cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE NUMBER OF C-BANDS OF HUMAN ISOCHROMOSOME Xqi AND THEIR REIATIONSHIP TO 45,X MOSAICISM

It is known that X isochromosome (Xqi) is frequently associated with 45,X mosaicism. Of 35 cases with Xqi collected by Ferguson-Smith, 23 cases were mosaic for 45,X/46,XXqi. Cases with 45,X/46,XXqi/47,XXqiXqi are also known. Apparently a structurally abnormal chromosome has a tendency for either anaphase lag or mitotic nondisjunction. With C-banding, two major types of human isochromosome X have been identified, namely Xqi with one C-band and Xqi with two C-bands. Since chromosomes with two centromeres are known to be unstable, it is possible that Xqi's which appear to have only one centromere but have two C-bands are more unstable during mitosis than Xqi with one C-band. We have studied six cases of Xqi. Three showed one C-band; all these were without 45,X mosaicism. The other three cases showed two C-bands and were mosaic (one 45,X/46,XXqi; two 45,X/46,XXqi/47,XXqiXqi-identical twins). Seven other cases of isochromosome Xqi have been reported with C-banding studies. Of these, four showed one C-band with XO mosaicism in two; three demonstrated two C-bands and all three were XO mosaics, thus in a total of 13 cases of Xqi studied with C-banding, seven showed one C-band with XO mosaicism in 2 cases, one of which showed no XO cells in skin fibroblasts; six Xqi's had two C-bands and all were mosaic for 45,X/46,XXqi or 45,X/46,XXqi/47,XXqiXqi. Thus it is evident that Xqi with two C-bands has a greater tendency for anaphase lag or mitotic non-disjunction leading to mosaicism.
Father–Daughter Communication About Sex Moderates the Association Between Exposure to MTV’s 16 and Pregnant/Teen Mom and Female Students’ Pregnancy-Risk Behavior

MTV’s hit programs 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom have been the subject of national debate since their inception. Supporters contend that the shows inhibit pregnancy-risk behavior. Critics contend that the shows glamorize adolescent motherhood and encourage pregnancy-risk behavior. The present study explored the possibility that the association between viewing 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom and student females’ pregnancy-risk behavior depends on the extent to which females’ parents communicated with them about sex while they were growing up. Survey data were gathered from 313 female students. A disordinal interaction was found between father–daughter sexual communication, viewing frequency, and recent intercourse behavior. Frequent viewing was associated with an increased probability of having engaged in recent intercourse for females whose fathers did not communicate with them about sex while growing up. Conversely, frequent viewing was associated with a decreased probability of having engaged in recent intercourse for females whose fathers often communicated about sex with them while growing up. No interaction was found between mother–daughter sexual communication, viewing frequency, and recent intercourse behavior. These results suggest that fathers may play an especially important role in determining how sexual media socialize their daughters.
Aspects of the adsorption of chloride on silver revealed through surface enhanced Raman scattering

Abstract The surface coverage of halide ions on Ag is found to be the most dominant factor determining the potential dependence of the Cl-Ag Raman intensity and mode energy. The observed signals are predominantly associated with active sites on the Ag surface which are stabilized by coadsorbed halide ions. The active sites are identified as intrinsically resonant Ag clusters. The resonance in the clusters gives rise to the short-range enhancement of the Raman scattering in this situation. We compare our experiments with other recently found results and point out why the uncorrected magnitude of the Raman intensity is not a simple measure of the surface coverage of the adsorbed chloride.
In situ leaching investigation of pH and nitrite concentration in concrete pore solution

Abstract Holes 3- to 5-mm in diameter were drilled in concrete and mortar specimens with and without calcium nitrite corrosion inhibitor. The holes were partially filled with distilled water to leach out soluble ions from the surrounding pores. The pH in the solution inside the holes was periodically monitored with a micro-pH glass electrode and a silver-silver chloride reference electrode. A small fraction of the solution (∼10 μL) was also periodically extracted for spectrophotometric nitrite content determination. The terminal nitrite and pH values of the water in the holes matched the pore water compositions obtained in confirmatory tests using a conventional pore solution expression technique. The specimens without corrosion inhibitor yielded terminal pH ∼ 13.4. Specimens with nitrite inhibitor had pH ∼ 0.3 units lower than those without inhibitor. The terminal solution nitrite ion content was ∼8,000 ppm, which indicated that ∼10% of the total admixed nitrite was present in the pores. The pH drop was found to be quantitatively related to limited solubility of Ca(OH)2 and its precipitation upon introduction of Ca(NO2)2.
Sentencing Principles in Theory and Practice

