cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathology of dimethylnitrosamine poisoning in pekin ducklings

Summary Pekin ducklings were fed a purified diet containing dimethylnitrosamine at levels of 0.02% and 0.0175%. The level of 0.02% was acutely toxic, weight gains were significantly reduced, and feeding was discontinued after 3 weeks. Abdominal distention was observed in some ducks fed 0.0175% dimethylnitrosamine for 4 weeks. A nonhemorrhagic ascites and hydropericardium were observed at necropsy in both test groups. The livers were atrophic and gray in color. The spleens of ducks fed for 4 weeks were markedly enlarged. Histopathologic lesions in the liver included necrosis of hepatocytes with condensation of the reticulum, bile duct proliferation, bile ductule cell hyperplasia, and thickening of the liver capsule with an increase in reticular fibers. Lymphoid hyperplasia was especially prominent in the ducks fed dimethylnitrosamine for 3 weeks. The lymphocytes were present as nodules and as a diffuse infiltration of cells around radicles of the portal vein. Degeneration and necrosis was observed in the lymphoid tissue of ducks fed 4 weeks. Hyalinization of renal glomeruli was prominent in all ducks, and the hyaline material was strongly PAS-positive but was negative to Congo Red, Oil Red O, and the Ziehl-Nielsen stain. Enlargement of the spleen was restricted to ducks fed 4 weeks. Much of the red pulp of the spleen was replaced by large pale cells with vacuolated granular cytoplasm. This change was considered to be hyperplasia of the reticuloendothelial components of the spleen.
The Bleeding Lance and Philip of Flanders

MUCH ink has flowed under Arthurian bridges, perilous and otherwise. It will continue to flow so long as there is no substantial agreement on important issues. One of these is the Bleeding Lance, which precedes the Grail in the ChretienWolfram account of the procession before the Fisher King. To Professor A. C. L. Brown' it is the magic spear of Fiacha (Fiacail) or the Luin of Celtchar a Celtic fairy spear one of the jewels of the Tuatha De Danaan. Like the Luin, the spear of Fiacail is venomous and might cause destruction (a murrain) in the land. The Luin, says Brown,2 'held vertically over a caldron of blood is in much the same position as the lance of Wauchier,' one of the continuators of Chretien's poem. He thinks 'it is identical with the marvellous spear of King Cormac which was called the Crimall or "Bloody Spear".' To Miss Rose Peebles3 and Konrad Burdach,4 however, the Bleeding Lance is the X6'yxq of the Byzantine mass, 'a little spear with which the sacramental bread is pierced by the priest' in commemoration of the Crucifixion; cf. John xix: 33-34: unus militum lancea ejus latus aperuit, et continuo exivit sanguis et aqua. In the Gospel of Nicodemus (Acta Pilati, ch. x) this soldier is identified with Longinms: accipiens autem Longinus miles lanceam aperuit latus ejus. According to medieval legend, e.g. the Legenda Aurea, Longinus was blind but when he pierced the Savior's side: de sanguine Christi per lanceam decurrente fortuito oculos suos tetigit et protinus clare vidit. In medieval times, says Miss Peebles, the lance appears 'everywhere in manuscripts, on crosses, in churches, with the blood gushing from its point and running down its shaft.' Superficially, then, the Celtic weapon would explain the enchantment of the land (Logres) in Chretien and the poisonous character of the lance in Wolfram, while the lance of Longinus would explain the bleeding and the fact that the blood drops on the hand of the holder in the Grail procession. Compare Chanson d'Antioche (dated about 1130), vss. 325-326:
An innovative undergraduate child care training program and its relationship to the education reform movement

Abstract As the nation's attention turns to child care issues and education reform, questions emerge concerning undergraduate early childhood education. In this paper we address two issues: the structure and function of undergraduate child care training programs and the need to attract highly qualified students to these programs and retain them in the field. A description of an innovative undergraduate child care training program and the results of a telephone survey of 76 graduates of this program are presented. The empirical data are discussed in relation to the theoretical underpinnings of the Carnegie and Holmes reports.
Molecular geomicrobiology: genes and geochemical cycling

Core geosciences concepts are being fundamentally revised as the result of breakthroughs in geomicrobiology. Revolutionary discoveries have resulted from increased effort devoted to study of microorganisms in the context of their environments. Much recent progress has been made possible by genetic data, particularly those that allow the description of microbial populations in situ. New gene and genome sequences are elucidating previously unexpected or unexplained interactions between microorganisms and Earth materials, with implications for key geological phenomena such as the formation of ore deposits and the regulation of global climate and surface oxidation state. Genetic data have also led to extensive revision of our understanding of the pace and mechanisms by which evolution occurs. Yet, the field of molecular geomicrobiology remains in its infancy. In the foreseeable future, merging of modern biogeochemistry with molecularly resolved ecological studies will inspire the development of integrated models for the processes that shape the Earth. / 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
On the stability of adaptive routing in the presence of congestion control

