cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of continuous flow erythrocytapheresis in pregnant patients with sickle cell disease.

The role of partial prophylactic red cell exchange transfusion in the management of pregnant patients with major sickle hemoglobinopathies is unclear. Over a 10-year period, 131 pregnant patients with major hemoglobinopathies (HbS 101, HbS-C 30) were managed by the same group of physicians. Of these, 103 received partial prophylactic exchange transfusion early during prenatal care while 28 received blood only when serious complications developed (control group). Patients treated with exchange transfusion received continuous flow erythrocytapheresis on an outpatient basis. The results indicate that there were fewer crises (P = .0001), a reduction in other significant medical complications (P = .002), and a decrease in maternal hospital days (P = .05) in those receiving prophylactic transfusions compared to women in the control group. The number of preterm deliveries (P = .004), the prevalence of low birthweight infants (P = .01), and the perinatal death rate (P = .01) were significantly lower among those who were routinely transfused. Two patients developed hepatitis, five had transfusion reactions, and 11 were found to have alloantibodies among those receiving prophylactic transfusions versus one, two, and five patients, respectively, in the control group. The results indicate a benefit of this methodology in the treatment of pregnant sickle cell patients in our population. However, a national collaborative randomized study is needed to adequately address the controversy regarding the use of red cell exchange in the pregnant sickler.
A quest for the mechanism regulating global planar cell polarity of tissues

Most epithelial cells, besides their ubiquitous apical–basal polarity, are polarized within the plane of the epithelium, which is called planar cell polarity (PCP). Using Drosophila as a model, meaningful progress has been made in the identification of key PCP factors and the dissection of their intracellular molecular interactions. The long-range, global aspects of coordinated polarization and the overlying regulatory mechanisms that create the initial polarity direction have, however, remained elusive. Several recent publications have outlined potential mechanisms of how the global regulation of PCP might be controlled and how the distinct core factor groups might interact via frizzled, Van Gogh or flamingo. This review focuses on these exciting features and attempts to provide an integrated picture of these recent and novel insights.
Medial Hamstring Tendon Regeneration Following Harvest for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Fact, Myth, and Clinical Implication

It has been demonstrated that the medial hamstring tendons regenerate in the majority of patients following their harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The anatomy and morphology of these regenerated tendons have been radiographically and surgically documented. The neotendons originate within the appropriate muscle belly but display an altered insertion anatomy. Their histological composition is largely tendinous but has regions that resemble scar tissue. Concordantly, an animal model indicates that the neotendon has decreased mechanical strength, which has implications for tendon re-harvest. The regenerated tendons do restore a muscle tendon complex that is able to generate force; however, strength testing indicates that the function of the hamstring muscles is altered by harvest and regeneration. The most significant strength deficits are present in deep knee flexion and internal rotation of the tibia, whereas the peak torque of knee flexion is minimally affected. Additional harvest of the gracilis tendon results in greater deficits. The current literature indicates that hamstring tendon regeneration does indeed occur, but with structural and functional alterations.
A little help from my friends

During the past five years, we have had the ability to design our publications with the support of students in the Penn State Art 475 class. The synergies are apparent: we receive fresh design ideas and the students receive "real world" experience. Each semester we work with Professor Lanny Sommese and his students in designing the main covers of the ITS Academic Computing Newsletter (http://css.its.psu.edu/news/nlsp07/) and the "Your Guide to ITS @ Penn State" (http://css.its.psu.edu/internet/). This poster session would describe in depth the project of redesigning the "Your Guide to ITS @ Penn State". During the spring semester 2007, Art 475 students redesigned this publication. In addition to a graphical redesign, this year's class reviewed the content of the publication as well, emphasizing what is relevant to them. What follows in this paper is a discussion of the amount of student involvement, the supervision time, the updates and changes, and the fun involved in working with Art students.
Actively involving our information development teams with clients

In this paper, we address the question: "How can you produce high-quality information if you've never directly interacted with the people who will use the information?"
The thermodynamics of dust formation: Evidence from meteorites

A substantial fraction of interstellar dust probably formed in the nebulae around protostars, a setting similar to that envisioned for meteoritic material. From studies of the mineralogy and composition of meteorites it is possible to obtain quantitative information on the conditions that prevailed in the nebula. For example, pressures in the range 10−3 to 10−6 atm are indicated. At these pressures the kinetics of nucleation and grain growth are favorable.
Prognostic factors in pediatric Hodgkin disease

