cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Analysis of Outcomes of External Fixation Versus Plate Osteosynthesis for Unstable Distal Radius Fractures

Purpose External fixation and open reduction and internal fixation have been the traditional techniques for surgical fixation of unstable distal radius fractures. The existing literature has not identified which is superior, primarily because of the lack of comparative trials. We performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature on external fixation and internal fixation of distal radius fractures to determine the dominant strategy based on available scientific evidence. Methods We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for English-language articles published between 1980 and 2004 that satisfied predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The outcomes of internal and external fixation were compared using continuous measures of grip strength, wrist range of motion, and radiographic alignment and categoric measures of pain, physician-rated outcome scales, and complication rates. Outcomes were pooled by random-effects meta-analysis and meta–regression analysis was used to control for patient age, presence of intra-articular fracture, duration of follow-up period, and date of publication. Sensitivity analyses were used to test the stability of the meta-analysis results under different assumptions. Results Forty-six articles were included in the review with 28 (917 patients) external fixation studies and 18 (603 patients) internal fixation studies. Meta-analysis did not detect clinically or statistically significant differences in pooled grip strength, wrist range of motion, radiographic alignment, pain, and physician-rated outcomes between the 2 treatment arms. There were higher rates of infection, hardware failure, and neuritis with external fixation and higher rates of tendon complications and early hardware removal with internal fixation. Considerable heterogeneity was present in all studies and adversely affected the precision of the meta-analysis. Conclusions The current literature offers no evidence to support the use of internal fixation over external fixation for unstable distal radius fractures. Comparative trials using appropriately sensitive and validated outcome measurements are needed to guide treatment decisions.
Melatonin reduces H2O2-induced lipid peroxidation in homogenates of different rat brain regions.

The ability of melatonin to modify H 2 O 2 -induced lipid peroxidation in brain homogenates was determined. The concentrations of brain malonaldehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HDA) were assayed as an index of induced membrane oxidative damage. Homogenates from five different regions of the brain (cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and corpus striatum) derived from two different strains of rats, Sprague-Dawley and Wistar, were incubated with either H 2 O 2 (5 mM) alone or H 2 O 2 together with melatonin at increasing concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 4 mM. The basal level of lipid peroxidation was strain-dependent and about 100% higher in homogenates from the brain of Wistar rats than those measured in Sprague-Dawley rats. MDA + 4-HDA levels increased after H 2 O 2 treatment in homogenates obtained from each region of the brain in both rat strains but the sensitivity of the homogenates from Sprague-Dawley rats was greater than that for the homogenates from Wistar rats (increases after H 2 O 2 from 45 to 165% compared 20 to 40% for Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats, respectively). Melatonin co-treatment reduced H 2 O 2 -induced lipid peroxidation in brain homogenates in a concentration-dependent manner ; the degree of protection against lipid peroxidation was similar in all brain regions.
Interstudy reproducibility of biplane cine nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of left ventricular function.

Abstract Cine nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, as a noninvasive and high-resolution imaging modality, has been shown to be reliable for determining absolute left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction. A relatively new gradient echo cine NMR approach using 2 orthogonal long-axis planes (2- and 4-chamber) aligned with the true axes of the left ventricle has been previously developed and validated against radiographic biplane LV cineangiography. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the reproducibility of this more rapid cine NMR approach for the measurement of LV volumes and ejection fraction. Eighteen normal subjects underwent 2 cine NMR studies, on different days, using a 1.5-tesla clinical imaging system. Studies were analyzed on-line and blindly by 2 independent observers. Intraobserver error was also determined in a blinded manner. Mean values of measurements determined by this method in this group of normal subjects were end-diastolic volume (120 ± 20 ml), end-systolic volume (39 ± 9 ml) and ejection fraction (67 ± 4%). Paired analysis of data revealed no significant bias between interstudy, interobserver or intraobserver measurements, except for interobserver end-diastolic volume, where the first observer measurements were slightly elevated (5.6 ± 7.8 ml) compared with the second. This resulted in a small difference in ejection fraction (1.7 ± 2.3%) between observers. The absolute variation between measurements (square root of variance components) was low for all interstudy, interobserver and intraobserver comparisons: end-diastolic volume was These results demonstrate the potential of the biplane cine NMR intrinsic long-axis approach to obtain reliable and sequential measurements of LV volumes and function in subjects without segmental wall motion abnormalities, using practical acquisition and analysis times.
Electron beam irradiation of polystyrene-poly(vinyl methyl ether) blends

Abstract The gelation behaviour of a series of polystyrene (PS)-poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) blends that had been exposed to electron beam radiation was determined. The gel fraction produced by electron beam irradiation of this blend was determined as a function of dose, blend composition and morphology. The effect of morphology was examined by irradiating miscible blends and blends that had been phase separated by spinodal decomposition. The results indicate that PS does not offer any protection from radiation crosslinking in the miscible blends. In fact, the addition of a small amount of PVME to pure PS greatly increased the gel content, suggesting that a significant amount of grafting is occurring between the blend components. Phase separation of these blends has been shown to significantly influence the effect of blend composition on the gel content, primarily by altering the localized composition of the blend.
Assessment of ejaculate quality and sperm characteristics in turkeys: sperm mobility phenotype is independent of time