Efficient use of network resources has long been an important problem for large-scale network operators. To this end, several recent research efforts have proposed automated methods for optimizing routes based on traffic measurements. However, these efforts have not considered the stability of the dual feedback control mechanisms of adaptive routing and congestion control, when operating together. In this paper, we demonstrate that an important class of adaptive routing algorithms can yield stable optimal routes in the presence of congestion control, provided that either the congestion control mechanism is fair or the network workload behaves under reasonable constraints. We further show that one or the other of these assumptions is necessary for this class of adaptive routing algorithms -otherwise, unstable, sub-optimal routes may result in some pathological cases.
Hybrid Hardware-Software Architecture for Reconfigurable Real-Time Systems

Recent developments in the field of reconfigurable SoC devices (FPGAs) will enable the development of embedded systems where software tasks, running on a CPU, can coexist with hardware tasks. We devised a real-time computing architecture that can integrate hardware and software executions in a transparent manner, and can support real-time QoS adaptation by means of partial reconfiguration of modern FPGA devices. Tasks are allowed to migrate seamlessly from CPU to FPGA and vice versa to support dynamic QoS adaptation and cope with dynamic workloads. In this paper, we discuss the design and implementation of an on-chip infrastructure, OS extensions and task design methodology that enable hardware-software transparency in the presence of relocation. The overall architecture is suitable to schedule real-time workloads and we derive bounds on relocation overhead. Finally, we show the applicability of our design methodology on a concrete task design case.
Measuring Dilution or Concentration of a Fluid Processed in a Steam-Injection Vacuum Pasteurizer

Summary The pasteurizer was operated on dilute sodium chloride solutions at several outlet temperatures from 2F more than to 15F less than the inlet temperature. The resultant changes in concentration ranged from 0.3% dilution to 1.7% concentration, as calculated from the chloride content of line samples taken before and after processing. A simple graph of percentage change in volume of product versus temperature differential showed a linear relationship. The graph was used to find the differential giving neither concentration nor dilution.
IS ONE ENOUGH

A concern often expressed about single-molecule measurements can be stated as, “Singlemolecule measurements are ‘cool’ but what good are they if you have to measure a million single molecules to estimate the properties of the system?” This is a reasonable concern. Thus, a major focus of this chapter is modeling the effect of sample size (typically a few molecules) on the accuracy of analytical measurements and the extrapolation of properties measured at the single-molecule level to properties derived from ensemble measurements. We include a summary of DNA fingerprinting of single viral particles and bacterial cells that demonstrates that only a few measurements are required. The contrast between single-molecule and bulk measurements is that single-molecule measurements yield physical properties of individual molecules whereas individual molecular properties are difficult or impossible to obtain from bulk measurements; often the heterogeneous nature of single measurements is masked in bulk systems. We finish with (a) a description of “virtual sorting,” where the data stream is sorted instead of the sample stream, and (b) the implementation of virtual sorting to statistical chemistry to either eliminate or reduce the necessity to purify a sample.
Structure and Dynamics of Aluminum Clusters

The energetics and structures of metallic clusters containing up to 55 atoms are studied by the Car-Parrinello (quantum-molecular dynamics) method with Al chosen as a paradigm. It is found that the structural energy differences between small cluster (icosahedral) and bulk (fcc) structures are surprisingly small, indicating that the icosahedron-fcc structural transition can occur very early in Al clusters. Simulated annealing studies for 13- and 55-atom clusters, where both perfectly symmetric icosahedral and cuboctahedral (fcc) structures exist, show that the distortions from the ideal structures are substantial. For the 55-atom cluster several inequivalent but energetically nearly degenerate structures are found, which is likely to lead to floppiness at finite temperatures as well as a low melting point. Although the structure factors for the annealed structures are nearly identical, they are very different from those of either of the ideal structures. The computed IPs and EAs differ by less than 0.1 eV for weakly annealed cuboctahedral and icosahedral clusters, making the structural identification on the basis of IP and EA measurements very difficult. The quantum-mechanical results are also used to develop a classical potential for long-time molecular dynamics simulations of large clusters.
Soft skills matter