In Norval Morris's "limiting retributivist" theory of punishment, considerations of "just deserts" set upper and occasionally lower limits on sentencing severity. Other purposes, including general deterrence, considerations of equality, and "parsimony," provide the necessary "fine-tuning." Proponents of just deserts, such as Andrew von Hirsch, give much greater weight to retributive and equality values and would allow almost no role for other sentencing goals in the determination of the severity of individual sentences. The relative severity of sentences must be closely linked to desert, and parsimony should only be considered in determining issues such as the overall severity of the sentencing scale. Minnesota's sentencing guidelines, in effect since 1980, are based on a theory of just deserts, but also give substantial weight to utilitarian sentencing purposes. This was true even of the original guidelines and is more true today. The theory of punishment that has evolved is quite similar to Morris's the...
A Bayesian perspective on sparse regularization for STAP post-processing

Traditional Space Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) formulations cast the problem as a detection task which results in an optimal decision statistic for a single target in colored Gaussian noise. In the present work, inspired by recent theoretical and algorithmic advances in the field known as compressed sensing, we impose a Laplacian prior on the targets themselves which encourages sparsity in the resulting reconstruction of the angle/Doppler plane. By casting the problem in a Bayesian framework, it becomes readily apparent that sparse regularization can be applied as a post-processing step after the use of a traditional STAP algorithm for clutter estimation. Simulation results demonstrate that this approach allows closely spaced targets to be more easily distinguished.
The development and geometry of shape change in Arabidopsis thaliana cotyledon pavement cells

The leaf epidermis is an important architectural control element that influences the growth properties of underlying tissues and the overall form of the organ. In dicots, interdigitated pavement cells are the building blocks of the tissue, and their morphogenesis includes the assembly of specialized cell walls that surround the apical, basal, and lateral (anticlinal) cell surfaces. The microtubule and actin cytoskeletons are highly polarized along the cortex of the anticlinal wall; however, the relationships between these arrays and cell morphogenesis are unclear. We developed new quantitative tools to compare population-level growth statistics with time-lapse imaging of cotyledon pavement cells in an intact tissue. The analysis revealed alternating waves of lobe initiation and a phase of lateral isotropic expansion that persisted for days. During lateral isotropic diffuse growth, microtubule organization varied greatly between cell surfaces. Parallel microtubule bundles were distributed unevenly along the anticlinal surface, with subsets marking stable cortical domains at cell indentations and others clearly populating the cortex within convex cell protrusions. Pavement cell morphogenesis is discontinuous, and includes punctuated phases of lobe initiation and lateral isotropic expansion. In the epidermis, lateral isotropic growth is independent of pavement cell size and shape. Cortical microtubules along the upper cell surface and stable cortical patches of anticlinal microtubules may coordinate the growth behaviors of orthogonal cell walls. This work illustrates the importance of directly linking protein localization data to the growth behavior of leaf epidermal cells.
Energy optimality and variability in subthreshold design

Recent progress in the development of subthreshold circuit design techniques has created the opportunity for dramatic energy reductions in many applications. However, energy efficiency comes at the price of timing and energy variability due to process variations. We explore energy optimality in the subthreshold regime, discuss variability in this region, and highlight the energy and variability characteristics of a real subthreshold design.
Phonon contribution to wetting phenomena: macroscopic theory

Abstract We present a macroscopic treatment that clarifies the role of phonons in the wetting of a solid by an ideal liquid, such as liquid 4 He. We show that in the equation for the wetting temperature the phonon contribution cancels exactly. Therefore, a pure phonon mechanism always results in wetting, and other mechanisms determine whether wetting or non-wetting occurs. The importance of ripplon excitations for the wetting phenomenon is discussed.
The Approach to the Patient with an Unknown Overdose

Toxic overdose can present with various clinical symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, tremor, altered mental status, seizures, cardiac dysrhythmias, and respiratory depression. These may be the only clues to diagnosis when the cause of toxicity is unknown at the time of initial assessment and management. The diagnosis may be complicated by the possibility of a multiple-drug ingestion. The prognosis and clinical course of recovery of a patient poisoned by a specific agent depends largely on the quality of care delivered within the first few hours in the emergency setting. Fortunately, in most instances, the drug or toxin can be quickly identified by a careful history, a directed physical examination, and commonly available laboratory tests. Attempts to identify the poison should never delay life-saving supportive care, however. Once the patient has been stabilized, the physician needs to consider how to minimize the bioavailability of toxin not yet absorbed, which antidotes (if any) to administer, and if other measures to enhance elimination are necessary [1].
Relative X-Ray Sensitivity of Metaphase and Interphase Chromosomes

MANY investigators have studied the problem of radio-sensitivity of cells in different stages of mitosis and meiosis in a wide range of plants and animals. Much disagreement still exists, however, as to which stages of the nuclear cycle are stages of high sensitivity to chromosome breakage and which stages are relatively resistant.
Aluminum titanium oxide alloys: Deposition of amorphous, transparent, corrosion-resistant films by pulsed DC reactive magnetron sputtering with RF substrate bias

