cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Key Pinch Stress Radiograph to Evaluate Dorsal Subluxation in the Basilar Thumb Joint

The basilar thumb joint is the joint second most commonly affected by osteoarthritis (OA) in the hand. Evaluation of dorsal subluxation of the thumb during a functional task such as key pinch could help assess OA risk. The objectives of this study were to determine the best imaging angle for measuring thumb dorsal subluxation during key pinch and to compare subluxation to corresponding OA grades on the Eaton-Glickel, Outerbridge, and International Cartilage Repair Society scales. Eleven cadaveric forearm specimens were rigged to simulate key pinch. A mobile c-arm captured anteroposterior (AP) view images of the hand and was rotated in 5 deg increments toward the ulnar aspect of the arm up to 60 deg. Dorsal subluxation was measured on each image and compared to determine which angle captured maximum subluxation. The resulting best imaging angle was used for comparisons between dorsal subluxation of the thumb and OA grades for the basilar thumb joint. The max subluxation was in the AP view for most specimens. There was a significant correlation between subluxation and the Eaton-Glickel grade (p = 0.003, R2 = 0.779), but not with either Outerbridge grades (p = 0.8018) or International Cartilage Repair Society grades (p = 0.7001). Our results indicate that dorsal thumb subluxation during key pinch should be measured in the AP view of the forearm/hand. Dorsal thumb subluxation during key pinch had a significant correlation with the Eaton-Glickel radiographic measure of OA but not with more accurate visual classifications of OA.
Guidance and Assessment of Preconception Risk

Preconception care is a wide term which refers to the process of meeting with a woman and her partner, identifying risks to a woman’s health, fertility, and pregnancy outcome as they relate to a woman becoming pregnant. The goals of preconception care are to identify potential the risks to the mother, fetus, and pregnancy; educate women about these risks; provide options for intervention and management for risk reduction; advise on reproductive alternatives, and initiate interventions to provide optimum maternal, fetal, and pregnancy outcomes. The goals of preconception health care are to provide guidance; identify, address, and reduce potential risks; and provide an informed consent process to understand their risks prior to pregnancy. In addition, preconception care allows for counseling about delaying pregnancy until risks have been reduced.
Management of placenta previa

Abstract A study of 162 patients with placenta previa is presented. The delay in operative treatment for careful study of bleeding patients who probably have placenta previa is not only feasible, but wise. We have found an increase in the incidence of the use of cesarean section to be advantageous. The best results from vaginal delivery were obtained in those cases in which the bleeding could be controlled by simple rupture of the membranes and the fetus delivered either spontaneously, by forceps, or by breech extraction. However, each patient should be evaluated as to the method of delivery. While there was slight increase in the morbidity rate and an increase in the number of days the patient remained in the hospital following cesarean section, the fetal mortality was greatly improved and the delivery simplified by this procedure. The type of cesarean section and the choice of anesthesia seems to be of little importance. Further study toward prevention of phlebitis is important.
Environmentally sensitive sparse gridding for efficient transmission loss calculations

Many tactical decision aids available to the Navy require acoustic sensor performance predictions over large ocean areas. Unfortunately, accurate computation of such acoustic fields requires significant computation time, which often renders the advanced technology tactically useless. The use of low-density uniform grids usually leads to unacceptable field uncertainty. Attempts to optimize grid density by analyzing the environment prior to acoustic calculation have made only modest gains, but tactical needs dictate an order of magnitude reduction. Further, in many cases, the relations between the desired accuracy, the choice of propagation model input parameters, and the required computation times are simply unknown. In this work, an iterative procedure is described to objectively determine a sparse, non-uniform grid that will maximize transmission loss accuracy as a function of computation time. The premise is that the physical environmental complexity controls the need for dense sampling in space and azimuth, and that the transmission loss curves already calculated or nearby coordinates on previous iterations can be used to predict that complexity. Although the grid grows unevenly, it is built around bookkeeping schemes commonly used for interpolation, so rapidly transforming the sparse grid to a uniform grid is always easy. Benchmarking against uniform grids shows that the total sparse grid field uncertainty is equal to or significantly lower than the uncertainty of uniform grids requiring similar computation time, and the method requires no a priori knowledge of the environment. Each iteration produces an acoustic field for the entire area of interest with ever-increasing accuracy, so the process can, in principle, be terminated whenever the gain in accuracy is overshadowed by the danger of further delay.
Role of aldosterone in the regulation of sodium and chloride transport in the distal colon of sodium-depleted rats

