cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safety of Aspirin Desensitization in Patients With Reported Aspirin Allergy and Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Aspirin (ASA) is the drug of choice in patients with coronary artery disease for primary and secondary prevention. This poses a problem for those patients reporting hypersensitivity to this drug or class of drugs. Hypothesis: Desensitization to ASA may be carried out safely and effectively in patients with reported ASA or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) hypersensitivity needing ASA for cardiac indications. Our 7-step protocol is one choice for a rapid desensitization protocol. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted evaluating ASA desensitization in patients with reported ASA or NSAID hypersensitivity and a cardiac indication for ASA. Results: In 160 evaluations over 15 years, 89 desensitizations were performed in both the inpatient and outpatient setting with only 16 reactions (18%). Eleven of these 16 patients (68.7%) were able to take daily ASA. Twenty-six desensitization procedures were performed with our 7-step rapid desensitization protocol in 10 inpatients and 16 outpatients with 3 reactions (18.75% of reactions). Initial reaction to ASA involving angioedema and reacting to ASA within the past year increased the risk of having a reaction to desensitization. Conclusions: Desensitization may be safely performed in patients with reported ASA or NSAID hypersensitivity and a cardiac indication for ASA. Our 7-step rapid protocol may be used in both the inpatient and outpatient setting to desensitize these patients. Patients who had angioedema with ASA ingestion or a reaction to ASA within the past year are at higher risk for reaction during the desensitization protocol. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Reconstructing the Morphology of an Evolving Coronal Mass Ejection

Using imaging data from the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) mission, we empirically reconstruct the time-dependent three-dimensional morphology of a coronal mass ejection (CME) from 2008 June 1, which exhibits significant variation in shape as it travels from the Sun to 1 AU, requiring us to abandon the assumption of self-similar expansion. We model the CME as a flux rope that is rather fat relative to its longitudinal extent close to the Sun, but which becomes thinner and flatter on top as the flux rope moves outward. We find best agreement with the STEREO images when the flux rope's west leg is assumed to be rotated 35° below the ecliptic plane. This orientation is consistent with previously published inferences about this CME's orientation from an analysis of in situ observations of the event from June 6 to June 7, when the CME hits STEREO-B. The agreement between these two very different kinds of analysis is encouraging. Close to 1 AU, the CME not only hits STEREO-B but also strikes a comet (Comet C/2007 W1 Boattini), which provides an additional constraint for our reconstruction efforts. Finally, we find that this CME is very instructive for assessing different methods of extracting kinematic information from measurements of elongation angles from the Sun, which is a complicated issue for measurements far from the Sun. The "fixed-" assumption that we have used successfully in the past does not work well here, and we discuss the implications for extracting reliable kinematic information from heliospheric imaging.
Synthetic laxative drugs.

Data are presented on the laxative effects produced in mice by the administration of several synthetic polyhydroxyanthraquinone glycosides and their aglycones. These compounds are compared in laxative activity to standard senna powder using the fecal staining technique. Through the addition of a mixture of potassium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, the laxative activity of some of the synthetic glycosides is greatly increased.
Device characteristics of single-layer graphene FETs grown on copper

The exceptional electrical properties of graphene materials have led to an explosion of research investigating the potential of graphene as the foundation for a future generation of devices as well as developing methods of producing high quality graphene materials. Material quality and our ability to manipulate the properties of graphene will ultimately determine the success of graphene as a device platform. Recently, the formation of single layer graphene via catalyzed-chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on copper foils has generated much interest [1]. A few groups have reported the CVD growth of graphene on copper, and transport properties including quantum Hall effect [2,3] in layers subsequently transferred to insulating substrates. However, there have been no careful studies of FETs fabricated from them. In this work, we report the characteristics of single-layer graphene FETs whose channels were grown by CVD on copper.
Temperature modulation of ventricular arrhythmogenicity in a canine tissue model of Brugada syndrome

Background Fever promotes ventricular arrhythmias in Brugada syndrome (BrS). Hypothermia can induce BrS electrocardiogram (ECG) and arrhythmia. However, the mechanisms are unclear. Objective We evaluated the hypothesis that pathological temperatures promoted arrhythmogenesis by modulating the spatial heterogeneity and functional dynamics of right ventricular electrophysiological activity. Methods We mapped action potentials (APs) on the epicardial or cut-exposed transmural surfaces and recorded transmural ECGs in 27 arterially perfused canine right ventricular preparations before and after inducing BrS at 32°C, 36.5°C, and 40°C. Results We observed major intraepicardial dispersion of AP duration (APD) and reversal of transmural gradient of APD in association with manifestation of BrS at 36.5°C. Reducing the temperature to 32°C prolonged APDs and enhanced the phase 1 notch of epicardial APs, while 40°C caused opposite changes. Prominent phase 2 domes of APs frequently led to spontaneous premature ventricular activations (PVAs), which conducted to surrounding regions having shorter APDs. Longer APDs at 32°C and 36.5°C frequently blocked reentry, although they promoted PVA, while shortened APDs at 40°C facilitated reentrant ventricular tachycardia. During bradycardia (2,000 ms), the J-ST elevation in the ECG was enhanced at 32°C and attenuated at 40°C. Rapid pacing (500 ms) eliminated the dome of epicardial APs and enhanced J-ST elevation at each temperature. Blocking the transient outward current, I to , with 4-aminopyridine reduced J-ST elevation and eliminated the PVA and reentry. Conclusions In this BrS model, prolongation and increased dispersion of APDs promoted spontaneous activation during hypothermia, while APD abbreviation facilitated reentry during hyperthermia. I to mediated the arrhythmogenicity.
Modeling the effects of surface roughness on the emissivity of aluminum alloys