Abstract Optically transparent and mechanically flexible encapsulation films are desirable for advanced optoelectronic devices. Among many variations of encapsulation, ternary metal oxide films present good optical and mechanical properties. In this study, aluminum titanium oxide (Al1−xTixOy) films were deposited with a range of Ti/(Ti+Al) molar fractions (x) using pulsed DC magnetron sputtering with RF substrate bias. Subsequently, the films were subjected to an Accelerated Weathering Environment (AWE) test at 220 °C, 1.6 atm and ~100% RH for 3 h. Optical, chemical, and morphological analyses revealed that there exists a range of Ti/(Ti+Al) molar fraction (x=0.4–0.7) where films withstood the test, maintaining their optical, chemical, and morphological integrities. The study suggests that encapsulation films with continuously and spatially varying refractive index can be available by varying x within this range, forming encapsulation with broadband, wide angle antireflective coatings.
The President's Commission to Study Capital Budgeting: An Interim Review

The President's Commission to Study Capital Budgeting is slated to complete its report by year-end 1998. Even though it would be premature to try to anticipate the Commission's recommendations, it is already clear that the Commission will contribute significantly to the capital budgeting debate by casting the concept of capital budgeting broadly, as a systematic decision process, rather than merely a budget accounting or scoring convention or a government financing alternative to the balanced budget rule. This article summarizes some of the analytical accomplishments of the Commission at the mid-point of its expected life.
Urinary C19 steroids in normal children and adults.

ABSTRACT. C19 steroids were studied in urine from children and adults of both sexes, using gradient elution separation on an alumina column and subsequent identification by paper chromatography. With the technique used, no dehydroepiandrosterone was found in the urine from normal boys and girls. This appears to be the first report in which the 11-oxy C19 steroids have been separated individually and compared by the same technique in normal children and adults. The boys excreted twice as much 11-OH-androsterone as did the girls. The total urinary 11-oxysteroids in children were higher than the total 11- deoxysteroids. On the contrary, the urinary 11-deoxysteroids in the urine of adults were much higher than the urinary 11-oxysteroids.
Primary prevention and health outcomes: Treatment of residential lead-based paint hazards and the prevalence of childhood lead poisoning

Abstract In order to gain a better understanding of the effects of an investment in primary prevention on health, I investigate the impact of treatment of lead-based paint hazards in housing units (the preventive action) on childhood lead poisoning (the health outcome) at the census tract level in Chicago, IL. I use the findings from the analysis to simulate and then weigh the costs of lead interventions against the potential benefits of reducing blood lead levels in children. Childhood lead poisoning presents an interesting case study of the potential of preventive care in reducing the prevalence of a disease. There is a clear, well-defined pathway of exposure (deteriorating lead paint in older homes) and no method of secondary care that effectively mitigates the negative health effects. I find that a one-tenth percentage point increase in the proportion of older housing units that have been remediated is associated with a four-tenths percentage point reduction in the prevalence of childhood lead poisoning, an elasticity of roughly 0.5. Citywide, this is roughly 2.5 cases of lead poisoning averted for every housing unit remediated. Furthermore, I find evidence that the effect of remediations in preventing the disease has improved over time. The lower bound estimates of the benefits associated with the reduction in lead poisoning – increased expected lifetime earnings and reduced medical expenditures – are two to twenty times the estimated costs of the remediations.
A method to improve the quantitative analysis of SFM images at the nanoscale

Abstract Quantitative analysis of scanned force microscope (SFM) images at the nanoscale requires removing the contributions of tip size and shape from the images. Mathematical morphology provides tools for doing this but determination of the probe tip geometry is required first. Blind reconstruction is among the most popular methods for determining tip geometry. We show that, at the nanoscale, spatially anisotropic noise generally present in SFM data results in artificially asymmetric tip geometries as determined by blind reconstruction. We present an easily implemented improvement to the publicly available computer code for blind reconstruction that alleviates this problem. Experimental evidence is presented to show that the method results in tip geometries that are consistent with expected shapes based on self-imaging using very sharp surface features.
Specificity, free energy and information content in protein–DNA interactions

Site-specific DNA-protein interactions can be studied using experimental and computational methods. Experimental approaches typically analyze a protein-DNA interaction by measuring the free energy of binding under a variety of conditions. Computational methods focus on alignments of known binding sites for a protein, and, from these alignments, make estimates of the binding energy. Understanding the relationship between these two perspectives, and finding ways to improve both, is a major challenge of modern molecular biology.
Tooley's solution to the inference problem