Dietary sodium depletion with elevated aldosterone levels induces electrogenic, amiloride-sensitive sodium absorption and inhibits electroneutral sodium chloride absorption in the rat distal colon. To assess the role of aldosterone in the production of these changes, unidirectional 22 Na and 36 Cl fluxes were performed under voltage clamp conditions across isolated distal colonic mucosa of rats given continuous aldosterone infusions for up to 12 days. Aldosterone infusion for 7–12 days produced identical changes in both electrogenic sodium absorption and electroneutral sodium chloride absorption compared with dietary sodium-depleted animals. In contrast, aldosterone at 24, 48, and 72 h produced varying changes in ion transport: electrogenic sodium absorption progressively increased, whereas electroneutral sodium chloride absorption was initially augmented but then inhibited. Aldosterone induced active potassium secretion, demonstrated by a reversed short-circuit current after addition of amiloride, in all experimental groups. These results demonstrate that the changes in ion transport observed in sodium-depleted animals are produced by aldosterone, and that aldosterone not only stimulates electrogenic sodium absorption and potassium secretion but in a time-dependent manner both stimulates and inhibits electroneutral sodium chloride absorption.
Opioid Induced Bowel Disease: a Twenty-first Century Physicians’ Dilemma

The treatment of cancer-associated pain as well as chronic non-cancer-related pain (CNCP) is an increasingly relevant topic in medicine. However, it has long been recognized that opiates can adversely affect many organ systems, most notably the gastrointestinal system. These are referred to as the spectrum of “opioid-induced bowel dysfunction” (OBD) or what we will refer to as “opioid-induced bowel disease” (OIBD) which include constipation, nausea, vomiting, delayed gastric emptying, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a newer entity known as narcotic bowel syndrome (NBS). Opioid analgesics are increasingly being used for the treatment of cancer pain, non-cancer-associated pain, and postoperative pain. As we achieve our goals towards pain control, we need to be cognizant of and competent in how to prevent and treat OIBD. The basis is due in part to µ-receptor activation, decreasing the peristaltic contraction and leading to sequelae of OIBD. Treatment beyond lifestyle interventional strategy will employ laxatives and stool softeners. However, studies performed while patients were already using laxativies and stool softeners have elicited the necessity of peripherally acting agents such as methylnaltrexone (MNTX) and alvimopan. Patients responded dramatically to both medications, but these studies were limited to patients that were deemed to have advanced illness. Lubiprostone, while different in its mechanism of action from MNTX and alvimopan, has proven effective and should be considered for use in OIBD. Further investigational research will promulgate more information and allow for better and more efficient treatment options for OIBD.
Accounting information and corporate governance: Market and analyst reactions to earnings of firms engaged in proxy contests

Abstract This paper studies market and analyst reactions to earnings (i) during a proxy contest for board seats and (ii) after a proxy-contest-induced management change. Despite indications of earnings management during the proxy contest, market and analyst reactions are more pronounced than in prior periods, and earnings surprises explain more of the cross-sectional variation in these reactions. Market and analyst reactions to earnings released after a successful proxy contest are less pronounced than in prior periods and earnings surprises explain less of the variation in these reactions, perhaps due to new managements' tendency to take an earnings ‘bath’.
Effect of Calcitonin on Meal-Stimulated Gastric Acid Secretion and Serum Gastrin Concentration

The effect of two doses of synthetic salmon calcitonin (SCT) on meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion (measured by intragastric titration) and gastrin response was measured in 5 normal subjects. SCT, in a dose of 1.0 Medical Research Council U per kg per hr, inhibited meal-stimulated acid secretion 48%, while 0.25 Medical Research Council U per kg per hr of SCT suppressed acid secretion 9%. Neither dose of SCT had any effect on the serum gastrin response to the meal. Thus, SCT suppresses meal-stimulated acid secretion by a mechanism other than inhibition of serum immunoreactive gastrin response.
Solution of a Class of Sturm-Liouville Problems Using the Galerkin Method with Global Basis Functions

Many problems in physics and engineering can be reduced to the Sturm-Liouville (S-L) Problem. For some classes of the S-L problem we develop a method that can rapidly result in computational solutions. Let us assume that we can write the problem as follows: $$\ {{dr^2 }} + K(r) - \,\lambda _i ]U_i (r) = 0 $$ where L is an eigenvalue and K(r) is some well behaved (i.e, positive definite) function of r. Now let k correspond to some average value of K(r) over the domain of K(r). The boundary conditions are general. Then we easily solve the following problem: $$\ {{dr^2 }} + [K - \,\lambda _i \psi _i (r) = 0 $$ .
RNA Metabolism and Oncogenesis

Regulating the production of RNAs involved in protein synthesis can induce the transformation of cells to an oncogenic state.
Systemic strategies for chemoprevention of skin cancers in transplant recipients.