This study explores the relationship between the emissivity of aluminum alloy surfaces and surface roughness. Two methods are discussed which yield good overall predictions of the emissivity of rough surfaces. One method consists of using a mathematical multispectral radiation thermometry (MRT) model for the emissivity and determining both the surface temperature and the empirical constants in the emissivity model from radiance measurements. This method requires new emissivity constants to be determined for each surface topography. This study also presents an alternative method for determining the emissivity of rough surfaces. This method relies on determining the emissivity characteristics of a single reference surface and inferring the emissivity of any other rough surface of the same material by relating a surface roughness function (determined by surface topography instrumentation) of the rough surface to that of the reference surface. Using data for AL 7075 with various degrees of surface roughness, this method is shown to yield better accuracy than the first method.
Malnutrition among pediatric burn patients: A consequence of delayed admissions

Abstract Early definitive burn treatment is assumed to improve prognosis, in part because open wounds rapidly stimulate muscle catabolism and systemic inflammation. This study describes the incidence and management of injury associated malnutrition among pediatric burn patients transferred for definitive care 21–166 days following burn injury. Medical records of patients admitted to our hospital between January 2003 and January 2009, at least 3 weeks after burn injury, were retrospectively reviewed. Only children with an initial total body surface area (TBSA) burn of ≥20% were included in this study (n = 36). Patients were classified as acutely well nourished or malnourished by the medical team. All patients were admitted with chronic open wounds (31 ± 16% TBSA). Sixty-one percent (n = 22) of patients were diagnosed with malnutrition. These patients had a significantly longer delay to transfer (26–166 days) than well nourished patients who transferred at 21–138 days (p
Robust long-term social memories in a paper wasp.

Summary Remembering individual identity is necessary for the complex, individually-differentiated social relationships found in many vertebrates, including humans. Despite the complexity of social insect colonies, individual social insects are generally thought to have simple, undifferentiated relationships. Here we show that Polistes fuscatus paper wasps, which individually recognize conspecifics, remember the identity of social partners for at least a week, even if they interact with ten other wasps. Therefore, social interactions among paper wasps are based on robust memories of past interactions with particular individuals rather than simple rules. Considering the small size of wasp brains, these results suggest that at least some aspects of social cognition may not be as cognitively demanding as is generally assumed.
Tracheal diverticulum: An atypical presentation

A 46-year-old nonsmoking man was seen with recurrent episodes of hiccups and burping occurring for a 1-year period. A barium esophagogram showed external compression and deviation of the esophagus by an air-filled structure at the level of the thoracic inlet. No opacification of this structure with barium was seen (Figure 1). Computed tomographic scan of the chest showed that a septated cystic structure located to the right of the trachea and measuring 6 3 4.7 cm was causing compression of the upper esophagus and slight deviation of the trachea. A thin connection with the right posterolateral aspect of the trachea was demonstrated, consistent with tracheal diverticulum (Figure 2). Esophagoscopy showed no sign of an esophageal diverticulum. Bronchoscopy revealed a 3-mm ostium at the junction between the membranous and cartilaginous trachea approximately 7 cm proximal to the carina (Figure 3). Examination of the ostium with the endotracheal tube positioned proximally caused the patient’s neck to swell, confirming tracheal connection to the cyst. Resection of the diverticulum was approached through a cervical collar incision. The cyst was found to be in close apposition with the right side of the trachea. The lateral aspect extended past the right carotid artery and deep to the levelof the spine. Medially, the right recurrent laryngeal nerve was noted to be intimately adherent to the cyst. Once fully mobilized, the cyst was opened and the connection with the trachea was identified from within. A figure-ofeight polyglactin suture was placed to oversew the opening. The cyst was sharply excised circumferentially, preserving the recurrent laryngeal nerve. With the endotracheal tube proximal to our repair, the neck was filled with water and no air leak was noted. A fat pedicle from the neck was used to buttress the repair. Paratracheal diverticula or cysts are relatively rare, with a reported incidence of 1% in autopsy series. They most commonly occur in the right paratracheal region and can be subdivided into the categories of congenital
Differential, postnatal ontogeny of opiate and benzodiazepine receptor subtypes in rat cerebral cortex: Binding characteristics of tifluadom and brotizolam.