Tooley's speculative theory, I have tried to show, is beset with difficulties. I warned that this theory threatens to fail in its goal of illuminating the possible nature of a necessitation relation if it employs radical principles about parts and wholes and universals. Secondly, I argued that regardless of how we interpret the crucial phrase ‘existing only as a part of’, the speculative theory cannot solve the inference problem without appealing to such radical principles. Finally, I considered and rejected a version of Tooley's speculative theory that attempts to solve the inference problem using the Indiscernibility of Identicals. I conclude that the speculative theory fails. Tooley must fall back to the stipulative theory and live with the lack of an illuminating solution to the inference problem. But this is not to admit defeat. While it would be nice to have a more complete account of its workings, we may view the introduction of the necessitation relation as a theoretical posit, analogous to the positing of subatomic particles in physics to account for various data.
Evidence of active dune sand on the Great Plains in the 19th century from accounts of early explorers

Eolian sand is extensive over the Great Plains of North America, but is at present mostly stabilized by vegetation. Accounts published by early explorers, however, indicate that at least parts of dune fields in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas were active in the 19th century. Based on an index of dune mobility and a regional tree-ring record, the probable causes for these periods of greater eolian activity are droughts, accompanied by higher temperatures, which greatly lowered the precipitation-to-evapotranspiration ratio and diminished the cover of stabilizing vegetation. In addition, observations by several explorers, and previous historical studies, indicate that rivers upwind of Great Plains dune fields had shallow, braided, sandy channels, as well as intermittent flow in the 19th century. Wide, braided, sandy rivers that were frequently dry would have increased sand supplies to active dune fields. We conclude that dune fields in the Great Plains are extremely sensitive to climate change and that the potential for reactivation of stabilized dunes in the future is high, with or without greenhouse warming.
Bootstrap method for measuring accuracy of probabilistic-choice models

Abstract Probabilistic choice models that include choice-attributes are increasingly being utilized by decision makers, particularly in the business area. The output of these models are point estimates of the coefficients of the choice-attributes and rate of correct prediction. Accuracy measures of these point estimates are either based upon the asymptotic properties of the estimation procedures or are not provided. This paper indicates that bootstrap is a method by which the assumption of asymptotic properties can be empirically validated for a given model and can provide measures of accuracy on point estimates where currently no such measure exists. The empirical application of bootstrap to a real world data set indicates that decision makers will have considerably more information about their problem than is currently provided in the point estimates of the choice model. Managerial strategy and actions taken based upon the additional information may be quite different from actions suggested by the point estimates alone.
Evaluation of toxicity, bioavailability and speciation of lead, zinc and cadmium in mine/mill wastewaters

The toxicity of common compounds of lead, cadmium and zinc was evaluated in waters similar to that found in the world’s largest lead producing area in Missouri. Static, acute toxicity tests were pe...
VirtuOS: an operating system with kernel virtualization

Most operating systems provide protection and isolation to user processes, but not to critical system components such as device drivers or other system code. Consequently, failures in these components often lead to system failures. VirtuOS is an operating system that exploits a new method of decomposition to protect against such failures. VirtuOS exploits virtualization to isolate and protect vertical slices of existing OS kernels in separate service domains. Each service domain represents a partition of an existing kernel, which implements a subset of that kernel's functionality. Unlike competing solutions that merely isolate device drivers, or cannot protect from malicious and vulnerable code, VirtuOS provides full protection of isolated system components. VirtuOS's user library dispatches system calls directly to service domains using an exceptionless system call model, avoiding the cost of a system call trap in many cases.We have implemented a prototype based on the Linux kernel and Xen hypervisor. We demonstrate the viability of our approach by creating and evaluating a network and a storage service domain. Our prototype can survive the failure of individual service domains while outperforming alternative approaches such as isolated driver domains and even exceeding the performance of native Linux for some multithreaded workloads. Thus, VirtuOS may provide a suitable basis for kernel decomposition while retaining compatibility with existing applications and good performance.
Perimenopausal Postpartum Depression After Conception by Assisted Reproductive Technology

Background Women conceiving after the onset of the menopausal transition may experience hormonal fluctuations that predispose them to postpartum depression. Conception by assisted reproductive technology (ART) may increase this risk. Objective This case report highlights the hormonal and pathophysiological changes that may contribute to the development of postpartum depression during perimenopause. Method The authors report on the case of a perimenopausal woman who developed postpartum depression after conception by ART. Results The patient responded well to antidepressant treatment, estrogen replacement, and psychotherapy. Conclusion Research into perimenopausal postpartum depression in the setting of ART may lead to improved screening and treatment for at-risk patients.
Environmental application of aerial reconnaissance to search for open dumps

Three approaches to using aerial photography are evaluated for searching for open dumps in the state of Indiana. Photography with hand-held cameras from a small airplane proved more effective and flexible than either photo-interpretation of existing air photos or subcontracting to a federal agency for new aerial photography. The rationale for our choice of aerial reconnaissance, other uses of low-level aerial surveillance, the utility of small-format camera aerial photography for environmental analysis, and methods used for locating open dumps are discussed.
Nonlinear wave-mixing spectroscopy for sub-Doppler isotope analysis with trace-level detection sensitivity

