cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of acetabular cup placement positively correlates with level of training

Accurate acetabular component placement may reduce the risk of complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). While surgeon experience and volume may reduce outliers, little is known how cup positioning accuracy and consistency relates to level of training (resident, fellow, attending) and whether trainee level impacts the magnitude and direction of cup placement errors. Ninety patients undergoing posterolateral computer-assisted navigation THA were included for analysis. All surgery was performed by two fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons and assisted by a trainee (orthopedic resident (PGY 1–5) or fellow in adult reconstruction). In order to determine accuracy of cup placement in trainees and attendings, we used computer navigation to determine freehand cup placement by the trainee, then by the attending surgeon. Final cup inclination and version were determined and recorded by computer-assisted surgical navigation. Comparison of consistency in cup inclination and anteversion was made on values obtained by residents, fellows, and attendings and final values provided by the navigation system. In addition, to assess the role of training and repetition, acetabular cup inclination and version were compared between fellows during the first half and the second half of their training year. All comparisons were performed with the Student t-test except for comparison of rate of deviation from the safe zone, which were performed with the chi-square test. The level of significance was defined as p values ≤ 0.05 with 95% confidence interval, and trend toward significance was defined as p values ≤ 0.1. Inclination deviation from the final position and cup version deviation from the final position were statistically significant between resident vs attendings (p < 0.001 (inclination), p < 0.001 (version)), fellow vs attendings (p < 0.001 (inclination), p < 0.001 (version)), and all trainee vs attendings (p < 0.001 (inclination), p < 0.001 (version)). In all comparisons, the attending surgeons placed the cup closer to the final cup position than both resident and fellows. Proportion of inclination deviation from the safe zone of residents was significantly higher than of attendings (p < 0.001) but no significant difference was observed between fellows and attending (p = 1.00). Compared to residents, fellows demonstrated lower proportion of inclination deviation from the safe zone of 3.3% vs 23.3% for fellows vs residents (p = 0.002) and tended to implant the cups in a more horizontal position (45.6 ± 6.6° [SD] and 42.7 ± 4.3°, respectively, p = 0.04). Compared to fellow, residents tended to implant the cup in a more anteverted position than the final cup version (9.6 ± 6.7° and 6.74 ± 5.6° [SD], p = 0.034). There was no statistically significant difference in cup position between attendings’ free-hand and final (computer assisted) cup placement. Accurate and consistent acetabular cup placement improves with level of training. Accurate and consistent acetabular cup version is harder to master as compared to acetabular cup inclination.
Escalating Tumor Dose via Simultaneous Integrated Boost (SIB) Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Large (> 5 cm) Lung Masses.

Purpose/objective(s) SBRT treatments of large (> 5.0 cm, diameter) lung masses with ablative dose is challenging due to toxicity. We report on a novel centrally-dose-escalated simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) SBRT technique for fast, safe, and effective method that allow for dose escalation to the tumor core while protecting adjacent organs at risk (OAR). Materials/methods Twelve patients with large (mean = 7.0 cm, range: 5.2-7.8 cm, diameter) lung masses from at least Stage II non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or oligometastatic lung disease from a separate primary site underwent 50 Gy to the planning target volume (PTV) with a 60 Gy SIB to the volume approximately 1 cm interior to the standard gross tumor volume (GTV) margin in 5 fractions. Highly conformal SIB SBRT plans were generated using 3-6 non-coplanar partial VMAT arcs with 6MV-FFF beam and advanced Acuros-based dose engine for tissues heterogeneity corrections. Treatments were delivered every other day using online conebeam CT guidance. Plan quality and treatment delivery efficiency were reported. Outcomes reported include tumor local control (LC), distant failure (DF), lung and rib toxicity. Median follow-up interval was 8 months (1 to 22 months). Results Mean GTV and PTV was 92.9 ± 40.0 cc and 188.8 ± 45.4 cc. Mean dose to GTV and PTV was 58.1 ± 1.9 Gy and 55.5 ± 1.2 Gy, translating to the corresponding average biological effective dose (BED10, with α/β = 10Gy) of 125 Gy and 117 Gy, respectively. All SIB SBRT plans met RTOG requirements for intermediate dose fall-off and organs at risk (OAR) sparing. Mean values of V20Gy, V10Gy and mean lung dose were 13.6 ± 3.4%, 22.9 ± 6.8%, and 7.5 ± 1.8Gy, respectively. Average maximal doses to OAR were as follows: spinal cord Conclusion Escalating core tumor dose via SIB-SBRT (higher than 100Gy BED10) is safe, fast, and efficacious treatment for large lung masses with promising LC rates and no adverse treatment related toxicity. Fast delivery of SIB SBRT treatment could reduce intrafraction motion error due to coughing or pain, making geographic miss unlikely and improving the patient comfort and clinic workflow. Longer clinical follow up results in a larger patient population treated with this approach is warranted.
Optical Properties of Quantum Dots