The postnatal development of 3[H] ethylketocyclazocine (EKC) binding characteristics was examined using membranes from the cerebral cortex of rats at various ages. Binding site affinity did not vary significantly between postnatal days 1 and 90. However, the apparent density of cortical binding sites increased fivefold between birth and adulthood. These results were similar to another ontogenic study of brain opiate receptor binding. Whereas EKC was equally potent as a competitor for 3[H] EKC binding in cortex from neonatal and adult rats, tifluadom was three times more potent in neonatal cortex than in adult cortex as a displacer of specific EKC binding. Brotizolam, a new thienodiazepine and a potent sedative hypnotic, also was distinctly more potent as an inhibitor of 3H-diazepam binding in neonatal rat brain cortex than in adult rat brain cortex. These results suggest that subtypes of benzodiazepine receptors, as well as some opiate receptor subtypes, exhibit different rates of postnatal development.
Thermal And Chemical Stability Of Baseline And Improved Crystalline Silicotitanate

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) is evaluating technologies for removing radioactive cesium (137Cs) from the supernate solutions stored in the high-level waste tanks at the site. Crystalline silicotitanate (CST) sorbent (IONSIV® IE-911, UOP LLC, Des Plaines, IL), which is very effective at removing cesium from high-salt solutions, was one of three technologies that were tested. Small-scale batch and column tests conducted last year using samples of production batches of CST showed potential problems with CST clumping and loss of cesium capacity after extended contact with the simulant solutions. Similar tests using samples of a baseline and improved granular CST and the CST powder used to make both granular samples were performed this year to compare the performance of the improved CST. The column tests showed that the baseline CST generated more precipitates of sodium aluminosilicate than the improved CST. The sodium aluminosilicate formed bridges between the CST granules, ca...
GaAs Passivation with Trioctylphosphine Sulfide for Enhanced Solar Cell Efficiency and Durability

A chemical passivation strategy to improve durability in GaAs solar cells is described. Trioctylphosphine sulfide (TOP:S) is identified among a promising new class of surfactants for enhanced performance and longevity of GaAs cells. Light-beam induced current measurements (LBIC) and other studies show treatment with TOP:S mitigates efficiency losses at unpassivated sidewalls and induced fractures.
Cis-cis and trans-perp HOONO: Action spectroscopy and isomerization kinetics

The weakly bound HOONO product of the OH+NO2+M reaction is studied using the vibrational predissociation that follows excitation of the first OH overtone (2ν1). We observe formation of both cis-cis and trans-perp conformers of HOONO. The trans-perp HOONO 2ν1 band is observed under thermal (223–238 K) conditions at 6971 cm−1. We assign the previously published (warmer temperature) HOONO spectrum to the 2ν1 band at 6365 cm−1 and 2ν1-containing combination bands of the cis-cis conformer of HOONO. The band shape of the trans-perp HOONO spectrum is in excellent agreement with the predicted rotational contour based on previous experimental and theoretical results, but the apparent origin of the cis-cis HOONO spectrum at 6365 cm−1 is featureless and significantly broader, suggesting more rapid intramolecular vibrational redistribution or predissociation in the latter isomer. The thermally less stable trans-perp HOONO isomerizes rapidly to cis-cis HOONO with an experimentally determined lifetime of 39 ms at 233 K...
22. FDG Uptake in Infectious Mononucleosis.

Abstract Background: As the role of PET-FDG imaging is being established in the staging and monitoring of response to therapy in children with lymphoma, we encountered a case of an infection common in adolescence that may present with lymphoma-like signs and symptoms. Methods: A 13-year-old previously healthy male presented with a left neck mass associated with weakness, fatigue, intermittent fevers and weight loss. He was then referred to the hematology/oncology department with a working diagnosis of lymphoma. The total wbc count was 5920/cu mm with 75% lymphocytosis without atypical lymphocytes. ESR was 20 mm. Serologic analysis for EBV, CMV, toxoplasmosis and hepatitis was also performed. The chest x-ray was normal. CT scan demonstrated multiple enlarged lymph nodes in both right and left jugulodigastric and spinal accessory chains; the largest mass within the left spinal accessory chain had focal necrosis within it. There were no enlarged mediastinal or axillary nodes. The spleen was massively enlarged and the splenic index was 924 (normal for age = 744). Results: FDG imaging showed intense uptake in both cervical regions, the mediastinum and in the enlarged spleen. The results of the Monospot test and the EBV panel which were both positive, were available 3 & 5 days later. Based on these serologic results, the history, physical findings and the negative chest x-ray, the final diagnosis was infectious mononucleosis. Conclusion: Despite availability, ease of performance and sensitivity of FDG imaging, this case illustrates the importance of clinical, hematologic and serologic assessment of disease prior to FDG imaging.
Use of the Airfuge for analysis and preparation of receptors incorporated into liposomes: Studies with the receptor for immunoglobulin E

