cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: A Case Report and Review of Clinical Features and Management.

Pulmonary sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a female-dominant disease associated with smooth muscle cell proliferation, which results in cystic lung disease presenting commonly with dyspnea and pneumothorax. This article aims to present a patient with the common clinical features and complications of LAM so as to aid in the efficient diagnosis and treatment of future patients. Limited options in the management of LAM make early diagnosis key, as management focuses on supportive care to slow the progressive decline of pulmonary function. Workup includes a diagnosis of exclusion with specific antibodies or titers such as anti-Sjogren's syndrome type A (anti-SSA) antibodies, anti-Sjogren's syndrome type B (anti-SSB) antibodies, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels, alpha-1-antitrypsin levels, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies with definitive diagnosis limited to tissue confirmation. Here, we discuss a 39-year-old female with dyspnea and spontaneous pneumothorax, who was subsequently diagnosed with LAM during her hospitalization and managed outpatient with sirolimus therapy.
Maximal Medical Improvement following Shoulder Stabilization Surgery May Require up to 1 Year: A Systematic Review:

BackgroundThere is increased emphasis on properly allocating healthcare resources to optimize value within orthopedic surgery. Establishing time to maximal medical improvement (MMI) can inform clin...
Papercode: Generating Paper-Based User Interfaces for Code Review, Annotation, and Teaching

Paper can be a powerful and flexible user interface that lets programmers read through large amounts of code. Using off-the-shelf equipment, how can we generate a paper-based UI that supports code review, annotation, and teaching? To address this question, we ran formative studies and developed Papercode, a system that formats source code for printing on standard paper. Users can interact with that code on paper, make freehand annotations, then transfer annotations back to the computer by taking photos with a normal phone camera. Papercode optimizes source code for on-paper readability with tunable heuristics such as code-aware line wraps and page breaks, quick references to function and global definitions, moving comments and short function calls into margins, and topologically sorting functions in dependency order.
Nebulized Ketamine Used for Pain Management of Orthopedic Trauma.

Abstract Background Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl- D -aspartate/glutamate receptor complex antagonist that decreases pain by diminishing central sensitization and hyperalgesia. When administered via i.v. (push-dose, short infusion, or continuous infusion) or intranasal routes, ketamine has shown to be effective in patients with acute traumatic pain. However, when i.v. access is not attainable or readily available, the inhalation route of ketamine administration via breath-actuated nebulizer (BAN) provides a noninvasive and titratable method of analgesic delivery. The use of nebulized ketamine has been studied in areas of postoperative management of sore throat and acute traumatic musculoskeletal and abdominal pain. To our knowledge, this is the first case series describing the use of nebulized ketamine for analgesia and orthopedic reduction. Case Series We describe 4 patients who presented to the emergency department with acute traumatic painful conditions (one patellar dislocation, one shoulder dislocation, and two forearm fractures) and received nebulized ketamine for management of their pain. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Administration of nebulized ketamine via BAN can be used as analgesic control for musculoskeletal trauma, as it can be administrated to patients with difficult i.v. access, has a rapid onset of analgesic effects with minimal side effects, and remains opioid-sparing.
Social Vulnerability among Foreign-Born Pregnant Women and Maternal Virologic Control of HIV.

Objective The aim of this study was to assess whether social vulnerability among foreign-born pregnant women living with HIV is associated with maternal viremia during pregnancy. Study Design This retrospective cohort study included all foreign-born pregnant women living with HIV who received prenatal care in a multidisciplinary prenatal clinic between 2009 and 2018. A licensed clinical social worker evaluated all women and kept detailed clinical records on immigration status and social support. Social vulnerability was defined as both living in the United States for less than 5 years and reporting no family or friends for support. The primary outcome was evidence of viral non-suppression after achievement of initial suppression. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of women who required > 12 weeks after starting antiretroviral therapy to achieve viral suppression, median time to first viral suppression (in weeks) after initiation of antiretroviral therapy, and the proportion who missed ≥ 5 doses of antiretroviral therapy. Bivariable analyses were performed. Results A total of 111 foreign-born women were eligible for analysis, of whom 25 (23%) were classified as socially vulnerable. Social and clinical characteristics of women diverged by social vulnerability categorization but no differences reached statistical significance. On bivariable analysis, socially-vulnerable women were at increased risk for needing > 12 weeks to achieve viral suppression (relative risk: 1.78, 95% confidence interval: 1.18–2.67), though there was no association with missing ≥ 5 doses of antiretroviral therapy or median time to viral suppression after initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Conclusion Among foreign-born, pregnant women living with HIV, markers of virologic control during pregnancy were noted to be worse among socially-vulnerable women. Insofar as maternal viremia is the predominant driver of perinatal transmission, closer clinical surveillance and support may be indicated in this population. Key Points
A Systematic Review of Modified Schema-Based Instruction for Teaching Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities to Solve Mathematical Word Problems:

