cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medicaid expansion and resource utilization in the emergency department.

Abstract Background The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has impacted the insurance mix of emergency department (ED) visits, yet the degree to which this has influenced provider behavior is not clear. Methods This was a difference-in-differences (DID) analysis of ED-visit data from five states in 2013 and 2014. Sample states included 3 expanding Medicaid under the ACA, 1 rejecting ACA funding and delaying an eligibility expansion, and 1 with no eligibility change. We included self-pay and Medicaid patients aged 27 to 64 years. A subsample analysis was done for chest pain visits. DID logistic models were estimated for likelihood of admission for given Medicaid-paid ED visits in expansion states as compared to non-expansion states. Among chest pain visits we assessed likelihood given visits resulted in admission or advanced cardiac imaging, where clinician discretion may be more significant. Results A total of 8,157,748 ED visits with primary payer Medicaid and self-pay were included, of which 331,422 were for chest pain. The proportion of visits paid for by Medicaid rose in expansion states by between 15.8% and 38.9%. Medicaid eligibility expansion was associated with increased odds of admission (OR 1.070 [95% CI 1.051–1.089]). Among chest pain visits, expansion was associated with increased odds of admission (OR 1.294 [95% CI 1.144–1.464]), but not advanced cardiac imaging (OR 1.099 [95% CI 0.983–1.229]). Conclusion Medicaid expansion was associated with small increases in ED visit admissions across the board and among the subgroup of patients presenting with chest pain.
When the Russians really were coming: citizen diplomacy and the end of Cold War enmity in America

Between 1985 and 1989 hundreds of Soviet citizens came to the United States in projects initiated by American activists who feared nuclear war and hoped to improve relations with the USSR. This amb...
A novel theoretical framework reveals more than one voltage-sensing pathway in the lateral membrane of outer hair cells

Outer hair cell (OHC) electromotility amplifies acoustic vibrations throughout the frequency range of hearing. Electromotility requires that the lateral membrane protein prestin undergo a conformational change upon changes in the membrane potential to produce an associated displacement charge. The magnitude of the charge displaced and the mid-reaction potential (when one half of the charge is displaced) reflects whether the cells will produce sufficient gain at the resting membrane potential to boost sound in vivo. Voltage clamp measurements performed under near-identical conditions ex vivo show the charge density and mid-reaction potential are not always the same, confounding interpretation of the results. We compare the displacement charge measurements in OHCs from rodents with a theory shown to exhibit good agreement with in silico simulations of voltage-sensing reactions in membranes. This model equates the charge density to the potential difference between two pseudo-equilibrium states of the sensors when they are in a stable conformation and not contributing to the displacement current. The model predicts this potential difference to be one half of its value midway into the reaction, when one equilibrium conformation transforms to the other pseudo-state. In agreement with the model, we find the measured mid-reaction potential to increase as the charge density decreases to exhibit a negative slope of ∼1/2. This relationship suggests that the prestin sensors exhibit more than one stable hyperpolarized state and that voltage sensing occurs by more than one pathway. We determine the electric parameters for prestin sensors and use the analytical expressions of the theory to estimate the energy barriers for the two voltage-dependent pathways. This analysis explains the experimental results, supports the theoretical approach, and suggests that voltage sensing occurs by more than one pathway to enable amplification throughout the frequency range of hearing.
Analytical Expressions for the Magnetic Field From Axially Magnetized and Conically Shaped Permanent Magnets

This article will present exact analytical expressions for the components of the magnetic field from an ideal and conically shaped permanent magnet that may be employed for parametric studies, optimization studies, as well as for design purposes. These types of magnets find applications in areas where the magnetic flux needs to be concentrated in a smaller region of space. If conically shaped permanent magnets are manufactured from the Neodymium material, for example, then strong magnetic fields are possible. This becomes relevant in applications such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), sensor technology, and magnetometers.
Learning Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision

A dynamic evolution is occurring in transanal surgery. Transanal techniques began with intraluminal surgical removal of rectal masses and have progressed to transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) for rectal cancer. TaTME was first performed in 2009 by Sylla, Rattner, Delgado, and Lacy. This article documents the training pathway followed by pioneers in the taTME technique as well as consensus reports outlining the process of learning the taTME technique. A literature search was performed for taTME training, learning, and technique. Key elements in learning the taTME technique include appropriate indications, cadaver training, and outcomes reporting such as participating in a taTME registry. Consensus reports also agree on the following facets associated with improved outcomes: (1) appropriate case selection of mid and low rectal cancers, (2) prerequisite completion of an accredited training program in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and prior experience in transanal endoscopic surgery, (3) a two-team taTME approach from above and below is ideal, and (4) higher rectal cancer volume surgical practice. The unifying international recommendation for surgeons interested in learning the taTME technique conveys the following message: taTME is an advanced and complex technique that requires dedicated training and experience in TME surgery.
PL10.1 The global HIV response at 40