General surgery education research is an important topic as work-hour restrictions continue to change.Most of the literature has focused on how simulation affects trainees’ procedural skills. The article by Nicksa and colleagues1 focuses on the nontechnical skills that the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires that general training programs monitor and teach. Nicksa and colleagues1 are to be commended for providing an example of how programs can use simulation to teach nontechnical material, the so-called soft skills in surgery. In today’s world of team training, team science, and interprofessional education, the importance of these soft skills cannot be understated. A general surgeon no longer works in an environment in which he or she can expect to have the same scrub nurse, the same circulating nurse, and the same team for up to 30 years ofprofessionalpractice. It ismorecommonly thesituation that every singleday there is anew teamand, in fact, that teamcan change throughout the course of the day. For an administrator, that is theequivalentofhavinganewassistanteverymorning when they come to work. This changing work environment requires an additional degree of flexibility on thepart of the surgeonwho, in addition to doing the operation, needs to simultaneously train the team in assisting with the operation. Soft skills matter! How onemotivates the team around them and how they deal with adversity are not just the tools needed to execute a successful operation efficiently, but they are also the tools to achieving long-term success in our increasingly complex and interrelated work environments. The American College of Surgeons now regularly teaches courses on emotional intelligence. The business and scientific worlds are full of books on leadership development and communication. One might even make the argument that in today’sworldof roboticandtechnology-assistedclinicalwork, the surgeonneedsdevelopmentof their leadership skillsmore than their technical skills, as their technical skillsmaybe augmented by advances in technology. Leadership development and emotional intelligence are even more difficult things to learn and to teach. The Joint Commission has identified that failures in communication, human factors, and leadership are themost common issues thought to be the root causes in sentinel events. As thework-hour limitations continue to squeeze the time allotted to training young surgeons, it is important that we do not lose sight of training these soft skills and identifying efficient ways to do so. The clinical scenarios identified in these high-fidelity simulations and the focus on communication, leadership, teamwork,problemsolving,andsituationalawareness presented in this article1 serve as a provocative roadmap for those charged with training the next generation of surgeon leaders.
Fabrication of (Ba,Pb)TiO3-based tapes with positive temperature coefficients of resistivity by the oxidation of malleable, metal-bearing precursors (the volume identical metal oxidation process)

The feasibility of producing (Ba,Pb)TiO3-based thermistor tapes by the oxidation of malleable, metal-bearing precursors has been demonstrated. Intimate Ba–Pb–Ti–TiO2-bearing powder mixtures, produced by high-energy vibratory milling, were packed within a fugitive metal can and then compacted and formed into tapes of uniform thickness by cold drawing and rolling. The tape-shaped precursors were oxidized and converted into (Ba,Pb)TiO3-based tapes with a series of heat treatments at ≤1120 °C. With proper control of thermal treatments and chemical additions (Sb2O3 + MnO2 dopants), positive-temperature-coefficient-of-resistivity thermistors were produced that exhibited significant increases in resistivity commencing at temperatures ≥350 °C.
Simultaneous measurement of ERα, HER2, and PhosphoERK1/2 in breast cancer cell lines by flow cytometry

The activation of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) results in the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade that may lead to the resistance to anti-estrogen therapy in estrogen receptor (ERα) expressing breast cancer by means of phosphorylation of ERα in the N-terminal region by phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) and by means of decreasing ERα expression. Immunohistochemistry is the most widely used technique for the detection of ERα and HER2 in breast cancer specimens, however, is inadequate in its ability to assess the relationship between ERα, HER2, and MAPK cascade at the single cell level. To clear this major hurdle, we devised a novel flow cytometric method to quantify the expression of ERα, HER2, and the activation of MAPK cascade simultaneously in single cells. The method was validated by concurrent Western blotting in established cell lines: MDA-231 (ERα and HER2-negative), MCF-7 (ERα-positive, HER2-negative), MCF-7 cells overexpressing ERα after long-term incubation in estrogen-free medium, and HER2 transfected MCF7 cells. Using the flow cytometry method, we confirmed the previous finding that ERα expression is down-regulated upon epidermal growth factor mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in EGFR/MCF-7 cells. To our knowledge, this is the first such assay to incorporate simultaneous single cell measurement for all of these pathways, which may prove useful to determine the intratumoral heterogeneity in breast tumors or the receptor status in circulating tumor cells.
Pollen-specific gene expression in transgenic plants: coordinate regulation of two different tomato gene promoters during microsporogenesis

To investigate the regulation of gene expression during male gametophyte development, we analyzed the promoter activity of two different genes (LAT52 and LAT59) from tomato, isolated on the basis of their anther-specific expression. In transgenic tomato, tobacco and Arabidopsis plants containing the LAT52 promoter region fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene, GUS activity was restricted to pollen. Transgenic tomato, tobacco and Arabidopsis plants containing the LAT59 promoter region fused to GUS also showed very high levels of GUS activity in pollen. However, low levels of expression of the LAT59 promoter construct were also detected in seeds and roots. With both constructs, the appearance of GUS activity in developing anthers was correlated with the onset of microspore mitosis and increased progressively until anthesis (pollen shed). Our results demonstrate co-ordinate regulation of the LAT52 and LAT59 promoters in developing microspores and suggest that the mechanisms that regulate pollen-specific gene expression are evolutionarily conserved.
A class-B push-pull power amplifier based on an extended resonance technique