Abstract A Beckman Airfuge has been employed for studying the interaction between lipids and the receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE). For analytic experiments, samples were applied underneath a discontinuous sucrose gradient. After a 30-min centrifugation in a fixed-angle rotor, liposomes floated toward the top of the gradient whereas unincorporated receptor-IgE complexes remained at the bottom of the tube. Liposomes with incorporated receptors were also efficiently separated in the ACR-90 preparative rotor. These methods of “Airfuge flotation” can provide useful adjuncts to more traditional methods for density-gradient centrifugation especially when rapid analysis of small samples is desired.
A Numerical Study of Nonfrictional Decay of Mesoscale Eddies

Abstract The decay of mesoscale eddies can be attributed to either frictional dissipation of kinetic energy through viscous effects or through dispersive spreading of the different constituent Rossby wave components at their own characteristic wave speeds. Several previous investigations of eddy decay have examined the role of variable friction in the spindown process. In addition to frictional results, these studies have shown that nonlinear advective processes can stabilize the vortex against dispersive effects. The quantification of this relation between nonlinear stabilization and beta dispersion is the primary focus of this paper. Results are obtained using a finite difference “equivalent barotropic” numerical model with a fixed biharmonic friction formulation. Variable parameters in the study are vortex size and strength. Initial conditions are in the form of a Gaussian height field in gradient balance. Nonfrictional vortex decay is parameterized in terms of lateral spreading. This spreading is dete...
Curvature-induced and thermal strain in polyhedral gold nanocrystals

We use coherent x-ray diffractive imaging to map the local distribution of strain in gold (Au) polyhedral nanocrystals grown on a silicon (Si) substrate by a single-step thermal chemical vapor deposition process. The lattice strain at the surface of the octahedral nanocrystal agrees well with the predictions of the Young-Laplace equation quantitatively, but exhibits a discrepancy near the nanocrystal-substrate interface. We attribute this discrepancy to the dissimilar interfacial energies between Au/Air and Au/Si and to the difference in thermal expansion between the nanocrystal and the substrate during the cooling process.
Bladder cancer cell in co-culture induces human stem cell differentiation to urothelial cells through paracrine FGF10 signaling

Fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) is required for embryonic epidermal morphogenesis including brain development, lung morphogenesis, and initiation of limb bud formation. In this study, we investigated the role of FGF10 as a lead induction factor for stem cell differentiation toward urothelial cell. To this end, human multipotent stem cell in vitro system was employed. Human amniotic fluid stem cells were co-cultured with immortalized bladder cancer lines to induce directed differentiation into urothelial cells. Urothelial markers, uroplakin II, III, and cytokeratin 8, were monitored by RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and Western blot analysis. Co-cultured stem cells began to express uroplakin II, III, and cytokeratin 8. Targeted FGF10 gene knockdown from bladder cancer cells abolished the directed differentiation. In addition, when FGF10 downstream signaling was blocked with the Mek inhibitor, the co-culture system lost the capacity to induce urothelial differentiation. Exogenous addition of recombinant FGF10 protein promoted stem cell differentiation into urothelium cell lineage. Together, this report suggests that paracrine FGF10 signaling stimulates the differentiation of human stem cell into urothelial cells. Current study provides insight into the potential role of FGF10 as a lead growth factor for bladder regeneration and its therapeutic application for bladder transplantation.
The metal ions from track filter and its impact to product yield in IC manufacturing

The influence of metal ions within track filter on the micro-bridge defect is investigated. We focus on the chemical reaction between immersion ArF photoresist and metal ions and then try to figure out the root cause/mechanism by systematic methods and DOE splits. Micro-bridge defect is produced by immersion ArF resist and metal ions reaction. Track filter with higher level metal extract has higher probability of creating higher micro-bridge level and hence has an impact on defect density. In the experiments, different immersion ArF resists are tested. Eventually, from the outcomes we find out the trend which can well explain the hypothesis. Following the final result, we can easily make prediction before filter inline test. Moreover, optimization of our clean track performance via proper filter selection can be achieved as well. We adopt the new methodology and conclusion at current advanced node volume production. More interestingly, in the course of investigation we find out a countermeasure which can effectively reduce filter metal extract concentration and which is applicable to next generation lithography. New filter for verification is the next stage CIP(Continue Improvement Project) and we plan to start it in the near future.
Primum Non Nocere — The McCain Plan for Health Insecurity

Dr. David Blumenthal argues that the central purpose of John McCain's health policy is to reduce the role of insurance and make Americans pay a larger part of their health care bills out of pocket. This plan would risk the viability of employer-sponsored insurance and the welfare of chronically ill Americans in pursuit of a radical vision of consumer-driven health care.
N,N,N′,N′‐Tetrabromobenzene‐1,3‐disulfonamide (TBBDS)

[848408-54-8] C6H4Br4N2O4S2 (MW 551.85) InChI = 1S/C6H4Br4N2O4S2/c7-11(8)17(13,14)5-2-1-3-6(4-5)18(15,16)12(9)10/h1-4H InChIKey = QIUSYTGYTFWFKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used as a source of Br+ for oxidation reactions) Physical Data: mp 267–270 °C.1 Preparative Methods: prepared from benzene-1,3-disulfonylamide.2 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: TBBDS is stable for 3–4 months under atmospheric conditions.
Relation of Apo(a) Size to Carotid Atherosclerosis in an Elderly Multiethnic Population

