cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Doped Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 for high efficiency integrated supercapacitors

Applications for integrated energy storage and pulse-power devices may have found opportunities in the emergence of the ferroelectric hafnium-zirconium oxide thin film system. To explore the boundaries of this material thin film system, 10 nm thick binary Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) thin films are doped with Al or Si (Al or Si-doped HZO). The added dopants provide a distinct shift in behavior from ferroelectric to antiferroelectric characteristics. Si-doped Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films exhibited a larger than 50 J/cm3 energy storage density with an efficiency of over 80%. The Si-doped Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films were cycled 109 times up to 125 °C and maintained a robust 35 J/cm3 energy storage density and greater than 80% efficiency. Al-doped Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films exhibited a larger switching field, leading to a smaller energy storage density and less robust cycling properties than Si-doped Hf0.5Zr0.5O2.
Matrix Factorization at the Frontier of Non-convex Optimizations: Abstract for SIGMETRICS 2017 Rising Star Award Talk

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Canonical Component Analysis (CCA) are two of the few examples of non-convex optimization problems that can be solved efficiently with sharp guarantees. This is achieved by the classical and well-established understanding of matrix factorizations. Recently, several new theoretical and algorithmic challenges have arisen in statistical learning over matrix factorizations, motivated by various real-world applications. Despite the inherent non-convex nature of these problem, efficient algorithms are being discovered with provable guarantees, extending the frontier of our understanding of non-convex optimization problems. I will present several recent results in this area in applications to matrix completion and sensing, crowdsourcing, ranking, and tensor factorization.
Performing Antiracist Pedagogy in Rhetoric, Writing, and Communication

Performing Anti-Racist Pedagogy offers an insightful look into racialized identities within the university. Developed as a reaction to racist institutional effects and unaware instructors, the chap...
Finite transcendence and its idol: infinite transcendence

For totalists in general man is ‘too narrow a category’ to be the measure of wholeness. The part cannot dictate to the whole. From this totalistic perspective subjectivism or particularism is the main target of attack. Hence, all the efforts at decentering man in relation to the whole are understandable even if not acceptable, from my point of view. This effort can be seen most clearly in Heidegger’s perspective of Being. In the Summer of 1936, Heidegger delivered a series of lectures on, Schelling’s Treatise on the Essence of Human Freedom. In these lectures Heidegger was as much interested in conveying his own perspective on this theme as he was in analyzing Schelling’s view. Schelling represents the metaphysical point of view which Heidegger tries to overcome. The theme which comes to the fore, even though it is a treatise on freedom, is how freedom can be seen in its relation to the Absolute or Being. From Heidegger’s perspective, Schelling’s view of freedom is a ‘historical questioning of Being.’
Insights from Canada, Israel, and the Netherlands

Canada, Israel, and the Netherlands each use different degrees of market competition, government intervention, and rationing in the health care marketplace. Canada differs most from the United States in its reliance on a single-payer rather than a multipayer system. Both Israel and the Netherlands have a multipayer system but put greater stress on distributional equity than does the United States. None of the three countries makes use of the employer in the provision of health insurance. An analysis of each of the three systems will explain the relative doses of competition, regulation, and rationing that might be used in the financing of health care in the United States.
Medical Management of the High-Output Enterostomy and Enterocutaneous Fistula

Medical management of the high-output enterostomy or enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) requires an understanding of mechanisms behind the malabsorption associated with short bowel syndrome (SBS) and intestinal failure (IF). A traditional definition of SBS is <200 cm of remaining viable jejunum and ileum following surgical resection for disease, trauma, infarction, or congenital defect. A more functional definition involves consideration of the quality of the bowel in continuity and the clinical status of the patient, both of which may further interfere with absorptive capacity of the bowel. A thorough examination of remaining functional and structural anatomy can reveal potential causes of persistent malabsorption.
Comparative effects of three methods of promoting breastfeeding among human immunodeficiency virus–infected women in Uganda: a parallel randomized clinical trial

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the comparative effects of three breastfeeding promotion interventions on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and any breastfeeding (BF) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women in Uganda. Methods Between February 2012 and February 2013, 218 HIV-infected pregnant mothers were randomly assigned to (A) standard care (n=73), (B) enhanced family/peer support (n=72) or (C) enhanced nutrition education (n=73). Results The prevalence (%) of EBF/BF did not differ between intervention arms at the sixth (A, 85/92; B, 84/91; C, 87/89) and ninth (A, 17/91; B, 18/89; C, 16/87) postpartum month assessments (p>0.05). However, the risk of early BF cessation differed between intervention arms depending on the mother's level of formal education (p=0.04). Among women with no formal education, the risk of early BF cessation was 88% (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.12 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.05-0.30]) and 93% (aHR 0.07 [95% CI 0.03-0.18]) lower in arms B and C, respectively, than in arm A (p<0.01). HIV status disclosure to a partner was associated with a higher risk of early EBF (p=0.03) and BF (p=0.04) cessation. Conclusions In resource-limited settings, enhanced (vs standard care) EBF promotion interventions may not differentially influence EBF but reduce the risk of early BF cessation among women with no formal education. Targeted enhanced interventions among women with no formal education and a mother's partner may be critical to reducing the risk of early EBF/BF cessation.
Fully Synthetic Approach toward Transition Metal–Nitrogen–Carbon Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts

