cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adult tooth loss for residents of US coal mining and Appalachian counties

Objectives The authors compared rates of tooth loss between adult residents of Appalachian coal-mining areas and other areas of the nation before and after control for covariate risks. Methods The authors conducted a cross-sectional secondary data analysis that merged 2006 national Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (BRFSS) (N = 242 184) with county coal-mining data and other county characteristics. The hypothesis tested was that adult tooth loss would be greater in Appalachian mining areas after control for other risks. Primary independent variables included main effects for coal-mining present (yes/no) residence in Appalachia (yes/no), and their interaction. Data were weighted using the BRFSS final weights and analyzed using SUDAAN Proc Multilog to account for the multilevel complex sampling structure. The odds of two measures of tooth loss were examined controlling for age, race\ethnicity, drinking, smoking, income, education, supply of dentists, receipt of dental care, fluoridation rate, and other variables. Results After covariate adjustment, the interaction variable for the residents of Appalachian coal-mining counties showed a significantly elevated odds for any tooth loss [odds ratio (OR) = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.38], and greater tooth loss measured by a 4-level edentulism scale (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.36). The main effect for Appalachia was also significant for both measures, but the main effect for coal mining was not. Conclusions Greater risk of tooth loss among adult residents of Appalachian coal-mining areas is present and is not explained by differences in reported receipt of dental care, fluoridation rates, supply of dentists or other behavioral or socioeconomic risks. Possible contributing factors include mining-specific disparities related to access, behavior or environmental exposures.
Effects of Prone and Supine Position on Sleep in Preterm Infants at One Month Corrected Age

Effects of Prone and Supine Position on Sleep in Preterm Infants at One Month Corrected Age
A formal proximity model for RBAC systems

To combat the threat of information leakage through pervasive access, researchers have proposed several extensions to the popular role-based access control (RBAC) model. Such extensions can incorporate contextual features, such as location, into the policy decision in an attempt to restrict access to trustworthy settings. In many cases, though, such extensions fail to reflect the true threat, which is the presence or absence of other users, rather than absolute locations. For instance, for location-aware separation of duty, it is more important to ensure that two people are in the same room, rather than in a designated, pre-defined location. Prox-RBAC was proposed as an extension to consider the relative proximity of other users with the help of a pervasive monitoring infrastructure. However, that work offered only an informal view of proximity, and unnecessarily restricted the domain to spatial concerns. In this work, we present a more rigorous definition of proximity based on formal topological relations. In addition, we show that this definition can be applied to several additional domains, such as social networks, communication channels, attributes, and time; thus, our policy model and language is more flexible and powerful than the previous work. In addition to proposing the model, we present a number of theoretical results for such systems, including a complexity analysis, templates for cryptographic protocols, and proofs of security features.
Axle-Load Impacts on Hydraulic Properties and Corn Yield in No-Till Clay and Silt Loam

Wheel traffic-induced compaction in no-till (NT) farming can alter soil hydraulic properties and reduce crop yields, but specific information on the impacts of different levels of axle loads on the relationships between soil hydraulic properties and crop yields under long-term NT systems is limited. Thus, this study set out to measure the differences in soil hydraulic properties including earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) population and assess their relationships with corn (Zea mays L.) grain and stover yield in NT silt loam and clay loam in Ohio receiving three levels of axle loads for 20 yr. Imposition of three axle load treatments including control, 10 Mg, and 20 Mg affected water infiltration rates but not bulk density ( p b ), saturated hydraulic conductivity (K sat ), soil water retention (SWR), plant available water (PAW), and pore-size distribution in both soils. Imposition of axle loads reduced cumulative water infiltration by 6- to 20-fold in the silt loam and by about sixfold in the clay loam. It decreased sorptivity by 10-fold and steady state infiltration by fivefold. The reduction in water infiltration was related to the reductions in earthworm population. Application of 20 Mg axle load reduced earthworm numbers by 50% in the silt loam and by 70% in the clay loam. There were no significant differences in water infiltration parameters and earthworm population between 10 and 20 Mg axle loads. Application of axle loads reduced grain yield by 13% and stover yield by 23% on the clay loam but not on the silt loam. It reduced both grain and stover yields by 1.2 Mg ha -1 . Cumulative infiltration explained 58% of the variability in grain yield and 53% in stover yield in the clay loam. Overall, axle load-induced significant changes in water infiltration and earthworm population but changes in crop yields were soil specific.
Social Work Academia: Is the Glass Ceiling Beginning to Crack?:

This study assessed the progress made by women in social work education in attaining top-level administrative positions—director of a baccalaureate program and dean or director of a master's degree program— from 1985 to 1996. It found that, unlike higher education in general, social work academia has made significant progress in redressing the gross imbalance of male to female leaders at the undergraduate and graduate levels and could well serve as amodel for other disciplines.
Lunar Orbiter Photographs: Some Fundamental Observations: Preliminary study reveals details of craters, crater distributions, and the major types of terrain.