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a novel risk factor for atherosclerosis, whose role in multiracial populations has been debated. We recently demonstrated a significant association of elevated levels of Lp(a) carried in particles containing small apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] isoforms with coronary artery disease in African American and white men. To extend these findings, we investigated the associations between Lp(a) levels, apo(a) size, and maximum internal carotid artery plaque thickness (MPT) in a randomly selected elderly multiethnic population (173 men and 253 women, consisting of 135 African Americans, 146 Hispanics, and 145 whites; mean age 70.5+/-11.4 years). Lp(a) levels were not associated with MPT. Among white men, MPT was associated with a small apo(a) isoform size (P=0.03) as well as with the amount of Lp(a) carrying the small apo(a) size (P=0.04), and the latter showed a borderline association in African American men (P=0.07). Among white women, but not in Hispanic or African American women, MPT was associated with the amount of Lp(a) carrying a small apo(a) isoform size (P<0.01). For all patients, the amount of Lp(a) carrying the small apo(a) size was associated with carotid atherosclerosis when there was control for age, sex, ethnicity, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, waist-to-hip ratio, and current smoking status (P=0.03). This association was significant for all men (P=0.03) and for white women (P=0.007). The results suggest that molecular properties of apo(a) are important in determining the atherogenicity of Lp(a).
Meta-analysis of clinical outcomes of maze-related surgical procedures for medically refractory atrial fibrillation.

Objective: Although maze-related surgical procedures have shown success at eliminating atrial fibrillation, published controlled studies have generally been too small to detect clinically significant differences in morbidity and mortality. We pooled available studies to determine whether a simultaneous maze procedure reduces the risk of stroke or death in patients with chronic or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who receive mitral valve surgery. Secondary outcomes included post-operative bleeding and need for pacemaker. Methods: Our systematic review identified four randomized controlled trials and six retrospective comparative studies that met minimum quality criteria. We conducted meta-analyses of clinical outcomes using Cohen’s h, a statistic appropriate for analysis of infrequent events. Results: The findings suggest that maze may reduce stroke risk but also increase the need for pacemaker implantation, as well as increase the risk of post-operative bleeding unless radiofrequency ablation is used. However, the statistically significant findings for stroke, need for pacemaker, and post-operative bleeding were overturned by sensitivityanalysis,indicatingthatthefindingsarenotrobust.Conclusion: Theliteratureevaluatingmazeclinicaloutcomessuffersfromseveral shortcomings, particularly small sample sizes and selection bias. However, weak evidence supports a reduction in stroke rates and an increase in need for pacemakers among patients receiving the maze procedure. Radiofrequency maze may avoid an excess risk of post-operative bleeding associated with maze incisions. Larger, well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate outcomes such as survival and quality of life. # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Competitive Organizational Structures in Coupled Markets

The effect of different company organizational structures as centralized and decentralized on competition in coupled markets is studied using a game theory approach. By coupling it is meant that management actions taken in the market for one product have an effect on the market for another. A specific example is where advertising dollars spent in generating sales for one product have an influence on the sales of another product. In some cases competition between companies in coupled markets takes the form of a Prisoner's Dilemma and may be discussed in terms of recent research findings on this game. Various other aspects of research on competitive organizational structures in coupled markets are discussed.
Burn scar contracture release - a simplified technique utilizing contact media

A technique to overcome the problems of inlay grafting for burn scar contracture release is described. A greater release can be achieved by moving the point of release away from the flexure crease, with the added advantage of grafting on to a 'flat non-mobile' surface. A simplified method of graft fixation and compression is described, along with the use of contact media in the postoperative management to prevent graft shrinkage and the recurrence of contracture. During a 6-year period, burn scar contracture release with inlay grafting was performed on 24 patients (10 limbs with 17 split-skin grafts and 14 fingers with 21 full-thickness grafts) with no recurrence.
Plan Degradation in Head and Neck Cancers