A class B push-pull power amplifier based on an extended resonance power combining technique is presented. In this design, advantages of push-pull power amplifier, such as doubling power capability and reduced common lead effects, have been achieved with a simple and compact circuit topology. The measured power combining efficiency (PCE) is 93% with 1-dB bandwidth of 12.6% at 1.75 GHz. The measured output power at 1-dB compression is 30 dBm with power added efficiency (PAE) of 59%.
STAT4-Dependent and -Independent Th2 Responses Correlate with Protective Immunity against Lung Infection with Pneumocystis murina

Although it is clear that the loss of CD4 + T cells is a predisposing factor for the development of Pneumocystis pneumonia, specific Th mechanisms mediating protection are not well understood. Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses have each been implicated in protective responses during infection. As STAT4 may promote Th1 and Th17 development, yet antagonize Th2 development, we investigated its role in Pneumocystis murina host defense. STAT4 was required for Th1 and, unexpectedly, Th2 responses in the lungs of C57BL/6 (BL/6) and BALB/c mice 14 d postchallenge, but only BALB/c Stat4 −/− mice demonstrated susceptibility to P. murina lung infection. BL/6 Stat4 −/− , but not BALB/c Stat4 −/− , mice maintained an enhanced alternatively activated (M2) macrophage signature in the lungs, which we have previously reported to be associated with enhanced P. murina clearance. In addition, anti- P. murina class-switched Abs were increased in BL/6 Stat4 −/− mice, but not BALB/c Stat4 −/− mice. Supporting our experimental observations, plasma from HIV-infected individuals colonized with Pneumocystis jirovecii contained significantly lower levels of the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 compared with HIV-infected individuals who were not colonized. Collectively, our data suggest that robust local and systemic Th2-mediated responses are critical for immunity to Pneumocystis .
Longitudinal investigation of the impact of anxiety and mood disorders in adolescence on subsequent substance use disorder onset and vice versa.

Objective A large body of epidemiological research indicates that anxiety and mood disorders are highly comorbid with substance use disorders (SUDs). However, longitudinal research regarding their temporal relations is limited. The goal of this study was to assess whether emotional disorders (i.e., anxiety and mood disorders) predict the onset of SUDs, whether SUDs predict the onset of emotional disorders, or both.
Presidential address 2002. Parasitology in the 21st century.

During the past several weeks, I, like many of my predecessors, have read many speeches previously delivered at the annual meeting of the American Society of Parasitologists (ASP). These are wonderful, exciting papers, and I recommend them to you. The history of our Society and much of parasitological research and philosophy are contained in these speeches. An understanding of parasitology and specifically of the ASP in the 21st century necessitates an understanding of our roots. Just as proteomics, genomics, DNA, and Mendel are a continuum, so is our progression as a science and as a Society. This thought is not original with me. Several presidents have discussed this point in detail: Eloise Cram in 1956, “Stepping Stones in the History of the American Society of Parasitologists” (Cram, 1956); Martin Ulmer in 1978, “What's Past is Prologue” (Ulmer, 1978); Harry Hoogstraal in 1984, “ASP: Its Historic Role and Modern Opportunities” (Hoogstraal, 1985); and Mike Kemp in 1988, “Parasitology a Degenerate Disci...
MINIMALLY INVASIVE POSTEROLATERAL LUMBAR ARTHRODESIS

Video-assisted and optical techniques have been adapted to minimally invasive approaches for lumbar arthrodesis. They hold the promise of improved outcomes and reduced morbidity, but development is recent and validation is limited.
Neural representation of spectral and temporal information in speech

Speech is the most interesting and one of the most complex sounds dealt with by the auditory system. The neural representation of speech needs to capture those features of the signal on which the brain depends in language communication. Here we describe the representation of speech in the auditory nerve and in a few sites in the central nervous system from the perspective of the neural coding of important aspects of the signal. The representation is tonotopic, meaning that the speech signal is decomposed by frequency and different frequency components are represented in different populations of neurons. Essential to the representation are the properties of frequency tuning and nonlinear suppression. Tuning creates the decomposition of the signal by frequency, and nonlinear suppression is essential for maintaining the representation across sound levels. The representation changes in central auditory neurons by becoming more robust against changes in stimulus intensity and more transient. However, it is probable that the form of the representation at the auditory cortex is fundamentally different from that at lower levels, in that stimulus features other than the distribution of energy across frequency are analysed.
Continuous bladder infusion methods for studying voiding function in the ambulatory mouse.