High-resolution photographs returned by Orbiters II and III typically show a surface pitted with small, perfectly circular craters as much as 50 meters in diameter, some of which are strongly clust...
COMPUTATIONAL ASPECTS OF THE LOCAL ITERATIVE MONTE CARLO TECHNIQUE

Lately, the Local Iterative Monte Carlo technique was introduced for an efficient simulation of effects connected to sparsely populated regions in semiconductor devices like hot electron effects in silicon MOSFETs. This paper focuses on computational aspects of this new Monte Carlo technique, namely the reduction of the computation time by parallel computation and the reuse of drift information. The Local Iterative Monte Carlo technique combines short Monte Carlo particle flight simulations with an iteration process to a complete device simulation. The separation between short Monte Carlo simulations and the iteration process makes a simple parallelization strategy possible. The necessary data transfer is small and can be performed via the Network File System. An almost linear speed up could be achieved. Besides by parallelization, the computational expenses can be significantly reduced, when the results of the short Monte Carlo simulations are memorized in a drift table and used several times. A comparison between a bulk, a one-dimensional and the two-dimensional Local Iterative Monte Carlo simulation reveals that by using the drift information more than once, becomes increasingly efficient with increasing dimension of the simulation.
Unusual Manifestations of Arsenic Intoxication

A patient with arsenic intoxication is reported, who presented with a variety of gastrointestinal and neurologic disturbances including unilateral facial nerve palsy and acute symptomatic pancreatitis, neither of which have been previously described as sequelae of arsenic poisoning. The patient also suffered hematologic, dermatologic, and cardiopulmonary complications. A review of the literature about this interesting problem is also presented.
Correct site surgery - are we up to standard?

To examine the impact made on safe surgical practice by the introduction of correct site surgery documentation in a children’s hospital containing a surgical unit in South Yorkshire. A retrospective audit of randomly selected case notes of children attending the hospital for an ENT/Plastic surgery/Orthopaedic/General surgical procedure during a period in 2006 or 2008. Outcome measures included the total, correct and legible completion of correct site surgery documentation pre-operatively. Significant improvement was noted between the 2006 and 2008 audits in the amount of patients being correctly marked (33% vs. 91%), however there were no forms in either study that were fully and correctly completed. Legibility of the forms also improved markedly between the studies (33% vs. 98%). The completion of correct site surgery forms improved with greater publicisation of the forms, however the practicality of the numbers of people required to complete the forms needs to be reviewed. The international introduction of such forms will generate valuable data as to the future utility of these checklists.
Energy Barriers for Alkaline Hydrolysis of Carboxylic Acid Esters in Aqueous Solution by Reaction Field Calculations

The hydrolysis of six representative alkyl esters in aqueous solution were evaluated by performing ab initio molecular orbital calculations using five different self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) procedures. Energy barriers were obtained for hydrolysis by bimolecular base-catalyzed acyl-oxygen cleavage (BAC2) and bimolecular base-catalyzed alkyl-oxygen cleavage (BAL2). Despite strong solute−solvent hydrogen bonding, the calculated solvent shifts of the energy barriers are dominated by electrostatic interactions between solute and solvent, and nonelectrostatic interactions largely cancel out. SCRF calculations that ignore volume polarization or use a charge renormalization scheme usually overestimate the solvent shifts of the energy barriers. A recently developed surface and volume polarization for electrostatic interaction (SVPE) procedure yields results comparable to experimental data when the solute cavity surface is defined as the 0.002 au electron charge isodensity contour. The differences between ...
Abstract 1047: AKT inhibitor MK-2206 induces necrotic cell death of uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro and reduces tumor volume in vivo.

Uterine leiomyomas (UL), benign tumors of the myometrium, are the number one indication for hysterectomies in the U.S. due to a lack of effective therapy. ULs show increased phosphorylation of the pro-survival protein AKT compared to normal myometrium indicating that AKT signaling is increased in UL. However, substantial data directly linking AKT to UL cell survival is lacking. We hypothesized that AKT promotes UL cell survival and that it is a viable drug target for inhibiting UL growth. We utilized the AKT inhibitor MK-2206 (MK), currently in phase II trials, on cultured primary human UL cells. MK-2206 effectively reduced phosphorylation of AKT and PRAS40, an AKT substrate. MK-2206 did not affect cell proliferation but caused cell death. We observed a lack of apoptosis in dead UL cells by Annexin V staining. Additionally, MK-2206 was able to induce UL cell death in the presence of pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, indicating that MK-2206 mediated cell death is caspase independent and non-apoptotic. Given that caspases did not modulate cell death, we explored necrosis. MK-2206 induced HMGB1 cytoplasmic localization and mitochondrial disruption indicating possible leiomyoma necrosis. We next explored programmed necrosis, a form of non-apoptotic cell death mediated by RIP kinases (RIPK). However, MK-2206 was able to induce cell death in the presence of RIPK inhibitors, necrostatin-1 and necrosulfonamide, indicating that programmed necrosis is not the mechanism of MK-2206 mediated UL cell death. We are actively exploring alternate necrotic cell death pathways as the mechanisms of MK-2206 induced UL cell death. Lastly, in-vivo MK-2206 treatments reduced tumor volume of human UL cells implanted under the kidney capsule of NSG mice. Xenograft sections from mice treated with MK-2206-2206 contained dying cells in the absence of cleaved caspase 3 supporting the in-vitro results. This is the first report of non-apoptotic cell death in UL and the first time that AKT has been targeted in-vivo for UL therapy. Our data provides molecular evidence for the involvement of AKT in UL cell survival and suggest that AKT inhibition by MK-2206 may be a viable option for the future treatment of UL. This work was funded by NIH P01HD057877. Citation Format: Elizabeth Sefton, Wenan Qiang, Vanida Serna, Takeshi Kurita, Julie Kim. AKT inhibitor MK-2206 induces necrotic cell death of uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro and reduces tumor volume in vivo. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1047. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1047
Using Task Analytic Models and Phenotypes of Erroneous Human Behavior to Discover System Failures Using Model Checking