Nonlinear spectroscopic method based on degenerate four-wave mixing allows unusually sensitive measurement of isotopes and hyperfine profiles with sub-Doppler spectral resolution. Compared to other isotope capable methods including mass spectrometry, wave mixing offers a simple, more cost effective approach with minimal sample preparation steps. Since no two hyperfine profiles are alike, hyperfine-based isotope analysis offers unambiguous isotope information. Unlike mass-based methods such as mass spectrometry, frequency-based wave-mixing spectroscopy offers more information rich spectra. A non-planar 3-D wave-mixing optical setup generates a coherent signal beam in its own space and propagation direction. Hence, virtually 100% of the signal can be collected and detected conveniently. Using compact solid-state lasers and popular atomizers, a wave-mixing setup is relatively compact. Sub-Doppler spectral resolution can be further enhanced by using simple low-pressure atomizers. Ultrasensitive fingerprinting of important isotopes promises many potential applications.
General method for determining the Floquet states of the forced rotor and other anharmonic systems.

An approximate analytical solution is developed for the Floquet states of a quantum-mechanical rigid rotor subject to an arbitrary periodically-time-dependent driving force. The rotor Hamiltonian is expanded in powers of the rotational ``anharmonicity'' about the angular-momentum state \ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathit{j}}_{0}$〉 and a perturbative Lie algebraic form of the evolution operator is derived. Except in special cases, the resulting Floquet states are localized. The localization length shows a sharp transition from narrow to broad for those Floquet states in the vicinity of a resonance with one of the Fourier components of the driving field. The special case of the periodically kicked rotor is also discussed, which, because of its unbounded frequency spectrum, can lead to delocalized Floquet states.
Crystal structure of viral serpin crmA provides insights into its mechanism of cysteine proteinase inhibition

CrmA is an unusual viral serpin that inhibits both cysteine and serine proteinases involved in the regulation of host inflammatory and apoptosis processes. It differs from other members of the serpin superfamily by having a reactive center loop that is one residue shorter, and by its apparent inability to form SDS-stable covalent complexes with cysteine proteinases. To obtain insight into the inhibitory mechanism of crmA, we determined the crystal structure of reactive center loop-cleaved crmA to 2.9 A resolution. The structure, which is the first of a viral serpin, suggests that crmA can inhibit cysteine proteinases by a mechanism analogous to that used by other serpins against serine proteinases. However, one striking difference from other serpins, which may be significant for in vivo function, is an additional highly charged antiparallel strand for b sheet A, whose sequence and length are unique to crmA.
Wind turbine wake interactions at field scale: An LES study of the SWiFT facility

The University of Minnesota Virtual Wind Simulator (VWiS) code is employed to simulate turbine/atmosphere interactions in the Scaled Wind Farm Technology (SWiFT) facility developed by Sandia National Laboratories in Lubbock, TX, USA. The facility presently consists of three turbines and the simulations consider the case of wind blowing from South such that two turbines are in the free stream and the third turbine in the direct wake of one upstream turbine with separation of 5 rotor diameters. Large-eddy simulation (LES) on two successively finer grids is carried out to examine the sensitivity of the computed solutions to grid refinement. It is found that the details of the break-up of the tip vortices into small-scale turbulence structures can only be resolved on the finer grid. It is also shown that the power coefficient CP of the downwind turbine predicted on the coarse grid is somewhat higher than that obtained on the fine mesh. On the other hand, the rms (root-mean-square) of the CP fluctuations are nearly the same on both grids, although more small-scale turbulence structures are resolved upwind of the downwind turbine on the finer grid.
The momentum of mortality change.

Mortality change is not usually assigned much importance as a source of population growth when future population trends are discussed. Yet it can make a significant contribution to population momentum. In populations that have experienced mortality change, cohort survivorship will continue varying for some time even if period mortality rates become constant. This continuing change in cohort survivorship can create a significant degree of mortality-induced population change, a process we call the ‘momentum of mortality change’. The momentum of mortality change can be estimated by taking the ratio of e 0 (the period life expectancy at birth) to CAL (the cross-sectional average length of life) for a given year. In industrialized nations, the momentum of mortality change can attenuate the negative effect on population growth of declining fertility or sustained below-replacement fertility. In India, where population momentum has a value of 1.436, the momentum of mortality change is the greatest contributor to ...
Effects of high altitude on lipid components of human serum.

SummarySerum lipid components were measured in eight male subjects exposed to an altitude of 14,000 feet for 14 days. Concentrations of total lipids rapidly decreased after the third day of exposure and a similar, although less pronounced decrease was observed in cholesterol levels. By way of contrast, phospholipid and FFA levels progressively increased during the period of altitude exposure. High altitude had no effect on serum glucose concentration but caused a slight increase in serum water content. The data indicate that high altitude has a marked effect on lipid metabolism.
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) intervertebral cage as a cause of chronic systemic allergy: a case report.

