cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethnic differences in the relationship of prediabetes with the presence of target-organ disease.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular risk is associated with prediabetes states. Ethnic differences in risks related to prediabetes have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between prediabetes and the presence of target-organ disease in terms of ethnic differences. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) involved a prospective cohort of 6814 participants aged 45–84years in the US, including Black, white and hispanic subjects from an initial examination in 2000 with no known history of heart attack, stroke or diabetes. Main outcomes were comparisons of markers for coronary artery calcification (CAC), carotid stenosis more than 25%, Ankle–Brachial Index (ABI) less than 1.0 and presence of protein in urine (>30mg/g) between participants with normal fasting glucose (NFG) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and between ethnic groups with prediabetes/IFG. Results There were 2457 white, 1548 black and 1229 Hispanic participants. After adjustments, there were no differences for each outcome between normal and prediabetes black and Hispanic subjects, whereas white participants with prediabetes had significantly higher odds of carotid stenosis (OR: 1.50), low ABI (OR: 1.77) and albuminuria (OR: 1.66) compared with whites with NFG. When comparing those with IFG/prediabetes by ethnicity, blacks and Hispanics had less CAC and carotid stenosis. In addition, Hispanics had lower reduced ABIs (OR: 0.35, 95% CI 0.19–0.65) compared with whites with IFG. Conclusion Prediabetes is related to the presence of several indicators of end-organ damage in white subjects, but not in blacks or Hispanics. Further longitudinal investigations into disease risks related to prediabetes in different ethnic groups are also needed.
SU-FF-T-20: A Method to Achieve Uniform Dose Distributions in Small Animal Subcutaneous Tumors

Purpose: In the current radiotherapy paradigm, a major treatment planning goal is target dose uniformity. However, a boost dose to as large a fraction as possible of the target volume (partial target boosting) may improve local control without increasing the risk of normal tissue injury. We are investigating the feasibility of using 6 MV photon beam from Varian 2100 Linac to deliver controlled, non‐uniform dose distributions to subcutaneous small animal tumors. The focus here is to achieve dose uniformity as the first step. Methods: A superficial structure was created near the thigh of a healthy mouse to simulate a subcutaneous tumor. It had a maximum dimension of 9mm and density equal to water. The fast Monte Carlo code, Dose Planning Method, (DPM) was coupled to our research treatment planning system, CERR (Computational Environment for Radiotherapy Research), to conduct the planning study. The mouse was placed on the in‐house microRT system. Different boluses and beam arrangements were tested. Results: By computing and evaluating the different plans using 2, 4, and 7mm boluses, it was found that 4mm bolus was enough to provide buildup. Two slightly‐angled (35° and 240°) or parallel‐opposed (60° and 240°) beams can achieve a tumordose with 3% RMS, the minimum and maximum dose as 0.89Gy and 1.05Gy respectively, for the mean dose 1Gy. This suggested that the uniform dose distributions can be delivered. Conclusions: 6MV photon beam is capable of delivering uniform dose on a superficial tumor of 9mm. Thus it is achievable to deliver a non‐uniform dose on the tumor, provided accurate positioning and beam collimation, to facilitate the investigation of tumor response to heterogeneous dose. The microRT hardware and CERR planning system are a useful platform for this study. Conflict of Interests: This research was partially supported by a grant from Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
Reactivity of DNA Guanyl Radicals with Phenolate Anions

Guanine bases are the most easily oxidized sites in DNA. Electron-deficient guanine species are major intermediates produced in DNA by the direct effect of ionizing radiation (ionization of the DNA itself) because of preferential hole migration within DNA to guanine bases. By using thiocyanate ions to modify the indirect effect (ionization of the solvent), we are able to produce these single-electron-oxidized guanine radical species in dilute aqueous solutions of plasmid DNA where the direct effect is negligible. The guanyl radical species produce stable modified guanine products. They can be detected in the plasmid by converting them to strand breaks after incubation with a DNA repair enzyme. If a phenol is present during irradiation, the yield of modified guanines is decreased. The mechanism is reduction of the guanine radical species by the phenol. It is possible to derive a rate constant for the reaction of the phenol with the guanyl radical. The pH dependence shows that phenolate anions are more reactive than their conjugate acids, although the difference for guanyl radicals is smaller than with other single-electron-oxidizing agents. At physiological pH values, the reduction of a guanyl radical entails the transfer of a proton in addition to the electron. The relatively small dependence of the rate constant on the driving force implies that the electron cannot be transferred before the proton. These results emphasize the potential importance of acidic tyrosine residues and the intimate involvement of protons in DNA repair.
Quark-antiquark contribution to the hadroproduction of ψ in the color-singlet model

We consider the contribution to psi hadroproduction due to the elementary subprocess qq-bar..-->..psiGG. The color-singlet nature and observed spin-parity of the psi are incorporated and the normalization of the cross section is predicted by the psi wave function at the origin as measured in the leptonic psi decay. We expect this process to dominate the difference in psi production from particle versus antiparticle beams. The energy dependence of psi production as well as distributions in x/sub F/ and P/sub T/ are predicted.
New Strategies for the Treatment of Type 2