Theoretical investigations of optical properties of quantum dots are reviewed. Emission, absorption and inelastic light scattering as probes of the ground and excited states of quantum dots charged with electrons are discussed. Special attention is paid to Hund’s rules and their manifestation in the emission spectrum from self-assembled charged quantum dots. Band-gap renormalisation, shake-up, and ground state emission are discussed. It is shown that partially filled shells lead to break-down of the optically created hole in the electronic state at the bottom of the filled band and a splitting of the emission line. The electronic structure and emission spectrum of quantum dots filled with excitons is reviewed. Hidden symmetries replace Hund’s rules and excitons condense into correlated multiplicative states. The emission spectrum is related to the number of excitons in these excitonic artificial atoms.
Plant Breeders and Their Work

Production of food is a problem of major concern in the world today. The world’s food supply, grossly inadequate in many countries today, will need to be increased greatly in the years ahead if the basic nutritional requirements of an explosive world population are to be satisfied (Fig. 1.1). Otherwise, the specter of hunger, malnutrition, and famine, already a reality with two-thirds of the world’s people, will continue to spread and grow, and the nutritional gap between the developed and the underdeveloped countries will continue to widen.
Positive affect facilitates social problem solving

We conducted two experiments to test the impact of positive affect on social problem solving. In Experiment 1, participants induced to experience a positive (vs. neutral) affective state generated a greater number of relevant steps to solve fictitious interpersonal problems as well as more effective solutions to the problems. In Experiment 2, participants induced to experience a positive (vs. negative) affective state generated more functional solutions to their own social problems. The positive mood effects observed in Experiment 2 were moderated by dispositional optimism. Our findings have practical implications, as the extent to which individuals are able to generate effective solutions to social problems has far-reaching consequences with respect to personal adjustment and social functioning.
Concomitant development of infundibular pulmonary stenosis and spontaneous closure of ventricular septal defect. An unusual variant in the natural history of ventricular septal defect.

Abstract An unusual variation in the natural history of ventricular septal defect is described in 2 children, each of whom had evidence of a ventricular septal defect with a large left to right shunt at age of 10 weeks. In both patients severe infundibular pulmonic stenosis subsequently developed, as well as almost complete closure of the septal defect. These changes were documented at ages 8 and 6 years, respectively, by a second cardiac catheterization and at operation.
Evaluation of fibrinogen self‐assembly: role of its αC region

Background: Exposure of cryptic, functional sites on fibrinogen upon its adsorption to hydrophobic surfaces of biomaterials has been linked to an inflammatory response and fibrosis. Such adsorption also induces ordered fibrinogen aggregation which is poorly understood. Objective: To investigate hydrophobic surface-induced fibrinogen aggregation. Methods: Contact and lateral force scanning probe microscopy, yielding topography, image dimensions and fiber elastic modulus measurements were used along with transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Fibrinogen aggregation was induced under non-enzymatic conditions by adsorption on a trioctyl-surface monolayer (trioctylmethylamine) grafted onto silica clay plates. Results: A more than one molecule thick coating was generated by adsorption on the plate from 100 to 200 {mu}g mL{sup -1} fibrinogen solutions, and three-dimensional networks formed from 4 mg mL{sup -1} fibrinogen incubated with uncoated or fibrinogen-coated plates. Fibrils appeared laterally assembled into branching and overlapping fibers whose heights from the surface ranged from approximately 3 to 740 nm. The elastic modulus of fibrinogen fibers was 1.55 MPa. No fibrils formed when fibrinogen lacking {alpha}C-domains was used as a coating or was incubated with intact fibrinogen-coated plates, or when the latter plates were sequentially incubated with anti-A{alpha}529-539 mAb and intact fibrinogen. When an anti-A{alpha}241-476 mAb was used instead, fine, longmore » fibers formed. Similarly, sequential incubations of fibrinogen-coated plates with recombinant {alpha}C-domain (A{alpha}392-610 fragment) or {alpha}C-connector (A{alpha}221-372 fragment) and fibrinogen resulted in distinctly fine fiber networks. Conclusions: Adsorption-induced fibrinogen self-assembly is initiated by a more than one molecule-thick surface layer and eventuates in three-dimensional networks whose formation requires fibrinogen with intact {alpha}C-domains.« less
Synergies in Feature Localization by Air-Ground Robot Teams

Abstract. This paper describes the implementation of a decentralized architecture for autonomous teams of aerial and ground vehicles engaged in active perception. We provide a theoretical framework based on an established approach to the underlying sensor fusion problem [3]. This provides transparent integration of information from heterogeneous sources. The approach is extended to include an information-theoretic utility measure that captures the task objective and robot inter-dependencies. A distributed solution mechanism is employed to determine information maximizing trajectories and assignments subject to the constraints of individual vehicle and sensor sub-systems. This architecture enables the benefit of the complementary aerial and ground based vehicle and sensor capabilities to be realized. The approach is applied to missions involving searching for and tracking multiple ground targets. Experimental results for vehicles equipped with cameras are presented. These illustrate the impact of the team configuration on overall system performance.
The support of optical network protocols for multimedia ATM traffic

