cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sialic acid in mature megakaryocytes: detection by wheat germ agglutinin

The characteristics of the surface of guinea pig megakaryocytes were investigated with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). Purified guinea pig megakaryocytes and platelets were incubated with WGA conjugated with rhodamine, cytocentrifuged, and then exposed to Chromomycin A3 for the assessment of ploidy. The fluorescence emission of the DNA-Chromomycin complex was similar to that of fluorescein, and thus both rhodamine-WGA and Chromomycin A3 fluorescence could be analyzed in the same cell. Ploidy was assessed by microdensitometry of Chromomycin A3 fluorescence. Eight hundred megakaryocytes were analyzed by four parameters: (1) labeling by WGA, (2) ploidy, (3) morphological stage, and (4) size. The results were analyzed by a computer-assisted program. Although all platelets had reacted with WGA, only about half of the isolated megakaryocytes had been labeled by the lectin. The analysis of the megakaryocytes that had reacted revealed that 72% of stage III and 77% of stage IV megakaryocytes as compared with 35% of stage I and 29% of stage II cells had been labeled by the lectin. WGA reacted with 44% of 8N megakaryocytes and 60% and 59% of 16N and 32N cells. However, WGA labeling was independent of megakaryocyte size. The digestion of 15% and 48% of megakaryocyte sialic acid with neuraminidase from Vibrio cholera resulted in a 67% and 89% decrease in the binding of rhodamine-WGA, respectively, as determined by microdensitometry. The study indicated that sialic acid serves as a receptor for WGA and that sialoglycoproteins and possibly gangliosides become exposed on the surface of mature megakaryocytes. WGA can recognize mature megakaryocytes by biochemical criteria and the assessment of lectin binding could complement the morphological staging of megakaryocytes.
Hemorrhagic Complications of External Ventriculostomy in the Aspirin and P2Y12 Response Assay Era.

Objective Hemorrhagic complications reported from external ventricular drain (EVD) placement range from 10% to 44%. There remains limited literature investigating the incidence, risk factors, and mechanisms to prevent its occurrence, especially in the setting of antiplatelet agent use. We investigated EVD-related hemorrhagic complications after the implementation of VerifyNow platelet inhibition assays at our institution. Methods Medical records from 445 patients requiring EVD placement during a 2-year period during which our institution used the assays were reviewed. In total 345 patients were included, and 208 of them underwent assay testing. Indications for EVD included complications of cerebrovascular disease (n = 215), traumatic brain injury (n = 74), primary hydrocephalus (n = 23), and tumor (n = 33). Hemorrhage was defined as any new area of hyperdensity adjacent to or immediately along the catheter trajectory on computed tomography. Results There was no significant decrease in catheter-induced hemorrhage (CIH) between patients who underwent the VerifyNow assay and those who did not. Platelet transfusion did not significantly decrease the risk of CIH. CIH occurred in 17.7% of patients, significantly decreased when compared with our previously published incidence of 33% before platelet inhibition assay use (P Conclusions The incidence of hemorrhage is lower in our new cohort when compared with that of our previously published cohort. Despite the overall decreased rate of hemorrhage, there was no significant difference in hemorrhage rates between patients who did or did not undergo the assay. Platelet transfusion did not decrease the incidence of hemorrhage in patients with inhibited platelet function.
Stability of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks in NO2

The use of nanoporous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) in separation processes is attractive, but the presence of acid gases such as SOx or NOx in process streams can have detrimental effects. While we have recently developed a mechanistic picture of SOx–ZIF interactions, here we describe the remarkably different effects of NO2 on ZIFs. ZIFs with a representative range of SOx stabilities are all unstable—as defined by loss of crystallinity and porosity—in dry and humid NO2, whereas most ZIFs are stable in dry SOx and some even in humid SOx. A detailed mechanism is developed based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. H-abstraction by free radical NO2 and subsequent acidic species formation are the major degradation pathways, while adsorbed HNO3 formation in humid conditions is an additional pathway in hydrophilic ZIFs. These findings strongly suggest that new strategies to stabilize ZIFs/metal–organic frameworks toward NO2 attack are required.
‘I’m Strong for Her’ versus ‘I Rely on Him’: male and female victims’ reasons for staying reflect sex-gender conflations

Male and female victims’ communication of intimate partner violence to others in the face of potential repercussions shows how language reflects/is reflected by relational identities when deciding ...
Marriage Companionship and Marriage Well-being: A Comparison of Metropolitan areas in Three Countries

