Functions of Bile 8.1 Secretory Function 8.2 Excretory Function 9 Cholestasis
The eleven commandments for IVHS

The paper examines eleven characteristics an IVHS product or service must have if it is to be commercially successful with the public. North American car and truck buyers are the subjects of interest. Characteristics discussed include demonstration, communication, simplicity, adaptation (in the buyer's behavior), alternatives, exposure (of the customer to the IVHS idea), buyer's perception, real benefits, upkeep, value, and price. >
The Cenozoic Sequence in the Yangtze Valley

On the whole the sequence of the Cenozoic formations in the Yangtze basin and its provisional correlation with the Cenozoic sequence in North China, can be expressed in the following table:
The endothelium: influencing vascular smooth muscle in many ways

The endothelium, although only a single layer of cells lining the vascular and lymphatic systems, contributes in multiple ways to vascular homeostasis. Subsequent to the 1980 report by Robert Furch...
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: a rare complication following electrical injury.

We report on two previously healthy patients who developed severe form of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) following an electric injury. Both the patients developed symptoms of orthostatic intolerance in the form of dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, and palpitations, weeks to months after electrical injury. Orthostatic intolerance produced considerable functional impairment in these patients. Early recognition of POTS when it occurs after an electrical injury allows for prompt evaluation and management to occur. (PACE 2010; 33:e59–e61)
Impact of DOS Attacks on a Private Cloud and the FAPA Solution

Cloud computing is becoming the leading IT computational technology due to the increasing acceptance of clouds as a viable solution for many different computing needs. Although it is being touted as a path for cost savings, not everyone in the computing community agrees with the advantages provided by cloud computing. While clouds can be highly productive and economical, cloud computing is vulnerable to different types of attacks, such as denial of service and distributed denial of service (DoS/DDoS) attacks. The focus of our research is to provide uninterrupted cloud services when the system is under a DoS threat from an external adversary. Several architectures have been suggested by different research groups to detect DDoS attacks. None of them considered the occurrence of virtualization in a cloud infrastructure, specially, the impact of DDoS on virtual networks and its side effects on co-resident virtual machines (siblings) or their neighbors. In this paper, we present results from experiments we conducted on our local private cloud instances to explore the amplification of external DoS attacks from a large number of botnets. All these botnets were hosted in the commercially used public cloud Amazon EC2. We measured the impact in terms of bandwidth and transfer packets for the victim machine as well as the siblings and neighbor instances. We then deployed a filtering mechanism named FAPA to successfully protect the victim machines from DoS attacks.
Comatose Markets: What if Liquidity is Not the Norm?

Much of financial theory and practice is built on the presumption that markets are liquid. In a liquid market, you should be able to buy or sell any asset, in any quantity, at the prevailing market price and with no transactions costs. Using that definition, no asset is completely liquid and there are wide variations in liquidity across asset classes, across assets within each asset class, and across investors. After presenting evidence to back up this proposition and recognizing that investors care about and price in illiquidity, we evaluate how introducing illiquidity into the decision process not only alters portfolio composition but has a divergent impact on investors with different time horizons and investment strategies. The presence and pricing in of liquidity opens up profitable opportunities for two classes of investors: long-term investors who care about less about liquidity than the rest of the market (liquidity arbitrageurs) and investors who can time shifts in market liquidity (liquidity timers). In illiquid markets, firms will also be more sparing in their use of debt, will pay higher dividends, will buy back less stock and will accumulate more cash.
Effects of hypnotically controlled strength of registration vs rehearsal

Posthypnotic manipulation of cognitive arousal in three degrees was utilized to test the relative impact of strength of registration vs strength of rehearsal upon response salience. All pairings of high, medium, and low arousal conditions at registration and rehearsal were applied to a task involving oral presentation of strings of consonants. Results obtained with two male Ss clearly favored rehearsal strength as the more influential in affecting subsequent output.
Intracellular localization of tyrosinase inhibitor in amelanotic and melanotic malignant melanoma.