Abstract This review of current developments in the treatment of type 2 diabetes focuses on the achievement of normoglycemia through appropriately defined goals of diet, exercise, and drug therapy. Clinical nutritionists are central partners in the management of type 2 diabetes, and nutrition therapy is still considered the first-line therapy of choice. A nutritionist's role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes is to ensure an individualized, nutritionally adequate diet for patients, uncomplicated by episodes of hypoglycemia. In this role, clinical nutritionists must be aware of potential drug interactions with diet therapy and may be able to provide essential feedback about possible drug interactions to other members of the health care team, including nurses, pharmacists, and physicians. The role of insulin in treating type 2 diabetes is reexamined in the light of newly available oral antidiabetic agents and increasing awareness of the importance of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in the development of diabetes complications. Because many patients use insulin to reduce blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) to acceptable levels, management should combine diet therapy with insulin and/or 1 or 2 oral antidiabetic agents to help minimize the dose of exogenous insulin needed for glucose control. J Am Diet Assoc. 1999;99:329–334.
Effects of anxiety and depression on heart disease attributions.

Cardiac patients’beliefs about the causes of their illness may influence their receptivity to psychosocial interventions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether depression or anxiety influence patients’ attributions about the causes of their heart disease. The primary hypothesis was that depressed or anxious patients are more likely to endorse negative emotions as among the causes of their heart disease than are patients who are not depressed or anxious. Sixty-nine patients with documented ischemic heart disease recruited from an exercise stress testing laboratory completed the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories and a heart disease attribution checklist. Univariate analyses confirmed that patients who are depressed or anxious are more likely than other patients to endorse negative emotions as causes of their heart disease. Anxiety but not depression was retained as an independent predictor of negative emotion attributions in a logistic regression analysis. We conclude that mood state influences cardiac patients’ beliefs about the causes of their heart disease.
XPS characterization of erbium sesquioxide and erbium hydroxide

The low temperature antiferromagnetic transition of Er2O3 is being investigated by studying the tunneling characteristics of superconducting junctions fabricated with artificial barriers of the oxide. To develop techniques for the semiquantitative determination of the relative concentrations of Er2O3 and Er(OH)3 in tunneling barriers, XPS studies have been carried out on standard samples of Er, Er2O3, and Er(OH)3.
APPROACHES TO THE ASSESSMENT OF AROUSALS AND SLEEP DISTURBANCE IN CHILDREN

Childhood arousals, awakenings, and sleep disturbances during the night are common problems for both patients and their families. Additionally, inadequate sleep may contribute to daytime sleepiness, behavioral problems, and other important consequences of pediatric sleep disorders. Arousals, awakenings, and sleep disturbances can be quantified by routine polysomnography, and arousal scoring is generally performed as part of the standard polysomnogram. Here, we review current approaches to quantification of arousals and sleep disturbances and examine outcomes that have been associated with these measures. Initial data suggest that computer-assisted identification of non-visible arousals, cyclic alternating patterns, or respiratory cycle-related EEG changes may complement what can be accomplished by human scorers. Focus on contiguous bouts of sleep or specific sleep stages may prove similarly useful. Incorporation of autonomic arousal measures-such as heart rate variability, pulse transit time, or peripheral arterial tone-into standard reports may additionally capture subtle sleep fragmentation.
Carbon‐oxygen bond formation in electron‐impact ions of acetylenic sulfoxides and sulfones

Migration of the ethynyl group, from sulfur to oxygen in acetylenic sulfoxides and sulfones leads to several documented examples of carbon-oxygen bond forming rearrangement reactions.
Story recall under monaural and binaural conditions in psychiatric patients

It has been reported that a large proportion of patients with major psychiatric disorders can recall a short story better if they listen with one ear rather than the other (monaural asymmetry), and that binaural performance is worse than with the better ear alone (binaural inferiority). Blocking the poorer ear with an earplug is said to significantly improve speech comprehension in daily life. Because of the theoretical and practical significance of these reports, we have attempted a replication. Forty-four psychotic patients, primarily schizophrenic, were studied. We found a lower incidence of abnormal monaural asymmetry and binaural inferiority than was previously reported. The incidence remained low whether we considered the entire sample or subgroups defined by diagnosis, chronicity, or age. Retest reliability was poor. We also found that binaural superiority was as common as binaural inferiority, and concluded that the instances of relative binaural inferiority in our sample were primarily due to chance. Differences in methods, subject selection, or medication were considered, but did not clearly account for the discrepancies between our results and previous studies. Future research must focus on establishing the conditions determining reliability.
Mercury concentrations in muscle tissue from sportfish in Lake Mead, Nevada

