cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent developments in nanostructured anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

In this paper, the use of nanostructured anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is reviewed. Nanostructured materials such as nano-carbons, alloys, metal oxides, and metal sulfides/nitrides have been used as anodes for next-generation LIBs with high reversible capacity, fast power capability, good safety, and long cycle life. This is due to their relatively short mass and charge pathways, high transport rates of both lithium ions and electrons, and other extremely charming surface activities. In this review paper, the effect of the nanostructure on the electrochemical performance of these anodes is presented. Their synthesis processes, electrochemical properties, and electrode reaction mechanisms are also discussed. The major goals of this review are to give a broad overview of recent scientific researches and developments of anode materials using novel nanoscience and nanotechnology and to highlight new progresses in using these nanostructured materials to develop high-performance LIBs. Suggestions and outlooks on future research directions in this field are also given.
Biodistribution of adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) vector after intrathecal and intravenous delivery in mouse

Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9)-mediated gene transfer has been reported in central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues. The current study compared the pattern of expression of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) across the mouse CNS and selected peripheral tissues after intrathecal (i.t.) or intravenous (i.v.) delivery of equivalent doses of single-stranded AAV9 vector. After i.t. delivery, GFP immunoreactivity (-ir) was observed in spinal neurons, primary afferent fibers and corresponding primary sensory neurons at all spinal levels. Robust transduction was seen in small and large dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons as well as trigeminal and vagal primary afferent neurons. Transduction efficiency in sensory ganglia was substantially lower in i.v. treated mice. In brain, i.v. delivery yielded GFP-immunoreactivity (-ir) primarily in spinal trigeminal tract, pituitary, and scattered isolated neurons and astrocytes. In contrast, after i.t. delivery, GFP-ir was widespread throughout CNS, with greater intensity and more abundant neuropil-like staining at six weeks compared to three weeks. Brain regions with prominent GFP-ir included cranial nerve nuclei, ventral pons, cerebellar cortex, hippocampus, pituitary, choroid plexus, and selected nuclei of midbrain, thalamus and hypothalamus. In cortex, GFP-ir was associated with blood vessels, and was seen in both neurons and astrocytes. In the periphery, GFP-ir in colon and ileum was present in the enteric nervous system in both i.v. and i.t. treated mice. Liver and adrenal cortex, but not adrenal medulla, also showed abundant GFP-ir after both routes of delivery. In summary, i.t. delivery yielded higher transduction efficiency in sensory neurons and the CNS. The observation of comparable gene transfer to peripheral tissues using the two routes indicates that a component of i.t. delivered vector is redistributed from the subarachnoid space to the systemic circulation.
Explaining discrepant findings in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses: An application to U.S. homicide rates ☆

Abstract Cross-sectional studies often reach different conclusions regarding the association between key explanatory variables and outcomes than those of longitudinal approaches. This study considers possible explanations for discrepant findings using a decomposition approach with panel data on 404 U.S. counties for the period 1970–1999. The analysis establishes that there are important differences in the effects of independent variables on homicide rates across counties as opposed to within counties over time. Explanations offered for these discrepancies are that variables may have differing temporary (flow) and permanent (stock) influences on outcomes and possible omitted variable bias. The findings highlight the importance of distinguishing among possible stock and flow effects and are significant not only for the study of crime but also for other social phenomena.
Discovery of potent, proteolytically stable, and cell permeable human sirtuin peptidomimetic inhibitors containing Nε-thioacetyl-lysine

Inhibitors of sirtuin-catalyzed NAD+-dependent protein lysine deacetylation reaction possess great value for facilitating deciphering the biology of sirtuins and as potential therapeutic agents for metabolic and age-related diseases and cancer. Built upon our previously discovered potent Ne-thioacetyl-lysine (ThAcK)-containing 18-amino acid peptidic human sirtuin inhibitor 1, we performed a structure–activity-relationship (SAR) study with the goal of transforming this potent peptidic inhibitor to potent yet proteolytically stable, cell permeable, and low molecular weight ThAcK-containing peptidomimetic inhibitors. Specifically, in this SAR study, we have identified two such peptidomimetic inhibitors (8 and 9) that exhibited potent in vitro and in vivo human sirtuin inhibition and whose molecular weights are in the 500 Da range.
Revisiting the biosynthesis of dehydrophos reveals a tRNA-dependent pathway.