Summary.— Intracellular distribution of the tyrosinase inhibitor in malignant melanoma cells has been investigated in order to elucidate the defect of melanization in the pigment cell cytoplasm and premelanosomes of amelanotic melanoma. We have found that the tyrosinase inhibitor has its highest activity in the cytoplasmic soluble fraction for both amelanotic and melanotic melanomata. However, inhibitor assay of melanoma subfractions reveals a distinct difference between the inhibitor activity of amelanotic and melanotic melanomata. Premelanosome-containing subfractions of amelanotic melanomata contain much higher inhibitor activity than those of melanotic malignant melanomata. A high concentration of inhibitor seen in subfraction 3 which contains most of the total succinoxidase activity is found to be contained in the premelanosomes of this subfraction. It is suggested that the absence of melanization in the non-premelanosomal cytoplasm of pigment cells and in the premelanosomes of tyrosinase containing amelanotic melanomata is directly related to the concentration of tyrosinase inhibitor in these compartments of the cells.
Are Attitudes Toward Writing and Reading Separable Constructs? A Study With Primary Grade Children

This study examined whether or not attitude towards writing is a unique and separable construct from attitude towards reading for young, beginning writers. Participants were 128 first-grade children (70 girls and 58 boys) and 113 third-grade students (57 girls and 56 boys). Each child was individually administered a 24 item attitude measure, which contained 12 items assessing attitude towards writing and 12 parallel items for reading. Students also wrote a narrative about a personal event in their life. A factor analysis of the 24 item attitude measure provided evidence that generally support the contention that writing and reading attitudes are separable constructs for young beginning writers, as it yielded three factors: a writing attitude factor with 9 items, a reading attitude factor with 9 parallel items, and an attitude about literacy interactions with others factor containing 4 items (2 items in writing and 2 parallel items in reading). Further validation that attitude towards writing is a separable construct from attitude towards reading was obtained at the third-grade level, where writing attitude made a unique and significant contribution, beyond the other two attitude measures, to the prediction of three measures of writing: quality, length, and longest correct word sequence. At the first-grade level, none of the 3 attitude measures predicted students' writing performance. Finally, girls had more positive attitudes concerning reading and writing than boys.
LINE INTENSITY RATIOS IN THE EIS RANGE SENSITIVE TO ELECTRON DENSITIES IN 107 K PLASMAS

Electron density variations during the rise, maximum, and decay phases of flaring plasmas at T 10 MK are important quantities to be used to test flare models. To date, electron density values measured in solar flares are, with few exceptions, only lower limits. With the launch of the EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) on Hinode, it has become possible for the first time to measure electron densities and their time evolution during flares. In this paper we discuss electron density diagnostics in the 1010-1013 cm−3 range by means of intensity ratios of lines emitted by Ti, Cr, and Mn ions within the Hinode/EIS wavelength range.
Compliance With Vision-Screening Guidelines Among a National Sample of Pediatricians

Objective.—The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends vision screening from birth through adolescence, with visual acuity testing and binocular screening to begin at age 3 years. The 1996 AAP guidelines advised referral for visual acuity worse than 20/40 for children aged 3 to 5 years and worse than 20/30 for children aged 6 years and older. Our objective was to describe vision-screening and referral practices in a national sample of primary care pediatricians. Methods.—We mailed a survey to a random sample of US pediatricians. Initial nonresponders were mailed up to 3 additional surveys. All mailings occurred between May and October 1998. Analyses focused on primary care pediatricians and consisted of descriptive statistics and regression analyses. The main outcome measure was compliance with 1996 AAP recommendations for vision screening. Results.—Of the 1491 surveys mailed, 888 (60%) were returned, including 576 (65%) from primary care pediatricians. Vision-screening methods included visual acuity testing (92%), cover test (64%), red reflex test (95%), fundoscopic examinations (65%), and stereopsis testing (32%). Respondents routinely performed visual acuity testing at 3 years (37%), 4 years (79%), 5 years (91%), 6 years (80%), 7–12 years (82%), and 13–18 years (80%). Visual acuity thresholds for referring 3- and 4-year-olds were 20/40 (47%, 51%), 20/50 (36%, 32%), or worse than 20/50 (14%, 12%). The majority of pediatricians referred children aged 5 years and older at 20/40, although thresholds worse than 20/40 were reported commonly (18%–33%). Logistic regressions were done to identify factors associated with higher likelihood of performing specific screening tests. Although no factor was consistently associated with use of all screening tests, size of the practice was significant in several regression models. Conclusions.—Many pediatricians do not follow AAP guidelines for vision screening and referral, especially in younger children. Two thirds of pediatricians do not begin visual acuity testing at age 3 years as recommended, and about one fifth do not test until age 5 years. In addition, one fourth do not perform cover tests or stereopsis testing at any age.
Evaluation of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry for polymer characterization

