cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of radiation therapy in the treatment of early stage large cell lymphoma

Nineteen patients with localized non-Hodgkin's lymphoma large cell type classified by the international formulation in group D (5) and group G (14) were treated with extended field radiation therapy. These patients have been followed for 168 months with range from 12 to 168 months from initiation of treatment. In G category of the formulation, the overall survival is 83 per cent at 5 and 10 years and recurrence-free survival is 75 per cent at 10 years. Sixteen of the patients were stage I and three were stage II. Two patients died without evidence of recurrence. Four patients recurred and two of these died of disease. Thirteen of the 19 patients are alive and recurrence free. Bulk of disease had no apparent influence on the response to irradiation. We believe that the early pathological stage large cell lymphoma of the G and D type international formulation are appropriate candidates for radical radiation therapy and benefit from this approach to treatment.
Temporal lobe epilepsy: analysis of patients with dual pathology

Objectives – To determine the frequency and types of dual pathology in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and to analyze the clinical manifestations and surgical outcome. Material and methods – A total of 240 patients with TLE underwent temporal resections following a comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation. Thirty-seven (15.4%) of these had hippocampal sclerosis (HS) or temporal lobe gliosis in association with another lesion (dual pathology). Results – Eighteen of 37 patients with dual pathology had heterotopia of the temporal lobe, nine had cortical dysplasia, four had cavernous angiomas or arteriovenous malformations, one had a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, one had a contusion and four patients had cerebral infarctions in childhood. 68.5% had abnormal head magnetic resonance imagings, 91.3% had abnormal positron emission tomography scans, and 96% had abnormal ictal SPECT. The intracarotid amobarbital procedure (IAP) showed impaired memory of the epileptogenic side in 72% of the patients. Twenty patients had left and 17 had right-sided en bloc temporal resections, including the lesion and mesial temporal structures. Twenty-six (70.2%) became seizure-free, eight (21.6%) had rare seizures, two (5.4%) had worthwhile seizure reduction and one (2.7%) had no improvement (range of follow-up 1–16 years, mean = 7.4 years). Conclusions – 15.4% had dual pathology. The dual pathology was almost exclusively seen in patients whose lesions were congenital, or occurred early in life, suggesting that the hippocampus is more vulnerable and more readily develops HS in early childhood. Resections, including the lateral and mesial temporal structures led to a favorable outcome with no mortality and little morbidity.
Abstract 4347: γH2AX foci formation in lymphocytesin vivois increased one hour after very low dose X-radiation in three young children

Objective: Computer tomography (CT) involves ionizing X-irradiation which can cause DNA damage from free radicals. CT use has risen dramatically due to its high speed and diagnostic value but it leads to an estimated lifetime cancer risk of up to 4% with highest risk for children. Double strand breaks, the most serious DNA damage caused by X-rays and other types of ionizing radiation, leads to histone H2AX phosphorylation which causes recruitment of repair proteins to DNA damage sites. γH2AX foci therefore represent quantitatively double strand breaks and can be assayed by a fluorescent immunostaining procedure. This γH2AX assay has been shown to be useful as a reliable biodosimeter for X-irradiation in vitro, in animals, and in adults. Recently also children who received cardiac catheterization procedures involving fluoroscopy with intermediate X-irradiation doses showed a dose response in this assay. We tested whether the γH2AX assay can detect changes when children receive X-irradiation at very low doses ( Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4347. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4347
Momentum Flux in Plane, Parallel Jets

The evolution of the streamwise momentum flux for two turbulent, plane, parallel jets discharging through slots in a direction normal to a wall was studied both numerically and experimentally. The numerical results, obtained by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations employing a standard κ-e turbulence model, predicted to within experimental error measured integrals of the momentum flux downstream of the merge point for jet spacing S/d=5. Integration of the streamwise component of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations over a control volume results in an integral constant that was evaluated numerically for jet spacings S/d=3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, and for different levels of turbulence kinetic energy and dissipation rate at the jet inlet boundaries
Topically applied nitropyrenes are potent inducers of cutaneous and hepatic monooxygenases.