We report a nonpyrolytic chemical synthesis of model iron–nitrogen–carbon electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to elucidate the role of Fe–N centers in the catalysis mechanism. The graphene-supported and unsupported catalysts were analyzed in detail by X-ray spectroscopy techniques. The electrochemical analysis was performed by linear sweep voltammetry and square wave voltammetry in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 0.1 M KOH electrolytes. In this article, with the use of model catalysts, we manifest and confirm the difference in the specific role of Fe–N active sites toward ORR in acidic and alkaline environments.
Impact evaluation of a parolee-based focused deterrence program on community-level violence

We estimate the impact of a parolee-based focused deterrence (“pulling levers”) intervention on community-level firearm and non-firearm violence in Rockford, Illinois, via a retrospective, quasi-ex...
Anthropological investigations of vitality: Life force as a dimension distinct from space and time

In what ways do anthropologists study vitality? Located in a familiar anthropological predicament—a return to a once familiar place like a field site after a significant gap of time—this article ar...
Current management of neuroblastoma and future direction.

Abstract Neuroblastoma is the most common solid extracranial tumor in pediatrics and can regress spontaneously or grow and metastasize with resistance to multiple therapeutic approaches. The prognosis and approach to treatment depends on the tumor presentation and whether it expresses certain drivers such as MYCN, ALK, and TrkB. Expression or mutation of these genes and kinases correlates with high-risk and poor prognosis. Multiple therapeutic approaches are being used to target MYCN, ALK, and TrkB, as well as GD2, a surface antigen present on the surface of neuroblastoma tumor cells. This review discusses the nature of these targets and several current therapies for neuroblastoma. A focus is placed on recent therapeutic developments including targeted delivery of chemotherapy, novel radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
Grand Challenges in Systems Engineering Education

Many of today’s global Grand Challenges can be traced back, at least partially, to deficiencies in the education system. While systems engineering education has the potential to radically change the ways that people approach problem-solving, a number of challenges stand in the way. These challenges involve both research needs related to methodology development and understanding the problem, as well as a practical perspective regarding implementation at different levels, including K-12, undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education. Through a series of workshops organized by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) that brought together distinguished systems engineering researchers and professionals from across the United States, this paper documents the identification and synthesis of research gaps in the area of systems engineering education. These include research needs related to socio-technical system modeling, measuring outcomes, and interpersonal skills. From these gaps, relevant stakeholders and preliminary research threads are identified, and a road map is put forward for future research to address these Grand Challenges.
Additional Intestinal Mucosal Biopsy Sampling for Research is Safe During Pediatric Endoscopic Procedures

Advancing the understanding of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis has been facilitated by mechanistic studies that require human intestinal tissue. Enrolling pediatric subjects into these studies improves our knowledge of IBD in this underserved population. Given the additional research protections granted to children, institutional review boards (IRBs) must weigh the benefit of obtaining research biopsies against perceived risks. Although obtaining clinical biopsies from children is generally considered safe, there are only limited data on the safety of obtaining research biopsies in children.1-6.
A 35-Year-Old Man with Pain and Numbness in the Left Lateral Thigh

Meralgia paresthetica is a focal neuropathy caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). The disease can be difficult to assess by nerve conduction study (NCS) or imaging studies. Skin biopsy is useful for diagnosing this condition. Here, we describe an obese patient with pain and numbness in the left lateral thigh. NCS was non-diagnostic. Skin biopsy showed reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density at the affected left lateral proximal thigh but not the asymptomatic right lateral proximal thigh. The case demonstrates the usefulness of skin biopsy in diagnosing unilateral mononeuropathy with small fiber degeneration.
Identifying sustainable winter habitat for whooping cranes

Abstract The only self-sustaining population of endangered whooping cranes (Grus americana) requires a network of conservation lands for wintering along the Texas Gulf Coast (USA), so that this increasing population can reach downlisting under the Endangered Species Act (1000 birds). We identify locations providing the highest quality and most sustainable wintering habitat for these whooping cranes through 2100 by predicting future habitats under three projections of sea level rise (0.6, 1.0 and 2.0 m by 2100), while incorporating two scenarios of future urban development. Our method combines predictions of future habitat quality with current whooping crane density estimates to calculate the potential carrying capacity of whooping cranes for each 10 m pixel within this 17,725 km2 area. We found whooping cranes used locations with salt marsh at twice the rate of places lacking marsh. Areas > 15 km from development or
A 256-point Analog Discrete-Time FFT

