cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Left Thoracoabdominal Incision

The left thoracoabdominal incision is approaching its first century of use. Its history is reviewed. The incision provides wide exposure of the spleen, stomach, left hemidiaphragm, aorta, and esophagus; exposure is not limited to the distal esophagus. Because of the superb exposure it offers, its wide clinical application, and its overall safety, the thoracoabdominal incision should continue to be a viable surgical option in current thoracic surgical practice.
A Supercomputer Study of Strongly Coupled {QED}

Abstract We study non-compact QED with light dynamical fermions using hybrid algorithms for N = 2 and 4 species of light fermion. We present evidence from measurements of the chiral condensate on 6 4 , 8 4 and 10 4 lattices that the theory has an interacting ultraviolet stable fixed point. Simulations on 2×8 3 , 4×8 3 , 6×12 2 and 8×16 3 lattices indicate that the theories have nontrivial temperature dependence and their dynamics generates a large correlation length. Simulations of the π, ϱ, A 1 , σ mesons and the photon and fermion propagators are done on 6 3 ×12 lattices. The level ordering of the mesons is m π m σ m ϱ m A 1 . The photon mass, inferred from its propagator in the Landau gauge, is zero.
The disjuncture between raw scores and pass rates in New York State public schools: Turning success into failure

Abstract This paper demonstrates that ‘failure’ is not a direct reflection of student knowledge. Using five years of New York State school-level data, we compare passing rates to raw-scores . We find, first, that when ‘cut scores’ are raised, more students fail even if raw scores are increasing. Second, increasing cut scores disproportionately fails more poor students than non-poor students, despite that poor students have the fastest rates of raw score improvement. Third, raised cut scores transform the smallest raw score gaps between high- and low-poverty schools into the largest passing gaps. Thus, while students in poor schools know more than they did previously, and although they have learned at superior rates, they are recast as the biggest ‘failures’ they have ever been.
Mitral valve surgery after previous CABG with functioning IMA grafts.

Abstract Background . Mitral valve surgery after previous coronary artery bypass grafting presents a challenging problem for the cardiac surgeon. An injury to patent coronary artery bypass grafts, especially internal mammary artery grafts, during reoperation via a redo sternotomy, may be fatal. Therefore, a reliable alternative to the redo sternotomy is desirable to minimize potential injury to internal mammary artery grafts. Methods . Between February 1987 and October 1998, we performed 59 consecutive mitral valve operations after previous coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). A total of 24 patients (41%) had functioning internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts and represent the population for this study. No patients were excluded for any reason. Of the 24 patients, 20 (83%) were men. Mean age was 66 ± 13 years (range 41 to 83 years) and the mean duration from CABG was 5.3 ± 3.6 years (range 0.1 to 12 years). Four (17%) had functioning bilateral internal mammary artery grafts. All had 3 to 4+ mitral regurgitation (MR) at the time of mitral valve surgery and the mean preoperative ejection fraction (EF) was 40% ± 14% (range 20% to 74 %). Results . Twenty-one (88%) patients underwent mitral valve surgery through an anterolateral right thoracotomy and 3 (12%) through a redo sternotomy. Twenty-two (92%) patients, including the 3 patients in whom a redo sternotomy was used, had cannulation of the femoral artery and vein. Two patients required axillary artery cannulation. All 21 patients in whom the mitral valve was approached through a right thoracotomy underwent deep hypothermia (19.6° ± 2.1°C, range 14° to 25°C) without aortic clamping, with a mean duration of CPB of 138 ± 46 minutes (range 65 to 249 minutes). In 18 (75%), the MR was ischemic in origin and in 6 (25%) there was myxomatous degeneration. Nine (34%) required valve replacement and 15 (66%) underwent repair. There were no operative or hospital deaths and all patients were discharged to home or to a rehabilitation facility. There were 4 (17%) major complications. Two patients suffered respiratory failure requiring tracheotomy, 1 patient developed a perioperative MI requiring an intraaortic balloon pump and 1 developed heart block requiring a permanent pacemaker. There were no neurologic, peripheral vascular, bleeding, or wound complications. Conclusions . Reoperative mitral valve surgery in the setting of functioning IMA grafts, even in the face of depressed LV function, can be done safely and with minimal morbidity.
Asymmetrical locomotor response to unilateral cortical injections of DSP-4

Abstract The role of norepinephrine depletion in the lateralized production of spontaneous hyperactivity was assessed by unilateral fronto-cortical injections of either 10 or 20 micrograms of the noradrenergic neurotoxin, DSP-4(N-2-chloroethyl-N-ethyl-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride). Ten μg of DSP-4 produced significant hyperkinesis only when injected into the right hemisphere. A 20 μg dose produced hyperactivity when injected into either hemisphere. DSP-4 injections resulted in significant NE and ipsilateral and contralateral 5HT depletions in the frontal cortex. The 20 μg right hemispheric injection significantly increased both DOPAC and DA levels in the contralateral caudate in a manner unrelated to behavior. These findings, in conjunction with results from previous neurotoxin studies, support a hypothesis of greater relative sensitivity to injury of right hemispheric NE terminal fields compared with injury to left hemispheric fields as demonstrated by spontaneous hyperactivity.
Using Cocoa and Chocolate to Teach Human Geography

