cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of image quality and radiation exposure from C-arm fluoroscopes when used for imaging the spine.

Study Design. Cadaveric imaging study. Objective. We sought to compare the fluoroscopic images produced by 4 different fluoroscopes for image quality and radiation exposure when used for imaging the spine. Summary of Background Data. There are no previous published studies comparing mobile C-arm machines commonly used in clinical practice for imaging the spine. Methods. Anterior-posterior and lateral images of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine were obtained from a cadaver placed supine on a radiolucent table. The fluoroscopy units used for the study included (1) GE OEC 9900 Elite (2010 model; General Electric Healthcare, Waukesha, WI), (2) Philips BV Pulsera (2009 model; Philips Healthcare, Andover, MA), (3) Philips BV Pulsera (2010 model; Philips Healthcare, Andover, MA), and (4) Siemens Arcadis Avantic (2010 model; Siemens Medical Solutions, Malvern, PA). The images were then downloaded, placed into a randomizer program, and evaluated by a group of spine surgeons and neuroradiologists independently. The reviewers, who were blinded to the fluoroscope the images were from, ranked them from best to worst using a numeric system. In addition, the images were rated according to a quality scale from 1 to 5, with 1 representing the best image quality. The radiation exposure level for the fluoroscopy units was also compared and was based on energy emission. Results. According to the mean values for rank, the following order of best to worst was observed: (1) GE OEC > (2) Philips 2010 > (3) Philips 2009 > (4) Siemans. The exact same order was found when examining the image quality ratings. When comparing the radiation exposure level difference, it was observed that the OEC was the lowest, and there was a minimum 30% decrease in energy emission from the OEC versus the other C-arms studied. Conclusion. This is the first time that the spine image quality and radiation exposure of commonly used C-arm machines have been compared. The OEC was ranked the best, produced the best quality images, and had the least amount of radiation.
Multipole moments for 12C from coupled channels analysis of 0.8 and 1.0 GeV proton scattering.

A coupled channels analysis of data from previous work on proton scattering from /sup 12/C at 0.8 and 1.0 GeV is presented. Calculations were performed in which the 0/sup +/,2/sup +/, and 4/sup +/ states were assumed to belong to the ground state rotational band. A deformed Woods-Saxon optical potential, with and without spin-orbit terms, was adjusted to fit the data. The multipole moments of the deformed optical potentials are related to those of the matter distributions by Satchler's theorem. Although the various values of the moments obtained here from the (p,p') data agree in sign and are approximately the same in magnitude, the values are consistently smaller for ME(2) and ME(4) than those obtained from (e,e') and from Hartree-Fock calculations.
A systems approach implicates nuclear receptor targeting in the Atp7b−/− mouse model of Wilson's disease

Wilson's disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of copper metabolism characterized by liver disease and/or neurologic and psychiatric pathology. The disease is a result of mutation in ATP7B, which encodes the ATP7B copper transporting ATPase. Loss of copper transport function by ATP7B results in copper accumulation primarily in the liver, but also in other organs including the brain. Studies in the Atp7b−/− mouse model of WD revealed specific transcript and metabolic changes that precede development of liver pathology, most notably downregulation of transcripts in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. In order to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of transcriptomic and metabolic changes, we used a systems approach analysing the pre-symptomatic hepatic nuclear proteome and liver metabolites. We found that ligand-activated nuclear receptors FXR/NR1H4 and GR/NR3C1 and nuclear receptor interacting partners are less abundant in Atp7b−/− hepatocyte nuclei, while DNA repair machinery and the nucleus-localized glutathione peroxidase, SelH, are more abundant. Analysis of metabolites revealed an increase in polyol sugar alcohols, indicating a change in osmotic potential that precedes hepatocyte swelling observed later in disease. This work is the first application of quantitative Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MuDPIT) to a model of WD to investigate protein-level mechanisms of WD pathology. The systems approach using “shotgun” proteomics and metabolomics in the context of previous transcriptomic data reveals molecular-level mechanisms of WD development and facilitates targeted analysis of hepatocellular copper toxicity.
Clinical Heterogeneity of Involutional Osteoporosis: Implications for Preventive Therapy*

Involutional osteoporosis, the common form of osteo-porosis, begins in middle life and becomes progressively more frequent with advancing age. Although it has been suggested that the disorder is heterogeneous, until recently it was generally believed that it is a single entity. We have hypothesized (1, 2) that involutional osteoporosis can be divided into two distinct syndromes, type I (postmenopausal) osteoporosis and type II (age-related) osteoporosis. Here we review and update this hypothesis and point out its implications for preventive therapy. Type I osteoporosis typically affects women within 15–20 yr after their menopause. It is characterized by fractures that occur at sites rich in cancellous bone, “crush fractures” of the vertebrae, Colles' fracture of the distal forearm, and fractures of the ankle. Type II osteoporosis can occur at any age but is the predominant form in both men and women age 70 and older; it is twice as common in women. It is characterized by fractures
Purpose based access control of complex data for privacy protection