Abstract Objectives To develop a method for chronic cannulation of the mouse bladder that would enable repeated intravesical drug delivery and measurement of voiding patterns in unrestrained mice under controlled infusion conditions. Methods Fifteen female mice were anesthetized with halothane and implanted with a 3F polyurethane bladder catheter. The catheter exited from the back through mesh and a polysulfone button into a spring coil that protected the catheter and tethered the mouse. A counterbalanced swivel and infusion pump permitted unencumbered mobility during continuous intravesical perfusion. Results Patent catheterization was consistently achieved for at least 5 weeks. The voiding patterns produced with an infusion pump were stable not only within a study session but also during the course of several weeks. The catheters remained patent but eventually withdrew from the bladder in 9 mice, at which point the mice were killed. The mesh eventually emerged from the skin in 4 animals without evidence of infection and was associated with catheter leakage at the level of mesh exposure. The subcutaneous placement of the mesh and tether assembly adequately transferred torque to the swivel without catheter obstruction. One mouse died unexpectedly during anesthesia; another was killed 1 week after catheter implantation because of an intraperitoneal leak. No bladder stones were identified. The results of the urine cultures were inconclusive. Conclusions Continuous, patent catheterization of the murine bladder can be achieved consistently for a period of 5 weeks. When used in combination with counterbalanced swivel assemblies and electronic balance technology, these methods permit prolonged evaluation of micturition patterns in the awake, ambulatory mouse.
Evaluation of tumor necrosis factor α blockade on early tendon-to-bone healing in a rat rotator cuff repair model.

Purpose The purpose was to determine whether systemic tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) blockade can improve rotator cuff healing in a rat model. Methods One hundred twenty Lewis rats underwent unilateral detachment and repair of the supraspinatus. Rats were randomized into 2 groups. The experimental group received injections of pegylated soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type I (3.0 mg/kg every other day for 3 doses). The control group received saline solution on the same dosing schedule. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks, 20 animals in each group were killed (4 for histologic assessment and 16 for biomechanical testing). Outcomes included qualitative histologic assessment to determine new fibrocartilage formation and collagen fiber organization. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to localize TNF-α, ED1 and ED2 macrophages, and tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase. Biomechanical testing was performed to determine the ultimate load to failure, stiffness, cross-sectional area, and ultimate stress to failure. Results Qualitative assessments of histology showed that the experimental group had more cartilage formation at 4 weeks but not at 2 or 8 weeks. There was less TNF-α staining in the experimental group at 4 and 8 weeks, and there were fewer ED1 macrophages at 4 weeks compared with controls. The ultimate load to failure was greater in the experimental group compared with controls at 2 weeks (13.3 ± 2.6 N v 11.2 ± 2.7 N, P = .05) and at 4 weeks (21.7 ± 4.6 N v 18.5 ± 2.1 N, P = .04). The experimental group also had a higher stiffness at 2 weeks (7.2 ± 2.3 N/mm v 5.8 ± 1.4 N/mm, P = .04) and at 4 weeks (10.5 ± 2.7 N/mm v 8.4 ± 1.7 N/mm, P = .01). There were no differences in any biomechanical variable at 8 weeks. Conclusions TNF-α blockade can improve the biomechanical strength of tendon-bone healing in a rat rotator cuff model at early time points, which corresponded with modest qualitative improvements in histology. However, these differences were not maintained at 8 weeks. Clinical Relevance TNF-α blockade may influence rotator cuff tendon healing.
Race and Mental Illness in Mass Society

The “discovery” in 1840 of an inverse correlation between insanity among Negroes and enslavement served as pro-slavery propaganda but nevertheless suggested an important research area, i.e., the relationship between social mobility and mental illness. (Examined here is the changing role of ethnicity in a highly fluid mass society. Through integration Negroes become more subject to mass society experiences thereby escaping the ethnic etiology and diagnosis of mental illness which becomes more explainable by social class factors. Eventually Negroes' rates of mental illness will be altered because of two factors: (l) objective changes in their life situations resulting in new strains and anxieties; and (2) the artifactual condition of being better able to afford that treatment more likely to result in diagnoses of neuroses rather than psychoses.
Assimilation of NEXRAD-VAD Winds in Summertime Meteorological Simulations over the Northeastern United States

Abstract Next-Generation Radar (NEXRAD) velocity azimuth display (VAD) winds were available at 10 sites in the northeastern United States during intensive observing periods of the North American Research Strategy on Tropospheric Ozone-Northeast field study conducted in the summer of 1995. These VAD winds represent a potentially valuable routine source of upper-air data suitable for mesoscale four-dimensional data assimilation and other mesometeorological applications. The objectives of this paper are to develop appropriate quality-checking methods for these data during a period with weak dynamic forcing and to learn if their assimilation into a nonhydrostatic mesoscale model, the Fifth-Generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5), can reduce wind errors in lengthy numerical integrations. Two types of quality checking were applied: 1) a standard internal vertical and temporal consistency check, and 2) a new filter that uses bias-corrected model pre...
Genetic defects in patients with glycogenosis type II (acid maltase deficiency).