Abstract Food topics are uniquely suited to increase students’ interest in human geography. A highly processed food like chocolate can be studied in a variety of different ways, making it possible to include chocolate examples and activities at various points in a human geography class. The goals of this article are to provide sufficient background knowledge about cocoa and chocolate to instructors and to make concrete suggestions how chocolate examples and activities can be used in human geography classes at the college/university and high school level.
Some asymptotic results for hypothesis testing in multivariate failure time data

Abstract This paper presents a class of generalized Wald, generalized score and generalized likelihood ratio statistics for hypothesis testing and model selection for multivariate failure time data. These statistics are based on a marginal hazard model with a common baseline hazard function. The large sample distributions of these statistics are examined. It is shown that the proposed test statistics follow asymptotically a weighted sum of independent χ12 distributions.
Reconstructive management of contralateral breast cancer in patients who previously underwent unilateral breast reconstruction

When a patient who has had unilateral breast reconstruction presents with a new cancer on the opposite side, the reconstructive management of the second breast can be unclear. This study was performed to determine whether reconstruction of the second breast is oncologically reasonable and to evaluate the reconstructive options available to these patients. Patients who had mastectomy with unilateral breast reconstruction between 1988 and 1994 and who had a minimal follow-up of 5 years from the initial breast cancer were reviewed. Of 469 patients reviewed, 18 patients (4 percent) were identified who developed contralateral breast cancer. Mean age at the initial breast cancer presentation was 43 years (range, 26 to 57 years), and mean age at presentation with contralateral breast cancer was 48 years (range, 36 to 67). The mean interval between the initial and contralateral breast cancer presentations was 5 years (range, 1 to 10 years). Mean follow-up from the time of contralateral breast cancer was 5 years (range, 1 to 9 years). In most cases, contralateral breast cancer presented at an early stage (13 of 18 patients; 72 percent), and a shift to an earlier stage at presentation of the contralateral cancer was evident compared with the initial breast cancer. Of the 18 patients who developed contralateral breast cancer, 16 (89 percent) had no evidence of disease, one was alive with disease, and one died. Reconstructive management after the initial mastectomy included 16 transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps (seven free and nine pedicled), one latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with implant, and one superior gluteal free flap. Surgical management of the second breast after contralateral breast cancer included breast conservation in two patients, mastectomy without reconstruction in four, and mastectomy with reconstruction in 12. Reconstruction of the second breast included one free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, three extended latissimus dorsi flaps, two latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps with implants, three implants alone, two Rubens flaps, and one superior gluteal free flap. No major complications were noted after the reconstruction of the second breast. The best symmetry was obtained when similar methods and tissues were used on both sides. The incidence of contralateral breast cancer after mastectomy and unilateral breast reconstruction is low. In most cases, contralateral breast cancer presents at an earlier stage compared with the initial breast cancer, and the prognosis is good. In patients who develop a contralateral breast cancer after mastectomy and unilateral breast reconstruction, the reconstruction of the second breast after mastectomy is oncologically reasonable and should be offered to provide optimal breast symmetry and a better quality of life. The best result is obtained when similar methods and tissues are used on both sides.
Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia: A Resource Guide

Medical and mental health professionals are in general agreement that the occurrence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia has increased dramatically during the past ten years. The revelation that public figures such as Karen Carpenter and Cherry Boone were victims has demonstrated that these debilitating illnesses occur more frequently than previously supposed. Not only has the number of relevant professional communications in psychology, psychiatry, and medicine multiplied, but popular periodicals, newspapers, and television have brought these psychiatric disorders to the attention of the general public. As a result, wards and clinics specializing in the treatment of eating disorders have opened in cities of even modest size. Support groups for sufferers and their families are becoming more common as the magnitude of these mental health problems is recognized.
Social Class and Delinquency: One More Time*

The diversity of findings on the class-delinquency relationship may reflect differential middle-class cultural dominance in school systems. In predominantly middle-class schools, the minority of working-class youth conform to the majority standards and the relationship does not hold. In more class heterogeneous schools a cross-class cultural diffusion occurs among youth such that objective class status no longer is predictive of delinquency. In predominantly working-class schools a negative class-delinquency relationship is found; in such a milieu, those youth who are committed to conventional middle-class culture only can have acquired such commitments from their middle-class parents. The self-report studies of class and delinquency are reviewed in the light of these hypotheses.
Exploratory Programs in Middle Schools.