Bioactive natural products containing a C-P bond act as mimics of phosphate esters and carboxylic acids, thereby competing with these compounds for active sites of enzymes. Dehydrophos (DHP), a broad-spectrum antibiotic, is a phosphonotripeptide produced by Streptomyces luridus, in which glycine and leucine are linked to an aminophosphonate analog of dehydroalanine, ΔAla(P). This unique feature, in combination with the monomethylation of the phosphonic acid, renders DHP a Trojan horse type antibiotic because peptidase-mediated hydrolysis will release methyl acetylphosphonate, a potent inhibitor of pyruvate dehydrogenase. Bioinformatic analysis of the biosynthetic gene cluster suggested that ΔAla(P) would be generated from Ser(P), the phosphonate analog of Ser, by phosphorylation and subsequent elimination, and that ΔAla(P) would be condensed with Leu-tRNALeu. DhpH was anticipated to carry out this elimination/ligation cascade. DhpH is a multidomain protein, in which a pyridoxal phosphate binding domain is fused to an N-acetyltransferase domain related to the general control nonderepressible-5 (GCN5) family. In this work, the activity of DhpH was reconstituted in vitro. The enzyme was able to catalyze the β-elimination reaction of pSer(P) to generate ΔAla(P), but it was unable to condense ΔAla(P) with Leu. Instead, ΔAla(P) is hydrolyzed to acetyl phosphonate, which is converted to Ala(P) by a second pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme, DhpD. Ala(P) is the substrate for the condensation with Leu-tRNALeu catalyzed by the C-terminal domain of DhpH. DhpJ, a 2-oxoglutarate/Fe(II)-dependent enzyme, introduces the vinyl functionality into Leu-Ala(P) acting as a desaturase, and addition of Gly by DhpK in a Gly-tRNAGly-dependent manner completes the in vitro biosynthesis of dehydrophos.
Impact of controlled intraabdominal pressure on the optic nerve sheath diameter during laparoscopic procedures

Acute elevations of intraabdominal pressure (IAP) are seen in many clinical scenarios with a consequent elevation in intracranial pressure (ICP). With the optic nerve sheath (ONS) being a part of the dura mater and the optic nerve surrounded by cerebral spinal fluid, a change in pressure within the subarachnoid space would be detected by ultrasonography, and invasive methods could be avoided. The study objective was to evaluate ultrasonographic modifications observed on the optic nerve sheath diameter during acute elevations of IAP in patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures. We prospectively collected data from patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures between July and August 2013. The optic nerve sheath diameter was measured sagittally with a 12-MHz transducer. The measurements were obtained at baseline, 15 and 30 min, and at the end of surgery. There were 16 females (36.4 %) and 28 males (63.6 %), with a mean age of 44.22 ± 10.44 years (range 23–66) and body mass index of 29.45 ± 6.53 kg/m2 (range 21–39). The mean optic nerve sheath diameter was 4.8 ± 1.0 mm at baseline, 5.5 ± 1.1 mm at 15 min, 5.9 ± 1.0 mm at 30 min, and 5.1 ± 1.2 mm after deflation of pneumoperitoneum. The diameter increased significantly at 15 min by a median of 0.6 mm (interquartile range 0.3, 0.8; p < 0.0001) and at 30 min by a median of 1.0 mm (interquartile range 0.7, 1.4; p < 0.0001), returning close to baseline after surgery. The acute elevation in IAP during laparoscopy significantly increased the optic nerve sheath diameter. The changes in the ONSD reflect a temporary and reversible increase in the ICP due to the acute elevation of IAP.
Convergence of dirichlet invariant measures and the limits of bayes estimates

Using a new constructive definition of the Dirichlet invariant prior measure we study the weak convergence of Dirichlet invariant measures and the limits of the Bayes estimates with respect to squared loss of an estimable parameter of degree k(>1) of the true unknown underlying invariant probability measure as the parameters of the Dirichlet invariant measures are allowed to converge to zero. The asymptotic distribution of the limiting Bayes estimate is derived. This relates to the recent work of Yamato (1986, 1987)
Mutational tolerance to carbendazim in Botrytis cinerea

SUMMARY No spontaneous mutation for tolerance to the fungicide carbendazim was detected in C. 108 conidia from each of eight carbendazim-sensitive field isolates of Botrytis cinerea. Conidia of B. cinerea were highly insensitive to u.v.-irradiation, although after severe irradiation treatments mutant strains showing the same levels of tolerance as two groups of carbendazim-tolerant field isolates were selected at frequencies of between 10-9 and 10-6 of survivors. Mutants with low levels of tolerance (ED50 > 10 μg ml-1 carbendazim; ‘partially-tolerant’) were selected from irradiated conidia obtained from sensitive field isolates and a further series of mutants capable of growth on 10 000 μg ml-1 carbendazim (‘fully-tolerant’) were selected from irradiated conidia from either partially-tolerant mutants or from partially-tolerant field isolates. Both mutation steps were confirmed in similar experiments in which tolerance to an unrelated fungicide, 2, 6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline (DCNA), was incorporated as a genetic marker in the parent strains.
Confidence intervals for the risk ratio under cluster sampling based on the beta-binomial model.