The relationship between eight marriage companionship activities and marriage well-being is studied in Sydney, Australia, in Los Angeles, California, and in London, England. Exchange theory is used...
Facility Type is Associated with Margin Status and Overall Survival of Patients with Resected Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Many studies have demonstrated associations between surgical resections at academic centers and improved outcomes, particularly for complex operations. However, few studies have examined this relationship in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The hypothesis of this study was that facility type is associated with improved postoperative outcomes and survival for patients with ICC who undergo resection. Patients with stages 1 to 3 ICC who underwent hepatectomy were identified using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) (2004–2014). Facilities were categorized as academic or community centers per Commission on Cancer designations. High-volume hospitals were those that performed 11 or more hepatectomies per year. Multilevel logistic mixed-effects models to identify predictors of outcomes and parametric survival-time models were used to determine overall survival (OS). The study identified 2256 patients. Of these patients, 423 (18.8%) were treated at community centers, and 1833 (81.3%) were treated at academic centers. Nearly all high-volume centers were academic facilities (98.5% academic vs. 1.5% community centers), whereas low-volume centers were mixed (65.5% academic vs. 34.5% community centers) (p < 0.001). Surgery performed at an academic center was an independent predictor of decreased positive margins (odds ratio [OR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51–0.98; p = 0.04), a lower 90-day mortality rate (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39–0.97; p = 0.03), and improved OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63–0.96; p = 0.02). Facility hepatectomy volume was not independently associated with any short- or long-term outcomes. Treatment at an academic center is associated with fewer positive resection margins, a decreased 90-day mortality rate, and improved OS for patients who undergo ICC resection. Facility surgical volume was not shown to be significantly associated with any postoperative outcomes after adjustment for patient and disease characteristics.
QuaLVAD Instrument: A New Measure of Quality of Life in Patients with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

Background Although the use of LVADs in treating patients with advanced heart failure is growing, no current tool exists that can reliably assess health-related quality of life (HRQL) in this population. The QuaLVAD instrument has been designed to address this need. It incorporates important elements of LVAD-related care such as LVAD-specific complications, routine care of the device and other related clinical, personal and social factors. Methods The QuaLVAD instrument was designed after literature search, expert consultation, and patient discussion. It currently includes a 70-item instrument with scores ranging from 0-100 wherein a higher score signifies better HRQL. We assessed its performance by enrolling 24 patients and co-administered it with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and visual analog scale (VAS) to stable patients implanted with a LVAD. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to measure the internal consistency of the instrument. Spearman correlation coefficients (ρ) and Wilcoxon rank-sum test helped assess for various associations of the QuaLVAD scores. Results The 24 subjects included had a mean age and BMI of 60.0 ± 13.2 years and 32.3 ± 18.2 kg/m2 respectively. The Cronbach's alpha for the entire instrument was 0.95 and >0.75 for all its six domains. Other summary statistics and the Cronbach's alpha for each domain are shown in Table 1. Amongst patient characteristics, the QuaLVAD overall score had the greatest correlation (ρ = -0.60) with the total number of comorbidities and a significant association with outpatient status of the subject (p-value = 0.05). A moderate negative correlation (ρ = -0.37) was observed with the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Convergent validity was established with strong correlation scores with the KCCQ and VAS (ρ of 0.84 and 0.67 respectively for overall scores; p-value ≤ 0.001). Subject feedback indicated that 52% considered the QuaLVAD instrument as more relevant in assessing their LVAD-related quality of life than any previously filled questionnaires. Conclusion Our results have demonstrated promising early insights into the internal consistency and validity of the QuaLVAD instrument. To further refine the instrument, we shall focus on item reduction, testing responsiveness to change in HRQL and more widespread application of this novel instrument.
Combination checkpoint inhibitor therapy induces multiple immune major related adverse events in the treatment of vaginal melanoma: A cautionary case report

Abstract Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) eliminate cancer cells through release of inhibition of cytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes. Potent systemic activation of immune cells provides unprecedented efficacy in some types of advanced cancer therapy, but also often induces serious immune related adverse events (irAEs) that can be devastating if not promptly identified and properly managed. Herein, we describe the case of multiple major irAEs manifesting after administration of combination ICI therapy in a patient with vaginal melanoma. Case: A 54-year-old, G2P0 woman with recurrent metastatic vaginal melanoma, following three doses of combination nivolumab-ipilimumab immunotherapy, presented for admission at our tertiary care center for the work-up of sudden-onset of colitis of unknown etiology. Prior to admission at our facility, the patient was diagnosed with a severe maculopapular rash, headaches and hyponatremia in the weeks immediately following initiation of therapy. During work up of the colitis, infectious etiologies were ruled out, and the patient was discharged on a steroid taper for treatment of presumed immune-related colitis. Consideration of salt-supplement resistant hyponatremia with new onset frontal headache in the setting of immune-related colitis indicated possible hypophysitis. With high suspicion for multiple high grade irAEs, ICI was discontinued, and the patient was given high dose intravenous steroids prior to discharge with a prednisone dose taper for outpatient management. After control of irAEs was achieved, ipilimumab therapy was subsequently discontinued to minimize the chance of recurrent irAEs, yet nivolumab monotherapy was resumed in an attempt to control disease progression that could occur in with iatrogenic immunosuppression. Conclusion ICIs have demonstrated the ability to induce improved long-term survival in metastatic cutaneous or mucosal melanomas, including those of gynecologic origin. As ICI therapy becomes more widespread, healthcare providers across all fields of medicine need be vigilant to recognize the symptoms of irAEs that can often masquerade as common illnesses to prevent potentially dangerous irreversible immune toxicities.
Symbiont population control by host-symbiont metabolic interaction in Symbiodiniaceae-cnidarian associations