In support of future multi-carrier waveforms, this paper presents the design and simulation of a differential complex-valued 256-point analog discrete-time Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). A four-stage radix-4 decimation-in-time architecture was used, allowing the structure to be scaled to FFT sizes with thousands of points. Being high speed and having a large bin count makes this FFT a practical front end receiver component for waveforms that rely on the FFT, such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and future 5G waveforms like cyclic prefix OFDM (CP-OFDM). The FFT architecture was simulated using IBM’s 32nm Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) process, and the results are compared to other published analog discrete-time FFTs.
Tunable harmonic generation using hybrid metasurfaces incorporating phase-change chalcogenides

We demonstrate a dynamic nonlinear metasurface incorporating GST that facilitates large spectral shift of the fundamental gap-surface plasmon resonance for enhanced linear resonance and third harmonic generation efficiency.
Improving Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Emergency Department for Patients Diagnosed with Acute Otitis Media

Background The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the use of narrow-spectrum antibiotics as first-line therapy for the 4 most common childhood respiratory bacterial illnesses (ear, sinus, throat, and lung infections).1 The AAP Acute Otitis Media (AOM) clinical practice guidelines, which were last updated in 2013, recommend narrow spectrum antibiotic duration of 10 days for children < 2 years of age and 7 days for children ≥ 2 years to minimize side effects and reduce development of antibiotic resistance.2 The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) AOM clinical pathway also reflects these recommendations.3 Methodology A multidisciplinary team convened …
Genomic landscape of cell-free DNA in a diverse cohort of metastatic breast cancer patients.

e13066Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. Once the primary breast cancer has metastasized to other...
FDTD Modeling of Internal Electrostatic Discharge Events Coupled to High Frequency Antennas

Satellites that orbit planets with radiation belts are subjected to experience internal electrostatic discharge (IESD) events as they interact with charged particles. When charge accumulation exceeds the threshold of the dielectric material on the spacecraft, large discharges occur. The discharges generate electromagnetic pulses that couple to the antennas and induce high voltages. Protection from these discharges is of paramount concern for instrument fidelity of the spacecraft. Modeling the spacecraft and simulating these IESD events using a Maxwell's equations solver can describe how IESDs couple to the antennas of the spacecraft and thus provide information on how to properly protect the instruments from these high voltages. In particular, the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method offers advantages for this application over other electromagnetic numerical solvers because in a straight-forward manner it can simulate wideband transient pulses and also accurately solve near-field effects. A generalized analysis method is proposed and carried out in which an FDTD model is used to obtain transfer functions for IESD's occurring at hundreds of different locations on the spacecraft, which are then linearly combined to represent a wide variety of possible scenarios.
Entosis is induced by ultraviolet radiation

Entosis is a cell death mechanism that is executed through neighbor cell ingestion and killing that occurs in cancer tissues and during development. Here, we identify JNK and p38 stress-activated kinase signaling as an inducer of entosis in cells exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Cells with high levels of stress signaling are ingested and killed by those with low levels, a result of heterogeneity arising within cell populations over time. In stressed cells, entosis occurs as part of mixed-cell death response with parallel induction of apoptosis and necrosis, and we find that inhibition of one form of cell death leads to increased rates of another. Together, these findings identify stress-activated kinase signaling as a new inducer of entosis and demonstrate cross talk between different forms of cell death that can occur in parallel in response to UV radiation.
Cointegration Analysis of Exchange Rate Volatility and Agricultural Exports in Turkey: an Ardl Approch

This study aims to reveal the impact of exchange rate volatility on agricultural exports of Turkey by using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model. While quarterly time series data covering period of 2001: Q1 to 2018: Q4 were used to carry out analyses, Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (1.1) is used to acquire exchange rate volatility series. The research findings showed that agricultural export is cointegrated with exchange rate volatility, producer price index and real effective exchange rate. Furthermore, our findings indicate that increases in real effective exchange rate have a statistically significant positive influence on the export volume whereas exchange rate volatility has negative impact on it.
Orthogonal polynomial Stochastic Duality functions for Multi-species SEP$(2j)$ and Multi-species IRW

We obtain orthogonal polynomial self-duality functions for multi-species version of symmetric exclusion process (SEP$(2j)$) and independent random walker process (IRW) with closed boundary conditions. In each process we have $n>1$ species of particles. In multi-species SEP$(2j)$, we allow up to $2j$ particles to occupy a site. The duality functions for multi-species SEP$(2j)$ and multi-species IRW come from unitary intertwiners between different $*$-representations of the special linear Lie algebra $\mathfrak{sl}_{n+1}$ and the Heisenberg Lie algebra $\mathfrak{h}_n$, respectively. The analysis leads to multivariate Krawtchouk polynomials as orthogonal duality functions for the multi-species SEP$(2j)$ and homogeneous products of Charlier polynomials as orthogonal duality functions for the multi-species IRW.
Skeletal muscle angiogenesis. A possible role for hypoxia.

