cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variability of the midfacial muscles: Analysis of 50 hemifacial cadaver dissections

The region of the midface represents a challenging area to both reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons. An anatomic study was performed that attempted to identify patterns and variations of the muscular anatomy. The goals of this study were twofold: to identify patterns and variability of the midfacial muscles that might impact on reconstructive efforts and to attempt to correlate this anatomy with features of the overlying soft tissues, specifically the nasolabial crease. Fifty hemifacial cadaver dissections were performed. The information collected was assembled into a large data base, and statistical significance was analyzed using Fisher's exact probability test. Results demonstrated that, although a great degree of variability exists with respect to the midfacial muscles, seven distinct patterns of these muscles did emerge. The most common pattern was the presence of a levator alae nasi, levator labii superioris, and zygomaticus major, which occurred in 44 percent of specimens. Specimens that possessed a risorius, zygomaticus minor, or both, were relatively uncommon. The consistent presence of the levators suggests adding a superior vector to recreate a smile in facial reanimation surgery. Two important anatomic variations were noted. A bifid zygomaticus major was found to be present in 34 percent of individuals. Because the inferior bundle had a dermocutaneous insertion, this anomaly may represent the anatomic correlate of a cheek "dimple." A second anomaly noted was the lateral cheek crease, which appeared to be associated with a cutaneous attachment from the underlying platysma muscle. However, no correlation could be found for facial muscle pattern and the overlying nasolabial crease structure. This lack of correlation may indicate that the facial muscles alone do not dictate the structure of the nasolabial crease and that other dynamic factors are involved in determining this feature of the aging face.
Synergistic effects of nutrients and lead on the quantitative ultrastructure ofCyclotella (Bacillariophyceae)

A four-way completely crossed factorial enrichment experiment (2T×2Si×2Pb×2P) was used to analyze the short (2 hr) and long (48 hr) term effects of nutrients and lead on the quantitative ultrastructure ofCyclotella, a diatom. Some of the cytological modifications that have been reported to occur in other algae as a result of heavy metal exposure occurred inCyclotella, but were mediated in some cases by the addition of low levels of nutrients. While it is extremely difficult to simulate the natural environment where a variety of parameters may be changing simultaneously, it is suggested that factorial design experiments approximate it more closely. Furthermore, environmental factors that may change the availability of metals may also change the physiological state of the cells, which may also either amplify or mitigate the metal effects.
ULTRASTRUCTURE AND DIFFERENTIATION IN CLADOPHORA GLOMERATA. I. CELL DIVISION

Cladophora glomerata is a coenocytic, fresh-water green alga in which mitosis and cytokinesis occur independently. The mitotic spindle is centric, closed, and develops from two halfspindles which form from amorphous but well-defined MTOCs at each pole. The nucleolus is only partially dispersed during mitosis and structured kinetochores are evident on the chromosomes. Anaphase separation of chromosomes is asynchronous and results from spindle elongation plus shortening of the chromosome-to-pole distance. Neither a phycoplast nor a phragmoplast is present during cytokinesis. Microtubules are associated with the septum but whether they participate actively in its ingrowth is not clear. Two types of vesicles are associated with the growing septum. The membrane at its leading edge is thicker and more densely stained than elsewhere. The ultrastructure of nuclear and cell division in C. glomerata is sufficiently different from the data on other green algae that conclusions about phylogeny must await further study, especially of other coenocytic green algae.
Acute leukemia: a pediatric perspective

The spectrum of hematological malignancies differs markedly between children and adults. Moreover, diseases such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome also demonstrate distinct biologic features and responses to treatment between these populations. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the molecular pathology of acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, emphasizing areas in which studies in pediatric patients are providing unique insights into the hematopoietic malignancies of adults.
Born-Approximation and Radiative Corrections to Pair Production in Photon-Photon Collisions

Aspects of pair production in photon-photon collisions, which can be of great importance in a variety of astrophysical settings, are examined. In particular, the correction associated with the use of Coulomb rather than plane-wave functions to describe the outgoing e(+) e(-) is evaluated. This is important only in the energy domain near threshold where e(+) e(-) are nonrelativistic, and the effect is evaluated. Because of the extreme simplicity of the nonrelativistic Born limit, the corresponding derivation is briefly outlined using noncovariant perturbation theory. The relative magnitude of the Born correction is comparable to radiative-correction effects. These effects can be evaluated easily in the nonrelativistic limit, and an approximate calculation is outlined.
Color and conspicuousness