In cnidarian-Symbiodiniaceae symbioses, algal endosymbiont population control within the host is needed to sustain a symbiotic relationship. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie such population control are unclear. Here we show that a cnidarian host uses nitrogen limitation as a primary mechanism to control endosymbiont populations. Nitrogen acquisition and assimilation transcripts become elevated in symbiotic Breviolum minutum algae as they reach high-densities within the sea anemone host Exaiptasia pallida. These same transcripts increase in free-living algae deprived of nitrogen. Symbiotic algae also have an elevated carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and shift metabolism towards scavenging nitrogen from purines relative to free-living algae. Exaiptasia glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase transcripts concomitantly increase with the algal endosymbiont population, suggesting an increased ability of the host to assimilate ammonium. These results suggest algal growth and replication in hospite is controlled by access to nitrogen, which becomes limiting for the algae as their population within the host increases. The relationship between the coral animal and symbiotic algae is essential to coral health, and researchers are turning to Exaiptasia, a model cnidarian system, to study this relationship mechanistically. Here the authors find that endosymbiotic algae become limited by nitrogen at high population densities and provide the host with high levels of fixed carbon.
Qualification and Clinical Validation of an Immunodiagnostic Assay for Detecting 11 Additional Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype-specific Polysaccharides in Human Urine.

BACKGROUND Identifying Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes by urinary antigen detection (UAD) assay is the most sensitive way to evaluate the epidemiology of nonbacteremic community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We first described a UAD assay to detect the S. pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F, covered by the licensed 13-valent S. pneumoniae conjugate vaccine. To assess the substantial remaining pneumococcal disease burden after introduction of several pneumococcal vaccines, a UAD-2 assay was developed to detect 11 additional serotypes (2, 8, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 17F, 20, 22F, and 33F) in individuals with radiographically confirmed CAP. METHODS The specificity of the UAD-2 assay was achieved by capturing pneumococcal polysaccharides with serotype-specific monoclonal antibodies, using Luminex technology. Assay qualification was used to assess accuracy, precision, and sample linearity. Serotype positivity was based on cutoffs determined by nonparametric statistical evaluation of urine samples from individuals without pneumococcal disease. The sensitivity and specificity of the positivity cutoffs were assessed in a clinical validation, using urine samples obtained from a large study that measured the proportion of radiographically confirmed CAP caused by S. pneumoniae serotypes in hospitalized US adults. RESULTS The UAD-2 assay was shown to be specific and reproducible. Clinical validation demonstrated assay sensitivity and specificity of 92.2% and 95.9% against a reference standard of bacteremic pneumonia. In addition, the UAD-2 assay identified a S. pneumoniae serotype in 3.72% of nonbacteremic CAP cases obtained from hospitalized US adults. When combined with bacteremic CAP cases, the proportion of pneumonias with a UAD-2 serotype was 4.33%. CONCLUSIONS The qualified/clinically validated UAD-2 method has applicability in understanding the epidemiology of nonbacteremic S. pneumoniae CAP and for assessing the efficacy of future pneumococcal conjugate vaccines that are under development.
Sexting, power, and patriarchy: Narratives of sexting from a college population:

This qualitative study explores the sexting experiences of college-aged students with attention to gendered understandings and motivations of sexting. We gathered data on the decision-making proces...
Anticoagulation after intracranial hemorrhage in brain tumors: Risk of recurrent hemorrhage and venous thromboembolism.

Background Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a common and often devastating outcome in patients with brain tumors. Despite this, there is little evidence to guide anticoagulation management following an initial ICH event. Objectives To analyze the risk of recurrent hemorrhagic and thrombotic outcomes after an initial ICH event in patients with brain tumors and prior venous thromboembolism (VTE). Patients and methods A retrospective cohort study was performed. Radiographic images obtained after initial ICH were reviewed for the primary outcomes of recurrent ICH and VTE. Results and conclusions A total of 79 patients with brain tumors who developed ICH on anticoagulation for VTE were analyzed. Fifty-four patients (68.4%) restarted anticoagulation following ICH. The cumulative incidence of recurrent ICH at 1 year was 6.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-15.3) following reinitiation of anticoagulation. Following a major ICH (defined as an ICH >10 mL in size, causing symptoms, or requiring intervention), the rate of recurrent ICH upon reexposure to anticoagulation was 14.5% (95% CI, 2.1-38.35), whereas the rate of recurrent ICH following smaller ICH was 2.6% (95% CI, 0.2%-12.0%). Mortality following a recurrent ICH on anticoagulation was 67% at 30 days. The cumulative incidence of recurrent VTE was significantly lower in the restart cohort compared to patients who did not restart anticoagulation (8.1% vs 35.3%; P = .003). We conclude that resumption of anticoagulation is lowest among patients with metastatic brain tumors with small initial ICH. Following an initial major ICH, resumption of anticoagulation was associated with a high rate of recurrent ICH.
Investigating Nurses' Views on Care of Mentally Ill Patients with Skin Injuries.