Skeletal muscle is one of the most plastic tissues in the body. Repeated exercise causes several muscle adaptations, among which the development of additional capillaries (angiogenesis) is prominent. Conversely, inactivity and some chronic diseases result in loss of muscle capillaries. Since (endurance) exercise depends on adequate O2 supply, it is reasonable to hypothesize that hypoxia occurring within muscle during exercise may provide the stimulus to angiogenesis. However, there are other potential stimuli including physical effects of increased muscle blood flow, or of muscle contraction; release of molecules such as NO that could transcriptionally activate angiogenic growth factors; and perhaps changes in the biochemical milieu of the muscle cell such as acidosis. This brief review will address evidence collected to date mostly at the molecular biological level that does in fact implicate reduced intracellular Po2 as a major stimulus to the angiogenic process resulting from exercise. In particular, it is shown that VEGF message and protein are increased in muscle with exercise, more so in hypoxia, and that HIF-1α correlates with VEGF as would be expected if hypoxia were the major stimulus. In addition, we show that muscle intracellular PO2 falls to very low levels during exercise (3–4 Torr), providing a degree of hypoxia compatible with a strong role for low Po2 in angiogenic growth factor response. However, the definitive experiments using acute gene manipulation to establish a cause and effect relationship between hypoxia and muscle angiogenesis remain to be performed.
Progress in pulsed power fusion

Pulsed power offers and efficient, high energy, economical source of x-rays for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research. We are pursuing two main approaches to ICF driven with pulsed power accelerators: intense light ion beams and z-pinches. This paper describes recent progress in each approach and plans for future development.
US power plant location and fuel mix: Opportunities for electricity exporting regions☆

There is considerable discussion in the USA concerning electricity trade between regions. The transmission system was not designed to accommodate interregional power trade, but regional differences in reserve margins and power generation costs have encouraged power trade to occur. Utilities with abundant coal-fired capacity in the Appalachians and Midwest are calling power to east ctilities who wish to restrict their oil burn. Interregional power trade has benefitted both buyer and seller. Many in electricity exporting regions view electricity exports as a source of revenue and are taking steps to maintain or increase power sales.
Na,K-ATPase: Isoform structure, function, and expression

An interesting feature of the Na,K-ATPase is the multiplicity of alpha and beta isoforms. Three isoforms exist for the alpha subunit, alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3, as well for the beta subunit, beta 1, beta 2, and beta 3. The functional significance of these isoforms is unknown, but they are expressed in a tissue- and developmental-specific manner. For example, all three isoforms of the alpha subunit are present in the brain, while only alpha 1 is present in kidney and lung, and alpha 2 represents the major isoform in skeletal muscle. Therefore, it is possible that each of these isoforms confers different properties on the Na,K-ATPase which allows effective coupling to the physiological process for which it provides energy in the form of an ion gradient. It is also possible that the multiple isoforms are the result of gene triplication and that each isoform exhibits similar enzymatic properties. In this case, the expression of the triplicated genes would be individually regulated to provide the appropriate amount of Na,K-ATPase to the particular tissue and at specific times of development. While differences are observed in such parameters as Na+ affinity and sensitivity to cardiac glycosides, it is not known if these properties play a functional role within the cell. Site-directed mutagenesis has identified amino acid residues in the first extracellular region of the alpha subunit as major determinants in the differential sensitivity to cardiac glycosides. Similar studies have failed to identify residues in the second extracellular region involved in cardiac glycoside inhibition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
5. Acoustics and Ultrasonics

Publisher Summary The chapter presents a review on the most important applications of acoustics and ultrasonics in materials characterization for porous media. The larger the inspection frequency, the shorter the length scale of the materials properties obtained from these measurements. Infrasonic elastic wave propagation is used in the closely related field of seismology, where material properties on very large scales (hundreds of meters to hundreds of kilometers) are of interest. The chapter discusses only relatively short-range and localized measurements ranging from approximately 100Hz to 1 MHz. These applications exploit the fact that transmission of sound is strongly affected by the medium through which it propagates. The other side of wave–material interaction—namely, the physical effects of sound on the material—is not discussed throughout the chapter. Acoustics is the science of mechanical waves, including their generation, detection, propagation, and interaction with the elastic medium. Mechanical waves with frequencies below the bottom (≈16 Hz) and above the top (≈ 20 kHz ) of the audible range are called “infrasound” and “ultrasound,” respectively. In homogeneous elastic solids, sound propagates either as a transversely polarized shear wave, or as a longitudinally polarized dilatational wave. Acoustic evaluation of porous materials can take advantage of some very specific acoustic phenomena that occur only in fluid-saturated consolidated solids of continuously connected pore structure. Certain material properties of the porous frame, such as the degree of consolidation or grain size, can be readily evaluated from the velocity or attenuation of the shear and longitudinal waves in the dry skeleton, or those of the fast compressional wave in the fluid-saturated material.
Three-Layered Biodegradable Micelles Prepared by Two-Step Self-Assembly of PLA-PEI-PLA and PLA-PEG-PLA Triblock Copolymers as Efficient Gene Delivery System.