In cohort studies, the risk ratio (RR) is one of the most commonly used epidemiologic indices to quantify the effect of a suspected risk factor on the probability of developing a disease. When we employ cluster sampling to collect data, an interval estimator that does not account for the intraclass correlation between subjects within clusters is likely inappropriate. In application of the beta-binomial model to account for the intraclass correlation, we develop four asymptotic interval estimators of the RR, which are direct extensions of some recently developed estimators for independent binomial sampling. We then use Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the finite-sample performance of these four interval estimators in a variety of situations. We find that the estimator using the logarithmic transformation generally performs well and is preferable to the other three estimators in most of the situations considered here. Finally, we include an example from a study of an educational intervention with emphasis on behaviour change to illustrate the use of the estimators developed in this paper.
The effect of chemical sympathectomy on vascular responses in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abstract Spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats were treated either acutely or chronically with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Thereafter, blood pressure, tissue levels of norepinephrine (NE), and vascular responses were studied. After a single, acute injection of 6-OHDA (100 mg kg ) the mean arterial pressure of SH rats fell from 159 mmHg to 110–120 mmHg. This fall in pressure was accompanied by a loss of sympathetic nerve terminal function, as indicated by a loss of pressor responses to injected tyramine. After chronic 6-OHDA treatment (four injections over a period of 10 days; cumulative dose of 250 mg kg ), the systolic blood pressure of SH rats fell from 185 mmHg to a variable level of approximately 125 mmHg. Tissue levels of NE in heart, aorta and mesentery were reduced, and pressor responses to tyramine were nearly abolished. Spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive (NT) rats were tested for their vasodepressor responses to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Spontaneously hypertensive rats were significantly more responsive to the drug than were NT rats. After acute or chronic 6-OHDA treatment, SH and NT rats had reduced responses to PGE2; the reduction was greater for SH than for NT rats. Spontaneously hypertensive and NT rats were also tested for their pressor responses to NE. The two groups of animals were equally responsive to this amine. After chronic 6-OHDA treatment, both SH and NT rats became supersensitive to NE; the magnitude of supersensitivity in the two groups was comparable. Spontaneously hypertensive and NT rats were pithed and then tested for vascular responses to NE. Following pithing, the basal blood pressures of the two groups were similar, and so were NE responses. When animals had been previously sympathectomized with 6-OHDA, supersensitivity still developed. Moreover, the magnitude of supersensitivity in pithed, sympathectomized SH rats was nearly identical to that in pithed, sympathectomized NT rats. Pretreatment of animals with cocaine resulted in presynaptic supersensitivity. The magnitude of supersensilivity produced by cocaine was similar to that produced by chronic 6-OHDA treatment. These data are discussed in terms of the role that the sympathetic nervous system plays in the genesis and maintenance of spontaneous hypertension.
Hb DARTMOUTH [α66(E15)Leu → Pro (α2) (CTG → CCG)]: A NOVEL α2-GLOBIN GENE MUTATION ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE NEONATAL ANEMIA WHEN INHERITED IN TRANS WITH SOUTHEAST ASIAN α-THALASSEMIA-1

We report a novel mutation at alpha66(E15)Leu-->Pro (alpha2) (CTG-->CCG), that we have named Hb Dartmouth for the medical center at which the patients were cared for, in monozygotic twins who also inherited the Southeast Asian alpha-thalassemia-1 deletion. The mother, of Khmer ancestry, is heterozygous for alpha-thalassemia-1. The father, who is of Scottish-Irish ancestry, is a silent carrier of the codon 66 mutation. The twins had severe neonatal anemia requiring transfusion.
Attitude datives in Lebanese Arabic and the interplay of syntax and pragmatics

Lebanese Arabic licenses structures with non-argument dative pronouns that I call attitude datives (ADs). ADs may be co-referential with the subject of the sentence, with the speaker or hearer, or with a topic. ADs do not belong to the thematic grid of predicates, and they do not make truth-conditional contributions to expressions. However, they do make pragmatic contributions in the form of conventional implicatures, triggering an evaluative interpretation of events and depicting speech participants as attitude holders. The main purpose of this article is to provide details about the distribution and interpretation of ADs and to account for their choice of antecedent. I present an analysis within the framework of Accessibility Theory and Context-Linked Grammar to show that an AD is linked to its antecedent as a result of the interplay between syntax and pragmatics. I also address the issue of subject-oriented ADs and explain why they are exempt from Condition B of Binding Theory by adopting a movement approach to binding.
Contraception for women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease of uncertain aetiology that can affect multiple organ systems. The disease is more prevalent in women, with a female:male ratio of about 10:1 in most studies. In some populations SLE incidence is highest in women of reproductive age, while in others the highest age-specific incidence rates in women are seen after age 40 years.1 Globally, reported estimated prevalence rates in women range from 35/100 000 in a white subpopulation in the UK2 to 694/100 000 in an African American subpopulation in the USA.3 In general, a higher disease burden is found in non-white subpopulations worldwide. Unfortunately, despite the complications that an unintended pregnancy can cause for a woman with SLE, many women with SLE are not counselled regarding contraceptive use or are counselled against contraceptive use based on concerns that contraceptives will adversely affect their disease. A recent study found that among a cohort of women with SLE and at risk of unintended pregnancy, including many on teratogenic medications, 59% reported no contraceptive counselling within the past year and 53% relied solely on barrier contraceptive methods.4 In the 2009 update of the World Health Organization Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (WHOMEC),5 SLE was included for the first time as a condition. Recommendations were made by a working group of global family planning experts on the safety of contraceptive method use by women with SLE, based on a systematic review of the evidence (Table 1).6 Each medical condition/contraceptive method combination is classified as …
User Preferences for Auditory Device-driven Menu Navigation