Abstract Background context Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is an organic polymer thermoplastic with strong mechanical and chemical resistance properties. It has been used in industry to fabricate items for demanding applications such as bearings, piston parts, compressor plate valves, and cable insulation. Since the early 1980s, polyetheretherketone polymers have been increasingly used in orthopedic and spinal surgery applications. Numerous studies and years of clinical experience have confirmed the biocompatibility of this material. Purpose The purpose of the study was to report a case of chronic systemic allergy after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) and implantation of an intervertebral PEEK cage, with resolution of symptoms after removal of PEEK cage. Study design/setting This study is a case report with clinical evidence for allergy to PEEK. Methods The methods involve clinical findings and review of current literature. Results After ACDF and implantation of an intervertebral PEEK cage, the patient had developed an angioedema-like picture marked by severe redness, itching, swelling of his tongue, and skin thickening. A skin patch test was positive for PEEK. Removal of the implant resulted in the resolution of his allergy symptoms shortly after surgery. Conclusions Tissue reactions to PEEK are extremely rare. Herein, we present the first report of a chronic allergic response to interbody PEEK material.
Surgical treatment of spinal cord arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous fistulas

Abstract Our objective was to review and describe operations for spinal cord arteriovenous malformations and perimedullary fistulas. We reviewed the authoritative surgical literature and added our own experience in operative considerations for these lesions. We concluded that a team approach requiring expertise in diagnostic angiography, endovascular, and microsurgical techniques is the best management strategy to optimally display and, when possible, eliminate these rare lesions. Surgical results depend on the preoperative clinical course; pathophysiology, extent, and angioarchitecture of the lesion; and experience of the surgical team.
Piecing together the ESCRTs

High-resolution structural analysis has characterized nearly all of the individual domains of ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) subunits, all of the core structures of the soluble complexes and many of the interactions involving domains. Recent emphasis in structural studies has shifted towards efforts to integrate these structures into a larger-scale model. Molecular simulations, hydrodynamic analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering and cryo-EM (electron microscopy) techniques have all been brought to bear on the ESCRT system over the last year.
The Operating Characteristics of the PTSD Checklist in Detecting PTSD in HIV+ Substance Abusers

ABSTRACT The psychometric properties of the PTSD Checklist-Civilian version (PCL-C) were calculated for a population of HIV-seropositive individuals, using diagnoses and scores from the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) as the criterion measure. Results indicated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) higher than that of the general population, with 12.3% of participants meeting criteria for PTSD in the past month. The PCL-C exhibited excellent internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of .94 for the whole measure. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve yielded an optimum cut score of 52 to determine the presence of PTSD as measured by the CAPS. This resulted in a sensitivity of .71, a specificity of .84, and a diagnostic efficiency of .82. Although this cut score yielded a slightly higher diagnostic efficiency, the cut score of 50 provided the optimal balance between sensitivity (.86) and specificity (.79)
Feature extraction through local learning

RELIEF is considered one of the most successful algorithms for assessing the quality of features. It has been recently proved that RELIEF is an online learning algorithm that solves a convex optimization problem with a margin-based objective function. Starting from this mathematical interpretation, we propose a novel feature extraction algorithm, referred to as local feature extraction (LFE), as a natural generalization of RELIEF. LFE collects discriminant information through local learning and can be solved as an eigenvalue decomposition problem with a closed-form solution. A fast implementation of LFE is derived. Compared to principal component analysis, LFE also has a clear physical meaning and can be implemented easily with a comparable computational cost. Compared to other feature extraction algorithms, LFE has an explicit mechanism to remove irrelevant features. Experiments on synthetic and real-world data are presented. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 2: 34-47, 2009
A simple procedure for resolution of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase holoenzyme from core polymerase.

Abstract A method for the isolation of homogeneous Escherichia coli RNA polymerase holoenzyme is described. The procedure involves the chromatography of a partially purified fraction of RNA polymerase containing both RNA polymerase holoenzyme and core polymerase on a phosphocellulose column in the presence of a high concentration of glycerol. Under these conditions, only small amounts of σ subunit are lost and RNA polymerase holoenzyme is well separated from the core polymerase.
Annealing encapsulants for InP I: Auger electron and secondary ion mass spectrometric studies

Using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) we examined the InP encapsulation properties of chemically vapor-deposited SiO2, chemically vapor-deposited phosphosilicate glass (PSG) and r.f.-plasma-deposited Si3N4. Following 60 min 750°C anneals, indium is detected by both AES and SIMS on the surfaces of Si3N4 encapsulants. SIMS results also suggest that indium may out-diffuse through PSG caps during similar anneals. Silicon in-diffusion from the cap to the underlying InP is found to be significant in annealed SiO2-and Si3N4-capped samples. Little such silicon contamination of InP is observed after annealing with PSG encapsulation.
The time-dependent potential in a spherical cell using matched asymptotic expansions