Breakdowns in complex systems often occur as a result of system elements interacting in ways unanticipated by analysts or designers. In systems with human operators, human-automation interaction associated with both normative and erroneous human behavior can contribute to such failures. This paper presents a method for automatically generating task analytic models encompassing both erroneous and normative human behavior from normative task models. The resulting model can be integrated into a formal system model so that system safety properties can be formally verified with a model checker. This allows analysts to prove that a human automation-interactive system (as represented by the model) will or will not satisfy safety properties with both normative and generated erroneous human behavior. This method is illustrated with a case study: the operation of a radiation therapy machine. In this example, a problem resulting from a generated erroneous human action is discovered. Future extensions of our method are discussed.
Tests for nitrifying and denitrifying ability of activated sludge.

A direct determination of the mass of either facultative anaerobes or nitrifyers is impractical. In indirect mass determination tests, the basic technique used is an old one that has been described numerous times in the literature (WUHRMANN 1956): sludge is separated from its original supernatant in a centrifuge, washed with the help of the centrifuge in saline solution (0.9% NaCI) and resuspended in a specific reaction medium; after a specified reaction time under well defined test conditions, characteristic changes in the composition of the medium brought about by the reaction are determined.
HEPATIC DYSFUNCTION IN DOGS FED DIETS CAUSATIVE OF BLACK TONGUE.

1. The feeding to dogs of a diet lacking the vitamin B2 (G) complex results in a lowered capacity of the liver to excrete intravenously injected bilirubin. 2. Normal function can be partly restored by supplementing the diet with liver extract. 3. Normal function can be completely restored by feeding a normal diet.
A risk-averse buyer's contract design

Abstract This research focuses on the design of optimal procurement contracts for competitive bidding involving risk-neutral contractors and a risk-averse buyer. Individuals or small businesses need to contract services from larger, more efficient firms. Examples of such services include moving expertise or the building of computing facilities, a customized office or home. In these situations, fixed-price contracts are typically used. We find that the fixed-price contract should not always be employed. The buyer can more efficiently account for the bidding strategies of the contractors if he absorbs some risk of cost overruns.
Detection of prolactin inducible protein mRNA, a biomarker for breast cancer metastasis, using a molecular beacon-based assay

Mortality due to breast cancer is increasingly linked to early, undetected metastasis, making methods for earlier detection acutely necessary. We describe the development of an assay based on molecular beacon (MB) chemistry with fluorescence detection to monitor a breast cancer biomarker for the analysis of breast cancer metastasis. The MB assay is based on the complementary base-pairing interactions of the MB nucleic acid with mRNA indicative of breast cancer metastasis. The presence of mRNA is characterized by an increase in the fluorescence intensity of the molecular beacon. The assay gives a linear, reproducible response to prolactin inducible protein mRNA, with a limit of detection in the high picomolar range. This method sensitively and specifically identifies a biomarker directly in serum samples in minimal time and with a straightforward procedure, dramatically reducing the total time for sample analysis over current methods from days to hours. The potential impact of this work in detection and understanding of breast cancer metastasis lies in improvements in simplicity, accuracy, and speed over current methods, which could allow for improved patient treatment and prognoses. Ultimately, additional sample throughput will result in better understanding of disease progression.
SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS OF SUB-μas PRECISION ASTROMETRIC DATA FOR PLANET FINDING

We present a vector formulation of an interferometric observation of a star, including the effects of the barycentric motion of the observatory, the proper motions of the star, and the reflex motions of the star due to orbiting planets. We use this model to empirically determine the magnitude and form of the signal due to a single Earth-mass planet orbiting about a Sun-mass star. Using bounding values for the known components of the model, we perform a series of expansions, comparing the residuals to this signal. We demonstrate why commonly used first-order linearizations of similar measurement models are insufficient for signals of the magnitude of the one due to an Earth-mass planet, and present a consistent expansion which is linear in the unknown quantities, with residuals multiple orders of magnitude below the Earth-mass planet signal. We also discuss numerical issues that can arise when simulating or analyzing these measurements.
Experimental demonstration of obstruction-tolerant free-space transmission of two 50-Gbaud QPSK data channels using Bessel beams carrying orbital angular momentum