A device-driven auditory menu interface that “pushes” the menu options to the user and requires minimal user input can be beneficial to users with both limited vision and input range. Presentation rate is important for auditory menus; they need to be slow enough for comprehension and responding, but fast enough to prevent frustration. User preferences for inter-item gap on an auditory device-driven cell phone menu were investigated. Participants (n=11) navigated a two-level auditory menu to target a randomly chosen item. Before each trial participants set the inter-item gap by manipulating a slider. Results showed a mean preference for .853 second inter-item gap in experimental trials, and a significant decrease in preferences between practice (15) and experimental (30) trials [t(10) = 4.28, p = .002]. Accuracy was 91.5% over all the trials. The findings indicate that it is feasible to design a limited-input cell phone with an auditory device-driven menu.
An analysis of the mechanisms governing species replacements in crayfish

We investigated mechanisms governing replacement of the native crayfish Orconectes sanborni by an invading cryafish, Orconectes rusticus. The two species had similar life histories, habitat preferences, and feeding patterns in allopatric and sympatric stream areas. Orconectes rusticus young-of-year (YOY) grew faster than O. sanborni YOY in the field. Adult O. rusticus were larger and, hence, dominant over adult O. sanborni; YOY were non-aggressive. In laboratory experiments, adult crayfish (about 28 mm carapace length or larger) were not susceptable to predation by largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, 30 cm total length) and did not alter shelter use when fish were present. Orconectes rusticus YOY were less susceptible to predation than O. sanborni YOY. Orconectes rusticus YOY reduced their vulnerability to largemouth bass by occupying shelters more often than YOY O. sanborni. In mixed-species mateselection experiments, male O. rusticus and male O. sanborni preferentially mated with O. rusticus females. Inappropriate mate selection in sympatry may have caused the 90% reduction in recruitment for both species in 1982. Orconectes rusticus probably maintains greater population growth than O. sanborni, because (1) more gravid O. rusticus females occurred in sympatry, (2) O. rusticus produced more young than O. sanborni, and (3) O. rusticus young grew faster. Reproductive interference, acting synergistically with differences in aggressive dominance and young-of-year susceptibility to predation, appears to serve as the major mechanisms regulating replacement of O. sanborni by O. rusticus in Ohio streams.
Sleep deprivation in the rat by the disk-over-water method

Chronic sleep deprivation may be required to reveal the most serious physiological consequences of sleep loss, but it usually requires strong stimulation which can obscure the interpretation of effects. The disk-over-water method permits chronic sleep deprivation of rats with gentle physical stimulation that can be equally applied to yoked control rats. A series of studies with this method has revealed little or no pathology in the control rats. The deprived rats show a reliable syndrome that includes temperature changes (which vary with the sleep stages that are lost); heat seeking behavior; increased food intake; weight loss; increased metabolic rate; increased plasma norepinephrine; decreased plasma thyroxine; an increased triiodothyronine-thyroxine ratio; and an increase of an enzyme which mediates thermogenesis by brown adipose tissue. The temperature changes are attributable to excessive heat loss and an elevated thermoregulatory setpoint, both of which increase thermoregulatory load, and the other changes are interpretable as responses to this increased load. This pattern indicates that sleep serves a thermoregulatory function in the rat. The sleep deprived rats also show stereotypic ulcerative and hyperkeratotic lesions localized to the tail and plantar surfaces of the paws, and they die within a matter of weeks; the mediation of these changes is unresolved.
Moral distress among nursing and non-nursing students:

Their nursing experience and/or training may lead students preparing for the nursing profession to have less moral distress and more favorable attitudes towards a hastened death compared with those preparing for other fields of study. To ascertain if this was true, 66 undergraduates (54 women, 9 men, 3 not stated) in southeastern USA completed measures of moral distress and attitudes towards hastening death. Unexpectedly, the results from nursing and non-nursing majors were not significantly different. All the present students reported moderate moral distress and strong resistance to any efforts to hasten death but these factors were not significantly correlated. However, in the small sample of nurses in training, the results suggest that hastened death situations may not be a prime reason for moral distress.
MOS Technology Drivers

The semiconductor industry has entered a new revolution where connectivity, applications, and an overall pervasive market drives the need for increased circuit density, improved performance, and a decrease in power dissipation. These issues are the backbone for some of the latest silicon technology advancements, including the integration of stress-enabled transistors and advanced silicon-on-insulator substrates. Future advancements may include multiple gated devices, high- gate oxides, and band-gap-tailored devices. This paper will review some of the early complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor reliability issues and solutions that have allowed this industry to flourish over the last 25 years. A discussion on how these past issues and new advances affect power versus performance is the framework and motivation of this paper.
Control of Key Pecan Insect Pests using Biorational Pesticides