As privacy becomes a major concern for both consumers and enterprises, many research efforts have been devoted to the development of privacy protecting technology. We recently proposed a privacy preserving access control model for relational databases,where purpose information associated with a given data element specifies the intended use of the data element. In this paper, we extend our previous work to handle other advanced data managementsystems, such as the ones based on XML and the ones based on the object-relational data model. Another contribution of our paper isthat we address the problem of how to determine the purpose forwhich certain data are accessed by a given user. Our proposedsolution relies on the well-known RBAC model as well as the notionof conditional role which is based on the notions of role attributeand system attribute.
Relationship of Forage Quality to Developmental Parameters of the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Nine developmental parameters for the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), reared on ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., were regressed on commonly employed analytical tests of forage quality for cattle (i.e., crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility [IVDMD]). Highly significant r 2 values were obtained for the FAW parameters regressed on both crude protein and IVDMD. Regressions for crude protein and IVDMD on FAW biological parameters improved with fertilization of the bermudagrass. Similarly, regressions for crude protein and IVDMD on FAW biological parameters were highly significant, in most instances, at all ages of bermudagrass regrowth. The r 2 values for IVDMD declined with increasing age of the grass for most of the FAW parameters. Thus, improvements in bermudagrasses based on increased protein or digestibility are likely to increase their susceptibility to the FAW.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in fish and wastewater samples from an area of the Penobscot River in Central Maine

Abstract Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are one class of flame retardants commonly used in textiles, foams and plastics. They are similar in behavior to the well-studied polychlorinated biphenyls and growing evidence suggests they are widespread global environmental pollutants that are capable of bioaccumulation. Fish tissue samples were collected from sites along the Penobscot River in central Maine. The total concentration of tetra- to hepta-PBDEs in these samples were calculated and generally increased from upstream to downstream locations ranging from 800 to 1810 ng/g lipid at the northernmost site to 5750–29 000 ng/g at the downstream sampling site. BDE-47, 99 and 100 were the predominant congeners found in the fish tissue. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are one of the potential sources of these compounds to the environment through effluent discharge and landspreading of biosolids. Influent, effluent, activated sludge and dewatered biosolids were collected and analyzed for PBDE congeners from a WWTP at Orono, Maine. PBDE congeners were detectable in effluent samples at concentrations from 0.31 to 0.90 μg/l, in the activated sludge at 1.32–3.8 μg/l and in the influent at 4.2–4.3 μg/l, but the majority of the material was concentrated in the biosolids. Total concentration in the biosolids was 2320–3530 μg/kg dry weight.
On some current procedures and difficulties in finite element analysis of elastic-plastic response

Abstract Some finite element procedures for the analysis of elastic-plastic response are presented and critically discussed: a consistent large displacement and large strain formulation is summarized, a versatile elastic-plastic model applicable to the analysis of metals and geological materials is presented, the choice of an appropriate finite element discretization is discussed, and some effective methods for the solution of the nonlinear finite element equations are briefly summarized. Finally, to illustrate the strength and shortcomings of the procedures used, the results of some sample analyses are presented and evaluated.
Implementation of statistical dynamic diffraction theory for defective semiconductor heterostructure modelling

Statistical dynamic diffraction theory (SDDT) provides the ability to model defect-induced structures in high-resolution X-ray diffraction analyses by incorporating both coherent (dynamic) and incoherent (kinematic) scattering. Current treatments of SDDT are mathematically intensive and may not provide sufficient detail regarding the implementation of the theory in practice. This paper discusses the implementation of SDDT and the modifications that allow for successful SDDT analyses of fully relaxed SiGe on Si.
Unexplained elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and pregnancy outcome in twins

Objective : To evaluate whether elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) levels in uncomplicated twin gestations are associated with an increased risk for pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes. Methods : A retrospective data-base analysis was conducted of 267 women with twin pregnancies delivered between January 1988 and October 1994, of whom 42 had elevated MSAFP levels and 225 had normal levels. We evaluated rates of preterm delivery (defined as gestational age less than 34 weeks at delivery), birth weight less than 1500 g, twin-to-twin birth weight discordance, small for gestational age (SGA) infants (defined as birth weight below the tenth percentile for gestational age), and fetal malformations. Also assessed were potentially confounding variables such as obstetric and medical histories as well as sociodemographic factors. Results : Among nulliparous women, an unexplained elevation in MSAFP levels was associated with a statistically significant increased risk for preterm delivery. Among multiparous women, this association is suggested by the data, but not significantly so. An unexplained elevation in MSAFP level was also associated with a significantly increased risk for birth weight less than 1500 g, but this was related to the increased rate of preterm births. No appreciably increased risk was apparent for SGA infants, fetal malformations (other than neural tube defects and abdominal wall defects), or twin-to-twin birth weight discordance. Conclusion : In twin pregnancies, an unexplained elevation in MSAFP level may increase the risk for preterm delivery but not other adverse pregnancy outcomes.
SHOULD DIABETICS MARRY