Following the call for middle-school reform, several arguments emerged that supported a consistent idea of what constitutes a “good middle school.” This article focuses specifically on exploratory programs, offers a review of related literature, and examines the problems and solutions principals and teachers from two middle schools reported during interviews.
The role of AFM in semiconductor technology development: the 65 nm technology node and beyond

The International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) predicts that atomic force microscopy (AFM) will become an in-line metrology tool starting at the 65 nm technology node. Others argue that AFM is not suitable beyond the 65 nm node due to probe size limitations. This presentation examines the current state of AFM in semiconductor technology development and manufacturing. The following AFM applications are reviewed: post chemical mechanical polishing (post-CMP) and post reactive ion etching (post-RIE) topography measurements, critical dimension (CD) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical scatterometry (OCD) calibration and long-term accuracy monitoring, across integrated circuit (IC) CD bias measurements (OCD lines vs. real circuit), optical proximity correction (OPC) modeling verification, non-destructive 3D metrology (resist, gate, sidewall offsets, holes and trenches). This current state is contrasted with upcoming requirements, benefits and limitations of metrology tools. The topics include the following: an application specific analysis of AFM limitations, the merits and limitations of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as reference technique for AFM, CD SEM and OCD, the impact of sample-to-sample bias variation on total measurement uncertainty of TEM, CD SEM, OCD and AFM, the unique role of AFM in establishing across CD metrology correlation and accuracy, and need for a new type of intelligent in-line CD metrology tools, which would combine the merits of OCD, CD SEM and AFM.
Observations on the behaviour of the grasshopper Taeniopoda eques (Burmeister), Orthoptera, Acrididae.

Abstract Adult and nymphs of the grasshopper Taeniopoda eques (Burmeister) observed near Portal, Arizona, exhibited a regular pattern of daily activity: the animals could be found early in the morning roosing high in desert plants (often in roosting groups of two to ten individuals), they then moved to the ground shortly after sunrise, back to plant shelter at midday, back to the ground in the afternoon, and finally up to roosting spots high in bushes in the evening. Adults tended to be much more active than the nymphs which generally stayed near one plant in which they habitually roosted. It was speculated that the behaviour of T. eques serves thermoregulatory and anti-predator functions.
Microcavity plasma devices and arrays: a new realm of plasma physics and photonic applications

The confinement of low temperature, non-equilibrium plasmas to cavities having characteristic spatial dimensions <1 mm is providing new avenues of inquiry for plasma science. Not only is a previously unexplored region of parameter space now accessible, but the interaction of the plasma with its material boundaries raises fascinating questions and opportunities. Other scientific issues that come to the fore include scaling relationships and the collisional processes that become prevalent in a high pressure environment. The general characteristics of microplasmas, as well as several emerging applications, are briefly described here. With regard to the latter, emphasis will be placed on photonics and, specifically, the demonstration of large (500 × 500) arrays of microcavity plasma devices in Si, the observation of photodetection in the visible, near-infrared and ultraviolet by a microplasma, and the measurement of optical gain in the blue (λ ~ 460 nm) from a linear array of microplasmas in a ceramic structure.
Novel anionic photoacid generators (PAGs) and corresponding PAG bound polymers for sub-50 nm EUV lithography

A new series of anionic photoacid generators (PAGs) and corresponding polymers were prepared. The thermostability of PAG bound polymers was superior to that of PAG blend polymers. PAG incorporated into the polymer main chain showed improved resolution when compared with the PAG blend polymers. This was demonstrated by extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) results: the fluorine PAG bound polymer resist gave 45 nm (1 : 1), 35 nm (1 : 2), 30 nm (1 : 3) and 20 nm (1 : 4) Line/Space as well as the 50 nm (1 : 1) elbow pattern.
Long-term real-time structural health monitoring using wireless smart sensor

Improving the safety and security of civil infrastructure has become a critical issue for decades since it plays a central role in the economics and politics of a modern society. Structural health monitoring of civil infrastructure using wireless smart sensor network has emerged as a promising solution recently to increase structural reliability, enhance inspection quality, and reduce maintenance costs. Though hardware and software framework are well prepared for wireless smart sensors, the long-term real-time health monitoring strategy are still not available due to the lack of systematic interface. In this paper, the Imote2 smart sensor platform is employed, and a graphical user interface for the long-term real-time structural health monitoring has been developed based on Matlab for the Imote2 platform. This computer-aided engineering platform enables the control, visualization of measured data as well as safety alarm feature based on modal property fluctuation. A new decision making strategy to check the safety is also developed and integrated in this software. Laboratory validation of the computer aided engineering platform for the Imote2 on a truss bridge and a building structure has shown the potential of the interface for long-term real-time structural health monitoring.
Atmospheric and oceanic excitation of decadal‐scale Earth orientation variations