We experimentally demonstrate free-space optical transmission using two multiplexed OAM-carrying Bessel beams under obstructed path conditions. An OSNR penalty < 2.5 dB is observed when the obstruction is placed in the beam center.
On becoming and being

Dans cet article, l'A fait part de sa vocation d'enseignante de sociologie. Elle decrit son parcours universitaire, et se penche sur les conviction de justice sociale, d'apprentissage, d'activisme et de spiritualite qui la poussent a continuer et a faconner son metier
Mechanical and acoustic analysis in ultrasonic angioplasty

The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between ultrasonic tissue ablation and passive mechanical elasticity. Experience with ultrasonic angioplasty in experimental settings (in-vivo and in-vitro) together with clinical experience in peripheral vascular disease is reported. A model composed exclusively of a hydroxyproline ballistic gelatin matrix showed a negative correlation between material elasticity and the rate of ultrasonic ablation. This model provided a means of studying the effects of collagen content on ablation, exclusive of other biologic components. Ballistic gelatin ablation (mg/sec) was found to increase logarithmically with decreasing protein concentration over the range studied (20.00 to 1.25%). Ablation as a function of gelatin elasticity behaved in a similar manner. Temperature of the material ablated was also demonstrated to affect the rate of ablation. We conclude that the previously reported differences in ablation between thrombi and blood vessel are predictable based on the large difference in their mechanical elasticity, and that this difference provides a wide margin of safety.
Effect of nitric oxide annealing on the interface trap density near the conduction bandedge of 4H–SiC at the oxide/(112̄0) 4H–SiC interface

Nitric oxide postoxidation anneal results in a significant decrease of defect state density (Dit) near the conduction bandedge of n-4H–SiC at the oxide/(1120) 4H–SiC interface. Comparison with measurements on the conventional (0001) Si-terminated face shows a similar interface state density following passivation. Medium energy ion scattering provides a quantitative measure of nitrogen incorporation at the SiO2/SiC interface.
Stiffness and Damping Coefficients for Finite Length Step Journal Bearings

Stiffness, damping and rigid rotor stability curves are presented for 13, finite-step (pressure dam), journal bearings of different geometries. Step inertia effects are neglected, but the axial and circumferential effects of turbulence over the entire bearing surface are included. Experimental results are compared to a theoretical stability analysis for a single-mass, flexible rotor. Good correlation is obtained between the predicted theoretical stability threshold speed and the experimental threshold speed for three test cases. Presented at the 34th Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, April 30-May 3, 1979
Novel Diabetic Mouse Models as Tools for Investigating Diabetic Retinopathy

Objective Mouse models possessing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and/or human aldose reductase (hAR) in vascular tissues have been established and crossed with naturally diabetic Akita mice to produce new diabetic mouse models. Research Design and Methods Colonies of transgenic C57BL mice expressing GFP (SMAA-GFP), hAR (SMAA-hAR) or both (SMAA-GFP-hAR) in vascular tissues expressing smooth muscle actin were established and crossbred with C57BL/6-Ins2Akita/J (AK) mice to produce naturally diabetic offspring AK-SMAA-GFP and AK-SMAA-GFP-hAR. Aldose reductase inhibitor AL1576 (ARI) was administered in chow. Retinal and lenticular sorbitol levels were determined by HPLC. Retinal functions were evaluated by electroretinography (ERGs). Growth factor and signaling changes were determined by Western Blots using commercially available antibodies. Retinal vasculatures were isolated from the neural retina by enzymatic digestion. Flat mounts were stained with PAS-hematoxylin and analyzed. Results Akita transgenics developed DM by 8 weeks of age with blood glucose levels higher in males than females. Sorbitol levels were higher in neural retinas of AK-SMAA-GFP-hAR compared to AK-SMAA-GFP mice. AK-SMAA-GFP-hAR mice also had higher VEGF levels and reduced ERG scotopic b-wave function, both of which were normalized by AL1576. AK-SMAA-GFP-hAR mice showed induction of the retinal growth factors bFGF, IGF-1, and TGFβ, as well as signaling changes in P-Akt, P-SAPK/JNK and P-44/42 MAPK that were also reduced by ARI treatment. Quantitative analysis of flat mounts in 18 week AK-SMAA-GFP-hAR mice revealed increased loss of nuclei/capillary length and a significant increase in the percentage of acellular capillaries present which was not seen in AK-SMAA-GFP-hAR treated with ARI. Conclusions/Significance These new mouse models of early onset diabetes may be valuable tools for assessing both the role of hyperglycemia and AR in the development of retinal lesions associated with diabetic retinopathy.
Ultrastructural study of cultured human gingival fibroblasts exposed to endotoxin.

