cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer specific and overall mortality: Associations by metformin use and modification by race, body mass, and estrogen receptor status.

Introduction While type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been associated with increased all-cause mortality among women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC), the association between T2D and breast cancer-specific (BCS) mortality is unresolved. The goal of this study was to examine the association between T2D and BCS mortality and examine the influence of metformin treatment on mortality rates. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2002 and 2008 at Emory University Hospitals among non-Hispanic black and white women who had confirmed diagnosis of stage I-III BC and known diabetes status (T2D: n = 73; non-T2D: n = 514). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Compared to non-T2D patients, T2D women had almost a 2-fold increase in BCS mortality after adjusting for covariates (HR = 2.01; 95%CI = 1.02-3.98). Though attenuated, the increased hazard of death was also observed for all-cause mortality (HR = 1.74; 95%CI = 1.06-2.87). T2D patients who were not on metformin had substantially higher hazard of BCS mortality compared to non-diabetic patients (HR = 4.54; 95%CI = 1.98-10.44), whereas the association among T2D patients treated with metformin was weak (HR = 1.20; 95%CI = 0.36-3.97) and included the null. Conclusions Among women with BC, T2D is associated with increased BCS mortality. Metformin treatment for T2D during the initial diagnosis of BC may improve outcomes.
Wreath Product 3D Analysis and Movement Affordances: A Neurorobotic Approach

Symmetry-based wreath products have been proposed as a cognitive representation combining actuation and perception as derived from sensorimotor streams. Previous work has described how 2D wreath product shape analysis may be expressed in an appropriate neural network formulation, and here we extend this to include 3D surface analysis. That is, symmetry group operators with sensorimotor semantics are exploited in a neural network computational framework to provide a behaviorally relevant interpretation of a 3D scene. In addition, we describe how this approach provides a high-level abstraction which permits the recognition of similar geometric categories. Finally, we argue that this analysis can be implemented in a straightforward way as a neural network computation.
Initial value problem of the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation with complex potential

In this paper we study the time-dependent discrete nonlinear Schrodinger equation with complex, not necessarily bounded, potential and sufficiently general nonlinearity on a multi dimensional latti...
A conjecture concerning the q-Onsager algebra

Abstract The q-Onsager algebra O q is defined by two generators W 0 , W 1 and two relations called the q-Dolan/Grady relations. Recently Baseilhac and Kolb obtained a PBW basis for O q with elements denoted { B n δ + α 0 } n = 0 ∞ , { B n δ + α 1 } n = 0 ∞ , { B n δ } n = 1 ∞ . In their recent study of a current algebra A q , Baseilhac and Belliard conjecture that there exist elements { W − k } k = 0 ∞ , { W k + 1 } k = 0 ∞ , { G k + 1 } k = 0 ∞ , { G ˜ k + 1 } k = 0 ∞ in O q that satisfy the defining relations for A q . In order to establish this conjecture, it is desirable to know how the elements on the second displayed line above are related to the elements on the first displayed line above. In the present paper, we conjecture the precise relationship and give some supporting evidence. This evidence consists of some computer checks on SageMath due to Travis Scrimshaw, a proof of the analog conjecture for the Onsager algebra O , and a proof of our conjecture for a homomorphic image of O q called the universal Askey-Wilson algebra.
Surgical management of a collateral arch channel and aortic coarctation.

BACKGROUND The atretic connection between the left fourth and sixth aortic arches is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly with controversial debates on its origin. This anatomy has been previously reported with additional cardiac anomalies of maldevelopment. AIMS We present the successful surgical management of a 3-month-old female with Cornelia de Lange syndrome and coarctation of the aorta in the setting of this unique collateral channel. MATERIALS & METHODS We review the beneficial utility and novelty of three-dimensional computed tomography angiography for this anatomic lesion while also discussing the importance of multidisciplinary preoperative planning in the coordinated management of this arch anomaly and potential concomitant comorbid conditions. RESULTS The presented surgical case demonstrates the successful reconstruction of the aortic arch by coarctectomy with extended end-to-end anastomosis by a left posterolateral thoracotomy in a patient with a collateral arch channel and a hemodynamically significant aortic coarctation. CONCLUSION Atretic connection between the left fourth and sixth aortic arches remains a rare congenital anomaly and may occur in the setting of an aortic coarctation. Unclear arch anatomy and indeterminant proximal aortic sizing on echocardiogram should prompt cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography angiography to guide surgical technique selection for aortic arch reconstruction when a collateral arch channel or unique branching pattern is suspected.
Properties of Partially Methylated Cotton Fabrics

Cotton fabrics were partially methylated by several methods and cross-linked with a commercial finishing agent. Methylation with diazomethane to a degree of substitution (DS) of 0.25 or higher enhanced fabric tensile strength, tear strength, and resistance to flex abrasion, compared with nonmethylated fabrics with comparable crease recovery angles. X-Ray diffraction studies showed that almost no decrystallization of cotton accompanied methylation with diazomethane, but that appreciable decrystallization accompanied methylation with other agents or alkylation with larger alkyl groups. The improved fabric properties resulting from treatment with diazomethane apparently require the preservation of crystallinity in the cotton as well as the deposition of polymethylene deep within the fibers. Methylation with dimethyl sulfate or methyl chloride did not enhance fabric properties, nor did substitution with ethyl, allyl, isopropyl, or benzyl groups
SEROTONERGIC pontomedullary neurons are not activated by antinociceptive stimulation in the periaqueductal gray.