Modified schema-based instruction (MSBI) is a strategy to teach mathematical word problem solving to students with moderate and severe disabilities (MSD). In this comprehensive review, we explore t...
Serum testosterone levels and testosterone supplementation in cirrhosis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Cirrhosis disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis causing low testosterone. Testosterone deficiency is associated with sarcopenia and osteopenia, leading to a state of frailty and worse clinical outcomes, morbidity and mortality. We aimed to conduct a systematic review on the relationship between serum testosterone and laboratory, anthropometric and clinical outcomes in observational and interventional studies in cirrhosis. METHODS PubMed and EMBASE were searched from inception through 27 August 2020 and reviewed independently by two investigators; a third reviewer solved disagreement. A qualitative summary of relevant findings was done. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for non-interventional studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias for interventional studies. RESULTS Out of 3569 articles, 15 met inclusion criteria with six observational studies of 1267 patients and nine interventional studies of 580 patients. In observational studies, low serum testosterone level was associated with sarcopenia, shorter median time to hepatic decompensation, transplant requirement, higher model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, and death in cirrhotic patients. Nine interventional studies (361 treated with testosterone vs 219 placebo, 1-36 months) showed that testosterone supplementation improved serum testosterone, appendicular mass and bone mineral density. However, no trial reported improvement in liver-related scores, complications, readmission rates or death. CONCLUSIONS Low serum testosterone is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in cirrhosis patients. Testosterone supplementation improved intermediate endpoints, but there was no conclusive data on clinical outcomes. Testosterone supplementation may be a promising strategy to improve frailty and decrease significant clinical complications in cirrhosis.
Structured Logic Design With Vhdl

1. Structured Design Concepts 2. Design Tools 3. Basic Features of VHDL 4. Basic VHDL Modeling Techniques 5. Algorithmic Level Design 6. Data Flow Level Design 7. Detailed Gate Level Design 8. Multi-Level Design 9. Algorithmic Synthesis
Scattering Mechanisms for Semiconductor Transport Calculations

Monte Carlo simulations for transport in semiconductors numerically solve the Boltzmann equation while offering the physically intuitive picture of free flights and carrier scatterings on a microscopic level. The aim of a good Monte Carlo simulator is to give the most physically correct realization of the scattering and free flight processes in an efficient manner. This chapter treats the scattering mechanisms and their implementation in detail. The basic scattering mechanisms treated in this chapter fall into the categories of phonons, static impurities, and scattering due to the coulomb potential of other carriers (carrier-carrier interactions). Photon scattering is important in specific cases (radiative recombination rates for instance), but occurs on time scales much longer than the scattering processes mentioned above, and so is not usually a factor in determining basic transport parameters
Hemodynamic observations in severe pre-eclampsia with a flow-directed pulmonary artery catheter☆☆☆

Ten patients with severe pre-eclampsia were studied throughout labor and delivery and during the early puerperium with a flow-directed pulmonary artery catheter. Cardiac output was higher than previously described in normal patients. Pulmonary artery pressures were not significantly altered from the normal pregnant values. The usual increase in cardiac output occurring in the early puerperium was not observed in the patients with severe pre-eclampsia. Central venous pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure did not correlate in three of the nine patients studied. Left ventricular stroke work index was elevated in the patients with severe pre-eclampsia, suggesting a hyperdynamic state. The pulmonary artery catheter provided important new information in patients with severe pre-eclampsia and may be a useful clinical adjunct in patients with hemorrhage or oliguria and in patients needing a regional or general anesthetic.
Refinement of the modified time-to-failure method for intermediate-term earthquake prediction

The modified time-to-failure method for intermediate-term earthquake prediction utilizes empirical relationships to reduce the number of unknown parameters providing a stable and unique solution set. The only unknown parameters in the modified time-to-failure method are the time and size of the impending main shock. The modified time-to-failure equation is used to model the precursory events and a prediction contour diagram is constructed with the magnitude and time-of-failure as the axes of the diagram. The root-mean-square (rms) is calculated for each set of time and magnitude on the prediction diagram representing the difference between the model (calculated) acceleration and the actual accelerated energy release of the precursory events. A small region, corresponding to the low rms region on the diagram, defines the prediction. The prediction has been shown to consistently under-estimate the magnitude and over-estimate the time-of-failure. These shortcomings are caused by an underestimation in energy release of the modified time-to-failure equation at the very end of the sequence. An empirical correction can be applied to the predicted results to minimize this problem. A main shock location search technique has been developed for use with the modified time-to-failure method. The location technique is used to systematically search an earthquake catalog and identify locations corresponding to precursory sequences that display accelerated energy releases. It has shown good results when applied in ‘retrospective predictions’, and is essential for the practical application of the modified time-to-failure method. In addition, an observed linear characteristic in long-term energy release can be used to minimize false predictions. The refined empirical relationships that eliminate or constrain unknown constants used in the modified time-to-failure method and the main shock location search technique are used in a practical application in the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). The NMSZ, which is ‘over due’ for a magnitude 6 event according to recurrence rates (Johnston and Nava, 1985), makes this region ideal for testing the method. One location was identified in the NMSZ as a ‘high risk’ area for an event in the magnitude 4.5 range. The prediction, if accurate, is of scientific interest only because of the relatively small size of the main shock.
SU-E-J-108: Solving the Chinese Postman Problem for Effective Contour Deformation