Key pecan insect pests include the black pecan aphid, Melanocallis caryaefoliae (Davis), pecan weevil, Curculio caryae (Horn), and stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Alternative control tactics are needed for management of these pests in organic and conventional systems. Our objective was to evaluate the potential utility of several alternative insecticides including three plant extract formulations, eucalyptus extract, citrus extract-8.92%, and citrus extract-19.4%, and two microbial insecticides, Chromobacterium subtsugae (Martin et al.) and Isaria fumosorosea (Wize). In the laboratory, eucalyptus extract, citrus extract-8.92%, citrus extract-19.4%, and C. subtsugae caused M. caryaefoliae mortality (mortality was reached approximately 78, 83, and 96%, respectively). In field tests, combined applications of I. fumosorosea with eucalyptus extract were synergistic and caused up to 82% mortality in M. caryaefoliae. In laboratory assays focusing on C. caryae suppression, C. subtsugae reduced feeding and oviposition damage, eucalyptus extract and citrus extract-19.4% were ineffective, and antagonism was observed when citrus extract-19.4% was combined with the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser). In field tests, C. subtsugae reduced C. caryae damage by 55% within the first 3d, and caused 74.5% corrected mortality within 7 d posttreatment. In the laboratory, C. subtsugae and eucalyptus extract did not cause mortality in the brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say). Applications of C. subtsugae for suppression of C. caryae, and eucalyptus extract plus I. fumosorosea for control of M. caryaefoliae show promise as alternative insecticides and should be evaluated further.
The degree of retinopathy is equally predictive for renal and macrovascular outcomes in the ACCORD Trial

Abstract Aims Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is associated with a higher risk of renal and cardiovascular events. We sought to compare the risk for renal versus cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, stratified by retinopathy severity. Methods ACCORD was a randomized trial of people with type 2 diabetes, at high-risk for CV disease. A subgroup (n = 3,369 from 71 clinics) had stereoscopic fundus photographs graded centrally. Participants were stratified at baseline to moderate/severe DR or no/mild DR and were monitored for renal and CV outcomes at follow-up visits over 4 years. The composite renal outcome was composed of serum creatinine doubling, macroalbuminuria, or end-stage renal disease. The composite CV outcome was the ACCORD trial primary outcome. Competing risk techniques were used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of renal versus CV composite outcomes within each DR stratum. Results The hazards ratio for doubling of serum creatinine and incident CV event in the moderate/severe DR versus no/mild DR strata were: 2.31 (95% CI: 1.25–4.26) and 1.98 (95% CI: 1.49–2.62), respectively. The RR of the two composite outcomes was highly similar in the no/mild DR stratum (adjusted RR at 4 years for CV versus renal events = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.72–1.28) and the moderate/severe DR stratum (adjusted RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.64–1.31). Conclusions Thus, in people with type 2 diabetes at high risk for cardiovascular disease, incident CV versus renal events was similar, irrespective of the severity of the DR. Further evaluation of the specificity of DR for microvascular versus macrovascular events in other populations is warranted.
Unsteady vortical and entropic distortions of potential flows round arbitrary obstacles

The analysis concerns the alterations produced when small amplitude disturbances, including entropy and vorticity disturbances, are imposed on steady potential flows. For the most general nonacoustic incident distortion field that can be imposed on the uniform upstream flow, it is shown that the perturbation velocity at any point of the resulting unsteady compressible and vortical flow consists of a part that is a known function of the imposed upstream distortion field and the mean flow variables and a potential part that can be found by solving a linear inhomogeneous wave equation with a dipole-type source term whose strength is a known function of the imposed upstream distortion field. The theory is applied to the unsteady flow past a corner, and a closed-form analytical solution is found.
Long-term corrosion of a Ga-containing restorative material

Abstract Objective: The aim was to simulate and characterize the long-term corrosion of a Ga-containing alloy (Galloy, SDI). Methods: To induce corrosion, cylindrical specimens, 8×4 mm , of the material were subject to potentiostatic polarization at −0.1 V (SCE) in a phosphated buffered saline (PBS) solution at 20°C for 30 d. The current–time transients during polarization were recorded and the corresponding anodic charge, Q , was calculated. Parallel potentiostatic corrosion tests in a Cl-free PBS solution were also conducted to demonstrate the significance of the Cl − ion in corrosion. In addition, potentiodynamic anodic polarization tests were performed to characterize the overall corrosion behavior of the alloy in both electrolytes. The external and internal corroded layers, formed during potentiostatic corrosion in PBS, were measured by optical microscopy. SEM and EDXA were used to characterize the morphology and composition of the potentiostatically polarized surfaces. Results: Galloy was passive in Cl-free PBS. The Cl − ion in PBS destroyed passivity and initiated a “dissolution–precipitation” type reaction during potentiostatic corrosion. The latter led to circumferential internal corrosion and growth of a layer of external corrosion products. The thickness of the internal and external corrosion layers was 0.77±0.07 and 0.86±0.37 mm , respectively. The Q value (89.3±13.7 C/cm 2 ) in PBS was about two orders of magnitude higher than that (0.66±0.24 C/cm 2 ) in Cl-free PBS. The corrosion products contained Sn, Ga, In, Cu, O and Cl. Significance: Massive internal and external corrosion in a Cl-containing medium as in saliva, accumulation of corrosion products at the cavity wall, and the consequent stress build-up contribute to post-operative pain, tooth straining, marginal breakdown and fractured teeth reported with the clinical use of Galloy.
Biodegradation of anionic and nonionic surfactants under aerobic and anaerobic conditions