Background: Individuals with mental illness are at increased risk of skin injuries. The role of nurses in skin injury prevention and management is crucial and therefore their views on wound care may provide useful information for improving the quality of the care provided. Aim: To investigate nurses’ views on care of mentally ill patients with skin injuries. Method: A qualitative research design based on the principles of grounded theory approach was followed. Unstructured interviews were conducted with seven nurses working in psychiatric wards with frequent skin injuries. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method of analysis. Results: Two main themes were emerged from data analysis. The first main theme, namely factors affecting the care of patients with skin injuries, included seven categories: (a) shortage of hospital supplies, equipment and services (b) staff shortages, (c) lack of knowledge, (d) nurses’ resistance to change, (e) difficulty in collaborating with patients, (f) patients’ physical conditions and (g) nurses’ attitudes as an obstacle to care. The second main theme, namely nurses’ suggestions for optimizing care, included five categories: (a) need for additional staff, (b) need for increasing hospital supplies and equipment availability, (c) need for training (d) need of changing nurses’ attitudes towards care and (e) need of changing the patients’ approach to collaboration. Conclusion: The care of mentally ill patients with skin injuries is affected by multidimensional factors that have a direct impact on the quality of nurses’ work and patients’ hospitalization. Specific efforts are needed to overcome the obstacles that hinder the care provided and to improve clinical practice.
In situ interprofessional operating room simulations: Empowering learners in crisis resource management principles.

Abstract Background Given the multifaceted nature of operating room teams, miscommunication at various perioperative stages leads to lapses in teamwork and communication, which potentiates adverse events. In situ interprofessional operating room simulations are a valuable tool in identifying the possible threats to patient safety in the operating room. Participant confidence may also increase; however, perceived confidence in specific areas of team communication in the clinical environment remains unclear. This research aims to study how in situ interprofessional operating room simulations increase participants’ individual confidence in 4 team principles derived from crisis resource management: using effective communication, utilizing resources, establishing role clarity, and using effective situational awareness. Methods Over a 2-year period, interdisciplinary operating room team members were assigned to participate in 13 simulated surgical case scenarios, which were chosen based on the volunteer surgeon’s specialty. These cases were designed to engage all team members and included a crisis scenario (ie, hemorrhage, airway emergency, arrhythmia, or cardiac arrest). All statistical analyses were performed using RStudio version 1.2.1335 software. We analyzed matched pre- and postsimulation self-assessment of individual confidence using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for each of the 4 aforementioned constructs of interest derived from crisis resource management training principles. Significance was set at P Results There was a statistically significant shift in the 4-point scale toward greater self-reported confidence from presimulation to postsimulation for each of the 4 team principles: using effective communication (P = .0019, r = 0.18), utilizing resources well (P = .0014, r = 0.18), establishing role clarity (P Conclusion In this pilot study, we describe how teaching crisis resource management principles in an in situ operative simulation is an effective way to increase the confidence of communication skills among the members of an interdisciplinary procedure/operative team during crisis scenarios. In situ simulation can be used to evaluate system competence and interdisciplinary dynamics, and to identify latent conditions that predispose to medical error. As we continue to conduct these sessions, we aim to evaluate their impact on individual confidence and the advancement of interdisciplinary efforts to improve patient care.
Adaptive and nonadaptive causes of heterogeneity in genetic differentiation across the Mimulus guttatus genome

Genetic diversity becomes structured among populations over time due to genetic drift and divergent selection. Although population structure is often treated as a uniform underlying factor, recent resequencing studies of wild populations have demonstrated that diversity in many regions of the genome may be structured quite dissimilar to the genome-wide pattern. Here, we explored the adaptive and nonadaptive causes of such genomic heterogeneity using population-level, whole genome resequencing data obtained from annual Mimulus guttatus individuals collected across a rugged environment landscape. We found substantial variation in how genetic differentiation is structured both within and between chromosomes, although, in contrast to other studies, known inversion polymorphisms appear to serve only minor roles in this heterogeneity. In addition, much of the genome can be clustered into eight among-population genetic differentiation patterns, but only two of these clusters are particularly consistent with patterns of isolation by distance. By performing genotype-environment association analysis, we also identified genomic intervals where local adaptation to specific climate factors has accentuated genetic differentiation among populations, and candidate genes in these windows indicate climate adaptation may proceed through changes affecting specialized metabolism, drought resistance, and development. Finally, by integrating our findings with previous studies, we show that multiple aspects of plant reproductive biology may be common targets of balancing selection and that variants historically involved in climate adaptation among populations have probably also fuelled rapid adaptation to microgeographic environmental variation within sites.
Developing mass spectrometry for the quantitative analysis of neuropeptides

