cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Screening Mammography in a Public Hospital Serving Predominantly African-American Women: A Stage-Survival-Cost Model.

Abstract Background Ethnic and socioeconomic disparities pervade breast cancer patterns and outcomes. Mammography guidelines reflect the difficulty in optimizing mortality reduction and cost-effectiveness, with controversy still surrounding the 2009 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations. This study simulates USPSTF and American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines' effects on stage, survival, and cost of treatment in an urban public hospital. Methods Charts of 274 women diagnosed with stage I, II, or III breast cancer (2008–2010) were reviewed. Published tumor doubling times were used to predict size at diagnosis under simulated screening guidelines. Stage distributions under ACS and USPSTF guidelines were compared with those observed. Cohort survival for observed and hypothetical scenarios was estimated using national statistics. Treatment costs by stage, calculated from Georgia Medicaid claims data, were similarly applied. Results Mean age at diagnosis was 56 years. African Americans predominated (82.5%), with 96% publically insured or uninsured. Simulated stages at diagnosis significantly favored ACS guidelines (43.1% stage 1/38.3% stage 2/9.9% stage 3 vs. USPSTF 23.0%/53.3 %/15.0%), as did 5-year survival and cost of treatment relative to both observed and USPSTF-predicted schema (p Conclusions Following ACS guidelines seems to lead to earlier diagnosis for low-income African-American women and increase 5-year survival with lower overall and breast-specific costs. The data suggest that adjusting screening practices for lower socioeconomic status, ethnic minority women may prove essential in addressing cancer disparities.
GABAergic mechanisms of hippocampal hyperactivity in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is associated with abnormalities of hippocampal structure and function. Neuroimaging studies have shown that the hippocampus is hyperactive in schizophrenia. Here we explore GABAergic mechanisms of this hippocampal hyperactivity. The initial evidence for GABAergic abnormalities of the hippocampus in schizophrenia came from post-mortem studies of interneuron number, protein expression, and gene expression. These studies revealed marked decreases in gene and protein expression of somatostatin-positive and parvalbumin-positive interneurons, and indicated reduced interneuron numbers. Animal studies of decreased parvalbumin and NMDA-receptor function have shown that selective abnormalities of hippocampal interneurons mimic some of the cognitive deficits and clinical features of schizophrenia. The post-mortem and animal studies are consistent with the neuroimaging finding of increased hippocampal activity in schizophrenia, which can explain some of the psychotic symptoms and cognitive deficits. Taken together, these findings may guide the development of biomarkers and the development of new treatments for psychosis.
Expression level dependent changes in the properties of P2X2 receptors.

Abstract The currents of P2X2 receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes or HEK293 cells show significant cell-to-cell variation in many properties including the rate of desensitization and the magnitude of potentiation by zinc or acidic pH. In this study, we examined whether differences in expression levels underlie this variability. We injected Xenopus oocytes with different concentrations of RNA encoding rat P2X2 to give a wide range of maximum current amplitudes, and then measured the potentiation of responses to 10 μM adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) by zinc or acidic pH. Individual oocytes showed potentiation ratios that ranged from 1.4- to 25-fold. Oocytes with small amplitude responses to a saturating concentration of ATP tended to have larger potentiation ratios than oocytes with large amplitude responses. This phenomenon was explained by an inverse correlation between the EC50 for ATP and the maximum current amplitude, with the EC50 decreasing from about 37 to 7 μM as expression level increased. In contrast, the Hill coefficient was not correlated with the maximum current amplitude. Truncated receptors lacking the last 76 amino acids also showed an inverse correlation between the EC50 and the maximum current amplitude. Thus, the interactions that cause expression-dependent changes in P2X2 receptor properties must involve domains proximal to position H397.
Ovulation induction with human menopausal gonadotropin compared to human urinary follicle-stimulating hormone results in a significant shift in follicular fluid androgen levels without discernible differences in granulosa-luteal cell function.

Follicular fluid estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and androstenedione levels were compared in 2 groups of spontaneously ovulatory women undergoing ovulation induction with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG; which contains equal amounts of LH and FSH) or human urinary FSH (huFSH). The results were correlated with the ratios of embryo cleavage and pregnancy. Although significantly more FSH [1268 ± 38 (±SEM) vs. 953 ± 38 IU; P < 0.05] was required for equivalent hyperstimulation in hMG compared to huFSH cycles, the number of oocytes retrieved and fertilized and the number of embryos transferred were similar for the 2 ovulation induction protocols. Forty-two follicles from 21 women stimulated with hMG and 38 follicles from 15 women stimulated with huFSH were examined and found to be representative of the total cohort of aspirated follicles. Follicular fluid estradiol and progesterone levels were similar, but hMG-stimulated follicles contained significantly more testosterone [7.83 ± 0.52 (±SEM) vs.. 6.3...
General Performance Metrics and Applications to Evaluate Various Thermal Energy Storage Technologies