Given a pool of genetically superior male turkeys, the subsequent selection of toms as semen donors for artificial insemination should be based upon criteria that are predictive of the tom's fertility and fecundity over the course of a production cycle. Recently, sperm mobility phenotype has been shown to correlate highly with fertility. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine: 1) whether sperm mobility phenotypes of individual toms were independent of time, and 2) the extent to which traditional semen quality variables changed as a function of time during the study interval. Sperm mobility phenotype was determined by objectively measuring the ability of sperm to penetrate 2% Accudenz solution at body temperature. During the initial assessments of a flock (n = 94), sperm mobility indexes (SMI) were significantly higher for the High Mobility Phenotype toms (56.61 +/-1.03% SMI) compared to the Low Mobility Phenotype (30.46+/-1.27% SMI, P or = 0.05). Sperm viability remained significantly lower (P < or = 0.05) over the course of this study for the High Mobility Phenotype toms than for the Low Mobility Phenotype toms. Because sperm mobility phenotype remained consistent through time, the Sperm Mobility Test provides a potentially important tool for selecting semen donors in turkeys.
How to evaluate multiple range-sum queries progressively

Users of decision support system typically submit batches of range-sum queries simultaneously rather than issuing individual, unrelated queries. We propose a wavelet based technique that exploits T/O sharing across a query batch to evaluate the set of queries progressively and efficiently. The challenge is that now controlling the structure of errors across query results becomes more critical than minimizing error per individual query. Consequently, we define a class of structural error penalty functions and show how they are controlled by our technique Experiments demonstrate that our technique is efficient as an exact algorithm, and the progressive estimates are accurate, even after less than one I/O per query.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) in soils and groundwater of a U.S. metropolitan area: Migration and implications for human exposure

Abstract Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) are emerging anthropogenic compounds that have recently become the target of global concern due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment, persistence, and bioaccumulative properties. This study was carried out to investigate the migration of PFOS and PFOA in soils and groundwater in a U.S. metropolitan area. We observed elevated levels in surface soils (median: 12.2 ng PFOS/g dw and 8.0 ng PFOA/g dw), which were much higher than the soil-screening levels for groundwater protection developed in this study. The measured levels in subsurface soils show a general increase with depth, suggesting a downward movement toward the groundwater table and a potential risk of aquifer contamination. Furthermore, concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in monitoring wells in the source zone varied insignificantly over 5 years (2009–2013), suggesting limited or no change in either the source or the magnitude of the source. The analysis also shows that natural processes of dispersion and dilution can significantly attenuate the groundwater contamination; the adsorption on aquifer solids, on the other hand, appears to have limited effects on the transport of PFOS and PFOA in the aquifer. The probabilistic exposure assessment indicates that ingestion of contaminated groundwater constitutes a much more important exposure route than ingestion of contaminated soil. Overall, the results suggest that (i) the transport of PFOS and PFOA is retarded in the vadose zone, but not in the aquifer; (ii) the groundwater contamination of PFOS and PFOA often follows their release to surface soils by years, if not decades; and (iii) the aquifer can be a major source of exposure for communities living near point sources.
Utilizing Science Philosophy Statements to Facilitate K-3 Teacher Candidates’ Development of Inquiry-based Science Practice

This study utilized pre-service teachers’ philosophy statements to connect their beliefs for science teaching with inquiry-based constructivist classroom practice. The major findings of this study suggested that before entering the classroom prospective teachers are strongly aligned with inquiry-based, constructivist-based theories, and describe teaching science as a process approach. However, after entering public classrooms the teacher candidates often abandoned those notions of constructivist, inquiry-based science in favor of a more traditional approach to science instruction. This study addresses a method to engage prospective teachers in designing inquiry-based science pedagogy as well as developing their professional pedagogical confidence.
Level structure and band mixing in 232U

Abstract The energy and relative intensities of gamma transitions in 232 following the radioactive decay of 1.3 d 232Pa. have been measured with a Ge(Li) spectrometer and with the Caltech bent crystal spectrometer. Relative intensities of internal conversion electrons have been measured with a Si(Li) detector. Coincidence measurements have also been made using NaI and Ge(Li) detectors. The following rotational bandheads have been established: octupole vibrational band (Kπ = 0− at 563.2 keV),β-band (0+ at 691.3 keV), γ-band(2+ at 866.7kev) and two negative parity bands (2− at 1016.8 kev) and (1−? at 1132.4 keV). Transitions from the γ-band to the ground state band are in good agreement with a single parameter band mixing model, with z2 = 0.025 ± 0.005. However, the relative B(E2) for the 2γ−0β transition is five times that for the 2γ−0g.s. transition. Good agreement with predictions of the rotational model for the E1 transitions from the octupole O− band to the ground state band has been found. There is evidence for strong mixing of the proposed negative parity bands at higher energy.
Geometric motion planning: The local connection, Stokes' theorem, and the importance of coordinate choice

