cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using the U-Pb system of calcretes to date the time of sedimentation of clastic sedimentary rocks

Abstract The time of sedimentation of rapidly deposited clastic sedimentary rocks in fluvial environments may be directly dated with an uncertainty of less than three million years using U-Pb dating of pure micritic calcite from calcretes developed in overbank deposits. This conclusion is based on results obtained for calcretes (soil calcite, caliche) formed in the late Triassic New Haven Arkose, Hartford Basin, Connecticut, USA. The paragenesis of calcrete samples from the New Haven Arkose was determined using plane-polarized light and cathodoluminesence petrography, uranium fission track analysis, as well as trace element and stable isotope geochemistry. These calcretes contain an abundance of paleosol microfabrics and diagenetic calcite. The first-generation micritic calcite and second-generation blocky calcite have characteristics consistent with soil calcite. The third generation blocky calcite is a later diagenetic calcite (post-soil calcite). The U-Pb data for pure micritic calcite (first generation) in a horizontal sheet calcrete in sedimentary rocks of Norian age gives a 238U/207Pb-206Pb/207Pb isochron age of 211.9 ± 2.1 Ma (2-sigma, and used hereafter for all ages). This age and the stratigraphic position for this sample are in excellent agreement with the ages proposed by Gradstein et al. (1994) for the Norian/Rhaetian boundary of 209.6 ± 4.1 Ma and the Carnian/Norian boundary of 220.7 ± 4.4 Ma. The U-Pb data for two samples of first generation micrite in rhizoliths with about 15% insoluble residues give “ages” of 7 ± 66 Ma and 20 ± 36 Ma. These results suggest that relatively recent events disturbed the U-Pb system of these detrital rich samples, perhaps due to redistribution of U during weathering or during chemical dissolution for analysis. The U-Pb data for a sample of pure third generation blocky calcite cement in a rhizolith yields a 206Pb/238U-207Pb/235U isochron age of 81 ± 11 Ma. This age suggests that this sample of third generation blocky calcite precipitated during the late Cretaceous perhaps over an extended period. These results suggest that by carefully selecting samples using petrographic and geochemical characteristics U-Pb dating of pure calcite found in calcrete horizons in clastic sediments can be used to precisely date the times of sedimentation and times of later diagenesis.
Scaling up short-term humanitarian surgery: a global surgery elective for senior medical students.

Objectives The proportion of US medical students participating in global health has increased by 24%. These experiences are generally self-directed and lack a formal educational component. This article describes a structured, comprehensive, community-driven global surgery elective for senior-year students. Design “Surgery and Global Health” is a monthlong elective during which students shadow in the university hospital, lead discussions of an assigned text, attend lectures, and participate in a clinical rotation in rural Haiti. The first week is didactic and takes place in Atlanta, GA. Weeks 2 through 4 are clinical and are conducted in Haiti. Urological and general surgery procedures are performed during weeks 2 and 3, while the final week is reserved for follow-up care. This experience was institutionally supported. Setting Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA; L’Hopital St. Therese, Hinche, Centre, Haiti. Participants Emory University School of Medicine students, years 2 through 4, supervised by faculty from the departments of Urology, General Surgery, and Anesthesiology. Senior-year students spent 21 days in central Haiti working in a rural clinical setting. Results Students participated in all facets of surgical care including preoperative clearance, postanesthesia care, discharge planning, and follow-up. Students felt a level of supervised responsibility that was not afforded at their home institution and were able to take on more advanced clinical roles. Conclusions Students planned and executed this innovative experience with multidisciplinary, departmental, and institutional support. Stateside components introduced students to Haitian culture, global surgery ethics, and humanitarian surgical trip logistics. Structured global health experiences such as this give students practical skills and incentive to pursue careers involving global surgery.
Healing potential of osteotomies of the nasal sinus in the dog

Abstract Maxillary sinus osteotomy is indicated for transantral surgical approaches to palatal roots of maxillary teeth. There are no reports on the healing potential of such defects. Objectives. To determine by histologic examination, the reparative process of the nasal cavity of dogs after small and large perforations with and without a resorbable collagen membrane. Study design. Five mm and 6 × 12 mm diameter osteotomies were created through the maxilla of 12 beagle dogs. Resorbable collagen membranes were placed over defects on six dogs. After 5 months, sections of the defects were histologically evaluated. Results. Examination revealed partial osseous healing with presence of central areas of fibrous scar tissue in all samples. Defects covered with the resorbable collagen membranes showed no improvement in osseous regeneration. Conclusion. Based on our results, defects (regardless of their size) tend to repair with limited bony covering and fibrous scar. Furthermore, resorbable collagen membranes do not improve osseous repair.
TWIK-1 two-pore domain potassium channels change ion selectivity and conduct inward leak sodium currents in hypokalemia.