The sensitivity of pediatric Hodgkin disease to radiation and chemotherapy has resulted in cure for most children and adolescents who have been diagnosed in the past three decades. Identification of prognostic factors in clinical trials has allowed for tailoring of therapeutic approaches to improve outcome in sequential trials. Tumor burden, symptoms, clinical features, pathology, response to therapy, biology, and host factors are reviewed in this context. New developments should be directed toward identification of factors associated with biologic mechanisms of disease to facilitate the development of biologically targeted therapies that will be more efficacious and less toxic.
Proteasome inhibitors induce a terminal unfolded protein response in multiple myeloma cells.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy. The 26S proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, selectively induces apoptosis in MM cells; however, the nature of its selectivity remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that 5 different MM cell lines display similar patterns of sensitivity to 3 proteasome inhibitors (PIs) but respond differently to specific NF-κB inhibition. We further show that PIs initiate the unfolded protein response (UPR), a signaling pathway activated by the accumulation of misfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Consistent with reports that prosurvival/physiologic UPR components are required for B-cell differentiation into antibody-secreting cells, we found that MM cells inherently expressed the ER chaperones GRP78/Bip and GRP94/gp96. However, bortezomib rapidly induced components of the proapoptotic/terminal UPR, including PERK, the ER stress–specific eIF-2α kinase; ATF4, an ER stress–induced transcription factor; and its proapoptotic target, CHOP/GADD153. Consistent with our hypothesis that PIs induce the accumulation of misfolded ER-processed proteins, we found that the amount of immunoglobulin subunits retained within MM cells correlated with their sensitivity to PIs. These findings suggest that MM cells have a lower threshold for PI-induced UPR induction and ER stress–induced apoptosis because they constitutively express ER stress survival factors to function as secretory cells.
Mitogenic signal transduction in normal and transformed 32D hematopoietic cells

We studied mitogenic signal transduction in normal and oncogene-transformed 32D cells, a murine hematopoietic cell line that is normally dependent on interleukin-3 (IL3) for proliferation and survival. The formation of second messengers was measured in normal cells stimulated with IL3, and in cells transfected with foreign growth factor receptor genes and stimulated with appropriate growth factors. We also measured the steady-state level of second messengers in 32D cells transformed by erbB, abl, and src oncogenes which abrogate growth factor requirement. We found that IL3 stimulated the formation of diacylglycerol independently of inositol lipid turnover, but concomitantly with increased turnover of phosphatidylcholine. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated the ‘classical’ turnover of inositol lipids with formation of diacylglycerol and calcium-mobilizing inositol phosphates. Colony stimulating factor-1 trigged inositol lipid turnover, although to a much lower extent than EGF and PDGF. Transformed cells showed elevated levels of diacylglycerol together with increased turnover of phosphoinositides and phosphatidylcholine. Taken together these results indicate that different growth factors and oncoproteins associate with multiple signalling pathways in 32D cells.
Flux flow in type II superconducting wires in longitudinal magnetic fields

The resistive behavior of a type II superconducting wire in the presence of a longitudinal applied magnetic field is studied. The experimental data obtained are compared with the predictions of a phenomenological model based on viscous flux flow. For appropriate surface conditions the model is in satisfactory qualitative agreement with observations. The problems involved in obtaining a numerical value for the flux flow resistivity from longitudinal field I–V data are discussed. Estimates of the flux flow resistivity are made and are shown to be in order-of-magnitude agreement with accepted values.
Binary cosmic strings.

The properties of cosmic strings have been investigated in detail for their implications in early-universe cosmology. Although many variations of the basic structure have been discovered, with implications for both the microscopic and macroscopic properties of cosmic strings, the cylindrical symmetry of the short-distance structure of the string is generally unaffected. In this paper we describe some mechanisms leading to an asymmetric structure of the string core, giving the defects a quasi-two-dimensional character. We also begin to investigate the consequences of this internal structure for the microscopic and macroscopic physics. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Clinical effects of organophosphorus cholinesterase inhibitors

Nerve agents, highly toxic organophosphorus cholinesterase inhibitors, inhibit acetylcholinesterase and cause an accumulation of acetylcholine. Clinical effects depend on the route and amount of exposure and include miosis, bronchoconstriction, excessive secretions, vomiting, seizures, and cessation of respiratory and cardiac activity. Eye effects include miosis, engorgement of ocular vessels, pain, and a decrease in light sensitivity. Therapy consists of atropine, a cholinesterase reactivator (pralidoxime), and ventilation as needed.
Induction of Tolerance in Rodent Cardiac Allotransplantation Using an MHC Class I-Derived Peptide and Cyclosporin A