As the global HIV response approaches 40, we can trace 3 phases in its evolution. The first phase, from the early 1980s to the late 1990s, is characterized as an era of despair, as the virus raged unchecked through communities and political commitment and resources were scarce. The second phase from the early 2000s to about 2012 represents one of hope, with effective treatments developed and political commitment and international resources surging. HIV financing grew 30% annually a decade, an unprecedented increase. After 2012, the HIV response entered a period of uncertainty. Development assistance for HIV fell for the first time. International financing for HIV has grown perilously reliant on one funder - the US. Political commitment has fallen globally and nationally. In the epicenter of HIV, Eastern and Southern Africa, concerted international support has underpinned a sustained response, but domestic resource mobilization is uneven and inadequate. Outside Eastern and Southern Africa, the response is faltering in great swathes of the world. Stigma against key populations remains widespread. Advocacy-based claims that we can end the HIV epidemic are premature and have contributed to a perception that the crisis is largely over. Competing disease priorities - including TB, malaria and hepatitis - are pressing their claims for a share of a pie that isn’t growing. The HIV movement has an equivocal relationship with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) movement - concerned that its profile and financing may be diluted by integration. This presentation discusses these challenges and presents 2 scenarios - a high road to success and a low road to failure - based on choices we are making today. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Effects of xenon gas on human airway epithelial cells during hyperoxia and hypothermia.

Background Hypothermia with xenon gas has been used to reduce brain injury and disability rate after perinatal hypoxia-ischemia. We evaluated xenon gas therapy effects in an in vitro model with or without hypothermia on cultured human airway epithelial cells (Calu-3). Methods Calu-3 monolayers were grown at an air-liquid interface and exposed to one of the following conditions: 1) 21% FiO2 at 37°C (control); 2) 45% FiO2 and 50% xenon at 37°C; 3) 21% FiO2 and 50% xenon at 32°C; 4) 45% FiO2 and 50% xenon at 32°C for 24 hours. Transepithelial resistance (TER) measurements were performed and apical surface fluids were collected and assayed for total protein, IL-6, and IL-8. Three monolayers were used for immunofluorescence localization of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results TER decreased at 24 hours in all treatment groups. Xenon with hyperoxia and hypothermia resulted in greatest decrease in TER compared with other groups. Immunofluorescence localization of ZO-1 (XY) showed reduced density of ZO-1 rings and incomplete ring-like staining in the 45% FiO2- 50% xenon group at 32°C compared with other groups. Secretion of total protein was not different among groups. Secretion of IL-6 in 21% FiO2 with xenon group at 32°C was less than that of the control group. The secretion of IL-8 in 45% FiO2 with xenon at 32°C was greater than that of other groups. Conclusion Hyperoxia and hypothermia result in detrimental epithelial cell function and inflammation over 24-hour exposure. Xenon gas did not affect cell function or reduce inflammation.
In vitro comparison of hydroxocobalamin (B12a) and the mitochondrial directed therapy by a succinate prodrug in a cellular model of cyanide poisoning

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare the use of hydroxocobalamin (B12a) and a succinate prodrug to evaluate for improvement in mitochondrial function in an in vitro model of cyanide poisoning. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) incubated with 50 mM of sodium cyanide (CN) for five minutes serving as the CN group compared to controls. We investigated the following: (1) Mitochondrial respiration; (2) Superoxide and mitochondrial membrane potential with microscopy; (3) Citrate synthase protein expression. All experiments were performed with a cell concentration of 2−3 × 106 cells/ml for both PBMC and HASMC. There were four conditions: (1) Control (no exposure); (2) Cyanide (exposure only); (3) B12a (cyanide exposure followed by B12a treatment); (4) NV118 (cyanide followed by NV118 treatment). In this study the key findings include: (1) Improvement in key mitochondrial respiratory states with the succinate prodrug (NV118) but not B12a; (2) Attenuation of superoxide production with treatment of NV118 but not with B12a treatment; (3) The changes in respiration were not secondary to increased mitochondrial content as measured by citrate synthase; (4) The use of easily accessible human blood cells showed similar mitochondrial response to both cyanide and treatment to HASMC. The use of a succinate prodrug to circumvent partial CIV inhibition by cyanide with clear reversal of cellular respiration and superoxide production that was not attributed to changes in mitochondrial content not seen by the use of B12a.
Production of Recombinant Butyrylcholinesterase from Transgenic Rice Cell Suspension Cultures in a Pilot-Scale Bioreactor