The antinociceptive and cardiovascular effects of midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) stimulation are mediated through a relay in the pontomedullary raphe magnus (RM) and adjacent nucleus reticularis magnocellularis (NRMC). To test whether the neurons important in mediating PAG-evoked effects are SEROTONERGIC, the responses of pontomedullary SEROTONERGIC-LIKE cells to PAG stimulation were tested. SEROTONERGIC-LIKE neurons (n = 21) were recorded extracellularly in halothane-anesthetized Sprague Dawley rats. Serotonergic-like neurons were distinguished by their slow and steady background discharge. Two neurons that were physiologically characterized as SEROTONERGIC-LIKE were intracellularly labeled and processed for serotonin immunoreactivity; both cells tested contained immunoreactive serotonin. Train stimulation of sites within the midbrain PAG, at intensities of 50% of the cells in two nonserotonergic-like cell classes were activated at short latency by such PAG stimulation. In conclusion, monosynaptic excitation of SEROTONERGIC cells in RM/NRMC is unlikely to be necessary for the nociceptive and autonomic modulatory effects of PAG stimulation.
Diet, Measurement Of†

Comparisons of disease rates among countries and animal studies have strongly suggested that aspects of diet are major determinants of cardiovascular diseases and various cancers. However, the potential for confounding by other lifestyle characteristics, and the desire to identify the critical components of diet, created the need for more detailed studies of diet and disease within populations. In addition to interest in dietary factors as primary exposures, diet may also be important as a modifier or confounder of associations between other environmental factors and disease. For example, constituents of certain vegetables are potent inducers of enzymes involved in the detoxification of carcinogens, and persons with a specific occupational exposure could well have different diets than those not exposed. Thus, the measurement of dietary factors may be desirable even when they are not of direct interest.
A New External Skeletal Fixation Device That Allows Immediate Full Weightbearing Application in the Horse

The design and development of a new external skeletal fixator (patent pending) for use as a full weight supporting device in the treatment of fractures and joint instabilities in the horse are described. The application of the device incorporating the foot at the base of a specially designed frame allows for transfixation of the bone only above the injury. Full weightbearing is accomplished immediately following device application. In vitro testing of the device using a cadaver specimen substantiated theoretical design parameters. Fifteen clinical cases documented the use of this device.
Profiling the Beliefs of the Forgotten Teachers: An Analysis of Intern Teachers’ Frameworks for Urban Science Teaching

The need to equip science teachers with knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to face the challenges of teaching science through inquiry informed this study, which analyzed the secondary science intern teachers’ beliefs about inquiry before, during, and following a series of 2 consecutive science methods courses in an attempt to document the effect of such experiences on their ability and willingness to infuse science inquiry in their science curricula. Nine science credentialing interns participated in the study. Data was gathered from their written reflections and various assignments throughout the methods courses. Results suggested that their beliefs changed significantly after the science methods courses. The implications of the study to secondary science teacher educators and researchers were highlighted.
Implanted endocardial lead characteristics and risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been recently implicated as a strong predictor of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with implanted pacemaker or defibrillation leads. Leads in the right heart can form thrombi that embolize to the pulmonary circulation and raise pulmonary pressure. This increases right-to-left shunting through PFO or intrapulmonary shunts and can result in paradoxical embolism. We sought to determine whether certain lead characteristics confer a higher thrombogenic risk resulting in stroke/TIAs in patients either with or without a PFO. We retrospectively analyzed 5,646 patients (mean age 67.3 ± 16.3 years, 64 % male) who had endocardial device leads implanted in 2000–2010. We performed univariate and multivariate-adjusted proportional hazards models to determine association of lead characteristics with stroke/TIA during follow-up. On univariate analysis, passively fixated tined leads were associated with more stroke/TIAs (HR 1.77, 95 % CI 1.27, 2.47; p < 0.001), whereas presence of defibrillation coil was associated with fewer stroke/TIAs (HR 0.59, 95 % CI 0.42–0.84; p = 0.003). Number of leads per patient, presence of atrial lead, maximum lead size, tip shape, and type of insulating material were not associated with stoke/TIA. On multivariate analyses adjusting for age, sex, diagnosis of PFO, and prior history of stroke/TIA, the presence of tined leads was associated with stroke/TIA (HR 1.41, 95 % CI 1.00–1.97; p = 0.049). Defibrillation coils were no longer associated with lower stroke/TIA on multivariate analysis. Most physical characteristics of contemporary leads do not impact rate of stroke/TIA among patients receiving implantable devices. The presence of a PFO is a major risk factor for stroke/TIA in patients with endovascular leads.
NASA System-Level Design, Analysis and Simulation Tools Research on NextGen