Abstract Exception is taken to advice by a World Health Organisation committee that diabetics should not marry each other. If diabetes were strongly and inexorably determined at conception this advice would influence mainly the distribution of diabetic children, rather than their number. Advice against fertile marriage of persons with the same common diseases with strong familial predispositions, if given with the intention of reducing the incidence of this disease, is only sound if the incidence to children with two affected parents exceeds twice the incidence with one affected parent. Attention is drawn to the dangers of encouraging the meeting of families whose children have identical recessively determined disorders. Appointments systems should discourage undue waiting and organisations of afflicted persons should federate their social activities, or segregate them by sex. The increasing number of societies for specific disorders which combine fund raising with social activities imposes serious risks on the unborn and long-term expenses on countries which require, condone, or encourage research to be financed in this way.
Synthesis of a C14',15' dihydro derivative of the south hexacyclic steroid unit of cephalostatin 1. Part I : regiospecific Rh[II]-mediated intermolecular oxygen alkylation of a primary neopentyl alcohol

Abstract Hecogenin acetate 5 was converted to an intermediate suitable for the construction of a C 14',15' dihydro derivative of the “South” hexacyclic spiroketal of cephalostatin 1 1 . The key transformations include: (i) proximal functionalization of the C-18 methyl group in 17 via hypoiodite homolysis; (ii) Rhodium [II] catalyzed intermolecular oxygen alkylation of primary neopentyl hydroxyl group in 20 and (iii) intramolecular Wadsworth-Emmons reaction to provide 23 , the ester precursor of aldehyde 4
Effects of retinal disparity and screen format on three-dimensional object position and course-prediction judgments

A human factors study in which participants viewed 3-D imagery under two task conditions designed to mimic the critical information processing elements of an aircraft control application is reported. In one task, observers judged the relative distance between objects in a 3-D workspace, whereas the other task required observers to extrapolate object positions from course heading cues. Operator performance was assessed for imagery presented with or without retinal disparity cues in three display formats (i.e. , plan view, simple perspective view, and enhanced perspective view) and at three signal-to-clutter levels. The findings indicate that retinal disparity cues reduce the number and magnitude of response errors in the course prediction task, but do not affect observer's response times or ratings of response confidence. The effects of display format varied between the two tasks. In the relative distance assessment task, response times for the simple perspective format were shorter than those for the plan view or enhanced perspective formats. In the course prediction task, response times for the plan view and simple perspective formats were shorter than for the enhanced perspective format. Display format did not affect response errors, error magnitude, or ratings of response confidence.
Energy and exergy analysis of a 16–MW combined cycle district heating system with performance improvements

Results of an energy and exergy analyses performed on a 16–MW University district heating plant located in the Northeast USA are presented in this paper. Unlike past studies, this paper uses actual data to assess CHP plant performance for all the 8760 h in a year (2011). A system of such complexity, considering the large volume of data available and large variations in system load, has not been analysed thermodynamically in the past. Factors affecting efficiency of the district heating plant are analysed, and recommendations for improvement discussed. Seasonal behaviour and part–load characteristics of various individual components in the plant are studied. Energy and exergy calculations are conducted on an hourly basis. Recommendations are made to improve the performance of the system using regression analysis, with potential fuel energy savings of up to 4.06% and annual cost savings of up to $126,840.
Efficiency improvement techniques

This paper provides an overview of the five most commonly used statistical techniques for improving the efficiency of stochastic simulations: control variates, common random numbers, importance sampling, conditional Monte Carlo, and stratification. The paper also describes a mathematical framework for discussion of efficiency issues that quantifies the trade-off between lower variance and higher computational time per observation.
Fib/Tem Analysis of Paint Layers from Thomas Eakins' TheCrucifixion, 1880

Many issues in the examination, treatment, and authentication of works of art depend on the accurate characterization of thin layers, which may challenge the resolution and detection limits of instrumentation routinely used for analyses, particularly SEM-EDS and EPMA. Such thin layers are the focus of recent conservation analysis in preparation for a major retrospective of Thomas Eakins’ works. Interpretation of Eakins’ paintings has often been complicated by mechanical and chemical cleaning procedures performed after the artist’s death in 1916. Recent advances in Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technology provide means for preparing specimens of thin layers that can be analyzed directly by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) yielding resolution in the nanometer range or better. This paper describes initial work undertaken to elucidate the inorganic components in the uppermost paint layers from Eakins’ The Crucifixion, completed in 1880. Using TEM, we have observed a 250-500 nm Pb-rich nanocrystalline region, a pigment free zone less than 2 μm thick, and a lead white paint layer. An analysis of samples from two paintings that were subjected to mild cleaning operations did not show comparable Pb-rich nanocrystals. These results suggest that The Crucifixion may have been subjected to a more aggressive cleaning treatment which caused the entrainment of the Pbrich material-not resolvable by traditional analytical techniques - at the painting’s surface. The use of FIB/TEM has enabled clear identification of the thin paint surface layers and offers enormous promise for understanding the processing and alteration of artists’ materials, including issues of authentication.
Quantitative determination of 5-hydroxytryptophan in dissected brain regions by on-line trace enrichment HPLC with electrochemical detection

