cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxygen Metabolism in the Lung

Abstract Although most of the O2 delivered to the lung diffuses into the blood and is ultimately utilized by other tissues, the lung itself requires O2 for both energy metabolism and cellular signaling. The greatest use of O2 by lung cells, as typical cells, is in the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). For this reason, we will focus a large part of this discussion on the mechanisms for generating ATP, rather than just on the more narrow area of cytochrome c oxidase activity. The lung is also the site of a number of other important biochemical roles for O2. These include the transformation of steroids and xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 and flavin monooxygenase; the production of nitric oxide; the oxidation of amines, such as serotonin; the formation of collagen and elastin cross-links by oxidative processes; the production of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and related arachidonate metabolites; and the oxidative killing of microorganisms by phagocytes. Oxygen is used to generate hydrogen peroxide for cell signaling. While low in quantitative terms, this oxygen consumption, primarily from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases and possibly by mitochondria, is very significant physiologically. Finally, we will briefly consider the role of enzymes involved with eliminating the toxic byproducts of the reactions listed above. Our primary aim here, however, is to describe the normal O2 metabolism of the lung.
Use of Patient and Disease Characteristics as Predictive Indicators of Rituximab Infusion-Related Reactions in Adult Malignant Hematology Patients at an Academic Medical Center

Abstract Background Identification of predictive indicators for rituximab infusion-related reactions (R-IRRs) may allow clinicians to modify treatment plans for patients at high risk of reaction to reduce incidence. Use of predictive indicators would significantly improve the patient experience, reduce hospital resource utilization, and decrease infusion chair time. Patients and Methods This retrospective, single-center, observational study evaluated 173 adult malignant hematology patients who received their first dose of rituximab inpatient between July 31, 2015 and July 31, 2018. Patients were excluded if they received prior rituximab, and/or induction chemotherapy, or were pregnant at the time of exposure. The primary outcome was the overall incidence of R-IRRs during the study period. The secondary outcomes were associations between specific patient and disease characteristics and R-IRRs. Results Of the 173 patients evaluated, 109 met inclusion criteria and 64 were excluded. The overall incidence of R-IRRs was 31 (28.4%) of 109. The following patient and disease characteristics were significantly associated with R-IRRs on univariate analysis: higher actual body weight (P = .04), diagnosis (P = .01), lower hemoglobin (P = .02), and bone marrow involvement (P = .001). In a confirmatory stepwise regression model, higher actual body weight (P = .01) and bone marrow involvement (P = .003) were positively associated with R-IRRs. Conclusion Actual body weight and bone marrow involvement may be utilized as potential predictive indicators of R-IRRs. Further study is needed to validate these indicators and determine appropriate utilization in practice.
The Recognition of Solid Object Shape: The Importance of Inhomogeneity.

A single experiment evaluated the haptic-visual cross-modal matching of solid object shape. One set of randomly shaped artificial objects was used (sinusoidally modulated spheres, SMS) as well as t...
Time Series, Persistent Homology and Chirality

We investigate the point process of persistent diagram for Brownian motions with drift, obtaining some of its basic characteristics. Further we introduce and study the refinement of the persistent homology, assigning to each bar its chirality.
MV Power Conversion Systems Enabled by High-Voltage SiC Devices [Happenings]

Reports on medium voltage (MV0 power conversion systems that are enabled by high-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) devices. Thanks to recent strides in power electronics research and the availability of high-voltage SiC power semiconductor devices, we can contemplate building a smart “solid-state transformer” to handle the demands of the smart grid. In electrical distribution systems, the transformers convert thousands of volts MV into lower voltages that can be safely used in homes and businesses. With emerging technologies in building and fabricating MV SiC-based power semiconductor devices, MV power conversion on a large-scale scenario seems feasible. While companies, such as Wolfspeed (CREE), General Electric, Infineon Technologies, Mitsubishi, and ROHM, continue to develop and improve these MV semiconductor devices, we at the FREEDM Systems Center are aiming at the application side of things to ensure a market for these power devices.
Improving the value of palliative surgery by optimizing patient selection: The role of long-term survival on high impact palliative intent operations.

Abstract Background In order to better characterize outcomes of palliative surgery (PS), we evaluated patients that experienced top quartile survival to elucidate predictors of high impact PS. Methods All PS performed on advanced cancer patients from 2003 to 2017 were identified from a PS database. Results 167 patients were identified. Multivariate analysis demonstrated the ability to rise from a chair was independently associated with top quartile survival (HR 7.61, 95% CI 2.12–48.82, p=0.008) as was the need for re-operation (HR 2.81, 95% CI 1.26–6.30, p=0.0012). Patients who were able to rise from a chair had significantly prolonged overall survival (320 vs 87 days, p Conclusions Although not the primary goal, long-term survival can be achieved following PS and is associated with re-operation and the ability to rise from a chair. These patients experience the benefits of PS for a longer period of time, which in turn maximizes value and positive impact. Summary Long-term survival and symptom control can be achieved in highly selected advanced cancer patients following palliative surgery. The ability of the patient to independently rise from a chair and the provider to offer a re-operation when indicated are associated with long-term survival following a palliative operation.
Optical Methods for Defect Characterization in Light-Ion Implanted Silicon Carbide