Our current concept of periodontal disease is that some mediators found in the gingival sulcus are able to penetrate the epithelial barrier and produce tissue destruction in the periodontium. Endotoxin, one such mediator, recently has been the subject of considerable study. The purpose of this investigation was to substantiate the role of endotoxin in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease by ascertaining its action on cellular and subcellular components. In order to accomplish this, cultured human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to media containing either 300 μg/ml or 500 μg/ml of endotoxin and untreated medium for a period of 24 hours. Cells were harvested and prepared for electron microscopy by conventional methods. Electron microscopic examination revealed alterations in mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, lysosomal-like bodies, cytofilaments and plasma membrane. Relationship of these alterations to pathologic processes is discussed.
Polydactyly and polysyndactyly induced by prenatal exposure to ethanol.

Polydactyly and polysyndactyly of the great toes of the hindpaws and polysyndactyly of the forepaws were observed in rats born to mothers who received ethanol (5 gm/kg body weight) daily during gestation. This is the first observation of polydactyly in rats as a consequence to exposure to ethanol in utero. These observations may be related to the occurrence of polydactyly and polysyndactyly in the fetal alcohol syndrome, which occurs in children born to human mothers who abuse alcohol during pregnancy.
On market games

Abstract The “market games”—games that derive from an exchange economy in which the traders have continuous concave monetary utility functions, are shown to be the same as the “totally balanced games”—games which with all their subgames possess cores. (The core of a game is the set of out-comes that no coalition can profitably block.) The coincidence of these two classes of games is established with the aid of explicit transformations that generate a game from a market and vice versa. It is further shown that any game with a core has the same solutions, in the von Neumann-Morgenstern sense, as some totally balanced game. Thus, a market may be found that reproduces the solution behavior of any game that has a core. In particular, using a recent result of Lucas, a ten-trader tencommodity market is described that has no solution.
Optimality conditions for a class of nondifferentiable minmax programming problems

In this paper, utilizing a minmax theorem due to Sion, we establish necessary and sufficient optimality criteria for a class of nondifferentiable minmax programming problems with generalized convexity conditions. Applications of these results to some fractional minmax problems and to a particular type of nonlinear nondifferentiable programming problem are discussed.
Drainage development on basaltic lava flows, Cima volcanic field, southeast California, and Lunar Crater volcanic field, south-central Nevada

Drainage networks on the accretionary eolian mantles of 11 K-Ar-dated lava flows in the Cima volcanic field and 8 K-Ar-dated flows in the Lunar Crater volcanic field show several related and progressive changes with flow age. If it is assumed that these changes with flow age reflect changes through time, they provide a useful perspective on the early stages of drainage-network development. These drainage networks grow in a manner that is consistent with the qualitative model proposed by Glock. After accumulation of an eolian mantle (requiring 0.1 to 0.2 m.y.), master drainages extend to all parts of a flow. During this period of elongation, which lasts for ∼0.2 to 0.3 m.y., drainage density (D) and link frequency (F) increase rapidly whereas the value of Shreve9s kappa (κ) declines. After ∼0.4 m.y., elaboration replaces elongation as the principal mode of network extension and remains predominant throughout the remainder of the 1.1-m.y. period of record. Elaboration proceeds mainly by the formation of short tributaries along existing streams and by the creation of short streams along flow margins. During the early phases of elaboration, D and F attain a condition wherein the number and lengths of channel links are approximately adjusted to one another, and κ reaches a minimum value of ∼0.75. Thereafter, the continuing addition of short tributaries to existing streams causes D, F, and κ to increase slowly as the networks evolve toward maximum extension.
Trial pinning prior to wrist arthrodesis in children

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the utility of trial wrist pinning as an assessment tool prior to wrist arthrodesis in the paediatric patient. Ten paediatric patients who were unable to decide if a wrist arthrodesis would be beneficial to them underwent a trial wrist pinning (using temporary K-wires) in neutral posture for an average of 28 days. The etiology of wrist pathology varied. The utility of the trial pining in decision-making was assessed through chart review and telephone conversation. All patients felt the trial pinning facilitated their decision. Two of the 10 patients declined wrist arthrodesis secondary to difficulty with daily activities. Eight patients who underwent wrist arthrodesis were satisfied with wrist position and function. Temporary wrist pinning is an effective informational tool for patients, families and physicians, allowing a true assessment of wrist function prior to definitive wrist arthrodesis.
Safe laparoscopic access in pediatric patients

The most serious complications of laparoscopy are attributable to gaining access to the peritoneal cavity. This has traditionally been performed with a closed technique utilizing the Verres needle and subsequently with a 5 to 10 mm trocar. The risks of blind peritoneal access are magnified in pediatric patients due to the smaller abdominal cavity and the closer proximity of the great vessels. Open techniques have been devised for adults but often require a larger incision with an undesirable cosmetic result in pediatric patients. We describe a safe, open technique for laparoscopic access to the pediatric peritoneal cavity.
Generation of programmable temporal pulse shape and applications in micromachining