A sensitive, specific and rapid quantitative HPLC assay for 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in samples of brain regions of widely differing size is described. The method utilizes off-line prepurification of tissue supernatants on gravity-fed strong cation exchange columns, on-line enrichment of the entire cation exchange column eluate on short reverse phase enrichment precolumns, further separation by reverse phase chromatography on an analytical column and electrochemical detection. On-line trace enrichment permits the efficient incorporation of off-line column chromatography to maximize assay specificity without compromising assay sensitivity. A reliable, working limit of detection of 200 pg 5-HTP/sample permits the estimation of in vivo tryptophan hydroxylase activity by determining the rate of 5-HTP accumulation following L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibition in small discrete brain regions or larger tissue samples only poorly innervated by 5-HT terminals.
Potential relevance of impaired histidine metabolism to the immunodeficiency in human protein-energy malnutrition

Abstract Severe impairment of histidine metabolism is a consistent feature of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in children and in laboratory animals. Many studies in experimental animals including subhuman primates indicate that PEM elicits a prominent increase in the free histidine pool in several tissues. Associated with the latter is a marked elevation in brain content of histamine. There is also evidence of increased levels of histamine in the peripheral tissues. Histamine is considered to be a neuroregulatory substance, interacting with other neurotransmitters in several neuroendocrine and vegetative responses, a claim recently strengthened by the identification of histamineergic neurons in the central nervous system. This vasoactive amine is also classically associated with various pathologic processes including allergy, anaphylaxis and severe stress. Some subpopulations of lymphocytes have surface receptor sites for histamine, and studies indicate that this biogenic amine impairs various parameters of the immune system, especially cell-mediated immunity. There is therefore a need for evaluation of the possible contributions of increased body burden of histamine to the impaired immune responses seen in malnourished children.
Ab initio study on the kinetics and mechanisms for O3 reactions with HO2 and HNO

Abstract The reactions of O 3 with HO 2 and HNO have been studied at the G2M//BH&HLYP/6-311++G(2df,2p) level of theory. Both reactions can occur by H-abstraction by O 3 and O-abstraction by HXO (X = O and N). The barriers for H-abstraction reactions were found to be lower and take place via the O 3 ⋯HXO van der Waals complexes with 2.5 kcal/mol stability for O 3 ⋯HO 2 and 1.3 kcal/mol for O 3 ⋯HNO. The rate constants predicted for the H-abstraction processes in the temperature range 150–1000 K given in cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 can be represented by k 1 = 6.34 × 10 −30 T 5.37 exp(885/T) for the former and k 2 = 3.36 × 10 −24 T 3.59 exp(397/T) for the latter reaction, which is 3–5 times faster than the former between 150 and 500 K. The predicted rate constant and product branching ratio for the HO 2 + O 3 reaction are in close agreement with experimental data. The heat of formation of HO 3 was estimated to be 7.4 ± 1.0 kcal/mol, HO 3 was predicted to fragment with 0.7 kcal/mol barrier.
Nutrient transport and acquisition by diatom chains in a moving fluid

The role of fluid motion in delivery of nutrients to phytoplankton cells is a fundamental question in biological and chemical oceanography. In the study of mass transfer to phytoplankton, diatoms are of particular interest. They are non-motile, are often the most abundant components in aggregates and often form chains, so they are the ones expected to benefit most from enhancement of nutrient flux due to dissipating turbulence. Experimental data to test the contribution of advection to nutrient acquisition by phytoplankton are scarce, mainly because of the inability to visualize, record and thus imitate fluid motions in the vicinities of cells in natural flows. Laboratory experiments have most often used steady Couette flows to simulate the effects of turbulence on plankton. However, steady flow, producing spatially uniform shear, fails to capture the diffusion of momentum and vorticity, the essence of turbulence. Thus, numerical modelling plays an important role in the study of effects of fluid motion on diffusive and advective nutrient fluxes. In this paper we use the immersed boundary method to model the interaction of rigid and flexible diatom chains with the surrounding fluid and nutrients. We examine this interaction in two nutrient regimes, a uniform background concentration of nutrients, such as might be typical of an early spring bloom, and a contrasting scenario in which nutrients are supplied as small, randomly distributed pulses, as is more likely for oligotrophic seas and summer conditions in coastal and boreal seas. We also vary the length and flexibility of chains, as whether chains are straight or bent, rigid or flexible will affect their behaviour in the flow and hence their nutrient fluxes. The results of numerical experiments suggest that stiff chains consume more nutrients than solitary cells. Stiff chains also experience larger nutrient fluxes compared to flexible chains, and the nutrient uptake per cell increases with increasing stiffness of the chain, suggesting a major advantage of silica frustules in diatoms.
Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging for noninvasive characterization of carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques: a feasibility study.