The solution proposed in this paper presents a new modeling approach that integrates a generalized thermal storage performance model into a concentrating solar power (CSP) plant. The overall performance, including round trip efficiency, for a thermal energy storage system is highly dependent on the operating parameters and operation strategy of the complete power plant. Previous methods used for analysis of thermal storage have followed one of two approaches: The first requires time-intensive customized detailed performance models of the thermal storage system and the power cycle to account for the effects of charging and discharging storage on conversion efficiency and heat transfer fluid (HTF) return temperature to the solar field. The second method uses a simple energy balance with “derate” factors that do not accurately predict the effects of storage on other plant components. In this paper, we develop a generalized method based on efficiency metrics and discuss the application in TES sizing and performance evaluation for an early concept study. The method is an integral approach and complements the detailed models that simulate yearly operation of a CSP plant.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Role of cell-mediated immunity in Hymenoptera allergy☆

Currently there is little information regarding the immunologic mechanisms responsible for large local reaction (LLR) after Hymenoptera stings. To investigate this question, we measured in vitro lymphocyte proliferation and delayed skin reactivity to venom antigens in 10 subjects with LLR (six with LLR only and four with LLR and systemic reactions), seven subjects with systemic reactions, and eight nonallergic controls. The lymphocyte response to venoms in the LLR group was greater than that in either the systemic reactor group (p less than 0.05) or the control group (p less than 0.001). In contrast, lymphoproliferative responses to Candida albicans, streptokinase-streptodornase, and phytohemagglutinin were comparable in the three groups. Forty percent of the LLR group had positive delayed skin tests to venom antigens, and none of the patients in the systemic reactor group had such responses. These findings suggest that cellular immune mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis of LLR after Hymenoptera stings.
Defining Intractability: Comparisons among Published Definitions

Summary: Purpose: Intractable epilepsy is the focus of much research; however, this concept is defined in no single way. Individual studies use different definitions, creating difficulties for comparisons of results across studies. A head-to-head comparison of definitions could highlight these differences and motivate the development of consensus guidelines. Methods: Within a single prospective study of 613 children in Connecticut with newly diagnosed epilepsy (1993–1997), six different published definitions or indicators for intractability were applied and compared. All definitions were assessed at various times within the first 5 years after diagnosis, with the exact timing reflecting how they were used in their initial reports. Observed and chance-adjusted agreement (kappa) were computed. The associations of each definition with remission status 7–10 years after diagnosis were quantified with a relative risk. Results: Depending on the specific definition, the epilepsy of 9–24% of children was considered intractable. Observed agreements among the definitions ranged from a low of 0.83 to a high of 0.96. Kappas ranged from low of 0.45 to 0.79. More similar definitions had higher levels of agreement. All definitions were strongly associated with remission status as of last follow-up. Conclusions: Agreement among the different definitions is strong but imperfect. All definitions were significantly associated with longer-term outcome. No single preferred definition of intractable epilepsy exists. Some discussion within the field of epilepsy and a consensus process should be considered as a future step for enhancing comparability of research efforts and clinical guidelines. Consideration should be given to whether a single definition will suit all purposes or whether different types of definitions are needed for different purposes.
Effect of work-hour restrictions and resident turnover in orthopedic trauma.

Full article available online at Healio.com/Orthopedics. Search: 20121023-25 The resident 80-hour workweek and the July phenomenon have raised concern regarding the continuity of care of orthopedic patients in teaching institutions and its effect on postoperative complications and mortality. This study examined the effect of resident work-hour restrictions and the July phenomenon on patient outcomes after hip fracture at a large academic institution.
Open questions in astrophysically triggered gravitational wave searches

Sources of gravitational waves are often expected to also be observable through several other messengers, such as gamma rays, X-rays, optical, radio, and/or neutrino emission. Some of these channels are already being used in searches for gravitational waves with the LIGO-GEO600-Virgo interferometer network, and others are currently being incorporated into new searches. Astrophysical targets include gamma-ray bursts, soft-gamma repeaters, supernovae, and glitching pulsars. The simultaneous observation of electromagnetic or neutrino emission could be a crucial aspect for the first direct detection of gravitational waves. Information on the progenitor, such as trigger time, direction and expected frequency range, can enhance our ability to identify gravitational wave signatures with amplitudes close to the noise floor of the detector. Furthermore, combining gravitational waves with electromagnetic and neutrino observations will enable the extraction of scientific insight that was hidden from us before. The paper discusses the status of transient multimessenger detection efforts as well as intriguing questions that might be resolved in the future by advanced and third generation gravitational wave detectors.
Experimental evidence that ptarmigan regulate willow bud production to their own advantage