Abstract The inducibility of skin and liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 dependent aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and other monooxygenases by a mixture of nitropyrenes was assessed and compared with the parent non-nitrated compound, pyrene. A single topical application of nitropyrenes to neonatal rats resulted in highly significant induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, ethoxycoumarin O-de-ethylase, and ethoxyresorufin O-de-ethylase activities in skin and liver after 24 hours. Inducibility of the skin and liver enzymes was 3.9–5.7 fold and 1.8–10.3 fold respectively. On the other hand, aminopyrine N-demethylase, benzphetamine N-demethylase and epoxide hydrolase activities in the liver were unaffected by topically applied nitropyrenes. Furthermore, treatment with nitropyrenes produced a 1 nm shift to the blue region in the wavelength maximum of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450. Topically applied pyrene produced only marginal or no effects on cutaneous and hepatic enzyme activities. Our results suggest that nitration of pyrene, a relatively ineffective enzyme inducer, produces nitropyrenes which are potent inducers of hepatic and cutaneous monooxygenases and they resemble 3-methylcholanthrene in this inducing effect.
The Applicability of the Proposed IASLC Staging Revisions to Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) with Comparison to the Current UICC 6th TNM Edition

Background We examined the impact of the proposed Internal Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) and stage grouping revisions on staging and survival outcome of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods A total of 10,660 SCLC patients from the California Cancer Registry between 1991 to 2005 with complete TNM staging were identified and reclassified according to the IASLC proposed TNM revisions and new stage groupings. Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results extent of disease codes were used to identify various T4 and M descriptors. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify prognostic factors. Results Survival was correlated with the current UICC6 and IASLC proposed T descriptors. Patients without mediastinal lymph node involvement (N 0–1) had superior survival compared to patients with mediastinal lymph node involvement (N 2–3). The IASLC proposed stage grouping results in better separation of survival curves among early stage SCLC than the current Union Internationale Centre le Cancer (UICC) 6 stage groupings by both univariate and multivariate analyses. Pleural effusion (IASLC M1a) in SCLC had survival similar to other IASLC M1a categories (pericardial effusion, contralateral intrapulmonary metastasis) by pairwise hazard ratio comparisons. Conclusions The IASLC proposed TNM staging changes result in better separation of stage-specific SCLC survival curves than the current UICC6 staging system. The new IASLC M1a descriptors (pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and contralateral/bilateral intrapulmonary metastasis) adequately prognosticate SCLC patients as having metastatic disease.
Outcrossing in field populations of two species of self-fertile ascidians

Abstract Self-compatible gametes and short-lived larvae in the sessile solitary ascidians Corella inflata Huntsman and Chelyosoma productum Stimpson suggest that field populations might be characterized by limited dispersal and self-fertilization. Because C. inflata in the laboratory spawns gametes into its atrium and retains offspring until they are competent to settle, it was expected to show an almost complete lack of outcrossing in the field. C. productum, in the laboratory, spawns streams of gametes, sometimes eggs and sperm simultaneously, into the water and is self-compatible. Embryos develop for an additional day in the plankton before hatching. Thus, some setting was also expected for C. productum, though it appears to have a far greater potential for gene flow with both outcrossing and more extended larval dispersal possible. Genetic population structure in these species was examined using protein electrophoresis to determine frequencies of heterozygotes at the polymorphic locus glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI). Heterozygotes were found in both species indicating that outcrossing occurs. At three locations, C. inflata genotype frequencies did not differ significantly from Hardy-Weinberg expected frequencies and indicated from 41 to 100% outcrossing. Another measure of breeding system (S), calculated from the same data, gave a pooled location outcrossing estimate of 82%. Also, the three locations did not differ significantly from each other in allele frequencies, indicating a lack of genetic differentiation on a scale ≈ 100 km. Brooded embryos and short-lived larvae do not appear to be limiting gene flow on this scale in this species.
Taboo until today? The coverage of biological arguments in criminology textbooks, 1961 to 1970 and 1987 to 1996

In American criminology throughout most of the twentieth century, biological arguments that link biochemistry, genetics, and/or neurophysiology to crime have been viewed as taboo: unthinkable and unmentionable. Despite this reputation, biological perspectives have resurged in the last two decades, reshaping theory and research in criminology. This article examines the changes in the taboo image of biological arguments in fifty-five introductory criminology textbooks: twenty published from 1961 to 1970 and thirty-five appearing from 1987 to 1996. The data show that the taboo surrounding biocriminology appears to be diminishing in textbooks: Newer texts devote more coverage to biological perspectives and are more likely to claim that there is at least some empirical evidence supporting these arguments. Furthermore, criminology textbooks that embrace interdisciplinary orientations are less likely to depict biological arguments as taboo than books that endorse sociological, and especially critical sociological, orientations.
Mobility Analysis of 2 nm to 11 nm Aerosol Particles with an Aspirating Drift Tube Ion Mobility Spectrometer

We describe the performance of a drift tube-ion mobility spectrometry (DT-IMS) instrument for the measurement of aerosol particles. In DT-IMS, the electrical mobility of a measured particle is inferred directly from the time required for the particle to traverse a drift region, with motion driven by an electrostatic field. Electrical mobility distributions are hence linked to arrival time distributions (ATDs) for particles reaching a detector downstream of the drift region. The developed instrument addresses two obstacles that have limited DT-IMS use for aerosol measurement previously: (1) conventional drift tubes cannot efficiently sample charged particles at ground potential and (2) the sensitivities of commonly used Faraday plate detectors are too low for most aerosols. Obstacle (1) is circumvented by creating a “sample volume” of aerosol for measurement, defined by the streamlines of fluid flow. Obstacle (2) is bypassed by interfacing the end of the drift region with a condensation particle counter. T...
Low density foams produced from sheared ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene gels