Abstract Background . The synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 75-84 of the human major histocompatibility complex class I molecule HLA-B7 (Allotrap 07) has been shown to inhibit differentiation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors. Subsequent treatment of LEW-1A rats with this peptide was associated with a reduction in the level of cytotoxic activity directed to donor alloantigens. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Allotrap 07 on rodent heart allograft survival in LEW-1A recipients. Methods . Heart allografts from Lewis rats were heterotopically transplanted into the infrarenal abdominal aorta of ACI recipients. The treatment groups consisted of different regimens of short-term intravenous Allotrap 07 and oral cyclosporin A. All grafts were palpated daily, with rejection defined as the cessation of palpable contractions. Results . Cardiac allografts transplanted from Lewis to ACI rats survived indefinitely after administration of intravenous Allotrap 07 and oral cyclosporin A. Tolerance induction was donor-specific because third-party Brown-Norway, but not Lewis, grafts were rapidly rejected after implantation into ACI recipients. Conclusions . Because donor-specific tolerance persisted long after cessation of peptide administration and did not occur when cyclosporin A was omitted from the immunosuppressive regimen, the mechanism may involve induction of clonal anergy.
Algal dynamics and nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in a cypress stand in the seasonally flooded Great Dismal Swamp

Both periphytic and planktonic algae are found in areas of the seasonally flooded Great Dismal Swamp (Virginia, U.S.A.). The dynamics of these algae were studied in a cypress stand and the periphytic algae appeared to be important as nutrient conservers. Clear temporal patterns in phytoplankton dominance were also observed.
Mental map variability: A migration modeling problem

Mental map variability is important when viewed in a migration prediction context. Models that link aggregate mental maps of residential desirability to migration have limited predictive value because mental maps vary among socioeconomic groups and migrants often have very different socioeconomic characteristics than the general population within a source region. Residential desirability also varies with both the distance to and the intensity of awareness for alternative destinations. Utility can be increased by disaggregating the mental maps of potential migrants on the basis of accessibility to potential destinations, socioeconomic status, and awareness levels for alternative locations.
Photoconductivity measurements related to intersubband transitions in silicon MOSFET structures

Abstract We have confirmed reports that the observed differences in the subband spectroscopy of Si MOSFET devices have been associated with the establishment of electrostatic equilibrium of the depletion layer. Spectra have been obtained which varies in a continuous fashion from conditions of quasi-accumulation to strong inversion. Systematic differences in the nature of the photoresponse have been observed between the two conditions. At the lowest temperatures the sign of the photoresponse changes to conductive when operating in the thermally activated conduction regime. These results support a bolometric model.
Enlightened Nation Building: The “Science of the Legislator” in Adam Smith and Rousseau

Rousseau is famous as an advocate of the politics of “denaturing.” But attention to his conception of the “science of the legislator,” as developed in the Geneva Manuscript and his writings on Poland and Corsica, reveals a more moderate approach to statecraft. Here Rousseau claims that legislative science requires tempering commitment to principles of political right with sensitivity to actual political conditions—a claim that importantly and unexpectedly parallels the better known account of the science of the legislator developed by Adam Smith. In comparing these conceptions, this article draws three conclusions: first, Smith's and Rousseau's shared moderation reveals their common commitment to accommodating the passions and prejudices of modernity; second, their fundamental difference concerns not practical legislative methods but rather differing conceptions of natural justice and political right; and finally, their prudential approach to legislation helps clarify the specific types of “moderation” and “intelligence” required of contemporary nation builders.
A 120μW MICS/ISM-band FSK receiver with a 44μW low-power mode based on injection-locking and 9x frequency multiplication

For true low-power peer-to-peer wireless links for sensing, link symmetry must be maintained unlike in [1,2] where the burden is shifted to the receiver. In addition, the transceiver power dissipation and performance should be adaptive to save power when the link distance is short. We present a 120μW MICS/ISM band receiver with −90dBm sensitivity at a data-rate of 200kb/s with BER<0.1%. The receiver incorporates a 44μW low-power (LP) mode that achieves −70dBm sensitivity at 200kb/s and 0.1% BER. At a lower data-rate of 20kb/s, the LP mode can be used as a wake-up receiver with increased sensitivity of −75dBm with 1% BER and 38μW power consumption.
Effect of Focused and Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Equine Bone Microdamage

Objectives— To determine whether bone microcracks are altered after application of focused and radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to the equine distal limb. Study Design— An ex vivo experimental model. Sample Population— A contralateral limb specimen was obtained from 11 Thoroughbred racehorses with a unilateral catastrophic injury. Distal limb specimens were also obtained from 5 non-racing horses. Methods— Three separate skin-covered bone segments were obtained from the mid-diaphysis of the metacarpus (MC3) or metatarsus (MT3). Focused (9,000 shockwaves, 0.15 mJ/mm2, 4 Hz) and radial (9,000 shockwaves, 0.175 mJ/mm2, 4 Hz) ESWT treatments were randomized to the proximal and distal segments and the middle segment was used as a treatment control for pre-existing microcracks. After treatment, bone specimens were bulk-stained with basic fuchsin and microcracks were quantified in transverse calcified bone sections. Results— ESWT had small but significant effects on microcracks. Microcrack density (Cr.Dn) and microcrack surface density (Cr.S.Dn) were increased after focused ESWT, whereas Cr.Le was increased after radial ESWT. In racing Thoroughbreds, Cr.Le increased with increased number of races undertaken. Cr.Dn and Cr.S.Dn were not significantly influenced by the number of races undertaken. Conclusion— ESWT has small but significant effects on bone microcracking ex vivo. Clinical Relevance— These preliminary data suggest that ESWT has the potential to increase bone microcracking in equine distal limb bone in vivo. Such effects may be more pronounced in Thoroughbreds that are actively being raced, because in vivo microcracking increases with increased number of races undertaken.
Effect of band filling on symmetric and asymmetric one-dimensional periodic anderson model