Multimedia application integrates a variety of media, namely, audio, video, images, graphics, text, and data, each of which have different quality of service (QOS) requirements. In this paper we evaluate the support of reservation-based high speed protocols including DQDB (distributed queue dual bus), CRMA (cyclic-reservation multiple-access), DQMA (distributed-queue multiple-access), and FDQ (fair distributed queue), for various multimedia traffic including low and medium quality video, high quality MMPEG video, and data traffic. Through extensive experiments, we vary different traffic and protocol parameters including transmission rate, delay and loss constraint, data load and data burstiness, to determine the number of multimedia sessions supported by each of the four protocols. Delay constraints have moderate effect on some of the protocols, but loss constraints have very little effect on any protocol. Bursty data significantly degrade real-time traffic performance, but the negative effect is almost corrected when delay constraint is somewhat relaxed. These results show that the reservation-based protocols are suitable for integrating real-time multimedia traffic with bursty data traffic in very high speed network, especially when delay constraint is somewhat relaxed. Due to its excellent fairness, FDQ clearly stands out to be the best protocol among four to support heterogeneous traffic.
Noise measurements and fractional charge in fractional quantum Hall liquids

We present a calculation of noise in the tunneling current through junctions between two two-dimensional electron gases (2DEG) in inequivalent Laughlin fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states, as a function of voltage and temperature. We discuss the interpretation of measurements of suppressed shot noise levels of tunneling currents through a quantum point contact (QPC) in terms of tunneling of fractionally charged states. We show that although this interpretation is always possible, for junctions between different FQH states the fractionally charged states involved in the tunneling process are not the Laughlin quasiparticles of the isolated FQH states that make up the junction, and should be regarded instead as solitons of the coupled system. The charge of the soliton is, in units of the electron charge, the harmonic average of the filling fractions of the individual Laughlin states, which also coincides with the saturation value of the differential conductance of the QPC. For the especially interesting case of a QPC between states at filling fractions $\nu=1$ and $\nu={{1/3}}$, we calculate the noise in the tunneling current exactly for all voltages and temperatures and investigate the crossovers. These results can be tested by noise experiments on $(1,{{1/3}})$ QPCs. We present a generalization of these results for QPC's of arbitrary Laughlin fractions in their weak and strong coupling regimes. We also introduce generalized Wilson ratios for the noise in the shot and thermal limits. These ratios are universal scaling functions of $V/T$ that can be measured experimentally in a general QPC geometry.
Case Report: Cerebrospinal Fluid Pleocytosis Following Hemorrhagic Cerebral Infarction

A polymorphonuclear pleocytosis of the cerebrospinal fluid is an occasional occurrence following hemorrhagic cerebral infarction. Because the peak of this neutrophilic reaction occurs 3 to 4 days after the event it is usually missed and not widely appreciated. We have described an example of this response in an attempt to alert physicians to an important differential diagnostic consideration when faced with a neutrophilic CSF pleocytosis.
Models and algorithms for the scheduling of a doubles tennis training tournament

We address a doubles tennis scheduling problem in the context of a training tournament, and develop a 0–1 mixed-integer programming model that attempts to balance the partnership and the opponentship pairings among the players. We propose effective symmetry-defeating strategies that impose certain decision hierarchies within the model, which serve to significantly enhance algorithmic performance via their pruning effect. We also discuss the concept of symmetry compatible formulations, and highlight the importance of crafting formulations in discrete optimization in a fashion that enhances the interplay between the original model structure, branch-and-bound algorithms (as implemented in commercial packages such as CPLEX), and the structure of specific symmetry-defeating hierarchical constraints. Finally, various specialized heuristics are devised and are computationally evaluated along with the exact solution schemes using a set of realistic practical test problems.
Xylitol toxicosis in dogs.

Abstract The sugar alcohol xylitol is a popular sweetener used in gums, candies, and baked goods. While xylitol has a wide margin of safety in people and most mammalian species, when ingested by dogs it is believed to stimulate excessive insulin secretion leading to severe hypoglycemia, potentially followed by acute hepatic failure and coagulopathies. Additional clinical findings may include thrombocytopenia, hypokalemia, and hyperphosphatemia. The prognosis for recovery in dogs that develop uncomplicated hypoglycemia is generally good with prompt and aggressive veterinary care.
Calcium Reverses Myocardial Depression Caused by Halothane: Site of Action

Increasing [Ca++] in the external bathing medium antagonized the depressant effect of 0.5 per cent halothane on the contractility of cat papillary muscle. This effect, when analyzed by Lineweaver-Burk plots, appeared specific, since the maximal force attainable was the same with or without the anesthetic provided [Ca++] could be increased sufficiently. These results suggest that the depression of myocardial contractility produced by clinically useful concentrations of halothane is not of metabolic origin and that it reflects, instead, an ability of halothane either to restrict the availability of Ca++ to the contractile proteins or to inhibit the reaction between Ca++ and these proteins. Experiments in which the heart was tetanized, thus permitting free access of Ca++ to the contractile proteins, have suggested that halothane both limits the availability of Ca++ to the contractile proteins and interferes with the response of these proteins to Ca++ after their arrival at the contractile elements.
The electrodiagnostic characteristics of Glycogen Storage Disease Type III.