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of mercury present in commonly consumed fish from Lake Mead and to identify if differences exist between the 4 major basins. To date, no formal study using US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) approved methodology has been conducted to quantify the amount of mercury present in fish tissue from Lake Mead. Largemouth bass (n = 49), striped bass (n = 94) and channel catfish (n = 78) were collected from selected sites in Boulder Basin, Overton Arm, Virgin Basin and Gregg Basin of Lake Mead. Muscle tissue was homogenized, digested and analyzed for mercury in accordance with USEPA Method 245.6. Mean total mercury concentrations were (± SD) 0.089 ± 0.065, 0.154 ± 0.127 and 0.098 ± 0.080 μg/g in largemouth bass, striped bass and channel catfish, respectively. There was a significant overall difference in mean mercury concentration between fish from the 4 major basins of Lake Mead (F3,208= 20.541, p < 0.001). The mean mercury concentration in...
Animals as Models for Robot Mobility and Autonomy: Crawling, Walking, Running, Climbing and Flying

The biorobotics program at CaseWestern Reserve University (CWRU) has been active for more than 20 years. This presentation highlights many of the projects undertaken during that time and describes how neuromechanical principles have benefited a number of robots. As this list of principles grows, so does the functionality and performance of the biorobots.
Direct Hyposmotic Stimulation of Gastric Acid Secretion

Gastric glands isolated from rabbit stomach were incubated in isosmotic medium or media made hyposmotic by 50–100 mOsm/kg. As indicated by radiolabeled aminopyrine accumulation, acid secretion was nearly 3 times greater in 200 mOsm/kg hyposmotic than in isosmotic medium after a 30-min incubation. The hyposmotic stimulation appeared within 2 min, peaked at 10–15 min and declined almost to the isosmotic control by 45 min. As estimated by the wet weight corrected for inulin extracellular space, the intracellular water of the glands also peaked at 15 min and returned to the isosmotic norm by 45 min. Hyposmotic stimulation of acid secretion directly involved the parietal cell, since parietal cells obtained from gastric glands were also stimulated. That the hyposmotic response was direct was indicated by omeprazole inhibition of aminopyrine accumulation in hyposmotic medium
Economic Impact of Stroke and Implications for Interventions

Stroke causes an enormous health and economic burden throughout the world and nearly 5% of total healthcare costs in industrialised countries are attributable to the medical costs of its stroke victims. As countries and healthcare delivery systems try to economise without compromising quality, a growing body of data is emerging that attempts to characterise the economic burden and determinants of stroke costs as well as to define the most cost-effective treatment strategies. Factors contributing to the variation in stroke costs, both within and between countries, include patient-level factors, variations in physicians’ practice styles, the specialty of the attending physician, type of hospital, type of health insurance, and methods used in managed care. Cost-effectiveness analyses have begun to provide information about the relative value of various diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with cerebrovascular disease.
Electrical activity of the diaphragm during extubation readiness testing in critically ill children

OBJECTIVES To investigate the electrical activity of the diaphragm during extubation readiness testing. DESIGN Prospective observational trial. SETTING A 29-bed medical-surgical pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENTS Mechanically ventilated children between 1 month and 18 yrs of age. INTERVENTIONS Twenty patients underwent a standardized extubation readiness test using a minimal pressure support ventilation strategy. A size-appropriate multiple-array esophageal electrode (electrical diaphragmatic activity catheter), which doubled as a feeding tube, was inserted. The electrical diaphragmatic activity, ventilatory parameters, and spirometry measurements were recorded with the Servo-i ventilator (Maquet, Solna, Sweden). Measurements were obtained before the extubation readiness test and 1 hr into the extubation readiness test. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS During extubation readiness testing, the ratio of tidal volume to delta electrical diaphragmatic activity was significantly lower in those patients who passed the extubation readiness test compared to those who failed the extubation readiness test (extubation readiness test, pass: 24.8 ± 20.9 mL/μV vs. extubation readiness test, fail: 67.2 ± 27 mL/μV, respectively; p = .02). Delta electrical diaphragmatic activity correlated significantly with neuromuscular drive assessed by airway opening pressure at 0.1 secs (before extubation readiness test: r = .591, p < .001; during extubation readiness test: r = .682, p < .001). Eight out of 20 patients had ventilator dys-synchrony identified with electrical diaphragmatic activity during extubation readiness testing. CONCLUSIONS Patients who generate higher diaphragmatic activity in relation to tidal volume may have better preserved diaphragmatic function and a better chance of passing the extubation readiness test as opposed to patients who generate lower diaphragmatic activity in relation to tidal volume, indicating diaphragmatic weakness. Electrical activity of the diaphragm also may be a useful adjunct to assess neuromuscular drive in ventilated children.
Seroma development following body contouring surgery for massive weight loss: patient risk factors and treatment strategies.