Purpose: To develop a practical approach for accurate contour deformation when deformable image registration (DIR) is used for atlas-based segmentation or contour propagation in image-guided radiotherapy. Methods: A contour deformation approach was developed on the basis of 3D mesh operations. The 2D contours represented by a series of points in each slice were first converted to a 3D triangular mesh, which was deformed by the deformation vectors resulting from DIR. A set of parallel 2D planes then cut through the deformed 3D mesh, generating unordered points and line segments, which should be reorganized into a set of 2D contour points. It was realized that the reorganization problem was equivalent to solving the Chinese Postman Problem (CPP) by traversing a graph built from the unordered points with the least cost. Alternatively, deformation could be applied to a binary mask converted from the original contours. The deformed binary mask was then converted back into contours at the CT slice locations. We performed a qualitative comparison to validate the mesh-based approach against the image-based approach. Results: The DIR could considerably change the 3D mesh, making complicated 2D contour representations after deformation. CPP was able to effectively reorganize the points in 2D planes nomore » matter how complicated the 2D contours were. The mesh-based approach did not require a post-processing of the contour, thus accurately showing the actual deformation in DIR. The mesh-based approach could keep some fine details and resulted in smoother contours than the image-based approach did, especially for the lung structure. Image-based approach appeared to over-process contours and suffered from image resolution limits. The mesh-based approach was integrated into in-house DIR software for use in routine clinic and research. Conclusion: We developed a practical approach for accurate contour deformation. The efficiency of this approach was demonstrated in both clinic and research applications. This work was partially supported by Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) RP110562.« less
Examination of NRCAM, LRRN3, KIAA0716, and LAMB1 as autism candidate genes

Background A substantial body of research supports a genetic involvement in autism. Furthermore, results from various genomic screens implicate a region on chromosome 7q31 as harboring an autism susceptibility variant. We previously narrowed this 34 cM region to a 3 cM critical region (located between D7S496 and D7S2418) using the Collaborative Linkage Study of Autism (CLSA) chromosome 7 linked families. This interval encompasses about 4.5 Mb of genomic DNA and encodes over fifty known and predicted genes. Four candidate genes (NRCAM, LRRN3, KIAA0716, and LAMB1) in this region were chosen for examination based on their proximity to the marker most consistently cosegregating with autism in these families (D7S1817), their tissue expression patterns, and likely biological relevance to autism.
CMV: automatic verification of complete mediation for java virtual machines

Runtime monitoring systems play an important role in system security, and verification efforts that ensure that these systems satisfy certain desirable security properties are growing in importance. One such security property is complete mediation, which requires that sensitive operations are performed by a piece of code only after the monitoring system authorizes these actions. In this paper, we describe a verification technique that is designed to check for the satisfaction of this property directly on code from Java standard libraries. We describe a tool CMV that implements this technique and automatically checks shrink-wrapped Java bytecode for the complete mediation property. Experimental results on running our tool over several thousands of lines of bytecode from the Java libraries suggest that our approach is scalable, and leads to a very significant reduction in human efforts required for system verification.
Mechanism of Host-Layer Restacking in HgxTiS2

Abstract High-resolution transmission electron microscopy has been used to observe the host-layer restacking process in situ during Hg x TiS 2 (1.24≥ x ≥0.00) deintercalation to better understand the role of elastic strain in reaction dynamics and phase formation for this low-valent system (Hg δ+ , δ⪡ 1). Hg forms novel incommensurate one-dimensional guest chains that occupy channels between the host layers. These channels undergo trigonal prismatic (TP)-to-distorted trigonal antiprismatic (DTAP) coordination restacking during deintercalation. Initially, a small metastable TP-coordinated, empty-gallery region forms. This region usually undergoes rapid restacking to octahedral coordination (1T-TiS 2 ), which induces an intragallery TP-to-DTAP Hg x TiS 2 phase transition to minimize elastic host-layer strain. Occasionally, TP empty-gallery regions become too large to allow coherent gallery restacking, resulting in host-layer fault/crack formation. TP and DTAP intercalate lamella can readily form coherent lamellar intergrowths, resulting in lamellar mixed-phase regions forming during deintercalation.
Automatic CT?SPECT registration of livers treated with radioactive microspheres