Background potassium (K + ) channels, which are normally selectively permeable to K + , maintain the cardiac resting membrane potential at around −80 mV. In subphysiological extracellular K + concentrations ([K + ] o ), which occur in pathological hypokalemia, the resting membrane potential of human cardiomyocytes can depolarize to around −50 mV, whereas rat and mouse cardiomyocytes become hyperpolarized, consistent with the Nernst equation for K + . This paradoxical depolarization of cardiomyocytes in subphysiological [K + ] o , which may contribute to cardiac arrhythmias, is thought to involve an inward leak sodium (Na + ) current. Here, we show that human cardiac TWIK-1 (also known as K2P1) two-pore domain K + channels change ion selectivity, becoming permeable to external Na + , and conduct inward leak Na + currents in subphysiological [K + ] o . A specific threonine residue (Thr 118 ) within the pore selectivity sequence TxGYG was required for this altered ion selectivity. Mouse cardiomyocyte–derived HL-1 cells exhibited paradoxical depolarization with ectopic expression of TWIK-1 channels, whereas TWIK-1 knockdown in human spherical primary cardiac myocytes eliminated paradoxical depolarization. These findings indicate that ion selectivity of TWIK-1 K + channels changes during pathological hypokalemia, elucidate a molecular basis for inward leak Na + currents that could trigger or contribute to cardiac paradoxical depolarization in lowered [K + ] o , and identify a mechanism for regulating cardiac excitability.
Totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection in an infant with tricuspid atresia

The occurrence of tricuspid atresia in association with totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection is a rare one. This combination has been described in the literature only twice previously. Such a case is presented with special regard to the therapeutic options and the need for cardiac catheterization.
Evaluation of “Marching Algorithms” in the Analysis of Multiphase Flow in Natural Gas Pipelines

Marching algorithms are the rule rather than the exception in the determination of pressure distribution in long multiphase-flow pipes, both for the case of pipelines and wellbores. This type of computational protocol is the basis for most two-phase-flow software and it is presented by textbooks as the standard technique used in steady state two-phase analysis. Marching algorithms acknowledge the fact that the rate of change of common fluid flow parameters (such as pressure, temperature, and phase velocities) is not constant but varies along the pipe axis while performing the integration of the governing equations by dividing the entire length into small pipe segments. In the marching algorithm, governing equations are solved for small single sections of pipe, one section at a time. Calculated outlet conditions for a particular segment are then propagated to the next segment as its prescribed inlet condition. Calculation continues in a “marching” fashion until the entire length of the pipe has been integrated. In this work, several examples are shown where this procedure might no longer accurately represent the physics of the flow for the case of natural gas flows with retrograde condensation. The implications related to the use of this common technique are studied, highlighting its potential lack of compliance with the actual physics of the flow for selected examples. This paper concludes by suggesting remedies to these problems, supported by results, showing considerable improvement in fulfilling the actual constraints imposed by the set of simultaneous fluid dynamic continuum equations governing the flow.
SU-E-T-68: Helical Tomotherapy DQA with ArcCHECK: Sensitivity to Possible Delivery Errors

Purpose: To test the ability of the SunNuclear ArcCHECK QA device to detect errors artificially introduced in a helical Tomotherapy plan. Methods: Delivery sinograms from clinically‐used plans were extracted from the Tomotherapy treatment planning system (TPS), and modified to reflect several delivery errors: leaf pair incorrectly always open, leaf pair always closed, leaves slow to close once open, and desynchronization between leaf pattern and projection number. QA plans were created using the Tomotherapy TPS with the high dose area aligned to the annular region containing the diodes, and delivered to the ArcCHECK device. The position of the device remained constant between deliveries of the altered sinograms. Measured data were compared to calculated dose using the ArcCHECK dose analysis tools with a 3%/3mm γ tolerance. Results: ArcCHECK was able to detect delivery differences except for peripheral leaves remaining open for the entirety of the procedure (the % agreement for measurement points increased in this case). Altering the sinogram by one projection (∼7°) or increasing leaf open time by 50ms resulted in <80% agreement. Increasing leaf open time by 250ms, fully opening or closing the central two leaves, or creating a ∼100° gantry starting position error yielded passing rates below 30% and were clearly detectable. Conclusions: For many years the gamma passing rate has been used as the standard for comparing measured and calculated dose distributions. However, arbitrary shifting of the dose distribution may mask delivery errors, especially in a less intuitive measurement pattern. Having the ability to simulate possible errors should provide the medical physicists with tools to evaluate the sensitivity and response of a particular QA device. Investigation into the types and magnitudes of detectable errors may lead to more robust QA.
Spectroscopic, Electrochemical, and Photochemical Studies of Self-Assembled via Axial Coordination Zinc Porphyrin−Fulleropyrrolidine Dyads†