In some ecosystems, vertebrate herbivores increase the nutritional quality and biomass of their food source through repeated grazing, thereby manipulating their environment to support higher densities of animals. We tested whether ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus and L. muta) are capable of regulating the nutritional quality, abundance, and availability of feltleaf willow (Salix alaxensis) buds using a simulated browsing experiment and a feeding preference study with wild birds. Simulated ptarmigan browsing resulted in smaller buds, but greater numbers of buds per shoot. Furthermore, browsing altered the morphology of willow branches such that buds were at higher densities and closer to snow level compared to unbrowsed controls. Browsing increased the number of willows with accessible buds (buds within 50 cm of snow level) from 55 to 89 %, and increased total accessible bud biomass from 113 ± 30 to 129 ± 50 mg/ramet. Browsing did not affect bud nitrogen or carbon concentration and slightly reduced protein precipitation capacity (tannins) in buds the following winter, indicating that ptarmigan browsing does not induce a defensive response in this species. When branches of broomed (previously browsed) and unbroomed willows were placed in the snow at equal heights, ptarmigan showed no preference for either type; however, they obtained more buds from broomed willows. Increased accessibility and density of willow buds caused by browsing has the potential to increase habitat carrying capacity, thereby supporting higher densities of ptarmigan.
Control of citrate formation in rat liver mitochondria.

Summary Measurements of citrate formation and endogenous adenine nucleotides in fluorocitrate-inhibited rat liver mitochondria respiring in the presence of 50 μM (−) palmitoyl carnitine and 250 μM malate have failed to support the suggestion that citrate synthase activity is controlled primarily by the intramitochondrial ATP level. A positive correlation was obtained between the redox state of the mitochondrial pyridine nucleotides and the rate of citrate formation, suggesting that at physiological malate concentrations, the rate of entry of acetyl CoA into the citric acid cycle is effectively controlled by oxalacetate availability. As acetyl CoA levels increase, and oxalacetate levels decrease, in rat liver with increased fatty acid availability (Williamson, Herczeg, Coles and Danish, 1966 ; Williamson, 1967) , increased ketogenesis accompanies the observed increase in the redox state of pyridine nucleotides in both the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial spaces. We suggest that the change in the redox state following increased fatty acid oxidation is a primary event preceding ketosis.
An instrumental variables analysis of the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in low- and middle-income countries

In the absence of substantial differences in the growth rates of per capita GDP across countries, what are the factors explaining the rapid spread of the HIV infection within a nation? This is an empirical question that needs to be explained. In order to elucidate the correlation between HIV prevalence and economic growth in a sample of 74 low- and middle-income countries, circumcision as well as ethnic diversity can be used as the main instruments to produce estimates of the effect of HIV prevalence on the growth rate of real GDP per capita that are not affected by the presence of simultaneity.
Trace gas and particulate emissions from the 2003 southern California wildfires

[1] In October 2003, thirteen major wildfires in southern California burned more than 300,000 hectares of mainly chaparral biome. High-precision in situ trace gas and particle measurements of the wildfire plumes in La Jolla, California, showed a high degree of correlation among carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nonmethane hydrocarbons, and methyl halide mixing ratios, as well as with particle number concentrations (10–300 nm and 500–2500 nm aerodynamic diameter). Aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry of individual aerosol particles (50–2500 nm range) showed that 70–85% had typical biomass burning signatures (levoglucosan coupled with potassium). Only 5–18% of particles in the 50–300 nm range had vehicle signatures. Molar trace gas enhancement ratios (ERs) versus ethane and CO2 were calculated and showed a narrow age distribution, consistent with the short distance from the wildfires. ERs for N2O and CH3CCl3 versus CO2 were determined, but correlations were poor. No significant CH2Cl2 or CHCl3 emissions were detected. CO2 emissions from the nearby Cedar fire were estimated both with a simple Lagrangian atmospheric transport model and a burned area approach and extrapolated to 11 Tg CO2 for the total burned area in southern California. Total CO2, CH4, C2-hydrocarbons, benzene, toluene, methyl chloride, methyl iodide, and PM2.5 emissions were ∼0.2–3.5% of yearly global extratropical forest fire emissions and more than 28% of CH4, C6H6, and PM2.5 2003 San Diego and South Coast Air Basins anthropogenic emissions. Particle distributions and single particle chemistry are discussed. PM2.5 considerably exceeded the EPA short-term exposure limit.
Another look at the nitrite and chlorophyll maxima in the central North Pacific

Abstract A field study of the deep chlorophyll maximum and associated nitrite maximuum of the central North Pacific compared the standing crop, growth rates, and physiological characteristics of phytoplankton from the mixed layer, the chlorophyll maximum, and a depth well below the chlorohyll maximum. (1) The chlorophyll maximum is primarily due to increased cellular chlorophyll rather than an accumulation of cells at depth, and (2) the cells within and below the chlorophyll maximum are liiving but limited by radiant energy. A simple box model was constructed to cover the depth internal of the primary nitrite maximum. Solution of the model, which assumed constant vertical mixing, indicated sufficient uptake of upwardly diffusing nitrate to account for the appearance of nitrate. It is suggested that nitrous acid diffuses out of phytoplankton, and that there is a steady-state concentration of extracellular nitrite in which the rate of uptake by phytoplankton equals its rate of passive diffusion out of the cells. Culture studies of the marine diatom,Thalassiosira pseudonana, indicate that the cells produce nitrite at rates sufficient to account for the primary nitrite maximum, and that there is a steady-state concentration of nitrite that does not exceed 4 μM.
Electrooxidation of olefins at a silver electrode