In this paper we presented a pulse shaping technique on regular solid-state lasers and the application in semiconductor micromachining. With a conventional Q-switched laser, all of the parameters can be adjusted over only limited ranges, especially the pulse width and pulse shape. However, some laser link processes using traditional laser pulses with pulse widths of a few nanoseconds to a few tens of nanoseconds tend to over-crater in thicker overlying passivation layers and thereby cause IC reliability problems. Use of a laser pulse with a special shape and a fast leading edge, such as tailored pulse, is one technique for controlling link processing. The pulse shaping technique is based on light-loop controlled optical modulation to shape conventional Q-switched solid-state lasers. One advantage of the pulse shaping technique is to provide a tailored pulse shape that can be programmed to have more than one amplitude value. Moreover, it has the capability of providing programmable tailored pulse shapes with discrete amplitude and time duration components. In addition, it provides fast rising and fall time of each pulse at fairly high repetition rate at 355nm with good beam quality. The regular-to-shaped efficiency is up to 50%. We conclude with a discussion of current results for laser processing of semiconductor memory link structures using programmable temporal pulse shapes. The processing experiments showed promising results with shaped pulse.
Phytane from chemolytic analysis of modern marine sediments: A product of desulfurization or not?

A set of modern marine sediments was analyzed to evaluate the role of sulfurization as a mechanism for biomarker preservation during early diagenesis. The set consisted of sediments accumulating within various oxic to anoxic depositional environments. Raney nickel treatment of the polar fraction of total extractable lipids (pTEL) from each sample yielded 3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecane (‘phytane’) as the dominant product, accompanied in several cases by minor levels of C27, C28, and C29 5α/β(H)-steranes, n-C31 alkane, and β-carotane. Although others have ascribed such products to a desulfurization reaction, our work reveals significant production of phytane from the action of Raney nickel on the esterified side chain of chlorophyll. Results suggest that catalytic dehydration/hydrogenation of chlorophyll accounts for ~50 and ~4% of the Raney nickel phytane (rnPhy) yield measured in suboxic sediments from the Washington shelf and anoxic sediments from Saanich Inlet, respectively. If 8–20% of the pheopigment detected in the suboxic sediments and all of the pheopigment detected in the anoxic sediment exists as pheophytin, the catalytic dehydration/hydrogenation process would account for 100 and 50%, respectively, of the observed rnPhy yield. The collective findings from our work underscore the necessity to exercise extreme caution when interpreting the geochemical significance of hydrocarbon products from Raney nickel treatment of pTEL from sediments. Despite the organic chemical fact that Raney nickel is a well-known desulfurizing agent, desulfurization cannot be assigned necessarily as the source of hydrocarbons generated by the action of this reagent on complex lipid extracts from sediments, particularly those from modern environments.
Synthesis and crystal structure of SrD2 and SrND and bond valence parameters for hydrides

A mixture of SrD{sub 2} and SrND was obtained from a reaction of Sr{sub 2}N and D{sub 2}. Their structures were refined using time-of-flight neutron diffraction data. SrD{sub 2} and SrND crystallize with the PbCl{sub 2} and rock salt structures, respectively. For SrND the space group is Fm3m, a = 5.4474(1) {angstrom}. The diffraction data confirm the composition SrND and indicate a rotationally disordered ND group. For SrD{sub 2}, the prototype of the C29 structure type, the space group is Pnma, a = 6.3706(4) {angstrom}, b = 3.8717(2) {angstrom}, c = 7.3021(4) {angstrom}. The structure differs only in minor details from the C23 (PbCl{sub 2}) type.
Cardiovascular effects of alcohol with particular reference to the heart

Alcohol has acute and chronic cardiovascular effects. Acutely, alcohol depresses cardiac function and alters regional blood flow. Even when withdrawn from alcohol for several days, alcoholics may still manifest evidence of left ventricular dysfunction. In some alcoholics a severe muscle disorder may ensue with the clinical features of a dilated cardiomyopathy. The concomitant presence of a thiamine deficiency or cirrhosis may produce hemodynamic changes that can obscure the clinical features of alcohol-induced heart muscle disease. Alcoholics may also develop acute myocardial infarction with patent coronary arteries; some may have cardiac arrhythmias even without other evidence of heart disease. Although epidemiological studies suggest that moderate users of alcohol have fewer coronary events than teetotalers, such studies also demonstrate a relation between alcohol abuse and hypertension and an increased occurrence of coronary disease. Thus, the injurious cardiovascular effects of alcohol must be considered when establishing recommendations for its use.
The regulation of alpha chemokines during HIV-1 infection and leukocyte activation: relevance for HIV-1-associated dementia.