Low-density foam (0.02–0.09 g/cc) was produced from gels of ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylenes in solvents with melting points above ambient. The hot PE solutions were stirred at high speed to induce extended chain crystalline gels. These gels were subsequently cooled to allow the solvent to solidify and then the solvent was extracted with alcohol or sublimed. This resulted in a tough, low density foam or a collapsed mass depending mainly on the concentration of the polymer. Shrinkage was significant until polymer concentrations reached 4–5%. Foam cell size varied between 5–30 μm, or 25–75 μm depending on the method of preparation. Polarizing microscopy revealed both spherulitic and row-nucleated structures depending on the thermal history followed during the sample preparation. We were also interested in whether or not small particles could be used to influence the nucleation and growth of the solution crystallization process. These particles could be suspended in the gel and stabilized in something like a colloidal necklace as has been proposed recently. We successfully incorporated small (0.5 μm) tungsten particles in UHMWPE gels which remained in the foam on extraction of the solvent. Polyethylene containing carbon black particles produced less successful results. These effects may be related to absorption associated with gelation of UHMWPE.
The USDA trypsin inhibitor study. II. Timed related biochemical changes in the pancreas of rats

A total of 600 rats was distributed equally among 15 diets formulated from mixtures of raw and toasted soy flour and casein so as to provide 5 different levels of trypsin inhibitor (TI) at 3 levels of protein (10%, 20%, and 30%). Animals were sacrificed at the end of 6 months and at 3-month intervals thereafter over a period of 22 months. Increases in the secretory activity of the pancreas, as measured by trypsin and chymotrypsin activities in the pancreas and small intestines, were associated with increasingly higher levels of TI and protein but did not change appreciably with time. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the pancreas, as reflected by changes in pancreas weight and RNA and DNA content, developed at an early stage (6 months) and were likewise positively correlated with the levels of TI and protein in the diet. Although the hypertrophic response remained unchanged with time, hyperplasia became more pronounced as the period of exposure to TI was prolonged. The peptide test confirmed the stimulatory effect of TI on the pancreas, but some functional impairment was noted in those animals which had been fed raw soy flour for 18 months of or longer. The appearance of nodules on the pancreas was observed by gross inspection after 15 months, and these became larger and more numerous with time. The incidence of nodules was highly correlated with the level of TI in the diet and was highest when the diet contained 20% protein.
The Gortler Instability on an Airfoil

Gortler vortices arise in boundary layers along concave surfaces due to centrifugal effects. This paper presents some results of an experiment conducted to study the development of these vortices on an airfoil with a pressure gradient in the concave region where an attached laminar boundary layer was insured with suction through a perforated panel. The sublimating chemical technique was used to visualize Gortler vortices and the velocity field was measured by laser velocimetry. The vortex wavelength clearly varied with Gortler number as predicted by linear theory. Both flow visualization and velocity measuremetns indicated vortex damping in the convex zone. Secondary instability was observed at the higher Gortler numbers.
FTIR studies of surface reaction dynamics. I: Temperature and concentration programming during CO oxidation on Pt/SiO2

Abstract A transient technique integrating FTIR spectroscopy with Temperature-Programmed Reaction (TPR) and Concentration-Programmed Reaction (CPR) using a small-volume infrared reactor, has been developed. Studies of CO oxidation on a Pt SiO 2 catalyst using these methods, have shown the occurrence of remarkable surface temperature behavior in regions of ignition and quenching. Extensive documentation of linear-bonded CO behavior is presented and the relevance of a Langmuir-Hinshelwood and other reaction models is discussed. Two different energy transport mechanisms are described which might lead to the observed catalyst temperature excursions.
Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of Itinerant ECSE Teachers through Delphi Research.

The itinerant service delivery model is used across the United States to provide services to young children (ages 3 years—6 years) with disabilities whose primary placement is a community-based ear...
Sacrificing ourselves for love: Why women compromise health and self-esteem …and how to stop

(1998). Sacrificing ourselves for love: Why women compromise health and self-esteem …and how to stop. The Social Science Journal: Vol. 35, No. 3, pp. 461-462.
Fatty acid composition of plasma lipids in acrodermatitis enteropathica before and after zinc supplementation.

