cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel Surgical Approach for Root Coverage of Single Deep Recessions on Mandibular Incisors: Gingival Pedicle With Split-Thickness Tunnel Technique

Introduction Gingival recession is a very common mucogingival defect in the adult population, with mandibular central and lateral incisors being the most frequently affected teeth. Limited information is available about the management of isolated deep recession lesions in the mandibular anterior area, where the predictability of the root coverage is reduced by unfavorable anatomical conditions. The purpose of this case report is to present a novel surgical technique for deep labial recessions on mandibular incisors, based on a gingival pedicle with split-thickness tunneling (GPST), in combination with connective tissue graft (CTG). Case presentation A 25-year-old female patient presented with a Class II Miller isolated buccal recession on #24, 5 × 3 mm. The recipient site design consisted of a laterally positioned flap with a width of 4 mm, in combination with a split-thickness tunnel preparation that reached the mesial line angle of #25 and extended beyond the mucogingival junction. A CTG (13 × 7 mm) was harvested from the palate and properly adapted over the root surface. Graft and flap were secured with internal mattress and single-interrupted sutures. Complete root coverage was obtained and maintained at 6 months with excellent esthetic outcomes. Conclusion This novel surgical approach, based on the combination of laterally displaced pedicle flap and tunneling in addition to CTG, seems to lead to promising results for the treatment of single deep mandibular anterior recessions.
Beyond Performance Indicators: Reforming Higher Education Evaluation Systems to Promote Improvement

As higher education attainment has become increasingly essential for both individual socioeconomic outcomes and the economic competitiveness of nation-states, and as the cost of financing the highe...
Does the ATA Risk Stratification Apply to Patients with Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

The incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has increased over the past decade. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) suggests that these patients may undergo either thyroid lobectomy or active surveillance. It remains unclear whether there exists a subgroup of PTMC patients who may benefit from more aggressive treatment due to increased risk of recurrence. We retrospectively reviewed 357 patients with PTMC who underwent surgery at a single institution from 2004 to 2016. Patients were classified according to 2015 ATA risk stratification for structural disease recurrence. Demographic, oncologic, and clinicopathologic data were compared between groups. Out of 357 patients, 246 were classified as low-risk PTMC, 93 were intermediate-risk, and 18 were high-risk. There were more male patients in the high-risk group (38.9%) than the intermediate- (31.2%) or low-risk groups (15.4%) (p < 0.001). Patients with low-risk microcarcinomas were more likely to have an incidental PTMC when compared to intermediate- or high-risk groups (98[39.8%], 15[16.1%], 1[5.6%], respectively, p < 0.001). Patients with high-risk PTMCs, compared to those with intermediate- and low-risk PTMCs, were more likely to have rising postoperative thyroglobulin levels after total thyroidectomy (6[40.0%], 4[5.1%], 9[5.7%], respectively, p = 0.001) and structural recurrence after lobectomy or total thyroidectomy (3[16.7%], 0[0%], 0[0%], respectively, p < 0.001). The median follow-up time was 17.5 (IQR 3–55) months. Patients with high-risk PTMC have an increased risk of recurrence when compared to low- and intermediate-risk microcarcinomas, whereas intermediate-risk PTMC may behave similarly to low-risk tumors. ATA risk stratification may inform clinical decision making for patients with PTMC.
Elevated Atopic Comorbidity in Patients with Food Protein–Induced Enterocolitis

Background Food protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non–IgE-mediated food allergy. Its relationship to the major atopic manifestations (atopic dermatitis [AD], IgE-mediated food allergy [IgE-FA], allergic rhinitis [AR], asthma) is not understood. Objective To determine the clinical characteristics, epidemiologic features, and natural history of FPIES in relation to the major atopic manifestations. Methods We examined our primary care birth cohort of 158,510 pediatric patients, of whom 214 patients met 2017 FPIES diagnostic criteria. We measured the influence of FPIES on developing subsequent atopic disease. Results Pediatric FPIES incidence was between 0.17% and 0.42% depending on birth year. As in prior reports, most patients had an acute presentation (78%), and milk, soy, oat, rice, potato, and egg were common triggers. The mean age of diagnosis was 6.8 months. Atopic comorbidity was higher in patients with FPIES compared with healthy children (AD, 20.6% vs 11.7%; IgE-FA, 23.8% vs 4.0%; asthma, 26.6% vs 18.4%; AR, 28.0% vs 16.7%; P Conclusions The incidence of FPIES in our cohort was initially low, but is increasing. Food allergen distribution, presentation, and age of onset are similar to prior reports. Patients with FPIES have high rates of atopic comorbidity. However, longitudinal analysis does not support direct causation as the etiology of these associations. Rather it suggests a shared predisposition to both types of allergy, or associative bias effects. This work refines our understanding of the natural history of FPIES by elucidating associations between FPIES and atopy.
Characterization of a Novel Rice Dynamic Narrow-Rolled Leaf Mutant with Deficiencies in Aromatic Amino Acids