Inherited deficiency of acid α-glucosidase (acid maltase, GAA) leads to glycogen storage disease type II. Clinical manifestations and prognosis of the disease depend on the age of onset and tissue involvement. GAA deficiency is extremely heterogeneous, ranging from a rapidly progressive fatal infantile-onset form to a slowly progressive adult-onset myopathy associated with respiratory insufficiency. Biochemical and immunochemical studies of the biosynthesis of the enzyme in GAA-deficient patients established the molecular diversity of the disease. Cloning and sequencing of the cDNA and the gene provided the basis for genetic analysis of the patients with different phenotypes. In this article, we summarize the data on mutations in the GAA gene and discuss the correlation between the genotype and phenotypic expression of the disease. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Characteristics of anesthetic agents used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.

PURPOSE: The characteristics of ideal intravenous (i.v.) and inhaled anesthetic agents; the rationale for inducing anesthesia with i.v. anesthetics (particularly propofol); the rationale for inducing and maintaining anesthesia with inhaled anesthetics; and the advantages and disadvantages of specific inhaled anesthetics, namely, nitrous oxide, desflurane, halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, are discussed. SUMMARY: Propofol has many characteristics of the ideal i.v. anesthetic, including a rapid, smooth induction of anesthesia and rapid clearance from the body. The use of an i.v. anesthetic such as propofol avoids the claustrophobia associated with the inhaled route. Inhaled anesthetics are preferred for maintenance of anesthesia because they allow a more precise control of the anesthetic state and do so at low cost. The ideal inhaled anesthetic agent has ample potency and a low solubility in blood and tissues (rapid recovery from anesthesia), resists physical and metabolic degradation, and protects and does not injure vital tissues. It also does not cause seizures, respiratory irritation, or circulatory stimulation or deplete the ozone layer. It has a low acquisition cost. Nitrous oxide potency is too small to produce anesthesia by itself. Halothane is too soluble and poses a risk of severe hepatotoxicity. Desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane are preferred because they have an adequate potency, appropriate solubility, and minimal to no risk for hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSION: The utilization choice among desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane is made by weighing specific advantages and disadvantages of each agent. The primary determining factors for use are anesthetic potency and control, rate of anesthesia induction, clearance from the body, and adverse effects.
Should Congress Undertake Measures to Substantially Reduce the Number of Political Appointees in Federal Agencies

This work aims to provide accurate information on the facts and arguments surrounding the advantages and disadvantages of having a reduction in the number of political appointees in federal agencies. Both sides of the argument will be developed. First, I will show a list of main points that may be used to either support or oppose the reduction in the number of political appointees. After that, I will present a brief recommendation based on the collection of arguments.
HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy: epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment.

Peripheral neuropathy is the most frequent neurological complication associated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection and advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). There are at least 6 patterns of HIV-associated peripheral neuroathy, although these diagnoses are often overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Preemption or Bust: Fear and Loathing in the Battle Over Broadband

An analysis of the Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act's Municipal Networks provision and the implications of contemporary federalism jurisprudence.
Low-Resistance 2D/2D Ohmic Contacts: A Universal Approach to High-Performance WSe2, MoS2, and MoSe2 Transistors

We report a new strategy for fabricating 2D/2D low-resistance ohmic contacts for a variety of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) using van der Waals assembly of substitutionally doped TMDs as drain/source contacts and TMDs with no intentional doping as channel materials. We demonstrate that few-layer WSe2 field-effect transistors (FETs) with 2D/2D contacts exhibit low contact resistances of ∼0.3 kΩ μm, high on/off ratios up to >10(9), and high drive currents exceeding 320 μA μm(-1). These favorable characteristics are combined with a two-terminal field-effect hole mobility μFE ≈ 2 × 10(2) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) at room temperature, which increases to >2 × 10(3) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) at cryogenic temperatures. We observe a similar performance also in MoS2 and MoSe2 FETs with 2D/2D drain and source contacts. The 2D/2D low-resistance ohmic contacts presented here represent a new device paradigm that overcomes a significant bottleneck in the performance of TMDs and a wide variety of other 2D materials as the channel materials in postsilicon electronics.
Obesity and Anorexia Nervosa