The work reported here deals with studying the defects induced by light ion (Al, N) implantation in 4H and 6H silicon carbide, both p-type (Al-doped) and n-type (N-doped). Confocal Micro-Raman (MR) was used for monitoring the (480–540) cm−1 spectral region of amorphous silicon. A broad peak forms in this region because of silicon atoms relocated as interstitials, translating into a locally stressed crystalline lattice. The locally relaxed lattice at these atoms’ locations of origin also gives a broadening of the characteristic Raman peaks of each type of material. UV/Vis Optical Absorption (OA) Spectroscopy has also been employed as a good tool for dopant and carrier trapping levels embedded in the band gap of the silicon carbide material. MR and OA data collected from virgin samples, as implanted, and after annealing at two different temperatures (1100 and 1600 °C) are discussed in this paper.
Biology of sinus floor augmentation with an autograft versus a bone graft substitute in a preclinical in vivo experimental model.

Objectives Compared to autografts, bone graft substitutes are slower to consolidate. If we understood why, this might open strategies to accelerate new bone formation and thus shorten the time to implant placement. In this study, we aimed at comparing autologous bone graft with a bovine bone graft substitute in a preclinical sinus lift model. Materials and methods The mouse posterior paranasal sinus served as a recipient site for grafting. Autograft from the oral cavity was compared against bone graft substitute using molecular, cellular, and histological analyses conducted on post-grafting days (PSD) 0, 9, 18, and 120. Results Either autografts or bone graft substitutes were positioned on the sinus floor and remained in situ throughout the study. At the time of grafting and until day 9, bone graft substitutes were devoid of cells and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity while autografts were comprised of viable cells and showed strong ALP (mineralization) activity. Consequently, new bone formed faster in autografts compared to bone graft substitutes (140.21 ± 41.21 µm vs. 41.70 ± 10.09 µm, respectively, PSD9, p = .0143). By PSD18, osteogenesis was evident in autografted and xenografted sites. Osteoclasts identified by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase attached to, but did not resorb the bone graft substitute matrix. Autograft matrix, however, underwent extensive resorption. Transgenic mice revealed that Wnt-responsive osteoprogenitor cells originated primarily from the internal periosteum of the maxillary bone, and not from the Schneiderian membrane. Conclusion Autografts produce new bone sooner, but bovine bone graft substitutes eventually consolidate and then resist resorption. Enhancing osteoprogenitor cell recruitment to a bone graft substitute constitutes a viable strategy for accelerating bone formation in a sinus lift procedure.
Abstract LB191: Downregulation of Stem-loop binding protein by nicotine and its role in nicotine-induced cell transformation in human lung epithelial cells

The use of electronic-cigarettes has increased substantially in recent years among the younger population in particular. The liquid nicotine is the main component of the e-cigarette. Mice exposed to e-cigarette smoke (ECS) generated by heating the liquid nicotine developed lung adenocarcinoma and bladder hyperplasia. This implicated a potential role for ECS/nicotine in cancer development, while the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we report that nicotine reduces the protein level of Stem-loop binding protein (SLBP), a critical factor for the stability, processing and translation of canonical histone pre-mRNAs, in human lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells. It has been known that canonical histone mRNAs typically do not end in a poly(A) tail and that depletion of SLBP results in polyadenylation of canonical histone mRNAs that appeared to be carcinogenic. Indeed, nicotine exposure induced polyadenylation of mRNAs for histones H2A, H2B, H3.1, H3.2, and H4. Interestingly, the inhibitor for nAChRs (nicotinic acetylcholine receptors) reversed nicotine-induced SLBP depletion. Moreover, the depletion of SLBP was attenuated not only by both the inhibitors and siRNAs specific for CDK1/2 and CK2, but also by inhibition of AKT signal pathway. Importantly, nicotine-induced anchorage-independent cell growth was rescued by overexpression of SLBP. These results suggest that activation of nAChR and a series of signal transduction pathways are involved in nicotine-mediated SLBP reduction and they may play an important role in nicotine-induced cell transformation and carcinogenesis.Keywords: Nicotine, Stem-loop binding protein, Cell transformation, nAChR Citation Format: Qi Sun, Danqi Chen, Chunyuan Jin. Downregulation of Stem-loop binding protein by nicotine and its role in nicotine-induced cell transformation in human lung epithelial cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB191.
Tricuspid annular dimensions in patients with severe mitral regurgitation without severe tricuspid regurgitation.