Abstract The anodic oxidation of ethylene and propylene was carried out at a silver electrode under constant current conditions (galvanostatic) with the olefin and/or oxygen dissolved in the alkaline electrolyte at 23 ± 2′C. At current densities in the range of 10−5 to 10−9 A/cm2, the anodic oxidation of silver was accelerated in the presence of dissolved oxygen and retarded in the presence of ethylene. Product analysis demonstrated the formation of ethylene glycol under anodic oxidation conditions in the presence of ethylene and of propylene oxide in the presence of propylene. A mechanism is proposed to elucidate the effects of oxygen and ethylene on the anodic oxidation of silver and ethylene.
Analysis of longitudinal-field reflection in dielectric gratings

Because of a common approximation used in the derivation of the wave equation, conventional analyses of Bragg reflection from dielectric gratings do not account for the distinctive behavior of the longitudinal field component of the electric field. We address this issue, which has particular significance in subwavelength scale periodic dielectric structures. We discuss new reflection phenomena within the theoretical framework of coupled-wave analysis, supplemented with numerical calculations.
Echocardiographic and radiographic changes associated with systemic hypertension in cats.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of systemic hypertension (SHT) on echocardiographic and radiographic cardiovascular variables in affected cats compared with healthy geriatric cats. Secondary objectives were to determine whether there were any relationships between these findings and age or systolic blood pressure (SBP). Fifteen healthy cats (>8 years of age with normal SBP) and 15 hypertensive cats (SBP > 180 mm Hg) were studied. Each cat was evaluated for standard echocardiographic parameters and 4 different aortic root dimensions. Seventeen variables were measured from right lateral and dorsoventral radiographic views. Left ventricle wall thickness was greater in the SHT group (5.1 +/- 0.9 mm) than in the healthy cats (4.2 +/- 0.5 mm). Left ventricular hypertrophy in the SHT cats often was not severe, and mean measures were considered normal. Some cats had asymmetrical septal hypertrophy (ASH) in the basilar portion of the septum as determined from the 2-dimensional view of the left ventricular outflow tract. ASH was greater in cats with SHT. Comparisons of the proximal ascending aorta indicated the presence of dilatation in the SHT cats, and comparison of the ascending aorta to the aortic annulus was helpful in differentiating between the 2 groups. The distal aortic root measurements and ratios evaluated by echocardiography were significantly different between the 2 groups of cats (P = .0001) and were significantly correlated with SBP (P = .0001) but not age (P > .3).
Current noise and long time tails in biased disordered random walks

We calculate the mean velocity and the velocity correlation function for a random walk with a uniform bias on a disordered chain. We find a new long time tail in the velocity correlation function due to the combined effects of the bias and of the disorder in the site variables. This long time tail persists to a low-frequency cutoff inversely proportional to the square of the bias. By associating the velocity correlation function with the spectrum of current fluctuations, we calculate the excess low-frequency current noise associated with this long time tail. The spectrum of current fluctuations goes as(I2/N)f−1/2, whereI is the DC current,N is the number of charge carriers, andf is the frequency. The possible connection to 1/f noise is discussed. The calculation is done by a perturbation expansion in the strength of the disorder, but is shown to be exact to all orders for weak enough bias.
Kernel energy method applied to an energetic nitrate ester

A recent synthesis results in a nitrate ester explosive C6N6O16H8 (Hisk75), composed of four nitrate ester groups (ONO2) and two nitro groups (NO2), with the property of being solid at room temperature with a low-melting point allowing the convenience of poured mold casting (Chavez et al., Angew Chem Int Ed 2008, 47, 8307). Using the crystal geometry, we have calculated the quantum chemical interaction energies, including basis set superposition errors between nearest neighboring molecules. Using quantum mechanics and the computer program CHEETA, we have calculated the explosive parameters of this new molecule, comparing to those of HMX, corroborating previous estimates of these same parameters. Calculations confirm this compound to be one of the best performing high-energy/high-density explosives. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Poly(alkylene oxide) ionomers. XIII. Copolymers of trioxane with the epoxide and 1,3‐dioxolane of methyl 10‐undecenoate

Copolymerisation cationique du trioxanne-1,3,5 avec l'epoxy-10,11 undecanoate de methyle ou l'epoxy-7,8 octanoate de methyle et terpolymerisation avec le dioxolanne-1,3
Towards understanding the symmetry of human ears: A biometric perspective

In this paper, an analysis of the symmetry of human ears is presented. Such an analysis is essential in order to understand the possibility of matching the left and right ears of an individual, or to reconstruct portions of the ear that may be occluded in a surveillance video. Ear symmetry is assessed geometrically using symmetry operators and Iannarelli's measurements, where the contribution of individual ear regions to the overall symmetry of the ear is studied. Next, to assess the ear symmetry (or asymmetry) from a biometrie recognition system perspective, several experiments were conducted on the WVU Ear Database. Our experiments suggest the existence of some degree of symmetry in the human ears that can perhaps be systematically exploited in the design of commercial ear recognition systems. At the same time, the degree of asymmetry it offers may be used in designing effective fusion schemes that combine the face information with the two ears.
Slow Gating of Gap Junction Channels and Calmodulin