The locomotion of articulated mechanical systems is often complex and unintuitive, even when considered with the aid of reduction principles from geometric mechanics. In this paper, we present two tools for gaining insights into the underlying principles of locomotion: connection vector fields and connection height functions. Connection vector fields illustrate the geometric structure of the relationship between internal shape changes and the system body velocities they produce. Connection height functions measure the curvature of their respective vector fields and capture the net displacement over any cyclic shape change, or gait , allowing for the intuitive selection of gaits to produce desired displacements. Height function approaches have been previously attempted, but such techniques have been severely limited by their basis in a rotating body frame, and have only been useful for calculating planar rotations and infinitesimal translations. We circumvent this limitation by introducing a notion of optimal coordinates defining a body frame that rotates very little in response to shape changes, while still meeting the requirements of the geometric mechanics theory on which the vector fields and height functions are based. In these optimal coordinates, the height functions provide close approximations of the net displacement resulting from a broad selection of possible gaits.
Adding parallelism capabilities to ACL2

We have implemented parallelism primitives that permit an ACL2 programmer to parallelize execution of ACL2 functions. We (1) introduce logical definitions for these primitives, (2) explain the features of our extension, (3) give an evaluation strategy for our implementation, and (4) use the parallelism primitives in examples to show speedup.
Acquisition and retention of control of instrumental behavior by a cue-signaling airblast: How specific are conditioned anticipations?

Abstract The conditioned state evoked by a CS that had been paired with an aversive airblast was assessed by superimposing the CS on baselines of instrumental responding. The first experiment used a shock avoidance baseline; CS-airblast pairings were administered on the baseline, with the shock avoidance schedule in effect. The CS that signaled airblast came, over trails, to accelerate shock avoidance responding. As further CS-airblast trials were administered, however, the acceleratory effect of the CS decreased, producing an inverted-U-shaped acquisition curve. A second experiment used off-baseline CS-airblast conditioning, and the CS was tested on both shock avoidance and water reinforcement baselines. After 20 CS-airblast pairings the CS accelerated shock avoidance and suppressed water-reinforced responding. After 10o pairings, however, the acceleratory effect on shock avoidance was much attenuated, although the suppressions of the water-reinforced behavior did not differ between 20- and 100-trial groups. Two further experiments examined retention, over a 45-day interval, of the attenuation of the CS's effects on shock avoidance. Over the retention interval, this attenuation disappeared. It was, however, reinstated by giving the animals “reminder” presentations of the airblast. These results are interpreted as representing systematic changes in the specificity of the conditioned state evoked by a Pavlovian CS.
PSYCHIATRIC ASPECTS OF RHEUMATOLOGY

The rheumatic diseases pose significant and challenging problems for the consulting psychiatrist because of their multifaceted clinical features. Consideration must be given to the complexity of the social system in which the patient lives, the rheumatologist-patient relationship, the losses incurred by the illness, immunologic vulnerability to opportunistic infections, the effects of concurrent medical treatments (especially drug treatments), and any antecedent pathologic conditions. This article examines the clinical and treatment highlights of two representative rheumatologic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Smallest compact formulation for the permutahedron

In this note, we consider the permutahedron, the convex hull of all permutations of $$\{1,2\ldots ,n\}$${1,2?,n}. We show how to obtain an extended formulation for this polytope from any sorting network. By using the optimal Ajtai---Komlos---Szemeredi sorting network, this extended formulation has $$\varTheta (n\log n)$$?(nlogn) variables and inequalities. Furthermore, from basic polyhedral arguments, we show that this is best possible (up to a multiplicative constant) since any extended formulation has at least $$\varOmega (n \log n)$$Ω(nlogn) inequalities. The results easily extend to the generalized permutahedron.
NMR Studies on the presence of domain structures in polysaccharides. II: 1H spin-lattice relaxation time dispersion

The behavior of 1H-nmr spin–lattice relaxation times as a function of frequency is examined for powders of α- and β-cyclodextrins, dextran B512F, and their “deuterated” analogues, where deuterium replaces exchangeable protons. A crossover from two- to one-component relaxation decays is observed with increasing frequency (ν). By considering the effect of spin diffusion in spin–lattice relaxation measurements as a function of the frequency, estimates of domain sizes (∼ 7–10 A) consistent with the lower limit of spatial resolution of the Goldman–Shen experiments are obtained.
Markov Cut-Set Approach for the Reliability Evaluation of Transmission and Distribution Systems

A Markov cut-set composite approach to the reliability evaluation of transmission and distribution systems involving dependent failures is described. The method consists in using the cut set equations for the reliability indices and then using Markov processes for the evaluation of terms in these equations. In this method, the transition rate matrix of only the members of a cut set is generated and, therefore, only a limited number of equations need be solved at a time. Both the steady state and time-specific reliability indices can be calculated using this method.
Roles of immunoglobulins in amyloidogenesis in cutaneous nodular amyloidosis.