Background Concomitant TV repair during mitral valve (MV) surgery based on tricuspid valve annulus (TVA) dilation, rather than the degree of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), is beneficial and supported by the valve guidelines. We sought to determine TVA geometry and dimensions in controls and assess the changes that occur in patients with severe primary (PMR) and secondary (SMR) mitral regurgitation without TR. Methods We analyzed cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) of 125 consecutive subjects: 50 controls with normal coronary CCTA and no valvular dysfunction, 50 PMR patients referred for robotic repair, and 25 SMR patients referred for transcatheter therapy. Patients with >2+ TR on echocardiography were excluded. Annular measurements were performed using dedicated software and compared. Correlations and determinants of TVA dimensions were analyzed. Results Patients with SMR were older and had significantly more comorbidities. In controls, the TVA was larger and more planar and eccentric compared to the MV annulus (all P<0.01). Dimensions of both annuli correlated significantly (r≥0.5; P<0.001 for all dimensions) in controls and patients with severe MR. In both PMR and SMR, the TVA enlarged in all dimensions (P<0.01) with a trend towards becoming more circular. On multivariable regression, the MV annular area was the primary determinant of the TVA area (adjusted β=0.430, P<0.001). Conclusions Substantial changes in TVA dimensions are encountered in patients with severe MR even in the absence of severe TR such that TVA and MVA dimensions remain correlated. Close attention to the TVA in patients with severe MR is warranted.
Postacute COVID-19 Laryngeal Injury and Dysfunction.

ObjectivePatients with COVID-19 are at risk for laryngeal injury and dysfunction secondary to respiratory failure, prolonged intubation, and other unique facets of this illness. Our goal is to repo...
P-090: BRAF V600E multiple myeloma patient salvaged with triple MAPK inhibition after CAR T relapse

Background Despite a growing arsenal of treatment choices, patient relapse post-BCMA-targeted CART therapy remains a challenge and the therapeutic path is still undefined. Among the most frequently observed actionable mutations, BRAF V600E, is present in ~7% of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The availability of selective inhibitors of BRAF V600E makes this a valuable therapeutic target. However, the clinical efficacy of these inhibitors has been limited and short-lived, frequently due to feedback-induction of BRAF dimers. Novel studies revealed that the multi-kinase inhibitor regorafenib is a potent and selective inhibitor of dimeric BRAF. They have further demonstrated relief of these negative outcomes by inhibiting BRAF in both its monomeric and dimeric form in combination with MEK inhibition leading to more efficacious and tolerable treatment. (Adamopoulos C. et al. Cancer Discov. 21). We present a case of a MM patient with BRAF V600E mutation salvaged with a triple therapy inhibition strategy after relapsing following anti-BCMA CART therapy. Method A 61-year-old male with penta-refractory MM (IgA lambda), ISS stage 3 with hyperdiploidy, gain of 1q21 and del13 was treated with anti-BCMA CART therapy, achieving a best response of VGPR, and disease progression after 6 months. He was temporarily salvaged with BCNU/Mel ASCT and achieved a best response of PR until progression with extramedullary disease (subcutaneous skin lesions in lower extremities) and elevated lambda free light chains (FLC, 126.4mg/l) at 6 months. Results Targeted sequencing showed a BRAF V600E mutation was present prior to CART therapy in his bone marrow and persisted in his bone marrow and a plasmacytoma with a VAF of 41% at this current relapse. A western blot analysis of bone marrow aspirate confirmed BRAF V600E with a specific antibody, and showed phosphorylation of ERK, which was diminished with trametinib. Longer exposure to trametinib confirmed a feedback loop activating MAPK which was abrogated with the BRAF dimer inhibitor regorafenib. With these findings the patient was started on targeted therapy based on combination of a BRAF monomer-inhibitor, dabrafenib (100mg, orally twice daily), a MEK-inhibitor, trametinib (1.5mg, orally for 21/28 days daily), and a BRAF dimer inhibitor, regorafenib (40mg, orally once daily). Within 3 months of treatment initiation, prompt reduction in subcutaneous skin lesions and 80% reduction in free lambda FLC (27.5 mg/l) was observed. Furthermore, the patient had good tolerance to all three medications with minimal side effects (grade 1 fatigue) and continues treatment. The treatment regimen allowed the patient to carry out activities of daily living and return to work. Conclusion Post-CART failure treatment is a challenging and unmet need. NGS may identify targeted therapy that would be able to salvage patients with a tolerable side effect profile.
From Document Delivery to Information Access

The American Library Association's program priorities since 1977 have increasingly centered on redefining the mission of the library in a broader context of total information access. Access has been addressed by the Association in relation to national information policy. The Association's response to the work of its Commission on Freedom and Equality of Access to Information illustrates the difficulties that arise when member-governed organizations consider information policy options in public forums. Such debates may challenge fundamental professional values. The need to reexamine policy positions an conflict with the importance of maintaining a consistent public advocacy stance. ALA has identified access as its highest priority and has begun enumerating characteristics of adequacy in the information access environment. There is little indication that the ALA organizational structure itself, however, yet reflects the transition from document delivery to information access.
Neutrophil Gelatinase- associated Lipocalin: An Emerging Biomarker for Angina Renalis