The principle that things are easier to find if they contrast with their environment is expressed quantitatively. Two indices of conspicuousness, relative fixation rate and search time, are shown to be related to the color difference between the target and background objects. The color difference equations used are CIELAB, CIELUV, and the Judd modification of the index of fading. None of the equations is superior to the others. Furthermore, neither Judd’s modification nor Semmelroth’s adjustment accounts for effects of surround lightness. It is suggested that color difference be used as a tool for design and evaluation of visual displays, for construction of color codes to optimize search time, and as a generalization of achromatic contrast in psychophysical research.
Evaluation of the developmental competence and chromosomal compliment of mouse oocytes derived from in-vitro growth and maturation of preantral follicles

Purpose To evaluate the developmental potential and aneuploidy rates of in-vitro versus in-vivo grown and matured mouse oocytes.
Programming aspects of VLSI: (preliminary version)

Two components of a VLSI design environment being built at Princeton are described. The general theme of this effort is to make the design of VLSI circuits as similar to programming as possible. A conscious attempt is being made to apply experience in the design of large software systems to the creation of an appropriate environment for VLSI circuits. The two components described are a procedural language to specify circuit layouts and a switch-level circuit simulator for layout produced with this language. They have been chosen for presentation because many issues in their design are very similar to the issues that arise in the design of programming languages and software environments.
Embryonic stem cells and cardiomyocyte differentiation: phenotypic and molecular analyses

Embryonic stem (ES) cell lines, derived from the inner cell mass (ICM) of blastocyst-stage embryos, are pluripotent and have a virtually unlimited capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into all cell types of an embryoproper. Both human and mouse ES cell lines are the subject of intensive investigation for potential applications in developmental biology and medicine. ES cells from both sources differentiate in vitro into cells of ecto-, endoand meso-dermal lineages, and robust cardiomyogenic differentiation is readily observed in spontaneously differentiating ES cells when cultured under appropriate conditions. Molecular, cellular and physiologic analyses demonstrate that ES cell-derived cardiomyocytes are functionally viable and that these cell derivatives exhibit characteristics typical of heart cells in early stages of cardiac development. Because terminal heart failure is characterized by a significant loss of cardiomyocytes, the use of human ES cell-derived progeny represents one possible source for cell transplantation therapies. With these issues in mind, this review will focus on the differentiation of pluripotent embryonic stem cells into cardiomyocytes as a developmental model, and the possible use of ES cell-derived cardiomyocytes as source of donor cells.
Hierarchical probabilistic image segmentation

Abstract A method is described which creates a hierarchy of segmentations based on the Bayesian combination of information from different sources. Using receiver operating characteristic curves we show how incremental improvements can be made by adding further information sources. In this application, the segmentation hierarchy is presented to a user to obtain the final segmentation. The hypothesis generation strategy is based on the Canny edge detector and a simple but efficient gap closing technique. The resulting edge strength and interpolation statistics are combined with region statistics and symmetry information using Bayes' rule. The work is applied to MR and CT scan images of the human brain; the statistics used are calibrated against manual segmentations provided by expert clinicians. The conclusions are twofold. From a theoretical point of view, it appears that the edge detection extracts most of the grey-level information from these particular images; thus the improvement obtained by adding region statistics is minimal. In practical use. the initial feedback from the interactive system is encouraging, and suggests that the hierarchical form of the output is well-suited to interactive use.
Identification of melanoma cells by formaldehyde-induced fluorescence.

We have employed the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence technique to establish the identity of cells derived from malignant melanoma and grown in tissue culture. Following exposure to formaldehyde vapor, melanoma cells exhibited specific, localized, green-yellow fluorescence which diminished in intensity with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. Melanoma cells which had not been exposed to formaldehyde vapor, and non-melanoma control cell lines which had been exposed to the vapor showed a faint green autofluorescence which was stable following prolonged exposure to UV light. Maintenance of melanoma cells in medium supplemented with tyrosine increased the intensity and number of cells demonstrating fluorescence. Both melanoma and nonmelanoma cells grown in medium containing dopamine showed brilliant fluorescence with no apparent specificity. Although melanoma cells grown in cysteine showed decreased fluorescence, this may have been related to their impaired growth in medium containing this compound. The formaldehyde-induced fluorescence technique appears to be a simple accurate means for confirming the identity of cells which are derived from malignant melanoma and propagated in tissue culture.
Failure to Demonstrate Selective Deficit in the Native Language Following Surgery to the Left Perisylvian Area

Gomez-Tortosa, Martin, Gaviria, Charbel, and Ausman (1995) reported a case of a Spanish-English bilingual with a left perisylvian arteriovenous malformation that was surgically resected. They claimed that, following the surgery, the patient showed a selective deficit in her native Spanish. Statistical analysis of the data in the report provides no support for this claim.
High mobility of ceria films on zirconia at moderate temperatures

Thin ceria films supported on yttria-stabilized zirconia are shown to be highly mobile at relatively moderate temperatures and their morphology depends on the gas environment to which they have been exposed
The elimination of the OCLC serials control subsystem: A survey of reactions and plans