Introduction Neuropeptides are signaling molecules originating in the neuroendocrine system that can act as neurotransmitters and hormones in many biochemical processes. Their exact function is difficult to characterize, however, due to dependence on concentration, post-translational modifications, and the presence of other comodulating neuropeptides. Mass spectrometry enables sensitive, accurate, and global peptidomic analyses that can profile neuropeptide expression changes to understand their roles in many biological problems, such as neurodegenerative disorders and metabolic function. Areas covered We provide a brief overview of the fundamentals of neuropeptidomic research, limitations of existing methods, and recent progress in the field. This review is focused on developments in mass spectrometry and encompasses labeling strategies, post-translational modification analysis, mass spectrometry imaging, and integrated multi-omic workflows, with discussion emphasizing quantitative advancements. Expert opinion Neuropeptidomics is critical for future clinical research with impacts in biomarker discovery, receptor identification, and drug design. While advancements are being made to improve sensitivity and accuracy, there is still room for improvement. Better quantitative strategies are required for clinical analyses, and these methods also need to be amenable to mass spectrometry imaging, post-translational modification analysis, and multi-omics to facilitate understanding and future treatment of many diseases.
Ascothorax, a review with descriptions of new species and remarks on larval development, biogeography and ecology (Crustacea: Ascothoracida)

A partial revision is presented of the ascothoracid crustacean genus Ascothorax Djakonov, bursal parasites of ophiuroids. Ascothorax ophioctenis Djakonov parasitic on Ophiocten gracilis in the Norwegian Sea may be specifically distinct from high Arctic A. ophioctenis living in O. sericeum. Ascothorax bulbosus Heegaard from South Georgia is divided into the nominal species infesting Amphiura belgicae, and Ascothorax mortenseni sp.n. in A. microplax. The following species are described: A. octopterus sp.n. in Dougaloplus amphacanthus from California, A. sosci sp.n., host unknown, from the abyssal subantarctic, A. pilocaudatus sp.n. in North Atlantic Ophiosphalma armigerum, A. brattstroemi sp.n. in a Caribbean basket star; 2 other new Atlantic species based on limited material remain unnamed. Females of most species have a pair of filamentary appendages at the base of the first thoracopods, and unlike other ascothoracids, do not have seminal receptacles in the second limbs. There is a problem in distinguishi...
Coherent control of pulsed X-ray beams.

Synchrotrons produce continuous trains of closely spaced X-ray pulses. Application of such sources to the study of atomic-scale motion requires efficient modulation of these beams on timescales ranging from nanoseconds to femtoseconds. However, ultrafast X-ray modulators are not generally available. Here we report efficient subnanosecond coherent switching of synchrotron beams by using acoustic pulses in a crystal to modulate the anomalous low-loss transmission of X-ray pulses. The acoustic excitation transfers energy between two X-ray beams in a time shorter than the synchrotron pulse width of about 100 ps. Gigahertz modulation of the diffracted X-rays is also observed. We report different geometric arrangements, such as a switch based on the collision of two counter-propagating acoustic pulses: this doubles the X-ray modulation frequency, and also provides a means of observing a localized transient strain inside an opaque material. We expect that these techniques could be scaled to produce subpicosecond pulses, through laser-generated coherent optical phonon modulation of X-ray diffraction in crystals. Such ultrafast capabilities have been demonstrated thus far only in laser-generated X-ray sources, or through the use of X-ray streak cameras1,2,3,4,5,6.
Comparative Analysis of Transfer Pricing Systems in the United States and South Korea

Choi, Seung Steve.1998.Comparative analysis of transfer pricing systems in the United States and South Korea,Articles,[Los Angeles, U.S.]Loyola Marymount University,35
Tophaceous gout of the spine mimicking epidural infection: case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Tophaceous gout uncommonly affects the axial skeleton. The clinical presentations of gout of the spine range from back pain to quadriplegia. Gout that presents as back pain and fever may be difficult to distinguish from spinal infection. We present a case of a patient with tophaceous gout of the lumbar spine who was initially diagnosed with and treated for an epidural infection. The clinical and diagnostic features of tophaceous gout of the spine are reviewed. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old man presented with a 2-day history of fever and back pain. A physical examination revealed that he had flank tenderness and evidence of polyarthritis affecting the elbows, knees, and right first metatarsophalangeal joint. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the patient's lumbar spine showed an extensive area of abnormal gadolinium enhancement of the paramedian posterior soft tissues from L3 to S1 with an area of focal enhancement extending into the right L4-L5 facet joint. INTERVENTION: A laminectomy was performed at L4-L5, and a chalky white material in the facet joint was found eroding into the adjacent pars intra-articularis. Light and polarizing microscopy confirmed the presence of gouty tophus. No evidence of infection was found. CONCLUSION: Gouty arthritis of the spine is rare. Thirty-seven previous cases have been reported. When the clinical presentation includes acute back pain and fever, differentiation of spinal gout from spinal infection may be difficult. The clinical suspicion of spinal gout may lead to the correct diagnosis by a less invasive approach than exploration and laminectomy.
Cavity dumping for free electron lasers