We have developed an automated technique to accurately register the CT and SPECT scans of the liver of patients treated with radioactive microspheres for tumour targeting assessment. An anthropomorphic phantom was used to validate the accuracy of the registration algorithm. The phantom liver and three fiducial markers placed on its surface were filled with 99mTc. The phantom was scanned with CT and SPECT scanners in different positions. The liver volume was contoured on the CT scans from which a three-dimensional liver mask was created. By constraining the liver volume to the volume obtained from the CT scans, another liver mask was automatically created from the SPECT images. An adaptive simulated annealing algorithm was used to minimize the difference between the two volumes formed by the two sets of masks. The algorithm involved rigid transformation of the SPECT mask to reach the optimization goal. The accuracy of the algorithm was evaluated by the superposition of the fiducial markers on the CT and SPECT. The registered SPECT overlaid on the CT scan of the phantom showed congruence of the fiducial markers on CT and SPECT images within 1 mm. The technique was applied to a patient image set who received the microsphere infusion procedure. The registered CT and SPECT images of the patient showed that the majority of the activity was concentrated in the tumour, indicating a successful tumour targeting.
Contrasting effects of ethyl β-carboline-3-carboxylate (βCCE) and diazepam on cerebellar cyclic GMP content and antagonism of both effects by Ro 15-1788, a specific benzodiazepine receptor blocker

Abstract Ethyl β-carboline-3-carboxylate (βCCE), a benzodiazepine antagonist, was found to increase basal levels of cyclic GMP in rat cerebellum. βCCE also augmented the elevation of cyclic GMP concentrations induced by isoniazid, in contrast to diazepam which blocked this effect of isoniazid. Administration of βCCE and diazepam together cancelled each other's effect on the elevation of cyclic GMP levels after isoniazid. Ro 15-1788, another potent benzodiazepine antagonist, was found to have virtually no effect on cyclic GMP levels in naive or isoniazid-treated rats. Ro 15-1788 antagonized diazepam's lowering of the elevation of cyclic GMP content of cerebellum after isoniazid. Ro 15-1788 also blocked the increase in cyclic GMP levels elicited by βCCE, indicating that this effect of βCCE involves its interaction at benzodiazepine receptors. Some pharmacological actions of βCCE might be based on hindering GABA transmission.
Rapid e -beam heating for studying metastable transitions in Mn

We have used rapid heating with a line-source e-beam to determine the temperature of a metastable transition between allotropic phases in Mn. Such transitions are difficult to measure by other experimental means, and often can only be calculated. By heating a deposited layer of the ..cap alpha..-phase of Mn on a sapphire substrate with 100 ..mu..s e-beam pulses, heating and subsequent cooling rates exceeding 10/sup 6/ K/s were achieved. Examining changes in microstructures after treatment to known (calculable) peak temperatures allows transformation temperatures to be deduced. Manganese was chosen because it has four equilibrium allotropes (with increasing temperature: ..cap alpha.., ..beta.., ..gamma.. and delta) and the thermodynamics of its equilibrium transitions are well known, permitting metastable transition temperatures to be calculated. Equilibrium stability ranges for these phases are shown and calculated metastable transitions on the right. Our experiment offers a check on such calculations; with the inferences that ..gamma.. transforms to ..beta.. and delta transforms to ..cap alpha.. during quenching after heating, our results confirm the transition temperature calculated for ..cap alpha.. to ..gamma... 4 refs., 5 figs.
Comparison of photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of compound hyperopic astigmatism

Abstract Purpose To compare photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for compound hyperopic astigmatism. Setting University laser center. Methods This prospective nonrandomized study evaluated 41 consecutive eyes (27 patients) that had PRK and 24 consecutive eyes (15 patients) that had LASIK to correct compound hyperopic astigmatism. Results The mean preoperative error was +3.06 diopters of sphere (DS) ±1.73 (SD)/+1.31 ± 0.60 diopters of cylinder (DC) in the PRK eyes and +2.86 ±1.28 DS/+1.55 ± 0.96 DC in the LASIK eyes. The mean maximal pain score in PRK eyes was 1.95 ± 1.19 (range 0.0 to 3.0) in PRK eyes and 0.84 ±1.12 in LASIK eyes (P=.0014). The uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 7.7% of the PRK eyes and 58.3% of the LASIK eyes at 1 month (P Conclusions Photorefractive keratectomy was more painful than LASIK and led to a slower visual recovery, a higher incidence of peripheral haze, and an initial myopic overcorrection, which self-corrected by 3 to 6 months. Efficacy and stability of the astigmatic correction were similar in both groups. Long-term stability of both procedures requires further study.
The horse-racetrack interface: a preliminary study on the effect of shoeing on impact trauma using a novel wireless data acquisition system.