A review of the research accomplished in 2009 in the System-Level Design, Analysis and Simulation Tools (SLDAST) of the NASA's Airspace Systems Program is presented. This research thrust focuses on the integrated system-level assessment of component level innovations, concepts and technologies of the Next Generation Air Traffic System (NextGen) under research in the ASP program to enable the development of revolutionary improvements and modernization of the National Airspace System. The review includes the accomplishments on baseline research and the advancements on design studies and system-level assessment, including the cluster analysis as an annualization standard of the air traffic in the U.S. National Airspace, and the ACES-Air MIDAS integration for human-in-the-loop analyzes within the NAS air traffic simulation.
Intraoperative Failure of Pericardial Mitral Valve Requiring Emergent Reoperation Minutes After Replacement

An 81-year-old woman with coronary artery disease, hypertension, ype 2 diabetes mellitus, and congestive heart failure (New York Heart ssociation class III) was admitted to the hospital with a history of ightheadedness and dyspnea. Cardiac catheterization showed severe riple-vessel coronary artery disease with complete occlusion of the left nterior descending, circumflex, and right coronary arteries. A TEE xamination revealed severe mitral annulus calcification, severe mitral egurgitation, mild aortic stenosis, mild aortic insufficiency, and a ormal ejection fraction. She was scheduled for an elective coronary rtery bypass graft surgery operation with a mitral valve replacement nder general anesthesia with standard and invasive monitoring includng an arterial catheter, pulmonary artery catheter, and transesophageal chocardiogram. The operative approach included a sternotomy, bicaval cannulation, nd retrograde cardioplegia. The patient first underwent coronary artery ypass graft surgery of her left anterior descending, first marginal, and econd marginal arteries with no complications. The mitral valve was xposed through a left atriotomy revealing degenerated valve leaflets nd severe annulus calcification. After the annulus was debrided, the nterior leaflet was excised, and the mitral orifice was sized for a no. 7-mm stented Carpentier-Edwards pericardial prosthesis (model 6900). Pledgeted annular sutures were placed through the sewing ring, ut the valve did not seat properly because of extensive annular alcification. On testing the valve with an intraventricular saline injecion, it was noted to be centrally incompetent without evidence of eaflet trapping. The prosthetic valve was removed, the annulus was ebrided, and a second larger stented pericardial prosthesis (29-mm; dwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) was seated and sutured with no ifficulty. After atrial closure, air was evacuated from the heart and the patient
Viscoelastic Properties of Macaque Neural Tissue at Low Strain Rates

Increased knowledge of the mechanical properties of soft tissue subjected to low strain rates is beneficial to biomedical applications, such as designing bio-compatible implants, developing minimally invasive surgical techniques and surgical simulation devices for training surgeons. Unconfined compression and indentation experiments were conducted to extract macro- and micro-level mechanical properties of Macaque neural tissue. The tissues were placed in physiological saline solution and tested at room temperature within one hour post-sacrifice and three weeks post sacrifice using unconfined compression and indentation experiments. For each test, the temporal lobe was sectioned into 26 mm diameter disks that were subjected to 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% strain at a loading rate of 5 mm per minute. The impermeable platen used in the unconfined compression test had a diameter equivalent to the tissue sample. The diameter of the flat tip used in the indentation experiment was 5 mm. Both test configurations utilized a ramp-and-hold strain input to capture the features of the tissue attributed to the stress-strain relationship (ramp) and stress-relaxation (hold). Viscoelastic theory was applied to the experimental data for the calculation of the secant and relaxation modulus, which correspond to the ramp and hold portion of the strain input, respectively. The resulting viscoelastic behavior of the Macaque brain at the macro- and micro-scale were compared with (i) bovine and porcine neural tissue, commonly found in the literature and (ii) viscoelastic models for neural tissue, which in the literature are generally applicable only to large deformations.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Crowdsourcing the unknown: the satellite search for Genghis Khan.

Massively parallel collaboration and emergent knowledge generation is described through a large scale survey for archaeological anomalies within ultra-high resolution earth-sensing satellite imagery. Over 10K online volunteers contributed 30K hours (3.4 years), examined 6,000 km2, and generated 2.3 million feature categorizations. Motivated by the search for Genghis Khan's tomb, participants were tasked with finding an archaeological enigma that lacks any historical description of its potential visual appearance. Without a pre-existing reference for validation we turn towards consensus, defined by kernel density estimation, to pool human perception for “out of the ordinary” features across a vast landscape. This consensus served as the training mechanism within a self-evolving feedback loop between a participant and the crowd, essential driving a collective reasoning engine for anomaly detection. The resulting map led a National Geographic expedition to confirm 55 archaeological sites across a vast landscape. A increased ground-truthed accuracy was observed in those participants exposed to the peer feedback loop over those whom worked in isolation, suggesting collective reasoning can emerge within networked groups to outperform the aggregate independent ability of individuals to define the unknown.
A mathematical model of a hermetically sealed lead-acid cell