A protocol for the preparation of polymeric samples for time-of-flight matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (TOF-MALDI-MS) analysis was developed. Dithranol was identified as a good matrix for polystyrene (PS), and the addition of silver for cationization of molecules was determined to be necessary. Based on this preparative method, low molecular weight samples of other polymers [polyisoprene, polybutadiene, poly(ethylene oxide), poly(methyl methacrylate), and polydimethylsiloxane] were analyzed with molecular weights up to 49 ku. The effects of laser intensity were determined to influence the molecular weight distribution of intact oligomers, most significantly for low molecular weight polymers. Linear and reflectron modes of analysis were evaluated; better signal intensity and resolution were obtained in the reflectron mode. The TOF-MALDI-MS measurements are compared with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) for the same polymers. The Mn values calculated by TOF-MALDI-MS consistently are higher than values calculated by TOF-SIMS for all classes of polymers with molecular weights up to 8 ku. The molecular weights of the PS calculated from TOF-MALDI-MS are in good agreement with GPC (±10%). The composition of the terminal group on a polymer chain may affect the ion yields. The ion yields of intact oligomers were evaluated as a function of end group composition for both TOF-MALDI-MS and TOF-SIMS. The slight disparity of results between TOF-SIMS and TOF-MALDI-MS for the perfluoroalkyl-terminated PS suggests that the oligomers are desorbed preferentially from the surface in the TOF-SIMS analysis, rather than having an increased ionization probability.
Marital happiness: implications for dual career couples

Two marital myths, a woman's place is in the home and the husband is the primary wage earner or provider, were investigated in relation to marital happiness. No significant relationships were found between the variables indicating that changing lifestyles and the employment of females outside the home may be resulting in a greater equality between spouses and that women's employment does not affect marital happiness, even though job responsibilities and pressure may at times create conflict between dual career couples.
An Internal Water Management Scheme for Portable Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is highly dependent on water content of the membrane and a humidification scheme becomes a necessity to operate PEFCs at a high efficiency. However, conventional humidification schemes require external humidifiers, which are usually bulky and impractical for portable PEFCs. In this paper we propose an innovative approach for humidification of the polymer electrolyte membrane, using an internally built-in mass (water) exchanger (MX) embedded in the bipolar plates. We present the validation of the concept using a multi-dimensional, isothermal computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solution of the water transport in the proposed MX. An optimal range of operation of the MX is investigated and effects on PEFC performance are studied.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
On Fractional Powers of a Matrix

Abstract Statisticians occasionally need to compute a fractional power of a matrix. In certain practical cases a matrix A is given, and the statistician wants to compute the pth power of A, where p is a fractional or negative number; that is, a matrix R, such that R 1/p = A. He can often get a satisfactory approximation to Ap by using several leading terms of a power series. This procedure is similar to that of inverting certain matrices by power series.
Modeling of Aerosol Spray Characteristics for Synthesis of Mixed-Oxide Nanocomposite Sensor Film

A model is developed of aerosol synthesis of mixed metal oxide nanocomposite film for sensor applications. The synthesis technique involves atomization of a solution of mixed salts in water, spraying of solution droplets, droplet deposition on a heated substrate, evaporation and chemical reaction to produce the mixed oxides, and film growth. The precise control of oxide nanoparticle size distribution and inter-particle spacing in the film is crucial to achieving high sensitivity. These in turn largely depend on the droplet characteristics prior to impingement on the substrate. This paper focuses on development of a model to describe the atomization and spray processes before the film growth. Specifically, a mathematical model is developed utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics solution of the equations governing the transport of atomized droplets from the nozzle to predict droplet characteristics in flight. The predictions include spatial distribution of droplet size and concentration, and the effect on these characteristics of swirling inlet flow at the spray nozzle.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A precepted perioperative elective for baccalaureate nursing students.

ABSTRACT A major factor contributing to the recruitment crisis in perioperative nursing is the lack of perioperative experiences offered to nursing students. A clinical elective designed to provide interested baccalaureate nursing students with OR experience was implemented at one university. A faculty member collaborated with perioperative nurses from area hospitals to provide a 36-hour, precepted perioperative experience. The course allows students to learn about the perioperative nursing role and helps them develop nursing skills. Students acknowledged that this brief experience was adequate to meet their learning needs and help them decide whether they wanted to pursue further a career in perioperative nursing. AORN J 76 (Dec 2002) 1032–1040.
Difficulty in administration of liquid protein solution via an enteral feeding tube.