We have studied the ground-state properties of the symmetric and asymmetric one-dimensional periodic Anderson model as a function of band filling and the model parameters $(V,U,$and ${E}_{f})$ using the local mean-field (LMF) approach. We have constructed the phase diagram for both cases and have calculated the energy, local moment, and occupation number of the f level. The LMF approach can reveal the basic properties of the system throughout the entire parameter space. For the symmetric case ${(E}_{f}=\ensuremath{-}U/2),$ close to quarter and half filling the antiferromagnetic phase is the ground state. For intermediate band-filling there is a second-order phase transition to a ferromagnetic state. At quarter filling there is a transition from a metallic paramagnetic state to an insulating antiferromagnetic state as the on-site Coulomb interaction increases. The asymmetric case is treated in the mixed-valence regime ${(E}_{f}=0).$ At half filling the ground state is antiferromagnetic while at or close to quarter filling it is paramagnetic. Below half filling the ground state becomes ferromagnetic, suggesting that doping destroys rapidly the antiferromagnetic $f\ensuremath{-}f$ spin correlations. For small values of U we find a paramagnetic state at all band fillings. Results for the average occupation number of the f level compare well with density matrix renormalization group calculations.
Using a Standardized Patient Approach to Enhance Clinical Skills in Gerontological Social Work

The rapid increase in the number of older adults in the United States, coupled with new accreditation standards based on competencies, requires social workers to show competence in working with older clients. This teaching note reports on the development and use of a standardized patient (SP) role-play to teach and evaluate the ability of graduate social work students to conduct an appropriate and sensitive mental status exam. A rubric used in the evaluation of student performance and evaluation data from student competencies is included.
A sperner lemma complete for PPA

Abstract The class PPA characterizes search problems whose solution is guaranteed by the lemma that “every finite graph with an odd degree vertex has another”. The smaller class PPAD is defined similarly for directed graphs. While PPAD has several natural complete problems corresponding to classical existence theorems in topology, no such complete problems were known for PPA. Here we overcome the difficulty by considering non-orientable spaces: Sperner's lemma for non-orientable 3-manifolds is complete for PPA.
US public opinion divided over biotechnology

Although a majority of US citizens remain supportive, opposition to biotechnology is on the rise.
The Assessment Agent System: design, development, and evaluation

This article reports the design, development, and evaluation of an online software application for assessing students’ understanding of curricular content based on concept maps. This computer-based assessment program, called the Assessment Agent System, was designed by following an agent-oriented software design method. The Assessment Agent System is composed of five types of software agents: instructor agent, student agent, management agent, assessment agent, and reporting agent. Software agents in the system, through communication and cooperation, collectively provide the functionalities of user-system interaction, user management, task authoring and management, assessment delivery, task presentation, response collection, automatic assessment, and reporting. One-to-one evaluations and group evaluations were conducted to reveal students’ perceptions of the Assessment Agent System. Measures of visual clarity, system functionality, consistency, as well as error prevention and correction indicate that the Assessment Agent System is a useful tool for large-scale assessment based on concept maps. Through the process of design, development, and evaluation of the Assessment Agent System, this study demonstrates the agent-oriented approach for producing educational software applications. Furthermore, this research explored the concept map assessment method for the Assessment Agent System. When node terms and linking phrases are provided, the assessment of student concept maps can be conducted automatically by comparing student concept maps with the criterion concept map, proposition by proposition. However, the validity of the proposition-comparing method depends on the accuracy and thoroughness of the criterion propositions. Therefore, assessment criteria need to be continually refined and improved through the examination of student-created propositions.
The spinobulbar system in lamprey