Atherosclerotic disease in the carotid artery is a risk factor for stroke. The susceptibility of atherosclerotic plaque to rupture, however, is challenging to determine by any imaging method. In this study, acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is applied to atherosclerotic disease in the carotid artery to determine the feasibility of using ARFI to noninvasively characterize carotid plaques. ARFI imaging is a useful method for characterizing the local mechanical properties of tissue and is complementary to B-mode imaging. ARFI imaging can readily distinguish between stiff and soft regions of tissue. High-resolution images of both homogeneous and heterogeneous plaques were observed. Homogeneous plaques were indistinguishable in stiffness from vascular tissue. However, they showed thicknesses much greater than normal vascular tissue. In heterogeneous plaques, large and small soft regions were observed, with the smallest observed soft region having a diameter of 0.5 mm. A stiff cap was observed covering the large soft tissue region, with the cap thickness ranging from 0.7–1.3 mm.
Constructing group learning

The author explores methods used with groups and discusses the process of constructing activities that focus on group learning.
The design and implementation of the new center/TRACON automation system (CTAS) weather distribution system

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is developing a suite of decision support tools, called the Center/TRACON Automation System (CTAS). CTAS tools such as the Traffic Management Advisor (TMA) and Final Approach Spacing Tool (FAST) are designed to increase the efficiency of the air traffic flow into and through Terminal airspace. A core capability of CTAS is the Trajectory Synthesis (TS) software for accurately predicting an aircraft's trajectory. In order to compute these trajectories, TS needs an efficient access mechanism for obtaining the most up-to-date and accurate winds. The current CTAS weather access mechanism suffers from several major drawbacks.1 First, the mechanism can only handle a winds at a single resolution (presently 40-80 km). This prevents CTAS from taking advantage of high resolution wind from sources such as the Integrated Terminal Weather System (ITWS). Second, the present weather access mechanism is memory intensive and does not extend well to higher grid resolutions. This potentially limits CTAS in taking advantage of improvements in wind resolution from sources such as the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC). Third, the present method is processing intensive and limits the ability of CTAS to handle higher traffic loads. This potentially could impact the ability of new tools such as Direct-To and Multi-Center TMA (McTMA) to deal with increased traffic loads associated with adjacent Centers.
Attitudinal and Behavioral Correlates of Computer Anxiety

108 male and 65 female undergraduate students participated in a survey designed to examine 10 potential correlates of computer anxiety. Analysis indicated that self-reported behavioral correlates, particularly those directly associated with computer use, accounted for more of the variance in computer anxiety than personality or attitudinally-based correlates.
Modelling spatial reasoning systems with shape algebras and formal logic

The combination of the paradigms of shape algebras and predicate logic representations, used in a new method for describing designs, is presented. First-order predicate logic provides a natural, intuitive way of representing shapes and spatial relations in the development of complete computer systems for reasoning about designs. Shape algebraic formalisms have advantages over more traditional representations of geometric objects. Here we illustrate the definition of a large set of high-level design relations from a small set of simple structures and spatial relations, with examples from the domains of geographic information systems and architecture.
Machine learning for software engineering: case studies in software reuse

There are many machine learning algorithms currently available. In the 21st century, the problem no longer lies in writing the learner but in choosing which learners to run on a given data set. We argue that the final choice of learners should not be exclusive; in fact, there are distinct advantages in running data sets through multiple learners. To illustrate our point, we perform a case study on a reuse data set using three different styles of learners: association rule, decision tree induction, and treatment. Software reuse is a topic of avid debate in the professional and academic arena; it has proven that it can be both a blessing and a curse. Although there is much debate over where and when reuse should be instituted into a project, our learners found some procedures which should significantly improve the odds of a reuse program succeeding.
Renal Amyloidosis: Origin and Clinicopathologic Correlations of 474 Recent Cases