The fatty acid composition of different plasma lipid fractions has been estimated in a 6-month-old girl with acrodermatitis enteropathica before and after zinc supplementation. Linoleic acid and its metabolites were extremely reduced in triglycerides and sterol-esters. In contrast, n-3-fatty acids were increased in sterol-esters and phospholipids. Zinc supplementation led to quick clinical improvement, and linoleic and arachidonic acid increased rapidly in triglycerides and sterol-esters to the values of healthy infants. Fatty acids of phospholipids remained relatively stable. Our finding could be explained by impaired enteral absorption of linoleic acid. Further attention should be directed to the supply and metabolism of essential fatty acids in acrodermatitis enteropathica.
Using the desk top computer in cellular toxicity and mutagenesis

Abstract A series of programs applicable to in vitro test symptoms in environmental toxicology are described for the Tektronix 4050 series graphic system computer. The file structure, experimental design and identification, the program library, data entry program, and programs to compile data from separate experiments are presented. Experimental design information and test data are stored on magnetic tape. The programs are designed to compute cell number and viability, adenosine triphosphate level, and protein and DNA synthetic activity from raw data obtained from cellular toxicity experiments; and cloning efficiency, mutation yield, mutation frequency, and other parameters for mutagenicity. A set of subprograms can be used for statistical analysis of the data and for construction of frequency distributions. The applicability of the programs is illustrated by data obtained from exposure of Chinese hamster ovary cells to cadmium chloride or N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine.
A model for crack propagation in polycrystalline ceramics

Abstract A basic model for macro-crack propagation in polycrystalline ceramics is developed, based on experimental acoustic emission amplitude studies. The model has implications concerning the role of the micro-structure on the crack propagation resistance of ceramic materials.
Stigma of ink: Tattoo attitudes among college students

Abstract We test a structural equations model of stigma against tattooed persons and attitudes toward future tattoos among 195 tattooed and 257 non-tattooed college students. Having tattooed friends and family members undermines stigma against tattooed persons while beliefs about negative side effects of tattooing reinforces stigma assignment. The variables above and the respondent having a tattoo predict attitude toward future tattoos. We test a second model, stigma victimization, drawing on data from the 195 tattooed respondents. While greater tattoo abundance results in greater stigma victimization, respondents with more tattoos also report a greater commitment to their current tattoos and less desire for removal. We discuss results using attitude theory, stigma theory, and the contact theory of prejudice.
A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Providers’ Perspectives on the Implications of Genome-Wide Testing in Pediatric Clinical Practice

The utilization of genome-wide chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in pediatric clinical practice provides an opportunity to consider how genetic diagnostics is evolving, and to prepare for the clinical integration of genome-wide sequencing technologies. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 healthcare providers (7 genetic counselors, 4 medical geneticists, and 4 non-genetics providers) to investigate the impact of CMA on clinical practice, and implications for providers, patients and families. Interviews were analyzed qualitatively using content analysis. Most providers reported that genomic testing enhanced their professional experience and was beneficial to patients, primarily due to the improved diagnostic rate compared with earlier chromosomal studies. Other effects on practice included moving towards genotype-first diagnosis and broadening indications for chromosomal testing. Opinions varied concerning informed consent and disclosure of results. The duty to disclose incidental findings (IFs) was noted; however concerns were raised about potential psychosocial harms of disclosing pre-symptomatic findings. Tensions were revealed between the need for comprehensive informed consent for all families and the challenges of communicating time-consuming and potentially anxiety-provoking information regarding uncertain and incidental findings that may be relevant only in rare cases. Genetic counselors can play an important role in liaising with families, health professionals and testing laboratories, providing education and guidance to non-genetics providers, and enabling families to receive adequate pre-and post-test information and follow-up care.
The origin of modern metabolic networks inferred from phylogenomic analysis of protein architecture

Metabolism represents a complex collection of enzymatic reactions and transport processes that convert metabolites into molecules capable of supporting cellular life. Here we explore the origins and evolution of modern metabolism. Using phylogenomic information linked to the structure of metabolic enzymes, we sort out recruitment processes and discover that most enzymatic activities were associated with the nine most ancient and widely distributed protein fold architectures. An analysis of newly discovered functions showed enzymatic diversification occurred early, during the onset of the modern protein world. Most importantly, phylogenetic reconstruction exercises and other evidence suggest strongly that metabolism originated in enzymes with the P-loop hydrolase fold in nucleotide metabolism, probably in pathways linked to the purine metabolic subnetwork. Consequently, the first enzymatic takeover of an ancient biochemistry or prebiotic chemistry was related to the synthesis of nucleotides for the RNA world.
Pricing of employee stock options: marketability does matter