Patients with head or other trauma, thermal injury, or obesity may require aggressive protein supplementation beyond the protein content of commercially-available enteral feeding solutions.[1][1]–[3][2] Use of protein supplementation as adjuvant therapy to a liquid enteral nutrition formula is
Chemiluminescence-based BrdU ELISA to measure DNA synthesis

We describe a simple, sensitive, nonradioactive, relatively rapid and relatively inexpensive protocol to measure DNA synthesis in cultured cells by a chemiluminescent bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We show that it exhibits similar sensitivity and activity as traditional 3H-thymidine incorporation assays and a commercial chemiluminescent BrdU ELISA kit when tested in commonly used cell lines, such as NIH 3T3 cells, mink lung epithelial cells (Mv1LU), and baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) fibroblasts. This assay also exhibits a wider dynamic range than colorimetric BrdU ELISA methods. Besides being a viable, nonradioactive alternative to 3H-thymidine incorporation assays, our BrdU ELISA is less expensive than a commercial chemiluminescent BrdU ELISA kit.
An improvement to Kogut and Singh measure of cultural distance considering the relationship among different dimensions of culture

Abstract National cultural distance construct has wide-spread use in the international business literature, with many applications. Despite its limitations as summarized by Shenkar (2001) , the method in Kogut and Singh (1988) is commonly adopted by researchers to measure cultural distance. This article demonstrates that this method is a special case of the distance measure in Mahalanobis (1936) under the assumption of zero covariances between different dimensions of culture. Further, it demonstrates that this assumption is not valid for several cultural dimensions of countries measured by Hofstede (1980) , and suggests a simple modification to the method that corrects for this invalid assumption, and hence produces more accurate measures of cultural distance. The article concludes with a comparison of cultural distances as measured by the original and the modified version of the method.
Pyrite: Its Rapid Formation in a Salt Marsh and Its Importance In Ecosystem Metabolism

Pyrite formation in salt-marsh peat occurs more rapidly than is generally thought for any natural system. Pyrite is the major end product of sulfate reduction, and sulfate reduction is the major form of respiration in the salt-marsh ecosystem. When the rapid formation of pyrite is ignored, the rates of sulfate reduction and ecosystem respiration may be grossly underestimated.
Two inositol hexakisphosphate kinases drive inositol pyrophosphate synthesis in plants.

Summary Inositol pyrophosphates are unique cellular signaling molecules with recently discovered roles in energy sensing and metabolism. Studies in eukaryotes have revealed that these compounds have a rapid turnover, and thus only small amounts accumulate. Inositol pyrophosphates have not been the subject of investigation in plants even though seeds produce large amounts of their precursor, myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6). Here, we report that Arabidopsis and maize InsP6 transporter mutants have elevated levels of inositol pyrophosphates in their seed, providing unequivocal identification of their presence in plant tissues. We also show that plant seeds store a little over 1% of their inositol phosphate pool as InsP7 and InsP8. Many tissues, including, seed, seedlings, roots and leaves accumulate InsP7 and InsP8, thus synthesis is not confined to tissues with high InsP6. We have identified two highly similar Arabidopsis genes, AtVip1 and AtVip2, which are orthologous to the yeast and mammalian VIP kinases. Both AtVip1 and AtVip2 encode proteins capable of restoring InsP7 synthesis in yeast mutants, thus AtVip1 and AtVip2 can function as bonafide InsP6 kinases. AtVip1 and AtVip2 are differentially expressed in plant tissues, suggesting non-redundant or non-overlapping functions in plants. These results contribute to our knowledge of inositol phosphate metabolism and will lay a foundation for understanding the role of InsP7 and InsP8 in plants.
A new traffic model for backbone networks and its application to performance analysis

In this paper, we present a new traffic model constructed from a random number of shifting level processes (SLP) aggregated over time, in which the lengths of the active periods of the SLP are of Pareto or truncated Pareto distribution. For both cases, the model has been proved to be asymptotically second-order self-similar. However, based on extensive traffic data we collected from a backbone network, we find that the active periods of the constructing SLPs can be approximated better by a truncated Pareto distribution, instead of the Pareto distribution as assumed in existing traffic model constructions. The queueing problem of a single server fed with a traffic described by the model is equivalently converted to a problem with a traffic described by Norros' model. For the tail probability of the queue length distribution, an approximate expression and upper bound have been found in terms of large deviation estimates and are mathematically more tractable than existing results. The effectiveness of the traffic model and performance results are demonstrated by our simulations and experimental studies on a backbone network. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The work has been done when the first author was with AT&T Labs, Middletown, NJ.
Adenyl Cyclase and Cyclic AMP Biochemical Links in the Regulation of Myocardial Contractility