Locomotor networks in the spinal cord are controlled by descending systems which in turn receive feedback signals from ascending systems about the state of the locomotor networks. In lamprey, the ascending system consists of spinobulbar neurons which convey spinal network signals to the two descending systems, the reticulospinal and vestibulospinal neurons. Previous studies showed that spinobulbar neurons consist of both ipsilaterally and contralaterally projecting cells distributed at all rostrocaudal levels of the spinal cord, though most numerous near the obex. The axons of spinobulbar neurons ascend in the ventrolateral spinal cord and brainstem to the caudal mesencephalon and within the dendritic arbors of reticulospinal and vestibulospinal neurons. Compared to mammals, the ascending system in lampreys is more direct, consisting of excitatory and inhibitory monosynaptic inputs from spinobulbar neurons to reticulospinal neurons. The spinobulbar neurons are rhythmically active during fictive locomotion, representing a wide range of timing relationships with nearby ventral root bursts including those in phase, out of phase, and active during burst transitions between opposite ventral roots. The spinobulbar neurons are not simply relay cells because they can have mutual synaptic interactions with their reticulospinal neuron targets and they can have synaptic outputs to other spinal neurons. Spinobulbar neurons not only receive locomotor inputs but also receive direct inputs from primary mechanosensory neurons. Due to the relative simplicity of the lamprey nervous system and motor control system, the spinobulbar neurons and their interactions with reticulospinal neurons may be advantageous for investigating the general organization of ascending systems in the vertebrate.
A Simple Technique to Measure the Rate and Magnitude of Shortening of Single Isolated Cardiac Myocytes

A simple and inexpensive method for measuring the extent and rate of shortening of single myocytes was developed. The image of a single cardiac myocyte was focused through a 10x objective of an inverted microscope and projected onto a linear photodiode array having 256 self-scanning elements. This array was used as an edge detector to define cell length. The output from the array was fed into a digital-to-analog converter to produce an output voltage proportional to the myocyte length. In the present experiments the total scanning time for all the 256 elements was set at either 1.5 or 5 ms, thus allowing for detection of myocyte length changes during contraction. Results obtained using this system showed that the extent of shortening was 8.04 ±0.48 percent of the resting cell length (n = 15). The rate of shortening in these cells was 99.49 ±8.02 percent of the resting cell length/s. Similar results were obtained using a high speed film.
Severe burn injury from recreational gasoline use

This report describes the case of a 13-year-old boy who suffered severe burns with inhalation injury during the recreational use of gasoline. Gasoline sniffing is a popular form of solvent abuse for young children and adolescents in isolated, rural communities. In addition to the neurological and physiological complications of gasoline inhalation, gasoline sniffers face the significant threat of severe burn injury or death resulting from ignition of the gasoline vapor as well as from extensive physical contact with the constituents of liquid gasoline.
The workings of a commodity money system in an incomplete information macro model

Abstract This paper compares the properties of a token money system with that of a commodity money system in an uncertain environment. In an incomplete information world, relative prices are not known with certainty. However, a commodity money system provides some information because the nominal price of the monetary commodity is known. The benefits of this information-enhancing function may be offset, though by distortions in relative prices relative to their full information Walrasian equilibrium values. Because the two systems have vastly different structural parameters, we cannot unambiguously state which system is welfare superior.
In situ quantification of the concentration polarization layer in a hyperfiltration system

Abstract An experimental apparatus was constructed which allowed for in situ chemical sampling of a hyperfiltration (reverse osmosis) system inside the high-pressure reservoir. In this system – a columnar apparatus 50.6 cm in length and 5.1 cm in diameter – a 101.3 mM sodium chloride solution was advected towards an uncompressed sodium-saturated bentonite membrane. Twelve small-diameter stainless steel tubes were fitted to run parallel to the length of the experimental column—each tube terminating at a different position within the concentration polarization layer (CPL). Solution extracted from these different positions within the CPL showed a progressive buildup of solute toward the membrane's high-pressure interface. This measured concentration profile agrees favorably with the geometry of the CPL as predicted by solution of the continuity equation. These measurements constitute the first direct verification of the CPL's geometry under conditions where the fluid flow is directed toward the membrane and there is no cross-flow component.
Evaluation of real-time location systems in their hospital contexts

Abstract Objective The purpose of the research was to assess real-time location systems (RTLS) that have been implemented in U.S. hospitals. We examined the type of uses to which RTLS have been put, the degree of functionality of the various technologies and software, and the organizational effects of implementing RTLS. Methods The project was a 3-year qualitative study of 23 U.S. hospitals that had implemented RTLS for the purpose of tracking assets, personnel, and/or patients. We observed the systems in use and conducted 80 semi-structured interviews with hospital personnel and vendors. In order to protect the confidentiality of the hospitals and vendors in our sample, we conducted an aggregate analysis of our findings rather than providing evaluations of specific technologies or hospital case studies. Results The most important findings from our research were (1) substandard functionality of most real-time location systems in use and (2) serious obstacles to effective deployment of the systems due to the material and organizational constraints of the hospitals themselves. We found that the current best use of RTLS is for asset tracking, but importantly it requires whole-hospital deployment as well as centralized control of the system, preferably by materials management or biomedical engineering departments. Discussion There are serious technological, material, and organizational barriers to the implementation of RTLS, and these barriers need to be overcome if hospitals are to maximize the potential benefits of these systems. Conclusion In addition to considering the available technological options, hospitals must assess their unique environments, including the myriad material and organizational constraints that will affect the success of RTLS implementation.
Surgical management of spinal cord compression from plexiform neurofibromas in patients with neurofibromatosis 1.