Spectroscopic, redox, and photochemical behavior of self-assembled donor−acceptor dyads formed by axial coordination of zinc tetraphenylporphyrin, (TPP)Zn, and fulleropyrrolidine bearing either pyridine or imidazole coordinating ligands were investigated. The UV−vis, 1H NMR, and ESI-mass spectral studies, as well as computational studies, revealed supramolecular 1:1 dyad formation between the electron donor [(TPP)Zn] and the electron acceptor, fulleropyrrolidine entities. The determined formation constant K values followed the order o-pyridyl ≪ m-pyridyl ≃ p-pyridyl ≪ N-phenyl imidazole entities of the fulleropyrrolidine. The evaluated thermodynamic parameters revealed stable complexation with complex dissociation enthalpies ranging between 26 and 32 kJ mol-1. The 1H NMR studies revealed axial coordination of the pyridine or imidazole ligands to the central zinc of (TPP)Zn, while the ESI-Mass spectral studies performed in CH2Cl2 matrix revealed the expected molecular ion peak of the self-assembled dyads. ...
Velocity distribution of sputtered U atoms as determined by laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy

Abstract Laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy was used to determine the velocity distribution of sputtered neutral, ground state U atoms produced by bombardment of the metal target by normally incident 1 to 3 keV Kr+ and Ar+. The data were obtained using a pulsed NdYag pumped tunable dye laser. Determination of the v-perpendicular (velocity component of the sputtered atom perpendicular to the target surface) velocity distribution was accomplished by scanning the wavelength of the exciting laser (the laser beam was normal to the target surface) through thr Doppler shifted absorption frequencies of the sputtered U atoms. In order to interpret the observed velocity distributions it was found that one has to pay careful attention to the details of the laser induced fluorescence process itself and to the geometry of the optical system used to excite and detect the fluorescent emission. It was determined in the present work that it is essential to know the transition rates associated with the atomic levels involved in the fluorescent excitation and emission process, the laser intensity and bandwidth, the spatial dimensions of the ion beam on the target, and the fluorescent excitation and emission regions as defined by the exciting laser beam and the light collection optics. Neglect of these parameters could lead one to conclude erroneously that sputtered atoms with “negative” velocities are moving back towards the target surface. It is shown that by taking account of power broadening of the atomic lineshape function, which depends upon the exciting laser intensity, one obtains velocity distributins in excellent agreement with the number density analog of the Sigmund-Thompson model for a linear collision cascade flux density velocity distribution: n(v) d v∝[ v 2 v 2 b n+1 ] d v , n(v) is the number density velocity distribution, vb is a velocity which corresponds to the assumed planar surface binding energy of the target; and n is a parameter, generally 1⩽n⩽2. The present results indicate that n = 1.85±0.15 with νb = 2.09 × 105 cm/s (which corresponds to the sublimation energy of solid uranium, Eb = 5.4 eV). These parameters were found to be independent of the incident ion (Kr+ or Ar+) and of the incident ion energy over the range 1–3 keV.
Torsional electric dipole moment functions calculated for HOOH and ClOOCl

The periodic torsional, electric dipole moment (EDM) functions μ(ϕ) = ∑m = 0pmcos (m + 1/2)ϕ, of the atmospherically significant molecules HOOH and ClOOCl, have been derived from calculations at the CCSD(T) (coupled-cluster singles and doubles model, plus a noniterative triples correction) level of electronic-structure theory with augmented, correlation-consistent basis sets extrapolated to the approximate complete basis set limit. The μ(ϕ) of HOOH, defined by {pm} = {3.0979, −0.0301, −0.0058} D, is used to calculate squared transition EDMs that compare well with those previously derived using the experimental torsional line intensities. The μ(ϕ) of ClOOCl, defined by μ(ϕ) = {1.1935, 0.1163, 0.1341, −0.0040, −0.0099} D, requires a longer Fourier expansion because, in the range of dihedral angles from the cis (ϕ = 0) to the trans (ϕ = π) transition structures, three inflection points are found for ClOOCl, but only one for HOOH. The permanent EDM calculated for HOOH, 1.754 D, is in close agreement with the ...
DEVELOPMENT OF A PRELIMINARY INVERTEBRATE INDEX OF BIOTIC INTEGRITY FOR LAKE HURON COASTAL WETLANDS

The biota of aquatic systems are integrators of overall habitat quality, revealing both episodic as well as cumulative disturbance, and therefore are able to serve as natural monitors of the systems they inhabit. Invertebrate communities from three relatively pristine coastal wetlands located along the northern shore of Lake Huron were compared to those from three relatively impacted Saginaw Bay coastal wetlands in Lake Huron to identify components of the community that could ordinate wetlands according to anthropogenic disturbance. A total of 24 potential metrics were examined for each of four vegetation zones at the study sites. Of these, 14 successfully discriminated between sites and were used to generate a preliminary index of biotic integrity (IBI) for Lake Huron coastal wetlands. This IBI was then tested by assessing coastal wetlands, including five additional sites, based on invertebrate data collected the following year. The preliminary IBI seemed to provide an accurate depiction of the wetlands used to generate the IBI as well as the five additional wetlands. We do not recommend use of the presented IBI as the definitive assessment tool for Lake Huron coastal wetlands. Instead, we suggest that it be tested further on a series of wetlands with known degrees of anthropogenic disturbance.
Theory of metallic adhesion