Purpose/Objective(s): Our image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) system couples a linear accelerator with a CT-onrails, which offers the advantage of diagnostic CT quality images for IGRT guidance. Using our IGRT system, we undertook a detailed analysis of the impact of patient setup and tissue volume changes on dose delivery for head and neck (H&N) cancers. Materials/Methods: H&N cancer patients, each of whom had weekly isocenter checks (isocheck), were identified by retrospective chart review. So far a total of 30 CT scans have been analyzed. To quantify the inter-isocheck setup error, patients’ linear and rotational positions were measured. The left/right (L/R), inferior/superior (I/S), and posterior/anterior (P/A) isocenter displacements were measured. For rotational displacement, the angle between the axes, each of which connects the center of the vertebral body and the spinous process at the isocenter level, in the isocheck CT and the planning CT was measured. Also, tumor and lymph node volume changes were calculated for isocheck and planning CT data sets. To evaluate the effects of patient setup error and tissue volume changes, the original plan and region of interests were copied to a phantom of each isocheck CT data set. To assess if IGRT can mitigate these effects, each isocheck data set was evaluated by either shifting the isocheck images to correct for any linear displacements or left unaltered. Dose volume histograms (DVHs) were calculated and compared for each treatment plan. Results: Mean L/R, I/S, and P/A isocenter displacements are 3.6 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3.8 mm, respectively. Average rotational displacement was 3.6°. Tumor volume decreased to ~70% and ~25% of original size by week 3 and 6, respectively. Lymph node volumes decreased to ~40% of original size by week 3. Without altering patient setup, DVH analysis showed an increase in dose of 3%, 12%, and 16% to the tumor, cord, and parotids, respectively. With patient shifts to correct for setup errors, accurate dose delivery to the tumor was achieved. However, even with shifts, the cord and parotids were still overdosed by >10%. Detailed analysis of this data will be presented. Conclusions: Our findings suggest small linear and rotational displacements can manifest as significant effects on dose delivery to critical structures. Tissue volume changes in H&N cancers may require at least one replanning and as early as week 3 of treatment. IGRT using superior quality images of diagnostic CT can accurately detect when replanning becomes necessary.
Revision Processing in a Stream Processing Engine: A High-Level Design

Data stream processing systems have become ubiquitous in academic [1, 2, 5, 6] and commercial [11] sectors, with application areas that include financial services, network traffic analysis, battlefield monitoring and traffic control [3]. The append-only model of streams implies that input data is immutable and therefore always correct. But in practice, streaming data sources often contend with noise (e.g., embedded sensors) or data entry errors (e.g., financial data feeds) resulting in erroneous inputs and therefore, erroneous query results. Many data stream sources (e.g., commercial ticker feeds) issue "revision tuples" (revisions) that amend previously issued tuples (e.g. erroneous share prices). Ideally, any stream processing engine should process revision inputs by generating revision outputs that correct previous query results. We know of no stream processing system that presently has this capability.
S-Nitrosylation in Cardiovascular Signaling

Abstract: Well over 2 decades have passed since the endothelium-derived relaxation factor was reported to be the gaseous molecule nitric oxide (NO). Although soluble guanylyl cyclase (which generat...
Constraints on Movement

Within a sentence, constituents may appear in the local context of the items they stand in a grammatical relation with or they may move to other positions. Such movement phenomena are subject to a number of grammatical constraints. Keywords: movement; constraints; transformations
Little Things Mean a Lot

Levin views Clune's "The Shift From Equity to Adequacy" as a provocative contribution to the policy questions on educational adequacy. Although in agreement with much of the overall concept, Levin identifies potential problems with a number of the details of the plan. He argues that we lack the knowledge base at present to operationalize high minimum outcomes. Also, we do not know enough about the relationship between resources and outcomes to determine the cost of achieving desired outcomes. Last, we have not decided what mix of outcomes we wish to achieve or how to achieve those outcomes in a consistent or systematic way.
One Centimeter Spatial Resolution Temperature Measurements in a Nuclear Reactor Using Rayleigh Scatter in Optical Fiber

We present the use of swept wavelength interferometry for distributed fiber-optic temperature measurements in a nuclear reactor. The sensors consisted of 2-m segments of commercially available, single mode optical fibers. The interrogation technique is based on measuring the spectral shift of the intrinsic Rayleigh backscatter signal along the optical fiber and converting the spectral shift to temperature.
Does Type of Disease Matter? Gender Differences Among Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Spouse Caregivers

Purpose of study: Mental health outcomes are widely reported among spouse caregivers, with wives generally faring worse than husbands. We hypothesized that gender differences would not be as strong in a cognitively intact group because caring for cognitively intact spouses may involve less severe reciprocity losses. We also examined gender differences in coping strategies within each group. Design and method: 175 spouse caregivers for patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD; n 5 88) and Parkinson’s disease (PD; n 5 87) were interviewed. Participants completed perceived stress (PSS), depression (CES-D), state anxiety (STAI, Form Y), and coping strategies (WCCL-R) measures. Results: Wives in the AD group reported significantly worse mental health outcomes than husbands, while wives and husbands in the PD group showed no differences. AD caregiving wives were less likely than husbands to use problem-focused coping strategies. There were no significant gender differences in either group for social support or emotion-focused coping. Implications: Loss of reciprocity in marital relationships may affect women more negatively than men. Future studies that address underlying mechanisms of gender differences and focus on similar caregiving situations and contexts deserve attention.
Orthotic Options for Standing and Walking

Standing and walking are key goals of rehabilitation. Standing requires an anteriorly directed force at the mid back, complemented by posteriorly directed forces from the chest and legs. Standing benefits the patient physiologically and psychologically. Orthoses, including frames, swivel walkers, and the parapodium, foster crutchless standing. Walking requires stability plus some means of shifting weight and advancing the legs individually or together. Limited ambulation may be achieved with ankle-foot orthoses, knee-ankle-foot orthoses, and trunk-hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses, including various versions of reciprocating gait orthosis. Each type of orthosis is described, including its availability for children and adults and its advantages and disadvantages.
Effects of buprenorphine versus buprenorphine/naloxone tablets in non- dependent opioid abusers