A derivation is given of the equation and boundary condition for determining the electric potential in a cell. The potential is calculated for all time, everywhere inside a spherical cell and in the external bathing medium for the case of a point source of current inside the cell turned on abruptly at t= 0. The problem is solved by the singular perturbation technique of matching a short-time (inner) and a long time (outer) asymptotic expansion. The model for the cell consists of a sphere of radius a with an internal medium of conductivity σi, surrounded by a membrane of thickness δ, conductivity σm and surface capacity C m bathed in an external medium of conductivity σ0, The solution is discussed for the physiologically interesting case of ɛ=σma/σi δ ≪1, when the effective internal resistance is small compared to the effective membrane resistance. In the most important physiological case, for times much longer than C m a/σi, simple analytic expressions are obtained for the inside potential, the outside potential and the transmembrane potential. The leading term in the expansion, the isopotential cell interior, is obtained for arbitrary finite-cell shape.
Parallel architecture for prototype training

The letter suggests an efficient parallel hardware architecture for prototype training in pattern recognition. Sample means and covariance matrices are computed by the same architecture and much attention is paid to the implementation of covariance matrices. A k2-chip of processor elements is used to implement covariance matrices.
Competitive alkyl and halide metathesis in the reactions of grignard reagents with Tl{η3-HB(3-Butpz)3}

Abstract The reactions of Grignard reagents RMgX [RMgX = CH3MgCl, CH3MgBr, CH3MgI, CH3CH2MgCl, (CH3)2CHMgCl and (CH3)3CMgCl] with Tl{η3-HB(3-Butpz)3} (3-Butpz = 3-C3N2ButH2) show that metathesis of the MgR bond is favoured for X = Cl, Br, whereas metathesis of the MgX bond is favoured for X = I.
Cooperative arrangements and unions as mechanisms for internalizing informational inefficiencies

Abstract In this paper we show that sorting or informational costs can be internalized through a cooperative agreement, which can be interpreted as a union, made by the workers. If potential employers are aware of the distribution of workers' characteristics, and if there is a cost associated with verification of a worker's ability, then an agreement in which workers reveal their ability and are paid their marginal product can arise; this makes costly verification unnecessary.
Outcome of other organs recovered during in situ split-liver procurements

Split-liver transplantation is becoming a useful technique to expand the donor pool. Whether the split should be performed in situ or ex situ is not clear. One potential disadvantage of in situ splits is that prolonged surgical time and increased blood loss may negatively affect the function of other solid organs (kidneys, pancreas, and heart) procured from the same donor. Therefore, we studied the function of other organs posttransplantation. Between September 1, 1999, and March 31, 2000, we performed six in situ splits at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN). These six splits yielded six right-lobe liver grafts and six left-lobe liver grafts, which were transplanted into 12 adult-size recipients. Other grafts obtained from these six donors were as follows: kidney (n = 11), heart (n = 4), lungs (n = 1), pancreas (n = 2), and kidney-pancreas (n = 1). We then analyzed posttransplantation function of these grafts and the postoperative course of transplant recipients. All six donors were hemodynamically stable at the time of procurement. Mean donor age was 19.7 years. Mean surgical time for the procurement was 7.4 hours, with an average blood loss of 490 mL during in situ splitting of the liver. The 12 liver grafts showed good initial function with no primary nonfunction. The other organs also showed good function. Of 11 kidney recipients, only 1 patient developed delayed graft function, which resolved within 4 days. In addition, 1 kidney was lost early because of severe acute rejection. For the 10 recipients with functioning kidneys, mean creatinine level at hospital discharge was 2.0 mg/dL, and mean creatinine level after an average 9-month follow-up was 1.3 mg/dL. Of the 4 heart transplant recipients, 3 patients had good graft function immediately posttransplantation, with an ejection fraction greater than 60%, minimal inotropic requirements, and no surgical complications. The fourth heart transplant recipient, a critically ill status 1 patient, had poor initial function and a prolonged intensive care unit stay. At hospital discharge, pancreas and pancreas-kidney transplant recipients were all insulin free, with good urine amylase levels, no surgical or infectious complications, and no evidence of significant pancreatitis posttransplantation. The kidney of the pancreas-kidney transplant recipient functioned immediately; creatinine level after 7 months of follow-up was 1.2 mg/dL. Despite increased surgical time and blood loss, in situ splitting of liver grafts can be accomplished in stable donors without significant negative effects on other organs.
Transparent Exopolymer Particles (TEP) in a River-Dominated Estuary: Spatial–Temporal Distributions and an Assessment of Controls upon TEP Formation