Producing recombinant proteins in transgenic plant cell suspension cultures in bioreactors provides controllability, reproducibility, scalability, and low-cost production, although low yields remain the major challenge. The studies on scaling-up to pilot-scale bioreactors, especially in conventional stainless-steel stirred tank bioreactors (STB), to produce recombinant proteins in plant cell suspension cultures are very limited. In this study, we scaled-up the production of rice recombinant butyrylcholinesterase (rrBChE), a complex hydrolase enzyme that can be used to prophylactically and therapeutically treat against organophosphorus nerve agents and pesticide exposure, from metabolically-regulated transgenic rice cell suspension cultures in a 40L pilot-scale STB. Employing cyclical operation together with a simplified-process operation (controlling gas sparging rate rather than dissolved oxygen and allowing natural sugar depletion) identified in lab-scale (5L) bioreactor studies, we found consistent maximum total active rrBChE production level of 46-58 µg/g fresh weight in four cycles over 82 days of continuous operation. Additionally, maintaining the overall volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient (kL a) in the pilot-scale STB to be equivalent to the lab-scale STB improves the maximum total active rrBChE production level and the maximum volumetric productivity to 85 µg/g fresh weight and 387 µg L-1 day-1 , respectively, which are comparable to the lab-scale culture. Here, we demonstrate pilot scale bioreactor performance using a metabolically-regulated transgenic rice cell culture for long-term, reproducible, and sustained production of rrBChE. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Examining the Association of Billed Advance Care Planning With End-of-Life Hospital Admissions Among Advanced Cancer Patients in Hospice.

Background:Advance care planning (ACP), or the consideration and communication of care preferences for the end-of-life (EOL), is a critical process for improving quality of care for patients with a...
Learning Categorical Decision Criteria in Biomedical Domains

Abstract One of the applications of inductive learning has been to derive explicit decision criteria for decision support. This paper reports a machine learning tool called CRLS (Criteria Learning System) which learns decision rules in the form of criteria tables. The mathematical forms of the bias underlying criteria tables are outlined, and the results of testing the tool on real data from several biomedical domains are presented. The success of the experiments is explained in part by the appropriateness of the bias in these domains. This bias is seen to involve two fundamental components unateness and non-equivalence symmetry. These terms are defined and briefly illustrated. Finally, the performance of CRLS is compared with the performance of AQ, contrasting the unate bias with the conjunctive bias in learning categorical decision rules.
In Vitro Chick Embryo Cell Response to Strain MC29 Avian Leukosis Virus

Abstract Strain MC29 avian leukosis (myelocytomatosis) virus induced infection, elaboration of virus, and morphological alteration in chick embryo cells in vitro. Virus liberation began within 18 hr, morphological change was detectable at about 40 hr, and the cultures could be completely altered within 80 hr after infection. Altered cells were about half the volume and grew at approximately twice the rate of uninfected elements. The output of virus estimated by electron microscopy was about 140 particles per cell per hr. Deoxyribonucleic acid remained constant, but ribonucleic acid increased in both infected and control cells in adjustment to culture environment. The rates of uptake and incorporation of 3H-uridine and the incorporation of 3H-thymidine increased in the infected cells with onset of morphological change but were unaffected by processes of infection and virus elaboration per se. Incorporation of a 14C-amino acid mixture was slightly greater in the infected than in control cells. The speed of continuity of infection and massive morphological alteration constitute a unique response to avian tumor viruses, and the system gives promise of singular value for detailed studies of the processes of infection and morphological change.
Phosphoglucomutase II. PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF PHOSPHOGLUCOMUTASES FROM MICROCOCCUS LYSODEIKTICUS AND BACILLUS CEREUS

Abstract Procedures are described for the preparation of phosphoglucomutases from Bacillus cereus and Micrococcus lysodeikticus. Both require Mg++ and glucose 1,6-diphosphate for activity which is optimal at pH 8.3 and 8.5, respectively; both enzymes rapidly equilibrate 32P among α-d-glucose-1-P, glucose-6-P, and glucose-1,6-di-P. In contrast to rabbit muscle and Escherichia coli P-glucomutases, neither of these bacterial enzymes could be shown to form a stable phosphoenzyme by reaction with glucose-1,6-di-P. Correspondingly, the rabbit muscle and E. coli enzymes exhibited "shuttle" kinetics whereas Lineweaver-Burk plots with the B. cereus and M. lysodeikticus enzymes yielded families of converging lines, suggesting a metathetical reaction between glucose-1,6-di-P and glucose-1-P on the enzyme surface. p-Chloromercuribenzoate partially inhibits the rabbit enzyme, completely inhibits the E. coli enzyme, activates and then deactivates the shark enzyme, activates and then inhibits the M. lysodeikticus enzyme, and is without effect on the B. cereus enzyme.
From molecular systems to continuum solids: A multiscale structure and dynamics

We propose a concurrent multiscale molecular dynamics for molecular systems in order to apply macroscale mechanical boundary conditions such as traction and average displacement for solid state materials, which is difficult to do in traditional molecular dynamics where boundary conditions are applied in terms of forces and displacements on selected particles. The multiscale model is systematically constructed in terms of multiscale structures of kinematics, force field, and dynamical equations. The idea is to extend the Anderson-Parrinello-Rahman molecular dynamics to the cases that have arbitrary finite domain and boundary, thus the model is capable of solving inhomogeneous, non-equilibrium problems. The macroscale stress loading on a representative volume element with periodic boundary condition is generalized to all kinds of macroscale mechanical boundary conditions. Unlike most multiscale techniques, our theory is aimed at understanding fundamental physics rather than achieving computing efficiency. Examples of problems with prescribed average displacements and surface tractions are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed multiscale molecular dynamics.
EFFECTS OF IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY ON BUSINESS COSTS: EVIDENCE FROM FIRM‐LEVEL DATA IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA

Public infrastructure is one of the important determinants of economic growth. Not only access to but also quality of infrastructure affects firm productivity as well as people's livelihood. Frequent interruptions of the infrastructure-service supply impose extra backup costs on enterprises, hinder their timely business activities, and result in large losses of sales opportunities. This paper focuses on the impacts of improving the quality of public utilities (electricity, water supply, and telecommunications), using firm-level data from 26 transition economies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The results suggest that firm costs would significantly increase when electricity outages occur frequently and the outage duration becomes longer. Similarly, when more time is required to restore suspended water supply, firms' competitiveness would be weakened. Not surprisingly, the impacts tend to vary depending on industry. The construction, manufacturing, and hotel and restaurant sectors are found particularly vulnerable.
Adaptation of Problem Presentation and Feedback in an Intelligent Mathematics Tutor

We have developed an intelligent tutor for teaching remedial mathematics to community college students. This domain is fairly narrow in scope and is an important component of the college curriculum. The target audience often retains fragments of knowledge from previous courses which can aid them in learning; alternately, misconceptions can present conceptual stumbling blocks if students have misremembered what they learned previously. Thus, a system built with a strong student model can greatly benefit the teaching process. The tutor described in this paper tracks student skills along with a general acquisition factor, and uses this information for topic selection, problem generation, problem presentation, and dynamic feedback.
A Quasi‐Experimental Evaluation of the Premarital Assessment Program for Premarital Counselling

The Premarital Assessment Program for premarital counselling (Buckner & Salts, 1985) was implemented to evaluate its potential for enhancing positive growth with premarital individuals. Twenty-one engaged couples were assigned to one of three groups, an experimental group that received the Premarital Assessment Program (PAP), an experimental group that received segments of the Couples Communication Program combined with a modified Premarital Assessment Program (CCPAP), or to a control group that received no treatment. Prior to the treatment period all individuals were administered a pretest which contained demographic questions, the Marital Communication Inventory (MCI), and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Following the treatment, all individuals were administered a post-test containing the MCI, DAS, and an open-ended question pertaining to their treatment experience. Both treatment groups showed improvement on the DAS total score and one of its subscales compared to the control group, although this change only reached statistical significance between the CCPAP group and the control groups. Further assessment is needed of the value of communication training in premarital counselling.
Transient Compression of the Left Innominate Vein

A patient with left-sided cervical venous distention associated with systemic hypertension and congestive heart failure is presented. Angiographic study showed venous return from the left external jugular veins to be impeded by an elongated but otherwise normal thoracic aorta compressing the left innominate vein. Once the hypertension and cardiac failure were controlled, compression of the left innominate vein regressed and the cervical venous engorgement disappeared.
Quantum dynamics of adsorbed H 2 in the microporous framework MOF-5 analyzed using diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy

Diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy is used to measure the quantum dynamics of molecular hydrogen adsorbed in the microporous material MOF-5. Low-temperature spectra reveal at least three distinct binding sites. The induced redshifts in the vibrational mode frequencies allow the estimation of site-specific binding energies ranging from 2.5 to 4 kJ/mol. Splittings in the rovibrational sidebands are consistent with the existing theories and indicate that ${\text{H}}_{2}$ is relatively freely rotating even at temperatures as low as 10 K. Ortho to para conversion of the adsorbed ${\text{H}}_{2}$ is observed to occur over the course of several hours. A translational sideband of $84\text{ }{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ arises from the center-of-mass motion of ${\text{H}}_{2}$ at the primary adsorption site and indicates that the zero-point energy is a substantial fraction of the binding energy of this site.
Social Participation of Children with Disabilities in Inclusive Preschool Programs: Program Typology and Ecological Features

The purpose of this study was to examine the social participation of young children with disabilities in inclusive preschool programs. One hundred forty-three preschool-aged children with disabilities were observed in classrooms representing four organizational contexts: community-based, Head Start, public school, and blended. Children's and adults' social behavior was positive across settings, and children in blended programs engaged in significantly more positive social behavior with adults. Peer social engagement did not differ across organizational contexts. Activity initiator was an ecological variable that affected children's social engagement in that children engaged in significantly more interaction with peers in child-initiated activities and significantly more interaction with adults in adult-initiated activities.).
Mental health consultation in the schools: Who can do it, and why