Angina pectoris is symptomatic, and sensitive biomarkers such as troponin that are released from affected myocytes have revolutionized the early diagnosis and successful treatment of ischemic myocardial injury. In contrast, ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI), analogously referred to as angina renalis, is largely devoid of symptoms. Although common and serious (about one-third of intensive care patients develop AKI), the diagnosis using conventional biomarkers such as serum creatinine is unreliable and delayed [1]. Therefore, potentially effective interventions are delayed, and AKI remains an important contributor to the high mortality rate in affected critically ill subjects [2, 3]. Fortunately, recent advances have unraveled the early stress response of kidney tubule cells to ischemic injury, and have provided several novel biomarkers for AKI [4, 5, 6]. The current status of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), possibly the most promising AKI biomarker in intensive care and emergency medicine settings, is outlined below.
MBE growth of wide-gap II-VI laser materials-real-time in-situ monitoring of critical material properties

Summary form only given. Techniques will be described involving electron and laser beam probes which can be applied to the real-time in-situ-monitoring of carrier concentrations in doped epilayers and defect formation due to lattice-mismatch during the MBE growth of wide-gap II-VI/GaAs heterostructures. Such properties are critical to the performance of wide-gap II-VI/GaAs light-emitting devices.
Papel de la monitorización electroencefalográfica continua en el diagnóstico de la epilepsia pediátrica

The diagnosis of epilepsy is basically clinical, but it frequently raises the differential diagnosis with non-epileptic events. The development of continuous EEG monitoring (CEEGM) in the past decades has allowed a better diagnosis of epileptic patients of all ages. In this paper we review the data available in the literature about the efficacy of the different modalities of CEEGM in the diagnosis of pediatric epilepsy, emphasizing our personal experience. In our studies the ambulatory CEEGM supplemented with video allowed to answer the question that prompted its request in 80% of patients diagnosed with epilepsy and in 83% of those with the suspected diagnosis of epilepsy. With ambulatory computer-assisted CEEGM those figures were 88% and 89%, respectively, and with inpatient video-CEEGM they were 82% and 51%, respectively. The latter is crucial in the evaluation of epilepsy patients who are candidates for surgical treatment. Inpatient video-CEEGM is also very important in the management of patients with acute encephalopathies admitted to the Intensive Care Units. Both, ambulatory or inpatient CEEGM, are very useful in the differential diagnosis of clinical epileptic versus non-epileptic events, as well as in the confirmation of the type of epilepsy or epileptic syndrome. The development of technological advances and new EEG modalities in the future will help to continue to consider electroencephalography as a very important technique in the study of brain function in patients with acute or chronic encephalopathies.
An ex vivo approach to complex renal artery aneurysm repair

Ex vivo repair technique for a complex renal artery aneurysm may have several advantages. Smaller incision size and use of minimally invasive techniques may decrease incisional morbidity and improve recovery time, especially in patients with a high body mass index. Improved visualization afforded by back-table methods may also be valuable when repair of aneurysms involving multiple branches is necessary. We report of a successful case of laparoscopic nephrectomy, followed by back-table aneurysmorrhaphy and autotransplant, in a patient with a renal artery aneurysm.
The Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895: The Settlement: The Modern Era in Far Eastern Diplomacy

Last July when Japan declared war on China, Europe could not help feeling quite a keen sense of astonishment. It did not fail to find presumptuous this little country which set about playing the role of the aggressor against a much more vast empire, whose population exceeded its own by several hundreds of millions and whose resources are considered inexhaustible. Le Journal des debats politiques et litteraires , February 1895 In a few months, “frivolous, superficial, grotesquely imitative, little Japan” had become “the predominant factor in the Far East” – “a nation to be reckoned with in all future international combinations affecting Eastern Asia” – “a rising naval power” … Governments that had, in the past, treated Japan with scant courtesy, now seriously considered the question of an alliance with her. Other great Powers paid her the almost equally great compliment of looking upon her as a dangerous rival … Friends and foes alike had begun to grasp the changed situation. The New Far East was born. Arthur Diosy, London-born writer, founder of the Japan Society, knight commander of Japan's Order of the Rising Sun
Efficient Run-time Monitoring Of Timing Constraints

A real-time system operates under timing constraints which it may be unable to meet under some circumstances. The criticality of a timing constraint determines how a system is to react when a timing failure happens. For critical timing constraints, a timing failure should be detected as soon as possible. However, early detection of timing failures requires more resource usage which may be deemed excessive. While work in real-time system monitoring has progressed in recent years, the issue of tradeoff between detection latency and resource overhead has not been adequately considered. This paper presents an approach for monitoring timing constraints in real-time systems which is based on a simple and expressive specification method for defining the timing constraints to be monitored. Efficient algorithms are developed to catch violations of timing constraints at the earliest possible time. These algorithms have been implemented in a tool called JRTM (Java Run-time Timing-constraint Monitor) in the language Java. This tool can be used to specify and monitor timing constraints of Java applications.
Brain Structures Differ between Musicians and Non-Musicians