Because branched-chain alkyl benzene sulfonate (ABS) is well known to create water pollution problems in surface water and ground water, a study was made on the biodegradation of this surfactant along with other anionic and nonionic surfactants in detergents by water bacteria. Biodegradation was evaluated by the conventional river die-away test employing the methylene-blue method or surface-tension techniques as analytical tools. Under anaerobic conditions, sugar detergents (sucrose esters) seem to be an ultimate solution to water problems created by branched-chain ABS; in aerated water, straight-chain ABS, sulfo tallow methyl esters, and nonionic surfactants are preferable to branched-chain ABS to improve water problems.
Effects of subacute dietary salt intake and acute volume expansion on diastolic function in young normotensive individuals.

Aims Chronic excess salt intake may have blood pressure-independent adverse effects on the heart such as myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. Effects of subacute sodium loading with excess dietary salt on diastolic function in normotensive individuals have been conflicting and the mechanisms are poorly understood. Methods and results Thirteen healthy normotensive subjects (age 24 ± 4 years) entered a 2-week crossover study with 1 week of a low-salt diet 200 mEq/day. At the end of each study week, left ventricular dimensions, systolic, and diastolic function were assessed with echocardiography before and after 2 L of normal saline infusion. One week of high-salt and low-salt diets did not lead to differences in echocardiographic parameters of systolic or diastolic function, even after rapid volume expansion with saline infusion. The peak early diastolic strain rate (SR) increased after volume loading both after completion of low-salt (1.62 ± 0.23/s vs. 1.82 ± 0.14/s, P < 0.05) and high-salt diets (1.67 ± 0.16/s vs. 1.86 ± 0.22/s, P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the peak early diastolic SR and the cardiac index ( r = 0.52, P = 0.017). Conclusion In healthy normotensive individuals, subacute excess dietary sodium intake does not affect diastolic function. The peak early diastolic SR, similar to other mitral Doppler and tissue Doppler parameters of diastolic function, appears to be strongly dependent on pre-load.
Electrodic voltages accompanying stimulated bioremediation of a uranium-contaminated aquifer

maximum power density of 10 mW/m 2 during sulfate reduction. We infer that the EP anomalies resulted from electrochemical differences between geochemically reduced regions and areas having higher oxidation potential. Following the period of sulfate reduction, EP values ranged from −500 to −600 mV and were associated with elevated concentrations of ferrous iron. Within 10 days of the voltage decrease, uranium concentrations rebounded from 0.2 to 0.8 mM, a level still below the background value of 1.5 mM. These findings demonstrate that EP measurements provide an inexpensive and minimally invasive means for monitoring the products of stimulated microbial activity within aquifer sediments and are capable of verifying maintenance of redox conditions favorable for the stability of bioreduced contaminants, such as uranium.
Samarium(II) Iodide–1,3‐Dioxolane

(SmI2) [32248-43-4] I2Sm (MW 404.16) InChI = 1S/2HI.Sm/h2*1H;/q;;+2/p-2 InChIKey = UAWABSHMGXMCRK-UHFFFAOYSA-L (1,3-dioxolane) [646-06-0] C3H6O2 (MW 74.09) InChI = 1S/C3H6O2/c1-2-5-3-4-1/h1-3H2 InChIKey = WNXJIVFYUVYPPR-UHFFFAOYSA-N (used as a formyl anion equivalent in carbonyl addition reactions of aldehyde and ketone substrates) Solubility: sol 0.1 M in dioxolane. Preparative Methods: SmI2 prepared in dioxolane with addition of Acetonitrile to aid in dissolving SmI2. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: SmI2 is air sensitive and should be handled accordingly.
Ultra low-loss high power AlGaN/GaN HFET switches

Novel design concepts and cutting edge results are presented for high-power AlGaN/GaN Heterostructure Field-Effect Transistor switches for power converters, control and radio-frequency applications. For power switching, the HFET design has to be different from that of power amplifiers in order to minimize the contact resistance and avoid current crowding in the metal electrodes of large-periphery devices. Developed high-power III-Nitride HFET switches have the ON-resistance less than 1.25 Omega for a 3-mm wide multi-finger device, equivalent to less then 0.4 mOmegacm2 specific ON-resistance. New design and technology allows for low-loss power switching with above 1kV operating voltages, sub-nanosecond switching times, operating temperatures ranging from cryogenic up to 300degC and even higher.
An Empirical Target Zone Model of Dynamic Capital Structure

We develop and estimate a general (S, s) model of capital structure to investigate the relation between target leverage, refinancing thresholds, and firm characteristics in a dynamic environment. We find that firms’ target leverage is pro-cyclical, consistent with dynamic capital structure models, but in contrast to traditional regression results. The target leverage zone, in which companies optimally allow leverage to float, widens during recessions. Most of the time series variation in capital structure policy variables is due to aggregate macroeconomic factors, rather than changes in firm-specific variables.
Evaluation of Methods to Quantify Populations of Rhizoctonia in Soil.