Abstract A mathematical model of a hermetically sealed lead-acid cell is presented. The model was used to study the effect of having an excess negative electrode and the transport rate of oxygen across the separator on the oxygen evolution at the positive (PbO2) electrode and the reduction of oxygen at the negative (Pb) electrode during charge and overcharge. Results from the model showed that sufficient transport rate of oxygen across the separator is the key to successful operation of a sealed lead-acid cell. Consequently, a separator with optimal characteristics for oxygen transport must be considered in the design of hermetically sealed lead-acid cells.
Evaluation of polyvinyl alcohol cryogel as an acoustic coupling medium for low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound

Transcranial focused ultrasound FUS has emerged as a noninvasive neuromodulatory modality with exquisite depth penetration and spatial selectivity. Liquids, such as degassed water or mineral oil, are used as acoustic coupling media between the ultrasound-generating transducer and the brain; however, they require a separate container that limits the spatial orientation of the transducers with respect to the sonication target. Nonliquid, gel-like materials that do not require a housing container have been sought after as coupling media to overcome such limitations. Polyvinyl alcohol PVA, when dissolved in water and undergone freeze-thaw cycles, forms a flexible hydrogel having a high level of acoustic transmission. To examine the feasibility of the PVA cryogel as the coupling material for transcranial FUS, the mechanical properties in terms of its Young's modulus and acoustic attenuation of the PVA cryogel were examined using different concentrations and number of freeze-thaw cycles. The cryogel with 6 or 7% w/v concentrations and two freeze-thaw cycles showed minimum pressure attenuation on the order of 1% across the different ultrasound frequencies 250-650 kHz. The cryogel was molded to fit around a single-element FUS transducer and was applied to a head phantom, showing the flexibility in orienting the sonication paths at different angles and depths. The use of the cryogel did not alter the location and shape of acoustic focal profile compared to the one measured in the degassed water. The present work suggests that PVA cryogel may be used as an alternative acoustic coupling medium for low-intensity FUS applications.
Magnetic resonance imaging to identify the high-risk plaque ☆

Atherosclerotic plaque stability depends on 3 factors: (1) lipid core, (2) fibrous cap and its thickness, and (3) inflammation within the cap. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive technique that can provide information on these plaque components using a variety of pulse sequences. Assessment of plaque volume and tissue components and the efficacy of lipid-lowering therapy has been performed in human aorta and carotid arteries. Imaging the coronary wall for plaque burden is a novel application of MRI. Newer approaches also include intravascular and transesophageal MRI techniques. Several emerging MR contrast agents being tested in animal models hold promise for targeted imaging of plaque. MRI is a powerful noninvasive imaging tool with high spatial resolution that continues to prove its value in determining atherosclerotic plaque volume and tissue components.
The neurobiology of sign language and its implications for the neural basis of language

The left cerebral hemisphere is dominant for language, and many aspects of language use are more impaired by damage to the left than the right hemisphere. The basis for this asymmetry, however, is a matter of debate; the left hemisphere may be specialized for processing linguistic information or for some more general function on which language depends, such as the processing of rapidly changing temporal information or execution of complex motor patterns. To investigate these possibilities, we examined the linguistic abilities of 23 sign-language users with unilateral brain lesions. Despite the fact that sign language relies on visuospatial rather than rapid temporal information, the same left-hemispheric dominance emerged. Correlation analyses of the production of sign language versus non-linguistic hand gestures suggest that these processes are largely independent. Our findings support the view that the left-hemisphere dominance for language is not reducible solely to more general sensory or motor processes.
Radiation Effects on Materials in the Near-Field of a Nuclear Waste Repository

Site restoration activities at US DOE facilities and the permanent disposal of nuclear waste generated at DOE facilities require working with and within various types and levels of radiation fields. Once the nuclear waste is incorporated into a final form, radioactive decay will decrease the radiation field over geologic time scales, but the alpha-decay dose for these solids will still reach values as high as 1018 alpha-decay events/gm in periods as short as 1,000 years. This dose is well within the range for which important chemical (e.g., increased leach rate) and physical (e.g., volume expansion) changes may occur in crystalline ceramics. Release and sorption of long-lived actinides can also provide a radiation exposure to backfill materials, and changes in important retardation properties (e.g., cation exchange capacity) may occur. The objective of this research program has been to evaluate the long-term radiation effects in materials used in processing high-level nuclear waste or materials in the near-field of a nuclear waste repository.
A more accurate measure of the false-negative rate of papanicolaou smear screening is obtained by determining the false-negative rate of the rescreening process