Purpose: Glycogen Storage Disease Type III, also known as debrancher deficiency or Cori disease, is an autosomal recessive disorder recognized for both its hepatic and muscle manifestations. The neuromuscular manifestations of Glycogen Storage Disease Type III are not well characterized. In this study, we attempt to better define the disorder. Methods: The medical records of 40 patients with Glycogen Storage Disease Type III seen at Duke University during 1990–2009 were reviewed. The medical records of all patients with nerve conduction studies and/or electromyography were examined. Results: Twelve patients with Glycogen Storage Disease Type III (aged 5–55 years) had undergone nerve conduction studies ± electromyography. Three of these cases are presented in detail. Nine patients had Glycogen Storage Disease Type IIIa, two patients had Glycogen Storage Disease Type IIIb, and the clinical subtype of one patient was unknown. All had nerve conduction studies and of those nerves tested, abnormalities in the median motor response were most common, corresponding to previously described, intrinsic hand muscle weakness. Electromyography was performed in eight patients and myopathic findings were present in six individuals. Abnormal electrodiagnostic findings were more common in older patients. The two patients with Glycogen Storage Disease Type IIIb had electrodiagnostic evidence of nerve involvement with minor myopathic findings. Conclusions: The neuromuscular manifestations of Glycogen Storage Disease Type III include myopathy and neuropathy and are more likely to occur with increasing age, even in those diagnosed with Glycogen Storage Disease Type IIIb. Intrinsic hand muscle weakness is likely due to a combination of nerve and muscle dysfunction, a finding that may have implications for treatment.
The Road From Discovery to Clinic: Adiponectin as a Biomarker of Metabolic Status

Biomarkers are globally used to monitor clinical responses to therapeutic and lifestyle interventions. The adipocyte-derived hormone adiponectin is recognized as a promising new biomarker owing to its many associations with components of the metabolic syndrome. The study described by Wagner and colleagues in this issue offers a first example of how a large-scale effort in the context of a cross-company collaborative study in the pharmaceutical industry can offer a powerful tool for the further validation of a new biomarker in the context of pharmacological intervention with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonists.
Structural basis for human PHF2 Jumonji domain interaction with metal ions.

The PHF2 gene is located on human chromosome 9q22 1, within a region where alterations of a cluster of genes including PHF2 are associated with a wide variety of tumors 2. PHF2 belongs to a small family of Jumonji proteins with three members (PHF2, PHF8 and KIAA1718) 3. Each of these proteins harbor two domains in its respective N-terminal half (Fig. 1a): a PHD domain that binds tri-methylated histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) - a modification associated with transcriptional activation – and their linked Jumonji domains which remove methyl marks that are associated with transcriptional repression. These activities include the demethylation of di- and mono-methylated histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2/1) via PHF8 4; 5; 6; 7, H3K27me2/1 via KIAA1718 4; 8; 9, H4K20me1 via PHF8 10; 11 and H3K9me1 via PHF2 12. These three proteins share 71% identity among their PHDs, 48% identity among their Jumonji domains, and much less conservation among their C-terminal halves with large insertions and deletions (Supplementary Fig. S1). The linker sequences between PHD and Jumonji domains are not well conserved in sequence or length, although the PHF2 linker is more similar to that of KIAA1718 (Fig. 1a). In addition, PHF2 has the unique sequence of four repeats of TPAST towards the C-terminus. Figure 1 PHF2 binding of H3K4me3 Jumonji domain proteins are a class of α-ketoglutarate-Fe(II)-dependent dioxygenases. Two histidines and one aspartate or glutamate, i.e. the Hx(D/E) … H motif, within the Jumonji domain bind to the ferrous iron. However, a few of them, including mouse and human PHF2 (Y321) and Schizosaccharomyces pombe Epe1 (Y370), have a tyrosine at the position corresponding to the distal second iron-binding histidine (Supplementary Fig. S2). Epe1 modulates the stability of silent chromatin in fission yeast 13, and the Epe1 protein can be modeled onto the structure of FIH (factor inhibiting hypoxia inducible factor) 14, a protein asparagine hydroxylase that also contains a Jumonji-like domain 15. Epe1 was proposed to be a putative histone demethylase that could act by oxidative demethylation 14. However, recombinant Epe1 purified from Sf9 cells lacks histone lysine demethylase activity 16, whereas functional characterization in vivo suggested Epe1 is involved in changes in methylation patterns of H3K4 and H3K9 13. This raises the question of whether PHF2, which like Epe1 contains a tyrosine at the position corresponding to the distal iron-binding histidine, is an active histone demethylase (though it was reported that PHF2 demethylates H3K9me1 in vivo, detected by immunostaining of cells expressing GFP-tagged PHF2 with anti-H3K9me antibodies 12). Here, we focus on residues 1–451 from PHF2 (containing PHD and Jumonji) and 60–451 (Jumonji) (Supplementary Fig. S3a), comparing their metal binding with that of PHF8 and KIAA1718.
Polysiloxane elastomers with bimodal chain-length distributions