The growing need for consultation in the schools, one of the most important aspects of the increasing demand for community mental health programs, necessitates a reconsideration of who is best qualified to do mental health consultation. The author discusses the ability of a variety of professions to deal with the problems involved in school consultation.
Thermal Characteristics of Wisconsin Headwater Streams Occupied by Beaver: Implications for Brook Trout Habitat

Abstract Expansion of populations of beaver Castor canadensis in northern Wisconsin has raised concerns over warming of coldwater fish habitats as a result of impoundments created by the mammals. We examined temperature with a network of electronic thermographs that recorded hourly water, air, and soil temperatures on four headwater streams occupied by beaver during summer 1990 and 1991. Stream temperatures followed air temperatures, even near groundwater sources. There was no consistent relationship between size or number of beaver impoundments and the degree of downstream warming. Large impoundments, although often warming downstream temperatures slightly, dampened temperature fluctuations immediately downstream. Local groundwater inflow and vegetative and topographic shading also dampened warming by impoundments. Several beaver impoundments were removed to evaluate ensuing temperature changes. Removal of beaver dams did not generally reduce the difference between upstream and downstream temperatures; i...
The National Standards Scene: NISO and related U.S. standards organizations

Those entering the world of publishing standards for the first time may find it a baffling alphabet soup—with NISO, ANSI, BISG, IEEE, NIST, and ANSC floating on a broth bubbling with activity. Jacob and Rings sort out the acronyms, explaining what each of these groups does and how they interact.
The metastasis-free interval following curative treatment for breast cancer

Although much research has been done to isolate factors that have good prognostic value for cure in breast cancer, comparatively little attention has been paid to the large variation in the metastasis-free interval (MFI) in those who are not cured. In this paper we studied 247 patients who were given curative treatment for breast cancer, all of whom developed metastatic disease. The MFI varied from 2 months to 22 years and was found to depend on nodal status, initial T-stage, and possibly, location of the tumor within the breast; it did not depend on age of the patient or histologic appearance of the tumor. In addition, the time from first relapse to death did not correlate with the MFI. With one exception (brain) the initial site of distant metastasis was the same in late relapsers as in early relapsers.
Has mitochondrial cytochrome b two (or more) components or is it a dimer

Cytochrome b of the mitochondrial respiratory chain is an electrontransferring, heine-containing protein which has protoheme IX as its prosthetic group. It is classified as belonging to the b type cytochromes by the Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and International Union of Biochemistry on the basis of its containing protoheme which is not covalendy bound to a protein. For details of the older literature the reader is referred to a monograph by Wainio [1] which contains a chapter on cytochrome b of the mammalian mitochondrial respiratory chain. In that chapter it is suggested that the mitochondrion contains only one chemical species of cytochrome b which may be partitioned so that the molecules lie in two or more environments or compartments, with each compartment being more or less accessible to a number of reducing agents. In a recent review on cytochrome b,
A First Look at Platinum in Road-Deposited Sediments and Roadside Soils, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Abstract Platinum (Pt) has become globally distributed by anthropogenic inputs, primarily from automobile emissions resulting from degradation of catalytic converters. These inputs are greatest in urban areas, with the major sinks being road sediments and roadside soils. Limited data are available on the distribution of Pt in the environment. No data for Pt in road-deposited sediments are presently available from the United States, and only a few studies offer a limited perspective of Pt in urban soils in the United States. This investigation represents the first study in the United States to characterize Pt concentrations and enrichment ratios in both road sediments and roadside soils in an urban (nonindustrialized) basin in Honolulu, Hawaii. Two independent analytical techniques—cathodic stripping voltammetry and lead-fire assay followed by ICP-AES—were used to quantify Pt in environmental media. Data from 10 road sediments confirm Pt contamination, with a median concentration of 33 ng g−1 and a range of 15–160 ng g−1. Upper soil horizons in roadside areas also exhibited contamination, with a median Pt value of 14 ng g−1 (range 2–160 ng g−1), but significantly lower than road sediments. Computation of robust enrichment ratios using baseline soil, geology, and tree bark data indicated that road sediments had a median Pt enrichment of 9 (range 4–46), upper soil horizons a median of 4, and lower horizons 1.1. The latter were not found to differ significantly from Pt baseline concentrations. However, several roadside sites exhibited significant enrichment with depth, which may indicate potential Pt mobility in this environment. These data support a substantial loading of Pt in the urban environment of Hawaii. Further work is required to characterize the distribution of other autocatalyst-associated noble metals palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh) in the environment.
Performance evaluation of new scheduling methods for the RR/RR CICQ switch