BACKGROUND The false-negative rate (FNR), or fraction, of Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening has been proposed as a useful quality assessment measure. The FNR should account for the FNR of the rescreening process itself. The authors measured the FNR of the rescreening process by rescreening a set of abnormal smears. METHODS A randomly selected group of negative (150) and abnormal (91) smears were rescreened in a blinded fashion. A diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or worse was used as a positive (abnormal) result. All discrepancies were confirmed by consensus review. The true FNR of screening Pap smears was calculated as: True FNR = calculated FNR/(1-FNR of rescreening)(1) RESULTS When rescreened, 17 originally negative cases were interpreted as ASCUS and 5 as unsatisfactory. Twenty-three originally abnormal cases (22 ASCUS and 1 low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) were interpreted as negative. After consensus review, only 1 of the originally negative cases was believed to be ASCUS and 1 unsatisfactory; 18 of the 23 originally abnormal cases were believed to be rescreening errors and 5 of the 23 originally abnormal cases were believed to be false-positives. The FNR of Pap smear screening as traditionally calculated was 6.1%, which was slightly less than the laboratory's usual FNR. The FNR of review screening was 20.9%. The true FNR of Pap smear screening was 7.8% and the false-positive rate was 0.6%. CONCLUSIONS The FNR of rescreening is not insubstantial. It can and should be measured by rescreening abnormal smears, and when taken into account yields a more accurate measure of the FNR of Pap smear screening. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 1997; 81:272-6. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Photorefractive ring resonators with vectorial two-beam coupling: Theory and applications

Oscillation conditions for unidirectional ring resonators containing cubic photorefractive crystals are analyzed. The coupling of pump beams to intracavity modes is presumed to occur via the vectorial two-beam coupling in the crystal. It is also presumed that the intracavity field as well as the pump field are composed of two orthogonally polarized components. The solution of slowly varying envelope wave equations in the degenerate and steady-state limit is used to determine the grating action and to derive threshold conditions for both the transmission and the reflection geometry of the wave-mixing process. A number of special cases of wave-mixing coupling constants is considered. Potential applications of two-wave mixing rings in different photorefractive devices, such as optical amplifiers, switches, and logic circuits are discussed.
Identification of the Pm and PmS human parotid salivary proteins as basic proline-rich proteins.

Amino acid composition and electrophoretic mobility suggest that two polymorphic proteins in human parotid saliva, Pm and PmS, are basic proline-rich proteins. Comparison of two basic proline-rich proteins previously isolated by D. L. Kauffman and P. J. Keller (1979) [Arch. Oral. Biol.24: 249], IB-6 and IB-9, with PmS and Pm demonstrated corresponding electrophoretic mobilities on cationic polyacrylamide slab gels. Further, the amino acid compositions of IB-9 and Pm were found to be similar. Although differences in amino acid composition and carbohydrate content were noted, such differences could be accounted for, suggesting that IB-9 and Pm are identical.
Bioleaching of non-ferrous sulfides with adapted thiophillic bacteria

Abstract A strain of thiophillic bacteria, thiobacillus ferrooxidans, was used to study the bioleaching of non-ferrous sulfides, namely chalcocite, sphalerite and galena. The objectives were to investigate the influence of bacterial adaptation on the bioleaching rate and extent, and to delineate the mechanisms of bioleaching of these sulfides. It was found that thiobacillus ferrooxidans efficiently leaches the non-ferrous sulfides in the absence of ferric sulfate, and the bioleaching reactions take place only by a direct oxidation mechanism. The results indicate that bacterial adaptation, before bioleaching, significantly enhances the bioleaching parameters of non-ferrous sulfides e.g. increases the bioleaching rate, reduces the lag phase and decreases the solution pH.
Localized charge transfer reactions near the Pt-YSZ interfaces using Kelvin probe microscopy

Localized charge transfer reactions induced by the external bias were observed near the electrode-electrolyte interfaces by Kevin probe microscopy. Spatially resolved potential measurements revealed the localized charge accumulation and rearrangement driven by the external bias, which were ascribed to oxidation and reduction of the oxide surface. This in situ measurement of charge distribution with spatial information under controlled environments can be particularly useful in investigating the charge transfer reactions on the surfaces of functional materials and enhance our understanding of many electronic and electrochemical devices.
Highway bridge seismic design: Summary of FHWA/MCEER project on seismic vulnerability of new highway construction

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sponsored a large, multi-year project conducted by the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER) titled “Seismic Vulnerability of New Highway Construction” (MCEER Project 112), which was completed in 1998. MCEER coordinated the work of many researchers, who performed studies on the seismic design and vulnerability analysis of highway bridges, tunnels, and retaining structures. Extensive research was conducted to provide revisions and improvements to current design and detailing approaches and national design specifications for highway bridges. The program included both analytical and experimental studies, and addressed seismic hazard exposure and ground motion input for the U.S. highway system; foundation design and soil behavior; structural importance, analysis, and response; structural design issues and details; and structural design criteria.
Photofragment imaging: the 205-nm photodissociation of CH3Br and CD3Br