Portfolio managers are rightly concerned about the marketability of the investments they include in their portfolios. Equity portfolio managers are also interested in how firms estimate the cost of the stock options they pay their employees. A recent attempt to develop market pricing of employee stock options (ESOs) illustrates the discount in price, and understatement of ESO expense, that will result when a financial instrument has little or no marketability. This paper investigates the auction pricing of an ESO tracking security called ESOARS and furnishes evidence of auction underpricing amounting to at least 25% in each auction. The paper shows that the underpricing can be largely explained when discounts for lack of marketability based on published marketability discount models are applied to ESO prices from well-accepted ESO valuation models. It quantifies how much lack of marketability can adversely affect a security’s price.
Between-trial transporting of animals: A methodological consideration

The advantages of the one-way avoidance situation are numerous. However, to start a. new trial, the E is confronted with the additional problem of transporting S, usually by hand, from the nonshock compartment to the shock compartment. Two experiments were run in which the performance of a group transported between trials by hand was compared with a group transported by a specially designed box. The main finding in both experiments was that between-trial handling of Ss markedly retards the number of responses occurring during extinction. The importance of removing the handling variable from experiments was discussed.
Continuously regulated series capacitor

A new method for the continuous regulation of series reactive power compensation is presented. The two control circuits proposed consist of capacitor banks inserted in a transmission line and are controlled by bidirectional gate turn-off switches. The level of compensation is controlled by varying the on and off time of the GTO switch. To avoid current surges the switch is turned on before the capacitor voltage is zero. The feasibility of this method is verified by transient analysis and by measurements on a small-scale model. The advantage of the proposed method is the fast and continuous regulation of series compensation. A circuit can be built with available components and can be used for impedance control and oscillation reduction. >
Adjuvant radiotherapy for margin-positive high-grade soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity.

Abstract Purpose: Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) has been shown to improve local control in patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities (STS). The specific impact of adjuvant radiation on patients with positive margins, however, has not been clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to determine if adjuvant RT improves local control in patients with high-grade STS who had positive margins of resection. Methods and Materials: Between 8/82 and 2/97, 110 adult patients with primary high-grade STS of an extremity underwent limb sparing surgery and were found to have a histologically positive microscopic surgical margin. Ninety-one (83%) received RT and 19 (17%) had no RT. The two groups were balanced with regard to size, site, location, and tumor depth. Adjuvant RT was delivered with brachytherapy (BRT) alone in 34 patients, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) alone in 33 patients, or BRT+EBRT in 24 patients. The BRT dose was 45 Gy when used alone and 15–20 Gy when used as a boost. The EBRT dose was 60–70 Gy when used alone and 45–50 Gy when given with BRT. The median follow-up time was 41 months (range, 3–186 months). Results: The overall 5 year local control rate was 71%. This rate was significantly higher in the RT group compared to the no RT group (74% vs. 56%, respectively) ( p = 0.01). On univariate analysis, lower extremity site and proximal location were also found to be predictors of improved local control ( p = 0.03 and 0.03, respectively). However, only proximal location and the use of RT retained their significance as predictors of improved local control on multivariate analysis ( p = 0.003 and 0.01, respectively). The overall 5-year distant relapse-free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were 54%, 44%, and 53%, respectively. No statistical differences were found in these survival rates between RT and no RT groups. Conclusion: Based on this study, adjuvant radiotherapy seems to improve local control in patients with high-grade STS of the extremity with positive margins. However, local recurrence still occurs in a substantial proportion of patients, mandating further need for improvement.
Understanding and modeling the effect of temperature and daylength on soybean phenology under high-yield conditions

Abstract Temperature and photoperiod can be used to simulate soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr) phenology because they serve as surrogates for complex biochemical pathways leading to the appearance of certain developmental stages at the whole plant level. We developed a soybean phenology model (SOYDEV) which utilizes non-linear temperature and photoperiod functions and separates floral induction and post-induction for simulating time of flowering. This model accurately simulated the dynamics of vegetative development, final node number and the occurrence of major reproductive stages such as flowering (R1), beginning pod (R3), mid-pod elongation (R3.5), beginning seed (R5), and physiological maturity (R7) in a long-term field experiment (6 years) with the semi-determinate soybean cv. NE3001, as well as in a 2-year cultivar × sowing date experiment with 12 (2004) and 8 (2005) cultivars. With cultivar-specific model calibration, root mean square errors (RMSE) of major phenological stages simulated with SOYDEV averaged 1.8 days in the long-term experiment and 3.3 days in the cultivar × sowing date experiment. Data from the cultivar × sowing date experiment were used to develop empirical relationships for estimating key cultivar-specific model parameters from published soybean maturity group ratings (0.8–4.2). Compared to using nine cultivar-specific parameters derived from the full calibration, estimation of model parameters from readily available cultivar information such as maturity group rating only slightly decreased simulation accuracy, resulting in RMSE (across stages and cultivars) values of 3.6–3.8 days. The proposed SOYDEV model may be particularly suitable for practical model applications because of its reduced need for cultivar-specific calibration. Further evaluation of the model is required under a wider range of variety maturity group ratings and environments.
Variability of plasma‐line enhancement in ionospheric modification experiments

A simple explanation for the variations of plasma-line intensity is suggested. The explanation is based on the fact that the plasma waves responsible for scattering the radar waves occur over a very limited range of heights. The explanation further makes use of the fact that the position of these height ranges of generation depends primarily on the gradient of the number density and to a lesser extent on the temperature and the orientation of the diagnostic radar beam.
Abdominal pain in a patient with HIV.

*Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, †Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and ‡Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts Reprint Address: David F. M. Brown, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Bulfinch 105, Boston, MA 02114
Human NCI-H295 adrenocortical carcinoma cells: A model for angiotensin-II-responsive aldosterone secretion

Excessive secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal results in the most common form of endocrine hypertension. An understanding of the regulatory processes involved in aldosterone synthesis and release is needed to define the biomolecular mechanisms controlling excessive production of aldosterone. However, in vitro studies regarding the regulatory mechanisms of human aldosterone production have been limited because of difficulties in obtaining tissue and the subsequent isolation of aldosterone-secreting glomerulosa cells. Herein we describe an adrenocortical carcinoma cell line, NCI-H295, which provides a suitable angiotensin-II (AII)-responsive model system to investigate the acute and chronic regulation of aldosterone synthesis. The cells were characterized with regard to the effects of AII on second messenger systems, aldosterone release, and levels of aldosterone synthase (P450c18) mRNA. In the presence of lithium, AII caused a rapid, but transient, increase in the production of inositol tris- and bisphosphates, whereas a prolonged gradual accumulation of inositol monophosphate occurred. Treatment with AII resulted in a 4.5-fold increase in total inositol phosphates in a concentration-dependent manner and an increase in intracellular cytoplasmic free Ca2+. Significant increases in aldosterone (3.5-fold) were detected within 1 h of AII addition. Aldosterone release occurred in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. The type 1 AII (AT1) receptor was shown to be responsible for activation of phosphoinositidase-C, increased intracellular free Ca2+, and aldosterone production, as determined by use of the AT1 receptor antagonist DuP753. In addition, AII treatment resulted in a time-dependent increase in levels of P450c18 mRNA, as detected by RNAse protection assay. In summary, NCI-H295 cells provide a valuable model system to define mechanisms regulating human aldosterone production.
Pearls and Pitfalls in Emergency Radiology: Intra-abdominal focal fat infarction: epiploic appendagitis and omental infarction

Imaging description Inflammatory changes in the fat generally provide reliable evidence of an underlying acute intra-abdominal process. Disproportionate fat stranding in the pericolic region with mild colonic wall thickening suggests a pericolonic inflammatory process, including diverticulitis, appendicitis, epiploic appendagitis, and omental infarction, as opposed to colonic wall thickening centered on the colon, typical of infection, ischemia, and inflammatory bowel disease [1]. Occasionally, the underlying pathologic process is in the fat itself, involving the omentum, mesentery, or epiploic appendages. Appendices epiploicae arise in two rows from the serosal surface of the colon, from the cecum to the rectosigmoid junction (Figure 52.1). Pedunculated and with tenuous blood supply, they are prone to torsion, infarction, and subsequent inflammation. Imaging of epiploic appendagitis reveals an ovoid or lobular lesion of fat density less than 5 cm in size (usually 1–4 cm) adjacent to the anterior colonic wall (Figures 52.2 and 52.3) [2]. There is typically a well-defined hyperattenuating rim and surrounding inflammatory change. As with other pericolic processes, wall thickening of adjacent colon is mild compared with the degree of fat stranding. Epiploic appendagitis can occur anywhere along the colon, but is most common adjacent to the sigmoid [3]. The “central dot sign” has been described as a specific sign for epiploic appendagitis and reflects thrombosed or obstructed central vessels within the torsed appendage.
Diffusion measurements in intracranial hematomas: implications for MR imaging of acute stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to analyze the diffusion properties of intracranial hematomas to understand the effects of hematomas on diffusion-weighted MR images of patients with acute stroke and to further our understanding of the evolution of signal intensities of hematomas on conventional MR images. We hypothesized that hematomas containing blood with intact RBC membranes (ie, early hematomas) have restricted diffusion compared with hematomas in which RBC membranes have lysed. METHODS: Seventeen proven intracranial hematomas were studied with conventional and diffusion MR imaging. Hematomas were characterized using conventional images to determine the stage of evolution and their putative biophysical composition, as described in the literature. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements for each putative hematoma constituent (intracellular oxyhemoglobin, intracellular deoxyhemoglobin, intracellular methemoglobin, and extracellular methemoglobin) were compared with each other and with normal white matter. RESULTS: Hematomas showing hemoglobin within intact RBCs by conventional MR criteria (n = 14) showed equivalent ADC values, which were reduced compared with hematomas containing lysed RBCs (P = .0029 to .024). Compared with white matter, hematomas containing lysed RBCs had higher ADC measurements (P = .003), whereas hematomas containing intact RBCs had reduced ADC measurements (P CONCLUSION: Restricted diffusion is present in early intracranial hematomas in comparison with both late hematomas and normal white matter. Therefore, early hematomas would be displayed as identical to the signal intensity of acute infarction on ADC maps, despite obvious differences on conventional MR images. These data also are consistent with the biochemical composition that has been theorized in the stages of evolving intracranial hematomas and provide further evidence that paramagnetic effects, rather than restriction of water movement, are the dominant cause for their different intensity patterns on conventional MR images.
Antiviral Therapy of HIV Infection