Abstract "Three-layered micelles" (3LM) composed of two triblock copolymers, poly(L-lactide)-b-polyethyleneimine-b-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-PEI-PLLA) and poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) are designed to combine electrostatic interaction and solvent-induced condensation of DNA. The low molecular weight PLLA-PEI-PLLA is synthesized by a facile amine-protection/deprotection approach and employed as a gene vector, compacting DNA as a polyplex core in the organo-micelles. The individual organo-micelle is further encapsulated within a PLLA-PEG-PLLA amphiphilic micelle leading to an aqueous stable colloidal dispersion. The resulting spherical 3LM possess a hydrodynamic diameter of ca. 200 nm and zeta potential close to neutral and display excellent stability to competing polyanions such as dextran sulfate in neutral pH (7.4). Such high stability is attributed to the complete shielding of the PEI/DNA polyplex core with an impermeable hydrophobic intermediate layer. However, greater than 90% of the encapsulated DNA are released within 30 min when exposed to slightly acidic pH (4.5). Based on our findings, a new class of non-viral delivery system for nucleic acids with superb stability and stealth properties is identified.
Die erste Revolution: Bauern besiegen Jäger und andere

Was denken Sie? Wer ist der beharrliche, fleisige Bauer? Wer ist der Jager? Wenn Sie meine Einleitung noch in Erinnerung haben: Ich dachte vor dem Lesen von Thom Hartmanns Buch, er habe ganz sicher die Kampffront zwischen den SJ, den Citizens, und den SP, den Go West, beschrieben. Ich gehe auf Hartmanns Thesen spater noch genauer ein, namlich auf die Tabelle, die ich einst so sehnsuchtig erwartet hatte. Sie werden sehen: Es ist diese Front!
Chapter 3 Activation of Voltage-Dependent Potassium Channels

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the mechanism of voltage-dependent activation in potassium channels. Voltage controls the activity of a large number of potassium channels, including those in the Shaker (Kvl), Shab (Kv2), Shaw (Kv3), and Shal (Kv4) subfamilies. In voltage-dependent potassium channels, the probability of channel opening is steeply dependent on the membrane potential. A broad range of technical approaches have contributed to the understanding of the mechanism of voltage-dependent activation. Wild-type and mutant cDNA clones have been expressed in heterologous systems to investigate the functional and structural consequences of the mutations. Xenopus laevis oocytes or mammalian cells in culture expressing cloned channel sequences have been used to characterize ionic and gating currents: to probe the orientation, environment, and solvent exposure of specific residues, and to analyze structural interactions.
Screening and assessment for obstructive sleep apnea in primary care

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder and contributes to increased morbidity and compromised cardiovascular outcomes. Sleep disorders are common but rarely reported and addressed by primary health providers. An American Academy of Sleep Medicine task force (2015) released quality measures for the care of adult patients with OSA; the first outcome is improved detection and categorization of OSA symptoms and severity to promote assessment and diagnosis of the disorder. This state of the science integrative review aimed to evaluate the screening and assessment for OSA in primary care settings including the psychometric properties of OSA screening measures. Studies that met inclusion criteria were fourteen non-experimental and three experimental designs. OSA screening measurements (Berlin questionnaire, Epworth sleepiness scale, STOP Bang) with extensive validation studies were examined. Conclusions are that the current practice model of screening and assessment for OSA in primary care is fragmented and ineffective. Primary care providers encounter patients with OSA symptoms but do not routinely screen, assess, or refer to a sleep specialist. More psychometric research is needed for the OSA screening measurements in primary care. The results of these studies can be translated into practice to increase detection of OSA.
Interleukin-6 activity in wounds

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine with local and systemic effects during immunological and inflammatory reactions. The IL-6 activity in wound fluids and serum from wounded animals, its release by wound cells in culture, and its role in the regulation of wound fibroblast proliferation were determined. IL-6 activity in wound fluid and serum peaked within 12 h after wounding. Wound-derived polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts released IL-6 in culture. Wound macrophages harvested 5 days after injury produced more IL-6 than those taken at 3 or 10 days. An anti-IL-6 antibody partially reversed the suppression of wound fibroblast proliferation by wound fluid and wound macrophage culture supernatants. Finally, human wound fluids exhibited a temporal pattern of IL-6 activity similar to that found in rat wounds. The early wound, then, and more specifically the polymorphonuclear leukocytes of the immediate inflammatory response appear to be the source of circulating IL-6 after injury. In the later wound, IL-6 may provide signals to suppress fibroblast proliferation.
Mandibular advancement appliances improve some aspects of health-related quality of life in patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Effect of Mandibular Advancement Appliances Johal A. J Prosthet Dent 2006;96(4):298-302 Level of Evidence 2b Purpose/Question Do mandibular advancement appliances effect health-related quality of life in patients with sleep-disordered breathing? Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Cohort Study
Assessing culturally competent chemical dependence treatment services for Mexican Americans.