Rationale: Buprenorphine is an opioid agonist-antagonist under development in the United States as a sublingual medication for treatment of opioid dependence. Buprenorphine may be abused; therefore, tablets combining buprenorphine with naloxone have been developed with the intent of reducing the abuse risk in people physically dependent upon opioids. The characteristics and abuse potential of buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone tablets in non-dependent opioid abusers have not been determined. Non-parenteral abuse of opioids such as buprenorphine may be more likely in people who have less severe substance abuse disorders (e.g., are not physically dependent upon opioids). Objectives: To assess the abuse potential of sublingual buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone tablets in non-dependent opioid abusers. Methods: Subjects (n=7) were tested with sublingual buprenorphine (4, 8, 16 mg), sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone (1/0.25, 2/0.5, 4/1, 8/2, 16/4 mg), as well as intramuscular hydromorphone as an opioid agonist control (2, 4 mg) and placebo in laboratory sessions conducted twice per week. Dosing was double-blind and double-dummy. Results: The higher doses of both buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone produced similar opioid agonist-like effects. The onset of these effects was slowed, consistent with the sublingual route of administration, and the magnitude of effects was moderate. There was no evidence to suggest the addition of naloxone attenuated buprenorphine’s opioid agonist effects in this population when buprenorphine was delivered by the sublingual route. Conclusions: These results suggest that sublingual buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone may both be abused by opioid users who are not physically dependent upon opioids.
How severely does violence deter international investment

The relevance of political risk to international trade and investment remains a topic of continuing interest. However, summary measures of political risk, including country corruption, do not give consistent results. In this paper, we bring together two recent streams of literature to highlight the role of political risk. We find that violence in the form of terrorism, revolutions, and wars is harmful to international investment. Violence in a source country encourages investment away from the parent to a safer host. Host country violence hurts investment, mainly in developing countries. Developing countries also attract more investment through membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). We interpret WTO membership as a commitment device that limits the possibility of arbitrary policy changes.
On the Structure and Function of Ligandin and Z Protein

A large number of organic neutral and anionic compounds are noncovalently bound to two proteins in the 100,000 x g supernatant fraction of homogenates of liver from various animals and man (Table I). Binding occurs when the various ligands are either added in vitro and/or injected in vivo prior to homogenization of liver. This report will consider the following with respect to the binding proteins: (i) their structure, composition and several forms; (ii) quantitation, tissue and cell distribution, and biological regulation; (iii) site and mechanism of ligand binding; (iv) enzymatic activity and its relationship to binding of ligands; (v) transfer of ligands from serum albumin, and (vi) biological function.
The Real World Effectiveness of Hematopoietic Transplant Among Elderly Individuals With Multiple Myeloma

Background Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is the preferred treatment for young patients with multiple myeloma (MM), but for older adults there is limited evidence on its effectiveness from clinical trials. Methods We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database to identify individuals age 66 years and older with multiple myeloma (MM) who were diagnosed between 2000 and 2007. We used traditional multivariable analysis, propensity score-based analysis, coarsened exact matching, and an instrumental variable analysis to compare survival for individuals who did or did not receive an hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Survival was measured by Cox proportional hazard models. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Patients with MM receiving an HSCT were more likely to be white, married, younger, and have fewer comorbidities. Results from all analytic techniques consistently showed that HSCT statistically significantly improved survival, with hazard ratios (HRs) ranging from 0.531 to 0.608 (traditional multivariable analysis: HR = 0.582, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49 to 0.69; propensity score analysis: HR = 0.572, 95% CI = 0.46 to 0.72; coarsened exact matching: HR = 0.608, 95% CI = 0.49 to 0.76; instrumental variable analysis: HR = 0.531, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.78, all P values ≤ .001). Conclusions Overall survival has increased among patients with MM receiving HSCT. This finding was consistent across statistical methods, indicating robustness of our findings.
Endoscopes and robots for tight surgical spaces: use of precurved elastic elements to enhance curvature

Many applications in medicine require flexible surgical manipulators and endoscopes capable of reaching tight curvatures. The maximum curvature these devices can achieve is often restricted either by a strain limit, or by a maximum actuation force that the device's components can tolerate without risking mechanical failure. In this paper we propose the use of precurvature to "bias" the workspace of the device in one direction. Combined with axial shaft rotation, biasing increases the size of the device's workspace, enabling it to reach tighter curvatures than a comparable device without biasing can achieve, while still being able to fully straighten. To illustrate this effect, we describe several example prototype devices which use flexible nitinol strips that can be pushed and pulled to generate bending. We provide a statics model that relates the manipulator curvature to actuation force, and validate it experimentally.
Coupling between octahedral rotations and local polar displacements in W O 3 / Re O 3 superlattices