Abstract The results of this survey underscore the controversy surrounding the elimination of OCLC's Serials Control Subsystem. The survey evoked responses more numerous and fervent than I anticipated when the project began. As might be expected, those libraries that used the system more extensively and checked in the higher number of formats on SCS were most likely to describe the impact of SCS's elimination as serious. Most of the respondents expected that their immediate choice for a new serials control system would be permanent. As one respondent commented, “...librarians cannot afford to be switching serials control systems every few years.” Among libraries using the Serials Control Subsystem, approximately one-third chose to switch to OCLC's SC350, but no alternative serials system emerged as the second choice.
Plasma etching and patterning of CVD diamond at <100°C for microelectronics applications

Abstract Oxidation resistance of diamond is an important characteristic to be considered in high-temperature microelectronics and other applications. We have tested the stability of CVD diamond by exposing it to Ground State Atomic Oxygen (GSAO, O) at a temperature of 74°C. Polycrystalline diamond is quite stable at this temperature using O. We have also tested the stability of diamond using Excited State Atomic Oxygen (ESAO, O*). Initially, CVD diamond was exposed to O* for 15 min at 63°C, and diamond etching was observed. We have also carried out the experiments at different time intervals such as 30 and 45 min. The etching rate of the polycrystalline diamond using O* is ≈ 0.2–0.25 m/min at 63°C. We have successfully patterned the diamond (polycrystalline and single crystal) using a Ni mask by exposing the sample to O* for a longer time. O* etched the diamond uniformly in all the directions of the diamond crystal as opposed to the molecular oxygen. Stability of the single crystal diamond has been tested using O* by using Ni mask material. We were able to etch the single crystal diamond (type IIa, 100 orientation) quite uniformly. The etching rate of single crystal diamond using O* was observed to be 0.3 m/min.
Gender Differences in the Job Attitudes of Accountants

The cost of losing quality employees can be expensive for companies and firms. Higher rates of turnover for women, particularly in public accounting, have sparked efforts to resolve the problem. To further understanding of the current job attitudes of men and women accountants, over 500 accounting graduates employed in a variety of positions were surveyed. Scales were used to measure the following job attitudes: two types of Organizational Commitment (Affective Commitment and Continuance Commitment), Job Satisfaction, Intrinsic Satisfaction, Job Security and Turnover Intentions. The results indicated that the men and women accountants had many similar, positive job attitudes, but there were some notable cross‐gender differences. Overall, men tended to be more intrinsicallysatisfied and affectively committed to their jobs, primarily because they were older and had been in their jobs longer. For the women, unlike the men, job tenure was not associated with higher satisfaction levels or greater feelings of a...
MONEY REINFORCEMENT AND HUMAN OPERANT (WORK) BEHAVIOR: IV. TEMPORALLY EXTENDED WITHIN-S COMPARISONS

Two groups of 10 college male Ss were recruited, to be given 5 successive, weekly, 1-hr. work sessions, each following a 20-min. “pre-test” and a questionnaire. These 1-hr. work sessions were all rewarded at the same frequency of reinforcement (1/1000). The control group was continued throughout each of the 5 sessions at 15¢ each reinforcement. The test group was, for the first session, given 15¢ each reinforcement and then the reinforcement level was systematically lowered for each next session by 3¢, thus resulting in levels of 12¢, 9¢, 6¢, and 3¢ for Sessions 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The work was that of repetitively pulling a manipulandum against a constant-tension spring requiring 25 lb. of force, horizontally, through 5/8 in. distance. Counting the output of only those Ss keeping their appointments for any given session, the mean work output of the decreasing-magnitude group showed a statistically significant, poorer maintenance of work-performance level than did the control group. Counting fai...
Interest group influence on the ideological orientations of local party activists

Abstract This paper uses a national survey of local Democratic and Republican Party officials to determine the extent to which interest group attempts to develop a formal organizational presence within the grassroots Democratic and Republican parties might push the parties towards taking more ideologically extreme positions. It is hypothesized that members of predominantly Democratic and Republican groups will be more ideologically extreme than other local party officials. The survey results provide support for the hypothesis. Group-influenced party activists tend to be more ideologically extreme than other party officials. However, while a large percentage of Democratic and Republican local party officials are members of interest groups, only a relatively small percentage reported being recruited to party activism through their group involvement. The survey provides little support for the thesis that interest groups have systematically tried to “take over” grassroots party organizations.
An Improved Synthesis of Ethylidenecyclobutane