[1] The contribution of atmospheric wind and surface pressure and oceanic current and bottom pressure variations during 1949-2002 to exciting changes in the Earth's orientation on decadal timescales is investigated using an atmospheric angular momentum series computed from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis project and an oceanic angular momentum series computed from a near-global ocean model that was forced by surface fluxes from the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis project. Not surprisingly, since decadal-scale variations in the length of day are caused mainly by interactions between the mantle and core, the effect of the atmosphere and oceans is found to be only about 14% of that observed. More surprisingly, it is found that the effect of atmospheric and oceanic processes on decadal-scale changes in polar motion is also only about 20% (x component) and 38% (y component) of that observed. Therefore redistribution of mass within the atmosphere and oceans does not appear to be the main cause of the Markowitz wobble. It is also found that on timescales between 10 days and 4 years the atmospheric and oceanic angular momentum series used here have very little skill in explaining Earth orientation variations before the mid to late 1970s. This is attributed to errors in both the Earth orientation observations prior to 1976 when measurements from the accurate space-geodetic techniques became available and to errors in the modeled atmospheric fields prior to 1979 when the satellite era of global weather observing systems began.
Fine structure of horny cells of the vermilion border of the lip compared with skin.

Abstract The formation and ultrastructure of the thick cellular envelope, i.e., the marginal band, of the cornified cells and the intercellular substances of the stratum corneum of the vermilion border were studied with the aid of ruthenium red-staining and a high resolution electron microscope. The marginal band was precipitated on the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane. This process was rather abrupt in other parts of the body, appearing first in the lowermost horny cell as an 160A-thick dense band, but was gradual in the vermilion border of the lip. In spite of the discharge of the membrane-coating granules, the original 80A-thick trilaminar plasma membranes were observed outside the marginal band and often desquamated as such in the upper stratum corneum. This observation was thought to be evidence against the theory that the membrane-coating granule coats the plasma membrane and thickens it. Instead, this seemed to support the concept that the thickened cellular envelope of the cornified cells is a de novo product. In the upper horny layers, ribbon-like lamellar structures, laminated fibrils and occluding zonule-like structures were found in the intercellular spaces. They were interpreted as an admixture of ruthenium red-positive component of the membrane-coating granules and cell-surface coat (glycocalyx), decomposed lipid substance derived from the membrane-coating granules and from shed plasma membranes, and probably peeled off occluding zonules of horny cells or subjacent cells respectively.
Design of an expert system to automatically calibrate impedance control for powered knee prostheses

Many currently available powered knee prostheses (PKP) use finite state impedance control to operate a prosthetic knee joint. The desired impedance values were usually manually calibrated with trial-and-error in order to enable near-normal walking pattern. However, such a manual approach is inaccurate, time consuming, and impractical. This paper aimed to design an expert system that can tune the control impedance for powered knee prostheses automatically and quickly. The expert system was designed based on fuzzy logic inference (FLI) to match the desired knee motion and gait timing while walking. The developed system was validated on an able-bodied subject wearing a powered prosthesis. Preliminary experimental results demonstrated that the developed expert system can converge the user's knee profile and gait timing to the desired values within 2 minutes. Additionally, after the auto-tuning procedure, the user produced more symmetrical gait. These preliminary results indicate the promise of the designed expert system for quick and accuracy impedance calibration, which can significantly improve the practical value of powered lower limb prosthesis. Continuous engineering efforts are still needed to determine the calibration objectives and validate the expert system.
Determination of cobalamins using capillary electrophoresis inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract The determination of cobalamins using capillary electrophoresis inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) was investigated. Both capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) modes of operation were studied. The optimal separation of four cobalamin species (cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin, and 5′-deoxyadenosylcobalamin) and a potentially harmful corrinoid analogue (cobinamide dicyanide) was obtained using CZE at a pH of 2.5. Both 20 mM phosphate and 20 mM formate buffers were used with success, although the formate buffer provided improved resolution. The CZE-ICP-MS method was used to quantify cyanocobalamin in a vitamin supplement and the analytical results were in good agreement (±5%) with values obtained by ICP-MS for total Co levels. The solution detection limits for cobalamins using CZE-ICP-MS were approximately 50 ng/ml. MEKC was found to be useful for the screening of vitamin preparations because it provided a rapid means of distinguishing cyanocobalamin (the form most commonly used in vitamin preparations) from free cobalt. The separation of free cobalt and cyanocobalamin using MEKC was achieved in less than 10 min.
Postoperative ileus after abdominal surgery.