Certain COOH-terminus mutants of connexin32 (Cx32) were previously shown to form channels with unusual transjuctional voltage (Vj) sensitivity when tested heterotypically in oocytes against Cx32 wild type. Junctional conductance (Gj) slowly increased by severalfold or decreases to nearly zero with Vj positive or negative, respectively, at mutant side, and Vj positive at mutant side reversed CO2-induced uncoupling. This suggested that the CO2-sensitive gate might be a Vj-sensitive slow gate. Based on previous data for calmodulin (CaM) involvement in gap junction function, we have hypothesized that the slow gate could be a CaM-like pore plugging molecule (cork gating model). This study describes a similar behavior in heterotypic channels between Cx32 and each of four new Cx32 mutants modified in cytoplasmic-loop and/or COOH-terminus residues. The mutants are: ML/NN+3R/N, 3R/N, ML/NN and ML/EE; in these mutants, N or E replace M105 and L106, and N replace R215, R219 and R220. This study also reports that inhibition of CaM expression strongly reduces Vj and CO2 sensitivities of two of the most effective mutants, suggesting a CaM role in slow and chemical gating.
Associations between immunologic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers with severity of depressive symptoms: An analysis of the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Previous studies have demonstrated increased levels of serum markers of systemic inflammation and immune system function among individuals with depressive symptoms. Despite these observations, the biological mechanisms behind this association remain elusive. The objective of the present analysis was to examine the individual and joint associations of white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and C-reactive protein with depression severity and to determine whether oxidative stress might mediate these associations. We conducted an analysis of 3867 subjects from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess associations between three levels of depression symptom severity (as measured by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire) and serum C-reactive protein, white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and four surrogate markers of oxidative stress. Covariates included sex, age, smoking status, physical activity, education, poverty to income ratio, as well as medication use and medical conditions influencing inflammation levels. In separate models, the risk of moderate to severe depression was significantly greater in the highest quartiles of CRP (OR=1.84. 95 percent confidence interval (CI)=1.35-2.52), WBC (OR=1.70, CI=1.31-2.19), and platelet counts (OR=1.41, CI=1.13-1.76) after adjusting for basic sociodemographic and behavioral factors. After additional adjustment for medication use and oxidative stress surrogate measures, the highest quartile of WBC counts remained associated with depression (OR=1.60, CI=1.23-2.09). Adjustment for oxidative stress measures did not substantially affect estimated associations of inflammation/immunologic markers. In summary, we observed significantly elevated white blood cell counts among subjects with moderate and severe depression, and oxidative stress and a medical history of inflammatory diseases do not appear to mediate this association. Although limited through its use of cross-sectional data, this is the first analysis to simultaneously consider immunologic and oxidative stress markers. Further research is needed to identify the biological basis for this persistent association.
The ultrastructure of zoospores ofAphanomyces euteiches and of their encystment and subsequent germination

The ultrastructure ofAphanomyces euteiches during the periods of zoospore motility, encystment, and germination has been studied. The motile spore has two heterokont flagella inserted laterally into the groove of the zoospore body where each is attached to a kinetosome. The kinetosomes and flagella are anchored into the zoospore body by rootlets comprised of two rows of microtubules with up to 12 microtubules in the outer row and are attached by fine threads to a striate fiber bundle. Secondary microtubules are attached at right angles at regular intervals along the rootlets. An unidentified body, 1.25μm in diameter, containing helical fibers 16 nm in diameter is present in each zoospore. This body is situated near the two kinetosomes on the side of the pyriform nucleus opposite the contractile vacuole. The Golgi complex is between the nucleus and the contractile vacuole. The latter is surrounded by a 0.5–1.0μm wide zone of Golgi proliferated vesicles. Ribosomes are generally absent from this region. Endoplasmic reticulum containing tubules within the expanded cisternae are also present. Vesicles with striated electron opaque inclusions and vesicles containing a granular cortex and center that developed in previous stages of zoosporogenesis were also present. During encystment of the zoospore the latter vesicles disappear. The two flagella are shed at this time leaving a membrane-bounded granular knob protruding from each of the kinetosome terminal plates. The contractile vacuole becomes disorganized and the zoospore assumes a spherical shape. Cyst wall deposition begins immediately and is completed in 30 minutes. The spore begins to germinate 1 hour following initiation of encystment with the appearance of a bulge in the cyst wall which elongates into a germ tube. Mitotic nuclear division follows.
Logical types for untyped languages