Historically, moderate obesity in infants and children has been viewed as a sign of health and as an affirmation that one’s mother is loving and nurturant. In less affluent countries such as India, obesity is considered a demonstration that the family has enough wealth to procure food. Additional evidence also suggests that various cultures differ in the norms for the body weight that is considered the ideal of physical attractiveness for men and women (Goldblatt, Moore, & Stunkard, 1965).
Recent Advances in the Realization and Dissemination of the ITS-90 Below 83.8058 K at NIST

Recent advances in our knowledge of the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90), as realized and maintained at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), are briefly reviewed. As a result of these advances, the NIST disseminated version of ITS-90 has recently undergone small adjustments below 83.8058 K. These adjustments are all at the sub-millikelvin level and reflect the inclusion of recent data on ITS-90 realizations and intercomparisons of reference thermometers. Specifically, developments in the realization of ITS-90 fixed points, gas thermometry, and vapor pressure thermometry at NIST have significantly improved our knowledge of scale non-uniqueness and dissemination uncertainty in the lowest temperature ranges. We briefly describe the present status of ITS-90 realizations at NIST and which definitions are currently being disseminated. Our procedures for calibration of standard reference thermometers for cryogenic use are reviewed and our updated assessments of calibration uncertainties are presented. These include calibration of Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometers (SPRTs) of the capsule type between 13.8033 K and 273.16 K, and of Rhodium-Iron Resistance Thermometers (RIRTs) between 0.65 K and 83.8058 K. In addition, we preview a new Standard Reference Material® (SRM®) project which will make available “as defined” ITS-90 calibrated capsule SPRTs through the MST SRM program. These continuing advances in scale realization and dissemination at NIST will improve the accuracy and availability of ITS-90 standards throughout the cryogenic engineering community.
Usability Survey of Educational Software Used by Children at Schools

The main focus of educational software these days is the content they want to deliver while little to no care is given to the usability of the software. Interfaces are made colorful and attractive to children only to fail miserably in providing a truly fun and usable experience. The purpose of this paper is to provide the designers with an understanding of the child user of these software, who are substantially different from adults. In addition, it addresses the school environment where these software are mostly used and provide a better understanding of the educational goals and the several ways they can be conveyed and delivered via a computer system. Finally, the paper discusses the different interface paradigms and what they offer for educational software, specifically, the potential of idiomatic interfaces in overcoming many of the limitations that children's minds and bodies possess.
Prone positioning for successful gamma knife radiosurgical treatment of far anterior skull base lesions: a technical note.

Background Gamma Knife targeting is geometrically limited by the physical dimensions of the head, helmet, headframe, and the radiation target position. All four aspects need to be considered for accurate treatment planning. Within the available space, delivery of the treatment isodose is based on the target position, which must be brought into the center of the collimator. In cases of anatomically challenging target positions in far eccentric locations of the head, careful treatment planning needs to be performed that does not exceed the limits of the system. Clinical Presentation We describe a case of a challenging far anterior ethmoid sinus hemangiopericytoma in an 80-year-old woman. Technique The tumor was treated successfully by positioning the patient prone on a Model C Gamma unit. The physical restrictions of the Gamma Knife surgical system and the rationale for improved anterior targeting using the prone position are discussed. Conclusion A thoughtful approach to positioning in challenging anterior lesions extends the targeting capabilities of certain Gamma units.
Effective Protein Separation by Coupling Hydrophobic Interaction and Reverse Phase Chromatography for Top-down Proteomics

One of the challenges in proteomics is the proteome’s complexity, which necessitates the fractionation of proteins prior to the mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. Despite recent advances in top-down proteomics, separation of intact proteins remains challenging. Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) appears to be a promising method that provides high-resolution separation of intact proteins, but unfortunately the salts conventionally used for HIC are incompatible with MS. In this study, we have identified ammonium tartrate as a MS-compatible salt for HIC with comparable separation performance as the conventionally used ammonium sulfate. Furthermore, we found that the selectivity obtained with ammonium tartrate in the HIC mobile phases is orthogonal to that of reverse phase chromatography (RPC). By coupling HIC and RPC as a novel two-dimensional chromatographic method, we have achieved effective high-resolution intact protein separation as demonstrated with standard protein mixtures and a complex cell ...
The effect of the coupled oxidation of substrate on the permeability of blowfly flight-muscle mitochondria to potassium and other cations