: Background: Solid organ transplant recipients (OTRs) are a growing population at high risk for cutaneous neoplasms, resulting in significant post-transplant morbidity and mortality. Management of malignant and pre-malignant cutaneous lesions in transplant recipients is challenging, making prevention of such neoplasms paramount. The objectives of the present study are to review and analyze systemic strategies for chemoprevention of malignant and pre-malignant cutaneous neoplasms in OTRs. Methods: MEDLINE and PubMed searches were performed to identify studies with original data quantifying the effects of systemic agents on the development of malignant cutaneous neoplasms in patients with solid organ transplants. Results: We identified nine studies describing 111 transplant recipients that quantified the effects of oral retinoids on cutaneous neoplasms. A majority of the studies found a decrease in the number of malignant and pre-malignant cutaneous lesions in patients treated with systemic retinoids, with several studies noting increased benefit in those patients with multiple previous skin cancers. Multiple studies described a rebound effect, with increased numbers of neoplasms occurring following discontinuation of retinoids. Side effects often limited dosing, but required discontinuation of retinoids in a minority of patients. No studies were identified that adequately quantified the effects of other systemic agents on skin cancer incidence in this population. Conclusions: Although systemic retinoids are frequently used for chemoprevention of cutaneous malignancies in OTRs, the data supporting their use are composed largely of small uncontrolled case reports and case series. However, the available data suggest that retinoids have chemopreventative effects in this population. Although optimal dosing and indications for initiation of systemic retinoid therapy are not conclusive from the data, it suggests that retinoids are most effective in patients with multiple previous non-melanoma skin cancers. Side effects and beneficial effects were noted across a wide range of doses, suggesting that retinoids should be initiated at a low dose and increased as tolerated to a minimally effective dose. Further investigation through randomized controlled trials is needed to further clarify the tolerability and efficacy of multiple dosing regimens on the incidence of pre-malignant and malignant lesions in transplant recipients. The therapeutic role of other systemic agents in the transplant population has not been established.
Success as Trap? Crisis Response And Challenges To Economic Upgrading in Export-Oriented Southeast Asia

This paper explores the capacities for sustained growth in the export-oriented countries of Southeast Asia, with a focus on Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. The paper is especially concerned with the prospects for "upgrading" and moving beyond the "middle-income trap" in Malaysia and Thailand. But the core argument for all three countries is similar: Each has responded relatively well to economic crises with impressive reforms, especially in areas of property rights, macroeconomic policies, and, to varying degrees, financial supervision. With some exceptions, however, reforms have not extended to improving local (indigenous) competitiveness and technological capacities. These limits reflect both successful adjustment in areas noted earlier and the availability of resources, including commodity export revenues, external aid, and migrant / informal labor. The danger is that such "safety valves" will serve to reinforce existing institutional and political arrangements, thus undermining initiatives to improve local competitiveness and linkages so key to upgrading. Of particular interest is the fact that, unlike Western European countries where external exposure and vulnerability have led to various forms of labor incorporation, and unlike in the East Asian NICs, where such vulnerability has led at least to a commitment to shared prosperity (and in Singapore to a peak union's participation in labor market and productivity decisions), labor has remained largely disorganized and excluded from bargaining over key issues in export-oriented Southeast Asia. This argument in turn reflects the contention that crises vary in nature and intensity, that different crises have different impacts on the willingness and capacity of political elites to promote new coalitions and to foster new forms of coordination (i.e. institutions), and that such institutions are especially important for movement into more innovation-based activities and higher income status.
In Search of the Glass Ceiling: Gender and Earnings Growth among U.S. College Graduates in the 1990s

Gender-typical educational choices and the “glass ceiling” are widely believed to explain why older women earn far less than observably similar men. Using large panels drawn from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) National Survey of College Graduates and other data representative of U.S. college graduates from the 1990s, the author documents the small role of personal choices and finds evidence contrary to the predictions of both human capital and discrimination models. Rather than the differential wage growth rates predicted by these models, she finds similar average rates of earnings growth for women and men across numerous specifications, which suggests that the gender gap in earnings is determined by factors already present early in the career. Her findings reveal slower earnings growth in only two subsets of women: young mothers, who experience slower earnings growth during the early career relative to men the same age, but then compensate with faster growth later in their careers; and women wit...
Informal Caregiver Disability and Access to Preventive Care in Care Recipients.

Introduction Many informal caregivers of dependent midlife and older adults suffer from their own functional limitations. The impact of caregiver functional limitations on care recipient receipt of preventive services is unknown. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between caregiver functional limitations and decreased access to recommended preventive services in dependent care recipients. Methods Dependent adults (those receiving assistance with activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living) and their primary informal caregiver were identified from pooled alternate years (2000–2008) of the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (data analyzed February–October 2014). The impact of caregiver limitations (cognitive, mobility, sensory, emotional health) on care recipient’s receipt of up to seven different preventive services was assessed via survey-weighted linear and logistic regression. Results Of the 5-year weighted estimate of 14.2 million caregiver–care recipient dyads, 38.0% of caregivers reported at least one functional limitation. The percentage of recommended preventive services received by care recipients was significantly lower if the caregiver had cognitive, mobility, or emotional health limitations. Each type of caregiver functional limitation was negatively associated with at least four different preventive services. Conclusions Informal caregivers burdened by their own functional impairments may face challenges in facilitating access to preventive care in dependent midlife and older adults. Policies and interventions designed to prevent or mitigate the impact of caregiver functional impairments are critical to the success of community-based models of care for dependent adults.
Yield optimization for complex reactor systems

Abstract For complex reactions, the choice of reactor type is important for attaining optimum product yields. Strategies for specifying reactor types have been In this paper, product yield in a Van de Vusse reaction scheme has been studied for a wide range of the rate constants, in a reactor system consisting
Bioconversion of Kraft paper mill sludges to ethanol by SSF and SSCF.