Summary Reasons for performing study: There is a need to determine accelerations acting on the equine hoof under field conditions in order to better assess the risks for orthopaedic health associated with shoeing practices and/or surface conditions. Objectives: To measure the acceleration profiles generated in Thoroughbred racehorses exercising at high speeds over dirt racetracks and specifically to evaluate the effect of a toe grab shoe compared to a flat racing plate, using a newly developed wireless data acquisition system (WDAS). Methods: Four Thoroughbred racehorses in training and racing were used. Based on previous trials, each horse served as its own control for speed trials, with shoe type as variable. Horses were evaluated at speeds ranging from 12.0–17.3 m/sec. Impact accelerations, acceleration on break over and take-off, and temporal stride parameters were calculated. Impact injury scores were also determined, using peak accelerations and the time over which they occurred. Results: Recorded accelerations for the resultant vector (all horses all speeds) calculated from triaxial accelerometers ranged 96.3–251.1 g, depending on the phase of the impact event. An association was observed between shoe type and change in acceleration in individual horses, with 2 horses having increased g on initial impact with toe grab shoes in place. In the final impact phase, one horse had an increase of 110 g while wearing toe grab shoes. Increased accelerations were also observed on break over in 2 horses while wearing toe grab shoes. Conclusions: Shoe type may change impact accelerations significantly in an individual horse and could represent increased risk for injury. Further work is needed to determine if trends exist across a population. Potential relevance: The WDAS could be used for performance evaluation in individual horses to evaluate any component of the horse-performance surface interface, with the goal of minimising risk and optimising performance.
Conversion of the antithyroid drug 2-thiouracil to 2-thio-5′-UMP by UMP pyrophosphorylase

Abstract The metabolism of 2-thiouracil by UMP pyrophosphorylase was investigated. The enzyme utilized 2-thiouracil, but not methylthiouracil, propylthiouracil, or methimazole, as a substrate. The reaction product displayed chromatographic properties, uv-absorption characteristics and ratios of thiouracil, ribose, and phosphate identical to those of 2-thio-5′-UMP. In addition, the product was a substrate for 5′-nucleotidase forming 2-thiouridine. Based on this evidence the product was identified as 2-thio-5′-UMP. The conversion of thiouracil to thio-UMP was shown to be associated with UMP pyrophosphorylase activity rather than OMP pyrophosphorylase, to have a specific requirement for PRPP, to have an optimal pH of about 7.8 for thiouracil as opposed to an optimum of about 6.2 for uracil, and to be markedly depressed by high concentrations of both K and Na ions. Kinetic studies with the partially purified enzyme demonstrated a K m value for thiouracil of 6.7 × 10 −4 m compared to a value of 7.7 × 10 −6 m for uracil.
Occurrence of a new class of tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids in L -dopa-treated parkinsonian patients

THE chemotherapeutic administration of massive doses of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) with or without peripheral decarboxylase inhibitors to parkinsonian patients can lead to aberrant metabolism which may influence the efficacy of the regime. It is generally agreed that the transformations can include spontaneous chemical reactions facilitated by the inherent reactivity of the catechol nucleus. For example, Sandler et al.1 reported the excretion of tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids (TIQs), tetrahydropapaveroline (norlaudanosoline) and salsolinol by parkinsonian patients who had consumed large doses of L-dopa and ethanol. The same two TIQs have been detected in brain and urine of mammals administered alcohol and a second compound—for example, L-dopa or pyrogallol; and it has been proposed that these Pictet–Spengler condensation products (of dopamine and dopaldehyde or acetaldehyde, respectively) may be responsible for addiction in alcoholism2–5. We report here the occurrence of a new class of TIQs, norlaudan-osolinecarboxylic acids (NLCAs), in the urine of parkinsonian patients on L-dopa with or without carbidopa. Comparative studies with rats on a similar regimen reveal the presence of NLCAs in brain as well as in urine.
The effect of pramlintide acetate on glycemic control and weight in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and in obese patients without diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effect of pramlintide on glycemic control, weight and incidence of nausea and hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and in obese patients without diabetes (OBP). Methods: Eight randomized, clinical trials were identified from multiple databases. Qualitative assessments and quantitative analyses were performed. Results: In four T2DM studies (N = 930,duration of studies 16–52weeks,120–150mcg/dose BID–TID), all patients received insulin therapy. In four obesity studies (N = 686,duration of studies 6–24weeks,120–360mcg/dose BID–TID), equivalent volumes of placebo were administered before major meals. Pramlintide significantly reduced haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (−0.33% [95% CI −0.51, −0.14], p = 0.004) and weight (−2.57 kg, [95% CI −3.44, −1.70], p < 0.00001) versus the control group. More patients in the control group reported hypoglycaemia of any severity versus the pramlintide group (risk ratio 0.84 [95% CI 0.69, 10.3], p = 0.09). In OBP, pramlintide caused a reduction in weight (−2.27 kg [95% CI −2.88, −1.66], p < 0.00001). When event data from both populations were combined, patients randomized to pramlintide were 1.8 times more likely to report nausea of any severity versus control (p = 0.0005). Conclusions: Pramlintide was associated with a small reduction in HbA1c, and a modest reduction in weight in patients with T2DM or OBP. There was increased incidence of nausea but not hypoglycaemia at any time during therapy. Studies about the long-term effect of pramlintide on diabetes- and cardiovascular-related complications and cost-effectiveness analyses are needed.
Metal contact reliability of RF MEMS switches