Background:The most common complications following body contouring surgery for massive weight loss include delayed wound healing and seroma. The authors investigated risk factors for seroma in this patient population and describe treatment strategies.Methods:A retrospective review of 222 patients wh
Threonine inhibition of the aspartokinase-homoserine dehydrogenase-I complex of Escherichia coli: Dilatometric studies

Abstract Dilatometric measurements of the interaction of threonine with the threonine-sensitive aspartokinase-homoserine dehydrogenase complex reveal the volume change for this allosteric transformation to be less than 40 ml/105 g protein (0.08%) which is the limit of resolution by this method. Apparently the large changes in biological activity and several other physical parameters which are associated with this effector-enzyme interaction are not accompanied by demonstrable volume effects.
A novel approach to frontal sinus surgery: treatment algorithm revisited.

Background Access to the frontal sinus remains a challenging problem for the craniofacial surgeon. A wide array of techniques including minimally invasive endoscopic approaches have been described. Here we present our technique using medical modeling to gain fast and safe access for multiple indications. Methods Computer-aided surgery involves several distinct phases: planning, modeling, surgery, and evaluation. Computer-aided, precise cutting guides are designed preoperatively and allowed to perfectly outline and then cut the anterior table of the frontal sinus at its junction to the surrounding frontal bone. The outcomes are evaluated by postoperative three-dimensional computed tomography scan. Results Eight patients sustaining frontal sinus fractures were treated with the aid of medical modeling. Three patients (37.5%) had isolated anterior table fractures, and 4 (50%) had combined anterior and posterior table fractures, whereas 1 patient (12.5%) sustained isolated posterior table fractures. Operative times were significantly shorter using the cutting guides, and fracture reduction was more precise. There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates or overall patient satisfaction. Conclusions The surgical approach to the frontal sinus can be made more efficient, safe, and precise when using computer-aided medical modeling to create customized cutting guides.
Lipid-lowering therapy for the primary prevention of coronary heart disease

For more than 40 years, observational epidemiologic studies have consistently documented that individuals with elevated serum total cholesterol are at increased risk for a first coronary heart disease (CHD) event [(1–4)][1]. In general, clinical data indicate that CHD risk is 2% to 3% lower for
o‐Methylbenzyl Alcohol

o-Methylbenzyl alcohol intermediate: o-Methylbenzyl acetate intermediate: 2-methylbenzylethyldimethylammonium bromide product: o-Methylbenzyl alcohol intermediate: 2,3-dimethylbenzyl acetate product: 2,3-dimethylbenzyl alcohol Keywords: alkylation, N-alkylation; hydrolysis, esters and lactones; replacement reactions, ammonium by oxygen; replacement reactions, miscellaneous; (2-methylbenzyl)ethyldimethylammonium bromide, preparation of
Clinical presentation and disease phases of chronic hepatitis B using conventional versus modified ALT criteria in Asian Americans.

The modified normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) value (i.e., males <30 and females <19 IU/L) is a better criteria associated with histological activity in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study was aimed to assess if the modified ALT criteria could be better associated with disease phases in a cohort of Asian Americans (AsAm) with CHB. This two-center retrospective study evaluated 198 non-treated AsAm with CHB and a mean follow-up of 21 months. Both conventional and modified ALT criteria were used to determine the differences and clinical value using modified ALT criteria in classifying CHB phases. Among HBeAg (+) patients (29.3 %), HBV pre-core (PC) and basal core promoter (BCP) mutations were detected in 24.4 % and 31.3 %, respectively. Using baseline conventional ALT criteria, 97/153 (63.4 %) patients could be categorized into CHB phases 1 to 4, whereas 56/153 (36.6 %) were indeterminate. Using the modified ALT criteria, 43 (28.1 %) patients had phase changes of which 31/43 (72.1 %) were moved from phase 1 and indeterminate to phases 2 and 4, more active CHB phases. In 13/31 of these patients with liver biopsy, 6 (19.4 %) reported stage 2–4 fibrosis and 10 (32.3 %) reported grade 1–2 inflammation. Using modified ALT criteria to evaluate 48/153 patients with full data at baseline and the end of 1-year follow-up, we observed that 19/48 (39.6 %) changed their CHB phases; 5/48 (10.4 %) moved from phases 1 and 3 to phases 2 and 4; 2/48 (4.2 %) remained in the active phases; 10/48 (20.8 %) became indeterminate. HBV PC and BCP mutations were detectable in 24.4 % and 31.3 % of HBeAg (+) AsAm patients, respectively. Compared with conventional ALT criteria, modified ALT criteria is more sensitive in identifying CHB patients in active phases.
Overheating and Undercooling in Silicon During Pulsed-Laser Irradiation

We have used time-resolved x-ray diffraction measurements of thermal expansion induced strain to measure overheating and undercooling in and oriented silicon during pulsed laser melting and regrowth. 249 nm (KrF) excimer laser pulses of 1.2 J/cm/sup 2/ energy density and 25 ns FWHM were synchronized with x-ray pulses from the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) to carry out Bragg profile measurements with +-2 ns time resolution. Combined overheating and undercooling values of 120 +- 30 K and 45 +- 20 K were found for the and orientations, respectively, and these values have been used to obtain information on the limiting regrowth velocities for silicon.
Human scrotal myiasis (bot fly): a case of self-diagnosis.