Paper mill sludge is a solid waste material composed of pulp residues and ash generated from pulping and paper making processes. The carbohydrate portion of the sludge has chemical and physical characteristics similar to pulp. Because of its high carbohydrate content and well-dispersed structure, the sludges can be biologically converted to value-added products without pretreatment. In this study, two different types of paper mill sludges, primary sludge and recycle sludge, were evaluated as a feedstock for bioconversion to ethanol. The sludges were first subjected to enzymatic conversion to sugars by commercial cellulase enzymes. The enzymatic conversion was inefficient because of interference by ash in the sludges with the enzymatic reaction. The main cause was that the pH level is dictated by CaCO3 in ash, which is two units higher than the pH optimum of cellulase. To alleviate this problem, simultaneous saccharification and cofermentation (SSCF) using cellulase (Spezyme CP) and recombinant Escherichia coli (ATCC-55124), and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) using cellulase and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ATCC-200062) were applied to the sludges without any pretreatment. Ethanol yields of 75–81% of the theoretical maximum were obtained from the SSCF on the basis of total carbohydrates. The yield from the SSF was also found to be in the range of 74–80% on the basis of glucan. The SSCF and SSF proceeded under stable condition with the pH staying near 5.0, close to the optimum for cellulase. Decrease of pH occurred due to carbonic acid and other organic acids formed during fermentation. The ash was partially neutralized by the acids produced from the SSCF and SSF and acted as a buffer to stabilize the pH during fermentation. When the SSF and SSCF were operated in fed-batch mode, the ethanol concentration in the broth increased from 25.5 and 32.6 g/L (single feed) to 45 and 42 g/L, respectively. The ethanol concentration was limited by the tolerance of the microorganism in the case of SSCF. The ethanol yield in fed-batch operation decreased to 68% for SSCF and 70% for SSF. The high-solids condition in the bioreactor appears to create adverse effects on the cellulase reaction.
On Symmteries Shared by Strong and Weak Interactions

Parity violations in nonleptonic decays are discussed. Symmetries shared by strong and weak interactions are analyzed. (L.T.W.)
The relationship between the thresh old dimension of split graphs and various dimensional parameters

Let the coboxicity of a graph G be denoted by cob(G), and the threshold dimension by t(G). For fixed k?3, determining if cob(G)?k and t(G)?k are both NP-complete problems. We show that if G is a comparability graph, then we can determine if cob(G)?2 in polynomial time. This result shows that it is possible to determine if the interval dimension of a poset equals 2 in polynomial time. If the clique covering number of G is 2, we show that one can determine if t(G)?2 in polynomial time. Sufficient conditions on G are given for cob(G)?2 and for t(G)?2.
Enhanced dendritic availability of μ-opioid receptors in inhibitory neurons of the extended amygdala in mice deficient in the corticotropin-releasing factor-1 receptor.

Activation of the corticotropin-releasing factor-1 (CRF-1) receptor in the anterolateral BNST (BSTal), a key subdivision of the extended amygdala, elicits opiate-seeking behavior exacerbated by stress. However, it is unknown whether the presence of CRF-1 affects expression of the mu-opioid receptor (μ-OR) in the many GABAergic BSTal neurons implicated in the stress response. We hypothesized that deletion of the CRF-1 receptor gene would alter the density and/or subcellular distribution of μ-ORs in GABAergic neurons of the BSTal. We used electron microscopy to quantitatively examine μ-OR immunogold and GABA immunoperoxidase labeling in the BSTal of CRFr-1 knockout (KO) compared to wildtype (WT) mice. To assess regional specificity, we examined μ-OR distribution in dorsal striatum. The μ-ORs in each region were predominantly localized in dendrites, many of which were GABA-immunoreactive. Significantly more cytoplasmic μ-OR gold particles per dendritic area were observed selectively in GABA-containing dendrites of the BSTal, but not of the dorsal striatum, in KO compared to WT mice. In both regions, however, significantly fewer GABA-immunoreactive axon terminals were present in KO compared to WT mice. Our results suggest that absence of CRF-1 results in enhanced expression and/or dendritic trafficking of μ-ORs in inhibitory BSTal neurons. They also suggest that expression of CRF-1 is a critical determinant of the availability of GABA in functionally diverse brain regions. These findings underscore the complex interplay between CRF, opioid and GABA systems in limbic and striatal regions, and have implications for the role of CRF-1 in influencing the pharmacological effects of opiates active at μ-ORs.
Growth of Subtropical Forage Grasses under Extended Photoperiod during Short-Daylength Months