The leaf blade is the main photosynthetic organ and its morphology is related to light energy capture and conversion efficiency. We isolated a novel rice Dynamic Narrow-Rolled Leaf 1 (dnrl1) mutant showing reduced width of leaf blades, rolled leaves and lower chlorophyll content. The narrow-rolled leaf phenotype resulted from the reduced number of small longitudinal veins per leaf, smaller size and irregular arrangement of bulliform cells compared with the wild-type. DNRL1 was mapped to chromosome 7 and encoded a putative 3-deoxy-7-phosphoheptulonate synthase (DAHPS) which catalyzes the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate and D-erythrose 4-phosphate to DAHP and phosphate. Sequence analysis revealed that a single base substitution (T–A) was detected in dnrl1, leading to a single amino acid change (L376H) in the coding protein. The mutation led to a lower expression level of DNRL1 as well as the lower activity of DAHPS in the mutant compared with the wild type. Genetic complementation and over-expression of DNRL1 could rescue the narrow-rolled phenotype. DNRL1 was constitutively expressed in all tested organs and exhibited different expression patterns from other narrow-rolled leaf genes. DNRL1-GFP located to chloroplasts. The lower level of chlorophyll in dnrl1 was associated with the downregulation of the genes responsible for chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthesis. Furthermore, dnrl1 showed significantly reduced levels of aromatic amino acids including Trp, Phe and Tyr. We conclude that OsDAHPS, encoded by DNRL1, plays a critical role in leaf morphogenesis by mediating the biosynthesis of amino acids in rice.
Transforming Education Outcomes in Africa: Learning from Togo

Book Review of Transforming Education Outcomes in Africa: Learning from Togo Edited by Johannes Hoogeveen & Mariacristina Rossi
Predicting differential improvements in annual pollutant concentrations and exposures for regulatory policy assessment

Abstract Over the past decade, researchers and policy-makers have become increasingly interested in regulatory and policy interventions to reduce air pollution concentrations and improve human health. Studies have typically relied on relatively sparse environmental monitoring data that lack the spatial resolution to assess small-area improvements in air quality and health. Few studies have integrated multiple types of measures of an air pollutant into one single modeling framework that combines spatially- and temporally-rich monitoring data. In this paper, we investigated the differential effects of California emissions reduction plan on reducing air pollution between those living in the goods movement corridors (GMC) that are within 500 m of major highways that serve as truck routes to those farther away or adjacent to routes that prohibit trucks. A mixed effects Deletion/Substitution/Addition (D/S/A) machine learning algorithm was developed to model annual pollutant concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) by taking repeated measures into consideration and by integrating multiple types of NO2 measurements, including those through government regulatory and research-oriented saturation monitoring into a single modeling framework. Difference-in-difference analysis was conducted to identify whether those living in GMC demonstrated statistically larger reductions in air pollution exposure. The mixed effects D/S/A machine learning modeling result indicated that GMC had 2 ppb greater reductions in NO2 concentrations from pre- to post-policy period than far away areas. The difference-in-difference analysis demonstrated that the subjects living in GMC experienced statistically significant greater reductions in NO2 exposure than those living in the far away areas. This study contributes to scientific knowledge by providing empirical evidence that improvements in air quality via the emissions reductions plan policies impacted traffic-related air pollutant concentrations and associated exposures most among low-income Californians with chronic conditions living in GMC. The identified differences in pollutant reductions across different location domains may be applicable to other states or other countries if similar policies are enacted.
Randomised pilot trial of cash incentives for reducing paediatric asthmatic tobacco smoke exposures from maternal caregivers and members of their social network

Background The primary aim was to evaluate the efficacy of financial incentives for reducing paediatric tobacco smoke exposures (TSEs) through motivating cigarette usage reduction among low-income maternal caregivers and members of their social network. Design Randomised control pilot trial over a 6-month study follow-up time period. The study was undertaken from May 2017 to -May 2018. Once monthly follow-up visits occurred over the 6-month study period. Setting Baltimore City, Maryland, USA. Participants We grouped 135 participants into 45 triads (asthmatic child (2–12 years of age), maternal caregiver and social network member). Triads were assigned in a 1:1 allocation ratio. The maternal caregiver and social network members were active smokers and contributed to paediatric TSE. Interventions Triads were randomised to receive either usual care (TSE education and quitline referrals) or usual care plus financial incentives. Cash incentives up to $1000 were earned by caregivers and designated social network participants. Incentives for either caregivers or social network participants were provided contingent on their individual reduction of tobacco usage measured by biomarkers of tobacco usage. Study visits occurred once a month during the 6-month trial. Main outcome measures The main outcome measure was mean change in monthly paediatric cotinine levels over 6 months of follow-up interval and was analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results The mean change in monthly child cotinine values was not significantly different in the intervention cohort over the 6-month follow-up period, compared with the control group (p=0.098, CI −0.16 to 1.89). Trends in child cotinine could not be ascribed to caregivers or social network members. Despite decreasing mean monthly cotinine values, neither the intervention cohort’s caregivers (difference in slope (control–intervention)=3.30 ng/mL/month, CI −7.72 to 1.13, p=0.144) or paired social network members (difference in slope (control–intervention)=−1.59 ng/mL/month, CI −3.57 to 6.74, p=0.546) had significantly different cotinine levels than counterparts in the control group. Conclusions Financial incentives directed at adult contributors to paediatric TSE did not decrease child cotinine levels. Trial registration number NCT03099811.
Pectoral placement of tissue expanders affects inpatient opioid use.