Transparent exopolymer particle (TEP) distributions were examined in North Carolina’s Neuse River Estuary (NRE) over a 1-year period, and experiments were conducted to examine controls upon TEP formation. TEP-carbon averaged 16% of the total organic carbon pool in the NRE. From May to early August 2007, TEP ranged from 805 to 1,801 µg xanthan gum (XG) L−1. A large phytoplankton bloom peaked in early August and then subsequently declined. Within 2 weeks of the bloom’s peak, TEP concentrations increased to >3,500 µg XG L−1 and remained elevated through mid-December. Decreasing water temperatures and enhanced retention due to drought conditions in Fall 2007 likely aided in the persistence of TEP concentrations during this timeframe. Thereafter, TEP decreased coincident with increased river flow and flushing of the estuary that began in January 2008, and TEP remained low (ranging from 991 to 1,712 µg XG L−1) until the end of April 2008. TEP was positively correlated with salinity, suggesting that cation availability (which co-varies with salinity and stabilizes the structural integrity of TEP) may play a role in estuarine TEP formation. In two cation addition experiments using water from the mesohaline region, TEP concentrations tended to be higher in treatments with vs. without cations added. Statistically significant relationships were also found between in situ TEP concentrations and pH, mixing, and temperature, suggesting that a complex suite of environmental parameters affect TEP formation and its distribution in estuaries.
Designing simulation experiments for evaluating manufacturing systems

Simulation experiments can benefit from proper planning and design, which can often increase the precision of estimates and strengthen confidence in conclusions drawn from the simulations. While simulation experiments are broadly similar to any statistical experiment, there are a number of differences. In particular, it is often possible to exploit the control of random numbers used to drive the simulation model. To illustrate the methodology described, four examples drawn from manufacturing are used.
Interventions used by health care professionals to enhance medication adherence in transplant patients: a survey of current clinical practice.

Context—Although medication nonadherence is associated with severe complications including graft rejection and loss, its prevalence remains high among organ transplant recipients. Still, little information exists on clinical use of interventions to improve medication adherence.Objective—To identify transplant health care professionals' methods of assessing medication adherence, classify the used interventions, and measure those interventions' perceived effectiveness.Design, Setting and Participants—A 46-item questionnaire on adherence assessment and interventions was distributed at the 2010 International Transplant Nurses Society symposium in Germany. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics.Results—Of 141 distributed questionnaires, 94 (67%) were returned. Respondents with no direct patient contact (9%, n = 8) were excluded. The most frequently used assessment strategy was patient self-reporting (60%, n = 52). On average, participants reported using 47% of the educational/cognitive, 44% of the ...
A historical and proteomic analysis of botulinum neurotoxin type/G

Background Clostridium botulinum is the taxonomic designation for at least six diverse species that produce botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs). There are seven known serotypes of BoNTs (/A through/G), all of which are potent toxins classified as category A bioterrorism agents. BoNT/G is the least studied of the seven serotypes. In an effort to further characterize the holotoxin and neurotoxin-associated proteins (NAPs), we conducted an in silico and proteomic analysis of commercial BoNT/G complex. We describe the relative quantification of the proteins present in the/G complex and confirm our ability to detect the toxin activity in vitro. In addition, we review previous literature to provide a complete description of the BoNT/G complex.
Multiple angiofibromas and collagenomas in a 45-year-old man with recurrent nephrolithiasis, fatigue, and vision loss

CASE SUMMARY History A45-year-oldmanwas referred to theDermatology Branch Consultation Service at the National Institutes ofHealth for evaluationof a 20-yearhistoryofmultiple asymptomatic papuleson the faceandpapulonodules on the trunk. The truncal lesions had been increasing in number and size over the past 5 years. Two lipomas located on the left anterior thigh and the right posterior thigh had been excised in his late teens. Eighteen months before presentation, the patient was evaluated for recurrent nephrolithiasis, constipation, and fatigue. He was found to be hypercalcemic secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism and underwent right-sided parathyroidectomy without complete normalization of his serum calcium values. Six months later, he developed bilateral visual field deficits. A 5-cm pituitary mass was identified by magnetic resonance imaging, and his serum prolactin level was elevated to 5380 g/L (reference range, 3-29 g/L). A diagnosis of macroprolactinoma was made and medical therapy with cabergoline was
Spinal Nerve Root Enhancement on MRI Scans in Children: A Review

Spinal nerve root enhancement in pediatric patients is generally nonspecific, and clinical and laboratory correlation is essential. Nerve root enhancement indicates lack of integrity of the blood-nerve barrier. In this review, we will present a range of pediatric conditions that can present with spinal nerve root enhancement including inflammatory, infectious, hereditary, and neoplastic causes. Familiarity with the various pathologic entities associated with spinal nerve root enhancement is important for a concise differential diagnosis in the appropriate clinical setting. This will avoid unnecessary additional investigations.