The cavity dumping technique, applied to free electron lasers (FEL), is described. Taking advantage of both numerical simulations and experimental results on the Mark III FEL, a fairly exhaustive analysis is reported. In particular, we show that the output peak power can be increased by a factor even higher than one hundred. The cavity dumping experiment, under way on the Mark III FEL, is discussed in some detail.
Content analysis of sport ticket sales job announcements

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of job announcements relating to sport ticket sales and service positions in the USA.Design/methodology/approach – Content analysis methodology was utilized to examine 733 sport sales job announcements from two subscription‐based sport job websites posted over a six month time period.Findings – Sport sales jobs were geographically clustered with over half of the positions within only eight states, led by California (12.7 percent), New York (9.3 percent), Texas (7.2 percent), and Florida (7.2 percent). The majority of organizations posting jobs were specific teams or integrated sport/entertainment companies owning specific teams (76 percent), followed by media firms (11 percent), outsourced sales firms (6 percent), and sporting goods companies (6 percent). Of the 12 major job types, inside sales positions were the most common (32.3 percent) followed by sponsorship sales (13 percent) and media advertising (12 percent). Logistic regression r...
Experimental Impact of a Pendulum With the Sand

In this paper, a compound pendulum impacting a granular media is studied and the influences of initial impact velocity and impact angle are examined. The resistance forces are studied as the sum of a dynamic frictional force (velocity dependent) and a static resistance force (depth dependent). The penetrating angle is increasing with initial impact velocity as expected. However, the stopping time is decreasing with initial impact velocity for all initial impact angles in our system.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Compartmentation in histidine biosynthesis.

Abstract 1. 1. Biochemical compartmentation, in the sense of intermediates in a pathway not being freely miscible with other cellular pools of the same compounds, was investigated in histidine biosynthesis in Salmonella typhimurium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae . 2. 2. The experimental approach involved measurement of the degree of dilution by unlabelled histidinol, added to the medium, of 14 C incorporated endogenously from labelled glucose into the histidine of the cell proteins. 3. 3. Compartmentation, on this basis, was absent in Salm. typhimurium but present in Sacc. cerevisiae . 4. 4. In Sacc. cerevisiae , the absence of competition between internally formed and externally added histodinol was not due to a failure of this substance to penetrate the cell membrane.
Safety profiles of atypical antipsychotics in the elderly

The advent of atypical antipsychotics has allowed for the treatment of psychosis with improved patient tolerability compared with conventional neuroleptics. Atypicality has been defined in terms of fewer extrapyramidal symptoms, as well as enhanced efficacy against the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. However, the atypical antipsychotics are not a panacea for psychosis; they are not without their own potential for adverse effects. In the geriatric population, the use of antipsychotics has been extended to include the treatment of behavioral sequelae associated with dementia and delirium, especially in the nursing home setting. Compared with their younger counterparts, special consideration must be given for elderly patients in light of physiologic differences associated with aging and an increased prevalence of comorbid medical conditions. These differences can potentially reduce tolerability of these medications. This review examines the evidence for particular adverse effects associated with aripiprazole, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone in the older patient population.
Thioredoxin-like domains required for glucose regulatory protein 58–mediated reductive activation of mitomycin C leading to DNA cross-linking

Glucose regulatory protein (GRP58) is known to mediate mitomycin C (MMC)–induced DNA cross-linking. However, the mechanism remains elusive. We hypothesized that thioredoxin-like domains, one at NH2 terminus and another at COOH terminus, are required for GRP58-mediated MMC reductive activation leading to DNA cross-linking. Site-directed mutagenesis mutated cysteines in thioredoxin domains to serines. Wild-type (WT) and mutant GRP58 were cloned in pcDNA to produce GRP58 V5-tagged WT and mutant proteins on transfection in mammalian cells. Human colon carcinoma (HCT116) cells transiently expressing and Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing WT and mutant GRP58 were analyzed for MMC-induced DNA cross-linking. WT GRP58 was highly efficient in MMC-induced DNA cross-linking. However, both NH2- and COOH-terminal thioredoxin mutants showed significant reduction in MMC-induced DNA cross-linking. The coexpression of GRP58 with thioredoxin reductase 1 and/or treatment of cells with NADPH increased MMC-induced DNA cross-linking from the WT GRP58. In similar experiments, siRNA inhibition of thioredoxin reductase 1 led to decreased MMC-induced DNA cross-linking. Further experiments revealed that mutations in thioredoxin domains led to significant decrease in metabolic reductive activation of MMC. These results led to conclusion that GRP58, through its two thioredoxin-like domains, functions as a reductase leading to bioreductive drug MMC activation and DNA cross-linking. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(10):2719–27]
School-age outcomes of children of extremely low birthweight and gestational age