In only five years, antiretroviral therapy progressed from promising in vitro results with a newly recognized virus (HIV) to the standard practice of primary care applicable to hundreds of thousands of patients. With AZT (zidovudine) we have learned that we can prolong survival, reduce morbidity, and delay the progression of asymptomatic infection to disease. We have also learned that doses of AZT lower than those used in the original studies are as effective but less toxic. Additional compounds are under evaluation and more are needed to provide regimens, probably as combinations of drugs, that can be administered chronically with more efficacy, less toxicity, and diminished likelihood to select for drug-resistant virus.
Regulation of immunoglobulin variable region gene assembly: Development of the primary antibody repertoire

The immune system can generate an almost infinite number of different antibody specificities, the sum of which is the antibody repertoire. This article considers aspects of the mechanism and control of immunoglobulin variable (V) region gene assembly with a focus on how these factors may affect generation of the antibody repertoire in normal and disease states. New model systems to study the mechanism and control of V gene assembly are described, in particular the introduction of V gene recombination substrates into Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed pre-B cells. Finally, a model is presented which suggests that control of V gene assembly is mediated by regulating accessibility of substrate gene segments to recombinational machinery.
“COMING OUT” IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIONISM: Sexual Identity Formation among Lesbian and Bisexual Women

This article examines sexual identity formation among 346 lesbian-identified and 60 bisexual-identified women. On average, bisexuals come out at later ages and exhibit less “stable” identity histories. However, variations in identity history among lesbians and bisexuals overshadow the differences between them and demonstrate that coming out is not a linear, goal-oriented, developmental process. Sexual identity formation must be reconceptualized as a process of describing one's social location within a changing social context. Changes in sexual identity are, therefore, expected of mature individuals as they maintain an accurate description of their position vis-a-vis other individuals, groups, and institutions.
Achieving quicker recovery after breast augmentation

What surgeon would allow a breast augmentation (BA) patient to return to normal activity on the first day after surgery? In this article, the author reviews his BA population with respect to postoperative recovery. The goal was to determine whether certain adopted practices would predictably return BA patients to full normal activities within 24 hours of surgery, thus sparing them a slow, painful recovery. The quicker-recovery principles and practices described in this article have been used for 2871 cosmetic BA patients since 2002 and are based on 3 time points (Table 1). These preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative methods were thoroughly discussed with each patient during the initial preoperative consultation. View this table: Table 1. Protocol to Minimize Pain and Suffering After Breast Augmentation Patient expectations were carefully managed. We reviewed our outcomes data with patients preoperatively so they could be confident about returning to normal daily activities by the morning after surgery. We shared our book of testimonials in which our previous patients described how quickly they recovered; these testimonials included detailed descriptions of household and social activities pursued on the actual evening of the surgery. We also maintain a voluntary referral list of former patients (which includes first name and telephone number) so that new patients can contact them to discuss how quickly their recovery progressed. Multiple techniques described previously, as well as additional practices of the author, …
The feasibility of a common stereotactic space for children and adults in fMRI studies of development

Abstract Thequestion of whether pediatric and adult neuroimaging data can be analyzed in a common stereotactic space is a critical issue for developmental neuroscience. Two studies were performed to address this question. In Study 1, high-resolution structural MR brain images of 20 children (7–8 years of age) and 20 young adults (18–30 years of age) were transformed to a common space. Overall brain shape was assessed by tracing the outer boundaries of the brains in three orientations, and more local anatomy was assessed by analysis of portions of 10 selected sulci. Small, but consistent, differences in location and variability were observed in specific locations of the sulcal tracings and outer-boundary sections. In Study 2, a computer simulation was used to assess the extent to which the small anatomical differences observed in Study 1 would produce spurious effects in functional imaging data. Results indicate that, assuming a functional resolution of 5 mm in images averaged across subjects, anatomical differences in either variability or location between children and adults of the magnitude observed in Study 1 would not negatively affect functional image comparisons. We conclude that atlas-transformed brain morphology is relatively consistent between 7- and 8-year-old children and adults at a resolution appropriate to current functional imaging and that the small anatomical differences present do not limit the usefulness of comparing child and adult functional images within a common stereotactic space.
Slash Pile Burning Effects on Soil Biotic and Chemical Properties and Plant Establishment: Recommendations for Amelioration