Mexican Americans struggling with chemical dependence are greatly underserved. Barriers to treatment include language, lack of culturally relevant services, lack of trust in programs, uninviting environments, and limited use and linkage with cultural resources in the community. This project aimed to develop a tool for assessing and planning culturally competent/relevant chemical dependence treatment services for Mexican Americans. Focus groups were conducted with experts in Mexican-American culture and chemical dependence from six substance abuse programs serving adult and adolescent Mexican Americans and their families. Sixty-two statements were developed describing characteristics of culturally competent/relevant organizations. Concept mapping was used to produce a conceptual map displaying dimensions of culturally competent/relevant organizations and Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to assess the internal consistency of each dimension. Analysis resulted in seven reliable subscales: Spanish language (α = 0.84), counselor characteristics (α = 0.82), environment (α = 0.88), family (α = 0.84), linkage (α = 0.92), community (α = 0.86), and culture (α = 0.89). The resulting instrument based on these items and dimensions enable agencies to evaluate culturally competent/relevant services, set goals, and identify resources needed to implement desired services for both individual organizations and networks of regional services.
Coordination of cell growth and cell division: a mathematical modeling study

Although there is general agreement that cell growth and division are functionally coordinated, the mechanisms that link the two processes are poorly understood. In this study, we have developed a mathematical model based on current biological concepts of the signaling transduction pathways involved in cell growth, which predicts that cell growth rate is proportional to cell surface area at birth. To investigate the relationship between growth control and cell division, we then applied our mathematical model to three classic experiments measuring cycle time versus cell birth size in fission yeast and Xenopus laevis, and the cell cycle delay in mammalian cells after serum withdrawal. When coupled to a cell cycle exhibiting 'sizer' and 'timer' phases, we show that a simple model in which growth rate is proportional to the cell surface area immediately after division reproduces the experimental observations including the relationship between cycle time and birth size in fission yeast and Xenopus laevis. The model also accounts for the cell cycle delay seen in restriction point experiments performed in HeLa cells.
The effects of dietary antioxidants on psychomotor performance in aged mice.

Abstract Male C57BL/6NIA mice were provided one of six different antioxidant diets: vitamin E, glutathione, vitamin E plus glutathione, melatonin, strawberry extract, or control, beginning at 18 months of age. A battery of motor tests—rod walk, wire hang, plank walk, and inclined screen—was administered either: 1) before dietary treatment and then 6 months later at 24 months of age; or 2) only after 6 months of dietary treatment at age 24 months. An untreated group of 4-month-old mice served as young controls. Psychomotor performance was lower in 18-month-old mice compared with 4-month-old mice in the rod walk, wire hang, and inclined screen tests; however, no further decline was seen from 18 to 24 months on any measure. Chronic dietary antioxidant treatments were not effective in reversing age-related deficits in psychomotor behavior, except for the glutathione diet on inclined screen performance. It seems that motor performance deteriorates profoundly with age, because deficits at 18 months of age were as severe as they were at 24 months, and these age-associated motor deficits may be difficult to reverse, even with antioxidant treatment.
Acid-soluble precursors and derivatives of phospholipids increase after stimulation of quiescent swiss 3T3 mouse fibroblasts with serum

Abstract Automated phosphate analysis of acid-soluble pools of phosphate esters was employed to reveal possible biochemical changes during the transition of Swiss 3T3 mouse fibroblasts from quiescence to active replication of DNA. After 12 hours of stimulation with 10% fetal bovine serum the most notable were 3-fold increases in pools of phospholipid precursors and derivatives. These included glycerophosphocholine, glycerophosphoethanolamine, phosphocholine and phosphoethanolamine. Concurrent but less dramatic increases in pools of ATP, CTP and fructose 1,6-diphosphate were also obtained.
Combined AC and DC Energy Harvesting Methods

Much of the work on ambient energy harvesting currently focuses on maximizing the efficiency of the power extraction method or increasing the power output. However, an important goal is still out of reach: to produce sufficient and sustained power for wireless sensor nodes and their associated components. Achieving this goal will significantly impact the fields of structural health monitoring, secure location surveillance and a multitude of other pertinent applications. While many energy harvesters can power these electronics with a constant energy source, most ambient sources for desired wireless sensor networks only provide intermittent energy. One method for increasing the robustness and versatility of energy harvesting systems would utilize multiple energy sources simultaneously. In order to achieve this, the problem of effectively combining multiple energy harvesting sources, specifically an AC and a DC source, is thoroughly explored with the experimental analysis of proposed circuit configurations. Also, a multi-source energy harvesting circuit configuration is proposed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Frequency-modulation spectroscopy with a pulsed dye laser: experimental investigations of sensitivity and useful features.