One constraint on cattle production in the southeastern USA is the low productivity of perennial forage grasses during the short-daylength months. Evidence indicates that total growth during these months could be enhanced by exposing these grasses to extended photoperiod. A detailed analysis of their year-round productivity and nutritive value is needed to understand fully the consequences of overcoming the photoperiod-induced decline in growth. A 2-yr experiment was established at Ona, FL, in which photoperiod was extended to 15 h throughout the short-daylength months. Four grasses were studied:'Pensacola' bahiagrass, Paspalum notatum Flugge var. Saurde Parodi; 'Tifton 85' bermudagrass, Cynodon spp. L. Pers.; 'Florakirk' bermudagrass; and 'Florona' stargrass, Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst var. nlemfuensis. Growth increases were observed in all grasses during the short-daylength months as a result of the extended-photoperiod treatment, with increases in the January through March harvests of 3-fold or more for Pensacola bahiagrass and 1.5- to 2.5-fold for Tifton 85 bermudagrass. Generally, there was no evidence of adverse consequences from sustained growth during the short-daylength months either in the subsequent spring and summer growth or in traits measured in below-ground tissue. With one exception, there was no major influence of the sustained growth on forage nutritive value during the short-daylength months for any of the year-round harvests. Pensacola bahiagrass had decreased crude protein under the extended-photoperiod treatment relative to the natural-daylength treatment. Overall, these results indicated that the selection and genetic incorporation of photoperiod insensitivity into these grasses could enhance productivity without adverse consequences.
Stress in spanish: Two approaches

Abstract This article examines two approaches to Spanish stress and evaluates the machinery each posits in order to account for it. The first, the Non-distinctive Stress Approach (NSA), regards stress as fully predictable; the second, the Distinctive Stress Approach (DSA), posits [+stress] in underlying representation. Vis-a-vis DSA, NSA appears to effect extensive savings in underlying representation; but the net effect is actually one of complication and a corresponding loss of adequacy and predictiveness.
The banded structure of Ni-P electrodeposits

Abstract The banded structure observed in metallographically polished and etched cross sections of Ni-P electrodeposits consisting of alternate dark and light layers parallel to the surface was investigated. The dark bands were attributed to a galvanic attack by the etchant at locations where the phosphorus content of the deposit changed relatively abruptly with thickness. A mechanism for the development of the compositional changes is proposed. Pulsed plating was found to eliminate the banded structure, but had little effect on the fracture strength and ductility.
Isolation and Structural Characterization of Tetra-n-propyl Zirconate in Hydrocarbon Solution and the Solid State

Tetra-n-propyl zirconate has been purified by vacuum distillation and isolated as an extremely moisture sensitive, crystalline solid. According to a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study, crystalline tetra-n-propyl zirconate is composed of tetrameric Zr(4)(OPr(n))(16) (1) molecules whose Zr(4)O(16) metal-oxygen core structure has virtual C(2)(h) symmetry, the same structure observed previously for n-alkyl orthotitanates. Carbon-13 NMR spectroscopic data indicate that this core structure is retained in hydrocarbon solution. Molecule 1 has the same M(4)O(16) metal-oxygen core structure as [CH(3)C(CH(2)O)(3)](2)M(4)(OPr(i))(10), M = Ti, where the metal centers have octahedral coordination geometry, but a metal-oxygen core structure different from that of the M = Zr case, where trigonal metaprismatic coordination geometry is observed.
Intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIg) for treatment of CIDP and related immune-mediated neuropathies

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIg) is considered an effective and safe treatment for autoimmune neuropathies, especially in comparison to the alternative treatments such as corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and plasmapheresis. Patients are frequently given a standard induction dose of 2 g/kg, which may be followed by maintenance therapy as needed. Mild infusion-related reactions are frequent but these can often be controlled by slowing the infusion rate or by symptomatic medications. Serious adverse effects are rare and can include thromboembolic events, renal failure, anaphylaxis, or septic meningitis. Patients with IgA deficiency are at risk for anaphylaxis. Immobility, increased serum viscosity, and preexisting vascular disease can increase the risk for thromboembolic events. Preexisting renal insufficiency or the use of sucrose-containing IVIg preparations can increase the risk for renal failure, and patients with migraine are at risk for development of aseptic meningitis. Screening patients for risk factors that predispose to development of adverse events may reduce the incidence of complications.
Atomic and electronic contributions to Si(111)-(7×7) scanning-tunneling-microscopy images

Bias-dependent scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), used in conjunction with atomic-charge superposition calculations, is shown to provide information on both atomic and electronic surface structure. Si(111)-(7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7) STM images measured with different bias voltages are compared with a number of recent structural models. Striking agreement is found with the stacking-fault-adatom model of Takayanagi. The unit-cell asymmetry found at negative sample bias is attributed to a stacking fault in one half of the unit cell, locally modifying the surface electronic structure.
Geographic Chorioretinal Atrophy in Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum

Purpose To describe a series of patients with geographic atrophy independent of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in pseudoxanthoma elasticum and to report progression over time. Design Retrospective observational case series. Methods Records of all Vanderbilt Eye Institute patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum and at least 1 set of color fundus photographs were reviewed (41 eyes of 21 patients). Fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography images were reviewed, when available. In patients with geographic atrophy and at least 1 year of follow-up, atrophy was measured using fundus photographs. Main outcome measures included incidence of geographic atrophy, progression over time, and macular features associated with development or progression of geographic atrophy. Results Eight eyes (20%) of 5 patients had geographic atrophy independent of CNV. Progression was documented in 6 eyes of 4 patients followed for at least 1 year (mean 3.5 years). Mean initial and final area was 2.9 and 9.5 mm 2 , respectively, and growth rate was 1.7 mm 2 per year. Of the 6 eyes, 3 had a final visual acuity of 20/20 and the other 3 ranged from 20/150 to 20/400. All 8 eyes had pattern dystrophy, and 5 had linear pigment deposits that appeared to predict development or growth of atrophy. Conclusions Isolated geographic atrophy independent of CNV can develop in pseudoxanthoma elasticum, causing significant vision loss. Linear pigmented pattern dystrophy appears to predate geographic atrophy. Progression is similar to age-related macular degeneration. Recognition of this feature is important, especially if therapies to slow or reverse geographic atrophy become available.
Unilateral spondylolysis of the cervical spine

Less than 30 cases of lower cervical spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are reported. Two new cases of unilateral spondylolysis at C6 are presented with computed tomography (CT) correlation.
Diminished dendritic cell interleukin 10 production in atopic children

Background Diminished interleukin 10 (IL-10) and/or IL-12 production may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma and atopy. Dendritic cells (DCs) produce these cytokines and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Objective To determine whether DC IL-10 and/or IL-12 production is diminished in children aged 6 to 12 years with allergic rhinitis (AR) and with or without asthma. Methods Monocyte-derived DCs were isolated from 20 subjects without AR or asthma (group 1), 20 subjects with AR without asthma (group 2), and 20 subjects with AR and asthma (group 3). Asthma was defined as a history of physician-diagnosed disease, and AR was defined as a positive history and positive puncture skin test responses (wheal ≥5 mm) to relevant inhalant allergens. DCs were stimulated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or diluent and cultured for 24 hours. Supernatants were assayed for IL-10 and IL-12 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results DC IL-10 production was diminished in groups 2 and 3 compared with group 1. Median LPS-induced IL-10 levels were 11.0 pg/mL in group 1, 6.1 pg/mL in group 2, and 1.5 pg/mL in group 3. The frequencies of subjects with detectable IL-10 levels were 85%, 20%, and 20% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Median LPS-induced IL-12 levels were similar in all groups. Conclusions These data support the hypothesis that atopic subjects have an intrinsic inability to up-regulate DC IL-10 production. Future studies in this area could lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of atopy.
A cost-driven compilation framework for speculative parallelization of sequential programs

The emerging hardware support for thread-level speculation opens new opportunities to parallelize sequential programs beyond the traditional limits. By speculating that many data dependences are unlikely during runtime, consecutive iterations of a sequential loop can be executed speculatively in parallel. Runtime parallelism is obtained when the speculation is correct. To take full advantage of this new execution model, a program needs to be programmed or compiled in such a way that it exhibits high degree of speculative thread-level parallelism. We propose a comprehensive cost-driven compilation framework to perform speculative parallelization. Based on a misspeculation cost model, the compiler aggressively transforms loops into optimal speculative parallel loops and selects only those loops whose speculative parallel execution is likely to improve program performance. The framework also supports and uses enabling techniques such as loop unrolling, software value prediction and dependence profiling to expose more speculative parallelism. The proposed framework was implemented on the ORC compiler. Our evaluation showed that the cost-driven speculative parallelization was effective. Our compiler was able to generate good speculative parallel loops in ten Spec2000Int benchmarks, which currently achieve an average 8% speedup. We anticipate an average 15.6% speedup when all enabling techniques are in place.
Feature Availability in Conceptual Combination

Three experiments investigated the interpretation of conceptual combinations such as peeled apples. These experiments focused on verification of combination properties. Some properties (e.g., “round” for peeled apples) were verifiable by virtue of the noun alone, whereas others (e.g., “white” for peeled apples) required the combination of adjective and noun and generation of a new property not associated with either. Surprisingly, combination properties were verified more easily than noun properties, even under conditions of extremely rapid presentation. This finding contradicts a simple compositional model of combination in which components are analyzed prior to interpretation of the overall combination meaning. The implications for models of conceptual combination are discussed.
Inclusion body myositis. A corticosteroid-resistant idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.