From an early age, musicians learn complex motor and auditory skills (e.g., the translation of visually perceived musical symbols into motor commands with simultaneous auditory monitoring of output), which they practice extensively from childhood throughout their entire careers. Using a voxel-by-voxel morphometric technique, we found gray matter volume differences in motor, auditory, and visual-spatial brain regions when comparing professional musicians (keyboard players) with a matched group of amateur musicians and non-musicians. Although some of these multiregional differences could be attributable to innate predisposition, we believe they may represent structural adaptations in response to long-term skill acquisition and the repetitive rehearsal of those skills. This hypothesis is supported by the strong association we found between structural differences, musician status, and practice intensity, as well as the wealth of supporting animal data showing structural changes in response to long-term motor training. However, only future experiments can determine the relative contribution of predisposition and practice.
Reaction sintered glass: a durable matrix for spinel-forming nuclear waste compositions

Abstract Glass formation by reaction sintering under isostatic pressure is an innovative process to vitrify refractory-rich high-level radioactive waste. We used a typical defense waste composition, containing spinel-forming components such as ∼4 wt% of Cr 2 O 3 , ∼23 wt% Al 2 O 3 , ∼13 wt% Fe 2 O 3 , and ∼9 wt% UO 2 , with CeO 2 simulating UO 2 . Reaction sintered silicate glasses with waste loading up to 45 wt% were prepared within three hours, by hot pressing at 800°C. The glass former was amorphous silica. Simulated waste was added as calcined oxides. The reaction sintered glass samples were characterized using scanning and analytical electron microscopy. The results show that extensive reaction sintering took place and a continuous glass phase formed. Waste components such as Na 2 O, CaO, MnO 2 , and Fe 2 O 3 , dissolved completely in the continuous glass phase. Cr 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , and CeO 2 were only partially dissolved due to incomplete dissolution (Al 2 O 3 ) or super-saturation and reprecipitation (Cr 2 O 3 and CeO 2 ). The precipitation mechanism is related to a time dependent alkali content in the developing glass phase. Short-term corrosion tests in water showed that the glasses are chemically more durable than melted nuclear waste glasses. Based on hydration energies calculations, the long-term chemical durability of our reaction sintered glasses is expected to be comparable to that of rhyolitic and tektite glasses.
A neural network approach to audio data hiding based on perceptual masking model of the human auditory system

A new system that employs artificial neural networks to identify perceptually masked transmission opportunities within an audio stream is presented. The neural network is trained to automatically extract the perceptual map of the human auditory system. The network is then used at the encoding end to identify opportunities for transmission of inaudible data into the voice stream. At the decoding end, the network is used to monitor the audio channel for presence of masked data. Increased data transmission rates, resistance to compression algorithms and increased processing gains are among the advantages of the proposed solution.
The role of comparative panoramic visualization of radiographs in the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip: reply to Daza and Osorio

Sir, We read with interest the recent letter of Drs. Daza and Osorio [1] concerning radiography in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and are pleased to note their comments and respond to them. We are in full agreement about their depiction of findings in DDH and their explanation of the correlation with normal and abnormal stresses upon the developing neonatal and infant acetabulum. When one examines the literature and history of medical care of DDH, one finds many methods over the years that have been developed radiographically to examine qualitatively and quantitatively the hip joints of infants and children. All are helpful, with some more than others. Our recent article was published in a supplement of Pediatric Radiology that summarized our contribution to the postgraduate course at the 2008 annual meeting of the Society for Pediatric Radiology where the theme was “Evidence-Based Imaging in Pediatrics.” Our task was to examine the last decade of literature on imaging in DDH and report upon the latest available information of whether outcomes in babies with DDH are improved by imaging. In doing so, we reviewed all modalities and comparisons with clinical examination that we could find. Admittedly, we searched only in English. The development and evolution of hip sonography in the last 20 years has been in response to the late emergence of DDH that previously had not been prevented by clinical examination alone or the accompanying use of radiography. In our opinion, the best evidence, as reported in our article, has come out of two Norwegian randomized controlled trials [2, 3]. In babies without risk factors, no statistical difference has been found between expert clinical hip examiners and expert hip sonologists in preventing the rare emergence of cases of late DDH. In babies with DDH risk factors, there has been a trend, not statistically significant, of hip sonography being slightly better diagnostically than clinical examination alone. Some evidence and opinion suggest that when clinical examiners are inexperienced or are unsure of their findings, the use of imaging is likely to be more sensitive in detecting DDH or confirming normal. We are not aware of any large-scale recent trials of infant AP pelvic radiography being compared to clinical hip examination and then checking long-term outcome and the late discovery of DDH. In our opinion, selective use of hip radiography remains a useful adjunct in the care of children beyond early infancy in the follow-up of DDH but has not been shown to improve outcomes when used in routine neonatal and early infant screening.
Fluid-rock interactions in the salt dome environment: an introduction and review