Abstract The photofragment imaging technique is used to measure the velocity distributions of the Br(2P 3 2 ) and Br*(2P 1 2 ) atoms formed following laser dissociation of CH3Br and CD3Br at 205 nm. The speed and angular distributions are markedly different for the two bromine electronic states. The Br* images are anisotropic and have the appearance of a cos2θ angular distribution indicative of a parallel transition. The Br ground-state images appear more isotropic but contain a distinct sin2θ angular component. The speed distributions extracted from the Br* images are narrow compared with the Br speed distributions. This indicates that the sibling methyl fragments formed in the Br dissociation channel have greater internal excitation than the methyl fragments formed in the Br* dissociation channel. The results are compared with methyl iodide dissociation and the importance of surface crossings in the dissociation is discussed.
The uptake and metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and vitamin D binding protein by cultured porcine kidney cells (LLC-PK1)

Abstract 1. 1. Uptake of 3 H-25OHD 3 , 3 H-25OHD 3 -DBP, 125 I-holo-DBP and 125 I-apo-DBP by Llc-Pk 1 cells was linearly related to the concentration of each in the culture media. The presence of DBP in the medium significantly reduced the amount of 3 H-25OHD 3 taken up by cells. 2. 2. Free 25OHD 3 and 25OHD 3 bound to DBP were both metabolized by the cells to 24,25(OH) 2 D 3 and an unidentified product of apparent lower polarity than 25OHD 3 . 3. 3. A significant amount of DBP taken up by the Llc-Pk 1 cells was metabolized to a TCA-soluble form. 4. 4. Uptake of DBP was similar to horseradish peroxidase, but higher than inulin, indicative of a non-specific endocytic mechanism with an adsorptive component. 5. 5. It is suggested that both free circulating 25OHD 3 and that derived from lysosomal degradation of 25OHD 3 -DBP are available for hydroxylation by the kidney.
Recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor gel speeds healing of acute full-thickness punch biopsy wounds.

Abstract Background: Recombinant human platelet derived growth factor-BB gel (PDGF gel) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of diabetic neuropathic ulcers. It is also being used off-label to speed wound healing of flaps, grafts, and wounds from Mohs micrographic surgery. Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare the rate of healing in wounds treated with PDGF gel and with wounds treated with conventional therapy (antibiotic ointment). Methods: A double-blind controlled study of 7 healthy volunteers was performed. With a 4-mm skin punch biopsy instrument, two full-thickness wounds were made on each arm of each volunteer. Fourteen wounds treated with PDGF gel were compared with 14 wounds treated with antibiotic ointment. Healing was evaluated by visual determination of the global percentage healed and wound depth. Results: Wounds treated with PDGF gel showed a significantly faster rate of healing on each of the initial 6 follow-up visits. The greatest difference was on day 10 when PDGF-treated wounds were 71% healed compared with 28% for antibiotic-treated wounds ( P = .0005). At days 22 and 24, 92.9% and 100% of the PDGF gel-treated wounds were healed, compared with 50% and 57%, respectively ( P = .0313 and P = .0313), in the antibiotic ointment group. By day 29, both PDGF gel and antibiotic-treated wounds were healed. PDGF also decreased wound depth compared with wounds treated with antibiotic ointment at days 8 and 10 with P values Conclusion: We conclude that PDGF gel speeds healing of acute full-thickness wounds compared with antibiotic ointment. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:857-62.)
Influence of the substrate structure on the bonding of chemisorbed acetylene to transition metal surfaces

The electronic spectrum of acetylene adsorbed on various transition metals has been measured by ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy in various laboratories. At low temperatures (T < 150 K), all measurements concur in finding an electron spectrum that differs only moderately from the gas phase spectrum of acetylene. At room temperature, the electron spectrum of acetylene is reported to be similar to the low-temperature form on Ir(100) and Pt(100), but acetylene is reported to form an olefinic surface complex on Pd(111) and Pt(111) surfaces. In order to examine whether the surface structure of the substrate is responsible for the difference, we have measured the electronic spectrum of acetylene adsorbed on the Pd(100) and Ru(0001) surfaces. At 120 K, the spectrum of adsorbed acetylene is again a distorted gas phase spectrum on both surfaces. At 330 K, we find the acetylenic form (with a splitting of 2.5 eV of the σ-orbitals) on Pd(100) and an olefinic form on the basal plane of Ru. We conclude that the olefinic complex is proper to the threefold symmetry of the (111) and (0001) surfaces and the gas-like form is favored on the (100) surfaces of the fcc crystals.
SU-FF-T-132: An Investigation of the Accuracy of Film Dosimetry Using EDR2 Film for the Point Dose Determination for IMRT-QA