Prepectoral breast reconstruction promises to minimize breast animation deformity and decrease pain associated with subpectoral dissection and tissue expansion. This latter benefit is particularly timely given the ongoing opioid epidemic; however, this theoretical benefit remains to be demonstrated clinically. As such, this study aimed to compare inpatient opioid use and prescription practices following prepectoral and subpectoral expander-based breast reconstruction. A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing immediate tissue expander placement between January 2017 and April 2018. Medical records were reviewed for surgical details, 24-hour inpatient PRN opioid usage (oral morphine equivalents [OME]), and discharge prescriptions. Comparisons were made using chi-squared and student's t tests where appropriate. Two hundred and thirty-one patients were identified, (mean age 48.8 years), 222 of which met inclusion criteria. 89 underwent subpectoral and 133 prepectoral tissue expander placements. All but two subpectoral patients and two prepectoral patients were opioid-naive. The rate of bilateral procedures did not differ between cohorts (P = .194). Overall, 94% of patients were discharged within 24 hours, and length of stay did not differ between cohorts (P = .0753). Two subpectoral and two prepectoral patients required prolonged admission due to postoperative pain. All patients were ordered standing acetaminophen, celecoxib, and gabapentin, and subpectoral patients cyclobenzaprine. Narcotic pain medication was offered on an "as needed" (PRN) basis. Opioid usage within the first 24-hours was halved in the prepectoral cohort (22.2 vs 44.5 OME, P = .0003), which was not associated with bi/unilaterality of procedure or the presence of any psychiatric conditions. The amount of opioids prescribed on discharge was not significantly different between cohorts (308.42 OME prepectoral vs 336.99 subpectoral, P = .3197). Prepectoral expander placement appears to be associated with decreased inpatient opioid use postoperatively. This may represent an opportunity to improve patient satisfaction and safety by decreasing outpatient opioid prescriptions.
Student perceptions of co-curricular activities on pharmacy education: A review.

Abstract Background The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Standards 2016 emphasize the incorporation of a co-curriculum in pharmacy education. However, how students perceive the value of these activities is still unclear. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe how students perceive co-curricular involvement, (2) identify barriers that impede student engagement in co-curricular activities, and (3) assess the influence of co-curricular activities on academic performance. Methods A literature search was conducted using the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Academic Search Complete, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and ProQuest Central databases. Search terms used within each database were “co-curricular” AND “pharmacy learning OR pharmacy education OR pharmacy student.” Studies were included in the review if they addressed pharmacy student perceptions of or barriers to co-curricular activity. Results Eleven studies met the criteria for inclusion. Student perceptions of co-curricular activities were consistently positive, reflecting perceived improvement in self-confidence and abilities. Barriers to student engagement included voluntary participation and student's limited scope of practice. Engagement in co-curricular activities also improved academic performance and clinical knowledge. Implications Co-curricular activities have a perceived positive impact on student confidence and abilities as practitioners. Participation in co-curricular activities provides benefits to students in their academic, professional, and personal development in ways that are not always supported in a didactic curriculum. Incorporating co-curricular activity is justified from the student perspective in the framework of pharmacy student development and maturation.
Recurrent but not single report of fear of falling predicts cognitive decline in community-residing older adults.

Literature regarding the association of fear of falling (FOF), a common concern in aging, and cognition is scarce. Moreover, whether frequency of FOF endorsement influences age-related cognitive de...
Ruthenium complexes with asymmetric hydroxy- and methoxy-substituted bipyridine ligands

Abstract The development of metal complexes with ligands capable of proton transfer can result in significant advances in Proton Coupled Electron Transfer (PCET) chemistry, specifically understanding how these reactions occur mechanistically in the excited state. The synthesis of three ruthenium complexes containing asymmetric bipyridine ligands: [Ru(bpy)2(4bpyOH)]2+, [Ru(bpy)2(4bpyOMe)]2+, and [Ru(bpy)2(44′bpy(OH)(OMe))]2+ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; 4bpyOH = 4-hydroxy-2,2′-bipyridine; 4bpyOMe = 4-methoxy-2,2′-bipyridine; 44′bpy(OH)(OMe) = 4-hydroxy-4′-methoxy-2,2′-bipyridine) are reported. These complexes were studied using both experimental and computational methods. These studies indicate that the methoxy-substitution gives similar electron-donating properties to the hydroxy-substitution, meaning that the methoxy-substitution is a good control when examining electron transfer in the absence of proton transfer. Potential versus pH diagrams show that [Ru(bpy)2(4bpyOH)]2+ has a RuIII/II reduction potential of 0.97 V vs. Ag/AgCl in aqueous acidic solution that decreases to 0.76 V vs. Ag/AgCl when deprotonated. The [Ru(bpy)2(44′bpy(OH)(OMe))]2+, with an additional methoxy-substituent, has a RuIII/II reduction potential that is slightly lower with a potential of 0.92 V vs. Ag/AgCl in acidic aqueous solution that decreases to 0.74 V vs. Ag/AgCl when deprotonated. These complexes are comparable to other hydroxy- and methoxy-substituted polypyridyl ruthenium complexes reported previously, showing the additive effects of hydroxy- and methoxy-substitutions on the reduction potential of the RuIII/II wave and spectroscopic shifts that occur as the ligand scaffold is altered.
Amphipathic Binder Integrating Ultrathin and Highly Ion-Conductive Sulfide Membrane for Cell-Level High-Energy-Density All-Solid-State Batteries.