Abstract Cellular immunity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected brain macrophages serves to prevent productive viral replication in the nervous system. Inevitably, during advanced disease, this antiretroviral response breaks down. This could occur through virus-induced dysregulation of lymphocyte trafficking. Thus, we studied the production of non-ELR-containing α-chemokines and their receptor (CXCR3) expression in relevant virus target cells. Macrophages, lymphocytes, and astrocytes secreted α-chemokines after HIV-1 infection and/or immune activation. Lymphocyte CXCR3-mediated chemotactic responses were operative. In all, α-chemokine-mediated T cell migration continued after HIV-1 infection and the neuroinflammatory events operative during productive viral replication in brain.
Neural coding of taste by simultaneously recorded cells in the nucleus of the solitary tract of the rat.

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) receives input from taste buds on the rostral tongue from the chorda tympani (CT) nerve. How this input is processed by the NTS was the subject of the presen...
Statistical representation of generalized distribution data for float-sink coal-cleaning devices: Baum jigs, Batac jigs, Dynawhirlpools

Abstract In an earlier paper (1978), Gottfried presented a method for combining distribution data for float-sink coal-cleaning devices into a single generalized distribution curve which, for a given device and feed size, is independent of specific gravity of separation. A non-linear, exponential-type equation was utilized to represent the generalized distribution curve, along with the corresponding generalized probable error. Distribution data for six common coal-cleaning devices have previously been treated by this method. This paper is an extension of two previous studies (Gottfried, 1978, 1980). The method described above is applied to three different float-sink coal-cleaning devices: Baum jig (replacing previously reported results), Batac jig and Dynawhirlpool separator. Results for the Baum jig and Batac jig reflect a two-stage separation process, with a set of generalized distribution curves obtained for each stage and another set for the overall separation. Several different feed size fractions are given for each vessel.
Evidence for the existence of an active form of tyrosine transaminase of very low molecular weight

Abstract An active form of tyrosine transaminase, whose molecular weight is approximately 6000, has been observed in gel-filtration experiments. This form appears only after an enzyme preparation has been allowed to stand for a few weeks. It is stable at 4°C, and requires added pyridoxal phosphate for activity. It is inactivated by CCl3COOH and by heating to 100°C.
Macrodactyly in ulnar nerve distribution associated with cubital tunnel syndrome

Abstract Isolated macrodactyly in the ulnar nerve distribution is extremely rare. A case associated with cubital tunnel syndrome is reported.
Thermal Stability of Fluorinated Polydienes Synthesized by Addition of Difluorocarbene

Abstract : Linear PCHD and polyisoprenes with different microstructures and molecular weights are synthesized and chemically modified to improve their thermal and chemical stability by forming a three-membered ring structure containing two C-F bonds. Pyrolysis of these fluorinated polydienes proceeds through a two-stage decomposition involving chain scission, crosslinking, dehydrogenation, and dehalogenation. The pyrolysis leads to graphite-like residues, whereas their polydiene precursors decompose completely under the same conditions. The fluorination of PCHD enhances its thermal stability. The stronger C-F bond along with high strain of the three-membered ring structure and formation of relatively stable free radicals play an important role in the thermal stability of fluorinated polydienes.
The Psychosocial Functioning and Family Environment of Depressed Adolescents

Abstract Objective This study examined measures of functional impairment and family relations in a sample of 62 adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 38 normal controls with no history of psychiatric illness. Method Ratings of the following domains were obtained: mother-child relations, father-child relations, spousal relations, sibling relations, peer relations, and school performance. Ratings of each domain for the 3-month period preceding the assessment were derived from information obtained using a semistructured interview administered independently to the adolescents and one of their parents. Results Adolescents with MDD were found to have severe difficulties in all areas. Ninety percent of the depressed adolescents had scores greater than 2 SD above the mean of the normal controls on one or more of the domain ratings. In addition, adolescents with difficulties in parent-child relations were more likely than those adolescents without problems in family relations to have difficulties in peer relations and school performance. Conclusions The authors discuss the importance of systematically examining psychosocial variables in future studies of the etiology, course, and treatment of MDD in adolescents.
THE INCREMENT IN THE ANION GAP: OVEREXTENSION OF A CONCEPT?

The calculation of the anion gap is widely used in the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis. It is often taught that the increment in the anion gap will exactly match the fall in serum bicarbonate during a simple metabolic acidosis of the high anion gap type; if the changes in the anion gap and bicarbonate level are not equivalent, a second acid-base disorder should be suspected. The assumptions upon which this formulation is based are largely unsubstantiated. This review critically examines these assumptions and their clinical implications. Discrepancies between the increment in the anion gap and the reduction in serum bicarbonate must be interpreted cautiously.
Top practice-changing articles over the last two years.