• In seven patients with slowly progressive muscle weakness, inclusion body myositis (IBM) was diagnosed on biopsy. None had stigmata of collagenvascular disease or malignancy. Serum creatine kinase levels were mildly or moderately increased. The six patients treated with prednisone did not improve. Needle electromyography showed a "myopathic" pattern in all patients, but four also had diffuse neurogenic changes with normal nerve conductions. Histologic study of muscle showed a mixture of small rounded fibers varying in size, atrophic angulated fibers forming small groups, and hypertrophic fibers. Variable amounts of inflammation, necrosis, and regeneration were seen in all specimens. All showed numerous intracytoplasmic vacuoles lined with purple-blue granules. Electron microscopy showed membranous whorls and masses of abnormal filaments measuring 14 to 18 nm in diameter. Although IBM seems to be a distinct type of inflammatory myopathy, its etiology and pathogenesis are not clear.
Teaching electrocardiogram interpretation

The subject addressed here permits me to acknowledge my teachers and mentors in electrophysiology and electrocardiography. The first of these is Robert Grant, known to me only through his magisterial book on spatial vectorelectrocardiography. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) could be displayed as 3-dimensional arrows, which are quite difficult to draw. His technique sprung out of contemplation of the standard 12-lead tracing. But simultaneously, vectorcardiography photographed from an oscilloscope as a 3-plane interrupted vector loop was being hatched into limited clinical practice. There were opposing advocacies for the cube, tetrahedron, and Frank system—the latter remaining victorious. In some degree, the oscilloscopic approach to vector concepts blunted Grant’s influence. A later reason for the neglect of his approach: echocardiography. It seemed to promise the localization of lesions or infarcts in the 3-dimensional heart. The real marriage partner of spatial vector-electrocardiography should come with the fruition of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. My first personal mentor was David Littmann in Boston, whose forte was the ST segment and T wave. Next came Hans Hecht, who made cellular potentials as subjects of clinical discussion as opposed to remote bench inquiry. He and I became deeply involved in the redefinition of the AV junction. A year with Gordon Moe and Carlos Mendez brought to clinical life such notions as electrotonic effect, the cumulative effect of frequency, functional block, electrical occlusion of a conducting pathway, supernormality, and the various types of refractory period. I acquired an enormous respect for the Mexican contributions to both clinical electrocardiography and research techniques (such as the double-dog preparation of Jesus Alanis). Alfred Pick and Richard Langendorf 9 taught me rhythm analysis and such concepts as concealed conduction. I spent a splendid sabbatical year in Paris with Phillipe Coumel, studying atrial vulnerability with Patrick Attuel.
Eubacterium brachy: Reactivity in In Vitro Bone Resorptive Bioassay

Recent studies have demonstrated an association of Eubacterium sp. with the subgingival microflora of patients with chronic periodontitis. One species, Eubacterium brachy, was evaluated to determine the possible mechanisms by which this microorganism may contribute to this disease. An extracellular antigen was identified in the culture supernatant which reacted with antibodies in human sera. This antigen was isolated by methanol precipitation and purified by gel filtration. The purified extracellular antigen was reacted in vitro with 45CaCl2-labeled fetal rat bone in a bone resorptive bioassay. This antigen was shown to have a molecular weight of 170,000, to share a line of identity with a sonicated preparation of E. brachy whole cells and to result in increased 45CaCl2 release from fetal rat bones when cultures were exposed to the purified extracellular antigen at concentrations of 10 to 53 micrograms/ml.
Optimization of ruthenium-containing, stabilized, nitric oxide reduction catalysts

Abstract To optimize the stabilized ruthenate catalysts for NOx reduction in automotive exhaust treatment with respect to selectivity and stability, we studied dilution of ruthenium in the ruthenates by Ni3+ and Mn4+ ions in presynthesized specimens and the effect of stabilizer content in sequentially impregnated specimens. The replacement of Ru in BaRuO3 by Mn4+ and in LaRuO3 by Ni3+ increases the stability of the ruthenates with respect to volatilization in oxidizing environments. An increase in the resistance to volatilization is also observed in impregnated samples with the increase in the content of stabilizing component. These effects are substantial in shifting the onset of volatilization by several hundred degrees centigrade upwards on the temperature scale. However, all of these stabilization improvements result in decrease in the desired selectivity.
Indications for the performance of intracranial endovascular neurointerventional procedures. A scientific statement from the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention, Stroke Council, Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia, Interdisciplinary Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease, and Interdisciplinary Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research