Abstract Immunoglobulin heavy and light chains and C 3 were detected on amyloid deposits in cutaneous nodular amyloidosis (NA) by a direct immunofluorescence method. These immunoglobulin chains and C 3 could be removed except λ (lambda) light chain after treating sections with 0.05% Tween 20 solution, 0.1 M glycine buffer pH 7.4 or 0.5% Triton X solution. Lambda light chain was detected consistently after these treatments. Amyloid filaments were not altered with these treatments. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated persistent antigenicity of λ light chain on amyloid filaments. It was suggested that λ light chain is an inherent component of amyloid filaments in NA, whereas other chains and complement represent nonessential absorption on amyloid material.
Finite element analysis to characterize how varying patellar loading influences pressure applied to cartilage: model evaluation

A finite element analysis (FEA) modeling technique has been developed to characterize how varying the orientation of the patellar tendon influences the patellofemoral pressure distribution. To evaluate the accuracy of the technique, models were created from MRI images to represent five knees that were previously tested in vitro to determine the influence of hamstrings loading on patellofemoral contact pressures. Hamstrings loading increased the lateral and posterior orientation of the patellar tendon. Each model was loaded at 40°, 60°, and 80° of flexion with quadriceps force vectors representing the experimental loading conditions. The orientation of the patellar tendon was represented for the loaded and unloaded hamstrings conditions based on experimental measures of tibiofemoral alignment. Similar to the experimental data, simulated loading of the hamstrings within the FEA models shifted the center of pressure laterally and increased the maximum lateral pressure. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were identified for the center of pressure and maximum lateral pressure from paired t-tests carried out at the individual flexion angles. The ability to replicate experimental trends indicates that the FEA models can be used for future studies focused on determining how variations in the orientation of the patellar tendon related to anatomical or loading variations or surgical procedures influence the patellofemoral pressure distribution.
Hyperlipoproteinemia in rabbits induced by intravenous administration of fat emulsions and heparin

Summary The data presented show that intravenous infusion of triglycerides into normal rabbits in the presence of heparin induces elevation in the concentration of plasma very low density lipoproteins. No exogenous free fatty acid mobilizing hormone was given. The effect is therefore referred to metabolic consequences of the fat infusion itself. The data are compatible with the possibility that rapid hepatic uptake of triglycerides, like uptake of free fatty acids, stimulates production and secretion of lipoproteins, but other possible mechanisms cannot be ruled out.
Trade-Offs in a Team Tracking Task as a Function of Performance Feedback

Team members often have to make decisions about which aspects of their tasks they should emphasize. One of the factors that may determine these decisions is the type of feedback. In this study, the influence of the type of concurrent performance feedback on team performance in a pursuit tracking task was investigated. Eighteen dyads performed a reciprocally interdependent team tracking task. Subjects' goal was to optimize team performance under three different conditions: One team member never received feedback, while the other received either team, individual, or no feedback. The tracking error was measured. The results from this study largely confirmed the findings from previous research which had indicated a feedback by team member interaction: When provided with individual feedback, team members seemed to emphasize the perceived individual aspects of their task at the expense of the team effort. Under team feedback, the reverse occurred. In support of these findings, the current study found a signific...
Randomized prospective study of the impact of three needleless intravenous systems on needlestick injury rates.

Objective To determine the impact of three needleless intravenous systems on needlestick injury rates. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting 1,000-bed tertiary-care Midwestern hospital. Participants Nursing personnel from general medical, general surgical, and intensive-care units. Interventions From June 1992 through March 1994, a metal blunt cannula (MBC), two-way valve (2-way), and plastic blunt cannula (PBC) were introduced into three study areas, and needlestick injury rates were compared to three control areas using traditional needled devices. Results 24 and 29 needlestick injuries were reported in study and control areas. Intravenous-therapy-related injuries comprised 45.8% and 57.1% of injuries in each area. Thirty-seven percent and 20.7% of study and control area needlestick injuries were considered to pose a high risk of bloodborne infection. The 2-way group had similar rates of total and intravenous-related needlestick injuries compared to control groups. The PBC group had lower rates of total and intravenous-related needlestick injuries per 1,000 patient-days (rate ratios [RR], 0.32 and 0.24; 95% confidence intervals [CI95], 0.12-0.81 and 0.09-0.61; P = .02 and P = .003, respectively) and per 1,000 productive hours worked (RR, 0.11 and 0.08; CI95, 0.01-0.92 and 0.01-0.69; P = .03 and P = .005, respectively) compared to controls. Conclusions Needlestick injuries continued in study areas despite the introduction of needleless devices, and risks of bloodborne pathogen transmission were similar to control areas. The PBC device group noted lower rates of needlestick injuries compared to controls, but there were problems with product acceptance, correct product use, and continued traditional device use in study areas. Low needlestick injury rates make interpretations difficult. Further studies of safety devices are needed and should attempt greater control of worker behavior to aid interpretation.
Numerical and experimental investigations of low-density supersonic jets of hydrogen