The field of thromboembolic disease and anticoagulation has had critical advances since the Anticoagulation Forum last met (May of 2011). We summarize our “top ten list” of papers that are likely to change the care of the anticoagulated population and improve their outcomes: (1) Patient self-management of their vitamin K antagonist and self monitoring can decrease thromboembolic events; (2) restarting warfarin after gastrointestinal bleeding may decrease mortality; (3) rivaroxaban is effective in the treatment of pulmonary embolism; either (4) apixaban or (5) low-dose aspirin prevented recurrent venous thromboembolic disease after a standard course of therapy; (6) warfarin prevents thrombotic complications up to at least 90 days after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement; (7) the relative risk reduction of apixaban compared to warfarin is similar across CHADS2 scores, but the absolute risk reduction is higher in high-risk patients; (8) adherence to a warfarin dose-adjustment algorithm improved time in the therapeutic range and thromboembolic outcomes in the RE-LY trial; (9) warfarin had little benefit (if any) over aspirin in patients with decreased ejection fraction and sinus rhythm; (10) adding clopidogrel to aspirin in patients with lacunar infarcts did not reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and increased bleeding.
Relationship between left ventricular mass and hemodynamic responses to physical and mental stress.

Abstract Objective: Increased left ventricular mass (LVM) is predictive of future cardiac morbidity and mortality. Although casual and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) predict LVM, other hemodynamic determinants of LVM are incompletely understood. The present study examines laboratory-induced hemodynamic responses (to exercise, cold, and mental stress) and 24-hour ambulatory measures as predictors of LVM. Methods: Thirty-six healthy non-hypertensive subjects (mean age 33.9 ± 9.4 years; 23 women, 13 men) were tested with mental stress, cold pressor, and treadmill exercise in the laboratory and 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. LVM was measured using two-dimensional targeted M-mode echocardiography and indexed for body surface area (LVMI). Results: All laboratory tasks produced significant hemodynamic responses ( p 's r = 0.42, p and cold pressor r = 0.34, p were significantly related to LVM. After adjusting for body size, the mental stress-induced SBP responses was the only significant predictor of LVMI r = 0.32, p . Exercise SBP responses were associated to LVMI in men r = 0.63, p = 0.02 , but not in women r = 0.02, p = n.s . . Multivariate regression analyses revealed that SBP during mental stress was significantly predictive of LVMI β = 0.65, p = 0.05 , independent of baseline SBP, 24-hour ambulatory SBP, and other control variables. Conclusion: The present results indicate that SBP responses to mental stress are significantly related to LVM among healthy individuals, independently of baseline SBP, 24-hour ambulatory BP, age, body size, and sex. Blood pressure responses to exercise show a robust association with LVM in men but not in women. Hemodynamic responses elicited during laboratory tasks may therefore reveal important information about the pathophysiological processes involved in the development of cardiac end-organ damage.
An Assessment of the Training Needs of State Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

The primary purpose of this study was to identify the training needs of state vocational rehabilitation counselors. One hundred and sixty-seven vocational rehabilitation counselors completed the Re...
Abstract 5025: Regulation of miR-145 expression by Foxo3a, C/EBP-β and p53 in cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Background: MicroRNAs are master gene regulators that control gene expression through the posttranscriptional repression mechanism. Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs are often dysregulated in human cancers, and they may function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Our laboratory and other groups have previously shown that miR-145 is a tumor suppressor that is downregulated in a variety of tumors. However, it is not fully understood about the underlying mechanism of miR-145 regulation. In this study, we characterized miR-145 regulation involving transcription factors FoxO3a, C/EBP-β and p53 in cancer cells. Methods: We previously constructed the miR-145 promoter luciferase reporter in pGL3-basic, which was used in this study to determine the effect of FoxO3a, C/EBP-β or p53 on miR-145 promoter activity. p53 expression vector was constructed in pEGFP; C/EBP-β and FoxO3a were cloned into pCDH lentiviral vector carrying copGFP. Western blot and fluorescence microscope were used to determine expression of exogenous genes. Endogenous miR-145 levels were determined by TaqMan real time PCR after reverse transcription as well as by in situ hybridization. The expression vectors or luciferase reporter were introduced into cells by either transfection or infection. Results: We showed that miR-145 functions a downstream effector of Akt, and impacts tumor growth and invasion. For example, suppression of Akt by serum starvation or PI3K inhibitor LY29 significantly activates p53, which in turn binds to the miR-145 promoter and induces miR-145 expression. Furthermore, we showed that in addition to p53, FoxO3a also functions a positive regulator of miR-145. Of considerable interest, FoxO3a induces miR-145 expression in the mutant p53 background; however, in the wild type p53 background, p53 suppresses the ability of FoxO3a to induce miR-145. On the other hand, C/EBP-β serves as a negative regulator of miR-145 in both wild type p53 and mutant p53 backgrounds, which is likely in part through regulation of Akt activity. Experiments are underway to further dissect the regulation of miR-145. Conclusion: Together, these results suggest a sophisticated regulatory system controlling miR-145 expression in cancer cells. Thus, a better understanding of this regulatory network will aid in the identification of novel cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5025. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5025