Programmers reason about their programs using a wide variety of formal and informal methods. Programmers in untyped languages such as Scheme or Erlang are able to use any such method to reason about the type behavior of their programs. Our type system for Scheme accommodates common reasoning methods by assigning variable occurrences a subtype of their declared type based on the predicates prior to the occurrence, a discipline dubbed occurrence typing. It thus enables programmers to enrich existing Scheme code with types, while requiring few changes to the code itself.Three years of practical experience has revealed serious shortcomings of our type system. In particular, it relied on a system of ad-hoc rules to relate combinations of predicates, it could not reason about subcomponents of data structures, and it could not follow sophisticated reasoning about the relationship among predicate tests, all of which are used in existing code.In this paper, we reformulate occurrence typing to eliminate these shortcomings. The new formulation derives propositional logic formulas that hold when an expression evaluates to true or false, respectively. A simple proof system is then used to determine types of variable occurrences from these propositions. Our implementation of this revised occurrence type system thus copes with many more untyped programming idioms than the original system.
Technique and Outcomes of Abdominal Incisional Hernia Repair Using a Synthetic Composite Mesh: A Report of 455 Cases

Background Abdominal wall hernias are a frequent and formidable challenge for general surgeons. Several different surgical techniques and types of mesh prosthetics are available for repair. We evaluated outcomes of an open ventral hernia repair using a synthetic composite mesh. Study Design We prospectively collected data on consecutive patients undergoing open ventral hernia repair using a synthetic composite mesh from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2005 at four large medical centers. Four surgeons used a standardized surgical procedure for all patients. Results The study consisted of 455 patients with an average age of 56 years; 54% were men. Sixty-nine percent of the patients underwent repairs for recurrent hernias. Mean defect size was 44 cm 2 , and mean mesh size was 213 cm 2 . Average length of hospital stay was 1.1 days. Thirty-one patients had 33 early complications (7%), and 3 patients (0.7%) required reoperation (one each for seroma, bowel injury, and wound breakdown). Early infection occurred in four patients (0.9%), and one patient required reoperation and graft removal. Late complications occurred in nine patients (2%), with two patients requiring reoperation. Late infections occurred in two patients (0.4%); both required antibiotic treatment. Recurrent hernias were observed in 6 patients (1%; 6 of 450 because of 5 patients with unknown recurrence) at a mean followup of 29.3 months. Conclusions In this large multicenter series, open ventral hernia repair using a composite mesh resulted in a short hospital stay, moderate complication rate, low infection rate, and low recurrence rate.
Carrion's Disease II. Behavior of Bartonella Bacilliformis in the Developing Chick Embryo

SummaryThe observations reported here indicate that Bartonella bacilliformis is readily cultivated within the allantoic fluid of the developing chick maintained at room temperature, 25-28°C.
Accelerating progress at contaminated sediment sites: Moving from guidance to practice

Contaminated sediments are a pervasive problem in the United States. Significant economic, ecological, and social issues are intertwined in addressing the nation's contaminated sediment problem. Managing contaminated sediments has become increasingly resource intensive, with some investigations costing tens of millions of dollars and the majority of remediation projects proceeding at a slow pace. At present, the approaches typically used to investigate, evaluate, and remediate contaminated sediment sites in the United States have largely fallen short of producing timely, risk-based, cost-effective, long-term solutions. With the purpose of identifying opportunities for accelerating progress at contaminated sediment sites, the US Army Corps of Engineers-Engineer Research and Development Center and the Sediment Management Work Group convened a workshop with experienced experts from government, industry, consulting, and academia. Workshop participants identified 5 actions that, if implemented, would accelerate the progress and increase the effectiveness of risk management at contaminated sediment sites. These actions included: 1) development of a detailed and explicit project vision and accompanying objectives, achievable short-term and long-term goals, and metrics of remedy success at the outset of a project, with refinement occurring as needed throughout the duration of the project; 2) strategic engagement of stakeholders in a more direct and meaningful process; 3) optimization of risk reduction, risk management processes, and remedy selection addressing 2 important elements: a) the deliberate use of early action remedies, where appropriate, to accelerate risk reduction; and b) the systematic and sequential development of a suite of actions applicable to the ultimate remedy, starting with monitored natural recovery and adding engineering actions as needed to satisfy the project's objectives; 4) an incentive process that encourages and rewards risk reduction; and 5) pursuit of sediment remediation projects as a public-private collaborative enterprise. These 5 actions provide a clear path for connecting current US regulatory guidance to improved practices that produce better applications of science and risk management and more effective and efficient solutions at contaminated sediment sites.
PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO TEMPERATURE AND IRRADIANCE IN SPIROGYRA (ZYGNEMATALES, CHAROPHYCEAE)1