We model short-period superlattices of $\mathrm{W}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ and $\mathrm{Re}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ with first-principles calculations. In fully relaxed superlattices we observe that octahedral tilts about an axis in the planes of the superlattices do not propagate from one material, despite the presence of the corner-shared oxygen atoms. However, we find that octahedral rotation is enhanced within $\mathrm{W}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ layers in cases in which strain couples with native antiferroelectric displacements of tungsten within their octahedral cages. Resulting structures remain antiferroelectric with low net global polarization. Thermodynamic analysis reveals that superlattices with sufficiently thick $\mathrm{Re}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ layers, the absolute number being three or more layers and the Re fraction $\ensuremath{\ge}50%$, tend to be more stable than the separated material phases and also show enhanced octahedral rotations in the $\mathrm{W}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ layers.
NMDA Receptor Ion Channel Dynamics in Living Cells by a Novel Single-Molecule Patch-Clamp FRET Microscopy: Revealing the Multiple Conformational States Associated with a Channel at its Electrical Off State

Stochastic and inhomogeneous conformational changes regulate the function and dynamics of ion channels. The conformational dynamics is often inhomogeneous and extremely difficult to be directly characterized by ensemble-averaged spectroscopic imaging or only by single channel patch-clamp electric recording methods. We have developed a new combined approaches of using single ion channel patch-clamp electrical recording and single-molecule fluorescence imaging for probing ion channel conformational changes simultaneously with the electrical single channel recording. We were able to probe single ion-channel-protein conformational changes simultaneously with the electric on-off signals, and thus providing an understanding the dynamics and mechanism of ion-channel proteins at the molecular level.(1,2) We have probed NMDA (N-Methyl-D-Aspartate) receptor ion channel in live HEK-293 cell, especially, the single ion channel open-close activity and its associated protein conformational changes simultaneously. Furthermore, we have revealed that the seemingly identical electrically off states are associated with multiple conformational states. Based on our experimental results, we have proposed a multistate clamshell model to interpret the NMDA receptor open-close dynamics. Our results shed light on new perspectives of the intrinsic interplay of lipid membrane dynamics, solvation dynamics, and the ion channel functions.Reference:1. Dibyendu Kumar Sasmal, H. Peter Lu, “ Single-Molecule Patch-Clamp FRET Microscopy Studies of NMDA Receptor Ion Channel Dynamics in Living Cells: Revealing the Multiple Conformational States Associated with a Channel at Its Electrical Off State,” J. Am. Chem. Soc., 136, 12998-13005 (2014).2. Suneth P. Rajapaksha, Xuefei Wang, H. Peter Lu, “Suspended Lipid Bilayer for Optical and Electrical measurements of Single Ion Channel Proteins,” Anal. Chem., 85, 8951-8955 (2013).
Outcomes and accountability. Can dentistry prove the benefits of care

As managed care increases in influence, dentists must be prepared to document the efficacy of all treatment modalities in order to maintain control over the care their patients receive. We, rather than third parties, are ultimately accountable for the results of the care we provide. The outcomes assessment process can yield essential, clear evidence of the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and benefits of the care we provide to patients.
Why not Medicaid dentistry

Charitable dental services and Medicaid dentistry are two components of services provided to patients with limited financial resources. An approach to making the case for improvements in Medicaid dentistry may best be made by increasing the public's awareness of the charitable services provided by individual dentists.
New technique for determining boundary dose from the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility

Los Alamos has enhanced its method of measuring radiation at its boundary. Three sheds were built each with an active radiation detection system. Each shed has an IBM compatible computer, an EG&G Ortec 92X Spectrum Master integrated spectroscopy system and an upward-looking germanium detector. The system runs with minimal intervention by the operators because of automated data logging and error reporting. When certain events happen at a shed, the data collection computer in the shed will call the central computer and log the condition. This allows us to track building accesses as well as hardware failures. Once a day the central computer calls each shed to dump the day's collected data and computes the gamma dose from reported data. This allows the operators to notice trends or abnormal readings. >
Aesthetics of ambivalence: Dan Almagor and rock ideology in Israeli musical theatre

ABSTRACTThis article is about the emergence of the 1960s rock musical in Israel as an ambivalent response to Zionist ideology. I demonstrate that in the Israeli context rock music’s countercultural ethos has been just as integral to the genre’s adoption as have been its stylistic innovations. The ‘folk authenticity’ signified by this music empowered playwrights and songwriters like Dan Almagor to simultaneously mobilise and undermine signifiers of the dominant ideology, giving rise to an ‘aesthetics of ambivalence’. In this article, I examine two of Almagor’s musicals—Once There Was a Hasid (1968) and My Jerusalem (1969)—in order to assess how the playwright navigated these cultural tensions. In so doing, I place analysis of the shows’ production and reception in conversation with ethnographic interviews. In light of these materials, I argue that when popular music travels globally, ideologies about music’s power to shape political discourse, rather than its stylistic innovations, often govern local adapt...