Current sulfide solid-state electrolyte (SE) membranes utilized in all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASLBs) have a high thickness (0.5-1.0 mm) and low ion conductance (<25 mS), which limit the cell-level energy and power densities. Based on ethyl cellulose's unique amphipathic molecular structure, superior thermal stability, and excellent binding capability, this work fabricates a freestanding SE membrane with an ultralow thickness of 47 µm. With ethyl cellulose as an effective disperser and a binder, the Li6 PS5 Cl is uniformly dispersed in toluene and possesses superior film formability. In addition, an ultralow areal resistance of 4.32 Ω cm-2 and a remarkable ion conductance of 291 mS (one order higher than the state-of-the-art sulfide SE membrane) are achieved. The ASLBs assembled with this SE membrane deliver cell-level high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities of 175 Wh kg-1 and 675 Wh L-1 , individually.
Challenging the connection between task perceptions and language use in L2 writing: Genre, cognitive task complexity, and linguistic complexity

Abstract This study explores two writing task variables (genre and idea support) that have been extensively employed in L2 writing research. It specifically examines L2 learners’ perceptions and production of the narrative and argumentative tasks within which the condition of idea support is manipulated. Seventy-six ESL learners participated in this study (each wrote four essays), and they completed a self-rating task questionnaire immediately after each writing performance. Their essays were analyzed using 12 syntactic and lexical complexity measures. Results showed that the learners perceived the two genres as inducing similar cognitive demands, while judging the writing tasks with idea support as less cognitively demanding. In contrast, the learners’ use of syntactic structures differed widely across the two genres, but not across the idea support conditions. These findings suggest that there may be a weak connection between cognitive task complexity and linguistic complexity in written discourse and that syntactic features in learner essays are linguistic means to express genre-specific communicative functions. This study offers implications for L2 writing research and pedagogy.
Exfoliation Glaucoma: Quantitative Perfusion and Ultrastructural Study

The aqueous outflow systems of both eyes from a patient with well documented exfoliation syndrome were studied postmortem by quantitative perfusion and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This provided a rare opportunity to correlate clinical and post-mortem findings. The right eye was phakic with early glaucoma. The left eye was aphakic with moderately severe glaucoma prior to the cataract surgery. The eyes were fixed at a perfusion pressure of 25 mm Hg. In both eyes the spaces of the corneoscleral trabecular meshwork were open and mostly free of exfoliation material. The trabecular cells appeared normal and contained no exfoliation material. Failure to take up exfoliation material contrasts with the known tendency of these cells to take up pigment and other particles. The main pathology involved destruction of Schlemm’s canal and accumulation of exfoliation material in the juxtacanalicular region of both eyes. The changes in Schlemm’s canal and the juxtacanalicular region appeared sufficient to account for increase in resistance to aqueous outflow.
LFSR-based Hashing and Authentication

We present simple and efficient hash functions applicable to secure authentication of information. The constructions are mainly intended for message authentication in systems implementing stream cipher encryption and are suitable for other applications as well. The proposed hash functions are implemented through linear feedback shift registers and therefore attractive for hardware applications. As an example, a single 64 bit LFSR will be used to authenticate 1 Gbit of information with a failure probability of less than 2-30. One of the constructions is the cryptographic version of the well known cyclic redundancy codes (CRC); the other is based on Toeplitz hashing where the matrix entries are generated by a LFSR. The later construction achieves essentially the same hashing and authentication strength of a completely random matrix but at a substantially lower cost in randomness, key size and implementation complexity. Of independent interest is our characterization of the properties required from a family of hash functions in order to be secure for authentication when combined with a (secure) stream cipher.
Photoion-Pair Formation

The term photoionization usually implies the production of a positive ion-electron pair on interaction of sufficiently energetic photons with gaseous molecules. In the absence of collisional and field effects, and taking into account thermal Boltzmann effects, this process has a threshold which (if Franck-Condon effects are not too restrictive) is the adiabatic ionization potential. In Some cases, ionization can arise from a quite different process—the formation of a positive ion-negative ion pair. Given favorable circumstances, this latter process may occur below the adiabatic ionization potential. Consider a diatomic metal halide, MX. Then, one can readily show that the ion-pair process may occur below the ionization potential if the electron affinity (EA) of X exceeds the dissociation energy (D 0) of MX+. This condition is met for all of the thallium halides (see below). For TII, TIBr, and (borderline) TICI, the threshold for ion-pair formation occurs before the onset of the vacuum-ultraviolet region. This fortuitous circumstance enabled Terenin and Popov(1–2) to observe photoionization (into ion pairs) in the early 1930s well before the advent of vacuum-ultraviolet photoionization technology.
Introduction of hydroxyl-bearing amino acids causes bathochromic spectral shifts in rhodopsin. Amino acid substitutions responsible for red-green color pigment spectral tuning.