The bot fly (Dermatobia hominis) is endemic to tropical regions of Central and South America. Human infestation in nonendemic areas is difficult to diagnose due to lack of disease familiarity, and lesions produced by this insect are often misdiagnosed for cutaneous furunculosis. Although the disease is self-limited, it causes significant pain. Thus, prompt identification may avoid unnecessary treatment with antibiotics and allow for early removal of larvae. To our knowledge we report the second case of scrotal infestation in the literature. Remarkably the patient arrived at our clinic with a self-diagnosis of bot fly infestation, and the larvae were excised with excellent results. CASE REPORT A 48-year-old male presented to the urology clinic with complaints of intense sharp intermittent pain in the scrotum which began approximately 1 week after traveling to Costa Rica. He recalled suffering a mosquito bite to the scrotum at this time while changing his clothes. Approximately 4 weeks after returning home he noticed 2 small “lumps” in the scrotum which drained serosanguineous fluid and caused intense intermittent episodes of pain. The patient consulted emergency medicine and internal medicine physicians before arrival to our clinic and was prescribed cephalexin for presumed furuncular scrotal cellulitis. However, since his condition did not improve his wife and he searched the Internet for information on rare insect bites endemic to Costa Rica and determined that the symptoms were caused by human bot fly infestation. The patient made several unsuccessful attempts to rid himself of the parasites using described tribal remedies to suffocate them. Physical examination revealed 2 superficial furuncular lesions with central pores from which serosanguineous dis
A Berger-Levy energy efficient neuron model with unequal synaptic weights

How neurons in the cerebral cortex process and transmit information is a long-standing question in systems neuroscience. To analyze neuronal activity from an information-energy efficiency standpoint, Berger and Levy calculated the maximum Shannon mutual information transfer per unit of energy expenditure of an idealized integrate-and-fire (IIF) neuron whose excitatory synapses all have the same weight. Here, we extend their IIF model to a biophysically more realistic one in which synaptic weights are unequal. Using information theory, random Poisson measures, and the maximum entropy principle, we show that the probability density function (pdf) of interspike interval (ISI) duration induced by the bits per joule (bpj) maximizing pdf f Λ (λ) of the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) intensity remains equal to the delayed gamma distribution of the IIF model. We then show that, in the case of unequal weights, f Λ (·) satisfies an inhomogeneous Cauchy-Euler equation with variable coefficients for which we provide the general solution form.
Micro‐managing and restraining pluripotent stem cells by MYC

The MYC proto‐oncogene, which encodes a master transcriptional regulator c‐Myc (herein termed Myc), has a key role in stem cell (SC) pluripotency and tumourigenesis. Its deregulated expression contributes to cancer development and enhances the efficiency of reprogramming differentiated cells back to a pluripotent state in induced pluripotent SCs (iPSCs) that resemble embryonic SCs (ESCs). In addition to Myc's ability to directly regulate mRNA transcription, it also directly regulates microRNAs (miRNAs), thus providing an additional level of complexity to gene regulation. However, it had not been well understood how the complex network of Myc target genes contributes to pluripotency in ESCs and to tumourigenesis, two phenomena that are likely inter‐related. In this issue of The EMBO Journal , [Lin et al (2009)][1] document a role of Myc in the maintenance of murine ESC (mESC) pluripotency through the regulation of a set of miRNAs that suppress differentiation, in addition to those that have been previously implicated in self‐renewal capacity. [1]: #ref-4
Fertility preferences among Malaysian women: an analysis of responses to the new population policy

About 10% of 3887 ever-married women included in the 1984-85 Malaysian Population and Family Survey revealed that they were influenced by the new population policy to desire more children than they had originally wanted. These women were more likely to be rural Malays from the lower socioeconomic class. Ideal family size was more than four children. Children are desired for economic benefits and emotional support. The natality of the Malays has risen since 1980: their total fertility rate has increased while their contraceptive prevalence rate has dropped sharply. Coupled with a decline in the crude death rate, the present fertility preferences and behaviour of the Malays will render the target of the population policy more attainable than is reflected by the survey data.
A Lagrangian-Eulerian shell-fluid coupling algorithm based on level sets

We propose a robust computational method for the coupled simulation of a compressible high-speed flow interacting with a highly flexible thin-shell structure. A standard Eulerian finite volume formulation on a fixed Cartesian mesh is used for the fluid, and a Lagrangian formulation based on subdivision finite elements on an unstructured mesh is used for the shell. The fluid-shell interface on the Cartesian mesh is tracked with level sets. The conservation laws at the interface are enforced by applying proper interface boundary conditions to the fluid and shell solvers at the beginning of each time step. The basic approach furnishes a general algorithm for explicit loose coupling of Lagrangian shell solvers with Cartesian grid-based Eulerian fluid solvers. The efficiency and robustness of the proposed approach is demonstrated with an airbag deployment simulation.
A fault-tolerant bridging scheme for dynamic load balancing