The school-age outcomes of children born at the lowest birthweights and gestational ages since the initiation of aggressive neonatal intensive care have only recently begun to appear in the literature. This paper summarizes the information available from reports of birthweight- and gestational age-based school-age studies. The results reveal relatively high rates of growth, neurosensory and cognitive impairment, together with more subtle neuropsychological and behavioural problems. Evaluation of outcomes has, however, been hampered by the small numbers of children who have reached school age, as well as by the heterogeneity of the population which includes differences in socio-demographic backgrounds, multiple births, small-for-gestational-age children, preferential survival of females and varying rates of neonatal risk factors such as severe periventricular haemorrhage and chronic lung disease. Future studies are needed to confirm present outcomes, to further elucidate the aetiology and pathogenesis of the problems revealed, as well as to evaluate the effects of early intervention in this population.
Introspection and perception

Sydney Shoemaker argues that introspection, unlike perception, provides no identification information about the self, and that knowledge of one's mental states should be conceived as arising in a direct and unmediated fashion from one's being in those states. I argue that while one does not identify aself as the subject of one's states, one does frequently identify and misidentify thestates, in ways analogous to the identification of objects in perception, and that in discourse about one's mental states the self plays the role of external reality in discourse about physical objects. Discourse about any sort of entity or property can be viewed as involving a domain or frame of reference which constrains what can be said about the entities; this view is related to Johnson-Laird's theory of mental models. On my approach evidence, including sensory evidence, may be involved in decisions about one's mental states. I conclude that while Shoemaker may well be right about different roles for sense impressions in introspection and perception, the exact differences and their significance remain to be established.
Quantitative analysis of living cells by digital holographic microscopy

Digital holography is applied to obtain noninvasive quantitative phase measurements from living cells. The complex wavefront can be recorded in just a single digital image allowing for critical real-time imaging. The vertical resolution of measurements is determined to be around 3 nanometers.
Monitoring power system disturbances based on distribution-level phasor measurements

The Frequency Monitoring Network (FNET) takes GPS-synchronized wide-area measurements in a low-cost, easily deployable manner at the 120V distribution level with the data rate of 10 sps. Various advanced situational awareness tools have been developed using FNET wide-area measurements, including disturbance alert, event location triangulation, oscillation detection, etc. Since late 2010 the FDR deployment has gradually covered some worldwide areas, e.g. Europe, China. In this paper, firstly, the observability of power system disturbances by the FNET system in some worldwide areas is examined and compared with North American power grid, taking the European Power Grid as example. Secondly, this paper investigates the power system dynamics during several major disturbances in Eastern Interconnection and Western Interconnection captured by the FNET system in 2011. Important system parameters (e.g. frequency, phasor angle, voltage magnitude) taken by FDRs are examined and analyzed.
Effects of decision strategy and number of openings on employment selection decisions

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of two factors—decision strategy and the number of openings—on selection decisions. Two hundred graduate and undergraduate students participated in a human resource employment screening simulation. Decision strategy was varied by having candidates evaluate resumes and letters of application for 20 candidates one-at-a-time (sequentially) or all at once (simultaneously). The number of position openings was either one or three. Decision strategy affected the number of candidates accepted, acceptance threshold, and decision time. The number of openings affected selection decisions in the simultaneous but not the sequential context. Implications of these results for selection processes are discussed.
A method of producing up-to-date science material for elementary children

The authors suggest that selected science articles can be rewritten for use with elementary children.
Evaluating Case Formulation Decision-Making and Therapist Responsiveness: A Perspective from the Area of Behavioral Assessment and Case Formulation

In this paper two research studies by Eells (2010) and Edwards (2010) evaluating case formulation and therapist responsiveness are summarized and critically evaluated. The central themes abstracted from these studies are subsequently articulated and integrated with existing research on the philosophical and theoretical competencies, clinical competencies, and quantitative competencies needed for effective case formulation. More specifically, I introduce and evaluate the work of Edwards and Eells in terms of a behavioral model of case formulation that is based on four general principles: functionalism; empiricism, cognitive-behavioral learning theory; and a multivariate perspective that stresses the importance of collecting multimodal and multimethod assessment data as the basis of a case formulation.
Digestibility by rumen microorganisms of neutral sugars in perennial forage stems and leaves