Low-density flow of molecular hydrogen from a small nozzle is studied using numerical and experimental techniques. The conditions in the nozzle indicate that non-equilibrium effects will significantly influence the flow. Therefore, the numerical analysis is undertaken using a Monte Carlo approach. The experimental studies employ spontaneous Raman scattering. Comparisons of the measured data and computed results are made for total number density, rotational temperature, and for the number density of the first rotational level. The numerical results are found to be quite sensitive to the rotational relaxation rate, and a strong degree of thermal non-equilibrium is observed at the exit plane of the nozzle. Comparisons between experiment and analysis permit estimation of the rotational relaxation rate for hydrogen. Investigations are also conducted for expansion of the supersonic jet into a finite back pressure. The interaction of the plume with the chamber background gas is found to form shock waves in both the simulations and experiments. This phenomenon is investigated further by increasing the background pressure. Direct comparison of the simulation results and experimental measurements is very favourable.
The inhibitory effect of heparin and warfarin treatments on the intravascular survival of B16 melanoma cells in syngeneic C57 mice.

Abstract Heparin and warfarin inhibit the intravascular survival of B16 melanoma cells in syngeneic C57B1/6J mice in a dose-related manner. The anticoagulant properties of these drugs appear to mediate their inhibitory effects on the survival of intra-vascular tumor cells. Despite the administration of large doses of heparin, a constant fraction of tumor cells survive to form lung tumors. These data indicate that coagulation dependent and coagulation independent populations of B16 cells normally survive following the intravenous injection of tumor cells.
Endoluminal stent grafting of the thoracic aorta: Initial experience with the Gore Excluder

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with endoluminal graft repair of a variety of thoracic aorta pathologies with a commercially developed device currently under investigation. Our patient population included patients eligible for open surgical repair and those with prohibitive surgical risk. Methods: From February 2000 to February 2001, endovascular stent-graft repair of the thoracic aorta was performed in 46 patients (mean age, 70 years; 29 male and 17 female patients) with the Gore Excluder. Twenty-three patients (50%) had atherosclerotic aneurysms, 14 patients (30%) had dissections, three patients (7%) had aortobronchial fistulas, three patients (7%) had pseudoaneurysms, two patients (4%) had traumatic ruptures, and one patient (2%) had a ruptured aortic ulcer. Patient characteristics, procedural variables, outcome, and complications were recorded. All patients were followed with chest computed tomographic scans at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Follow-up period ranged from 1 month to 15 months, with a mean of 8.5 months. Results: All the procedures were technically successful. There were no conversions. Average duration of the procedure was 120 minutes. Average length of stay was 6 days, but most patients (64%) left the hospital within 4 days after endoluminal grafting. The overall morbidity rate was 23%. Two patients (4%) had endoleaks that necessitated a second procedure for successful repair. Two patients (4%) died in the immediate postoperative period. There were no cases of paraplegia. At follow-up examination, one patient had an endoleak found the day after the procedure and another patient had an endoleak 6 months after the procedure. Both cases were treated successfully with additional stent-grafts. There were no cases of migration. One patient died of a myocardial infarction 6 months after graft placement. In patients treated for aneurysm (n = 23), the aneurysm diameter ranged from 5.0 to 9.5 cm (mean, 6.8 cm). Residual sac measurements were obtained at 1, 6, and 12 months, with mean sac reductions of 0.59 cm, 0.77 cm, and 0.85 cm, respectively. In three cases, the sac remained unchanged, without evidence of endoleak. Conclusion: Thoracic endoluminal grafting with the Gore Excluder is a safe and feasible alternative to open graft repair and can be performed successfully with good results. Early data suggest an endoluminal approach to these disease entities may be favorable over classical resection and graft replacement. (J Vasc Surg 2002;35:1163-70.)
Evidence that arginine vasotocin inhibits human chorionic gonadotropin and cyclic adenosine 3′,5′ monophosphate stimulated ovarian steroidogenesis

Summary A study of the ovary as a site of action of arginine vasotocin, a nonapeptide synthesized in the pineal gland of vertebrates, was conducted in the rat. Progesterone production stimulated by either human Chorionic Gonadotropin or 8Br-cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′ Monophosphate was significantly reduced in rats prepreated with arginine vasotocin. The affinity and receptor number for human chorionic gonadotropin were uneffected by pretreatment with arginine vasotocin. These results suggest that the antigonadotropic action attributed to arginine vasotocin may be due to an inhibition of ovarian steroidogenesis at a point distal to cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′ Monophosphate formation.
High-quality ultra-flat BiSbTe3 films grown by MBE