Comparisons of the deduced amino acid sequences of eight primate photopigment genes led to the proposal that three amino acid substitutions produce the approximately 1,000 cm-1 difference in the absorption maxima of human red and green pigments (Neitz, M., Neitz, J., and Jacobs, G.H. (1991) Science 252, 971-974). We tested this proposal by mutating these three residues in rhodopsin and evaluating the effects on spectral properties. Nonpolar residues normally present in rhodopsin and in the green pigment were substituted by hydroxyl-bearing residues normally present in the red pigment. Two of these substitutions (Phe-261 to Tyr or Ala-269 to Thr) caused significant red shifts in the absorption maxima of the resulting mutant pigments. A third substitution (Ala-164 to Ser) caused only a slight effect. Combinations of substitutions caused additive shifts in absorption maxima. A double mutant (Phe-261 to Tyr/Ala-269 to Thr) displayed an absorption maximum that was red-shifted by 775 cm-1. Wavelength modulation in the visual pigments responsible for red-green color vision is likely to be governed by retinal-protein interactions involving primarily these two amino acid residues. Furthermore, interactions of hydroxyl-bearing amino acids with the chromophore may be a general mechanism of the opsin shift in visual pigments.
Analysis of auditory comprehension performance in individuals with severe aphasia

Abstract This research compared the performance of 20 individuals with global and mixed nonfluent aphasia across the four auditory comprehension subtests of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (Word Discrimination, Body Part Identification, Commands, and Complex Ideational Material) and across the six subcomponents of the Word Discrimination Subtest (objects, actions, letters, colors, forms, and numbers). As expected, group means revealed severely reduced performance which was equally observable across all auditory comprehension tasks. To determine whether individual subjects demonstrated a pattern of consistently reduced performance for auditory comprehension tasks, z-scores and chi-square statistics were also calculated for each subject and task. The individuals with global aphasia demonstrated a greater number of statistically significant z-scores than was expected by chance. This was not true for the subjects with mixed nonfluent aphasia. Results of this research indicate that although as a group individuals with global aphasia may demonstrate consistently reduced auditory comprehension, when considered on an individual basis, this group may comprise a somewhat divergent population with respect to the configuration of preserved and impaired auditory comprehension skills.
Hormone Storage Vesicle Proteins

Chromogranin A (CgA) is an acidic soluble protein found in the core of secretory vesicles throughout the neuroendocrine system, from which it is coreleased by exocytosis with a variety of amine and peptide hormones and neurotransmitters. Much has now been learned about the structure of CgA, and there is emerging evidence that it plays several biological roles, both within secretory granules and after release from neuroendocrine cells. Factors governing its gene's widespread yet restricted (neuroendocrine) pattern of expression are only now being explored. In an attempt to understand how cells throughout the neuroendocrine system (but not exocrine or other nonendocrine cells) turn on and control the expression of CgA, we have isolated and begun to characterize functional 5' promoter elements from the rodent CgA genes. Within the sympathoadrenal system, interest focuses on a recently proposed (though as yet incompletely investigated) function of CgA: its ability to suppress catecholamine release from adrenal chromaffin cells when such cells are stimulated by their usual physiologic secretagogue. We anticipate that such studies will contribute to an understanding of this abundant, yet previously mysterious protein's role in neuroendocrine function.
Dislocation Density Evolution During Creep of AZ31 Mg Alloy: A Study by X-ray Diffraction Line Profile Analysis

X-ray diffraction line profile analysis technique was employed to investigate the dislocation density evolution during high temperature creep of Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy. The microstrains within the domain and dislocation density were calculated by the simplified Williamson–Hall and Williamson–Smallman methods. Further analysis on the possible dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and dynamic recovery (DRV) shows a relation between the number of dynamically recrystallized grains and the dislocation density. At constant temperature, higher stresses lead to more DRX and an enhancement on the dislocation density; whereas, at lower stresses the DRV is dominant leading to decrease in the dislocation density.
Chest wall dose in MammoSite™ breast brachytherapy: Radiobiologic estimations of late complication risk based on dose–volume considerations