It is well-recognized that MEMS switches, compared to their more traditional solid state counterparts, have several important advantages for wireless communications. These include superior linearity, low insertion loss and high isolation. Indeed, many potential applications have been investigated such as Tx/Rx antenna switching, frequency band selection, tunable matching networks for PA and antenna, tunable filters, and antenna reconfiguration. However, none of these applications have been materialized in high volume products to a large extent because of reliability concerns, particularly those related to the metal contacts. The subject of the metal contact in a switch was studied extensively in the history of developing miniaturized switches, such as the reed switches for telecommunication applications. While such studies are highly relevant, they do not address the issues encountered in the sub 100μN, low contact force regime in which most MEMS switches operate. At such low forces, the contact resistance is extremely sensitive to even a trace amount of contamination on the contact surfaces. Significant work was done to develop wafer cleaning processes and storage techniques for maintaining the cleanliness. To preserve contact cleanliness over the switch service lifetime, several hermetic packaging technologies were developed and their effectiveness in protecting the contacts from contamination was examined. The contact reliability is also very much influenced by the contact metal selection. When pure Au, a relatively soft metal, was used as the contact material, significant stiction problems occurred when clean switches were cycled in an N 2 environment. In addition, various mechanical damages occurred after extended switching cycling tests. Harder metals, while more resistant to deformation and stiction, are more sensitive to chemical reactions, particularly oxidation. They also lead to higher contact resistance because of their lower electrical conductivity and smaller real contact areas at a given contact force. Contact reliability issues could also be tackled by improving mechanical designs. A novel collapsing switch capable of generating large contact forces (>300μN) was shown to be less vulnerable to contamination and stiction.
Corporate Strategy and the New Europe

In My View We are today witnessing the initial events of a global restructuring of our markets-events not only having unprecedented geo-political scope but also far-reaching impact that will be felt well into the next century. Actions taking place within the geographic boundaries of Eastern Europe will significantly shape available options for firms around the world. Firms taking the long-term view and able to support this view will reap benefits.
Criteria for Diffusion by a Site‐Interchange Mechanism

Criteria are established for evaluating whether self-diffusion in a material may be occurring by a site-interchange diffusion mechanism. The criteria include comparisons between defect formation and migration energies for the site-interchange model and a normal vacancy diffsion model. These criteria are applied to some material systems to illustrate their utility. A site-interchange diffusion mechanism is probably occurring in lithium niobate, but this mechanism is not operative in silicon carbide or in some III-V compound semiconductors.
Sensitivity of Metal Nanoparticle Surface Plasmon Resonance to the Dielectric Environment

Electrodynamic simulations of gold nanoparticle spectra were used to investigate the sensitivity of localized surface plasmon band position to the refractive index, n, of the medium for nanoparticles of various shapes and nanoshells of various structures. Among single-component nanoparticles less than 130 nm in size, sensitivities of dipole resonance positions to bulk refractive index are found to depend only upon the wavelength of the resonance and the dielectric properties of the metal and the medium. Among particle plasmons that peak in the frequency range where the real part of the metal dielectric function varies linearly with wavelength and the imaginary part is small and slowly varying, the sensitivity of the peak wavelength, λ*, to refractive index, n, is found to be a linearly increasing function of λ*, regardless of the structural features of the particle that determine λ*. Quasistatic theory is used to derive an analytical expression for the refractive index sensitivity of small particle plasmo...
Intermittent patches of turbulence in a stratified medium with stable shear

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) is used to investigate the evolution of intermittent patches of turbulence in a background flow with the gradient Richardson number, Rig , larger than the critical value of 0.25. The base flow consists of an unstable stratified shear layer (Rig 0.25), whose shear and stratification are varied. The unstable shear layer undergoes a Kelvin–Helmholtz shear instability that develops into billows. Vortices associated with the billows are pulled into the bottom shear layer and stretched by the local shear into a horseshoe configuration. The breakdown of the horseshoe vortices generates localized patches of turbulence. Three cases with different levels of shear and stratification, but with the same Rig , in the bottom shear layer are simulated to examine the popular hypothesis that mixing is determined by local Rig . In the case with largest shear and stratification, the vortices are less likely to penetrate the bottom layer and...
Customized versus population approach for evaluation of fetal overgrowth.