Spirogyra Link (1820) is an anabranched filamentous green alga that forms free-floating mats in shallow waters. It occurs widely in static waters such as ponds and ditches, sheltered littoral areas of lakes, and stow-flowing streams. Field observations of its seasonal distribution suggest that the 70-μm-wide filament form of Spirogyra should have a cool temperature and high irradiance optimum for net photosynthesis. Measurements of net photosynthesis and respiration were marie at 58 combinations of tight and temperature in a controlled environment facility. Optimum conditions were 25°C and 1500 μmol photons m−2 s−1, at which net photosynthesis averaged 75.7 mg O2 gdm−1 h−1. Net photosynthesis was positive at temperatures from 5° to 35°C at most irradiances except at combinations of extremely low irradiances and high temperatures (7 and 23 μmol photons m−2 s−1 at 30°C and 7, 23, and 35 μmol photons m−2 s−1 at 35°C). Respiration rates increased with both temperature and prior irradiance. Light-enhanced respiration rates were significantly greater than dark respiration rates following irradiances of 750 μmol photons m−2 s−1 or greater. Polynomials were fitted to the data to generate response surfaces; such response surfaces can be used to represent net photosynthesis and respiration in ecological models. The data indicate that the alga can tolerate the cool water and high irradiances characteristic of early spring but cannot maintain positive net photosynthesis under conditions of high temperature and low light (e.g. when exposed to self-shading).
Strawberry Fields Forever

On the basis of copious preclinical data supporting the preventive efficacy of small fruits such as berries and grapes, Chen and colleagues conducted a randomized (noncomparative) phase II trial evaluating two doses of strawberry powder (60 g/d or 30 g/d for six months) to prevent esophageal cancer in China (reported in this issue of the journal, beginning on page 41); 60 g/d reduced the histologic grade of dysplastic lesions and reduced localized biomarkers, whereas 30 g/d was not effective. Fundamental questions remain such as the best formulation of strawberry powder, the active components associated with powder, and the actual mechanism of action, and standardized preparations will be required to permit the widespread use of strawberry powder with a predicable outcome. Clearly, however, this work is a good example of proof-of-principle and highlights the important role of diet, nutrition, and natural products in cancer prevention. Cancer Prev Res; 5(1); 30–33. ©2012 AACR . Perspective on Chen et al., [p. 41][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/5/41?iss=1
Effective dose of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans in children as a function of age.

Abstract Effective dose, a parameter utilized to assess biological risk related to radiation exposure, may be used to evaluate risk associated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We estimated the effective dose from DXA (Hologic QDR 4500A) scans of the lumbar spine (fast array mode), total body, hip (fast array mode), and forearm for children ages 1, 5, 10, and 15 yr and for adults. Entrance dose incorporating backscatter was determined for each scan type. Depth-dose curves were derived using Plexiglas slabs simulating tissue attenuation. Organ depth was estimated using pediatric phantom models. For all scan types, the effective dose decreased as age increased. The effective dose values for a 1-yr-old and an adult, respectively, were 4.7 μSv and 2.2 μSv for a lumbar spine scan performed in fast array mode, 3.4/3.5 μSv and 1.8/2.1 μSv (male/female) for a total body scan, and 0.14 μSv and 0.03 μSv for a forearm scan. There were marked sex differences in the effective dose associated with hip scans (fast array mode) ranging from 15.2 μSv for a 1-yr-old male to 4.6 μSv for an adult female. A comprehensive uncertainty analysis indicated that the effective dose values were reliable within a factor of 3. With the exception of the hip scans in 1- and 5-yr-olds, the effective doses were below the negligible individual dose limit of 10 μSv/yr.
Foundations for Liberation: Social Justice, Liberation Psychology, and Counseling

This manuscript will describe Liberation Psychology’s impact on the professional counseling field’s movement toward a focus on social justice. The authors will describe Liberation Psychology’s roots in theology, the foundational principles of this theory, and specific examples of where Liberation Psychology has made an impact on the field of counseling. Finally, the authors will discuss several key implications for Liberation Psychology’s implementation as a foundation for counseling for social justice.
Large septic pulmonary embolism complicating extraction of an infected transvenous defibrillator lead.

1 A-53-year-old man with known coronary artery disease and a istory of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia underent placement of a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defirillator (ICD) in 2003. He presented to an outside facility with ever. His blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus epiermidis, and the patient subsequently was transferred to our acility for further treatment. On physical examination he apeared well. He was afebrile, and his left infraclavicular ICD ocket was benign. A transthoracic echocardiogram (Figure 1A) evealed a large mobile vegetation (1.5 cm 1.5 cm) localized to he ICD lead within the right ventricle as it coursed through the ricuspid valve. Mild tricuspid regurgitation was present. A transenous endocardial lead extraction was performed using a comination of locking stylet and electrocautery dissection. All imlanted hardware was extracted without evidence of retained lead ragments. Immediately after the procedure, a transthoracic echoardiogram showed no evidence of vegetation within the heart and o change in valvular regurgitation. After the procedure, the paient developed left-sided pleuritic chest pain associated with feer. Computed tomographic scan of the chest confirmed a large ulmonary embolus (Figure 1B, filling defect) confined to the eft lower lobe pulmonary artery with evidence of pulmonary nfarction and consolidation (arrowhead). Intraoperative cultures f the pocket and lead tips were negative for bacterial growth; the atient had been receiving intravenous (IV) antibiotics for a few ays prior to the procedure. The patient was treated with 6 weeks f IV antibiotics and recovered without sequelae. He subsequently nderwent repeat ICD placement. With the ever-increasing number of cardiac pacemaker and CD placement procedures, physicians are likely to encounter ore patients with infected intravascular device hardware. he risk of pulmonary embolism complicating extraction of acemaker and ICD leads associated with vegetations 1 cm n size has been highlighted in the literature. The original bservation regarding the risk of embolization and larger vegtations was reported by Mugge et al, who demonstrated that 2 (47%) of 47 patients with vegetations 1 cm had evidence
Duplications and functional divergence of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase genes in plants.

ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), which catalyses a rate limiting step in starch synthesis, is a heterotetramer comprised of two identical large and two identical small subunits in plants. Although the large and small subunits are equally sensitive to activity-altering amino acid changes when expressed in a bacterial system, the overall rate of non-synonymous evolution is ~2.7-fold greater for the large subunit than for the small subunit. Herein, we examine the basis for their different rates of evolution, the number of duplications in both large and small subunit genes and document changes in the patterns of AGPase evolution over time. We found that the first duplication in the AGPase large subunit family occurred early in the history of land plants, while the earliest small subunit duplication occurred after the divergence of monocots and eudicots. The large subunit also had a larger number of gene duplications than did the small subunit. The ancient duplications in the large subunit family raise concern about the saturation of synonymous substitutions, but estimates of the absolute rate of AGPase evolution were highly correlated with estimates of ω (the non-synonymous to synonymous rate ratio). Both subunits showed evidence for positive selection and relaxation of purifying selection after duplication, but these phenomena could not explain the different evolutionary rates of the two subunits. Instead, evolutionary constraints appear to be permanently relaxed for the large subunit relative to the small subunit. Both subunits exhibit branch-specific patterns of rate variation among sites. These analyses indicate that the higher evolutionary rate of the plant AGPase large subunit reflects permanent relaxation of constraints relative to the small subunit and they show that the large subunit genes have undergone more gene duplications than small subunit genes. Candidate sites potentially responsible for functional divergence within each of the AGPase subunits were investigated by examining branch-specific patterns of rate variation. We discuss the phenotypes of mutants that alter some candidate sites and strategies for examining candidate sites of presently unknown function.
Reflected power effects in computer simulations using the quantum theory of mixing

Attention is directed to the signal reflection gain and the signal-to-image conversion gain in the quantum theory of mixing. The theory gives two distinct types of solutions for the minimum noise temperature of an SIS (superconductor-insulator-superconductor) receiver. One has very high IF (intermediate frequency) conversion gain, and the returned signal and image powers are extremely high as well. The other has moderate IF conversion gain, but the returned powers tend to be very small. >
Evidence of Superior Ferroelectricity in Structurally Welded ZnSnO3 Nanowire Arrays

Highly packed LN-type ZnSnO3 NW arrays are grown on ZnO:Al/Si substrates using a hybrid pulsed laser deposition and solvothermal process. Unique "welding" mechanism structurally joins adjacent ZnSnO3 NWs to form a nearly impervious 20 μm thick nanostructured film that shows high P r of 30 μC/cm(2) at a low E c of 25 kV/cm for the first time.
Beveled sidewall formation and its effect on the light output of a GaInN multiquantum well light-emitting diode with sapphire substrate

In this research, experiments and optical simulations are car- ried out to study the effect of beveled sidewalls and geometric shapes on the light extraction efficiency of a GaN light-emitting diode LED with sapphire substrate. In addition to the conventional rectangular chips, hexagonal chips are experimentally processed for the first time on a novel island-like GaN substrate, on which the beveled sidewalls are naturally formed at each island during GaN epitaxial growth on a sap- phire original substrate by hydride vapor phase epitaxy HVPE technol- ogy. The results from our simulations and experiments show that the output power of a LED with beveled sidewalls is about two times that of a normal LED, and those from hexagonal chips are always better than those from conventional rectangular chips. © 2005 Society of Photo-Optical In-
Color-deficient cone mosaics associated with Xq28 opsin mutations: a stop codon versus gene deletions.

Our understanding of the etiology of red–green color vision defects is evolving. While missense mutations within the long- (L-) and middle-wavelength sensitive (M-) photopigments and gross rearrangements within the L/M-opsin gene array are commonly associated with red–green defects, recent work using adaptive optics retinal imaging has shown that different genotypes can have distinct consequences for the cone mosaic. Here we examined the cone mosaic in red–green color deficient individuals with multiple X-chromosome opsin genes that encode L opsin, as well as individuals with a single X-chromosome opsin gene that encodes L opsin and a single patient with a novel premature termination codon in his M-opsin gene and a normal L-opsin gene. We observed no difference in cone density between normal trichomats and multiple or single-gene deutans. In addition, we demonstrate different phenotypic effects of a nonsense mutation versus the previously described deleterious polymorphism, (LIAVA), both of which differ from multiple and single-gene deutans. Our results help refine the relationship between opsin genotype and cone photoreceptor mosaic phenotype.