The self-consistent electronic structure and adhesive energies are computed for the following contacts: Al(111)-Al(111); Mg(0001)-Mg(0001); Zn(0001)-Zn(0001); Na(110)-Na(110). Electronic charge densities and potentials are quite sensitive to small separations in the contacts. Friedel oscillation amplitudes increase with decreasing average bulk electron densities and with increasing separation in the contact. The inclusion of nonlocal effects increases adhesive binding energies but has little effect on the shape of the adhesive energy versus separation plots. The importance of bulk equilibrium is investigated. Binding energies agree well with experimental surface energies and very good agreement is found between computed elastic constants and experiment. Both the binding energies and the elastic constants increase with increasing average bulk-electron number density. The variation of the components of the adhesive energy with separation reveal a rather close analogy between the characteristics of the metallic adhesive bond and those of molecular bonds in simple molcules. The kinetic energy initiates the bond, while the electrostatic and particularly the exchange energy lead to the strong adhesive bond. The range of the strong bonding is about 0.2 nm. Adhesive energies and charge densities saturate much faster with contact separation than do electronic potentials.
Simple models for predicting transmission properties of photonic crystal fibers

Simple, fast, and efficient 1D models for evaluating the transmission properties of photonic crystal fibers are proposed. Using these models, axial propagation constant, chromatic dispersion, effective area, and leakage loss can be predicted with a reasonable accuracy but much faster than often time-consuming 2D analytical and numerical techniques and with much less computational resources. It is shown that the results are in good agreement with the published data available in the literature. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1286–1290, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www. interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21624
EELS in the STEM: Determination of Materials Properties on the Atomic Scale

Abstract By performing EELS in conjunction with the Z-contrast imaging technique in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), detailed information on the composition, chemistry and structure of materials can be obtained with atomic resolution and sensitivity. This unprecedented resolution can be achieved by using an atomic resolution Z-contrast image to first identify structural features of interest and then to position the electron probe over the feature for spectral acquisition. This method greatly limits the number of spectra that need to be acquired from a given specimen, thus reducing total acquisition time and specimen stability problems. In addition, a key advantage of this methodology is that the collection conditions for the spectrum can be tailored to produce an incoherent, atomic resolution spectrum that can be correlated directly with the image. This means the image can be used as a reference atomic structure for theoretical modeling of the spectral fine-structure. Using multiple scattering analysis, the reference structure can be modified to reproduce the experimental spectrum, thus giving a 3-dimensional structural determination that is sensitive to single atom vacancies and impurities. In this paper, the application of this combined EELS and Z-contrast technique to various materials problems is described. In the case of the MBE growth of CdTe on Si, the combined atomic resolution techniques allow the diffusion of Te into the silicon substrate to be identified and a novel graphoepitaxial growth mechanism to be identified. For nanoscale iron particles used as a fuel additive to reduce/enhance soot formation during combustion, measurement of the distribution of iron oxidation states within the particles permits a mechanism for soot formation to be proposed. The application of the multiple scattering analysis techniques to the study of grain boundaries is described for tilt boundaries in TiO2 and SrTiO3. In both cases, the multiple scattering analysis gives information not present in the image and allows the 3-dimensional structure of each boundary to be determined.
A marked synergistic interaction of potato viruses X and Y in inoculated leaves of tobacco

Abstract When the outer half of a half-leaf of Turkish tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) was inoculated with potato virus X (PVX) and a similar area of the opposite half-leaf was inoculated with potato virus Y (PVY) on the same day, severe necrosis and stimulated PVX synthesis occurred along the midvein in the uninoculated area adjacent to the strip inoculated with PVY. When the inoculation with PVX was made at different intervals prior to that with PVY, the necrosis appeared progressively farther from the PVX-inoculated area as the interval between the inoculations was increased. Increasing the interval between inoculations made in the reverse sequence resulted in the necrosis appearing progressively farther from the PVY-inoculated area. Inoculation of entire tobacco leaves with a 1:1 mixture of juice from PVX-infected tobacco plants and juice from PVY-infected tobacco plants resulted in only mild synergism. When the concentration of PVY was held constant and the concentration of PVX was reduced by tenfold steps to 0.001 of that in the original mixture, symptom severity increased progressively until more than 80% of the leaf became necrotic. Despite the increase in symptom severity, juice from those leaves with the most severe symptoms contained no more than 2.5 times as much PVX as did juice from comparable leaves inoculated with the corresponding concentration of PVX without PVY. Moderate synergism in symptomatology resulted when tobacco leaves systemically invaded by PVY were inoculated with PVX, but little or no synergism occurred when PVX was the systemic virus and PVY the one applied directly. The data are interpreted as indicating that the prime requisite for the strong PVX-PVY interaction is that a cell must be invaded first by PVY and then by PVX while PVY is still undergoing active multiplication. It is suggested that infection by PVX normally induces reactions that act to limit PVX synthesis but is unable to do so in a cell in which PVY is actively multiplying.
Recognizing 2014 manuscript reviewers.