1. Blowfly flight-muscle mitochondria respiring in the absence of phosphate acceptor (i.e. in state 4) take up greater amounts of K(+), Na(+), choline, phosphate and Cl(-) (but less NH(4) (+)) than non-respiring control mitochondria. 2. Uptake of cations is accompanied by an increase in the volume of the mitochondrial matrix, determined with the use of [(14)C]-sucrose and (3)H(2)O. The osmolarity of the salt solution taken up was approximately that of the suspending medium. 3. The [(14)C]sucrose-inaccessible space decreased with increasing osmolarity of potassium chloride in the suspending medium, confirming that the blowfly mitochondrion behaves as an osmometer. 4. Light-scattering studies showed that both respiratory substrate and a permeant anion such as phosphate or acetate are required for rapid and massive entry of K(+), which occurs in an electrophoretic process rather than in exchange for H(+). The increase in permeability to K(+) and other cations is probably the result of a large increase in the exposed area of inner membrane surface in these mitochondria, with no intrinsic increase in the permeability per unit area. 5. No increase in permeability to K(+) and other cations occurs during phosphorylation of ADP in state 3 respiration.
An Artificial Intelligence Approach to International Market Screening DSS

This paper applies artificial intelligence (AI) computing, Kohonan Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs), to the problem of international market selection (IMS). Broadly speaking, IMS can be summarized to consist of three stages a) screening stage, b) identification stage and, c) selection stage. The screening stage often employs some type of grouping technique so that firms can begin to view the potential markets in terms of similarities and differences over variables of interest. The underlying purpose is to screen out or eliminate markets that do not meet certain criteria established by the firm. Statistical techniques such as cluster analysis, discriminant analysis or factor analysis have long been employed at this stage. This study uses empirical data to demonstrate how an AI approach can assist international firms in the screening process and provide them with information that is not readily available by standard statistical techniques.
Use of genetically engineered mice as models for exploring the role of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases.

A growing body of evidence has suggested that oxidative stress may play a major role in the degeneration of neurons associated with several neurological diseases of aging including ALS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease; this has been the topic of numerous previous reviews and opinion papers (e.g. 1-10). The ability to construct genetically engineered mouse lines containing targeted mutations has done much to aid in the assessment of the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both the initiation as well as the progression of these diseases and has markedly advanced research in the field. Most importantly, the creation of genetic animal models has strengthened the argument that antioxidants may be a useful therapy in the treatment of these types of disorders.
Small cell variant of periphral T-cell lymphoma the pathological signs and clinicopathologic analysis

Objective:To study the clinicopathologic features and differential diagnosis of small cell variant of periphral Tcell lymphoma,not otherwise specified (PTCL,NOS).Methods:The clinicopathologic features of 5 cases of small cell variant of PTCL,NOS were retrospectively reviewed,with immunohistochemical study.Results:The 4 patients were males,one patients was femal.All the patients were older.Clinically,4 patients presented in stage Ⅰ and one in stage Ⅲ.Marrow involvement was detected in one patient with bonemarrow biopsy performed and he is also accompanied by lymphocytosis.Histologically,the involved lymph nodes showed partial or complete effacement of nodal architecture and replacement by a monomorphous population of small lymphoid cells.Scanty large lymphoid cells were also identified in 3 lymph node cases.Increase in number of blood vessels was noticed in two of them as well.Immunohistochemically the lymphoma cells in all cases expressed two or more of the T-cell markers and CD43,CD99 expression was noted in 4 of the 5 cases.The staining for CD20 and CD56 was negative.Follow up information was available in 5 cases.One of the patient died of the disease,the others were alive more than 2 years.Conclusion:Small cell variant of PTCL,NOS was a rare disease with histologically mature small cell feature.It carries a poor prognosis when the disease presents in advanced tumor stage.
Why Are Some Institutions Replaced while Others Persist? Evidence from State Constitutions

Why are some institutions quickly replaced while others endure for more than a century? Majority cycling over institutions is theoretically unavoidable, but politics provides few opportunities to study it empirically. Using data on state constitutional characteristics and legislative composition from 1834 to 2012, this article advances the theory that institutions are more likely to be endogenously replaced when the society of actors differs from the time of enactment, and that institutional characteristics can exacerbate or mitigate these risks. Results show that political change interacts with institutional particularism to preserve or undermine state constitutions. More particularistic constitutions have shorter life spans because they are more vulnerable to changes in the political environment.
Application of on-line cleaning technique in Guangdong Power Grid

This paper introduces the application of on-line cleaning in Guangdong Power Grid.It's mainly on-line water washing of primary equipment,transformer radiator and secondary equipment,or live sweeping of above equipment.On-line cleaning has certain application prospects since it can effectively prevent from contamination flashover and guarantee the safe operation of power grid.
Complex home monitoring.

As the demand for sleep evaluations rises, one response has been to conduct such studies in the home. In this brief review, complex home sleep monitoring systems (those recording at least four channels of physiologic data) on which there is peer-reviewed data are assessed. Four currently available systems met these criteria and are discussed. Each such system has clear strengths and weaknesses. These overall data suggest that home monitoring systems are becoming increasingly complex and more successful in monitoring the desired variables. This trend is likely to continue.