OBJECTIVE: Plexiform neurofibromas with sizable intraspinal extensions and resultant spinal cord compromise pose challenging management problems, because these lesions may involve multiple nerves and engulf adjacent vascular and visceral structures. In this report, we review our experience with the surgical treatment of these lesions. METHODS: Patients were identified by a detailed review of hospital medical records and the database of our multidisciplinary neurofibromatosis clinic. Ten patients had large plexiform neurofibromas that extended intraspinally, producing a combination of myelopathy and radiculopathy. Two patients exhibited single-level intraspinal growth, and eight showed multilevel involvement. Four patients showed bilateral plexiform neurofibromatous growth intraspinally, with "hourglass" compression of the spinal cord. Operative approaches and outcomes were reviewed in detail. RESULTS: Gross total resection of the symptomatic intraspinal tumor component was achieved for nine patients. The management of the extraspinal component was individualized, depending on the pattern and extent of involvement of the surrounding structures. Nine patients experienced complete recovery of neurological function postoperatively; the remaining patient demonstrated significant functional improvement. With a median follow-up period of 4 years, only one patient has developed recurrent intraspinal compression, in this case from tumor involvement by the same plexiform lesion at a lower spinal level. Two patients treated early in the series using standard laminectomy approaches developed significant kyphotic deformities, necessitating subsequent fusion. Based on these initial results, osteoplastic laminotomy techniques were used in the last five cases, allowing anatomic reconstruction of the involved levels; none of these latter patients has developed significant kyphosis, with a median follow-up period of 3 years. CONCLUSION: Radical resection of intraspinal tumor components in patients with neurofibromatosis 1 and large plexiform neurofibromas can help to preserve excellent neurological function. Technical factors in the management of these lesions are presented.
Synthetic studies on Et-743. Asymmetric, stereocontrolled construction of the tetrahydroisoquinoline core via radical cyclization on a glyoxalimine.

The asymmetric synthesis of a highly functionalized tetrahydroisoquinoline relevant to the total synthesis of Et-743 is described. The key step involves a highly diastereoselective radical cyclization on a glyoxalimine derivative.
Regulation of human Gc (vitamin d—binding) protein levels: Hormonal and cytokine control of gene expression in vitro

Studies were performed in Hep3B hepatocytes to better elucidate the mechanisms regulating circulating levels of human group-specific component (Gc). We measured changes in Gc messenger RNA (mRNA) synthesis and levels of secreted protein resulting from treatment of hepatocytes with cytokines and hormones known to influence synthesis of other proteins of hepatic origin. We particularly focused on compounds known to be prototypic stimulants during the acute phase response. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and dexamethasone were shown to increase Gc mRNA approximately twofold while transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) decreased Gc mRNA in a dose-dependent fashion by up to fivefold. The effects on secreted Gc protein levels were similar. These results indicate that Gc protein appears to be regulated differently than the other members of this gene family, albumin and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which are negative acute phase reactants. In addition, these contrasting effects on Gc synthesis of IL-6 and dexamethasone and of TGF beta suggest that high basal levels of Gc synthesis may be maintained during the acute phase response.
Education as Catalyst for Intergenerational Refugee Family Communication about War and Trauma.

This article describes influences on intergenerational communication within refugee families about sociocultural trauma and explores how education may positively affect this communication process. ...
Envelope-constrained time-domain deconvolution for transversal-filter equalisers

A deconvolution algorithm is presented for calculating the N tap weights of a transversal-filter equaliser. The procedure attempts to control the size of individual, time-domain response errors rather than simply minimise total mean-square error of the response. A least-square error solution for the tap weights is iteratively modified, using only elementary algebraic matrix operations, in an effort to satisfy tolerance constraints on the envelope of the equalised impulse response. The algorithm is suitable for digital computation.
Reflections on the 25th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

November 29, 2000, marked the 25th anniversary of the signing into law of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This seminal law has improved the educational opportunities for students with disabilities in the United States. In this article we briefly review the IDEA's first 25 years and speculate on the direction the IDEA may take in the future. Our purpose in this article is to (a) present the litigative and legislative developments that led to the passage of IDEA, (b) examine the law itself and the litigation interpreting the IDEA, and (c) discuss the direction that IDEA may take over the next 25 years.
Influence of wavelength on fractionation in laser ablation ICP-MS