Abstract In our studies of the chemistry of small rings, it was necessary to synthesize ethylidenecyclobutane 1. Repetition of the only method in the literature2,3 was attempted, namely, the reaction of 1,1,1-tris-(hydroxymethyl)-propane 2 with phosphorus tribromide to give 1,1,1-tris-(bromomethyl)-propane 3 and the subsequent conversion of 3 to 1 with zinc. The reaction of 2 with phosphorus tribromide is exceedingly hazardous. In spite of the careful adherence to the conditions specified by Derfer, et. al.2 there were several fires in the effluent gases and the reaction produced precipitates which ignited spontaneously in air.
Boundary element monotone iteration scheme for semilinear elliptic partial differential equations

The monotone iteration scheme is a constructive method for solving a wide class of semilinear elliptic boundary value problems. With the availability of a supersolution and a subsolution, the iterates converge monotonically to one or two solutions of the nonlinear PDE. However, the rates of such monotone convergence cannot be determined in general. In addition, when the monotone iteration scheme is implemented numerically through the boundary element method, error estimates have not been analyzed in earlier studies. In this paper, we formulate a working assumption to obtain an exponentially fast rate of convergence. This allows a margin 6 for the numerical implementation of boundary elements within the range of monotone convergence. We then interrelate several approximate solutions, and use the Aubin-Nitsche lemma and the triangle inequalities to derive error estimates for the Galerkin boundary-element iterates with respect to the H r (Ω), 0 ≤ r ≤ 2, Sobolev space norms. Such estimates are of optimal order. Furthermore, as a peculiarity, we show that for the nonlinearities that are of separable type, higher than optimal order error estimates can be obtained with respect to the mesh parameter h. Several examples of semilinear elliptic partial differential equations featuring different situations of existence/nonexistence, uniqueness/multiplicity and stability are discussed, computed, and the graphics of their numerical solutions are illustrated.
A personal computer based expert system framework for the design of experiments

Abstract In the field of industrial engineering, experimental design play a large role in the manufacturing quality. Knowledge based systems for parameter design will provide the quality engineer with a powerful tool to increase quality. Just as the past ten years saw a movement away from inspection to statistical process control, the future will see a shift from statistical process control to system and parameter design. Improvements in quality will increasingly come from products that are robust in design which will perform well in the very variable environment that is the global market.
The reactivity of selected divalent β″-aluminas with water

Abstract Na-β″-alumina is a well-known fast ion conductor of sodium ions. We have synthesized four divalent isomorphs of this material by ion exchange. All react readily with water to form hydrated compounds with the general formula M 0.83 Mg 0.67 Al 10.33 O 17 ·(H 2 O) x where M is Ca(II), Ba(II), Pb(II) or Sn(II). Thermogravimetric analysis has been used to determine the extent of the reaction (value of x) for each compound. Evolved gas analysis has shown definitively that water is the reactive species. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry has been used to determine the enthalpy of the water evolution reaction for each cation. Both the extent of the reaction as well as the enthalpy of dehydration are affected to some degree by the mobile cation. However, the reactivity of the divalent β″-aluminas with water seems to be a property common to the entire class of materials. Hydration affects the physical properties of the divalent β″-aluminas in several significant ways. Both the ionic conductivity and fluorescent intensity of several isomorphs are dramatically reduced as a result of hydration. For this reason, any measurements of the structural or physical properties of these materials must be carried out under strictly anhydrous conditions.
Evaluation of transcendental meditation as a method of reducing stress

Transcendental meditation is said to induce in its practitioners an altered state of consciousness resulting in relief of stress, an increased sense of awareness, and a sense of well-being. Release of catecholamines has been associated widely with stress and lends itself to quantitation. Plasma epinephrine and norephinephrine, as well as lactate, were measured in 12 volunteers before, during, and after meditation. Values were compared with those obtained from controls matched for sex and age who rested instead of meditating. Essentially the same results were obtained for the two groups, which suggests that meditation does not induce a unique metabolic state but is seen biochemically as a resting state.
Hypertension of Childhood with Suppressed Renin

VARIOUS forms of childhood hypertension with suppressed renin have been described and are enumerated in Table 1. The frequency of these disorders is unknown, but they are moderately rare. Diagnosis may be made at any age and both sexes seem to be equally affected. Enzymatic Defects of Steroidogenesis Associated with Low Renin Hypertension of Childhood In order to understand the mechanism of adrenocortical hypertension in enzymatic disorders of steroidogenesis, a brief review of steroidogenesis is necessary. Steroidogenesis A simplified scheme of normal adrenal steroidogenesis is depicted in Fig. 1. Each hydroxylation step is indicated, and the newly added hydroxyl group is circled. The adrenal synthesizes three main classes of hormones: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and sex steroids. The action of ACTH on the adrenal is primarily to increase the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone.
A Search for Endogenous Amino Acids in Martian Meteorite ALH84001