Abstract This study reports the digestibility of neutral sugars in immature leaves, immature stems, and mature stems of legumes and grasses. The basal 200 mm of immature and mature stems, and leaves from immature plants, of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.), birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus L.), smooth bromegrass ( Bromus inermis Leyss.), and orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata L.) were collected from a replicated field experiment. Ground plant tissue was incubated in buffered rumen fluid for 72 h. Neutral sugar digestibility most adversely affected by stem maturity was that of glucose and xylose. Digestibility of these sugars was much greater in leaves than in stems of both grasses and legumes. Xylose had the lowest digestibility value of the neutral sugars and this value was particularly low in legume stems. Up to three-quarters of xylose was digestible in leaves, about half was digestible in grass stems, and less than one-quarter was digestible in legume stems.
Religion, Politics, and the Social Capital of Children

Using a national data set, this study demonstrates that religious traditionalism and political conservatism are positively related to family size and the interactions between these measures result in increased political participation. Combining the social capital of children and religiosity, these findings suggest that choosing to have more children may be based on beliefs about traditional gender roles and the importance of family in society, which in turn result in political engagement around these issues.
Human Breast Cancer Identification by K-Space Analysis of Optical Coherence Tomography Images

Coherent tomographic imaging of mammary lesions has been demonstrated as an effective means for identifying margins between healthy and diseased tissue. We present k-space techniques for computational identification of human breast carcinomas in OCT images.
Two decades of low-severity prescribed fire increases soil nutrient availability in a Midwestern, USA oak (Quercus) forest

Abstract For the last 23 years, low-severity prescribed fire has been used to decrease shade and fire tolerant tree species, increase oak ( Quercus spp.), and increase herbaceous plant diversity in the East Woods of The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois, USA. The impacts of these fires on the belowground ecosystem have yet to be measured. Soil (0 to 10 cm) and litter samples were collected 12, 19, and 24 months following the most recent fire on 40 plots in burned and un-burned control areas. Soil physical, chemical, and biological properties were measured and compared with vegetation composition and structure from these same plots. Compared to un-burned controls, burn plots had greater canopy openness, greater herbaceous richness, and a lower spring/summer herbaceous ratio. Burned plots had higher soil moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, Ca 2 + , Mg 2 + , K + , Na + , NO 3 − , total N, particulate organic matter (POM), total organic C, and potential N mineralization. Soil microbial biomass and respiration, texture, color, aggregate stability, and hydrophobicity were not different in burned compared to un-burned plots. Indices of litter and soil invertebrate diversity were also not affected by prescribed fire. Three stepwise least squares models predicted woody richness, herbaceous richness, and spring/summer herbs with aspect, litter invertebrate richness, and soil factors (pH, potential N mineralization, C/N ratio, Mg 2 + , Bray P, and soil invertebrate Simpson index). These results confirm others showing prescribed fire to increase soil nutrient availability. Forest structural changes with fire appear correlated with soil nutrient availability. Decreased soil C, nutrient retention, invertebrate diversity, or increased hydrophobicity and the presence of exotic plants is often observed with high-severity fire; but, these negative impacts do not appear to be present with these long-term, low-severity fires.
Greenroads: A Sustainability Performance Metric for Roadways

Abstract Greenroads (www.greenroads.us) is a performance metric for sustainable practices associated with the design and construction of roads. It assigns points for approved sustainable choices/practices and can be used to assess roadway project sustainability measures based on total points. Such a metric can (1) provide a quantitative means of sustainability assessment, (2) allow informed sustainability decisions, (3) provide baseline sustainability standards, and (4) stimulate improvement and innovation in integrated roadway sustainability. This paper describes Greenroads version 1.0, which consists of 11 requirements and 37 voluntary practices that can be used as a project-level sustainability performance metric. Development efforts and a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) case study suggest (1) existing project data can serve as the data source for performance assessment, (2) some requirements and voluntary actions need refinement, (3) projects need to treat sustainability in a hol...
Si NMR Study of the Hydration of Ca3SiO5 and ß‐Ca2SiO4 in the Presence of Silica Fume

29Si magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MASNMR) was used to study the room-temperature hydration of C3S, s-C2S, and reactive s-C2S mixed with different amounts of silica fume (SF) that had been hydrated up to nine months and longer. The overall CaO:SiO2 molar ratios of the mixes were 0.12, 0.20, 0.35, 0.50, and 0.80. NMR spectroscopy was used to quantify the remaining starting materials and the resulting hydration products of different species. A broad peak assigned to Q3, appearing in both the fourier transform (FT) and the cross-polarization (CP) modes, increased in intensity with increased SF content and with age. This Q3 species was attributed to two sources: (1) the surface hydroxylation of SF and (2) the cross-linking of dreierketten (chains of silicate tetrahedra arranged in a repeating three-unit conformation) in the calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) structure. A Q4 species also appeared in the CP spectra of samples with large SF additions after extended hydration and was attributed to cross-polarization by adjacent hydroxylated Q3 species at the surface of amorphous SiO2.