Purpose: To investigate the accuracy of film dosimetry using EDR2 film for point dose determination for IMRT‐QA. Method and Materials: This work compared point doses measured by EDR2 film with those by chamber for 135 IMRT cases. The dose to the measurement point was about 200 cGy. EDR2 films were read and analyzed using a Vadar Scanner and the RIT Film Dosimetry System. In order to reduce the uncertainty of film dosimetry, the following measures were taken: (1) the HD (2) each photon beam energy has its own HD (3) the length of time between film exposure and processing was always kept within 10 minutes since processing time delay affects the dose response of the film; and (4) the measurement point was chosen to be at low dose gradient region. For chamber dosimetry, a 0.3cc PTW ion chamber (type 31003) was used in solid water. Results: Comparisons of point doses measured by chamber and those by film show that, for 135 IMRT‐QA measurements, 51% of point dose values from EDR2 films match corresponding dose values from chamber to within ±3%, 72% of dose values to within ±5%. However, for 28% of measurements, the deviation between dose values from EDR2 film and those from chamber is larger than ±5%, the maximum deviation being 9.3%. Conclusion: If the dose value determined by chamber can be considered as the “true value”, then we believe that the accuracy of EDR2 film still needs to be improved for point dose determination although the film is good for verification of relative dose distribution in our experience.
Multiple channel on-chip spectral shaper for programmable radio frequency arbitrary waveform generation

We present a tunable multiple-channel microring resonator spectral shaper for radiofrequency arbitrary waveform generation (RFAWG). Sixteen resonators are cascaded to create various RF waveforms.
Clobetasol Ameliorates Aphthous Ulceration in Renal Transplant Patients on Sirolimus

Aphthous ulceration is a common side effect of sirolimus. These lesions of the oral mucous membranes are often painful and debilitating, leading to either dose reduction or discontinuation of sirolimus in a significant number of patients. We report that the direct application of clobetasol, a high potency topical steroid, led to prompt resolution of the aphthous ulcers that developed in our renal transplant patients on sir-olimus-based immunosuppression.
What should be done in an operating room when an insulinoma cannot be found

Insulinoma is the most common (functioning) islet cell tumour of the pancreas and is highly curable with accurate localization and precise extirpation of the often benign, solitary lesion. Although previous reports describe high success rates without pre-operative localization, more recent recognition of the overlap among causes of endogenous hyperinsulinism, coupled with the deleterious long-term effects of blind distal pancreatectomy and re-operation, mandate the need for precise pre-operative localization or regionalization of the tumour(s). If these criteria have not been met and the surgeon finds him/herself in the operating room without a localized or regionalized tumour, the operation should be concluded without resection, the diagnosis reconfirmed, and a calcium stimulation test performed. At experienced centres, this can be often carried out within 24-48 h and the patient returned to the operating room for a gradient-guided resection. Intraoperative venous sampling for insulin might be an option in the future but its accuracy has not been validated in sufficient numbers of patients to date.
Analysis and Design of a Single-Resonator GaAs FET Oscillator with Noise Degeneration

This paper presents an analysis of a low-noise dielectric resonator GaAs FET oscillator in a frequency-locked loop (FLL), which is used for FM noise degeneration. In this circuit, one resonator serves both as the frequency-determining element of the oscillator and as the dispersive element of the discriminator. The results of the analysis are used to generate design guidelines. These guidelines were followed in an experimental realization of an X-band circuit. The measured FM noise was--120 and--142 dBc/Hz at 10- and 100-kHz offset frequencies, respectively, and corresponded closely to predicted results.
UNDERSTANDING OMNIVORY NEEDS A BEHAVIORAL PERSPECTIVE

While the importance of omnivory in community and food web ecology has received recent recognition, the behavioral basis of omnivory has not been thoroughly explored. Here we argue that understanding the basis of food mixing (i.e., eating different food types) and food selection behavior is central to understanding the causes and consequences of omnivory. Despite the existence of several alternative hypotheses, constraints imposed by nutrients are often assumed to explain the function of food mixing by omnivores and herbivores. However, few studies have actually addressed this issue through rigorous tests of multiple hypotheses. To illustrate the importance of non-nutritive factors, we marshal evidence for the roles of toxin dilution, parasite avoidance and resistance, and predation risk in food mixing and food selection by omnivores and polyphagous herbivores. Whether food mixing stabilizes population, community, and food web dynamics is likely to depend on the details of food selection and the spatial and temporal scales of food mixing.
It takes more than two to tango: Dishevelled polymerization and Wnt signaling.

Wnt signaling has key roles in embryogenesis and oncogenesis, yet several aspects of Wnt signal transduction remain mysterious. Schwarz-Romond et al. demonstrate that the Wnt signaling protein Dishevelled has the surprising ability to form dynamic polymers and present evidence that polymerization is crucial in signaling, perhaps forming an inducible scaffold for further signal transduction.
Using a wireless response system to enhance student learning.