Trace amounts of glycine, serine, and alanine were detected in the carbonate component of the martian meteorite ALH84001 by high-performance liquid chromatography. The detected amino acids were not uniformly distributed in the carbonate component and ranged in concentration from 0.1 to 7 parts per million. Although the detected alanine consists primarily of the L enantiomer, low concentrations (<0.1 parts per million) of endogenous D-alanine may be present in the ALH84001 carbonates. The amino acids present in this sample of ALH84001 appear to be terrestrial in origin and similar to those in Allan Hills ice, although the possibility cannot be ruled out that minute amounts of some amino acids such as D-alanine are preserved in the meteorite.
Late glacial and late Holocene moraines in the Cerros Cuchpanga, central Peru

Abstract Small ice fields on the western cordillera northeast of Lima were expanded to three times their present size in the recent past, and the regional snow line was probably about 100 m lower than it is today. Outwash from the expanded glaciers formed deltas of silt in valley-bottom lakes. When the ice lobes retreated, the reduced outwash was trapped behind recessional moraines, and the clear meltwater infiltrated into the limestone bedrock and emerged at the heads of the deltas in spring pools. The delta surfaces then became covered with peat, and radiocarbon dates for the base of the peat (1100 ± 70 and 430 ± 70 yr B.P. for two different deltas) indicate that the maximum ice advance was older than those dates and, thus, older than the Little Ice Age of many north-temperate regions. Much older moraines date from expansion of the same local summit glaciers to even lower levels in the main valleys, which had previously been inundated by the cordilleran ice field. The cordilleran deglaciation and this expansion of local glaciers probably occurred between 12,000 and 10,000 yr ago, on the basis of slightly contradictory radiocarbon dates.
Spectroscopic study of the reaction of aqueous Cr(VI) with Fe3O4 (111) surfaces

Abstract We have used soft X-ray core-level photoemission and adsorption spectroscopies to study the reaction of aqueous sodium chromate solutions (50 μM Na 2 CrO 4 , pH 6 and 8.5) with clean surfaces of magnetite (111) prepared under UHV conditions. Chromium 2p photoemission and Cr L-edge absorption spectra indicate that tetrahedrally coordinated Cr(VI) aq , which reacts with magnetite (111), is reduced by a heterogeneous redox process to octahedrally coordinated Cr(III) and incorporated in an overlayer on the magnetite. The thickness of the reacted overlayer at pH 6 increases with increasing immersion time in the Na 2 CrO 4 solution for up to ≈10 min but remains unchanged for longer immersion times. The reaction rate is initially fast and follows a logarithmic law. When the passivated magnetite can no longer reduce Cr(VI) aq , the passivating overlayer is 15±5 A thick and consists of a chromium oxyhydroxide or hydroxide phase with only trace amounts of iron. Evidence for extensive hydroxylation in the overlayer is provided by a chemically shifted component in both the O 1s photoemission and O K-edge absorption spectra. The overlayer appears to lack long-range order based on loss of the first EXAFS-like feature in the O K-edge spectrum with increasing immersion time. Clear evidence for oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III) in the magnetite surface during reduction of Cr(VI) aq to Cr(III) is provided by Fe 2p photoemission and Fe L-edge absorption spectra. Strong attenuation of the Fe 2p signal during the first 10 min of the redox reaction indicates that iron does not outdiffuse significantly into the overlayer. At pH 8.5, the reaction follows a similar path, but its rate is lower, and Cr(VI) aq reduction continues for immersion times of up to 1 h. The results of this study are compared with results from an earlier XPS study of the passivation of zero-valent iron by chromate solutions [E. McCafferty, M.K. Bernett, J.S. Murday, Corros. Sci. 28 (1988) 559]. The resulting overlayer compositions, thicknesses, and reaction rates are very similar for the two systems.
The Amino Acid Requirement of Laying Hens 5. Amino Acid Balance in Low Protein Diets

Abstract IT WAS recently demonstrated that the levels of essential amino acids found to be minimal for egg production with diets composed of free amino acids were also minimal when supplied from intact feed ingredient protein (Johnson and Fisher, 1959). To supply such minimal amino levels, less than 12% dietary protein was required. However, although egg production was maintained on such low protein diets, egg weight and body weight were significantly inferior when compared to standard (15% protein) laying rations. In order to investigate the nature of the limiting factors involved in egg size and body weight on the low protein diet, supplementation with poor quality protein was studied. If the diet were merely inadequate in nitrogen (non-essential amino acids) the supplements would be expected to improve performance. A deficiency of a specific essential amino acid would not be corrected by a source of nitrogen unless it provided a sufficient excess…
Systemic chemotherapy of transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium

Although the incidence of bladder cancer has increased in recent years, survival has also improved. Chemotherapy has made a substantial impact on this disease and now is used in patients with advanced or metastatic disease as well as in select patients with high-risk muscle invasive disease. While cisplatin remains the most active single antineoplastic agent, several other agents including methotrexate, vinblastine, and Adriamycin (doxorubicin) have important activity. More recently, paclitaxel and gemcitabine have shown promising activity in bladder cancer. Multidrug combination therapy has provided more frequent and durable responses than single agent therapy. Regimens containing cisplatin and methotrexate have been shown to be most effective in the treatment of advanced disease. Adjuvant chemotherapy regimes typically have included cisplatin or cisplatin and methotrexate combinations. However, studies have been limited and further prospective trials are required to determine the role of adjuvant chemotherapy. Multiple studies have investigated neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and methotrexate combinations or anthracycline-based regimens, but study results are mixed. Further trials will be required to define the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in bladder cancer. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 13:365-375, 1997. © 1997 Wiley- Liss, Inc.
Near-infrared surface-enhanced Raman scattering (NIR-SERS) of neurotransmitters in colloidal silver solutions

Abstract NIR-SERS spectra are measured for the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine at concentrations as low as 5 × 10−9 M in colloidal silver solutions with accumulation times as short as 25 ms. The detection range and acquisition time are on the order of physiologically relevant concentrations and the time scale of neuronal processes, respectively. The spectra are obtained using a CCD detection system, dye laser at 830 nm for excitation, fiber optic probe and high throughput spectrograph. Mixtures containing the two neurotransmitters are used to demonstrate the capability of extracting quantitative information from SERS spectra. Albumin added to the sample up to 0.5% concentration does not show any influence on the SERS spectra of the neurotransmitters in the silver colloidal solutions. The results demonstrate the potential of NIR-SERS in probing dopamine and norepinephrine with high sensitivity and specificity. They also suggest that NIR-SERS from colloidal silver solution can be a powerful tool for the study of neurotransmitters in brain extracts and dialysates.
Asc Modulates the Function of NLRC4 in Response to Infection of Macrophages by Legionella pneumophila

ABSTRACT Nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat containing proteins (NLRs) activate caspase-1 in response to a variety of bacterium-derived signals in macrophages. NLR-mediated activation of caspase-1 by Legionella pneumophila occurs through both an NLRC4/NAIP5-dependent pathway and a pathway requiring the adapter protein Asc. Both pathways are needed for maximal activation of caspase-1 and for the release of the cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Asc is not required for caspase-1-dependent pore formation and cell death induced upon infection of macrophages by L. pneumophila. Here, temporal and spatial localization of caspase-1-dependent processes was examined to better define the roles of Asc and NLRC4 during infection. Imaging studies revealed that caspase-1 localized to a single punctate structure in infected cells containing Asc but not in cells lacking this adapter. Both endogenous Asc and ectopically produced NLRC4 tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) were found to localize to caspase-1 puncta following L. pneumophila infection, suggesting that NLRC4 and Asc coordinate signaling through this complex during caspase-1 activation. Formation of caspase-1-containing puncta correlated with caspase-1 processing, suggesting a role for the Asc/NLRC4/caspase-1 complex in caspase-1 cleavage. In cells deficient for Asc, NLRC4 did not assemble into discrete puncta, and pyroptosis occurred at an accelerated rate. These data indicate that Asc mediates integration of NLR components into caspase-1 processing platforms and that recruitment of NLR components into an Asc complex can dampen pyroptotic responses. Thus, a negative feedback role of complexes containing Asc may be important for regulating caspase-1-mediated responses during microbial infection. IMPORTANCE Caspase-1 is a protease activated during infection that is central to the regulation of several innate immune pathways. Studies examining the macromolecular complexes containing this protein, known as inflammasomes, have provided insight into the regulation of this protease. This work demonstrates that the intracellular bacterium Legionella pneumophila induces formation of complexes containing caspase-1 by multiple mechanisms and illustrates that an adapter molecule called Asc integrates signals from multiple independent upstream caspase-1 activators in order to assemble a spatially distinct complex in the macrophage. There were caspase-1-associated activities such as cytokine processing and secretion that were controlled by Asc. Importantly, this work uncovered a new role for Asc in dampening a caspase-1-dependent cell death pathway called pyroptosis. These findings suggest that Asc plays a central role in controlling a distinct subset of caspase-1-dependent activities by both assembling complexes that are important for cytokine processing and suppressing processes that mediate pyroptosis.
Compatibility of Isaria fumosorosea (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) Blastospores with Agricultural Chemicals Used for Management of the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