Reviewers make a peer-reviewed journal. It is a considerable time commitment, and recommendations about quality and timeliness guide the editors. Our reviewers are all experts in the topic and are carefully chosen. Most papers are selected for review. There are no good or bad reviewers, but some are extraordinarily prompt and particularly good at identifying problems. Being asked is hopefully a privilege for the reviewers—for us it is imperatively important. Papers are mostly reviewed by ad hoc reviewers and they are listed below. We greatly appreciate the effort and goodwill.
Centrosomes: Sfi1p and Centrin Unravel a Structural Riddle

The discovery of Sfi1p as a novel binding partner for the Ca2+-binding protein centrin has provided new insight into the dynamic behavior of centrosomes. Sfi1 binds to multiple centrin molecules along a series of internal repeats, and the complex forms Ca2+-sensitive contractile fibers that function to reorient centrioles and alter centrosome structure.
Diagnostics for Process Plasmas

This paper reviews the current state-of-the-art of several diagnostic techniques for characterizing, monitoring, and optimizing the properties of process plasmas. The plasma parameters of plasma configurations which are useful for materials processing, such as dc and rf glow discharges, are similar to the parameters of the boundary plasmas in magnetic fusion devices. As a result, much of the large development effort over the last decade on plasma diagnostics for boundary plasmas has direct application in process plasma systems. As particular examples, the authors discuss recent developments of: (1) electrostatic probes for electron density, temperature and power flow measurements; (2) laser fluorescence spectroscopy for ion density and flux measurements; and (3) quantitative plasma mass spectroscopy using quadrupole mass filters.
Iatrogenic Aorto-Coronary Dissection Successfully Treated With IVUS Guided Unprotected Left Main Stenting: Case Report and Review of Literature

A 52-year-old male underwent cardiac catheterization for abnormal stress test. Trans-radial coronary angiography revealed a severe proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) lesion. LAD angioplasty was performed with two drug-eluting stents. This resulted in dissection of the proximal LAD, the circumflex artery and the left main coronary artery (LMCA) extending back into the coronary sinus. A diagnosis of type 3 coronary dissection was made. The circumflex artery and the left coronary artery were stented, and then the LMCA was stented. Repeat intravascular ultrasound showed resolution of the dissection and TIMI-3 flow was achieved in all vessels. He underwent follow-up angiography in 1 month, which revealed patent stents with resolution of the aorto-coronary dissection. We report a rare case of iatrogenic aorto-coronary dissection that was successfully treated with unprotected left main percutaneous coronary intervention strategy alone and review the pertinent literature.
REVERSAL OF SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS) WITH PREDNISONE

We describe in detail the case of a male infant of a prostitute and IV drug abuser. The child presented at 9 mo of age with severely delayed growth (6.6 kg) and development, recurrent bacterial infections, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly (8 cm), persistent oral candidiasis, and chronic pulmonary infiltrates. Immunologic studies showed polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia and inverted T-cell T4/T8 ratios. Skin tests to Candida and phytohemagglutinin were positive. Lung biopsy showed peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltrates. Axillary lymph nodes contained obliterated margins with increased plasmacytes centrally. Liver biopsy demonstrated mild ballooning of hepatocytes. Bone marrow biopsy revealed hypercellularity with increased plasmacytes. EB virus was repeatedly isolated from lymph node, bone marrow, and blood lymphocytes, although antibodies to EBV did not appear for another 4 mo. Sera from both mother and child did contain antibody to human T-cell leukemia virus. Multiple sera were negative for antibody to cytomegalovirus and herpes virus. These viruses failed repeatedly to grow from tissue specimens. Initially, the child's course was observed off all treatment. After 8 wks of slow deterioration, he became lethargic, tachypneic, and febrile without apparent source of infection. At that point, he was begun on oral prednisone (PDR), 2 mg/kg/day. After 1 wk, he became afebrile with normal respirations. His adenopathy dissolved along with resolution of interstitial infiltrates. After 4 wks of PDR therapy, weight was 8.7 kg, serum immunoglobulins were normal, and spleen tip was just palpable. After tapering of PDR, all indicators of disease reverted toward pre-PDR values. Reinstitution of PDR again changed all parameters in a beneficial manner. We conclude that PDR may be effective in treatment of the AIDS prodrome.
Comparison of Changes in the Lipid Profile of Postmenopausal Women With Early Stage Breast Cancer Treated With Exemestane or Letrozole

Effects of aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy on the plasma lipid profile are not clear. Here the authors describe changes in fasting lipids (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], and triglycerides) before and after 3 months of exemestane or letrozole treatment. HDL was reduced in the entire cohort (P < .001) and in the exemestane group (P < .001) but unchanged in the letrozole group (P = .169). LDL was increased in the entire cohort (P = .005) and in the letrozole group (P = .002) but unchanged in the exemestane group (P = .361). This effect was at least partially attributable to washout of tamoxifen as only patients with prior use of tamoxifen experienced a significant increase in LDL. Baseline HDL was an independent predictor of the change in HDL (r(2) = -0.128, P < .001), and prior tamoxifen use was associated with greater increases in LDL (r(2) = 0.057, P < .001). Use of lipid-altering medications did not protect against the exemestane-induced drop in HDL or the increase in LDL observed in women with prior use of tamoxifen taking letrozole. In conclusion, AI treatment and/or washout of tamoxifen induced detrimental changes in the lipid profile of postmenopausal women with breast cancer.
The kinetics of bidirectional growth of stem sections from etiolated pea seedlings in response to acid, auxin and fusicoccin.