Abstract We report on the growth of high-quality topological insulator BiSbTe3 films (thickness of 30 nm) on sapphire (0001) substrates through the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) technique and discuss the possibility to improve the film quality and surface flatness through annealing. Instead of using elemental Sb, the choice of Sb2Te3 as well as the use of solid sources of Bi and Te assures excellent stability during thermal evaporation enabling layer-by-layer epitaxial growth of high-quality films of BiSbTe3. The crystallinity and the terrace size of the BiSbTe3 films are found to be improved through increasing the deposition temperature and/or after annealing at 540 K–620 K for 1–4 hours. The films grown at 485 K, 500 K, and 515 K exhibit root-mean-square (RMS) roughness of 2.9 nm, 2.3 nm, and 2.3 nm, respectively, whereas the RMS roughness is reduced to 0.6 nm or less when the films are annealed at 580 K for 2–4 hours. Annealing the film at too high temperature, such as 620 K, introduces a rougher surface due to the loss of material during annealing. A relatively low electron density of~2.2×1018 cm-3 (at 2 K) is achieved for the as-grown films deposited at 485 K and 500 K. Significantly enhanced electron density is found in the case of either increasing growth temperature or increasing annealing temperature. An exception is the film annealed at 620 K, which became a p-type conductor. In addition, weak antilocalization effects are evident for the n-type films, but they nearly vanish for p-type conducting films. The significant influence of temperature on the crystallinity, the surface roughness, and the electronic transport in BiSbTe3 films will be instructive for further investigations of the transport behavior of surface states in BiSbTe3 films.
Neuroscience and Education: An Ideal Partnership for Producing Evidence-Based Solutions to Guide 21st Century Learning

Neuro-Education is a nascent discipline that seeks to blend the collective fields of neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, and education to create a better understanding of how we learn and how this information can be used to create more effective teaching methods, curricula, and educational policy. Though still in its infancy as a research discipline, this initiative is already opening critical new dialogs between teachers, administrators, parents, and brain scientists.
Non‐fatal construction industry fall‐related injuries treated in US emergency departments, 1998–2005

BACKGROUND: There is a growing recognition that common occupational injury surveillance systems in the US fail to reflect true injury risk; this failure limits efforts to accurately monitor efforts to prevent work-related injuries on a national level. METHODS: Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System occupational supplement (NEISS-Work) were used to describe fall-related injuries treated in US emergency departments among workers in the construction industry (1998-2005). These data do not require workers' compensation as the payer in order to be classified as work-related. RESULTS: Based on NEISS-Work estimates, a total of 555,700 (95% confidence interval (CI): 390,700-720,800) non-fatal work-related injuries among workers in the construction industry were the result of a fall, resulting in an annual rate of 70 (95% CI: 49-91) per 10,000 full-time equivalents. Younger workers had higher rates of falls, whereas older workers were more likely to suffer serious injuries. The majority of the injuries (70%) were precipitated by falls to a lower level from roofs, ladders, and scaffolding. CONCLUSIONS: The patterns of fall-related injuries identified in these data are consistent with other reports. In contrast to the declining rates of falls requiring days away from work reported through the Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, construction industry fall-related injury rates estimated through NEISS-Work remained unchanged from 1998 to 2005 providing another perspective on this serious cause of morbidity in the construction industry. Language: en
Seasonal truffle consumption by long-nosed bandicoots (Perameles nasuta) in a mixed rainforest–open forest community in north-eastern New South Wales

Scats of long-nosed bandicoots (Perameles nasuta) from north-eastern New South Wales were examined for seasonaloccurrenceoffungi.Funguswasdetectedinbandicootdietsinallseasons,butsamplesfromautumnandwinterwere more likely to contain fungi, and more taxawere consumedin these seasons, compared with spring and summer. Individual scatsamplesalsocontainedmoresporetypesinautumnandwinterthaninspringandsummer.Myresultssupportotherwork in temperate south-eastern Australia that indicate an autumn and winter peak in fungal availability, and a stronger focus on fungal consumption by mammals at this time of year.
Adaptive error control scheme for multimedia applications in integrated terrestrial-satellite wireless networks

This paper presents an adaptive error control (AEC) scheme for multimedia applications in integrated terrestrial-satellite wireless networks. The AEC protocol supports both real-time and non-real-time applications. In the AEC protocol, we propose new adaptive FEC (AFEC) and hybrid ARQ (HARQ) schemes for real-time and non-real-time traffic, respectively. Throughput performance for non-real-time application shows that the proposed AEC protocol outperforms hybrid ARQ (HARQ) protocols with the same code used. Under real-time application, the AEC protocol outperforms the static FEC (SFEC) protocols with respect to packet miss probability.
Systematics of some Late Ordovician encrinurine trilobites from Laurentian North America