The best method to quantitatively determine populations of Rhizoctonia in soil from soybean fields undergoing rice and soybean rotations was determined for use in a large-scale spatial study to be done over multiple fields and years. The methods evaluated were the toothpick-baiting method, the multiple-pellet soil sampler, and the pour-plate method using elutriated organic matter from soil or surface residue. The toothpick-baiting method was calibrated using the multiple-pellet soil sampler and determined to assay an approximate soil volume of 15.43 cm3. The radius of isolation with the toothpick-baiting technique was approximately 1 cm. In 2009 and 2010, the toothpick method was determined to be the most reliable method for assaying soils, with the most isolates across space and greater recovery of Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA, R. solani AG11, and R. oryzae, the major Rhizoctonia spp. in these fields, when quantified as propagules per volume of soil or organic matter. In 2011, the recovery of these three gr...
The Elephant In and Out of the Room: Remigio dei Girolami’s Responses to Charles de Valois

In November 1301, Charles de Valois, brother of French King Philip IV, entered Florence at the request of Pope Boniface VIII and his Florentine allies. While Charles’ mission was ostensibly peacemaking between Florence’s Black and White factions, in reality his visit led to violence and exile of leading Whites, including Dante. Much of what we know about these events was written in retrospect, from the chronicles of Compagni and Villani to Dante’s Commedia. The Florentine Dominican Remigio dei Girolami, however, preached two sermons that week that provide a more immediate impression. One was given at the official communal welcome ceremony for Charles. The other, one of his sermons De pace, was probably given at a semi-secret peace procession mentioned by Compagni. Rhetorical analysis of these two sermons shows that Remigio tailored his message to his audience. When Charles was present, Remigio diplomatically avoided the subject of factional division, instead advising Charles on his upcoming mission to Sic...
Global Influences on National Definitions of Quality Education: Examples from Spain and Italy

There is increasing attention worldwide to advancing quality education. Beyond a rhetorical aim, many international organizations and national education systems have articulated a commitment to promoting measures of quality education through the development of educational indicators. This article broadly explores the global influences on national definitions and measures of quality education through examining select educational issues in Spain and Italy. Through an examination of select educational issues in these two illustrative national examples, there appears to be a connection between the ways in which educational quality indicators are used and defined at the national and international level. These examples provide insight into how the Organisation for Economic and Co-operation and Development (OECD) influences educational policy developments in quality education within the national space, particularly through its own Education at a Glance indicators and Programme for International Student Assessmen...
SUPPRESSOR SYSTEMS OF SEGREGATION DISTORTER (SD) CHROMOSOMES IN NATURAL POPULATIONS OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Several natural populations of D. melanogaster were investigated for the presence (or absence) of the Segregation Distorter ( SD) chromosomes and their suppressor systems. The SD chromosomes were found, at frequencies of a few percent, in two independent samples taken in different years from a Raleigh, North Carolina, population, whereas no SD chromosomes were found in samples collected from several populations in Texas. The populations in these localities were found to contain suppressor X chromosomes in high frequencies (75% or higher). They also contained relatively low frequencies of partial suppressor or insensitive second chromosomes of varying degrees, but completely insensitive second chromosomes were practically absent in all populations examined. The frequencies of suppressor X chromosomes, as well as those of the partially insensitive or suppressor second chromosomes, were the same among the populations investigated. This suggests the possibility that the development of a suppressor system of SD in a population could be independent of the presence of an SD chromosome. Segregation distortion appeared to be occurring in natural genetic backgrounds, but the degree of distortion varied among males of different genotypes. There were many instances in which the SD chromosomes showed transmission frequencies from their heterozygous male parents that were smaller than 0.6 and, in several cases, even smaller than 0.5. The presence of a recessive suppressor, or suppressors, of SD in natural populations was suggested.
CRT-200.71 Initial Commercial Experience With Orbital Atherectomy in Calcified Coronary Artery Disease

Severely calcified lesions present many challenges to PCI. Orbital Atherectomy System (OAS) is a device which allows for vessel preparation and treatment of severely calcified coronary lesions. This study evaluated clinical safety and results of the initial commercial experience of OAS in a real
Anesthetic agent-specific effects on synaptic inhibition.

BACKGROUND:Anesthetics enhance γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibition in the central nervous system. Different agents have been shown to act on tonic versus synaptic GABA receptors to different degrees, but it remains unknown whether different forms of synaptic inhibition are also differenti
Review of the available urethral bulking agents.

Purpose of reviewNewer tissue bulking agents used to treat stress urinary incontinence and vesicoureteral reflux provide for similar rates of success as older agents, but with greater safety and hopefully with greater durability. We review the new studies on the development and on the current trials
Four reasons why traditional metal toxicity testing with aquatic insects is irrelevant.