Abstract The salt dome environment in the Gulf of Mexico Coast, U.S.A, provides one of the most diverse and long-lived records of fluid-rock interactions in an active sedimentary basin dominated by saline formation waters. The geochemical record, most of which is isotopic, appears to span a temperature range between Earth surface temperatures and lower greenschist facies. Most mineral-forming processes in the salt dome cap rocks appear to involve mixtures of warm saline formation fluids from deep basin sources and cool dilute meteoric waters. Papers in this issue of Chemical Geology document some of the current research on fluid-rock interactions in the salt dome environment. These papers highlight the diversity of opinion about salt dome processes, offering clues for further research. The present paper reviews some of the key and more current literature on salt dome geochemistry, fluid convection around salt domes, and fluid-rock interactions within salt and within the salt dome environment.
ERIC reports on ID

Philosophical Foundations and Instructional Design (Curriculum Theory). Research and Theory Division Symposium: Open Forum on the Foundational Issues of the Field of Instructional Technology. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Dallas, January 1984. 11pp. Concerned with curriculum theory and development and the place of curriculum theory within the area of instructional technology, this paper first identifies the central questions of curriculum (e.g., what should we teach?) and discusses the implications of the resulting issues: (1) Why should we teach this rather than that? (2) Who should have access to what knowledge7 (3) What affects would accrue from the study, particularly the prolonged study, of a given domain of knowledge? and (4) How should the various parts of the curriculum be interrelated in order to create a coherent whole? The question of curriculum is examined and implications for the field of technology that might enhance the utilization of media within the instructional process are viewed. Conclusions indicate that linking the notions of curriculum and media together will suggest new ways of looking at the learning process and provide a different language and conceptual framework for looking at the issues, problems, and concerns in the field. Ten references are listed. -Microfiche 97 cents, paper copy $2.15 plus shipping, as document ED 243 427. The Status of Authoring Aids for Instructional Systems Development: An Analysis of Needs and Availability. Final Report,Sandra K. Wetzel and others. San Diego, Calif.: Navy Personnel Research and Development Center, 1982. 25pp. Surveys and follow-up interviews were conducted in 1978 and 1980 respectively at the Navy's Instructional Program Development Centers to determine the need for the development or modification of authoring aids (manuals containing detailed procedural guidelines) to support designers/developers in producing high quality, usable, instructional materials. In addition, tri-service availability and utilization of authoring aids were assessed. Results indicated that instructional strategy selection, terminal/enabler objective writing, and test construction needed support. The tri-service assessment showed that existing aids and those under development would require major modifications to meet Navy requirements. It was recommended that: (a) designers/developers be encouraged to take courses/workshops in instructional technology; (b) coordination be maintained with appropriate tri-service agencies for interservice exchange; and (c) existing authoring aids, such as the Instructional Quality Inventory (IQI) and the Author Training Course, be modified if necessary and placed online as computer-based aids. A 24-item bibliography, a flow chart outlining Instructional Systems Development (ISD) design and development tasks, and a report distribution list are provided. -Microfiche 97 cents, paper copy $2.15 plus shipping, as document ED 243 476.
The quest of porous ELK materials for high performance logic technologies

To meet the demand of lower interconnect delay, using lower dielectric constant material for BEOL is an inevitable choice for 65nm and below high performance technology nodes. Porous low k material with k<2.7 is required for this application. However, with its porous characteristics and inferior mechanical properties, maintaining a low post process effective dielectric constant (k process) and meeting process and packaging reliability specifications are the major challenges to the successful integration of the material [M.S. Liang, in:Challenges in Cu/Low-K Integration, IEDM, 2004.]. Proper choice of the integration scheme [C.H. Yao et al., in: Porous ULK Process Technology Development for 65/45nm Nodes, VMIC, 2005.] and careful adjustment of its associated individual processes are the first step for maintaining the k process and keeping the process away from latent damages to reliability. Trench First Hard Mask (TFHM) and Via First integration schemes were compared for the purpose [S.S. Lin et al., in: An Optimized Integration Scheme for 0.13m Technology Node Dual-Damascene Cu Interconnect, IITC, 2000.]. In order to characterize the process window of the integration scheme, a systematical and statistical method (Structural Design Rule, SDR, calculation) is used with supplement of an innovative in-line e-beam inspection technique, Grey Level Measurement [M.D. Lei et al., in: In-line Semi-electrical Process Diagnosis Methodology for Integrated Process Window Optimization of 65nm and below Technology Nodes, SPIE, 2006.] combined with a specially designed test pattern (Addressable Defect Array), which covers all densities/pitches/widths of vias/trenches. These methods and techniques help us to reach the optimal process window in a methodological and timely fashion. In addition, to overcome the inherent mechanical weakness of the porous low k material, extensive finite element modeling is used to design and define mechanically stronger structures for better die saw immunity and package robustness of various packaging requirements [T.C. Huang et al., Wire Bonding Failure Mechanisms and Simulations of Cu Low-K IMD Chip Packaging, AMC 2002.]. FEM technique is also used for the reliability robustness design and derivation of design rule constraints for meeting electro-migration and stress migration requirements. [T.C. Huang et al., in: Numerical Modeling and Characterization of the Stress Migration Behavior Upon Various 90 Nanometer Cu/Low k Interconnects, IITC, 2003.] With these innovative techniques and methodologies to overcome most of obstacles, ELK application for high performance logic technologies can be developed.
Effect of boron on grain boundary character distribution in Ni3Al