Most elastomers are prepared by an adventitious, random cross-linking process and thus have a broad, unimodal distribution of network chain lengths. It is possible, however, to obtain materials of controlled chain-length distribution by restricting the reactivity of the chains to their ends, and then end linking these chains with a multi-functional reactant. The networks of this type that have proved to be of greatest interest consist of short chains end linked with long chains to yield abimodal distribution of network chain lengths. These bimodal networks have unusually high extensibility for their values of the modulus and ultimate strength, and thus considerable toughness. Most such elastometers have been prepared from chains of poly(dimethylsiloxane), by carrying out either a condensation reaction between hydroxyl-terminated chains and tetraethoxysilane, or an addition reaction between vinyl-terminated chains and a poly(methylhydrogen siloxane) oligomer. The present review discusses the preparation of such materials, the characterization of some of their properties, and the interpretation of these properties in terms of the molecular theories of rubberlike elasticity.
Technological difficulties: a theoretical frame for understanding the non-relativistic permanence of traditional print literacy in elementary education

Currently, definitions of ‘science’, ‘reading’, and ‘literacy’ in the US lend a seemingly non‐relativistic permanence to these terms, and render them resistant to critique. This paper offers a theoretical frame for critiquing this permanence, analysing why early‐literacy instruction is tightly tied to traditional forms of print literacy, focusing primarily on phonics and word‐recognition, in an age when new technologies, multi‐modal texts, and new literacies flourish. The theoretical framework uses Foucault’s notions of technologies of production, of sign systems, of power, and of the self. Four specific examples of early‐literacy programming are analysed in terms of Foucault’s technologies, producing an outline of reasoning about ‘best practices’ in early‐literacy instruction in the US. These ways of reasoning are investigated as relative, impermanent, and possibly open to change.
Comparison of three methods of electrical stimulation for converting skeletal muscle to a fatigue resistant power source suitable for cardiac assistance.

Twelve dogs were sorted into 3 equal groups, and thein-situ right latissimus dorsi muscle of each dog was stimulated via its motor nerve for a period of 6 weeks. The resulting isotonic contractions were used to pump fluid in an implanted, 2-chambered, compressible pouch system. Three methods of electrical stimulation were used: (a) continuous 2 sec−1 single pulses that caused muscle twitching, (b) a 250 msec train of pulses (36 sec−1) that caused tetanic muscle contractions and was repeated every 2 sec for 15 min followed by a 15 min period of rest, and (c) alternating 15 min periods of the above 2 stimulation methods to cause alternating twitch and tetanic contractions. The 2 sec−1 twitch stimulation and the combined twitch/tetanic stimulation methods resulted in a 100% conversion to fatigue-resistant fibers within 6 weeks. Standardized muscle function tests were performed weekly. With the twitch stimulation (Method 1), the time to fatigue increased from 9 to 116 min (p<0.001), but fluid pumping ability of the muscle decreased substantially from 0.25 to 0.14 liters min−1 (p<0.05). With the intermittent tetanic stimulation (Method 2), the fatigue resistance increased only slightly from 7 to 11 minutes (p=NS), and pumping ability was unchanged. With the combined (twitch-tetanic) stimulation (Method 3), the time to fatigue increased from 9 to 107 min (p<0.001), and the pumping ability did not significantly change from 0.20 to 0.22 liters min−1 (p=NS). These results suggest that a combined electrical stimulation method which produces both twitches and tetanic contractions can achieve rapid fiber conversion and increased fatigue resistance without loss of muscle strength.
Species-specific response-topography of chickens’ and pigeons’ water-induced autoshaped responding

Four pigeons and eight chickens received autoshaping training where a keylight (conditioned stimulus) signaled response-independent deliveries of water (unconditioned stimulus). Pigeons drink while keeping their beaks submerged in water and moving their beaks to create suction (“mumbling”), whereas chickens drink by trapping a small amount of water in their mouths and then lifting their heads so the water trickles down. This experiment tested whether these and other species-specific differences in drinking and related behaviors of pigeons and chickens would be reflected in the form of conditioned (autoshaped) responding. Touchscreens and videotapes were used for data recording. Results showed that chickens moved their heads more than pigeons when drinking (unconditioned response). The birds also differed in conditioned responding in the presence of the keylight: Pigeons produced more keyswitch closures and mumbled at the keylight more than chickens whereas chickens scratched more than pigeons. In conclusion, with this unique comparative method that employed identical contingencies and comparable deprivation levels, species-specific differences in unconditioned responses and, more importantly, differences in their corresponding conditioned responses were observed.
Remote sensing of weather impacts on vegetation in non-homogeneous areas

Abstract Successful application of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for estimating weather impacts on vegetation is currently hindered in non-homogeneous areas. The problem is that the differences between the level of vegetation in these areas can be related, in addition to weather impacts, to the differences in geographic resources (climate, soil, vegetation type and topography). These differences should be eliminated when weather impacts on vegetation are estimated from NDVI data. This paper discusses a concept and a technique for eliminating that portion of the NDVI which is related to the contribution of geographic resources to the amount of vegetation. The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data of the Global Vegetation Index format were used for the 1984-1987 seasons in Sudan. The procedure suggests normalization of NDVI values relative to the absolute maximum and the absolute minimum of NDVI. These two criteria were shown to be an appropriate characteristic of geograp...
Multi-modal label-free imaging based on a femtosecond fiber laser

We demonstrate multi-mode microscopy based on a single femtosecond fiber laser. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and photothermal images can be obtained simultaneously with this simplified setup. Distributions of lipid and hemoglobin in sliced mouse brain samples and blood cells are imaged. The dependency of signal amplitude on the pump power and pump modulation frequency is characterized, which allows to isolate the impact from different contributions.
Stimulated pressure response of the ileocolonic junctional zone and its use as a continence mechanism in a canine model.