Objective To compare the ability of customized versus normalized population fetal growth norms in identifying neonates at risk for adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs) associated with fetal overgrowth and gestational diabetes (GDM). Study Design Secondary analysis of a multicenter treatment trial of mild GDM. The primary outcome was a composite of neonatal outcomes associated with fetal overgrowth and GDM. Birth weight percentiles were calculated using ethnicity- and gender-specific population and customized norms (Gardosi). Results Two hundred three (9.8%) and 288 (13.8%) neonates were large for gestational age by population (LGApop) and customized (LGAcust) norms, respectively. Both LGApop and LGAcust were associated with the primary outcome and neonatal hyperinsulinemia, but neither was associated with hypoglycemia or hyperbilirubinemia. The ability of customized and population birth weight percentiles for predicting APOs were poor (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve Conclusion Neither customized nor normalized population norms better identify neonates at risk of APOs related to fetal overgrowth and GDM.
September 11 and the Role of the Theologian

As is the case with all “disasters” the nation is experiencing the various psychological stages to the September 11, 2001 disaster: threat, warning, impact, inventory, heroism, honeymoon, disillusionment, and reconstruction. In order for healing to occur from and within the religious community, theologians, pastors, and religiously–minded people must enter into these different stages of disaster and suffer–with the community. Instead of explaining September 11 from an abstract, removed stance, we ought to reveal our concerns and uncertainties about God in this situation and wonder with the rest of the community of grievers, “How has this happened?” From this place, true healing and reconstruction of the community will be possible.
The Relation of Gender and Academic Achievement to Career Self-Efficacy and Interests

Career self-efficacy has been identified as an important variable in career choice and development. In this study, gender and academic achievement were studied in relation to career self-efficacy for female, mate, and sex-balanced occupations. Girls had higher efficacy expectations for some female careers and lower efficacy expectations for some male careers than boys. Girls and boys did not differ in their efficacy expectations for sex-balanced occupations. The overall influence of gender on career self-efficacy was quite modest. Achievement was found to be a more powerful predictor of career self-efficacy than gender. These findings are discussed in relation to the need to enable talented young women to realize their abilities through career achievement.
Radiation therapy for the various subtypes of testicular seminoma.

Abstract From 1964 to 1975 total of 53 consecutive patient with testicular seminoma were treated with irradiation post orchiectomy. The 3 year recurrence free survival, no evidence of disease (N.E.D.) was 97% for Stage I, and 93% for Stage II patients; 3 of 4 patients with Stage III disease were N.E.D. at 3 years. Elective irradiation to the mediastinum and supraclavicular area is indicated for Stage II but not for Stage 1. Spermatocytic and anaplastic subtypes have at least the same prognosis as classical seminoma and should be treated the same way. Two cases of seminoma with trophocarcinoma (embryonal carcinoma) are reported.
A nested logit approach to household mobility

This study analyzes personal and site characteristics in a model of intraMSA and interMSA mobility. Households are assumed to choose a single type of move, intraMSA or interMSA, while simultaneously choosing a central city or suburban destination. We demonstrate that a nested logit model is appropriate on both theoretical and empirical grounds. The sample consists of intrametropolitan and intermetropolitan movers drawn from the 1990 U.S. Census PUMS. Personal characteristics drawn from the PUMS are matched to numerous site characteristics (climatic measures, other amenities, state and local fiscal characteristics, and other urban quality measures) drawn from a variety of sources. Nested logit direct and cross elasticities are presented for a number of site attributes.
Negotiating Multiple Roles in the Field: Dilemmas of Being an Employee/Researcher

More North Americanists must consider the implications of combining paid work with research since funding for our projects is not keeping up with the rising number of anthropologists conducting research in North America. In this article, I reflect on my own paid work and dissertation research in a divided “mixed income” neighborhood in Tampa, Florida. I negotiated multiple roles conducting research with both middle-class homeowners and low-income renters while working as an employee in one of the neighborhood's low-income apartment complexes. Paid work has advantages beyond making research financially possible. For instance, it enables greater access and insight into particular issues. It can also complicate a researcher's role/s in numerous ways, including how she is perceived by different members of the communities in which she works, and the practical and ethical issues that result.
Isolation and characterization of two new methane-producing cocci: Methanogenium olentangi, sp. nov., and Methanococcus deltae, sp. nov.

Two new methane-producing cocci have been isolated from separate sediment enrichments using a defined synthetic growth medium. A freshwater methanogen, Methanogenium olentangyi, sp. nov., was isolated from Olentangy River sediment, Columbus, Ohio. The organism was a non-motile, irregular coccus that produced methane from CO2 plus H2, and required acetate for growth. A marine methanogen, Methanococcus deltae, sp. nov., was isolated from Gulf of Mexico sediments and was a non-motile, irregular coccus that grew on CO2 plus H2, or on formate. The guanine-plus-cytosine content of the deoxyribonucleic acid of the isolates was 54.4 and 40.5 mol%, respectively.
Compound-specific isotopic analyses track changes in seasonal precipitation regimes in the Northeastern United States at ca 8200 cal yr BP