Despite significant advancements in the care of the surgical patient, little progress has been made in the understanding and treatment of postoperative ileus (PI). Cystectomy with urinary diversion and complex urinary tract reconstruction using bowel are procedures in urologic surgery associated with some of the greatest hospital costs and longest lengths of stay (LOS). Improvements in costs, patient satisfaction, and complication rates often accompany the institution of “care pathways” designed to minimize the variability between practice patterns and postoperative care. 1 Cystectomy is a procedure in which reductions in LOS, costs, and patient morbidity have been difficult to achieve. A primary contribution to the longer LOS in the urologic patients undergoing bowel surgery is the relatively slow return of normal gastrointestinal function and, in many instances, PI that translates into a prolonged hospital stay of days to weeks. Radical cystectomy patients often feel poorly for 4 to 8 weeks after surgery, and loss of appetite is a common feature. A weight loss of 10 to 20 lb is not uncommon. The ability to reestablish normal eating sooner would provide a substantial benefit to the patient and healthcare costs alike. We examined the current understandings of bowel function physiology and treatments of PI after major abdominal surgery. Clinicians use a variety of definitions to describe the changes in bowel activity that occur after abdominal surgery, with no standard nomenclature in place. Gastrointestinal motility is clearly impaired after surgical manipulation of the bowel to some degree. Each segment of the gastrointestinal tract recovers motility at a different rate after surgical manipulation. The small intestines typically recover motility within several hours, the stomach within 24 to 48 hours, and the colon in 3 to 5 days. It is this delay in coordinated movement of the gastrointestinal tract that is often referred to as PI. This is in contrast to a mechanical bowel obstruction resulting from structural abnormalities that cause motility disorders. Postoperatively, some patients experience a prolonged inhibition of coordinated bowel activity that causes accumulation of secretions and gas, resulting in nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and pain. This prolonged inhibition, which can take days to weeks to resolve, is often referred to as postoperative paralytic ileus. However, because of the lack of standard definitions, many physicians view PI and postoperative paralytic ileus as a continuum and collectively refer to the events as PI.
Field evaluation of predictions of environmental effects from a multispecies-microcosm toxicity test

The predictive validity of a multispecies-microcosm toxicity test was evaluated. Predictions of biological response to a complex effluent were made from dose-response curves in laboratory tests and compared to observed effects in the receiving system. No effects on protozoan or macroinvertebrate communities were observed at the field site with effluent concentrations less than the chronic value of 1.7% effluent determined in laboratory tests. In addition, the microcosm test accurately predicted the magnitude of decreases in species richness in protozoan and macroinvertebrate communities in the receiving system at the first downstream site. Predictions of environmental effects for stations farther downstream were generally less accurate and too high, perhaps due to lack of persistence in the toxicity of the effluent. Stimulation of total biomass and algal growth were observed in both laboratory and field tests, but laboratory tests greatly overestimated the magnitude of enrichment responses in the receiving system.
Epithelioid angiomyolipoma of the kidney: pathological features and clinical outcome in a series of consecutively resected tumors

Epithelioid angiomyolipoma of the kidney: pathological features and clinical outcome in a series of consecutively resected tumors
Electrical Stimulation of Embryonic Neurons for 1 Hour Improves Axon Regeneration and the Number of Reinnervated Muscles that Function

Motoneuron death after spinal cord injury or disease results in muscle denervation, atrophy, and paralysis. We have previously transplanted embryonic ventral spinal cord cells into the peripheral nerve to reinnervate denervated muscles and to reduce muscle atrophy, but reinnervation was incomplete. Here, our aim was to determine whether brief electrical stimulation of embryonic neurons in the peripheralnerve changes motoneuron survival, axon regeneration, and muscle reinnervation and function because neural depolarization is crucial for embryonic neuron survival and may promote activity-dependent axon growth. At 1 week after denervation by sciatic nerve section, embryonic day 14 to 15 cells were purified for motoneurons, injected into the tibial nerve of adult Fischer rats, and stimulated immediatelyfor up to 1 hour. More myelinated axons were present in tibial nerves 10 weeks after transplantation when transplants had been stimulated acutely at 1 Hz for 1 hour. More muscles were reinnervated if the stimulation treatment lasted for 1 hour. Reinnervation reduced muscle atrophy, with or without the stimulation treatment. These data suggest that brief stimulation of embryonic neurons promotes axon growth, which has a long-term impact on muscle reinnervation and function. Muscle reinnervation is important because it may enable the use of functional electrical stimulation to restore limb movements.
Natural carbon dioxide sensitivity in mosquitoes caused by a hereditary virus

Summary Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes from a laboratory colony derived form specimens collected on Matsu Island, China, developed lethal paralysis following a normally innocuous exposure to carbon dioxide at low temperature. This trait was found to be inherited extrachromosomally and was transmissible to other mosquitoes by inoculation of filtered extracts of affected insects. Further study revealed that similar carbon dioxide sensitivity was very common in wild populations of C. quinquefasciatus in Hawaii.
Metabolic Functionalization of Recombinant Glycoproteins