Summary Background and objectives The kidney is the organ most commonly involved in systemic amyloidosis. This study reports the largest clinicopathologic series of renal amyloidosis. Design, setting, participants, & measurements This study provides characteristics of 474 renal amyloidosis cases evaluated at the Mayo Clinic Renal Pathology Laboratory from 2007 to 2011, including age, sex, serum creatinine, proteinuria, type of amyloid, and tissue distribution according to type. Results The type of amyloid was Ig amyloidosis in 407 patients (85.9%), AA amyloidosis in 33 (7.0%), leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis in 13 (2.7%), fibrinogen A α chain amyloidosis in 6 (1.3%), Apo AI, Apo AII, or Apo AIV amyloidosis in 3 (0.6%), combined AA amyloidosis/Ig heavy and light chain amyloidosis in 1 (0.2%), and unclassified in 11 (2.3%). Laser microdissection/mass spectrometry, performed in 147 cases, was needed to determine the origin of amyloid in 74 of the 474 cases (16%), whereas immunofluorescence failed to diagnose 28 of 384 light chain amyloidosis cases (7.3%). Leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis and Apo AI, Apo AII, or Apo AIV amyloidosis were characterized by diffuse interstitial deposition, whereas fibrinogen A α chain amyloidosis showed obliterative glomerular involvement. Compared with other types, Ig amyloidosis was associated with lower serum creatinine, higher degree of proteinuria, and amyloid spicules. Conclusions In the authors’ experience, the vast majority of renal amyloidosis cases are Ig derived. The newly identified leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis form was the most common of the rarer causes of renal amyloidosis. With the advent of laser microdissection/mass spectrometry for amyloid typing, the origin of renal amyloidosis can be determined in >97% of cases.
Source monitoring and memory distortion

Memory distortion reflects failures to identify the sources of mental experience (reality monitoring failures or source misattributions). For example, people sometimes confuse what they inferred or imagined and what actually happened, what they saw and what was suggested to them, one person's actions and another's what they heard and what they previously knew, and fiction and fact. Source confusions arise because activated information is incomplete or ambiguous and the evaluative processes responsible for attributing information to sources are imperfect. Both accurate and inaccurate source attributions result from heuristic processes and more reflectively complex processes that evaluate a mental experience for various qualities such as amount and type of perceptual, contextual, affective, semantic and cognitive detail, that retrieve additional supporting or disconfirming evidence, and that evaluate plausibility and consistency given general knowledge, schemes, biases and goals. Experimental and clinical evidence regarding cognitive mechanisms and underlying brain structures of source monitoring are discussed.
Space, time, and the development of shared leadership networks in multiteam systems

Digital technologies have created the potential for new forms of organizing among geographically dispersed individuals by connecting their ideas across the time and space in complex multiteam systems (MTSs). Realizing this potential requires novel forms of shared leadership structures to shepherd divergent and convergent thinking necessary to nurture innovation. While there is limited research on how space influences leadership and how the time influences leadership, there is virtually no theorizing on how space and time interact together to influence the emergence of shared leadership structures that facilitates innovation. A key contribution of this study is to utilize an agent-based model (ABM) that draws upon the research on leadership, networks, and innovation to specify generative mechanisms (or micro-processes) through which shared leadership structures emerge over space and time. The parameters in this model were estimated from empirical data. Results of virtual experiments (VE) yielded testable hypotheses suggesting that, over time, leadership capacity and between-team ties are negatively influenced by space. Furthermore, the computational model suggests that space increases the concentration of divergent leadership but decreases the concentration of convergent leadership. The study concludes by discussing the implications for the design of effective leadership structures to nurture innovation in MTSs.
Acute Lead Toxicosis in a Household of Cats

nously as a specific antidote. Diuresis should be initiated using sodium bicarbonate and potassium chloride added to 5% dextrose to maintain a urine pH of 7.5. Renal function, serum electrolytes, and fluid therapy should be closely monitored. The only route of elimination is through the kidneys. Prognosis must be guarded because of the nephrotoxic effects of these compounds and the potential for disseminated intravascular coagulation. 2. Sax NI, Lewis RJ: 1989, Dangerous properties of industrial materials, 7th ed., vol. 3, p. 2847. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, NY. 3. Sheahan BJ, Pugh SM, Winstanley EW: 1971, Experimental sodium chlorate poisoning in dogs. Res Vet Sci 12:387-389. 4. Stair EL, Whaley M: 1990, Rapid screening and spot tests for the presence of common poisons. Vet Hum Toxicol 32:564-566. 5. Steffen C, Seitz R: 1981, Severe chlorate poisoning: report of a case. Arch Toxicol 48:281-288.
High Temperature Piezoelectric Drill

The current NASA Decadal mission planning effort has identified Venus as a significant scientific target for a surface in-situ sampling/analyzing mission. The Venus environment represents several extremes including high temperature (460 deg C), high pressure (~9 MPa), and potentially corrosive (condensed sulfuric acid droplets that adhere to surfaces during entry) environments. This technology challenge requires new rock sampling tools for these extreme conditions. Piezoelectric materials can potentially operate over a wide temperature range. Single crystals, like LiNbO3, have a Curie temperature that is higher than 1000 deg C and the piezoelectric ceramics Bismuth Titanate higher than 600 deg C. A study of the feasibility of producing piezoelectric drills that can operate in the temperature range up to 500 deg C was conducted. The study includes the high temperature properties investigations of engineering materials and piezoelectric ceramics with different formulas and doping. The drilling performances of a prototype Ultrasonic/Sonic Drill/Corer (USDC) using high temperate piezoelectric ceramics and single crystal were tested at temperature up to 500 deg C. The detailed results of our study and a discussion of the future work on performance improvements are presented in this paper.
Green tea may inhibit warfarin.