The actions of many hormones may be related to their capacity to increase adenyl cyclase activity in their target organs. The evidence indicating that catecholamines and glucagon augment myocardial contractility by enhancing the activity of myocardial adenyl cyclase is summarized. Furthermore, data are presented suggesting that the inotropic actions of epinephrine and glucagon ultimately may be due to an increase in sarcotubular calcium stores, an effect that appears to be related to activation of an adenyl cyclase pool localized in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Other hormones that may alter contractility through actions on the adenyl cyclase-cyclic AMP system are thyroid hormone, histamine, prostaglandin, and acetylcholine. Chronic cardiac decompensation in both the experimental animal and in man diminishes the effectiveness of glucagon as an inotropic agent and interferes with the mechanisms by which glucagon acts to enhance the activity of myocardial adenyl cyclase, changes that may be causally interrelated. Although an understanding of the adenyl cyclase system would seem to be extremely important for an understanding of the basic mechanisms responsible for modulating the intensity of the contractile state of the heart, further investigations are necessary for complete validation of this hypothesis.
Metanephric adenoma of the kidney: clinical and radiological study of nine cases

OBJECTIVE To analyse the clinical and radiological features of metanephric adenoma (MA, a rare benign renal tumour) in nine patients, and to review previous reports. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 1992 to 2007, we identified nine patients (eight women and one man) with MA at our institution. Four patients had a radical nephrectomy and five a partial nephrectomy. Preoperative imaging was reviewed by a senior radiologist. Renal colour Doppler ultrasonography (US), abdominal computed tomography and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging were used in seven, eight and four patients, respectively. RESULTS The mean (range) age of the patients was 46.8 (19-79) years. Six tumours were discovered incidentally. Three patients were symptomatic (two with haematuria and one with polycythaemia). There was no vascular flow on colour Doppler US within the tumours. There were peripheral and/or central calcifications in six of the tumours. All the tumours were well-circumscribed with minimal enhancement after injection with non-ionic intravenous contrast or gadolinium. CONCLUSIONS Renal MA is a benign tumour occurring mainly in young and middle-aged women. Polycythaemia is associated in approximately 10%. Generally, MA is solid, well-circumscribed and hypovascular, often with calcifications. Based on a combination of clinical and imaging features, it might be possible to suspect the diagnosis of MA and propose a preoperative diagnostic biopsy, a partial nephrectomy or active surveillance.
Quantitative analysis of drug-receptor interactions: II. Determination of the properties of receptor subtypes

Abstract Results reported over the past several years have led to the conclusion that most known and putative neurotransmitters interact with multiple receptor subtypes. A quantitative analysis of receptor subtypes can be based on the use of radioligands that are selective for a given receptor subtype or on selective competing ligands that inhibit the binding of a nonselective radioligand. In either case a mathematical approach is required to determine the density and properties of multiple receptor subtypes that may be present in a given tissue. Either transformed (Scatchard or Hofstee plots) or untransformed data can be used. Regardless of the mathematical approach employed, the existence of specific assumptions must be recognized and specific experiments must be carried out to test these assumptions if valid results are to be obtained.
Management of glaucoma suspect patients with congenital optic disc anomalies

Abstract Congenital optic disc anomalies including optic disc drusen, optic pits, tilted discs, and optic nerve colobomas, can produce visual field defects that may be difficult to differentiate from glaucoma. This presents a diagnostic challenge in the patient with both a congenital optic nerve anomaly and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Patients with anomalous discs and visual field loss along with elevated IOP should be considered for anti-glaucoma therapy because of the difficulty detecting glaucoma damage. The case reports presented will discuss management of patients with optic disc anomalies and progressive visual field loss.
Zeeman Effect in the Arc Spectrum of Cobalt