Glycoproteins are essential for cellular communication and are the most rapidly growing class of therapeutic agents. Chemical modification of glycoproteins has been employed to improve their in vivo efficacy or to label them for detection. Methods for the controlled derivatization of glycoproteins are presently limited by the repertoire of natural amino acid side chain and carbohydrate functionalities. Here, we use metabolic oligosaccharide engineering to introduce a bioorthogonal functional group, the azide, into cellular and recombinant glycoproteins for subsequent chemical elaboration via Staudinger ligation. As most therapeutic glycoproteins are sialylated and require this saccharide for optimal pharmacokinetics, we targeted sialic acid as a host for azides using N-azidoacetylmannosamine (ManNAz) as a biosynthetic precursor. Metabolic conversion of ManNAz to N-azidoacetylsialic acid (SiaNAz) within membrane-bound and secreted glycoproteins was quantified in a variety of cell types. SiaNAz was found to...
Surgical treatment for lateral epicondylitis: A long-term follow-up of results

Hypothesis Since its first description, the pathology, natural history, and treatment of lateral epicondylitis have remained controversial. For patients in who conservative management fails, surgery remains an option. The optimal method of surgery remains debatable and is further confounded by a relative lack of long-term follow-up studies. Materials and methods This study describes a modification of the Nirschl surgical technique and presents its long-term results. Patients undergoing this open technique were reviewed by use of the Hospital for Special Surgery and Mayo elbow performance assessment tools, as well as having grip strength and subjective outcome recorded. Results From June 1986 to December 2001, 158 consecutive patients (171 elbows) underwent surgery in a single-surgeon series. Of these patients, 137 (86.7%) were available for follow-up at a mean of 9.8 years. The mean age of the group was 42 years. Subjectively, the results were good to excellent in 94.6% of patients and in 92.6% to 94.0% of patients by use of the Hospital for Special Surgery and Mayo scores, respectively. No differences were noted in grip strength. No patient required revision surgery. Conclusions This repeatable open technique offers excellent results with a low rate of complications at a mean follow-up of 9.8 years. These results compare favorably in terms of numbers followed up, length of follow-up, and outcome and offer strong evidence of its efficacy.
Radiographic Scoring System to Evaluate Union of Distal Radius Fractures

Purpose To evaluate the intra- and interobserver reliability of a scoring system for distal radius fracture union based on specific radiographic parameters obtainable from x-rays. Methods Two sets of 35 anteroposterior and lateral x-rays were obtained by retrospective review of consecutive patients with distal radius fractures (AO types A and C) treated by a single surgeon in 2009. One set was assembled for those patients treated nonsurgically and 1 set for those treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with volar plating. Radius union scoring system (RUSS) scores were compiled from a 5-person review panel consisting of hand surgeons and musculoskeletal radiologists. Union of each of the 4 cortices was graded on a 3-point scale (0, fracture line visible with no callus; 1, callus formation but fracture line present; 2, cortical bridging without clear fracture line). Reviewers also recorded their overall impression of fracture union (united or not united). Each set of radiographs was reviewed twice by the 5 reviewers, 2 weeks apart. Inter- and intraobserver reliability were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients. Results For nonsurgically treated fractures, substantial agreement in union scores was found with regard to both intra- and interobserver reliability. For fractures treated with ORIF, substantial agreement was found in union scores with regard to intraobserver reliability and moderate agreement with regard to interobserver reliability. In addition, when using the reviewers' overall assessment of union as a reference standard, RUSS had a statistically significant predictive value in being able to differentiate between united and not united fractures. Conclusions This radiographic union tool demonstrated substantial intra- and interobserver reliability for the determination of fracture union in the distal radius. The RUSS is a simple method for a standardized assessment of radiographic union of DRF treated nonsurgically or with ORIF. Type of study/level of evidence Economic/decision analysis IV.
On Usage Context of Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Choice Studies

Considering usage context attributes in choice modeling has been shown to be important when product performance highly depends on the usage context. To build a reliable choice model, it is critical to first understand the relationship between usage context attributes and customer profile attributes, then to identify the market segmentation characterized by both sets of attributes, and finally to construct a choice model by integrating data from multiple sources. This is a complex procedure especially when a large number of customer attributes are potentially influential to the product choice. Using the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) as an example, this paper presents a systematic procedure and the associated data analysis techniques for implementing each of the above steps. Usage context and customer profile attributes extracted from both National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) and Vehicle Quality Survey (VQS) data are first analyzed to understand the relationship between usage context attributes and customer profile attributes. Next the principal component analysis is utilized to identify the key characteristics of hybrid vehicle drivers, and to determine the market segmentations of HEV and the critical attributes to include in choice models. Before the two sets of data are combined for choice modeling, statistical analysis is used to test the compatibility of the two datasets. A pooled choice model created by incorporating usage context attributes illustrates the benefits of context-based choice modeling using data from multiple sources. Even though NHTS and VQS have been used in the literature to study transportation patterns and vehicle quality ratings, respectively, this work is the first to explore how they may be used together to benefit the study of customer preference for HEVs.© 2011 ASME
The Challenge of Orientalism