Abstract The effect of boron on GBCD in two B doped (500 and 2000 wppm) Ni-24Al alloys was studied. The results are summarized as follows: (1) B reduces ∑3 boundaries from 14.8 to 5.9% when it increased from 500 to 2000 wppm, respectively. This reduction can be interpreted in terms of the increase in stacking fault energy by the B addition. (2) No noticeable effect of B on the frequency of occurrence of LABs was observed. (3) When the ∑3 boundaries are excluded from the frequency distribution, the influence of B on the fraction of RBs is negligibly small, suggesting that RBs are not affected by the presence of B. (4) The beneficial effects of B on the ductility of Ni 3Al cannot be attributed to the change in GBCDs because B reduces the fraction of ∑3 boundaries and has no noticeable influence on the occurrence of LABs.
Effects of available space on social interactions in male white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus)

Pairs of alien male white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were allowed to interact for 12.5 min in circular arenas of 25, 50, 100, and 150 cm in diameter. Ten different pairs were tested in each arena. Interindividual distance and orientation of the animals relative to each other were recorded 60 times during each encounter. In general, mice encountering each other in the small arenas differed from those in the large arenas by: (i) remaining closer together relative to the available area; (ii) orienting less toward each other; (iii) having shorter approach latencies; (iv) avoiding each other less often; and (v) exhibiting earlier and more frequent olfactory investigations. Aggressive acts (threats, attacks, fights, and chases) were infrequent and did not vary with arena size. The animals used the greater area in the larger arenas for avoiding each other. Approaches in the smallest arena were more likely to end in investigatory responses, whereas, in the larger arenas, they were more likely to end in avoidance. Available space obviously affected the behavior patterns measured, but no quantitative association between available space and behavior could be assigned over the range of areas used in this experiment.
Notes on the Death Penalty in the Context of the September 11 Attacks

As of September 11, 2001, a rogue and criminal entity has sentenced us to death. The sentence makes no distinction between the innocent and the guilty. Its authors proceed as self-declared sovereigns exacting limitless retribution. The terrorizing extremity of their program reveals some of the malignant determinants in the pursuit of both sovereignty and retribution. Some of those determinants, also operative in judicially sanctioned executions, are as the focus of this paper. Proponents of the death penalty want something from it. For them, having the State kill the convicted party seems to promise the kind of relief not available from any other form of punishment. This essay, using cultural and clinical material, addresses some of what might be wanted from the death penalty and some of what it seems to promise. The pursuit of such promise can be undertaken only as an exercise in sovereignty. Such pursuit depends on the unquestionable belief in one's absolute right to the imaginary fruits of retribution....
Intramedullary fixation of unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures: one or two lag screws.

ObjectiveTo compare the screw sliding characteristics and biomechanical stability of four-part intertrochanteric hip fractures stabilized with an intramedullary nail using either one large-diameter lag screw (intramedullary hip screw [IMHS]; Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN) or two small-diameter lag scr
Unemployment Reserves: Some Questions of Principle

I. The incidence of contributions from employers, 313.— Qualifications: unemployment benefits may modify competition for employment, 314; strengthening unionism introduces additional uncertainty, 315; the outcome affected by rigidity of money wage rates, 316.—Shifting forward to consumers, 316.— The assumption that employment is a function of labor costs, 317.— The incidence of a limited system of reserves, 318.— The possibility that there is no net cost, 319.— II. Employers' contributions as incentives to stabilize employment, 320.— The argument obscure and weak, 321.— The necessary conditions of additional financial incentives, 322.— Effects would be largely on casual employment, 324.— III. The form of the reserves: insurance or pooling vs. deposit or savings, 325.— Pooled reserves not true insurance, 326.— Contributions to pooled reserves akin to taxes, 330.— Pooled reserves a mixture of relief and insurance, 330, and are as unstable as industry itself, 332.— The ethics and economics of the deposit or savings basis, 333.— Conclusions, 335.
Autoamputation of benign and malignant colonic polyps: report of two cases.