Mechanisms for maintaining passive continence in the efferent limb of urinary diversions include compression of tissue, peristalsis, equilibration of pressure and use of valves. Motor activity and pressure in the ileum, ileocecal valve (ICV) and the colon were evaluated in dogs. Spontaneous activity and pressure were compared with stimulated pressure response and activity. Stimulation was performed at the pelvic nerve and the small nerves in the mesenterium, as well as direct neurostimulation of the bowel. Resting pressure at the ICV was 12.7±0.4 cmH2O rising to 26.4±2.2 cmH2O during spontaneous depolarization. Stimulation of the pelvic nerve resulted in increased colonic motor activity with unchanged pressure. Electric stimulation of small mesenterical nerves to the ICV increased pressure in the ICV to 35.0±4.1 cmH2O, while direct myoelectric stimulation of the ICV zone increased the intraluminal pressure to 75.0±3.2 cmH2O. Termination of the electric stimulation was followed by a slow decrease of pressure to the resting level a period of 30–45 s. Maintaining continence at the ICV with long-term constant or intermittent stimulation seems feasible.
Use of nude (athymic) mice for the study of hypertrophic scars and keloids: Vascular continuity between mouse and implants

Hypertrophic scars and keloids appear to be unique to humans since animals are not known to form these lesions. Therefore, in an effort to develop an experimental model for their study, implants of these human lesions were made in nude (athymic) mice (nu/nu) in suprascapular subcutaneous pockets. The implants were recovered from 2 to 246 days. By histological and fine structural parameters all implants remained viable and their morphological character was maintained. Selected mice were injected with barium to confirm by microangiography vascular flow between mouse and implant. Hoechst stain for DNA, used to distinguish mouse cells from human cells, confirmed vascular anastamosis between host and implant: barium-filled vessels in the interior of the implant demonstrated human endothelial cells. Peripheral vascularization of the implant with minimal ingrowth of mouse vessels occurs during the first 8 days. Anastamosis probably occurs sometime before 16 days postimplantation, or earlier, depending upon the availability of patent microvessels in the implanted tissue. The presence of the implant does not appear to prompt a continuing vascular growth into or throughout the implant. The time frame of 16 days postimplantation should be taken into account when developing schemata of experimental or therapeutic modalities.
Factors interferring with the opacification of a normal gallbladder

Various factors extrinsic to the biliary system are known to interfere with the contrast opacification of a normal gallbladder. Some of these factors are rather infrequent, but as a group, they become significant. Unless ruled out, they may lead to the erroneous diagnosis of nonopacification because of a diseased condition, when the gallbladder is inreality normal.
Telemedicine: To Mount Everest and Beyond

L'auteur relate l'experience scientifique menee sur le Mont Everest par une equipe composee d'alpinistes, de medecins et de techniciens, sous l'egide du MITAC (Medical Information and Technology Applications Consortium) de la NASA, a l'universite de Yale. Les alpinistes etaient equipes de dispositifs sensibles portables ainsi que de materiel de positionnement et de radio telemetrie. Cet equipement etait destine a collecter et transmettre un ensemble de donnees physiologiques en provenance des grimpeurs, ainsi que des informations sur leur situation et deplacements, permettant aux chercheurs de controler les efforts des alpinistes. Les applications d'un semblable systeme de surveillance medicale a distance sont examinees.
On the evolution of accuracy and cost of proofreading tRNA aminoacylation

Aminoacylation of tRNA occurs with a high degree of accuracy in many cases because misacylated molecules are effectively proofread on the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase by preferential hydrolysis. This hydrolysis releases an ATP equivalent of energy. An explicit relationship between cost of proofreading and the resulting degree of accuracy is presented. Experimental data from Escherichia coli for isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase proofreading valyl-tRNAIle are examined by means of this relationship, and a conjecture concerning the natural selection of accuracy and proofreading costs is put forth and tested. We have found the energy cost of accurate proofreading to be high. The minimum error, derived in previous theoretical studies, is never actually reached. Instead, higher values, determined by the balance between energy wasted in the cell as a consequence of error and the energy cost of proofreading, appear to be selected. The total cost of proofreading all types of tRNA aminoacylations is estimated to be approximately 2% of the energy required to synthesize a bacterial cell.
STUDIES ON INFLUENZA INFECTION IN FERRETS BY MEANS OF FLUORESCEIN-LABELLED ANTIBODY : I. THE PATHOGENESIS AND DIAGNOSIS OF THE DISEASE