This paper offers a reading of Said's Orientalism and a critical ‘review of reviews’; of the book. Our analysis is informed by our definition of Orientalism as a discourse whose key aspects are historical specificity, knowledge and power. We argue that a number of reviews of the text are marked by a severing of these three components. Said's text and its reviews are examined thematically. Our concerns include the separation of general questions of representation from the particular case of Orientalism, the questionable status of a ‘real’; Orient in Said's project and the problem of the ‘universally dichotomising mind’;
Argon Laser Treatment for Medically Unresponsive Attacks of Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Abstract Seven patients with medically unresponsive attacks of angle-closure glaucoma were successfully treated with the argon laser. Three methods may be used either singly or in combination to cut short an attack: (1) peripheral iridoplasty, (2) pupilloplasty, and (3) laser iridectomy. Laser treatment is preferable to and safer than intraocular iridectomy in such cases. Pilocarpine, which increases the axial length of the lens and shallows the anterior chamber, may worsen angle closure by increasing the pupillary block. An enlarged lens or forward movement of the lens may be a significant factor in medically unresponsive attacks. The routine use of copious amounts of pilocarpine should be avoided in treating angle-closure glaucoma
On the genuine queerness of moral properties and facts

(1990). On the genuine queerness of moral properties and facts. Australasian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 68, No. 2, pp. 137-146.
Examining Electricity Price Suppression Due to Renewable Resources and Other Grid Investments

A holistic analysis is needed to answer the key questions regarding efficiency and equity. In addition, much more thought needs to be given as to whether the combination of these pricing mechanisms provides efficient price signals from a societal perspective or if the multitude of prices and products is undercutting efficient market signals.
Supervisory control framework for collaborative virtual manufacturing

The control of Virtual Reality (VR) systems has been a challenge for the designers and implementers of such systems. In most cases the designed systems are very complex, therefore investigating their properties and measuring their performances are very difficult if not impossible. To date there is no formal method which can be used to design control of these systems and which at the same time provides the control performance measures and the properties of interest. In this paper, based on finite automaton analysis, a Supervisory Control (SC) approach for design modelling and implementation of a VR program is presented. The computational advantages gained by this approach are discussed, among which, two main advantages are reducing the size of the computational state space and reducing the number of system resource scans.
World-sheet dynamics of string junctions

Abstract We analyze scattering of string modes at string junctions of type IIB string theory. In the infrared limit, certain orthogonal linear combinations of the fields on the different strings satisfy either Dirichlet or Neumann boundary conditions. We confirm that the world-sheet theory of a general string network has eight conserved supercharges in agreement with target space BPS considerations. As an application, we obtain the band spectrum of some simple string lattices.
THE TRANSPORT GLIDER

During the Second World War airborne ground forces were employed for the first time in a major conflict, and on a scale never subsequently equalled. These soldiers and their equipment were delivered on or neartheir objectives in three ways, viz by parachute, by glider and by powered aircraft landing on captured airfields.
Antibody immobilization using pneumatic spray: Comparison with the avidin–biotin bridge immobilization method

Abstract The formation of a thin antibody film on a glass surface using pneumatic spray was investigated as a potential immobilization technique for capturing pathogenic targets. Goat- Escherichia coli O157:H7 IgG films were made by pneumatic spray and compared against the avidin–biotin bridge immobilized films by assaying with green fluorescent protein (GFP) transformed E. coli O157:H7 cells and fluorescent reporter antibodies. Functionality, stability, and immobilization of the films were tested. The pneumatic spray films had lower fluorescence intensity values than the avidin–biotin bridge films but resulted in similar detection for E. coli O157:H7 at 10 5 –10 7 cells/ml sample concentrations with no detection of non- E. coli O157:H7 strains. Both methods also resulted in similar percent capture efficiencies. The results demonstrated that immobilization of antibody via pneumatic spray did not render the antibody non-functional and produced stable antibody films. The amount of time necessary for immobilization of the antibody was reduced significantly from 24 h for the avidin–biotin bridge to 7 min using the pneumatic spray technique, with additional benefits of greatly reduced use of materials and chemicals. The pneumatic spray technique promises to be an alternative for the immobilization of antibodies on glass slides for capturing pathogenic targets and use in biosensor type devices.
Transcolonoscopic decompression of sigmoid volvulus

Colonoscopy may decompress a sigmoid volvulus above the reach of a rigid sigmoidoscope. Intraluminal stenting to prevent early recurrence can be accomplished using flexible plastic tubing passed over the colonoscope.
Interactions of signal and background variables in visual processing

Three variables which determine the opportunities for signal-noise confusions, display size (D), number of redundant signals per display (N), and number of alternative signals (A) were studied in relation to nature of the noise elements, confusable or nonconfusable with signals. Data were obtained in a forced-choice visual detection situation, the displays being linear arrays of letters on a CRT screen. For all three performance measures used, frequency of correct detections and correct and error latencies, strong interactions were obtained between all of the other variables and signal-noise confusability. The functions obtained, together with other data bearing on the role of confusions and on spatial relations among characters within the display, suggest a model whose initial phase is a parallel feature extraction process involving inhibitory relations among input channels.
Indocyanine Green Videoangiography of Choroidal Neovascularization