Growth in length and diameter of abraded stem sections from etiolated pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedlings was monitored continuously using a double laser optical level auxanometer system. Acidic solutions (pH 4.0–4.5) induced rapid elongation accompanied by lateral shrinkage (up to 8% of the initial diameter). The shrinkage phase lasted for 30–45 min. Pretreatment with permeant solutes (KCl, NaCl, sucrose or glucose) prevented lateral shrinkage, while pretreatment with the impermeant solute, polyethylene glycol, did not block lateral contraction in response to acid. A slight turgor step-up given during the shrinkage phase inhibited lateral shrinkage and increased the elongation rate. Visual observation confirmed that shrinkage occurred and that the same region of the stem that contracted in diameter also elongated. It is proposed that lateral shrinkage results from a decrease in turgor pressure during acid-stimulated elongation. Elongation induced by auxin and fusicoccin (FC) was also accompanied by a decrease in the diameter; this decrease could be prevented by pretreatment with KCl or glucose. Thus, the early phase of auxin and FC action is “acid-like”. However, the shrinkage is of shorter duration (14–20 min) and it is less drastic (ca. 2%). In addition, FC caused lateral expansion after a 20-min lag period in stems pretreated with KCl. The results are consistent with an acid-growth mechanism during the early phase (first 20–40 min) of the responses to both auxin and FC. It is suggested that enhanced osmoregulation subsequently inhibits further lateral shrinkage and helps to maintain steady-state growth. FC, unlike auxin, may alter the anisotropic character of the wall.
Focal myocardial injury following blunt chest trauma: a comparison of indium-111 antimyosin scintigraphy with other noninvasive methods.

Abstract The diagnosis of myocardial contusion is often difficult, as traditional methods such as serial electrocardiograms, cardiac enzyme (creatine kinase [CK-MB]) analysis and echocardiography lack sensitivity and specificity. Recent reports have shown that 111 In labelled antimyosin scanning has high sensitivity for detecting cardiac injury. However, no prior studies have been reported for antimyosin imaging with patients suspected of sustaining a cardiac contusion. Accordingly, 17 patients with severe multisystem trauma (intrathoracic vascular injury in eight patients, pneumothorax and pulmonary contusion in 13) underwent antimyosin scintigraphy, echocardiography, 12-lead electrocardiograms, and CK-MB determinations. Arrhythmias were noted in seven patients, four of whom died. All patients had elevated CK levels but CK-MB isoenzyme was >4% in only three. Abnormal ST segments were noted in nine subjects, only one of whom had CK-MB elevation. Echocardiography revealed pericardial effusions in four patients but was technically suboptimal in 53% of the studies. Blinded interpretation of the antimyosin scans revealed only one with focal myocardial uptake; this same patient had the only discrete wall motion abnormality on the echocardiogram and also had ST depression with ectopy but normal CK-MB. Thus in patients with suspected myocardial contusion, echocardiography is frequently limited technically and the electrocardiogram and CK analysis appear to lack diagnostic accuracy. In contrast, monoclonal antimyosin imaging may be performed in patients with trauma without limitation and yields results that are concordant with echocardiograms. In patients with suspected myocardial contusion, focal antimyosin uptake is uncommon despite severe thoracic injury, which suggests that extensive myocardial necrosis is not the primary method of injury.
Psychophysiological correlates in parkinsonism.

“Higher integrative” functions and EMG as well as EKG correlates of arousal were studied in the presence of assumed subcortical involvement. Psychomotor, perceptual, and verbal tests were administered to unilaterally affected parkinsonian patients. Severity of rigidity and autonomic nervous system dysfunction were related to adequacy of voluntary movement. EMG arousal was inversely related to left-handed tapping, heart rate was associated with verbal fluency, and EMG arousal was correlated with heart rate. Results corroborated postulated patterning within a construct of general organismic arousal and yielded specific correlations between arousal systems and integrative functions for parkinsonian Ss. Implications for health and disease were discussed.
Categorization and recognition performance of a memory-impaired group: evidence for single-system models.