Purpose To estimate the risk of late effects in women treated with MammoSite™ brachytherapy (MBT), the balloon catheters of which were placed near the ribs. Methods and Materials Upon reviewing 93 plans, 16 patients (17%) treated with MBT were considered to have received a high chest wall dose (≥120% isodose line in contact with a rib). A dose–volume histogram was generated for this rib, and its distance from the MBT balloon measured. Using the linear quadratic equation, the equivalent dose, delivered in 10 fractions, to the dose that causes a 5% and 50% risk of rib late effects at 5 years using 2 Gy per fraction, was calculated to be 37 and 44 Gy, respectively. The rib volume receiving greater than or equal to these doses (V37 and V44) was correlated to the balloon-to-rib distance. Chest wall signs, symptoms, and radiologic findings for all 16 patients were recorded. Results The median balloon-to-rib distance was 4.8 mm. The median values of V37 and V44 were 13.5% and 3.3%, respectively. All patients with a V37 ≥ 15% and V44 ≥ 5% had a minimum balloon-to-rib distance of <5 mm. Two patients reported treatment-related chest wall tenderness (both had balloons placed <5 mm from the chest wall), but neither presented with radiologic complications. Conclusions Sixteen patients considered to receive relatively high chest wall doses had less than one-third of their primary rib volume being exposed to the estimated TD 5/5 and TD 50/5 doses. Therefore, we estimate the risk of late effects in women treated with MBT, the balloon catheters of which placed near the ribs were negligible, and believe that MBT remains a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with early stage breast cancer.
Energy efficient many-core processor for recognition and mining using spin-based memory

Emerging workloads such as Recognition, Mining and Synthesis present great opportunities for many-core parallel computing, but also place significant demands on the memory system. Spin-based devices have shown great promise in enabling high-density, energy-efficient memory. In this paper, we present the design and evaluation of a many-core domain-specific processor for Recognition and Data Mining (RM) using spin-based memory. The RM processor has a two-level on-chip memory hierarchy consisting of a streaming access first-level memory and a random access second-level memory. Based on the memory access characteristics, we suggest the use of Domain Wall Memory (DWM) and Spin Transfer Torque Magnetic RAM (STT MRAM) to realize the first and second levels, respectively. We develop architectural models of DWM and STT MRAM, and use them to evaluate the proposed design and explore various architectural tradeoffs in the RM processor. We evaluate the proposed design by comparing it to a CMOS based design at the same 45nm technology node. For three representative RM algorithms (Support Vector Machines, k-means clustering, and GLVQ classification), the iso-area spin memory based design achieves an energy-delay product improvement of 1.5X -- 3X. Our results suggest that spin based memory technologies can enable significant improvements in energy efficiency and performance for highly parallel, data-intensive workloads.
Dermolytic (dystrophic) epidermolysis bullosa inversa.

† We treated four patients with an inverse form of recessive dermolytic (dystrophic) epidermolysis bullosa. The distinguishing features of the disease are (1) early generalized skin involvement with blisters and erosions that heal with superficial, atrophic scars; (2) persistence into adulthood, although milder; (3) severity in flexural areas, especially the inguinal folds, perineum, axillae, submammary area, posterior and lateral aspects of the neck, and often the lower parts of the abdomen and back; (4) normal stature and general development; (5) severe oral and esophageal mucosal involvement; (6) normal teeth; (7) normal or minimally involved fingernails, but mild to moderately dystrophic or atrophic toenail changes; and (8) microscopic findings similar to those of the Hallopeau-Siemens form of epidermolysis bullosa. (Arch Dermatol1988;124:544-547)
The association between corporate social-responsibility and financial performance: The paradox of social cost

It is generally assumed that common stock investors are exclusively interested in earning the highest level of future cash-flow for a given amount of risk. This view suggests that investors select a well-diversified portfolio of securities to achieve this goal. Accordingly, it is often assumed that investors are unwilling to pay a premium for corporate behavior which can be described as “socially-responsible”.
Developmental Changes in Dehydrogenase Activities in Rabbit Eggs.

SummaryRabbit embryo (pronuclear to blastocyst stage) dehydrogenase activities (as measured by the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium) were measured histochemically in the presence of the following substrates: glucose 1-phosphate, glucose 6-phosphate, glycerophosphate, lactate, glutamate, succinate, isocitrate and malate. The various dehydrogenases were found at all stage of development, not, however, in equivalent amounts. The succinic and glutamic dehydrogenase activities in the one-cell and 8 to 16-cell stage eggs were qualitatively higher than the other enzymes at these stages, and furthermore quantitively constant. At the morula stage, all of the enzymes analyzed had increased slightly, and after blastocyst formation, they had increased dramatically. In unfertilized ova, the activity of the dehydrogenases decreased with the progression of time. After 48 hours, all activity had disappeared completely.
Development of a light-deactivatable PSA via photodimerization

ABSTRACT Photoreactive pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) were developed to create photodeactivatable resins. Coumarin-functionalized poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate-co-hydroxyethyl acrylate) was prepared via traditional free-radical polymerization followed by quantitative hydroxyl group esterification and studied as model photoactive PSAs. The polymers were solution-cast into films and photocrosslinked via dimerization of the coumarin derivatives with ultraviolet-A (UVA) light irradiation (> 300 nm). Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy indicated that approximately 60% of the coumarin groups photodimerized when exposed to 22 J cm−2 of UVA irradiation. The formation of reversible coumarin crosslinks gelled the model PSA and reduced peel strength from 1.62 to 0.05 N/mm. UVC irradiation photocleaved the coumarin dimers, reducing the crosslink density and raising the peel strength to 0.10 N/mm. This reversibility of the coumarin photodimerization and consequent peel-strength modulation may provide a mechani...
Stress Analysis of a Pin and Clevis Assembly