Zeeman patterns for 151 lines in the range $\ensuremath{\lambda}3200 \mathrm{to} \ensuremath{\lambda}6500$ are measured and $g$-factors for 100 terms are determined. All the experimental $g$-factors are compared with their theoretical values for $\mathrm{LS}$ coupling and those for the deep even terms are compared with theoretical values for intermediate coupling. The experimental values for the multiplets, ${b}^{4}P$, ${a}^{2}D$, ${m}^{2}{D}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$, ${y}^{4}{F}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ and ${m}^{2}{P}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ deviate rather widely from the theoretical values. The Zeeman patterns indicate changes in classifications for $\ensuremath{\lambda}4549.67$ and $\ensuremath{\lambda}6450.24$ and decide the quantum numbers for two incompletely analyzed terms.
Hydrogen-ion dependence of the antidiuretic action of vasopressin, oxytocin and deaminooxytocin.

Abstract The pH dependence of the antidiuretic action of arginine vasopressin, oxytocin and deaminooxytocin was confirmed in flow chambers in vitro . The characteristics of the H + effect were the same with all three nonapeptides and were dependent on the concentration of the hormone, the duration of the change in H + concentration, and the absolute H + concentration. Below a pH of 7.0 the effect was non-competitive but was reversible over the full range of pH values tested ( i.e. , pH 8.43-6.73). At a serosal pH of 8.4 the uptake of [ 3 H]oxytocin exceeded the total water content of the toad bladder within 20 min of its addition to the medium. When the pH of the serosal medium was lowered to 6.7, uptake of [ 3 H]oxytocin was greatly reduced. A kinetic model is proposed as a means of deriving a receptor site p K for the range of H + concentration that showed competitive inhibition. The apparent p K A of the receptor site was estimated as 7.8, 8.1, and 7.9 based on the antidiuretic action of arginine vasopressin, oxytocin, and deaminooxytocin, respectively. Although an explicit estimate of the affinity of the hormone for the receptor could not be deduced, the order of physiological effectiveness ( i.e. , the product of the intrinsic affinity and the distribution coefficient, αK ) was deduced to be arginine vasopressin > oxytocin > deaminooxytocin.
Experimental Results on Multiple-Input Single-Output (MISO) Time Reversal for UWB Systems in an Office Environment

This paper experimentally investigates the scheme of time reversal (TR) combined with multiple-input single-output (MISO) antennas over ultra-wideband (UWB) channels. In particular, temporal and spatial focusing as well as array gain are studied based on a (4times1) MISO scheme in an office environment. The results confirm that the energy of UWB signals in an MISO scheme is more spatial-temporally focused than in a single-input single-output (SISO) scheme. As a result, a strong peak is observed in the equivalent channel impulse response. The magnitude of this peak grows linearly with the square root of the number of antenna elements at the transmitter. All the measurements and data processing are completed in the time domain
Application of significant structures theory to amorphous polyethylene

The thermodynamic properties of amorphous polyethylene are calculated from a model based on the method of significant structures. The motion of a molecule as a whole is described by the motion of segments, each segment moving independently of all others. It is assumed that on melting, holes appear in the solid lattice and the segments can move into these vacancies, obtaining some gaslike degrees of freedom. The complete frequency distribution for polyethylene is used for the solidlike degrees of freedom, while a corrected classical partition function is used for the gaslike degrees of freedom. The calculated thermodynamic properties are in reasonable agreement with experimentally determined values, assuming each gaslike segment to consist of 20 CH2 groups.
Effects of simulated sublethal predation on the growth and regeneration rates of a spionid polychaete in laboratory flumes

Most spionid polychaetes switch from deposit feeding to suspension feeding as current speed and the flux of suspended food increase. Growth rates of juvenile Polydora cornuta are strongly affected by flow and can be as rapid as 60% day−1 in moderate currents. Feeding palps that extend above the sediment–water interface during suspension feeding are especially vulnerable to sublethal predation, but individuals with damaged posteriors are also common. We performed a series of laboratory flume experiments to test the effects of sublethal tissue damage on the growth and regeneration rates of P. cornuta juveniles. Replicated experiments were conducted at three flow speeds in counter-rotating annular flumes containing field-collected sediment and a nonliving algal slurry as deposited and suspended food. In the first set of experiments, we removed 2, 1, or 0 of worms’ two feeding palps and measured the relative growth rates of worm bodies and palps after 3 days in the flumes. Worms that lost both palps grew significantly slower than the other two groups, but the growth rate of worms that had one undamaged palp was not significantly different from worms that had two undamaged palps. Faster flow speeds significantly increased rates of body growth, and there was a significant interaction between flow and the effect of palp loss. During the 3-day experiments, damaged palps fully regenerated and often grew larger than they were prior to being removed. Damaged palps also grew significantly faster than undamaged palps. The second set of experiments tested the effects of removing a worm’s posterior region (~18% of body volume). The growth rates of these damaged and undamaged worms did not differ significantly. By the end of a 3-day flume experiment, damaged worms had grown 6× larger than they were prior to the posterior damage. The rapid regeneration of damaged palps and posterior tissue in moderate flows that allow suspension feeding suggests that sublethal predation on spionids might be more frequent than previously estimated and will have little impact on the growth of juvenile recruits.
Analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in the initial morphogenesis of the mammalian tooth.