By means of fluorescein-labelled antibody staining, specific influenza viral antigens were seen in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of infected ciliated epithelial cells covering the nasal turbinates of infected ferrets. Initially, only a small portion of the nasal epithelium showed fluorescence, and no appreciable abnormality of the cells could be detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The fluorescence soon spread to involve the entire epithelium, followed by desquamation coinciding with the onset of manifest illness. Pneumonia was seen in some of the infected ferrets, and in them, viral antigens were found in the bronchial epithelium and in the mediastinal lymph nodes. A rise of viral infectivity titer paralleled the observed spread of viral antigens. Many desquamated nasal epithelial cells and macrophages containing antigen were present in nasal smears. The finding would seem to offer a method for the rapid specific diagnosis of influenza infection.
Daytime Hypertension in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Prevalence and Contributing Risk Factors

We examined the prevalence of daytime hypertension in a modern sample of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and assessed the relative risk factors contributing to the development of hypertension in this disorder. Daytime hypertension was present in 92 (45 percent) of 206 male and female patients with OSA. Stepwise logistic regression revealed that only age and body mass index (BMI) were predictors of hypertension in this population. A subsample of 152 male patients with OSA was then compared to 904 men identified from a geographically and ethnically similar general population. When one controlled for age and BMI, the prevalence of hypertension in the two groups was the same except for those aged 25 to 44 years who were markedly obese (BMI >31 kg/m2). In this group, 47 percent of the patients with OSA were hypertensive vs 26 percent of control subjects (p
Global error estimation with one-step methods☆

Abstract The global, or true, error made by one-step methods when solving the initial value problem for a system of ordinary differential equations is studied. Some methods for approximating this global error are based on an asymptotic global error expansion. A new method based on such an expansion is presented. It exploits the fact that standard codes implement a pair of formulas in order to control the local error. A way of monitoring the computation so as to recognize when basic assumptions break down is proposed. Illustrative computations are provided.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone and its receptor distribution in fetal membranes and placenta of the rhesus monkey in late gestation and labor

Maternal plasma corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) rises from midgestation to term and increases further during labor in pregnant women. The primate placenta contains both the CRH peptide and its gene and is the likely source of circulating CRH. In the present study, we examined CRH messenger RNA (mRNA) and peptide expression in fetal membranes and the placenta of 14 pregnant rhesus monkeys (140-161 days gestational age) using Northern blot analysis, in situ hybridization, and immunocytochemistry to define the cellular distribution of CRH during the last third of pregnancy and in relation to onset of both spontaneous term and androstenedione-induced preterm labor. To localize the target tissues for placental CRH, CRH receptor gene expression was also studied in the fetal membranes and placenta. CRH mRNA in the placenta was of similar molecular size to hypothalamic CRH. Placental CRH mRNA increased significantly during both spontaneous term and androstenedione-induced preterm labor (P < 0.05). Placental CRH peptide detected by CRH immunostaining also increased, matching the changes of CRH mRNA. In situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry demonstrated that syncytiotrophoblast cells are the major cell type expressing CRH mRNA and producing CRH protein. CRH mRNA was not detected in either amnion or chorion. CRH receptor complementary DNA and oligo probes that successfully hybridized CRH receptor mRNA in the fetal rhesus monkey hypothalamus failed to reveal the existence of CRH receptor mRNA in amnion, chorion, and placenta by Northern blot hybridization. In conclusion, placental but not fetal membrane syncytiotrophoblasts are the source of CRH production in the pregnant rhesus monkey. The significant increase in CRH peptide and mRNA content in both spontaneous term and androstenedione-induced preterm labor indicates a role for CRH in the process of parturition. The lack of CRH receptor mRNA in either the fetal membranes or the placenta suggests that placental CRH exerts its action at sites other than these tissues.
SARDINE: A System for Analyzing, Recording, and Displaying Information from NRL-towchain Experiments

Abstract In this paper we offer a novel design for shipborne date-acquisition and storage systems—one which combines the technologies of both computers and television. We describe the particular implementation SARDINE, a system developed to handle the real-time analysis, display, and storage requirements of the Naval Research Laboratory's 64-sensor towchain. Our description includes the operation of three programs which run on the system: CAL—an in situ sensor calibration routine; TEMP—a real-time temperature-field display routine; and PAT—a temperature-fluctuation patchiness processor. SARDINE operates with a 9600 baud data-input stream, and provides real-time data analysis with a Compaq Portable II computer, color displays on an RGB television monitor, and data storage on VHS videotape cassettes. The system is compact, has minimal power requirements, and costs less than $7000.
The clinical management of suspected herpes virus encephalitis. A decision-analytic view.