Biorational insecticides are being increasingly emphasized for inclusion in integrated pest management programs for invasive insects. The entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea, can be used to help manage the Asian citrus psyllid with minimal impact on beneficial arthropods, but its effectiveness may be compromised by agrochemicals used to control concurrent arthropod pests and diseases. We evaluated the compatibility of I. fumosorosea blastospores with a range of spray oils and copper-based fungicides registered for use in citrus groves. Results of laboratory and greenhouse tests showed a range of responses of the fungus to the different materials, including compatibility and incompatibility. Overall, I. fumosorosea growth in vitro was reduced least by petroleum-based materials and most by botanical oils and borax, and some of the copper-based fungicides, suggesting that tank mixing of I. fumosorosea with these latter products should be avoided. However, equivalent negative effects of test materials on fungal pathogenicity were not always observed in tests with adult psyllids. We hypothesize that some oils enhanced adherence of blastospores to the insect cuticle, overcoming negative impacts on germination. Our data show that care should be taken in selecting appropriate agrochemicals for tank-mixing with commercial formulations of entomopathogenic fungi for management of citrus pests. The prospects of using I. fumosorosea for managing the invasive Asian citrus psyllid and other citrus pests are discussed.
Transcervical elective superior mediastinal dissection for thyroid carcinoma

Abstract Objectives To review our results with elective superior mediastinal dissections for thyroid carcinomas. Study design Retrospective review. Methods We searched operative case logs for all patients with thyroid carcinoma treated with an elective superior mediastinal dissection by the senior author (Y.D.) during a 6-year period. Charts were reviewed for demographic information and pathologic results. Elective superior mediastinal dissections were performed when the frozen section was consistent with anaplastic or medullary carcinoma or with a well-differentiated carcinoma when there was fixation of the primary tumor to the laryngotracheal complex, there was overt clinically evident paratracheal and/or cervical adenopathy, or the primary tumor measured greater than 2.0 cm in dimension. Results Thirty-one patients meeting the above criteria were reviewed, and superior mediastinal disease was present in 19 patients (61.3%). Superior mediastinal nodes were positive in 13 (65%) of 20 patients with papillary carcinoma, 0 of 4 with follicular thyroid carcinoma, 4 of 5 patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma, and 2 of 2 patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Patients with follicular carcinoma had a lower incidence of mediastinal disease (0%) compared with nonfollicular thyroid carcinoma (70.4%), P = .02. Patients with cervical metastasis had an increased incidence of superior mediastinal disease (100% vs 53.3%). Conclusions Elective transcervical superior mediastinal dissection was commonly positive in patients with papillary, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. A transcervical approach may be safely performed without sternotomy to the level of the brachiocephalic vein. Further studies are required to determine if performing elective superior mediastinal lymph node dissections will have an impact on survival.
Performance Assessment of HIFU Lesion Detection by Harmonic Motion Imaging for Focused Ultrasound (HMIFU): A 3-D Finite-Element-Based Framework with Experimental Validation

Harmonic motion imaging for focused ultrasound (HMIFU) is a novel high-intensity focused ultra- sound (HIFU) therapy monitoring method with feasibilities demonstrated in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Its principle is based on amplitude-modulated (AM) - harmonic motion imaging (HMI), an oscillatory radiation force used for imaging the tissue mechanical response during thermal ablation. In this study, a theoretical framework of HMIFU is presented, comprising a customized nonlinear wave propagation model, a finite-element (FE) analysis module and an image-formation model. The objective of this study is to develop such a framework to (1) assess the funda- mental performance of HMIFU in detecting HIFU lesions based on the change in tissue apparent elasticity, i.e., the increasing Young's modulus, and the HIFU lesion size with respect to the HIFU exposure time and (2) validate the simulation findings ex vivo. The same HMI and HMIFU parameters as in the experimental studies were used, i.e., 4.5-MHz HIFU frequency and 25 Hz AM frequency. For a lesion-to-background Young's modulus ratio of 3, 6 and 9, the FE and estimated HMI displacement ratios were equal to 1.83, 3.69 and 5.39 and 1.65, 3.19 and 4.59, respec- tively. In experiments, the HMI displacement followed a similar increasing trend of 1.19, 1.28 and 1.78 at 10-s, 20-s and 30-s HIFU exposure, respectively. In addition, moderate agreement in lesion size growth was found in both simulations (16.2, 73.1 and 334.7 mm 2 ) and experiments (26.2, 94.2 and 206.2 mm 2 ). Therefore, the feasibility of HMIFU for HIFU lesion detection based on the underlying tissue elasticity changes was verified through the developed theoretical framework, i.e., validation of the fundamental performance of the HMIFU system for lesion detection, localization and quantification, was demonstrated both theoretically and ex vivo. (E-mail: ek2191@ columbia.edu) 2011 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.
Progressive Transverse Microtubule Array Organization in Hormone-Induced Arabidopsis Hypocotyl Cells