Classification and relationships of the Ordovician encrinurines Frencrinoides Lesperance and Desbiens and Walencrinoides Lesperance and Desbiens are poorly understood, with little evidence for monophyly of either genus. We revise the type species of both genera, F. capitonis (Frederickson) and W. rarus (Walcott), using new and archival material. We explore their species composition and phylogenetic relationships with a parsimony analysis that includes 17 well-documented ingroup species that can be coded readily, and which is rooted with Encrinuroides regularis Parnaste, the oldest known encrinurine. The results support monophyly of Frencrinuroides and Walencrinuroides, albeit with more limited species membership than proposed by Lesperance and Desbiens. Previous suggestions that both E. uncatus Evitt and Tripp and E. neuter Evitt and Tripp should be assigned to Erratencrinurus Kruger are also supported by our analysis, as is monophyly of Physemataspis Evitt and Tripp. New species are W. rolfi and W. tremblayi.
Block-Coding Techniques for Reliable Data Transmission

Block coding has been in wide use in the errordetection and retransmission mode. It has also been used in some systems with a combination of forward error correction and retransmission techniques. In this paper, a brief survey and discription of those block-coding techniques is given that are likely to be useful in practical data transmission systems.
Two-dimensional phase unwrapping for radar interferometry: Developments and new challenges

The growing interest in the applications of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry led to an increasing demand for reliable phase unwrapping techniques. Research efforts have been spent on the understanding of the principles in order to develop more robust algorithms with improved computational characteristics. Numerous algorithms have been proposed to solve the two-dimensional phase unwrapping problem. This paper reviews the basic concepts of phase unwrapping and gives an overview on the major processing strategies for solving the problem. It presents the developments in phase unwrapping with special reference to SAR interferometry and indicates the trends and new challenges in this field.
A Dose Escalation and Pharmacodynamic Study of Triapine and Radiation in Patients With Locally Advanced Pancreas Cancer

Summary Ribonucleotide reductase M2 subunit (RRM2) plays a key role in repairing radiationinduced DNA damage. Preclinical data suggest radiosensitizing properties for triapine, an RRM2 inhibitor. Weperformedaphase1study of triapine and radiation in locally advanced pancreas cancer. In this study, 92% of patients experienced freedom fromlocaltumor progression, confirming the clinical significance of the radiosensitizing effect of triapine. Correlative analyses suggest that dynamic contrastPurpose: Triapine, a novel inhibitor of the M2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RR), is a potent radiosensitizer. This phase 1 study, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, assessed the safety and tolerability of triapine in combination with radiation (RT) in patients with locally advanced pancreas cancer (LAPCA). Methods and Materials: We evaluated 3 dosage levels of triapine (24 mg/m 2 , 48 mg/m 2 ,7 2 mg/m 2 ) administered with 50.4 Gy of RT in 28 fractions. Patients with LAPCA received triapine thrice weekly, every other week during the course of RT. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was assessed during RT and for 4 weeks after its completion. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and serum RR levels were evaluated as potential predictors for early response. Results: Twelve patients were treated. Four patients (1 nonevaluable) were enrolled at dosage level 1 (DL1), 3 patients at DL2, and 5 patients (2 nonevaluable) at DL3. No DLTs were observed, and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Two patients (17%) achieved partial response, and 6patients (50%)had stabledisease.Onepatientunderwent R0resection aftertherapy. Ninetytwopercent ofpatients (100%atDL3)experienced freedomfromlocaltumorprogression. In75% of patients who eventually experienced progression, metastases developed without local progression.RRlevelsdidnotseemtopredictoutcome.In4patientswithavailabledata,dynamiccontrastenhanced magnetic resonance imaging may predict early response or resistance to therapy. Conclusion: The combination of triapine at 72 mg/m 2 3 times weekly every other week and stan
Leakage effects in metal-connected floating-gate circuits

Floating-gate circuits are useful in many analog applications, although controlling the charge stored on floating gates complicates such circuits. It has been observed that when floating poly gates are connected to metal layers, initial charge is eliminated during fabrication. This Brief presents an alternative to a previously published explanation for this effect. Experiments show that leakage through deposited inter-metal dielectrics is large enough at moderately elevated temperatures to significantly affect circuit operation. Simple modeling suggests that at temperatures typical of back-end integrated circuit processing, leakage would be large enough to rapidly discharge such floating gates.
DNA damage and donor livers: Disease unbidden?