Abstract Epithelial–mesenchymal interactions govern the development of epidermal organs such as teeth. During the early stages of tooth development, a local ectodermal thickening which expresses several signaling molecules appears. It is believed that these in turn signal to the underlying mesenchyme triggering mesenchymal condensation and tooth development. For example, epithelially expressed Bmp4 inducesMsx1andLef1as well as itself in the underlying mesenchyme. In this paper we have investigated the role of four epithelial signaling molecules, Bmp2, Shh, Wnt10a, and Wnt10b, in the early inductive cascades that govern tooth development. We show that all four genes are specifically expressed in the epithelium between E11.0 and E12.0 when tooth morphogenesis is first apparent. Although Shh, Bmp2, and Wnt10b have similar, if not identical, expression patterns, each signal has a distinct molecular action on the jaw mesenchyme. Whereas Shh and Wnt10b can induce general Hedgehog and Wnt targets,PtcandGlifor Shh andLef1for Wnt10b, only Bmp2 is able to induce tooth-specific expression ofMsx1. Thus, there are distinct targets for all three pathways. Interestingly, both Bmp and Wnt signaling activateLef1, making it a candidate for integrating the two distinct signaling pathways.
Modulation of Differentiation by Retinoids

At high levels of vitamin A and other retinoids (3 × 10 -6 M ) attachment of human keratinocytes to 3T3-coated plastic dishes is mildly inhibited, Retinoids at this concentration in culture media seem to have an antikeratinizing effect in that cells appear to be less differentiated, Retinoid-treated cultures are less stratified, having fewer cell layers, and display larger intercellular spaces and rounder, less flattened cells. Treated cultures also contain higher percentages of saline-soluble proteins and lower percentages of proteins requiring reduction and/or denaturants for solubility. This suggests that in treated cultures, the most keratinized cells are absent. Growth curves show that those most keratinized cells are sloughed from the dish and appear in the media. Thus at 3 × 10 -6 M , the major retinoid effect is to promote desquamation. At higher concentrations, retinoids are toxic to the keratinocyte, but at lower concentrations, they may be stimulative.
Role of Doping and Dimensionality in the Superconductivity of NaxCoO2

We report a complete analysis of the formal Co3+/4+ oxidation state in NaxCoO2, in the interval 0.31 ≤ x ≤ 0.69. Iodometric titration and thermoelectric power confirm that a direct relationship between the Na content and the amount of Co3+ cannot be established in this system. Creation of a significant amount of oxygen vacancies accompanies Na-ion deintercalation, keeping the formal Co valence at 3.45+ for x ≤ 0.45. In light of new thermoelectric power data which reveals important differences between the hydrated (superconducting) and nonhydrated (nonsuperconducting) samples, we propose here that water plays an important “chemical” role beyond that of a spacer between the CoO2 layers.
Short-duration focal pattern grid photocoagulation for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, functional, and anatomical outcomes of short-duration pattern scanning laser (PASCAL) macular photocoagulation in the treatment of macular edema related to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).Methods: Consecutive retrospective analysis of visual acuity (VA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and adverse events from eyes treated with PASCAL macular photocoagulation for BRVO-related macular edema. Two-tailed paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-treatment VA and central retinal thickness (CRT).Results: A total of 35 eyes from 35 patients and 18 eyes from 18 patients met study criteria for VA and OCT analysis, respectively. All treatments were delivered with the same PASCAL photocoagulation unit. Mean laser settings were 133-µm spot size, 15-millisecond pulse duration, 250-mW power, and fluence of 29 J/cm2 with an average of 1.4 treatments and 335 shots per patient. Adjunct treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and pan-retinal photocoagulation was ad...
Convergent sequences of composition operators