Intracranial endovascular cerebrovascular interventions treat cerebrovascular diseases by use of minimally invasive intravascular techniques. This area of expertise has made tremendous strides during the past decade, and the rate of progress has accelerated as the discipline has gained increasing clinical acceptance. An Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–approved training curriculum has been developed and approved since 2000,1 2 and an increasing body of clinical and scientific evidence demonstrates the application, safety, and efficacy of endovascular techniques for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Several nonneurologically based endovascular subspecialties, such as vascular medicine, vascular surgery, and interventional cardiology, perform carotid artery stent placement with neurorescue via alternative Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education pathways, as well as a clinical practice pathway.3 Largely because of developments in computer-aided imaging and high-resolution digital subtraction angiography with reconstruction techniques, as well as easier access to the cerebral vasculature through improved microcatheter design, navigation of the cerebral and spinal vasculature is now de rigueur. Technological developments continue to occur rapidly. The purpose of the present document is to review the current information and data for the efficacy and safety of procedures used for intracranial endovascular interventional treatment of cerebrovascular diseases and to provide recommendations for their use based on the best available evidence. Table 1 shows the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/ American Heart Association (AHA) classification of recommendations and levels of evidence. Moreover, the present document characterizes the expected success and complication rates for intracranial endovascular interventional procedures when performed by highly skilled operators. This information should be useful to enable assessment of the appropriateness, safety, and efficacy of neurovascular procedures for individual operators and institutional programs. A summary of the procedures discussed in this document, recommendations, and levels of evidence is provided in table 2. View this table: Table 1 Applying Classification of recommendations and level …
Design of a metallic Ising spin glass in the Y 1 − x Tb x Ni 2 Ge 2 system

There has been much interest in the past ten years in the effects of applying a transverse magnetic field on the freezing temperature of Ising spin glasses. The focus of this study is to search for and characterize a metallic Ising spin-glass system. This is accomplished by site diluting yttrium for terbium in the crystalline material ${\mathrm{TbNi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{2}.$ Pure ${\mathrm{TbNi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{2}$ is an Ising antiferromagnet with several distinct magnetic states below 17 K. As the terbium is diluted with yttrium, magnetic coupling and ordering temperatures are suppressed in a monotonic way, as is seen in measurements of the transition temperatures and analysis of the high-temperature Curie-Weiss behavior. At low concentrations of terbium, below $x\ensuremath{\sim}0.35,$ long-range order is no longer detected and a spin-glass-like state emerges. This state is studied through a variety of measurements: dc and ac susceptibility, resistivity, and specific heat. These data are then compared to that of other well characterized spin-glass systems. It is concluded that there is a region of concentrations for which an Ising spin-glass state is formed with the best spin glasses existing for $xl~0.30.$
Optical properties of sulfur copolymers for infrared applications

The development of organic polymers with high refractive indices has been widely investigated, as a possible alternative to inorganic metal oxide, semiconductor, or chalcogenide-based materials for a variety of optical devices and components, such as waveguides, anti-reflective coatings, charge-coupled devices and fiber optic cables. In principle, organic-based polymers are attractive for these applications because of their low weight, ease of processing, mechanical toughness, and facile chemical variation using commercially available precursors. However, one of the fundamental challenges associated with organic polymers is their generally low refractive indices in comparison to their inorganic counterparts. Herein we report on the optical characterization of a new class of sulfur copolymers that are readily moldable, transparent above 500nm, possess high refractive index (n < 1.8) and take advantage of the low infrared absorption of S‒S bonds for potential use in the mid-infrared at 3-5 microns. These materials are largely made from elemental sulfur by an inverse vulcanization process; in the current study we focus on the properties of a chemically stable, branched copolymer of poly(sulfur-random-1,3-diisopropenylbenzene) (poly(S-r-DIB). Copolymers with elemental sulfur content ranging from 50% to 80% by weight were studied by UV-VIS spectroscopy, FTIR, and prism coupling for refractive index measurement. Clear correlation between material composition and the optical properties was established, confirming that the high polarizability of the sulfur atom leads to high refractive index while also maintaining low optical loss. Applications of the materials for bulk optics, high-density photonic circuits, and infrared components will also be discussed.
Structural organization of the heterochromatic region of human chromosome 9

Giemsa-11, G-banding and Lateral Asymmetry staining techniques were used to define the substructure of the C-band heterochromatin of human chromosome 9, in a sample of 108 different chromosomes 9, from 54 individuals. In this sample, the juxtacentromeric portion of the C-band region stained positive by the G-banding technique while Giemsa-11 delineated a more distally located block. Examination of the pericentric inversions generally revealed that the entire C-band region is changed with the substructural organization left intact; i.e. the G-band is proximal, the G-11 distal to the centromere. The “partial pericentric inversions” were found to have larger than average amounts of G-band heterochromatin on the short arm. The G-11 staining was in its usual position on the long arm with none on the short arm. Such apparent inversions therefore may not represent true inversions. — Long heterochromatic regions frequently had a segmented appearance when stained with G-11; there was a dark G-band within the pale heterochromatic region when stained with the G-banding technique which corresponded in location to the achromatic gap produced by G-11. This extra G-band may have been derived from the juxtacentromeric G-band by processes analogous to unequal crossing over. — Simple lateral asymmetry was consistently present only in the G-band heterochromatin of those chromosomes 9 containing large blocks of G-band positive material. Examination of the portion of the C-band which would correspond to the G-11 positive material revealed no consistent patterns of asymmetry. Usually both strands were heavily stained and symmetrical but occasionally there were light areas present on one strand suggestive of compound lateral asymmetry.