Ponderosa pine forest restoration consists of thinning trees and reintroducing prescribed fire to reduce unnaturally high tree densities and fuel loads to restore ecosystem structure and function. A current issue in ponderosa pine restoration is what to do with the large quantity of slash that is created from thinning dense forest stands. Slash piling burning is currently the preferred method of slash removal because it allows land managers to burn large quantities of slash in a more controlled environment in comparison with broadcast burning slash. However burning slash piles is known to have adverse effects such as soil sterilization and exotic species establishment. This study investigated the effects of slash pile burning on soil biotic and chemical variables and early herbaceous succession on burned slash pile areas. Slash piles were created following tree thinning in two adjacent approximately 20-ha ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) restoration treatments in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona. We selected 30 burned slash pile areas and sampled across a gradient of the burned piles for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) propagule densities, the soil seed bank, and soil chemical properties. In addition, we established five 1-m 2 plots in each burned pile to quantify the effect of living soil (AM inoculum) and seeding amendments on early herbaceous succession in burned slash pile areas. The five treatments consisted of a control (no treatment), living soil (AM inoculum) amendment, sterilized soil (no AM inoculum) amendment, seed amendment, and a seed/soil (AM inoculum) amendment. Slash pile burning nearly eliminated populations of viable seeds and AM propagules and altered soil chemical properties. Amending scars with native seeds increased the cover of native forbs and grasses. Furthermore adding both seed and living soil more than doubled total native plant cover and decreased ruderal and exotic plant cover. These results indicate that seed/soil amendments that increase native forbs and grasses may enhance the rate of succession in burned slash pile areas by allowing these species to outcompete exotic and ruderal species also establishing at the site through natural regeneration.
Spectral, spatial and temporal characteristics of Arctic tundra reflectance

Abstract The objective was to quantify and analyse the spectral, spatial and temporal variability of solar radiation reflected from arctic tundra vegetation at a study site in the Brooks Range foothills of northern Alaska. Spectral radiance data from hand-held radiometers and the SPOT HRV sensor were sampled along hillslope transects (toposequences) and within four vegetation community types. The spatial trend of normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) along the toposequences corresponded to variations in the abundance of green vegetation matter and in vegetation composition. A marked temporal increase in the NDVI occurred along the toposequences from the beginning of the growing season (mid-June) to peak green up (end of July). The spectral signatures of three tundra dominant vegetation communities, dry heath, moist tussock and wet sedge, were moderately separable, with dry heath being most separable. The overall separability of the major community types was similar at all times during the growing ...
CitiScape Architecture for eGovernment Effectiveness

We introduce CitiScapes, an architectural concept that enables implementers of eGovernment systems to organize capabilities and dynamically present the services to match the context of the citizen and other stakeholders in an effective and efficient manner. CitiScapes addresses the underlying challenges due to the complexities of change in organizational structures and business processes, presentation of thousands of objects and services, and the integration of information systems supporting these aspects. We present examples based on our design experiences working with a large US city and evaluate the CitiScapes concept with respect to existing award winning eGovernment websites. We show how a CitiScapesbased eGovernment web presence can lead to increased usability, navigability, and performance for users as well as enhanced maintainability for administrators.
Controlling grafting density and side chain length in poly(n-butyl acrylate) by ATRP copolymerization of macromonomers

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was used for the preparation and subsequent copolymerization of two acryloyl-terminated poly(n-butyl acrylate) macromonomers with different degrees of polymerization (DPnBA = 25 and 42). Homopolymerization of the higher molecular weight macromonomer (MM1; PnBA42-A, Mn = 5600, DPMM = 42, Mw/Mn = 1.18) resulted in preparation of a densely grafted polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.14), but with the limited degree of polymerization DP = 12. The ultimate degree of homopolymerization for the lower molecular weight macromonomer (MM2; PnBA25-A, Mn = 3400, DPMM = 25, Mw/Mn = 1.20) was higher, and DP increased from 12 to 22. The limited DP could be because of progressively increasing steric congestion for macromonomers in approaching the growing chain ends of densely grafted polymers. When MMs were copolymerized with nBA, the reactivity of MM was nearly the same as that of nBA monomer irrespective of the differences in the degree of polymerization of the MMs and the initial molar ratio of nBA to MM. Well-defined graft polymers with different lengths of backbone and side chains, and different graft density were successfully prepared by “grafting through” ATRP. Tadpole-shaped and dumbbell-shaped graft polymers were also synthesized by ATRP. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5454–5467, 2006