The shear yield strength of the material is one of the controlling factors in determining the pin diameters for a pin and clevis connection. Typically, for steels used in machine fabrication, an accepted method is to approximate the shear yield strength as 75% of the material’s ultimate tensile strength Blodgett [1]. In a pin and clevis connection, the pin can be subjected to static and dynamic loads that can generate stresses on the order of the shear yield strength of the steel. The loads produce bending and shear stresses in the pin. The highest stressed region is the clearance gap between the blade and clevis. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results produced valuable insight into the problem. The various methods available to constrain the computer models produced different results. Enhanced FEA computer models provided the most realistic insight into the actual pin stresses. Full-scale steel test hardware was tested with static loads until pin failure occurred. A standardized pin size of 12.7 mm (0.500 in) diameter was used in order to maintain the loads at a manageable testing level. Strain gages placed in the clearance gap recorded bending strains. The pins failed from shear stress in the area of the gap region.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Formation of an active dimer during storage of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in aqueous solution

The degradation products of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1ra) formed during storage at 30 degrees C in aqueous solution were characterized. Cationic exchange chromatography of the stored sample showed two major, new peaks eluting before (P1) and after (L2) the native protein, which were interconvertible. Size-exclusion chromatography and electrophoresis documented that both the P1 and L2 fractions were irreversible dimers, formed by noncovalent interactions. A competition assay with interleukin-1 indicated that on a per monomer basis the P1 and L2 dimers retained about two-thirds of the activity of the native monomer. Infrared and far-UV circular dichroism spectroscopies showed that only minor alterations in secondary structure arose upon the formation of the P1 dimer. However, alteration in the near-UV circular dichroism spectrum suggested the presence of disulfide bonds in the P1 dimer, which are absent in the native protein. Mass spectroscopy and tryptic mapping, before and after carboxymethylation, demonstrated that the P1 dimer contained an intramolecular disulfide bond between Cys-66 and Cys-69. Although conversion of native protein to the P1 dimer was irreversible in buffer alone, the native monomer could be regained by denaturing the P1 dimer with guanidine hydrochloride and renaturing it by dialysis, suggesting that the intramolecular disulfide bond does not interfere with refolding. Analysis of the time course of P1 formation during storage at 30 degrees C indicated that the process followed first-order, and not second-order, kinetics, suggesting that the rate-limiting step was not dimerization. It is proposed that a conformational change in the monomer is the rate-limiting step in the formation of the P1 dimer degradation product. Sucrose stabilized the native monomer against this process. This result can be explained by the general stabilization mechanism for this additive, which is due to its preferential exclusion from the protein surface.
Heterosis: Complementation by Mitochondria

Many (but not all) hybrids between two genetic pure lines show heterosis; that is the hybrids grow more rapidly or larger than the parental pure lines. The mechanism is not known. Two corn crosses were studied. In one hybrid known to exhibit heterosis, the mitochondria and an artificial 1:1 mixture of parent mitochondria showed heterosis with respect to oxidation and phosphorylation. In the other cross, neither the hybrid plant, its mitochondria, nor the mixture of parent mitochondria showed heterosis.
Amitriptyline-associated seizures in a toddler with Munchausen-by-proxy.

We describe an unusual case of a toddler diagnosed with an idiopathic seizure disorder that later was proved to be caused by deliberate administration of amitriptyline by his custodian. In spite of seizures associated with widened electrocardiographic wave (QRS) and right axis deviation on the electrocardiogram (EKG), the correct diagnosis eluded clinicians through a series of hospital admissions. Unfortunately, clinicians are quite accustomed to the fact that patients previously diagnosed with epilepsy have seizures and may not investigate other causes of seizure. This allowed classic signs of cyclic antidepressant poisoning to go unrecognized. Language: en
Wise Ignorance and Socratic Interiority: Recovering a Dialogic Rhetoric

This article argues for the recovery of an interior ignorance from Socrates's life of philosophy as a contribution to recent constructions of dialogic rhetoric. Synthesizing Bakhtin's reading of Socratic contestation with his concept of microdialogue, a view of dialogic rhetoric emerges that combines the testing of ideas and persons with interior conditions of doubt, anxiety, and ambivalence. A reading of Socrates's enactment of an interior/exterior piety in the Apology of Socrates is offered to demonstrate how interior ignorance uncovers the double-voicedness of rhetorical texts. The article counterposes this fuller interior/exterior view of ignorance against exteriorized suspicions directed at the character of Socrates, and the idea of ignorance, in rhetorical and cultural criticism.
Optimum trajectory for robot translational contouring under constraints imposed by joint motor capacities