While spontaneous amputation of colonic polyps occurs frequently in children with juvenile polyps, such autoamputation is rare in adults. Two cases of autoamputation of colonic polyps are reported here: in one, the passage of a polypoid papillary adenocarcinoma, 2×3 cm, was accompanied by cramps, severe bleeding and syncope; in the other, a benign adenomatous polyp, 2×3 cm, was passed with no accompanying symptoms.
Effect of dialysis modality on plasma fibrinogen concentration: A meta-analysis

Background: Concentrations of plasma fibrinogen, a vascular risk factor, tend to be greater in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) than hemodialysis (HD) therapy, like concentrations of serum cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and transthyretin, despite the substantial loss of protein during PD. Worse vascular outcome has been noted in PD patients compared with HD patients in several studies. Methods: In this study, the mean difference in plasma fibrinogen levels (PD − HD) was quantified by means of meta-analysis of mean differences found in 12 cohorts with both PD and HD patients (set 1; N=630) by using a fixed-effects model and meta-analysis of mean fibrinogen values reported in 30 cohorts of patients on a single dialysis modality (set 2; 8 PD cohorts, 22 HD cohorts; N=2,096) by using a mixed model. Results: On meta-analysis, the weighted mean difference (PD − HD) was 105 mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI], 86 to 124 [3.1 μmol/L; 95% CI, 2.5 to 3.6]) in set 1 and 103 mg/dL (95% CI, 53 to 153 [3.0 μmol/L; 95% CI, 1.6 to 4.5) in set 2. Conclusion: Like other vascular risk factors, such as cholesterol and lipoprotein(a), plasma fibrinogen level is markedly greater in PD than HD patients, with an approximate difference of 100 mg/dL [2.9 μmol/L]. Different plasma reference ranges for fibrinogen need to be defined for PD and HD patients. The mechanism for the difference and the possible role of hyperfibrinogenemia in worsening vascular disease in PD patients deserve study.
Experimental linewidth parameters and dipole moments for the propyne molecule in the V9 and V10 vibrationally excited states

Abstract Linewidth parameters were obtained for some rotational components in the ground, V 9 = 1, V 10 = 1, and V 10 = 2 vibrational states for the propyne (CH 3 CCH) molecule at 300 K. A method employing the linewidth parameters to determine dipole moments of vibrationally excited species is presented and discussed.
Inscribing Gender in Rural Development: Industrial Homework in Two Midwestern Communities1

A resurgence of informal economic work, such as home-working, occurred in some rural areas during the 1970s and the 1980s. In two midwestern communities, an employer of industrial homeworkers was recruited in an effort to boost the local economy with new jobs. In these communities, ideas about women's roles in households and the labor market are crucial to the states' ability to couple industrial homeworking with rural community development. Industrial homeworking as development in the United States shows how development goals support and maintain the sexual division of labor in households and in the local labor market. Personal interviews and archival documents form the basis of the case study data. These data are content-analyzed for themes about the process of development and the relationship of the local states and industrial firms.
Determining the Probability of Default and Risk-Rating Class for Loans in the Seventh Farm Credit District Portfolio

Credit risk is the primary risk facing financial institutions. With the proposed guidelines under the New Basel Accord, financial institutions will benefit from better assessing their risks. The probability of default (PD) and risk-rating class is studied for 157,853 loans in the Seventh Farm Credit District Portfolio. Repayment capacity, owner equity, and working capital origination loans are important determinants of the PD. Standard & Poor's (S&P) reported probabilities of default were used to classify each of the loans into a risk-rating class. The average predicted PD is 1.61%, which would fall into the BB- S&P class. Capital management is a significant topic for financial institutions as they prepare to meet new guidelines under the proposed New Basel Accord (Basel Committee on Banking Supervision). The advanced options of the Accord will require financial institutions to assess their credit, market, and operational risk, to link these risks to capital management, and to comply with safety and soundness regulations "for uniform application throughout" the institution (Barry 2001). The goals of the Accord are to tailor risk measurement and capital management to the characteristics of diverse financial institutions and to more finely distinguish segments of their loan portfolios. Credit risk is the primary source of risk to financial institutions. As part of the credit risk assessment, the Accord suggests more granularity in risk-rating classes than currently exists, along with other improvements to existing riskrating systems. Many banks are using more advanced rating systems under the N Allen M. Featherstone is a professor of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State
Lesions of the oral mucosa treated with specific vitamins

Abstract Evidence has been presented of the occurrence of lesions of the oral mucosa as single changes which have been cured by the administration of specific vitamins.
An Indexing Algorithm for Large Melti-Dimensional Arrays

When using multi-dimensional arrays in high level languages a mapping has to be performed between the array indices and the address space of the machine. Except for some special purpose processors this address space is one-dimensional, so the mapping is from a multi-dimensional space to a one-dimensional space. There are many possible mappings that can be used, and all high level languages use one particular mapping that is easy to implement — the row/column mapping where either rows or columns are stored in consecutive memory locations.
Automatic data compression

The “information explosion” noted in recent years makes it essential that storage requirements for all information be kept to a minimum. A fully automatic and rapid three-part compressor which can be used with “any” body of information to greatly reduce slow external storage requirements and to increase the rate of information transmission through a computer is described in this paper. The system will also automatically decode the compressed information on an item-by-item basis when it is required.The three component compressors, which can be used separately to accomplish their specific tasks, are discussed: NUPAK for the automatic compression of numerical data, ANPAK for the automatic compression of “any” information, and IOPAK for further compression of information to be stored on tape or cards.