The acentriolar cortical microtubule arrays in dark-grown hypocotyl cells organize into a transverse coaligned pattern that is critical for axial plant growth. In light-grown Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings, the cortical array on the outer (periclinal) cell face creates a variety of array patterns with a significant bias (>3:1) for microtubules polymerizing edge-ward and into the side (anticlinal) faces of the cell. To study the mechanisms required for creating the transverse coalignment, we developed a dual-hormone protocol that synchronously induces ∼80% of the light-grown hypocotyl cells to form transverse arrays over a 2-h period. Repatterning occurred in two phases, beginning with an initial 30 to 40% decrease in polymerizing plus ends prior to visible changes in the array pattern. Transverse organization initiated at the cell’s midzone by 45 min after induction and progressed bidirectionally toward the apical and basal ends of the cell. Reorganization corrected the edge-ward bias in polymerization and proceeded without transiting through an obligate intermediate pattern. Quantitative comparisons of uninduced and induced microtubule arrays showed a limited deconstruction of the initial periclinal array followed by a progressive array reorganization to transverse coordinated between the anticlinal and periclinal cell faces.
The use of scattering foil compensators in electron beam therapy

Purpose: This study was undertaken to show that scattering foils could be used as electron beam compensators. w and Materials: Two scattering foils were designed to improve the dose homogeneity when a curved surface is irradiated with electrons. One scattering foil, constructed of mylar, was designed for use with a single 6 MeV electron field. The second scattering foil, constructed of lead, was designed to homogenize the dose along the matchline of two abutting electron fields. Measurements with the second compensator were made at energies of 6,9, and 12 MeV. The compensators were mounted over the topmost opening of the electron cone. A simple method for modeling the effect of the second compensator using a conventional treatment planning system was also evaluated. Results: When the mylar compensator was placed atop the 25 x 25 cm cone and a Rando phantom irradiated withMeV electrons, the dose at the field edges was increased by about 10%. Use of the lead foil compensator for two abutting fields gave a highly uniform dose along the matchline, without perturbing the isodoses at depth or at the other field edges. Measured hot spots in the Rando phantom for 6 and 9 MeV electrons were 104 and 108%, respectively. The effect of the lead foil compensator was successfully modeled on a conventional treatment planning system by summing beams of different field sizes. Conclusion: Both compensators were effective in improving the dose homogeneity within the target volume. Scattering foils, Compensators, Electron dosimetry.
The effects of altered maxillary growth on patterns of mandibular rotation in a pig model.

Abstract Objectives A thorough understanding of influence of maxillary growth on patterns of mandibular rotation during development is important with regard to the treatment of skeletal discrepancies. In the present study, we examined whether experimentally altered maxillary position has a significant influence on patterns of mandibular rotation in a pig model. Design Maxillary growth was altered in a sample of n = 10 domestic pigs via surgical fixation of the circummaxillary sutures. We compared the experimental group to control and surgical sham samples and assessed the effects of altered maxillary growth on mandibular form using geometric morphometric techniques. We tested for significant differences in mandibular shape between our samples and examined axes of morphological variation. Additionally, we examined whether altered mandibular shape resulting from altered maxillary position was predictably associated with morphological changes to the condylar region. Results There was a statistically significant difference in mandibular shape between the experimental and control/sham groups. As a result of vertical displacement of the snout, mandibles in the experimental sample resulted in greater anterior rotation when compared to the control/sham pigs. Variation in rotation was correlated with morphological changes in the condyle including the shape of the articular surface and condylar orientation indicative of greater anterior mandibular rotation. Conclusions Vertical displacement of the maxilla had a significant effect on mandibular shape by encouraging anterior mandibular rotation. This result has important implications for understanding the effects of altered mandibular posture on condylar remodeling the treatment of skeletal discrepancies such as the correction of hyperdivegent mandibular growth.
Does functional reach improve with rehabilitation

Functional reach (FR, maximal safe standing forward reach) is a precise, reliable, clinically accessible, age-sensitive measure of balance that approximates center of pressure excursion and validly estimates physical frailty. We now test its ability to detect improvement in balance over time. Twenty-eight inpatient male veterans (age 40 to 105, mean, 67.3) undergoing physical rehabilitation and 13 nonrehabilitation controls were evaluated at baseline and every 4 weeks using FR (yardstick method), 10-foot walking time (WT), the Duke hierarchical mobility skills protocol (HMS) and a portion of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Their sensitivity to change was determined using the responsiveness index (RI). FR as well as the other physical performance instruments tested were found to be sensitive to change (RI for FR = 0.97, WT = 11.26, HMS = 4.63, FIM = 4.93) and therefore, appropriate measures for use in prospective clinical trials.
Diaphragmatic hernia post-minimally invasive esophagectomy: a discussion and review of literature

Background Diaphragmatic hernia (DH) after esophagectomy is a known complication which can occur and the incidence may be higher after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). A review of our cases involving post-MIE diaphragmatic hernias and the published literature is presented.