Abstract A unique method has been developed to solve the optimal trajectory planning problem for a special robot application which can be characterized as: translational contouring with (1) a uniform cruising velocity along the desired path and (2) a trapezoidal velocity profile in each job segment. The method presented in the paper is based on the theoretical findings that for such an operation the joint velocities are directly proportional to the cruising velocity of the end-effector, and the joint accelerations are directly proportional to the square of the same cruising velocity. A computer simulation of a typical task is robot translational contouring was carried out to demonstrate the methodology. The results obtained have shown the efficiency and effectiveness of the method.
The spatial signature of biotic interactions of a clonal and a non-clonal palmetto in a subtropical plant community

Spatial analyses of plant-distribution patterns can provide inferences about intra- and interspecific biotic interactions. Yet, such analyses are rare for clonal plants because effective tools (i.e., molecular markers) needed to map naturally occurring clonal individuals have only become available recently. Clonal plants are unique in that a single genotype has a potential to spatially place new individuals (i.e., ramets) in response to intra- and interspecific biotic interactions. Laboratory and greenhouse studies suggest that some clonal plants can avoid intra-genet, inter-genet, and inter-specific competition via root-placement patterns. An intriguing and yet to be explored question is whether a spatial signature of such multi-level biotic interactions can be detected in natural plant communities. The facultatively clonal Serenoa repens and non-clonal Sabal etonia are ecologically similar and co-dominant palmettos that sympatrically occur in the Florida peninsula. We used amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) to identify Serenoa genets and also to assign field-unidentifiable small individuals as Sabal seedlings, Serenoa seedlings, or Serenoa vegetative sprouts. Then, we conducted univariate and bivariate multi-distance spatial analyses to examine the spatial interactions of Serenoa (n = 271) and Sabal (n = 137) within a 20 × 20 m grid at three levels, intragenet, intergenet and interspecific. We found that spatial interactions were not random at all three levels of biotic interactions. Serenoa genets appear to spatially avoid self-competition as well as inter-genet competition. Furthermore, Serenoa and Sabal were spatially negatively associated with each other. However, this negative association pattern was also evident in a spatial comparison between non-clonal Serenoa and Sabal, suggesting that Serenoa genets' spatial avoidance of Sabal through placement of new ramets is not the explanation of the interspecific-level negative spatial pattern. Our results emphasize the importance of investigating spatial signatures of biotic as well as abiotic interactions at multiple levels in understanding spatial distribution patterns of clonal plants in natural plant communities.
A model of homeless migration: homeless men in Skid Row, Los Angeles.

Homeless people are popularly portrayed as highly mobile, but their migration behavior has never been systematically analyzed. In this paper a conceptual model of homeless migration is developed th...
Nonaxisymmetric instabilities in a dump combustor with a swirling inlet flow

A series of experiments was conducted to explore large-scale oscillations observed in a dump combustor with a swirling inlet flow. Inlets with different swirl profiles, namely constant angle, forced vortex, and free vortex, were used in these experiments. Three levels of swirl strength for the constant-angle swirl profile case and one swirl strength for the two other cases were tested. Well-organized large-scale oscillations were observed in all cases. Spatial correlation and phase measurements clearly identified different modes of nonaxisymmetric instabilities as the source of these energetic oscillations. The results also showed that swirl profile has as much effect as swirl strength on the combustor flowfield characteristics.
Neural responses of thermal-sensitive lingual fibers to brief menthol stimulation

The addition of the coolant menthol to several oral and facial products is to increase their attractiveness and commercial value. Little is, however, known about the physiological basis of menthol's sensory effects. We studied the electrophysiological responses of 45 thermal-sensitive lingual fibers to anterior tongue stimulation (10 s) with menthol in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Menthol responses were unlike the responses to cold water. Cold water (6 degrees C, 15 degrees C) elicited an immediate sustained increase in impulse frequencies of thermal-sensitive fibers adapted to room temperature water (22-24 degrees C). Inhibitory off-responses followed cold water stimulation. Depending on the concentration and time of measurement, menthol stimulation either excited, inhibited, or had no effect on impulse frequencies of thermal-sensitive fibers. Strong menthol (0.64 mM, 1.28 mM) unequivocally excited thermal-sensitive fibers with a response latency of 4-6 s. In most cases after menthol stimulation, the impulse frequencies returned to baseline; there were no off-responses. Weak menthol (0.0128 mM, 0.064 mM, 0.128 mM) inhibited impulse frequencies of 14 thermal-sensitive fibers and excited impulse frequencies of 6 fibers primarily during the first 2 s of stimulation. Menthol responses were also unlike responses to stimulation with taste solutions. Most taste solutions (30 and 100 mM NaCl, 0.3 and 1 mM quinine-HCl, 0.3 mM citric acid) significantly inhibited impulse frequencies but only during the first 2-5 s of stimulation. The effect of NaCl was biphasic with the initial inhibitory phase followed by an excitatory phase during the second 5 s of stimulation. An excitatory off-response followed quinine stimulation. While considered principally a coolant, menthol elicits a unique pattern of responses from trigeminal and taste nerve endings quite unlike those of conventional thermal and taste stimuli.