Presents a fault-tolerant bridging scheme for interconnecting multiple LANs. Fault tolerance is built by linking a LAN to two bridge ports located on two different processing elements, respectively. Two load-partitioning schemes are developed to prevent multiple copies of an arriving frame. A static partitioning scheme requires little hardware or software augmentation. However, the load may not be balanced due to non-uniform traffic patterns. On the other hand, a dynamic partitioning scheme can offer dynamic load balancing, although it requires mechanisms to monitor the traffic and to synchronize inter-processor communication. The bridge performance in terms of frame response time is evaluated through simulation. In the simulation, the impact of the two partitioning schemes on bridge performance are compared. Finally interprocessor synchronization cost is analyzed. >
Utilizing smart cards for authentication and compliance tracking in a diabetes case management system

This poster describes the use of smart cards for patient authentication and real time compliance tracking based on a physician prescribed treatment plan, in a diabetes case management system.
Injection locking of VCSELs

Injection locking has been actively researched for its possibility to improve laser performance for both digital and analog applications. When a modulated follower laser (also termed "slave" laser) is locked to the master laser, its nonlinear distortion and frequency chirp may be reduced. As well, the resonance frequency can increase to several times higher than its free running case. In this paper, we show that the frequency response (S21) of an injection-locked laser is similar to a parasitic-limited laser with a high resonance frequency. The S21 was studied experimentally and the condition to achieve a flat, enhanced frequency response was identified. For analog applications, a record 112 dB-Hz/sup 2/3/, single-tone third harmonic spur-free dynamic range of a 1.55-/spl mu/m vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) was demonstrated. An improvement was attained for a wide-injection parameter space. In a 50-km 2.5-Gb/s digital link, a 2-dB power penalty reduction at 10/sup -9/ bit error rate was also demonstrated. As a novel application, an injection-locked uncooled tunable VCSEL was shown to have a reasonable modulation performance in a wide abient temperature range. The VCSEL was locked to a designated wavelength and the injection compensated the temperature-induced performance degradation. This concept can be extremely attractive for low-cost dense wavelength division muliplexed transmitters.
Letter to the Editor---Comments on “The Shortest-Route Problem” by Peart, Randolph, and Bartlett

Peart, Randolph, and Bartlett Peart, R. M., P. H. Randolph, T. E. Bartlett. 1960. The shortest-route problem. Opns Res.8 866--868. contribute four additional methods for solving the shortest-route problem which provide a valuable supplement to our review article Pollack, M., W. Wiebenson. 1960. Solutions of the shortest-route problem---a review. Opns Res.8 224--230.. The fourth method, however, includes contradictory statements concerning its application.
Treatment of insomnia in a 13-year-old boy by relaxation training and reduction of parental attention

Abstract This case study reports the successful treatment of a 13-yr-old boy who had a four-month history of insomnia. A combination treatment program was introduced, involving relaxation training to reduce the patient's level of tension and a simple behavioral program to reduce the mother's attention to the symptom. It is pointed out that clinicians utilizing behavioral techniques to treat childhood sleep disturbances ought to attend to parental behaviors which may play a role in maintaining the symptom.
An Unusual Complication Associated With the Use of the Pruitt-Inahara Shunt—A Case Report

The routine or selective use of an intraarterial shunt during carotid endar terectomy (CEA) remains a controversial issue. Numerous investigators have proposed various shunting devices in an effort to minimize possible associated complications. The presented case illustrates an unusual complication that de veloped during a CEA, felt to be related to a malfunction of a Pruitt-Inahara (P I) shunt.
Reconsidering low-dose aspirin therapy for cardiovascular disease: a study protocol for physician and patient behavioral change.

Background There are often disparities between current evidence and current practice. Decreasing the gap between desired practice outcomes and observed practice outcomes in the healthcare system is not always easy. Stopping previously recommended or variably recommended interventions may be even harder to achieve than increasing the use of a desired but under-performed activity. For over a decade, aspirin has been prescribed for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and for patients with the coronary artery disease risk equivalents; yet, there is no substantial evidence of an appropriate risk-benefit ratio to support this practice. This paper describes the protocol of a randomized trial being conducted in six primary care practices in the Denver metropolitan area to examine the effectiveness of three interventional strategies to change physician behavior regarding prescription of low-dose aspirin.
BDNF in Synaptic Plasticity and Memory

A remarkable feature of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is that its cellular processes, including transcription, intracellular trafficking, secretion, proteolytic processing, and receptor signaling, are tightly controlled by neuronal activity. This feature makes BDNF a key secretory protein for synapse-specific modulation in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Indeed, cumulative results indicate that mature BDNF facilitates early phase long-term potentiation (E-LTP) in the hippocampus through primarily presynaptic mechanisms. BDNF also regulates late phase LTP (L-LTP) through a mechanism that involves extracellular cleavage of proBDNF by tPA/plasmin. When uncleaved, proBDNF promotes long-term depression (LTD). BDNF regulation of synaptic plasticity may underlie cognitive functions such as learning and memory.
Transplasma Membrane Electron Transport Functions as a Ferric Reductase