Systematic investigations of signal-to-noise ratios obtained in frequency-modulation (FM) spectroscopic measurements utilizing pulsed tunable dye lasers are reported which show that the noise becomes smaller as the modulation frequency is raised relative to the laser linewidth. Thus by raising our modulation frequency and narrowing our laser linewidth, we are able to detect ~0.1% absorption in spite of ~50% shot-to-shot fluctuations in the dye laser intensity. In addition several useful aspects of FM spectroscopy using pulsed dye lasers are demonstrated. The broad tuning range, ~5 cm−1, over which continuous scans may be made is demonstrated by recording absorption spectra of I2, Br2, NO2, and Na. The sensitivity of the technique to broad absorption features is shown by absorption spectra of the above species at atmospheric pressure. The Na was in a flame showing the potential usefulness of the technique in combustion diagnostics applications. Finally the nanosecond time resolution is demonstrated by observing the absorption of a transient population in the Na 3p state which has a lifetime of 16 nsec.
Pro-arrhythmic Effects Of Fibroblast-myocyte Coupling In Simulated Cardiac Tissue

Fibroblasts comprise the majority of non-cardiac cells in normal heart and mediate the structural remodeling underlying progressive fibrosis in cardiac diseases. Recent experimental studies have shown that fibroblasts can electronically couple to myocytes via gap junctions and alter myocyte electrophysiology. However, the implications for cardiac arrhythmias are incompletely understood. In this study, we used mathematical modeling and computer simulation to investigate how fibroblast-myocyte coupling affects the dynamics of action potential duration (APD), excitation-contraction coupling, and alternans. Our major findings are: 1) Fibroblast-myocyte coupling shortens APD when fibroblast membrane conductance is high and resting membrane potential is low, but prolongs APD for other choices of conductance and resting potential. 2) Depending on the membrane conductance and resting potential of fibroblasts, fibroblast-myocyte coupling can either promote or suppress APD alternans by steepening or flattening APD restitution. 3) When alternans is calcium-driven, fibroblast-myocyte coupling always promotes alternans, and can result in electromechanically discordant alternans. 4) In cardiac tissue, fibroblast-myocyte coupling slows conduction velocity and broadens its restitution, promoting spatially discordant alternans. Spatially discordant alternans can also arise from electromechanically concordant alternans and electromechanically discordant alternans in different regions of the tissue. In conclusion, fibroblast-myocyte coupling has multiple pro-arrhythmic effects on electrophysiological properties in cardiac tissue.
Simultaneous spatio-temporal focusing for tissue manipulation

Simultaneous spatiotemporal focusing (SSTF) is applied to lens tissue and compared directly with standard femtosecond micromachining of the tissue at the same numerical aperture. Third harmonic generation imaging is used for spatio-temporal characterization of the processing conditions obtained with both a standard and SSTF focus.
Interaction of cognitive appraisals of stressful events and coping: Testing the goodness of fit hypothesis

The present study investigated interactions between cognitive appraisals of, and coping with, stressful life events and their relationship with psychological symptomatology. Specifically, the “goodness of fit” between appraisals of the controllability of events and the use of problem- and emotion-focused coping was assessed for major life events and daily hassles. In relation to major life events, symptomatology was high when there was a poor fit between appraisals and coping (e.g., trying to change a stressor that was appraised as uncontrollable) and low when there was a good fit between appraisals and coping (e.g., palliating one's emotions when a stressor was perceived as uncontrollable). No effects were found in relation to daily hassles. Results were generally consistent with cognitive-transactional models of stress and coping.
Some properties of GM-matrices and their inverses

Abstract The class of GM-matrices is defined by requiring that a positive cycle contain any negative cycle it intersacts. Using the cycle structure, a canonical form is developed for irreducible GM-matrices. Relationships between the signs of the principal minors and the cycle are derived. In special cases, results are obtained on the signs of elements of the inverse of a GM-matrix.
Electrophysiology of the olfactory pathway in the pigeon

This work is part of an extensive study of anatomical, physiological, and behavioral characteristics of the olfactory system of birds. The present report deals primarily with the evoked potentials recorded from the olfactory bulb and several forebrain sites following electrical stimulation of one olfactory nerve. Our previously reported results of degeneration following unilateral olfactory bulb lesions were confirmed by these physiological data, and basic agreement was also observed between the physiological characteristics of the pigeon's olfactory pathway and those reported for mammals. Nerve conduction velocity is 0.2–0.4 m/s. Response latency in the olfactory bulb is 20–40 ms ipsilaterally and 2–5 ms longer contralaterally, with amplitudes to 4 mV and polarity reversal across the mitral-granular cell region. Responses in sites that show degeneration after bulbar lesions (ipsilateral cortex prepyriformis, lobus parolfactorius, and ventral hyperstriatum; contralateral paleostriatum) are biphasic, 2–5 ms slower than those in the bulb, and fail to follow repetitive stimulation. Those in other ipsilateral forebrain regions showing no degeneration (paleostriatum, caudal neostriatum, and anterior hyperstriatum) are polyphasic, are much slower than those in the bulb, and have smaller amplitudes. Unit activity in all of these sites was modified by olfactory nerve stimulation. Poststimulus time histograms of unit activity show firing patterns that were correlated with amplitude variations in simultaneously recorded evoked potentials.
Depletion of liver and esophageal epithelium vitamin a after chronic moderate ethanol consumption in rats: Inverse relation to zinc nutriture