Increasing link speeds and port counts in packet switches demand that methods for minimizing internal speed-up and implementing fast scheduling be developed. Combined input and cross point queued (CICQ) switches with round-robin (RR) polling of virtual output queues (VOQ) and of cross point buffers can natively forward variable-length packets without a required internal segmentation into cells. However, native switching of variable-length packets results in unfairness between ports. To eliminate this unfairness, we propose a block transfer mechanism that transfers up to a predefined number of bytes of packet data from a selected VOQ. This mechanism does not require internal speed-up. We also propose an overlapped RR (ORR) arbiter design that fully overlaps RR polling and scheduling. Using simulation and both synthetic and traced packet traffic as input, we show that the RR/RR CICQ switch with the block transfer mechanism has a lower delay than an input queued (IQ) switch that internally uses cells. We also show that the ORR arbiter is scalable, work conserving, and fair.
Noninvasive Imaging of Inflammation by Ultrasound Detection of Phagocytosed Microbubbles

Background —We have previously shown that microbubbles adhere to leukocytes in regions of inflammation. We hypothesized that these microbubbles are phagocytosed by neutrophils and monocytes and remain acoustically active, permitting their detection in inflamed tissue. Methods and Results —In vitro studies were performed in which activated leukocytes were incubated with albumin or lipid microbubbles and observed under microscopy. Microbubbles attached to the surface of activated neutrophils and monocytes, were phagocytosed, and remained intact for up to 30 minutes. The rate of destruction of the phagocytosed microbubbles on exposure to ultrasound was less ( P ≤0.05) than that of free microbubbles at all acoustic pressures applied. Intravital microscopy and simultaneous ultrasound imaging of the cremaster muscle was performed in 6 mice to determine whether phagocytosed microbubbles could be detected in vivo. Fifteen minutes after intravenous injection of fluorescein-labeled microbubbles, when the blood-pool concentration was negligible, the number of phagocytosed/attached microbubbles within venules was 7-fold greater in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)–treated animals than in control animals ( P P Conclusions —After attaching to activated neutrophils and monocytes, microbubbles are phagocytosed intact. Despite viscoelastic damping, phagocytosed microbubbles remain responsive to ultrasound and can be detected by ultrasound in vivo after clearance of freely circulating microbubbles from the blood pool. Thus, contrast ultrasound has potential for imaging sites of inflammation.
“I fill three quarters of immensity! ” Satires of Early Nitrous Oxide Research

Abstract In early 1799 the twenty-year-old scientist Humphry D avy published a brief letter announcing his discovery that nitrous oxide gas could safely be respired by humans; a full account of this research appeared in the summer of 1800. 1,2 During this period Davy worked in Clifton, just outside the English seaport of Bristol, under the tutelage of Thomas Beddoes, a physician who for many years had researched the possible therapeutic uses of gas inhalation. In a ddition to patients who appeared at Beddoes’ clinic and research facility, the Pneumatic Institution, Davy and his mentor were joined in their research by more than forty healthy individuals, including S amuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Southey, Peter Mark Roget, Thomas Poole, J ames Mackintosh, Anna Laetitia Barbauld and James Watt. 3 This work by Beddoes and Davy was quickly replicated elsewhere in England and within a few years in the United States. 4
Phospho-ΔNp63α regulates AQP3, ALOX12B, CASP14 and CLDN1 expression through transcription and microRNA modulation

Cisplatin-induced and ATM-phosphorylated (p)-ΔNp63α regulates the expression of epidermal differentiation and skin barrier regulators (AQP3, CASP14, ALOX12B, and CLDN1) in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells by dual transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. We found that p-ΔNp63α bound to target gene promoters, and regulated the activity of the tested promoters in vitro. P-ΔNp63α was shown to upregulate miR-185-5p and downregulate let7-5p, which subsequently modulated AQP3, CASP14, ALOX12B and CLDN1 through their respective 3′-untranslated regions. The introduction of miR-185-5p into resistant SCC-11M cells, which are unable to phosphorylate ΔNp63α, render these cells more sensitive to cisplatin treatment. Further studies of the AQP3, CASP14, ALOX12B, and CLDN1 contributions to chemoresistance may assist in developing novel microRNA-based therapies for human SCC.
Epidemiology of Genital Herpes in Pittsburgh: Serologic, Sexual, and Racial Correlates of Apparent and Inapparent Herpes Simplex Infections

Women attending family planning clinics in western Pennsylvania were enrolled into a prospective epidemiologic study of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Detection of antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 was based on an immunodot assay using type-specific glycoproteins gG-1 and gG-2. Serologic and historical data at enrollment were analyzed for 4527 subjects; the seroprevalence of HSV-2 was 21.6%. By multivariate analysis, HSV-2 infection as determined by seroprevalence was significantly and independently associated with age, years of sexual activity, race, one or more episodes of other genital infections, lower annual family income, and multiple sexual partners. The presence of antibody to HSV-1 was associated with a lower frequency of antibody to HSV-2, suggesting that developed immunity to HSV-1 protected against HSV-2 infection. Of 926 participants who had antibody to HSV-2, only 117 (12.6%) reported a history of genital herpes. Hence the vast majority of HSV-2 infections were inapparent. Although seroprevalence of HSV-2 was higher among black (35.4%) than white (18.5%) women, black women appeared to have significantly less symptomatic genital herpes than white women (7.7% vs. 14.7%, P less than .01).
An atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscopy study of the thermal decomposition of disilane on Si(001)