We have previously presented evidence that ferric ions and iron in diferric transferric can be reduced at the cell surface by the transplasma membrane electron transport system acting in conjuction with the transferrin receptor 1,2. In this paper we examine the reaction further especially in relation to the inhibition of both ferric citrate and diferric transferrin reduction by apotransferrin. We also consider the difference in activity found with different diferric transferrin preparations containing different amounts of loosely bound ferric iron. We will also consider the effects of argon, and cell transformation on the rate of ferric iron reduction in the presence and absence of diferric transferrin. The objective is to evaluate the extent to which loosely bound iron on transferrin can contribute to the formation of ferrous bathophenanthroline disulfonate (Fe(BPS)3) through the transmembrane electron transport system. We also show that iron reduction at acidic pH by the transmembrane enzyme is not inhibited by apotransferrin which would favor its role for ferric reduction in acidic endosomes.
Revisiting Assessing the Quality of Democracy: Measuring Democratic Competition and Participation in Latin America Since the 'Left Turn'

This paper revisits the challenge of empirically measuring the quality of democracy in Latin America in the wake of the region’s ‘left turn’ since the 1990s and the rise of classic populist leaders in several countries. Building on an earlier effort by David Altman and Anibal Perez-Linan to measure the quality of democracy, this paper develops a revised measure of effective competition. The paper develops this new measure through an exploratory assessment of nine key cases. The paper then tests the validity of this measure against the Freedom House index, a widely accepted assessment of the quality of democracy. Finally, the paper then measures the nine cases, at various points in time, along two dimensions consistent with Robert Dahl’s understanding of polyarchy: effective competition and effective participation (based on the author’s previous work).
Identification of DNA lesions using a third base pair for amplification and nanopore sequencing

Damage to the genome is implicated in the progression of cancer and stress-induced diseases. DNA lesions exist in low levels, and cannot be amplified by standard PCR because they are frequently strong blocks to polymerases. Here, we describe a method for PCR amplification of lesion-containing DNA in which the site and identity could be marked, copied and sequenced. Critical for this method is installation of either the dNaM or d5SICS nucleotides at the lesion site after processing via the base excision repair process. These marker nucleotides constitute an unnatural base pair, allowing large quantities of marked DNA to be made by PCR amplification. Sanger sequencing confirms the potential for this method to locate lesions by marking, amplifying and sequencing a lesion in the KRAS gene. Detection using the α-hemolysin nanopore is also developed to analyse the markers in individual DNA strands with the potential to identify multiple lesions per strand.
Measures of trajectory ensemble disparity in nonequilibrium statistical dynamics

Many interesting divergence measures between conjugate ensembles of nonequilibrium trajectories can be experimentally determined from the work distribution of the process. Herein, we review the statistical and physical significance of several of these measures, in particular the relative entropy (dissipation), Jeffreys divergence (hysteresis), Jensen-Shannon divergence (time-asymmetry), Chernoff divergence (work cumulant generating function), and Renyi divergence.
Response of obese patients to an 11beta-hydroxylase inhibitor, methopyrapone (SU-4885).

SummaryObese subjects exhibit 2 different responses to an 11β-hydroxylase inhibitor, methopyrapone (SU-4885), depending upon the level of the base-line urinary 17-ketogenic steroid excretion. Subjects with a normal base-line 17-KGS excretion have a normal response to methopyrapone, whereas subjects with base-line elevated urinary 17-KGS give a markedly impaired response to this inhibitor.
Systematic and Dramatic Tuning on Gas Sorption Performance in Heterometallic Metal–Organic Frameworks

Despite their having much greater potential for compositional and structural diversity, heterometallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) reported so far have lagged far behind their homometallic counterparts in terms of CO2 uptake performance. Now the power of heterometallic MOFs is in full display, as shown by a series of new materials (denoted CPM-200s) with superior CO2 uptake capacity (up to 207.6 cm(3)/g at 273 K and 1 bar), close to the all-time record set by MOF-74-Mg. The isosteric heat of adsorption can also be tuned from -16.4 kJ/mol for CPM-200-Sc/Mg to -79.6 kJ/mol for CPM-200-V/Mg. The latter value is the highest reported for MOFs with Lewis acid sites. Some members of the CPM-200s family consist of combinations of metal ions (e.g., Mg/Ga, Mg/Fe, Mg/V, Mg/Sc) that have never been shown to coexist in any known crystalline porous materials. Such previously unseen combinations become reality through a cooperative crystallization process, which leads to the most intimate form of integration between even highly dissimilar metals, such as Mg(2+) and V(3+). The synergistic effects of heterometals bestow CPM-200s with the highest CO2 uptake capacity among known heterometallic MOFs and place them in striking distance of the all-time CO2 uptake record.
P1-S4.07 The use of the Arizona Department of Health Services surveillance database to identify discordant syphilis treponemal laboratory results, Arizona