As laser ablation becomes more ubiquitous for direct solid sampling with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the need to understand and mitigate fractionation (non-stoichiometric generation of vapor species) becomes critical. The influence of laser-beam wavelength on fractionation is not well established; in general, it is believed that fractionation is reduced as the wavelength becomes shorter. This manuscript presents an investigation of fractionation during ablation of NIST glasses and calcite using three UV wavelengths (157 nm, 213 nm and 266 nm). Fractionation can be observed for all wavelengths, depending in each case on the laser-beam irradiance and the number of laser pulses at each sample-surface location. The transparency of the sample influences the amount of sample ablated (removed) at each wavelength, and the extent of fractionation. Pb/Ca and Pb/U ratios are used as examples to demonstrate the degree of fractionation at the different wavelengths.
EAT WELL TO LIVE LONG

![Figure][1] The theory that trade-offs exist between longevity and performance is a pervasive paradigm in analyses of life-history evolution. However, in the case of the naturally occurring indy mutant Drosophila , lifespan has been doubled without decreases in fitness; these flies are both
Identifying Jurassic tight gas sands in the East Texas Basin with 3D-3C seismic data

Summary The York sandstone member and other sandstone bodies within the Bossier Formation are characterized by having low porosity and permeabilities (6% and 0.2-0.001md respectively); they are Upper Jurassic in age in the East Texas basin and have been a target for dry gas since the late 90’s. Here we present the results of petrophysical analyses of five wells with dipole sonic logs, together with a detailed join interpretation of conventional PP and converted PS seismic data to infer the distribution of these Jurassic sand bodies. The objective is to guide new development wells in the Bossier Fm., at the East Texas Basin. The results of the petrophysical analysis suggests that despite of the low impedance contrast and some overlap of Vp/Vs values, this ratio could be used as a lithology indicator where low values of Vp/Vs ratio (1.55 or less) are expected for clean dry gas sandstones and values larger than 1.6 are related to silt and shale lithologies. From the join interpretation, the seismically extracted interval Vp/Vs ratio between the correlated Cotton Valley Limestone and Bonner member tops (an interval including the York sandstone), it can be concluded that there are zones where anomalously low Vp/Vs ratio ( 1.9).
Updates on Human Papillomavirus and Genital Warts and Counseling Messages From the 2010 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines

Background In April 2009, experts on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were convened to review updates on STD prevention and treatment in preparation for the revision of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Treatment Guidelines. At this meeting, there was a discussion of important updates on human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts, and cervical cancer screening. Methods Key questions were identified with assistance from an expert panel, and systematic reviews of the literature were conducted searching the English-language literature of the PubMed computerized database (US National Library of Medicine). The available evidence was reviewed, and new information was incorporated in the 2010 CDC STD Treatment Guidelines. Results Two HPV vaccines are now available, the quadrivalent HPV vaccine and the bivalent HPV vaccine; either vaccine is recommended routinely for girls aged 11 or 12 years. The quadrivalent HPV vaccine may be given to boys and men aged 9-26 years. A new patient-applied treatment option for genital warts, sinecatechins 15% ointment, is available and recommended for treatment of external genital warts. This product is a mixture of active ingredients (catechins) from green tea. Finally, updated counseling guidelines and messages about HPV, genital warts, and cervical cancer are included. Conclusions This manuscript highlights updates to the 2010 CDC STD Treatment Guidelines for HPV and genital warts. Important additions to the 2010 STD Treatment Guidelines include information on prophylactic HPV vaccine recommendations, new patient-applied treatment options for genital warts, and counseling messages for patients on HPV, genital warts, cervical cancer screening, and HPV tests.
Six hours in the laboratory: a quantification of practice time during constraint-induced therapy (CIT)

Objective: To quantify supervised in-laboratory time and practice intensity during the signature protocol specified as 6 hours/day over 10 days for the EXtremity Constraint-Induced Therapy Evaluation (EXCITE) randomized clinical trial.Design: Retrospective analysis of constraint-induced movement therapy training documentation acquired at the University of Southern California site from EXCITE (n = 38). Training documentation was reviewed and analysed to determine average and between-subject variability of supervised in-laboratory time and actual task-specific practice time for concurrence with the specified constraint-induced movement therapy protocol.Setting: Motor Behavior and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.Subjects: Data from 38 participants (35 met inclusion criteria) who, upon enrolment in the EXCITE trial, were between 3 and 10 months post stroke and between 47 and 81 years of age.Results: The tr...
Sleep disorders in neuromuscular diseases.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) are especially vulnerable to sleep-related dysfunction. Sleep-disordered breathing often precedes diurnal respiratory failure in NMD patients, requiring timely recognition and management with noninvasive ventilation (NIV). This paper reviews the mechanisms, diagnostic evaluation, and management of sleep disorders in various neuromuscular diseases. RECENT FINDINGS The severity, duration, and type of NMD influence the pattern of sleep disturbance. Several investigators have addressed other clinical aspects including rating scales for sleep complaints, hypocretin-1 deficiency, excessive daytime somnolence, and relation of sleep disorder with length of CTG trinucleotide repeats in myotonic dystrophy. Benefits of NIV on quality of life and survival in adults and children with chronic NMD are well established, and recently have been documented even in patients with nocturnal hypoventilation and daytime normocapnia. In contrast, the timing for investigation with polysomnography and for initiation of NIV is debated. SUMMARY Patients with chronic NMD should be routinely assessed for sleep-disordered breathing and sleep complaints, because these are treatable complications in an otherwise progressive disease process. Further research is needed to establish the indications for polysomnography and to determine the optimal timing for initiating NIV to treat sleep-disordered breathing in patients with neuromuscular diseases.
Briefing technical articles: A teaching tool to keep pace with technology