Abstract Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has been used to study the adsorption and thermal dissociation of disilane (Si2H6) on the Si(001) surface. At low coverage, disilane adsorbs dissociatively to produce adsorbed SiH3 groups which are randomly distributed on the surface. STM images show that these SiH3 groups spontaneously dissociate into SiH2 and H within several minutes of adsorption at room temperature, and images depicting individual dissociation events have been obtained. Thermal annealing leads to diffusion and dissociation of the SiH2 groups through an intermediate which consists of a hydrogenated dimer which has its dimer axis parallel to those of the underlying substrate, instead of rotated. The structure and chemical identity of the intermediates are discussed in terms of the overall dissociation mechanism. Diffusion of hydrogen atoms leads to the formation of segregated surface phase of clean Si and the Si(001)-(2 × 1) “monohydride” structure, and bias-dependent STM imaging permits these species to be identified on a dimer-by-dimer basis. At low temperatures the monohydride distribution is non-statistical, showing a preference for flat terraces over small epitaxial islands. The diffusion, desorption, segregation of hydrogen and its role in blocking diffusion of silicon atoms is also discussed.
Sensitivity comparisons of layered Rayleigh wave and Love wave acoustic devices

Due to their high sensitivity, layered Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices are ideal for various film characterization and sensor applications. Two prominent wave types realized in these devices are Rayleigh waves consisting of coupled Shear Vertical and Longitudinal displacements and Love waves consisting of Shear Horizontal displacements. Theoretical calculations of sensitivity of SAW devices to pertubations in wave propagation are limited to idealized scenarios. Derivations of sensitivity to mass change in an overlayer are often based on the effect of rigid body motion of the overlayer on the propagation of one of the aforementioned wave types. These devices often utilize polymer overlayers for enhanced sensitivity. The low moduli of such overlayers are not sufficiently stiff to accommodate the rigid body motion assumption. This work presents device modeling based on the Finite Element Method. A coupled-field model allows for a complete description of device operation including displacement profiles, frequency, wave velocity, and insertion loss through the inclusion of transmitting and receiving IDTs. Geometric rotations and coordinate transformations allow for the modeling of different crystal orientations in piezoelectric substrates. The generation of Rayleigh and Love Wave propagation was realized with this model by examining propagation in ST Quartz both normal to and in the direction of the X axis known to support Love Waves and Rayleigh Waves, respectively. Sensitivities of layered SAW devices to pertubations in mass, layer thickness, and mechanical property changes of a Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and SU-8 overlayers were characterized and compared. Experimental validation of these models is presented.
Effects of sintering aids on the densification of Mo–Si–B alloys

The effects of seven sintering aids (0.5 at.% Ni, Co, Fe, Cr, Zr, Nb, and Pd) on the densification of Mo–Si–B alloys of six different compositions (Mo, Mo–0.2Si, Mo–0.2Si–0.02B, Mo–2.5Si–2.5B, Mo–7Si–5B, and Mo–8.9Si–7.7B at.%) are systematically investigated. It was found that Ni, Co, and Fe are effective in enhancing densification of Mo–Si–B alloys, and Ni is the most effective sintering aid. This study supports a previously proposed hypothesis that activated sintering results from enhanced mass transport in the sintering-aid-induced quasi-liquid intergranular films (a type of grain boundary complexion). The relative effectiveness of these sintering aids can be rationalized by analyzing several key thermodynamic parameters that control the stability of premelting-like grain boundary complexions. Future studies are needed to develop interfacial thermodynamic models and methods for computing “grain boundary complexion (phase) diagrams” for multicomponent systems, which can be a useful component for the “Materials Genome” project that will enable better predictions of the activated sintering and other materials phenomena.
Interhemispheric connections of the ventral premotor cortex in a new world primate.

This study describes the pattern of interhemispheric connections of the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) distal forelimb representation (DFL) in squirrel monkeys. Our objectives were to describe qualitatively and quantitatively the connections of PMv with contralateral cortical areas. Intracortical microstimulation techniques (ICMS) guided the injection of the neuronal tract tracers biotinylated dextran amine or Fast blue into PMv DFL. We classified the interhemispheric connections of PMv into three groups. Major connections were found in the contralateral PMv and supplementary motor area (SMA). Intermediate interhemispheric connections were found in the rostral portion of the primary motor cortex, the frontal area immediately rostral and ventral to PMv (FR), cingulate motor areas (CMAs), and dorsal premotor cortex (PMd). Minor connections were found inconsistently across cases in the anterior operculum (AO), posterior operculum/inferior parietal cortex (PO/IP), and posterior parietal cortex (PP), areas that consistently show connections with PMv in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Within-case comparisons revealed that the percentage of PMv connections with contralateral SMA and PMd are higher than the percentage of PMv connections with these areas in the ipsilateral hemisphere; percentages of PMv connections with contralateral M1 rostral, FR, AO, and the primary somatosensory cortex are lower than percentages of PMv connections with these areas in the ipsilateral hemisphere. These studies increase our knowledge of the pattern of interhemispheric connection of PMv. They help to provide an anatomical foundation for understanding PMv’s role in motor control of the hand and interhemispheric interactions that may underlie the coordination of bimanual movements.
Preliminary study of fiber drawing of AlF3-based glasses