Background In March of 2010 a large commercial lab performing STD testing in Arizona implemented the reverse algorithm for syphilis testing with the use of the syphilis treponemal enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Methods Per the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Sexually Transmitted Disease Control Program protocol, manual review of positive syphilis lab results is performed by one epidemiologist. During May through October 2010, this epidemiologist recorded negative syphilis EIA results identified among reported syphilis cases with a prior history of positive treponemal tests (TP-PA, FTA-ABS). Results From 6 May 2010 to 29 October 2010 78 syphilis EIA tests were reported as negative in individuals with a previously positive treponemal test. Fifty of these tests were completed among males and 28 among females. This discrepancy was brought to the attention of the reporting lab in May and again in October 2010. In November, a coordinated investigation between the reporting laboratory, the ADHS public health lab, and the ADHS Sexually Transmitted Disease Control Program (ADHS STDCP) was undertaken. This investigation resulted in the identification and correction in a specimen transfer procedure at the local laboratory level. All providers of patients with possible incorrect lab results completed during this time period were notified of the problem and advised to retest their patients, if indicated. The ADHS STDCP continues to monitor syphilis lab results for this particular error and has not identified any further discordant results since the corrections were implemented in November 2010. Conclusions Discrepancies in syphilis EIA results have been reported from other regions. The detailed manual review of all reported syphilis lab results by an epidemiologist at the ADHS STDCP aided in the detection of this particular issue. Upon implementation of electronic lab reporting, this program and others, should continue routine, manual quality assurance checks of syphilis laboratory results. Such practices are imperative to ensure that these errors do not go undetected and that syphilis patients do not go undiagnosed.
Forecast of U.S. retirement assets using unbiased Grey-Fuzzy-Markov Chain Method

This paper presents an unbiased grey-Markov chain method to forecast the total retirement assets and the value of assets in 401(k) accounts, along with other defined contribution (DC) saving plans within years from 2015 to 2019. The prediction method integrates the unbiased grey model GM(1,1) and Markov chain method with fuzzy classification. This method takes advantage of the prediction power of the unbiased version of the Grey model GM(1,1) and improves it by introducing the fuzzy-Markov chain model to overcome the random fluctuation existed in the data. The prediction result shows a rising level on total assets earmarked for retirement, and also reveals an increasing proportion of 401(k) assets in total retirement assets.
16O(n,α) cross section investigation using LENZ instrument at LANSCE

Importance of studying the 16 O(n, α ) reaction is motivated by multiple nuclear applications. The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) produces a white neutron spectrum ranging from thermal to several hundreds of MeV energies. We have recently developed the LENZ (Low Energy NZ-neutron induced charged particle detection) capability to measure high-precision (n, α ) cross sections. In order to provide more reliable data, we have enhanced solid angle coverage, and improved signal-to-noise ratios and time-of-flight resolution by implementing digitizer waveform analysis. The LENZ was commissioned by studying the 59 Co(n, α ) reaction with neutron beams in early 2015. For the 16 O(n, α ) reaction, we investigate solid oxygen targets and make a relative measurement to a better known cross section, such as the 6 Li(n, α ) reaction in order to further reduce systematic uncertainty. We will discuss the progress of the 16 O(n, α ) study at LANSCE and the outlook for improving Hauser-Feshbah prediction on (n,p) reaction cross sections.
Physical Activity Counseling by Diabetes Educators Delivering Diabetes Self-management Education and Support.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine factors that influence physical activity counseling of diabetes educators delivering diabetes self-management/support (DSME/S).MethodsDiabetes educators were surveyed about their DSME/S counseling at the American Association of Diabetes Educators Pennsylvania State Diabetes Conference to explore (1) time dedicated to physical activity counseling, (2) importance placed on physical activity as a treatment for diabetes, (3) knowledge of the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, (4) level of confidence with physical activity counseling, and (5) barriers associated with physical activity counseling.ResultsA sample of 119 diabetes educators with 13.0 ± 8.6 years of DSME/S experience participated in the survey (95.8% female; 94.1% white; 60.5% nurses; 73.9% Certified Diabetes Educators). Of 4 common DSME/S content areas (healthy eating, taking medications, monitoring blood glucose, and physical activity), physical activity was ranked as the third most im...
Tactile object recognition and localization using spatially-varying appearance

In this work, we present a new method for doing object recognition using tactile force sensors that makes use of recent work on “tactile appearance” to describe objects by the spatially-varying appearance characteristics of their surface texture. The method poses recognition as a localization problem with a discrete component of the state representing object identity, allowing the application of sequential state estimation techniques from the mobile robotics literature. Ideas from geometric hashing approaches are incorporated to enable efficient updating of probabilities over object identity and pose. The method’s strong performance is demonstrated experimentally both in simulation and using physical sensors.