OVERVIEW Classroom Performance System (CPS) is a hand-held wireless response system that was piloted at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (UMN CVM) in the 2003/2004 academic year. CPS is a classroom teaching tool that was introduced with the goals of increasing active learning, promoting discussion, assessing what students are learning, and taking attendance. Each student purchases and registers his or her own response pad, which looks like a small remote control. A receiver is mounted at the front of the classroom and is connected wirelessly to a computer. Software loaded on the computer is used to input multiple-choice questions, which are displayed to the class using a standard projector. When a question is displayed, each student selects a response by pressing the corresponding button (A through F) on his or her response pad. A histogram is then displayed so that students and faculty immediately see the results projected onto the screen.
AGING, INCREASING GENOMIC ENTROPY, AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE

Aging, or more accurately senescence, is far and away the single most significant risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, meaningful progress in the ability to effectively prevent and/or treat most neurodegenerative disorders must be coupled with an increased understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in aging. Aging, however, cannot be decoupled from life. To better understand aging, a deeper appreciation of life must first emerge. The twentieth century in biology and medicine has been dominated by the scientific philosophy of reductionism. Accordingly, if a living organism could be completely broken down and the function of each molecular component identified, then life could be understood. The Human Genome Project, perhaps, represents the current pinnacle objective of biologic reductionists. Once the entire sequence of the human genome has been identified, however, will we understand aging and its associated diseases, will we know what life is? A long scientific journey still remains from knowing the linear sequence of the human genome to understanding how life can so reliably emerge from that most remarkable code. Proponents of biologic reductionism consistently argue that more facts must be collected before any theory of life or aging can be rationally proposed; however, our biologic knowledge already encompasses more metabolic detail than any single individual could ever hope to master. Indeed, the apparent complexity of biology seems to grow exponentially with time. Biology and medicine may be better served by theoretic frameworks upon which to hang new biologic details. As neurology enters the twenty-first century, models of life and aging that are applicable to the nervous system may enhance our ability to keep in perspective the ever increasing details of the aging nervous system.
New developments in the design of ring-field projection cameras for EUV lithography: passive pupil correction

The design of all-reflective cameras for EUV-lithography is an area of lens design that has received attention in the last few years. One important goal is to design a projection camera that meets first-order requirements, image quality requirements, packaging requirements, minimizes the number of mirrors to minimize reflection losses, and that can be successfully manufactured. From the optical design point of view it is desirable to use the best designing tools and concepts to maximize the performance of a projection camera. The optical requirements are so stringent that every little bit of design help is welcome. Examples of some useful optical design ideas are the annular field concept and the concept of annular surfaces. In this paper we discuss how the concept of passive pupil correction can be applied to improve the theoretical performance of an annular or ring field system.
Factors Associated with Appointment Non-Adherence among African-Americans with Severe, Poorly Controlled Hypertension

Background Missed appointments are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality. Despite its widespread prevalence, little data exists regarding factors related to appointment non-adherence among hypertensive African-Americans. Objective To investigate factors associated with appointment non-adherence among African-Americans with severe, poorly controlled hypertension. Design and Participants A cross-sectional survey of 185 African-Americans admitted to an urban medical center in Maryland, with severe, poorly controlled hypertension from 1999–2004. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using chi-square and t-tests. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to assess correlates of appointment non-adherence. Main Outcome Measures Appointment non-adherence was the primary outcome and was defined as patient-report of missing greater than 3 appointments out of 10 during their lifetime. Results Twenty percent of participants (n = 37) reported missing more than 30% of their appointments. Patient characteristics independently associated with a higher odds of appointment non-adherence included not finishing high school (Odds ratio [OR] = 3.23 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.33–7.69), hypertension knowledge ([OR] = 1.20 95% CI: 1.01–1.42), lack of insurance ([OR] = 6.02 95% CI: 1.83–19.88), insurance with no medication coverage ([OR] = 5.08 95% CI: 1.05–24.63), cost of discharge medications ([OR] = 1.20 95% CI: 1.01–1.42), belief that anti-hypertensive medications do not work ([OR] = 3.67 95% CI: 1.16–11.7), experience of side effects ([OR] = 3.63 95% CI: 1.24–10.62), medication non-adherence ([OR] = 11.31 95% CI: 3.87–33.10). Substance abuse was not associated with appointment non-adherence ([OR] = 1.05 95% CI: 0.43–2.57). Conclusions Appointment non-adherence among African-Americans with poorly controlled hypertension was associated with many markers of inadequate access to healthcare, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs.
Letter by Madias Regarding Article, “Systolic and Diastolic Mechanics in Stress Cardiomyopathy”

I enjoyed reading the study by Medeiros et al1 comparing left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic mechanics in 24 patients with the Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), 36 patients with an acute left anterior descending coronary artery territory myocardial infarction (LAD MI), and 30 control subjects with no coronary artery or other cardiac diseases. The authors limited their investigation to women in their early 60s, and they evaluated LV mechanics using hemodynamic and angiographic studies during cardiac catheterization and transthoracic echocardiography. Because the cause of LAD MI is regional myocardial ischemic injury and that of TTS is currently ascribed to primary activation of the autonomic …