Composition operators Cφ on the Hilbert Hardy space H2 over the unit disk are considered. We investigate when convergence of sequences {φn} of symbols, (i.e., of analytic selfmaps of the unit disk) towards a given symbol φ, implies the convergence of the induced composition operators, Cφn→Cφ. If the composition operators Cφn are Hilbert–Schmidt operators, we prove that convergence in the Hilbert–Schmidt norm, ‖Cφn−Cφ‖HS→0 takes place if and only if the following conditions are satisfied: ‖φn−φ‖2→0, ∫1/(1−|φ|2)<∞, and ∫1/(1−|φn|2)→∫1/(1−|φ|2). The convergence of the sequence of powers of a composition operator is studied.
Theological Scholarship as Religious Vocation

Theological studies as a discipline committed to religious practice has come increasingly under fire from both adherents of dispassionate “religious studies” and partisans of ecclesial communities....
The analysis of 2-amino-2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid in the plasma of smokers and non-smokers.

ATCA (2-amino-2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid) is a promising marker to assess cyanide exposure because of several advantages of ATCA analysis over direct determination of cyanide and alternative cyanide biomarkers (i.e. stability in biological matrices, consistent recovery, and relatively small endogenous concentrations). Concentrations of ATCA in the plasma of smoking and non-smoking human volunteers were analyzed using gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry to establish the feasibility of using ATCA as a marker for cyanide exposure. The levels of ATCA in plasma of smoking volunteers, 17.2 ng/ml, were found to be significantly (p < 0.001) higher than that of non-smoking volunteers, 11.8 ng/ml. Comparison of ATCA concentrations of smokers relative to non-smokers in both urine and plasma yielded relatively similar results. The concentration ratio of ATCA for smokers versus non-smokers in plasma and urine was compared to similar literature studies of cyanide and thiocyanate, and correlations are discussed. Th...
Acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura following orthopedic surgery.

Release of unusually large von Willibrand factor (UL vWF) multimers and a deficiency of vWF metalloprotease may result in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a life threatening disease. Surgery has been associated with TTP, probably by releasing massive amounts of UL vWF. An association between TTP and orthopedic surgery has never been reported in the literature. We report a case of TTP following a total knee replacement surgery in which prior use of ticlopidine might have played a role. J. Clin. Apheresis 17: 133–134, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Molecular basis for genetic complementation in propionyl CoA carboxylase deficiency

Abstract The extent of genetic complementation in polyethylene glycol-induced heterokaryons of propionyl CoA carboxylase deficient fibroblast lines was determined by comparing enzyme activity changes over time in pairwise fusions of the three major complementation groups, bio , pcc A and pcc C , with the activity changes in similarly mixed but unfused cultures. Maximum complementation between bio and pcc . A or pcc C lines was attained within 24 h after fusion and was not inhibited by cycloheximide. In contrast, the complementation between pcc A and pcc C lines only attained 50% of the maximum restored carboxylase activity by 24–36 h and the increase was 93% inhibited by cycloheximide. Maximum restoration of activity was not achieved until 72–96 h after fusion. Removal of cycloheximide at 24 h permitted complementation to take place. Our studies suggest that intergenic complementation between the bio and pcc A or pcc C lines is due to the contribution within the heterokaryon of normal enzymes from each of the respective lines, resulting in almost immediate, protein synthesis-independent, partial restoration of carboxylase activity. Complementation between pcc A and pcc C lines also appears to be intergenic but probably results from the de novo synthesis of normal subunits and protomers which assemble into normal or stabilized propionyl CoA carboxylase molecules with restored enzyme activity.
STATE INCORPORATION OF MIGRANTS AND THE REPRODUCTION OF A MIDDLEMAN MINORITY AMONG INDOCHINESE REFUGEES

This article examines how state incorporation reproduces a middleman minority group's occupational role after the migration of that group to the United States. An extension of middleman minority theory is developed to explain why ethnic Chinese refugees from former Indochina are overrepresented in intermediary social service occupations in comparison to Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian refugees. Three propositions are developed and tested focusing on the conflict engendered by an intermediary occupation, staff recruitment patterns, and role orientations among different ethnic groups. Data from participant observation and interviews are used to focus on actual behavior in the workplace, whereas most studies of occupational concentration by ethnic groups have examined the sector level.