Previous research has demonstrated dissociations between categorization and recognition performance in amnesic patients, supporting the idea that separate memory systems govern these tasks. However, previous research has also demonstrated that these dissociations are predicted by a single-system model that allows for reasonable parameter differences across groups. Generally, previous studies have employed categorization tasks that are less demanding than the recognition tasks. In this study, we distinguish between single-system and multiple-system accounts by testing memory-impaired individuals in a more demanding categorization task. These patients, just like previous amnesic participants, show a dissociation between categorization and recognition when tested in previously employed paradigms. However, they display a categorization deficit when tested in the more challenging categorization task. The results are interpreted as support for a single-system framework in which categorization and recognition depend on one representational system. (JINS, 2003, 9, 394–406.)
Water and fertilizer have opposite effects on plant species richness in a mesic early successional habitat

Herbaceous plant species richness typically declines with increasing productivity, but differences in the resources underlying these gradients are often ignored. This study adds to the small number of studies examining the effects of water and mineral nutrients on biomass and richness in oldfield communities. We established 60 4 m2 plots in a goldenrod-dominated oldfield to test the differential effects of water and mineral nutrients on community properties. Species richness declined with added nutrients, but increased with added water. Aboveground biomass increased only when both nutrients and water were added. Leaf area index increased with added nutrients alone, although the increase was greater when water was also added. Understory light levels decreased with added nutrients, but not with added water; however, the per-gram effect of biomass on understory light levels did not vary significantly among nutrient and water treatments. Our results suggest that water tends to enhance productivity, but does not cause the common decline in species richness that typically accompanies nitrogen additions. Rather, water increased richness through positivie effects on either germination and establishment, or increased survival. These results are consistent with either increased light limitation or increased water limitation causing loss of species from nitrogen-rich habitats.
Cognitive mechanisms in numerical processing: evidence from acquired dyscalculia.

This article discusses cognitive neuropsychological research on acquired dyscalculia (i.e., impaired numerical processing resulting from brain damage), surveying issues of current interest, and illustrating the ways in which analyses of acquired deficits can contribute to an understanding of normal processing. I first review the logic whereby inferences concerning normal cognition are drawn from patterns of impaired performance. I then consider research exploring the general functional architecture of the cognitive numerical processing mechanisms, and finally turn to studies aimed at probing the internal structure and functioning of individual processing components.
Dual pathways in the photolysis of rhodopsin: Studies using a direct chemical method

Abstract A direct method for identifying free retinal has been used to separate the pathways in rhodopsin photolysis. At 3°C, pH 7.0, in digitonin 75% of bovine rhodopsin proceeds through Meta III 465 before hydrolysis, while 25% decays more rapidly to retinal plus opsin. Similar percentages are found in excised retinas ( Bufo marinus ). The most likely source of the retinal is a secondary pathway in Meta II 380 thermal decay. The pathways for bovine rhodopsin are pH dependent with a transition point at pH 6.8 (42% more rapidly to retinal at pH 6.5). These data also suggest that the extinction coefficients for Meta III 465 and rhodopsin are approximately the same.
Structure of Mathematica Expressions

This chapter starts the systematic discussion of the use of the Mathematica programming system and the Mathematica language. All Mathematica expressions resemble each other because they are symbolic expressions. The whole power, universality, flexibility, and extensibility is based on the unifying fact that everything in Mathematica is a symbolic expression. Depending on the size of these symbolic expressions, we can classify them as elementary objects, called atoms, or as objects built recursively from smaller pieces. Elementary objects include strings, symbols, and various types of numbers. More complicated expressions can be decomposed and analyzed using a few basic commands, such as Level, Depth, Part, and Position.
Evolution of optimal compute server clusters for dynamic load-balancing systems

The paper studies emergence of coalitions for optimal load-balancing among compute nodes in large distributed systems. A compute node in our model is a rational agent that tries to minimize the difference between its load and the average load of other nodes in the vicinity. By limiting communication within the clusters, the cost of communication necessary for dynamic load-balancing is dramatically decreased.
Mechanical stress-strain sensors embedded in cardiac cytoskeleton: Z disk, titin, and associated structures

Cardiac muscle is equipped with intricate intrinsic mechanisms to regulate adaptive remodeling. Recent and extensive experimental findings powered by novel strategies for screening protein-protein interactions, improved imaging technologies, and versatile transgenic mouse methodologies reveal that Z disks and titin filaments possess unexpectedly complicated sensory and modulatory mechanisms for signal reception and transduction. These mechanisms employ molecules such as muscle-enriched LIM domain proteins, PDZ-LIM domain proteins, myozenin gene family members, titin-associated ankyrin repeat family proteins, and muscle-specific ring finger proteins, which have been identified as potential molecular sensor components. Moreover, classic transmembrane signaling processes, including mitogen-activated kinase, protein kinase C, and calcium signaling, also involve novel interactions with the Z disk/titin network. This compartmentalization of signaling complexes permits alteration of receptor-dependent transcriptional regulation by direct sensing of intrinsic stress. Newly identified mechanical stress sensors are not limited to Z-disk region and to I-band and M-band regions of titin but are also embedded in muscle-specific membrane systems such as the costamere, intercalated disks, and caveolae-like microdomains. This review summarizes current knowledge of this rapidly developing area with focus on how the heart adjusts physiological remodeling process to meet with mechanical demands and how this process fails in cardiac pathologies.
Me, Myself, & Cyber-I: A Craft Analysis of Narrative Persona in Creative Nonfiction