This study was designed to determine whether chronic moderate ethanol ingestion alters the levels of vitamin A of liver and esophageal epithelium and if this is dependent on zinc nutriture. Forty male Sprague-Dawley 4-week-old rats were divided into five groups: zinc-deficient (0.9 ppm), ethanol-fed; zinc-deficient; zinc-adequate (25 ppm); zinc-adequate (25 ppm), ethanol-fed; and zinc-supplemented (50 ppm), ethanol-fed. All rats received liquid Lieber-DeCarli diet containing 4,000 IU per liter of vitamin A for 5 weeks. Zinc-deficient, ethanol-fed rats and zinc-adequate, ethanol-fed rats and zinc-supplemented, ethanol-fed rats received 15.5% of the caloric intake as ethanol while zinc-deficient and zinc-adequate rats received isocaloric amounts of maltose dextrin. All groups were pair-fed to zinc-deficient, ethanol-fed rats. In addition, a group of eight rats designated as weight-restricted controls were fed a diet similar to the one given to zinc-adequate rats but in the amount to obtain a final weight as in the zinc-deficient group. After 35 days, the liver histology was normal in all rats, and no fat accumulation was noted. Hepatic vitamin A concentration was significantly decreased in zinc-adequate, ethanol-fed rats (41 ± 10 μg per gm) and further in zinc-supplemented, ethanol-fed rats (12 ± 5 μg per gm) as compared to controls (137 ± 49). A highly significant negative correlation between serum zinc and liver vitamin A was found in ethanol-fed animals. In zinc-deficient, ethanol-fed rats, ethanol did not induce mobilization of liver vitamin A, however, it caused a significant reduction in the ratio of retinyl ester to retinol (53 ± 16%) as compared to controls. Zinc deficiency in the absence of alcohol caused a reduction of hepatic vitamin A concentration and total content, and this effect was not secondary to protein-caloric malnutrition as values were unaffected in weight-restricted controls. In esophageal epithelium, a significant reduction of vitamin A stores was noted in zinc-supplemented, ethanol-fed rats (0.67 ± 0.7 μg per gm) as compared to controls (3.3 ± 1.0, p < 0.01), and a significant negative correlation was seen between serum zinc and esophageal vitamin A levels of ethanol-fed rats. These results demonstrate that ethanol in moderate quantities causes profound alterations of the vitamin A status of the liver and esophagus, and these effects are inversely correlated to zinc nutriture.
Reduction processes of aromatic-bis(squarate)s

Abstract Density Functional Theory (DFT) was used to investigate the geometries and electronic structures for six aromatic-bis(squarate) model compounds and their dianions as well as their reduction products in four different configurations. The single point energies were calculated for all the reactants and products at the B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. In addition, the vibrational frequencies of all the species were calculated from which thermodynamic properties were evaluated. The integral equation formalism for the polarizable continuum model (IEFPCM) was employed to obtain the solvation energies for the model compounds and their dianions. The electrode potentials for the two-electron reductions of the model compounds were studied and compared with experimental measurements.
Faulty assumptions associated with the use of restraints with children.

TOPIC The use of restraints in nursing and other professions has a long and troubling history, particularly in psychiatric settings. No research evidence has demonstrated restraints to be therapeutically effective. A number of faulty assumptions appear to support the continued practice of this unproven and potentially dangerous intervention. PURPOSE To present and refute several faulty assumptions using the empirical literature and theory, and to discuss alternatives based on the developmental-ecological theoretical framework for responding to crises in children. SOURCES Extant empirical literature. CONCLUSION Alternatives to restraints must be investigated and developed to replace the current reactive, crisis-management orientation of practice.
Combinatorial negative regulation of glucose-responsive genes in yeast

Glucose is the preferred carbon source for cells, and the molecular machinery responsible for glucose uptake and metabolism is well understood. In contrast, how cells reprogram genome-wide expression when they encounter glucose is not known. We used genome-wide expression analysis to elucidate the global regulatory response to glucose and to investigate how negative regulators participate in glucose repression. Our results reveal that 6% of yeast genes are induced and 8% are repressed by exposure to glucose. We find that the negative regulatory response is largely effected through the combined action of two negative regulators that act on TATA-binding protein (NC2 and Mot1), components of the RNA polymerase II holoenzyme (Srb10 and Sin4), a factor recruited to promoters by sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins (Tup1) and histones. Although previous studies have established that proper expression of many genes depends on the combined action of multiple positive regulators, these results provide evidence for combinatorial regulation of a substantial portion of the genome through highly conserved negative regulators.