Endogenous DNA adducts may contribute to the etiology of human genetic disease and cancer. One potential source of endogenous DNA adducts is lipid peroxidation, which generates mutagenic carbonyl compounds such as malondialdehyde. A sensitive mass spectrometric method permitted detection and quantitation of the major malondialdehyde-DNA adduct, a pyrimidopurinone derived from deoxyguanosine. DNA from disease-free human liver was found to contain 5400 adducts per cell, a frequency comparable to that of adducts formed by exogenous carcinogens. Reprinted with permission from Science 1994;265:1580–1581.
Axisymmetric rotational stagnation-point flow impinging on a rotating disk

Agrawal’s (Q J Mech Appl Math, 10:42–44, 1957) stagnation-point flow problem is extended to flow impingement normal to a uniformly rotating disk. This is the analog of the extension of Homann’s (Z Angew Math Mech (ZAMM), 16:153–164, 1936) stagnation flow when impinging on a rotating disk as reported by Hannah (Rep Mem Aerosp Res Coun Lond 2772, 1947). While both oncoming stagnation flows are axisymmetric, in the far field Homann’s stagnation flow is irrotational while Agrawal’s is rotational. A similarity reduction of the Navier–Stokes equations yields a pair of coupled ordinary differential equations governed by a dimensionless rotation rate σ. Integrations were carried out up to σ = 30 beyond which the equations become stiff and solution independence of integration length cannot be ensured. Results for the radial and azimuthal shear stresses are presented along with the strength of the flow induced into the boundary layer and the thickness of the azimuthal flow boundary layer. Analytic results found at σ = 0 are shown to be in excellent agreement with the numerical calculations. Sample velocity profiles for the radial and azimuthal flows are presented.
Differential Transcription Factor Use by the KIR2DL4 Promoter under Constitutive and IL-2/15-Treated Conditions

KIR2DL4 is unique among human KIR genes in expression, cellular localization, structure, and function, yet the transcription factors required for its expression have not been identified. Using mutagenesis, EMSA, and cotransfection assays, we identified two redundant Runx binding sites in the 2DL4 promoter as essential for constitutive 2DL4 transcription, with contributions by a cyclic AMP response element (CRE) and initiator elements. IL-2– and IL-15–stimulated human NK cell lines increased 2DL4 promoter activity, which required functional Runx, CRE, and Ets sites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments show that Runx3 and Ets1 bind the 2DL4 promoter in situ. 2DL4 promoter activity had similar transcription factor requirements in T cells. Runx, CRE, and Ets binding motifs are present in 2DL4 promoters from across primate species, but other postulated transcription factor binding sites are not preserved. Differences between 2DL4 and clonally restricted KIR promoters suggest a model that explains the unique 2DL4 expression pattern in human NK cells.
Optimizing QoS, performance, and power efficiency of backup services

For most businesses, backup is a daily operation that needs to reliably protect diverse digital assets distributed across the enterprise. Efficiently processing ever increasing amounts of data residing on multiple desktops, servers, laptops, etc., and providing dynamic recovery capabilities becomes a high priority task for many IT departments. Driven by the advances in cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery model, IT departments are transitioning from providing highly customized services to offering on demand services which can be requested and canceled instantly. Backup service providers must be able to react efficiently to on-demand requests and cannot afford labor intensive resource planning and manual adjustments of schedules. Our goal is to automate the design of a backup schedule that minimizes the overall completion time for a given set of backup jobs. This problem can be formulated as a resource constrained scheduling problem where a set of n jobs should be scheduled on ���� machines with given capacities. In this work, we compare the outcome of the integer programming formulation with a heuristic-based job scheduling algorithm, called FlexLBF. The FlexLBF schedule produces close to optimal results (reducing backup time 20%-60%) while carrying no additional computing overhead and scaling well to efficiently process large datasets compared to the IP-based solution. Moreover, FlexLBF can be easily analyzed in a simulation environment to further tune a backup server configuration for achieving given performance objectives while saving power (up to additional 50% in our experiments). It helps to avoid guess-based configuration efforts by system administrators and significantly increase the quality and reliability of implemented solutions.
POTATO DISCOLORATION IN RELATION TO ANATOMY AND LIPID COMPOSITION

Chippewa and Katahdin potatoes were examined for susceptibility to enzymatic darkening in relation to lipid content. Comparisons were made between the bud and stem regions of Katahdin tubers for 3 consecutive years and between Chippewa and Katahdin tubers for 1 yr. Enzymatic darkening was always greater and lipid content lower in the stem than the bud region. This relationship was exhibited by both the pith and cortex tissues. The phospholipid fraction followed the same trend as crude lipid, being higher in the bud than the stem end. Chippewa potatoes had a greater crude lipid and phospholipid content than Katahdin potatoes and were less susceptible to enzymatic darkening. The lipid content of the tuber, although present in relatively small amount, is important in determining cellular integrity and resistance to bruising.
Congenital Hand Anomalies: A Review of the Literature, 2009–2012

Research on congenital hand anomalies continues to slowly advance the field via retrospective investigations and surgical technique improvements. This manuscript reviews progress in the field over the last 4 years regarding an assortment of common congenital hand anomalies. We have also highlighted a few key manuscripts regarding upper extremity anomalies.