The author uses briefing techniques as a tool to facilitate integrating outside reading into his classes in electrical engineering technology at Purdue University-West Lafayette. The one-page technical brief can be used with trade articles or research articles, and briefing skeletons have been developed for both types of articles. Some of the positive results of using this method include motivating students to read assigned articles and better preparation by students for classroom discussion. >
The Wisconsin approach to newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a life-threatening disease of infants that is curable with hematopoietic cell transplantation if detected early. Population-based screening for SCID using the T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) assay began in Wisconsin in 2008; 5 infants with SCID or other forms of severe T-cell lymphopenia (TCL) have been detected, and no infants with SCID have been missed. This review will provide an overview of the TREC screening assay and an update of the findings from Wisconsin on all infants screened from January 1, 2008, until December 31, 2010. Importantly, we give practical recommendations regarding newborn population-based screening using the TREC assay, including the evaluation and care of infants detected.
CRINOIDS FROM THE MULDRAUGH MEMBER OF THE BORDEN FORMATION IN NORTH-CENTRAL KENTUCKY (ECHINODERMATA, LOWER MISSISSIPPIAN)

A new late Osagean (Lower Mississippian) crinoid fauna is described from the Muldraugh Member of the Borden Formation of central Kentucky. The Muldraugh Member records a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic tempestite-dominated ramp environment. This is the first report of late Osagean crinoids from this depositional setting on the eastern side of the Eastern Interior Basin of the midcontinental United States. The Muldraugh crinoid fauna contains 66 species and is dominated by advanced cladids. This fauna has similarities to other late Osagean faunas but is distinctive both in species abundance and rank order abundance of species. Eight new species are described from this fauna, including Camptocrinus nudus, Paradichocrinus ramus, Poteriocrinites horowitzi, Parascytalocrinus pentagonus, Abrotocrinus debrae, Abrotocrinus springeri, Worthenocrinus hardinensis, and Mespilocrinus myllos.
Collocation blindness in partially distributed groups: is there a downside to being collocated?

Under what circumstances might a group member be better off as a long-distance participant rather than collocated? We ran a set of experiments to study how partially-distributed groups collaborate when skill sets are unequally distributed. Partially distributed groups are those where some collaborators work together in the same space (collocated) and some work remotely using computer-mediated communications. Previous experiments had shown that these groups tend to form semi-autonomous 'in-groups'. In this set of experiments the configuration was changed so that some player skills were located only in the collocated space, and some were located only remotely, creating local surplus of some skills and local scarcity of others in the collocated room. Players whose skills were locally in surplus performed significantly worse. They experienced 'collocation blindness' and failed to pay enough attention to collaborators outside of the room. In contrast, the remote players whose skills were scarce inside the collocated room did particularly well because they charged a high price for their skills.
MR Imaging of Patients with Carotidynia

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Carotidynia is an idiopathic neck pain syndrome associated with tenderness to palpation over the carotid bifurcation. Although well known in the otolaryngology and neurology literature, the validity of the entity has recently been questioned, in part because of the almost uniform absence of radiologic or pathologic findings. We report the MR findings in five patients with carotidynia. METHODS: During a period of 44 months, five patients with clinical signs and symptoms consistent with carotidynia were referred for imaging from the otolaryngology service. Each patient underwent MR imaging of the neck on a 1.5-T system. The studies included, as a minimum, pre- and postcontrast axial and postcontrast coronal T1-weighted images. Two patients also had axial T2-weighted imaging and another two patients underwent duplex sonography of the carotids. RESULTS: All five patients had abnormal enhancing tissue surrounding the symptomatic carotid artery centered at the level of the distal common carotid and carotid bifurcation. This tissue had intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images and showed marked enhancement. In all patients, the remaining visualized portions of the carotid artery were normal. Normal flow voids were present throughout the vessel, and the caliber of the vessels was always within normal limits. There was no evidence of intramural hematoma, cervical lymphadenopathy, or atherosclerotic disease of the vessel. In one patient, repeat imaging after resolution of symptoms showed an absence of the previous abnormality. CONCLUSION: The MR findings in these patients, along with the lack of any findings to suggest alternative diagnoses, support the existence of carotidynia as a distinct clinical entity.