T metal contamination of freshwater ecosystems is a problem worldwide, and insects are typically the predominant invertebrate faunal group in these systems. Metals can shape community structure, as evidenced by reduced biodiversity in affected areas. Aquatic insects are often some of the first species to disappear from metal-contaminated sites, despite the fact that laboratory toxicity tests would suggest that aquatic insects are generally insensitive to metals. In fact, typical laboratory results would indicate that insects only respond to dissolved metals at concentrations orders of magnitude larger than those found in the most insect-depleted contaminated sites. Even with mounting evidence highlighting the obvious disconnect between laboratory toxicity tests and field observations regarding metal toxicity to aquatic insects, water quality criteria for metals continues to rely primarily on toxicity values derived from short term dissolved-only exposures. Below we discuss four key reasons as to why such tests don’t provide relevant data for this important faunal group, focusing upon recent advances in our understanding of bioaccumulation and mechanisms of toxicity.
Feasibility of improving child behavioral health using task-shifting to implement the 4Rs and 2Ss program for strengthening families in child welfare.

Children whose families are involved with child welfare services manifest disproportionately high levels of behavioral difficulties, which could be addressed in community-based organizations providing services to prevent out-of-home placement. Unfortunately, few evidence-based practices have been successfully implemented in child welfare settings, especially those originally delivered by mental health providers. Given that such settings typically employ caseworkers who lack prior mental health training, this is a significant barrier to implementation. Consequently, the overall aim of the current study is to test the feasibility of shifting a mental health intervention from specialized services to community-based organizations. It uses task-shifting and the Practical, Robust, Implementation, and Sustainability model (PRISM) to implement an evidence-based intervention to reduce child behavior difficulties, originally provided by mental health practitioners, so that it can be delivered by caseworkers providing placement prevention services to child welfare-involved families. Task-shifting involves (1) modifying the intervention for provision by non-mental health providers, (2) training non-mental health providers in the modified intervention, and (3) establishing regular supervision and monitoring by mental health specialists. This study uses the 4Rs and 2Ss Program for Strengthening Families, a multiple family group service delivery model to reduce child behavior difficulties, as the example intervention. This intervention has had prior success with child welfare-involved families. The proposed study objectives are (1) to tailor the content, training, and supervision of the intervention for delivery by caseworkers serving child welfare-involved families and (2) to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the modified intervention. Mixed quantitative and qualitative methods will assess feasibility and acceptability from key stakeholders (caseworkers, supervisors, administrators, caregivers). In phase I, a collaborative advisory board will be convened (1) to modify the intervention to be delivered by caseworkers in placement prevention service settings and (2) to develop training and supervision protocols for caseworkers. In phase 2, the modified intervention will be pilot-tested for delivery by n = 4 caseworkers to n = 20 families receiving placement preventive services (where children manifest behavior problems). Mixed quantitative/qualitative methods will be used to assess feasibility and acceptability. This protocol will be of particular interest to agency administrators, program managers, and researchers interested in developing and testing cross-setting implementation guidelines for similar evidence-based practices.
From Evidentiality to Credibility:On the Chinese Evidentiality

Evidentiality is about the speaker's expression of source of information and his commitment to the reliability of information.The linguistic forms of evidientiality are termed evidentials or evidential markers.Professor ZHU Yongsheng analyzes and examines Chinese evidentiality in terms of its lexical markers,which indicates what one says must be evidential.Following ZHU's theory,this paper aims to analyze some typical utterances in addition to the introduction of some other influential factors affecting the speaker's validity besides the degrees and orientations of Chinese evidentiality,namely the speaker's social status,his willingness to be responsible for what he says,and the intention whether he tells a lie purposely or not.All these factors may influence the evidentiality of Chinese language.
Segmental ischemia in testicular torsion

Testicular torsion is a rare but important entity in the discipline of urology, as urgent action is required to save the testicle anatomically and functionally. Occurring mainly in the young prepubertal or pubertal male, testicular torsion is also seen in young adults. The annual incidence has been estimated to be 4.5 cases per 100,000 male subjects. The outcome of testicular torsion, in cases of unsuccessful emergent intervention, is total or partial infarction of the testicular tissue. We present a case of partial testicular ischemia due to testicular torsion.
Posttraumatic stress disorder, allostatic load, and medical illness.

In this chapter we present a psychobiological conceptual framework that accounts for the mounting evidence that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a risk factor for medical illness. First we describe the human response to stress to provide the context for the ensuing discussion. Then we summarize the extensive literature on the relationship of chronic stress syndrome to medical illness. Next we review the biological alterations associated with chronic PTSD and how these PTSD-related psychobiological abnormalities might increase the risk for medical illness among affected individuals. Then we introduce the allostatic load model (McEwen, 1998; McEwen & Stellar, 1993) and demonstrate how this theoretical approach enables us to understand the etiological significance of such abnormalities. Finally, we discuss how the allostatic load model helps us conceptualize resilience, prevention, and treatment.