Abstract Choroidal neovascular membranes often are poorly defined on fluorescein angiography because of rapid or indistinct fluorescein leakage or because of blockage of hyperfluorescence by overlying hemorrhage, lipid, turbid fluid, or pigment. Indocyanine green (ICG) is a highly protein-bound dye with peak absorption (805 nm) and peak fluorescence (835 nm) in the near infrared portion of the spectrum. At these wavelengths, penetration through overlying pigments is increased. Using an infrared videoangiography system, the authors obtained ICG angiograms of 32 eyes with suspected choroidal neovascularization. Compared with fluorescein angiography, ICG improved visualization of the choroidal circulation and enhanced visualization of some membranes that were poorly defined with fluorescein. In addition, after clearance of the dye from the retinal and choroidal circulations, ICG remained in and around the neovascular tissue. The authors conclude that ICG videoangiography may aid in the evaluation of selected patients with poorly defined membranes on fluorescein angiography.
Cellulose Content in Fibers of Cottons which Differ in their Lint Lengths and Extent of Fuzz

Three cottons differing in their extent of fuzz fibers (linters) and final length of lint fibers were analyzed for amount of fiber cell walls and fiber cellulose at various times postanthesis. Cellulose determinations were performed directly on whole fibers and on fiber cell wall preparations. The data suggest that the presence of fuzz fibers does not account for a rise, followed by a plateau, followed by a rise, in cellulose content expressed as a percentage of cell wall material. It is concluded that: (1) under our greenhouse conditions, all fuzz fibers are initiated by day eight after anthesis; (2) weight per mm length of all fibers increases up to the point of secondary wall deposition and increases even more rapidly after that; (3) deposition of secondary wall cellulose in fuzz fibers probably does not begin until after similar deposition begins in lint fibers; (4) the actual amount of cellulose in primary walls of all elongating fibers (fuzz and lint) is a constant value, about 1 × 10−16 mg/mm; and (5) secondary wall cellulose deposition in lint fibers begins very sharply, in advance of cessation of elongation, at a time closely related to final lint fiber length. It is speculated that: (1) cell wall preparation procedures may remove significant amounts of noncellulosic wall material, thus making it difficult to define all functional constituents on the basis of what is left in a cell wall residue; and/or (2) primary walls may lose to the cytoplasm some of their constituents in advance of secondary wall deposition, the extent of loss varying due to developmental age of the elongating fibers.
Digital rendition of visual migraines.

A 29-YEAR-OLD WOman presented for evaluation of visual phenomena. Her family history is positive for complex migraines in her mother and sisters. Her first migrainous symptom occurred at age 20 when she noted that the “words on [the] page went circular.” This lasted 15 minutes without any accompanying headache. She did well until 3 years ago when a variety of visual phenomena developed, especially in the winter, that lasted anywhere from 10 minutes to longer if untreated. Her symptoms included seeing shimmering lights or lines on the snow or in the sky (Figure, A and C) and shimmering “orbs” in the sky (Figure, D). These occurred mostly in sunlight and sometimes caused anxiety and vomiting, but they also occurred when it was not sunny. She also developed symptoms with her eyes closed such as a burst of flashing lights. These symptoms could be aborted with sumatriptin succinate (Imitrex). She was given a diagnosis of acephalgic and visual migraines. Later in her course she did develop unilateral retro-orbital headaches and dull diffuse headaches with or without accompanying visual auras. More recently she developed transient slurred speech after seeing a burst of purple/pink dots that moved slowly down her field of vision (Figure, B). During another episode, she developed subjective right-sided weakness and a tingling sensation with bright flashing lights in her vision and was evaluated in the emergency department. She has undergone numerous evaluations, including ophthalmologic examinations and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, the findings from all of which were normal. She works as a computer graphics designer and uses digital editing software to render these images. These images are reminiscent of a latter-day Hildegard von Bingen whose “celestial visions” depicted in manuscripts may well have been migraine auras.
Post-domicide Bosnia and Herzegovina: Homes, homelands and one million returns

Critical geopolitics seeks to deconstruct the constructed objectifications of places as ‘territory’ or ‘homeland’ in realist and nationalist geopolitical discourse by remembering the messy spatiality of places as locations of human life and dwelling. This paper considers the Bosnian war and the international community's effort to reverse ethnic cleansing from a critical geopolitics perspective. Developing analysis around the notion of ‘home’, it argues that the Bosnian war was a war against homes in the name of idealized homelands. Domicide, the deliberate destruction of home, was its prevailing logic, the despoilment of Bosnia's multiethnic dwelling spaces its consequence. The international community's effort to promote ‘minority returns’ in the wake of the Dayton Peace Accords sought to roll back homelands but this effort at reverse spatial engineering has only partially reconstituted Bosnia's multigroup spatiality.