Conceptualising and crafting a memorable and distinct narrative persona is difficult for the burgeoning writer – compounded by the fact that the use of first person is often discouraged in academic writing. Students who have been warned against ‘I-Dropping’ must be taught that using personal ‘I’ is not only accepted, but sometimes expected in academic and creative writing discourse communities. This paper addresses these challenges and outlines an approach to teaching narrative persona in the creative nonfiction classroom. This paper illustrates that narrative persona is a performative persona by applying narratology to both print and digital texts. I argue that blogging has potential as a teaching tool to help students recognise the multiplicity of their narrative persona(s).
Three-dimensional closed form solutions and exact thin plate theories for isotropic plates

A Navier-type method for finding the exact three-dimensional solution for isotropic thick and thin rectangular plates is presented. The method uses the Mixed Form of Hooke’s Law (MFHL) which leads one to write the boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate directly in terms of transverse stresses. The solution is found by solving a first order system of differential equations in the unknown amplitudes of the displacements and stresses. This leads to an eigenvalue problem in which only two (over a total of six) eigenvalues are distinct. Therefore, a basis of eigenvectors is not available and two generalized eigenvectors have to be found. The solution is a combination of the eigenvectors and generalized eigenvectors multiplied by functions of the out-of-plane coordinate z. The paper also presents exact closed form expressions (function of the geometry and material properties) for the displacements and stresses for a simply supported rectangular plate with sinusoidal pressure on the top surface. Three Thin Plate Theories are obtained by expanding the exact solution in Taylor series with respect to the parameter h/a, which is a measure of the accuracy of the two-dimensional theories. For small ratios h/a the Thin Plate Theory of order zero (the Classical Plate Theory CPT) works very well, but for thick plates higher order terms of the series have to be taken into account in order to have good accuracy. Finally, a plate subjected to two pressures on both the top and bottom surfaces is analyzed and the exact solution is compared with the quasi-3D results obtained by adopting the mixed assiomatic theories of order 5 and 10 presented here for the first time. � 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
GTREP: a new model for expanding the availability of engineering education

The Georgia Tech Regional Engineering Program (GTREP) expands engineering education opportunities by offering Georgia Tech undergraduate engineering degrees in southeast Georgia in collaboration with Armstrong Atlantic State University, Georgia Southern University and Savannah State University. While branch campuses and remote programs are not new, GTREP incorporates a number of innovative elements. Students initially enroll at one of the three regional institutions, then become Georgia Tech students for their junior and senior years, while remaining in Savannah or Statesboro and taking courses taught by locally-resident Georgia Tech faculty. Distance learning technology, including two-way video and Internet-based courses, increases the available course offerings and fosters interactions between the main and southeast campuses. GTREP faculty members in southeast Georgia are regular tenure-track Georgia Tech faculty, engaged in both instruction and research. This paper addresses the challenges and innovative solutions associated with bringing GTREP from concept to initial graduates in less than four years.
Posttraumatic Growth Among Men With Histories of Child Sexual Abuse

Despite an increased risk of long-term mental health problems, many survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) experience positive changes in areas such as appreciation for life, personal strength, and interpersonal relationships. Drawing on life course theory, this study examined factors related to posttraumatic growth among a sample of men with CSA histories (N = 487). Using multiple linear regression (i.e., ordinary least squares), we found that men who had a better understanding of the sexual abuse experience, who ascribed to less traditional masculine norms, and who experienced a turning point reported greater growth. To promote growth, practitioners can help survivors understand the meaning and impact of the abuse on their lives and deconstruct rigid gender norms. More research on growth is needed with male survivors, especially on the nature of turning points in the recovery process.
Profile coating and its application for Kirkpatrick-Baez mirrors

For microfocusing x-ray mirrors, an elliptical shape is essen- tial for aberration-free optics. However, it is difficult to polish elliptical mirrors to x-ray quality smoothness. A differential coating method to con- vert a cylindrical mirror to an elliptical one has been previously reported. The coating was obtained by varying the sputter source power over a moving substrate. Here we report a new method of profile coating: the sputter source power is kept constant, while the substrate is passed over a contoured mask at a constant speed to obtain a desired profile along the direction perpendicular to the direction of substrate motion. The shape of the contour depends on the desired profile and the thickness distribution directly above the gun at the substrate level. The thickness distribution was measured on films coated on Si wafers using a spectro- scopic ellipsometer with computer-controlled X-Y translation stages. A model was developed to fit the measured thickness distribution, which determines the relative thickness weightings. When the substrate moves during a deposition, the film thickness is proportional to the length of the opening on the shield can along the direction of motion. By equating the sum of relative weightings to the required relative thickness at the same position, the length of the opening at that position can be determined. By repeating the same process for the whole length of the required profile, a contour can be obtained for a desired thickness profile. The number of passes and the speed of the substrate are determined according to the required thickness and the growth-rate calibration of a test run. The mir- ror coating profile is determined from the difference between the ideal surface figure of a focus ellipse and the surface figure obtained from a long-trace profiler measurement on the substrate. A Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) mirror pair was made using Au as a coating material and cylindri- cally polished mirrors as substrates. Synchrotron x-ray results using this KB mirror pair showed a focused spot size of 0.430.4 mm 2 . © 2003