Of the numerous positive responses to my recent review article on the cardiovascular effects of Chinese green tea [1], one seems to be most interesting and has important clinical implications. While praising me for the completeness of my article, the responder wrote ‘‘Unfortunately, although I like it, I can’t drink it. . .I’m taking warfarin’’. The purpose of this Letter to the Editor is to address this specific question. Green tea may contain significant quantities of vitamin K [2–4]. This exogenous administration of vitamin K may antagonize the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, leading to a decrease in the International Normalized Ratio (INR). Although brewed green tea contains low amounts of vitamin K (0.03 Ag of vitamin K per 100 gm of brewed tea [5]), the dry green leaves contain 1428 Ag of vitamin K per 100 gm of leaves compared with only 262 Ag of vitamin K per 100 gm of dry black tea leaves [4,5]. The actual concentration of vitamin K in the final product will, of course, depend on the dilution and amount of tea leaves used to brew the tea [2]. Also the quantity of tea consumed per day will obviously play a major role in determining the actual amount of exogenous vitamin K consumption. Because warfarin usage is so common in everyday cardiologic practice [6] and because tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world [7], next to only water [1], the possible inhibitory property of green tea on
Squamous cell carcinoma associated with a periorbital mass in a veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus)

This report describes a squamous cell carcinoma in a 1-year-old female veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus). The lesion developed as a small (1 by 1 mm) left periocular discoloration of a scale never involving the eye. The mass was first diagnosed as an abscess, increased in size (4 by 8 by 3 mm), and recurred after two surgical resections combined with antibiotic therapy. Poor nutritional condition and egg production by the chameleon complicated management of this condition. The mass was removed surgically a third time at which point histopathologic evaluation revealed a locally invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Bacterial culture of the mass isolated a pure culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ceftazidime was administered at 20 mg/kg IM every 48 h for 20 days. The animal died 3 months later from complications during an ovariohysterectomy for pregnancy toxemia and oviduct inertia. Necropsy showed no local recurrence or metastasis of the tumor.
Disturbance reduction for nonlinear systems

Disturbance accommodation control is a method of control to reduce the effects of external disturbances acting on certain linear and nonlinear systems. This type of disturbance reduction technique is used primarily for known waveform type disturbances. An extension of previous works of the disturbance accommodation control for nonlinear systems is presented. Simulation results are incorporated to illustrate this extension. >
Design and fabrication of a dual-element off-axis near-eye optical magnifier

The key contribution is the design, analysis, and fabrication of a dual-element off-axis magnifier to improve the state of the art in catadioptric magnifiers. The catadioptric magnifier is composed of a free-form mirror and a lens with a diffractive optical element. A monocular magnifier was prototyped, to our knowledge for the first time, with the specifications of an 8 mm exit pupil, 20 degrees diagonal full field of view, 15 mm eye clearance, 1.5 arcmin resolution, and operating in the photopic visual regime.
Desensitized divided difference filtering for induction motor state estimation

This paper develops a robust divided difference filtering approach based on the concept of Desensitized Kalman Filtering, for use in induction motor state estimation. In this approach, reduced-order filters can be developed that are insensitive to parameter uncertainties. The filters are formulated using a minimum variance cost function, augmented with a penalty function consisting of a weighted norm of the state sensitivities. Solutions are provided for first and second-order divided difference filters. The proposed algorithms are demonstrated using Monte-Carlo simulation techniques.
Statistical analyses of the magnet data for the Advanced Photon Source storage ring magnets

The statistics of the measured magnetic data of 80 dipole, 400 quadrupole, and 280 sextupole magnets of conventional resistive designs for the APS storage ring is summarized. In order to accommodate the vacuum chamber, the curved dipole has a C-type cross section and the quadrupole and sextupole cross sections have 180* and 120* symmetries, respectively. The data statistics include the integrated main fields, multipole coefficients, magnetic and mechanical axes, and roll angles of the main fields. The average and rms values of the measured magnet data meet the storage ring requirements.
Production of haploids of potato ( Solanum tuberosum subsp. tuberosum ) and their identification with electrophoretic analysis