Abstract Although AlF3-based glasses have shown superior chemical durability and mechanical strength relative to ZrF4-based glasses, devitrification problems near the drawing temperature have limited their fiber applications. We have investigated the effect of atmosphere, particularly moisture, on the surface crystallization during the fiber drawing of these glasses. The crystallization behavior has been monitored by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Preforms of AlF3-based glasses have also been drawn into long fibers in a tower enclosed by a unique three-stage vertical glove box in which the moisture levels are maintained below 1 ppm.
Pliocene Intrusions in the Gunung Bijih (Ertsberg) Mining District, Irian Jaya, Indonesia: Petrography and Mineral Chemistry

At least 16 Pliocene hypabyssal intrusions crop out within the Gunung Bijih (Ertsberg) Mining District in Irian Jaya (western New Guinea), Indonesia. Several Cu-Au ore deposits are associated spatially and genetically with these young hypabyssal intrusions. Approximately 188 mt of Cu-Au skarn ore has been delineated or produced from the district. Most of these skarns are associated with a quartz monzonite to quartz monzodiorite stock (the Ertsberg Intrusion). The Grasberg Complex, a series of nested intrusions, hosts a supergiant porphyry copper deposit containing ∼9.8 mt of Cu-Au ore. Textural and mineralogical differences among the intrusions are largely the result of crystallization at different crustal levels. The intrusions were emplaced at ≤ 2 km depth into deformed sedimentary rocks that originally were deposited on the northern margin of the Australian continent. Emplacement of at least one intrusion was controlled by cross-cutting NW- and NE-trending fault sets. Intrusions within the Gunung Bijih...
2-micron coherent Doppler lidar instrument advancements for tropospheric wind measurement

Knowledge derived from global tropospheric wind measurement is an important constituent of our overall understanding of climate behavior [1]. Accurate weather prediction saves lives and protects properties from destructions. High-energy 2-micron laser is the transmitter of choice for coherent Doppler wind detection. In addition to the eye-safety, the wavelength of the transmitter suitably matches the aerosol size in the lower troposphere. Although the technology of the 2-micron laser has been maturing steadily, lidar derived wind data is still a void in the global weather database. In the last decade, researchers at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) have been engaged in this endeavor, contributing to the scientific database of 2-micron lidar transmitters. As part of this effort, an in depth analysis of the physics involved in the workings of the Ho: Tm laser systems have been published. In the last few years, we have demonstrated lidar transmitter with over1Joule output energy. In addition, a large body of work has been done in characterizing new laser materials and unique crystal configurations to enhance the efficiency and output energy of the 2-micron laser systems. At present 2-micron lidar systems are measuring wind from both ground and airborne platforms. This paper will provide an overview of the advancements made in recent years and the technology maturity levels attained.
Abstract 3532: The effect of B cell depletion on tumor phenotype

Introduction There are past indications that the adaptive immune response of B cells plays a role in tumor development. We examined this issue in vivo by examining the growth of Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) and murine melanoma in B cell knockout (Bcell ko) mice. Methods Cultured LLC or melanoma cells were implanted into hindlimbs of C57BL/6 (B6) and Bcell ko mice. Tumors were measured every 3-4 days, and tissue was harvested for histological examination 2-3 weeks after tumor implantation. Tissues were stained with labeled anti-IgG, -CD4, -CD8, and -CD31 antibody. Results Melanomas in B6 and B cell ko mice enlarged at the same rate. However, tumor growth of LLC was significantly slower in B cell KO mice compared to B6 (p=0.02). Though both tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were identified in B6 mice, tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells but no tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells were seen in B cell KO mice in LLC. Angiogenesis was significantly inhibited in LLC in B cell KO mice. Conclusions The absence of B cells selectively inhibited tumor growth for LLC, and was associated with less tumor angiogenesis and an absence of CD8+ T cells. Blocking this aspect of the B cell response might be useful therapy for selected tumors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3532. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3532
Public utility regulation and bond ratings

This paper investigates the extent to which political factors, which vary across state Public Utility Commissions, affect electric utility bond ratings. The paper focuses on the effects of the commissioner selection method (election or appointment) and other politically determined variables on bond ratings of privately owned and regulated electric utilities. The paper develops a generalization of ordered logit that allows the latent risk measure to have a skewed and thicktailed distribution. The distributional assumption underlying the standard logit model is strongly rejected. Empirically, both political variables and financial variables are determinants of electric utility bond ratings, and election of the PUC has a strong negative effect on bond ratings.