This study addresses the issues of brain biopsy and adenine arabinoside (Ara-A) therapy in the clinical management of patients suspected of having herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HVE). The analysis does not speak to experimental studies in which brain biopsy and new therapies are justified by investigational goals outside the scope of this analysis. Decision analytic techniques are used, employing published quantitative data and subjective estimates of probabilities provided by experts in the management of this condition. In patients with features indicative of a high likelihood of HVE—evidence of acute encephalopathy, focal cerebral signs, objective evidence of localization and cerebrospinal-fluid findings compatible with viral infection—a strategy of treating with Ara-A without brain biopsy is consistent with optimal survival under current central estimates for mortality at biopsy, therapeutic effectiveness, drug toxicity, and sensitivity and specificity of brain biopsy. This result depends primarily upon the apparent low toxicity of Ara-A, the relatively high likelihood of HVE in typical clinical presentations and the presence, although at a low rate, of falsely negative biopsy reports expected in the disease. Sensitivity analyses are presented to explore the effects of changes in estimates of values for important variables on the choice of a strategy for clinical management. The analysis provides a structure for assessing the clinical significance of new information on such relevant variables as drug toxicity, biopsy sensitivity and mortality, and the yield of treatable new conditions other than HVE diagnosed by brain biopsy.
Aphagia, gastric pathology, hyperthermia, and sensorimotor dysfunctions following lateral hypothalamic lesions: effects of insulin pretreatments.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that lateral hypothalamic (LH) lesions produce numerous disorders including aphagia, gastric pathology, hyperthermia, and sensorimotor dysfunctions. Because insulin pretreatments shorten the period of aphagia following LH lesions, the present study examined the possibility that insulin might also alter the incidence of other disorders resulting from LH damage. It was found that insulin pretreatments shortened the period of postoperative aphagia and reduced, but did not prevent, the occurrence of glandular gastric pathology. In addition, insulin did not prevent the hyperthermia or attenuate the severity of sensorimotor dysfunctions. Groups of LH damaged rats pretreated with either insulin or saline and allowed to recover initial feeding behaviors displayed significant reductions in core temperature and less gastric pathology than a group of LH rats also pretreated with saline but which was sacrificed while still aphagic. Furthermore, LH animals which ate did so in the presence of rather pronounced sensorimotor abnormalities. These findings suggest that aphagia and sensorimotor dysfunctions induced by LH lesions can be dissociated. They further suggest that viscero-metabolic disroders may play an important role in the initial stages of the LH syndrome, and indicate that insulin may influence recovery of feeding behaviors by affecting peripheral systems as well as central nervous system functions.
Convulsive and nonconvulsive status epilepticus in children

Status epilepticus (SE) is a common pediatric neurologic emergency that requires rapid assessment and management. Treatment of pediatric SE involves two equally important factors. First, rapid identification of the underlying etiology is essential, as decisions on how to treat and prognosticate depend on the cause of SE. Second, the timing of treatment initiation with adequate doses is crucial, as early action is most effective in terminating SE and decreasing morbidity and mortality. Currently, early treatment with adequate doses of a benzodiazepine is appropriate, followed by treatment with phenytoin, phenobarbital, or valproic acid. If the seizure does not stop or repetitive seizures continue, the addition of other medications (eg, levetiracetam) or pharmacologic coma induction may be indicated. This review evaluates treatment protocols for acute SE, prolonged SE, and nonconvulsive SE, including some management strategies that use newer anticonvulsants.
Neck Mass With Progressive Shortness of Breath

Awoman in her 40s presented with progressive dyspnea and inability to lie flat. Two years prior to presentation, she had noticed a tender, firm thyroidenlargementassociatedwith rapidweightgain. She was hypothyroid with a thyroid-stimulating hormone level of 15.42mIU/Landa free thyroxine levelof0.95ng/dL. (Toconvert free thyroxine topicomolesper liter,multiplyby 12.871.) Shewas started on treatmentwith levothyroxine. Thyroid fine-needle aspiration revealedfibrosisandmixed inflammatorycells,andexaminationofcore biopsy specimen showed sclerosis and chronic inflammation. She was followed closely by an endocrinologist and treated with maximal medical therapy over 2 years without improvement. Computed tomographywithout contrast at the timeofpresentationdemonstrated trachealnarrowing to 1.56mm(Figure, A). Tracheostomywas recommendedwith the possibility of subtotal thyroid resectionpendingfeasibilityduringsurgery. Intraoperatively, the thyroid glandwas fibrotic and scarred to the anterior tracheal wall, sternothyroid, prevertebral fascia, and jugular vein. The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN)was encased in firm, fibrotic tissue requiring extensive dissection and reflection of the gland frommedial to lateral over the nerve. Total right thyroid lobectomywas successfully performedwithRLNpreservation, resulting in immediate improvement in airway caliber. Tracheostomy was not performed. Flexible laryngoscopy demonstrated normal vocal cord function at the first postoperativevisit, and thepatient’s dyspneaand inability to lay supine had completely resolved. Grossly, thespecimenwas tan, firm,and fibrotic.Theentire lobe appeared tobe involved in thediseaseprocess.Histopathologic examination revealed obliterative fibrosis and chronic inflammation (Figure,B). Immunohistochemical stains for total IgGand IgG4demonstrated increased IgG4-positive plasma cells (Figure, C). In addition, entrapped benign parathyroid tissue was noted (Figure, D). What is your diagnosis? A B