The frequency of haploid production following the interspecific pollination of eight tetraploid potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum subsp. tuberosum) with Solanum phureja clone 1.22 was investigated. A total of 185 haploids were produced with an overall haploid frequency of 3.9 haploids/100 fruits. The haploid frequency was affected by the genotype of the maternal parent. Atlantic, ND860-2, Superior, Saginaw Gold, Spartan Pearl, Nooksack and Onaway had frequencies of 6.2, 5.1, 4.7, 3.9, 2.3 and 0.7 haploids/100 fruits, respectively. There were 60 and 57 haploids produced from Atlantic and Saginaw Gold, respectively, and no haploids were extracted from fruits of Lemhi Russet. Isozyme analysis and visual examination were performed independently to compare the efficiency of discriminating hybrids from haploids. Approximately 80% of total hybrids could be identified by electrophoretic analysis, while 77% were distinguished through visual examination. Pgm-2 1, which is unique in the clone 1.22 and absent from all seed parents, was found to be the most useful locus in hybrid identification and 50% of total hybrids could be distinguished by this allele. With similar rationale, Mdh-1 1 allozyme, which was absent in six of the eight parents, identified 37% of total hybrids. A combination of both visual and electrophoretic methods made hybrid identification even more efficient, with an average identification efficiency of 91%. A scheme was proposed to develop a new haploid inducer which would be homozygous for both Pgm-2 1 and embryo spot.
Vascular endothelial growth factor blockade alters magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers of vascular function and decreases barrier permeability in a rat model of lung cancer brain metastasis

Blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to promote vascular normalization and inhibit angiogenesis has been proposed for the treatment of brain metastases; however, vascular normalization has not been well-characterized in this disease. We investigated the effect of treatment with bevacizumab anti-VEGF antibody on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers of brain tumor vascular characteristics in comparison to small molecule delivery in a rat model of human lung cancer brain metastasis. Athymic rats with A549 human lung adenocarcinoma intracerebral xenografts underwent MRI at 11.75 T before and one day after treatment with bevacizumab (n = 8) or saline control (n = 8) to evaluate tumor volume, free water content (edema), blood volume and vascular permeability (Ktrans). One day later, permeability to 14C-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) was measured in tumor and brain to assess the penetration of a small drug-like molecule. In saline control animals, tumor volume, edema and permeability increased over the two day assessment period. Compared to controls, bevacizumab treatment slowed the rate of tumor growth (P = 0.003) and blocked the increase in edema (P = 0.033), but did not alter tumor blood volume. Bevacizumab also significantly reduced Ktrans (P = 0.033) and AIB passive permeability in tumor (P = 0.04), but not to peritumoral tissue or normal brain. Post-treatment Ktrans correlated with AIB levels in the bevacizumab-treated rats but not in the saline controls. The correlation of an MRI biomarker for decreased vascular permeability with decreased AIB concentration in tumor after antiangiogenic treatment suggests that bevacizumab partially restored the normal low permeability characteristics of the blood–brain barrier in a model of human lung cancer brain metastasis.
Anti-bipolar therapy: mechanism of action of lithium.

This review introduces the concepts that multiple actions of lithium are critical for its therapeutic effect, and that these complex effects stabilize neuronal activities, support neural plasticity, and provide neuroprotection. Three interacting systems appear most critical. (i) Modulation of neurotransmitters by lithium likely readjusts balances between excitatory and inhibitory activities, and decreased glutamatergic activity may contribute to neuroprotection. (ii) Lithium modulates signals impacting on the cytoskeleton, a dynamic system contributing to neural plasticity, at multiple levels, including glycogen synthase kinase-3β, cyclic AMP-dependent kinase, and protein kinase C, which may be critical for the neural plasticity involved in mood recovery and stabilization. (iii) Lithium adjusts signaling activities regulating second messengers, transcription factors, and gene expression. The outcome of these effects appears likely to result in limiting the magnitudes of fluctuations in activities, contributing to a stabilizing influence induced by lithium, and neuroprotective effects may be derived from its modulation of gene expression.
Moving to Sustainability by Learning from Successful Fisheries

There are two diverging views of the status and future of the world's fisheries. One group represented largely by academic marine ecologists sees almost universal failure of fisheries management and calls for the use of marine-protected areas as the central tool of a new approach to rebuilding the marine ecosystems of the world. The scientists working in fisheries agencies and many academic scientists see a more complex picture, with many failed fisheries but also numerous successes. This group argues that we need to apply the lessons from the successful fisheries to stop the decline and rebuild those fisheries threatened by excess fishing. These lessons are stopping the competitive race to fish by appropriate incentives for fishing fleets and good governance. The major tool of resetting incentives is granting various forms of dedicated access, including community-based fishing rights, allocation to cooperatives, and individual fishing quotas. Many of the failed fisheries of the world occur in jurisdictions where central governments are not functional, and local control of fisheries is an essential part of the solution.
Dissertation as Life Chapter: Managing Emotions, Relationships, and Time

The published psychological literature on the developmental milestone that is the doctoral dissertation emphasizes either psychological interpretations or practical strategies as ways to help, each often failing to note the critical importance of the other. Clinicians need to understand underlying psychological issues that may complicate the dissertation-writing process, including particular difficulties that can arise for first-generation college students and other nontraditional students. Interpretation of unconscious conflicts is possible and sometimes critical even in brief treatments. Conversely, pragmatic techniques can help move students from paralysis into constructive action when interpretations do not. Case examples are offered throughout.