Abstract We analyzed the hydrogen isotopic composition of sedimentary leaf wax (C 28 n -acid) and palmitic acid (C 16 n -acid) in cores from Berry and Crooked Ponds in Massachusetts. The results show a dramatic positive shift in leaf wax δD values around 8200 cal yr BP, when regional lake levels rose and plant communities shifted in favor of plants intolerant of dry conditions. To aid our interpretation, we studied modern lake sediment samples and found that the δD values of leaf wax and palmitic acid record the hydrogen isotopic composition of water available during the synthesis of these compounds. Palmitic acid δD values follow lake water values often derived from winter precipitation, and leaf wax δD values track the water available to terrestrial plants during the growing season. Based on these results, we interpret the downcore isotopic shift as an increase in the fraction of precipitation falling during the growing season. The increase coincides with evidence from pollen and palmitic acid δD values for a multi-century period of cold conditions at ca 8200 cal yr BP. The close timing of the brief cool period and a step-change in summer precipitation levels in the northeastern United States is consistent with the hypothesis that the collapse of the Laurentide ice sheet occurred in association with cold North Atlantic conditions from 8400 to 8000 cal yr BP. The location of the northeastern US downwind of the ice sheet and close to the North Atlantic makes it sensitive to both factors. Our results also provide insight into later changes in the northeastern US because they indicate a progressive decrease in summer precipitation levels after ca 8000 cal yr BP.
Vibrational Excitation of Polar Molecules by Slow Electrons: HCI

Shape resonances cannot explain the strong vibrational excitation observed in the impact of electrons on polar molecules at threshold, because an important $s$-wave component in the wave function inhibits trapping. We explain the main features observed in HCl by invoking the concept of a virtual state to account for an enhancement of the wave function of a slow departing electron.
Holographic interferometry through imaging fibers using CW and pulsed lasers

The use of fiberoptic imaging structures for holographic investigations of displacement and vibration is demonstrated. Image-plane holograms are formed at the proximal output end of an imaging multifiber. Investigations using a cw laser for double-exposed holograms of a cantilever beam, as well as time-average vibration studies, were conducted. Pairs of double-pulsed holograms of dynamic events were recorded, one through the fiber bundle, the other in a conventional manner as a standard of reference. The fringes of both holograms were practically identical. The ability to perform measurements in holographic interferometry through optical fibers should lead to further developments in medical endoscopy as well as industrial applications.
Intracoronary stent implantation: New approach using a monorail system and new large-lumen 7 f catheters from the brachial route

In this brief report we describe a case of successful multivessel PTCA with intracoronary stent implantation using a new large-lumen 7F catheter from the left brachial approach. The application of this technique should be considered for intravascular stent implantation when anticoagulation ideally should not be interrupted or in anatomical situations limiting femoral vascular access.
Friction compensation without a friction model

This paper presents the design of a position control system for plants that have nonlinear friction. The approach uses nested integral tracking loops: an inner velocity loop and an outer position loop. An additional component of the proposed approach is the nonstandard use of an observer, or reduced-order observer, in the inner loop to estimate the state of the velocity integrator. The designs of the inner loop, outer loop, and observer are accomplished using standard linear pole-placement techniques. The method does not require knowledge of any friction model, yet results in effective friction compensation over a certain bandwidth. The performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated using simulation results as well as hardware experiments with a belt-driven positioning system.
Alterations in T-tubule and dyad structure in heart disease: challenges and opportunities for computational analyses.

Compelling recent experimental results make clear that sub-cellular structures are altered in ventricular myocytes during the development of heart failure, in both human samples and diverse experimental models. These alterations can include, but are not limited to, changes in the clusters of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-release channels, ryanodine receptors, and changes in the average distance between the cell membrane and ryanodine receptor clusters. In this review, we discuss the potential consequences of these structural alterations on the triggering of SR Ca2+ release during excitation–contraction coupling. In particular, we describe how mathematical models of local SR Ca2+ release can be used to predict functional changes resulting from diverse modifications that occur in disease states. We review recent studies that have used simulations to understand the consequences of sub-cellular structural changes, and we discuss modifications that will allow for future modelling studies to address unresolved questions. We conclude with a discussion of improvements in both experimental and mathematical modelling techniques that will be required to provide a stronger quantitative understanding of the functional consequences of changes in sub-cellular structure in heart disease.
Locus of control and the effectiveness of direct and vicarious reinforcement

It was hypothesized that the effectiveness of vicarious reinforcement would be attenuated for internal Ss by the addition of direct reinforcement. Ss classified as internals or externals using Rotter’s I-E scale participated in a two-alternative discrimination problem in which vicarious reinforcement always indicated the correct alternative. The results showed that vicarious reinforcement alone was equally effective for internals and externals but that vicarious reinforcement was less effective for internals than externals when direct reinforcement was also presented.